EP3618680B1

EP3618680B1 - A dishwasher comprising a water spray nozzle

Info

Publication number: EP3618680B1
Application number: EP18718465.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yusuf Koc; Furkan BAYAV; Mutlu IPEK; Sedat TOKGOZ; Mehmet Kaya
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2021-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-19
Also published as: PL3618680T3; TR201706566A3; EP3618680A1; WO2018202430A1

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a water spray nozzle.
In dishwashers, the washing process is performed by means of physical cleaning by spraying hot water onto the dishes in addition to the chemical cleaning provided by cleaning agents such as detergents. The physical cleaning is realized by the water sent through the spray arms or the nozzles arranged in the dishwasher. The water coming from the spray arms or the nozzles hits the dishes at a constant angle and the dirt on the dishes is enabled to be removed. Sending the water towards the dishes at a constant angle prevents the effectiveness of the washing process from being maximized. In case of using nozzles that face different directions so as to spray water onto the dishes at different angles, the pressure and flow rate of the water decrease and the effectiveness of the washing process cannot be improved.
In the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JP2003304980 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising nozzles on the spraying arm wherein amount and angle of water sprayed therefrom can be changed.
In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP0469184 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising nozzles on the spraying arm that face different directions.
In the state of the art the United States Patent Application No. US2006278258 , a dishwasher is disclosed, wherein the nozzles facing different directions are operated intermittently.
In the state of the art the United States Patent Application No. US2010043826 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising nozzles arranged on the rear wall of the washing tub.
In the state of the art the European Patent Application No. EP1676521 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising nozzles on the rear wall of the washing tub that can rotate around their own axes.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein the water is enabled to be sprayed at different angles onto the dishes during the washing process without decreasing the water pressure.
The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention comprises a spray nozzle, while rotating around its own axis, that contacts and pushes from below the nozzles arranged in the openings on the body and enables the nozzles to be tilted in the radial direction of the circle along which the nozzles are arranged. The spray nozzle comprises a guide therein having a diverter with a wavy form and that is arranged under the nozzles and that contacts the lower part of the nozzles while rotating around its own axis. The nozzles are movably and pivotably attached to the surface of the body preferably at the central portions thereof. As the guide rotates and pushes lower parts of the nozzles periodically, the nozzles are radially tilted periodically. Thus, without the need for using an additional nozzle facing different directions and without decreasing the amount, pressure and flow rate of the water transferred to the nozzle, the same nozzle is enabled to spray water periodically in different directions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the diverter that enables the nozzles to be moved periodically when the guide rotates around its own axis comprises wave forms with different phases. Thus, the nozzles on the spray nozzle can periodically move in different directions independently. By changing the phases of the wave forms on the diverter, the nozzles arranged along a circle can be adjusted so as to face the same direction or so as to tilt alternately or such that the opposite nozzles simultaneously face opposite directions. Thus, while enabling the water to be sprayed onto the dishes at different angles, the flow direction of the water can be controlled as desired. In a version of this embodiment, as the guide having the diverter that changes the directions of the nozzles is replaceable, the user is allowed to use different guides for different requirements.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the guide comprises two rings that support the nozzles radially form inside and outside, and the diverter is arranged on the inner ring. By arranging the diverter with a wavy form on the inner ring, during the rotation of the guide around its own axis, the diverter pushes the lower parts of the nozzles outwards and as the nozzles are pivotably attached preferably at the central regions thereof, the upper part of the nozzle through which the water is sprayed is tilted towards the inside of the circle along which the nozzles are arranged.
In another version of this embodiment, the diverter is arranged on the outer ring. By arranging the diverter with a wavy form on the outer ring, during the rotation of the guide around its own axis, the diverter pushes the lower parts of the nozzles inwards and as the nozzles are pivotably attached preferably at the central regions thereof, the upper part of the nozzle through which the water is sprayed is tilted towards the outside of the circle along which the nozzles are arranged. When the diverter is arranged both on the inner ring and on the outer ring, a 180 degree of phase difference is provided between the inner and outer diverters and thus, the nozzles are enabled to be periodically tilted inwards and outwards.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle comprises a wheel that is rotated by means of the water transferred to the spray nozzle and that contacts the guide so as to enable the guide to be rotated around its own axis. While being rotated by means of the water, the wheel enables the guide to rotate around its own axis. By means of this embodiment, without the need for an additional power source such as a motor, the spray nozzle is enabled to spray water at different angles without a decrease in the pressure and the flow rate of the water.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzles sweep an angle of 90 degrees during their periodic movement. Thus, the effectiveness of the washing process is improved by enabling the water to be sprayed even onto the entire surface of deep kitchen utensils such as pots and enabling the water to be sprayed at different angles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle is arranged on one of the walls in the dishwasher so as to face the dishes to be washed. By means of this embodiment, the water is enabled to reach the regions that cannot be reached by means of standard spray arms, and the water is sprayed on to dishes at a different angle in each turn by means of the periodic movement of the nozzles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle is arranged on the spray arm that enables the water to be sprayed onto the dishes in the main washing process. In addition to changing the direction of the water sprayed through the nozzles periodically, by utilizing the momentum applied to the water during the rotation of the spray arm, both the speed at which the water hits the dishes is increased and the water is enabled to hit the dishes at different angles. By means of this embodiment, the water hits the dishes faster at different angles and the dirt on the dishes is enabled to be removed and the washing performance of the dishwasher is improved.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle is arranged below the spray arm on an arm rotating around the connection point thereof. Thus, the dishes such as pots are enabled to be intensively cleaned.
In the dishwasher of the present invention, the effectiveness of the washing process is improved by means of the rotation of the guide around its own axis and by means of the diverters on the guide that move the nozzles, the water is enabled to be sprayed onto the dishes each time at different angles, instead of being sprayed at a fixed angle.
The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the partial schematic view of a dishwasher.
Figure 2 - is the front view of a dishwasher.
Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the water conduit, the spray arm and the spray nozzle in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 - is the perspective view of the spray arm body in another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 - is the perspective view of the nozzles arranged on the spray arm body in another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 - is the top view of the guide in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 - is the perspective view of the guide in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 - is the bottom view of the guide in an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Dishwasher
2. Washing tub
3. Rack
4. Water conduit
5. Spray nozzle
6. Body
7. Opening
8. Nozzle
9. Cavity
10. Pin
11. Guide
12. Ring
13. Diverter
14. Wheel
15. Wall
16. Door
17. Spray arm

The dishwasher (1) comprises a washing tub (2); at least one rack (3) that is disposed in the washing tub (2) and wherein the dishes to be washed are placed, and a water conduit (4) that enables the water to be transferred into the washing tub (2). The washing process is realized in the washing tub (2). The dishes to be washed are placed into the rack (3) and the washing process is realized with the water supplied through the water conduit (4).
The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a spray nozzle (5) having a body (6) connected to the water conduit (4), at least one opening (7) arranged on a circular path on the body (6), a nozzle (8) positioned on the body (6) so as to fit into each opening (7), two cavities (9) arranged in the body (6) around the opening (7) oppositely on the circular path, two pins (10) arranged oppositely on the nozzle (8) so as to fit into the cavities (9) and to enable the nozzle (8) to be supported, a guide (11) with two concentric rings (12) that enables, when placed into the body (6), the nozzles (8) to be supported through the lower parts thereof by bearing against the gap between two rings (12), and a diverter (13) with a wavy form that is arranged on a part of at least one ring (12), that, with the rotation of the guide (11), contacts the lower part of the nozzle (8) and enables the nozzle (8) to be periodically tilted around the axes of the pins (10) in a direction perpendicular to the circumference of the circular path.
The spray arm (5) of the present invention is positioned in the dishwasher (1) so that the water outlet of the nozzles (8) arranged in the body (6) thereof connected to the water conduit (4) is directed towards the interior of the washing tub (2). The nozzles (8) are placed into the openings (7) and the pins (10) on the nozzles (8) are fitted into the cavities (9) around the openings (7) on the inner surface of the body (6). Thus, the nozzle (8) is enabled to be supported and to rotate around the axes of the pins (10) and the nozzle (8) can be rotated and tilted in the radial direction. The guide (11) is formed by connecting two concentric rings (12) at at least two points so as not to block the water being transferred to the nozzles (8). The rings (12) are distanced from each other in order to allow the flow of water. The guide (11) is fitted into the body (6) so as to support the nozzles (8) from below. The water enters the nozzles (8) through the lower parts of the nozzles (8). A diverter (13) with a wavy form is arranged on a part of at least one of the rings (12). The diverter (13) can be in the form of a sine wave formed on at least a part of the circle forming the ring (12) in the tangential direction, namely perpendicular to the radial direction of the circle. With the rotation of the guide (11) around its own axis, the diverter (13) moves and periodically applies a pushing force to the lower part of the nozzle (8). The trough of the diverter (13) applies the pushing force to the nozzle (8) and the peak thereof does not contact the nozzle (8) so as to allow the nozzle (8) to return to its original position, i.e. the trough of the wave is chosen as the part of the diverter (13) that contacts the nozzle (8). By means of the higher pressure and flow rate of the water transferred to the nozzle (8), when the peak of the diverter (13) is under the nozzle (8), the nozzle (8) returns to its original position to be perpendicular to the plane of the body (6). When the trough of the diverter (13) applies the pushing force to the nozzle (8) again, the nozzle (8) is tilted in the radial direction and the nozzle (8) is enabled to be tilted periodically as long as the guide (11) is rotated around its own axis. The rotation of the guide (11) around its own axis can be realized by means of any pivoting means that enables the guide (11) to be rotated. The rotation speed of the guide (11) around its own axis determines the frequency of the periodic movement of the nozzle (8). The diverter (13) with only one trough and one peak on the ring (12) is sufficient to enable the nozzle (8) to be periodically tilted/rotated, and the rotation of the guide (11) around its own axis enables the diverter (13) to be periodically aligned with the lower part of the nozzle (8). Thus, the nozzle (8) is tilted/pivoted in the direction perpendicular to the circumference of the circular path, i.e. in the radial direction. Consequently, when the water is sprayed through the nozzle (8), the direction of the water can be changed without a decrease in the pressure and by means of the continuous periodic movement of the nozzles (8), the water sprayed through the nozzle (8) is enabled to hit the dishes at different angles. In other words, as the guide (11) rotates around its own axis, the diverter (13) periodically applies the pushing force to the lower parts of the nozzles (8) especially in the radial direction and the nozzles (8) are enabled to be pivoted by being supported by the pins (10) in the cavities (9). Thus, as long as the guide (11) rotates around its own axis, the nozzles (8) spray water in different directions by moving back and forth on a specific path.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the diverter (13) is formed so that at least one of the parts thereof on the ring (12) has a phase difference with respect to the other part. For example, when there is a 180 degree phase difference between the diverter (13) on one half of the ring (12) and the diverter (13) on the other half thereof, the wave form under one nozzle (8) is at the peak while the wave form under the nozzle (8) opposite the said nozzle (8) is at the through, and thus, one of the oppositely positioned nozzles (8) is in the tilted position while the other is in its initial/original position. By means of this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles (8) arranged on the spray nozzle (5) are enabled to be tilted in the same direction simultaneously or at different times. The phase difference between the diverters (13) on the ring (12) enables the movement of the nozzles (8) to be controlled as desired.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the diverter (13) is arranged on the ring (12) with the smaller radius, and the nozzle (8) is enabled to be tilted/pivoted towards the inside of the circle. As the diverter (13) is arranged on the ring (12) of the guide (11) that has a smaller radius, the trough of the wave form applies the pushing force to the lower part of the nozzle (8) outwards. Thus, since the nozzle (8) can rotate around the axis of the pin (10) when the lower part thereof is pushed outwards, the upper part of the nozzle (8), i.e. the part through which the water is sprayed is tilted in the radial direction towards the inside of the circle.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the diverter (13) is arranged on the ring (12) with the larger radius, and the nozzle (8) is enabled to be tilted/pivoted towards the outside of the circle. By arranging the diverter (13) on the ring (12) of the guide (11) that has a larger radius, the trough of the wave form applies the pushing force to the lower part of the nozzle (8) inwards. Thus, since the nozzle (8) can rotate around the axis of the pin (10) when the lower part thereof is pushed inwards, the upper part of the nozzle (8), i.e. the part through which the water is sprayed is tilted in the radial direction towards the outside of the circle.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a wheel (14) that rotates with the impact of the sprayed water and that enables the guide (11) to be rotated around its own axis with the help of water. The water delivered to the spray nozzle (5) through the water conduit (4) hits the wheel (14) enabling the wheel (14) to be rotated, and the wheel (14) rotates the guide (11). Teeth (not shown in figures) corresponding to the teeth on the wheel (14) can be provided on the guide (11). In this embodiment, the periodic tilting movement of the nozzles (8) is realized by means of the water delivered to the nozzles (8) without the need for using a pivoting means such as a motor, energized by an outer source.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the diverter (13) enables the nozzle (8) to be tilted so as to sweep an angle of 90 degrees. The angle swept by the nozzle (8) is the angle thereof with the vertical axis. By changing the dimensions of the diverter (13), i.e. by changing the amplitude of the wave form, the angle at which the nozzle (8) is tilted can be changed. The tilting amount of the nozzle (8) increases as the size of the diverter (13) is increased. By means of the diverter (13) arranged both on the inner ring (12) with a smaller diameter and the outer ring (12) with the larger diameter, the nozzle (8) is tilted both inwards and outwards, and is enabled to sweep an angle of 90 degrees thanks to the structure of the diverter (13).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle (5) is arranged on any one of the walls (15) in the washing tub (2). The spray nozzle (5) can be arranged on the lateral walls (15) or the top and bottom walls (15) of the washing tub (2) as well as on a door (16) providing access into the washing tub (2). When the spray nozzle (5) is arranged on the base, namely the bottom wall (15) of the washing tub (2), the effectiveness of the washing process is increased by spraying water at a plurality of different angles towards deep kitchen utensils such as pots. When the spray nozzle (5) is arranged on the door (16) so as to face the rack (3) wherein the cutlery is placed, the cutlery is enabled to be washed more effectively. The spray nozzles (5) can be arranged such that a plurality of spray nozzles (5) are provided on each wall (15) of the washing tub (2).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one spray arm (17) that is connected to the water conduit (4) and that performs washing by rotating around its own axis in the washing tub (2) and the spray nozzle (5) arranged on the spray arm (17). By arranging the spray nozzle (5) on the spray arm (17) that performs the main washing process and with the nozzles (8) spraying water with the same pressure and flow rate at different angles periodically, the effectiveness of the washing provided by the spray arm (17) is maximized.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle (5) is arranged at the base of the washing tub (2) on an arm (not shown in figures) that is rotatable around the connection point thereof to the water conduit (4). In this embodiment, the spray nozzle (5) sweeps a large area by rotating like a spray arm (17) and as the nozzles (8) are pivoted, an intensive washing process is provided.
In the dishwasher (1) of the present invention, the nozzles (8) are enabled to be periodically tilted by the diverter (13) arranged on the rings (12) forming the guide (11) and by means of the rotation of the guide (11) around its own axis. Thus, the nozzles (8) can spray water towards the dishes at different angles without changing the amount, pressure and flow rate of water transferred to the nozzles (8). Consequently, the effectiveness of the washing process is improved without increasing the water consumption, and moreover, the effectiveness of the washing process is maximized by lowering the water consumption.

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2); at least one rack (3) that is disposed in the washing tub (2) and wherein the dishes to be washed are placed; a water conduit (4) that enables the water to be transferred into the washing tub (2); a spray nozzle (5) comprising a body (6) connected to the water conduit (4); at least one opening (7) arranged on a circular path on the body (6); a nozzle (8) positioned on the body (6) so as to fit into each opening (7); and two cavities (9) arranged in the body (6) around the opening (7) oppositely on the circular path; characterized by
- two pins (10) arranged oppositely on the nozzle (8) so as to fit into the cavities (9) and to enable the nozzle (8) to be supported,

- a guide (11) with two concentric rings (12), that enables, when placed into the body (6), the nozzles (8) to be supported through the lower parts thereof by bearing against the gap between two rings (12), and

- a diverter (13) with a wavy form that is arranged on a part of at least one ring (12), that, with the rotation of the guide (11), contacts the lower part of the nozzle (8) and enables the nozzle (8) to be periodically tilted around the axes of the pins (10) in a direction perpendicular to the circumference of the circular path.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the diverter (13) wherein at least one of the parts thereof on the ring (12) is formed with a phase difference with respect to the other part.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the diverter (13) that is arranged on the ring (12) with the smaller diameter and that enables the nozzle (8) to be tilted towards the inside of the circular path.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the diverter (13) that is arranged on the ring (12) with the larger diameter and that enables the nozzle (8) to be tilted towards the outside of the circular path.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a wheel (14) that rotates with the impact of the sprayed water and that enables the guide (11) to be rotated around its own axis with the help of water.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the diverter (13) that enables the nozzle (8) to be tilted so as to sweep an angle of 90 degrees.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the spray nozzle (5) arranged on any one of the walls (15) in the washing tub (2).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one spray arm (17) that is connected to the water conduit (4) and that performs washing by rotating around its own axis in the washing tub (2) and the spray nozzle (5) arranged on the spray arm (17).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the spray nozzle (5) arranged at the base of the washing tub (2) on an arm that is rotatable around the connection point thereof to the water conduit (4).