U.S. patent application number 15/773112 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for a dishwasher.
The applicant listed for this patent is ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI. Invention is credited to Yilmaz DOGAN, Ersin DONMEZ, Osman Gokhan ERSOY, Yusuf KOC, Emre OZTURK, Gurkan TUTU.
Application Number | 20180317738 15/773112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54540068 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180317738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOC; Yusuf ; et al. |
November 8, 2018 |
A DISHWASHER
Abstract
A dishwasher comprising: a tub; a rack which is disposed into
the tub for holding kitchenware and dishes to be cleaned; and a
hydraulic circuit for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid
through the tub. The hydraulic circuit comprises: distribution
means for distributing the liquid on the kitchenware and dishes
placed on the rack comprising a spray arm configured to spray the
liquid towards the rack; and at least one flexible spray element;
collecting means placed on the bottom of the tub for collecting the
distributed liquid; and conveying means for conveying to the
distribution means the collected liquid or liquid coming from an
external source.
Inventors: |
KOC; Yusuf; (Istanbul,
TR) ; ERSOY; Osman Gokhan; (Istanbul, TR) ;
DOGAN; Yilmaz; (Istanbul, TR) ; OZTURK; Emre;
(Istanbul, TR) ; TUTU; Gurkan; (Istanbul, TR)
; DONMEZ; Ersin; (Istanbul, TR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI |
Istanbul |
|
TR |
|
|
Family ID: |
54540068 |
Appl. No.: |
15/773112 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 10, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/076133 |
371 Date: |
May 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/22 20130101;
A47L 15/4278 20130101; A47L 15/508 20130101; A47L 15/0065 20130101;
A47L 15/4242 20130101; A47L 15/16 20130101; A47L 15/505
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/16 20060101
A47L015/16; A47L 15/42 20060101 A47L015/42; A47L 15/50 20060101
A47L015/50 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub; a rack which is disposed into
the tub for holding kitchenware and dishes to be cleaned; and a
hydraulic circuit for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid
through the tub and comprising: distribution means for distributing
the liquid on the kitchenware and dishes placed on the rack
comprising a spray arm configured to spray the liquid towards the
rack; collecting means placed on the bottom of the tub for
collecting the distributed liquid; and conveying means for
conveying to the distribution means the collected liquid or liquid
coming from an external source; characterized in that the
distribution means further comprises at least one flexible spray
element having a first end hydraulically connectable to the
conveying means for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it and a
second end which is free and comprises at least one outlet, the
position of the second end of the flexible spray element being
arrangeable in the rack according to a user's preference.
2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one flexible spray element is manually bendable in order
to arrange the position of its second end in the rack according to
the user's preference.
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
conveying means comprises a first duct to which the spray arm is
connected and to which the first end of the at least one flexible
spray element is hydraulically connectable for receiving
washing/rinsing liquid from it.
4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, characterized in that the
first duct comprises at least one connection port to which the at
least one flexible spray element is removably connectable.
5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that the
conveying means comprises a shutting element, for preventing the
liquid from flowing through the connection port when the dishwasher
is operated with the at least one flexible spray element
removed.
6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that the
shutting element comprises a valve placed in the first duct for
controlling the conveying of liquid to the at least one flexible
spray element and/or to the spray arm.
7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that the
shutting element comprises an automatic flow stopper.
8. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that the
shutting element comprises a cap for closing the connection
port.
9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
conveying means comprises a second duct to which the first end of
the at least one flexible spray element is hydraulically connected
for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it.
10. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one flexible spray element is extensible.
11. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one flexible spray element extends for at least half of
the height of the rack.
12. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one flexible spray element comprises a plurality of
outlets at its second end and, preferably, at least partially along
its length.
13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one flexible spray element comprises at its second end UV
lighting means for enhancing the cleaning of the kitchenware or
dishes irradiated by it.
14. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that it
further comprises a control unit which is configured to control the
conveying of washing/rinsing liquid to the tub and through which
the flow parameters of the liquid supplied by the flexible spray
element are controllable by the user.
15. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that it
comprises a single rack.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher in particular
allowing to optimally clean hollow and deep concave articles placed
on the basket of the dishwasher and that could be hardly reached by
the washing liquid and by the water during washing and rinsing
phases.
[0002] Domestic dishwashers are commonly known in the art. A
domestic dishwasher generally includes two racks which are
extendably disposed into the washing tub one above the other. The
racks are commonly made from a wire mesh which holds the
kitchenware to be cleaned and dried. The user can load up the racks
with various kitchenware such as pots, pans, trays, dishes, bowls,
cups, bottles and jars.
[0003] The articles which are loaded into the upper rack and the
lower rack are generally washed and rinsed by means of two rotating
spray arms that spray the washing/rinsing liquid upwardly towards
the racks respectively. In general, the dishwasher includes a
hydraulic circuit for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid via
the rotating spray arms. The hydraulic circuit is generally
controlled by the control unit in accordance with user-selectable
washing programs. During the operation of the dishwasher, the
pressurized washing/rinsing liquid hits the articles, removes the
dirt, marks or stain from the articles and drains down together
with the dissolved dirt into the sump which is located on the
bottom of the tub.
[0004] In the recent years, dishwashers having small dimensions and
in some cases being portable have been developed in particular for
small households and offices or for mobile devices such as motor
homes, camper vans, yachts and the like. Such small dishwashers
comprise only a single rack, in which only small amounts of
articles can be placed and cleaned, and a single spray arm arranged
below the rack.
[0005] A common problem with the prior art domestic dishwashers is
that the hollow articles, in particular the hollow articles with
relatively narrow openings such as drinking containers, bottles,
feeding bottles and jars may not sufficiently receive the
washing/rinsing liquid and remain dirty after the completion of the
selected washing program.
[0006] This problem is often encountered in small dishwashers also
for simply concave articles, especially for the ones having big
dimensions, which, due to the limited space inside the tub, cannot
be placed with the concavity completely facing the spray arm.
[0007] In such incidents, the user needs to wash the unclean
articles again. In general, the poor washing results decrease the
user satisfaction.
[0008] The European patent n. EP 0997100 B1 discloses a prior art
domestic dishwasher which attempt to solve the above mentioned
problem. The dishwasher therein disclosed comprises a duct attached
to the bottom of the rack and having a plurality of terminations
extending vertically through the bottom of the rack and provided
each with one or more outlets for distributing the washing liquid.
Each termination can be used for supporting a hollow article so
that the concave portion of the latter can be efficiently
cleaned.
[0009] The main drawback of this dishwasher resides on its poor
flexibility in use, due to the fact that the articles need to be
placed on the rack depending on the disposition of the terminations
of the duct.
[0010] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
dishwasher which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior
art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved cleaning
performance of deep concave and hollow articles.
[0011] This objective has been achieved by a dishwasher as defined
in claim 1. Additional achievements have been attained by the
subject-matters as defined in the dependent claims
respectively.
[0012] The dishwasher of the present invention is provided, besides
the spray arm, with one or more flexible spray elements, each of
which has a first end hydraulically connectable to liquid conveying
means of the dishwasher for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from
it and a second end which is free and comprises one or more
outlets. The position of the second end of the flexible spray
element can be arranged in the rack according to a user's
preference. The second end, through which the liquid is sprayed,
can therefore be placed in dishes cavity or concavity or in any
case used to reach part of dishes and kitchenware that differently
would be hardly reached by an appropriate amount of liquid or by
liquid having an appropriate pressure for ensuring an efficient
cleaning action.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the flexible element is manually
bendable by the user in order to place the second end of it in the
desired position in the rack according to the needs of the
user.
[0014] In an embodiment, the conveying means comprises a first duct
to which both the spray arm is connected and the first end of the
flexible spray element is hydraulically connectable so that the
dishwasher results constructionally simple and economic to be
produced.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the first duct comprises a
connection port to which the flexible spray element is removably
connectable. Therefore the flexible element can be associated to
the rack or not according to the user's needs and preferences.
[0016] In order to prevent the liquid from flowing through the
connection port when the dishwasher is operated with the flexible
spray element removed, in an embodiment the conveying means
comprises a shutting element aimed to block the flow of liquid.
[0017] In a version of this embodiment the shutting element
comprises a valve placed in the first duct for controlling the
conveying of liquid to the flexible spray element and/or to the
spray arm. The valve can be controlled by a control unit of the
dishwasher according to the program selected by the user.
[0018] In another version of the above embodiment, the shutting
element comprises an automatic flow stopper, so that the connection
port is automatically closed when the flexible element is
removed.
[0019] In a further version of the above embodiment, the shutting
element comprises a cap for closing the connection port. The cap
can be easily positioned by the user to close the connection port
when the flexible element is removed.
[0020] In a different embodiment, the conveying means comprises a
second duct, distinct from the first duct to which the spray arm is
connected, to which second duct the first end of the flexible spray
element is hydraulically connectable for receiving washing/rinsing
liquid from it. Thus the washing/rinsing liquid can be
independently delivered to the spray arm and to the flexible
element.
[0021] In an embodiment, the flexible spray element is extensible
thus more easily reaching the desired location of the dishes or
kitchenware to be sprayed by it and at the same time not getting
entangled when the location of the dishes or kitchenware to be
reached is closed to the connection site of the flexible element to
the conveying means.
[0022] In an embodiment, the flexible spray element, in its maximum
extension, extends for at least half of the height of the rack and
preferably for at least the same height of the rack.
[0023] In another embodiment, the flexible spray element comprises
a plurality of outlets at its second end and, preferably, at least
partially along its length so that it can more efficiently spray
the dishes or kitchenware to be cleaned by it.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the flexible spray element
comprises at its second end UV lighting means for enhancing the
cleaning of the kitchenware or dishes irradiated by it.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher further comprises
a control unit which is configured to control the conveying of
washing/rinsing liquid to the tub and through which the flow
parameters of the liquid supplied by the flexible spray element are
controllable by the user.
[0026] In an embodiment the dishwasher has small dimensions, being
designed to be placed on a countertop or hung on the wall, and it
comprises a single rack.
[0027] Additional features and additional advantageous effects of
the dishwasher according to the present invention will become more
apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1--is a schematic perspective view in transparency of a
rack and of part of a hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2--is a schematic plan view of the rack and of part of
the hydraulic circuit assembly of the dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3--is a schematic lateral view of the rack and of part
of the hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4--is a schematic frontal view of the rack and of part
of the hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5--is a schematic frontal view of a rack and of part of
a hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher according to a different
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the
following technical features. [0034] 1. Rack [0035] 2. Spray arm
[0036] 3. Conveying means [0037] 4. Pump [0038] 5. Flexible spray
element [0039] 6. First end [0040] 7. Second end [0041] 8. Outlet
[0042] 9. Base of the rack [0043] 10. First duct [0044] 11.
Connection port [0045] 12. Extension [0046] 13. Valve [0047] 14.
Second duct [0048] 15. Second pump
[0049] The dishwasher comprises a tub (not shown), one or more
extendable racks 1 which are disposed one above the other into the
tub for holding kitchenware and dishes to be cleaned and a
hydraulic circuit (only partially shown in the attached figures)
for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid through the tub.
[0050] The hydraulic circuit comprises distribution means, for
distributing on the kitchenware and dishes placed on the rack 1 a
certain amount of washing/rinsing liquid, i.e. generally simple
water or water mixed with detergent depending on the specific cycle
which is performed, which distribution means comprises one or more
rotating spray arm 2, associated to the rack 1 for spraying the
washing/rinsing liquid towards it.
[0051] The hydraulic circuit further comprises collecting means,
including a sump located on the bottom of the tub, for collecting
the liquid distributed by the distributing means after it got into
contact with the dishes, filtration means, for filtering the
collected liquid, and conveying means for conveying the collected
and filtered liquid or liquid coming from an external source to the
distribution means.
[0052] The hydraulic circuit in particular further comprises one or
more pumps 4 operationally connected to the collecting means and to
the conveying means for forwarding the liquid, coming from the
collecting means or the external source and pressurized, to the
distribution means through the conveying means.
[0053] The dishwasher advantageously, according to a further
embodiment, comprises a control unit (not shown) for controlling
the hydraulic circuit, which control unit comprises one or more
user selectable washing programs.
[0054] According to the present invention, the distribution means
of the hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher further comprises one or
more flexible spray elements 5, each having a first end 6
hydraulically connectable to the conveying means 3 for receiving
washing/rinsing liquid from it and a second end 7 which is free and
comprises one or more outlets 8 through which the washing/rinsing
liquid received from the conveying means 3 is released in the tub.
The position of the second end 7 of each flexible spray element 5
is arrangeable in the rack 1 according to a user's preference.
[0055] The second free end 7 of the flexible element 5 can be
arranged by the user in the desired position in order to
efficiently reach articles placed in the rack 1 or portions of
articles that differently would be hardly reached by sufficient
amounts of washing/rinsing liquid to be satisfactorily cleaned. To
this aim, according to a preferred embodiment, the flexible element
5 is manually bendable by the user in order for the second end 7 of
it to be positioned in the rack according to the needs of the user.
Advantageously the flexible element 5 is elastically deformable to
be shaped manually.
[0056] The presence of one or more flexible spray elements 5 allows
to efficiently clean the articles placed in the rack 1, in
particular deep concave articles, such as pots or bowls, as well as
hollow articles also with relatively narrow openings such as
bottles, feeding bottles and jars, by placing the second end 7 of
the flexible element 5 inside their cavity or concavity, thus
allowing part of the washing/rinsing liquid carried along the
hydraulic circuit to be directly sprayed into it.
[0057] The articles placed in the rack 1 can therefore be
efficiently cleaned without needing to be placed with their opening
directly facing the base 9 of the rack 1 and therefore allowing
also to accommodate a larger number of articles on the rack 1.
[0058] In an embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the
flexible spray element 5 has an oblong shape and it extends through
the base 9 of the rack 1 toward the inside of it.
[0059] In the attached figures and in the following just one
flexible spray element 5 associated to a rack 1 is illustrated, for
an easier presentation of the invention. Differently two or more
flexible spray elements 5 could be associated to each rack 1,
preferably extending through the base 9 of it, spaced apart from
each another, without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0060] Obviously the conveying means 3 and the flexible element 5
attached to it have to be designed so as not to hinder the rotation
of the spray arm during the operation of the dishwasher.
[0061] According to an embodiment illustrated in the attached FIGS.
1-4, the conveying means 3 comprises a first duct 10 to which a
correspondent spray arm 2 is connected and to which the first end 6
of the flexible element 5 is hydraulically connectable for
receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it. In this embodiment, both
the spray arm 2 and the flexible element are hydraulically
connected to the same first duct 10.
[0062] In particular, the first duct 10 is hydraulically connected
to a pump 4 for receiving the pressurized washing/rinsing liquid
from it. More in detail, in case the dishwasher comprises two racks
1, the first duct 10 associated to the lower rack is preferably
mounted on the bottom of the tub, while the first duct 10
associated to the upper rack is preferably attached to the base 9
of the rack. Both the first ducts 10 are hydraulically connected to
the pump 4, in a conventional manner here not described in
detail.
[0063] The fact that both the spray arm 2 and the flexible element
5 are connected to the same duct 10 allows to minimize the design
modifications to be introduced in the dishwasher in order to
provide it with the flexible spray element 5, thus reducing also
the production costs.
[0064] In a further embodiment, the first duct 10 comprises a
connection ports 11 to which a flexible spray element 5 is
removably connectable. In case more than one flexible element 5 is
associated to the same rack 1, the first duct 10 is preferably
provided with as much connection ports 11 as the flexible element
5, so that to each connection port 11 a correspondent flexible
element 5 can be connected.
[0065] The fact that the flexible element 5 is removably
connectable to the first duct 10 allows the user to remove it when
not necessary and to arrange it in the tub only when he/she
considers it needed, for instance when deep concave or hollow
articles are placed on the rack 1 that can be better reached by the
washing/rinsing liquid by means of the flexible element 5.
[0066] In a version of this embodiment, illustrated in the attached
figures, the first duct 10 comprises an extension 12 provided with
the connection port 11. The extension 12 allows to attach the
flexible element 5 to the first duct 10 in a more favorable
position with respect to the spray arm 2 not to hinder its rotation
as previously specified.
[0067] In an embodiment the conveying means 3 comprises a shutting
element, for preventing the liquid from flowing through the
connection port 11 when the dishwasher is operated with the
flexible spray element 5 removed.
[0068] This ensures an optimal flexibility in using the dishwasher,
since the user can decide if operating the dishwasher with or
without the flexible element 5 connected to the conveying means 3.
In the last case, i.e. when the dishwasher is operated without the
flexible element 5, the presence of the shutting element ensures
the same operational conditions of a dishwasher having just the
spray arm 2.
[0069] According to an embodiment, schematically illustrated in
FIG. 4, the shutting element comprises a valve 13 placed in the
first duct 10 for controlling the conveying of liquid to the
flexible spray element 5 and/or to the spray arm 2.
[0070] More in detail the valve can advantageously be a three-way
valve which can be operated in order to allow, and eventually also
to control, the flow both toward the spray arm 2 and the flexible
element 5, or only toward the spray arm 2.
[0071] In this way, when the user operates the dishwasher upon
removal of the flexible element 5, the valve 13 is used to prevent
the washing/rinsing liquid from flowing through the connection port
11. The valve 13 could be also used to prevent liquid from flowing
through the connection port 11 when the flexible element 5 is
connected to it. In particular, the valve 13 can be automatically
operated by the control unit according to the washing program
selected by the user.
[0072] According to another embodiment, the shutting element
comprises an automatic flow stopper (not illustrated). The
automatic flow stopper is suitable for automatically closing the
connection port 11 when the flexible element 5 is removed. For
instance the automatic flow stopper can comprise an internal rim
and a sphere placed in the first duct 10, which sphere urges
against the rim when the flexible element 5 is removed, due to the
pressure applied by the fluid on it or due to the action of
resilient means, and it is suitable for being distanced from the
rim when the flexible element 5 is connected to the port 11, for
instance for the action of separation means provided on the first
end 6 of the flexible element 5.
[0073] The presence of the automatic flow stopper allows the user
to simply remove the flexible element 5 when the latter is
considered not necessary, without any further action being
required.
[0074] According to an embodiment alternative to the last
embodiment presented, the shutting element comprises a cap (not
illustrated) for closing the connection port 11. The cap is
removable in order to allow the connection of the flexible element
5 to the connection port 11 and it can be advantageously secured to
the first duct 10 so as to remain connected to it also when removed
from the connection port 11. The cap can be easily placed or
removed on/from the connection port 11 by the user.
[0075] Obviously the conveying means can comprise both the valve
and the automatic flow stopper or the cap, so that the automatic
flow stopper or the cap could prevent the washing/rinsing liquid to
enter in the first duct 10 when the flexible element 5 is removed,
thus avoiding that dirt liquid could enter the first duct 10 and
reach the spray arm 2.
[0076] In a different embodiment, the conveying means 3 comprises a
second duct 14, which is fixed with respect to the rack and to
which the first end 6 of the flexible spray element 5 is
hydraulically connected for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from
it. The second duct 14 is advantageously independent from the first
duct 10 and it can be hydraulically connected to a second pump 15
for receiving the pressurized washing/rinsing liquid from it.
[0077] In this last embodiment as well the flexible element 5 can
be removable and the conveying means 3 can comprise a shutting
element as above specified.
[0078] The second duct 14, connected to a second pump 15, ensures
an appropriate pressure of the liquid that is sprayed by the
flexible element 5 and by the spray arm 2 and, therefore, an
appropriate cleaning efficiency.
[0079] According to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the
flexible spray element 5 is extensible. In particular the flexible
element 5 might have a spiral configuration or an accordion
configuration which allows its extension to be adjusted as desired
by the user. This allows to comfortably reach also kitchenware and
dishes that are located on the rack 1 in a position distant from
the first end 6 of the flexible element 5 while at the same time it
allows to avoid the flexible element 5 to clutter the rack 1 or to
get entangled when the kitchenware or dishes to be reached are
placed closed to the connection point of the flexible element 5 to
the conveying means 3.
[0080] In another embodiment, the flexible spray element 5 extends,
at its maximum extension, for at least half of the height of the
rack 1, and preferably approximatively for the same height of the
rack 1 or more. This allows the flexible element 5 to reach
kitchenware and dishes also remotely placed on the rack 1.
[0081] In an embodiment, the flexible spray element 5 comprises a
plurality of outlets 8 at its second end 7 and, preferably, at
least partially along its extension. Preferably the flexible
element 5 is provided with a plurality of outlets 8 which are
distributed from second end along at least half of its extension.
This allows a more efficient cleaning performance, since the
washing/rinsing liquid is more widely sprayed on the kitchenware
and dishes.
[0082] According to an embodiment, the flexible spray element 5
comprises, preferably at its second end 7, UV lighting means for
enhancing the cleaning of the kitchenware or dishes irradiated by
it.
[0083] The flexible element 5 can also or alternatively comprise at
its second end 7 simple LED lightening means to illuminate the
cavity or concavity of the kitchenware or dishes in correspondence
of which it is placed, thus providing to the user a visual feedback
of the correct positioning of the second end 7 of the flexible
element 5.
[0084] As previously specified, the dishwasher further comprises a
control unit which is configured to control the conveying of
washing/rinsing liquid into the tub. According to an embodiment,
the flow parameters of the liquid supplied into the tub by the
flexible spray element 5, such as in particular exit speed and flow
rate of the liquid, are controllable by the user through the
control unit.
[0085] This allows a major flexibility in use of the dishwasher
according to the needs and desires of the user.
[0086] The flexible element 5 above described has been in
particular designed for dishwashers having small dimensions and
comprising a single rack 1, since it is generally particularly
difficult for the user to arrange all the kitchenware and dishes to
be washed on this single rack 1 and also in a position favorable
for them to be properly reached by the washing/rinsing liquid.
[0087] In particular, according to an embodiment, the dishwasher is
portable.
[0088] With the present invention the problem of having deep
concave or hollow articles still dirty at the end of the
washing/rinsing cycles of the dishwasher due to the fact that not
all the parts of these articles can be efficiently reached by a
sufficient amount of washing/rinsing liquid or by liquid having a
sufficient pressure is overcome. This is made possible by bringing
directly the washing/rinsing liquid to be sprayed on the critical
parts of the above mentioned dishes or kitchenware by means of the
flexible element that can be arranged by the user with its free
end, through which the liquid is sprayed, positioned in the rack
according to the needs.
* * * * *