EP0918482B1 - Detachable hydraulic coupling or flow distribution valve for use in the household dishwasher - Google Patents

Detachable hydraulic coupling or flow distribution valve for use in the household dishwasher Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0918482B1
EP0918482B1 EP97932129A EP97932129A EP0918482B1 EP 0918482 B1 EP0918482 B1 EP 0918482B1 EP 97932129 A EP97932129 A EP 97932129A EP 97932129 A EP97932129 A EP 97932129A EP 0918482 B1 EP0918482 B1 EP 0918482B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coupling
water
hydraulic coupling
pipe
dishwasher
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97932129A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0918482A1 (en
Inventor
Semsettih Eksert
Ufuk Askin
Paolo Ongania
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP0918482A1 publication Critical patent/EP0918482A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0918482B1 publication Critical patent/EP0918482B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/50—Racks ; Baskets
    • A47L15/508—Hydraulic connections for racks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
    • A47L15/23—Rotary spraying devices moved by means of the sprays

Definitions

  • this invention is related to the automatic household dishwasher, and in particular, to an improved mechanism for distributing water to the dish racks.
  • the conventional dishwasher contains a body in which the dish racks are placed. Dish racks glide in and out of the body of the dishwasher on slides attached to the inside walls of the dishwasher. Water is sprayed throughout the body of the dishwasher by way of a motor pump forcing water through pipes, which are connected to dishwasher blades.
  • This invention is related to a special coupling for the pipe system, in which one can adjust the height of the upper dish rack.
  • This special coupling provides better working conditions for the motor pump, as well as for the dishwasher blades. It also provides stabilization to the water flow, by connecting and disconnecting the pipes.
  • EP 0786231 A which falls under Article 54(3) EPC, discloses a hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at different heights according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • An other hydraulic coupling of similar type is known for example from EP-A-401767.
  • figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the domestic dishwasher is shown.
  • the pipe (10) extending from the motor pump is fixed to the back wall of the dishwasher body, its only outlet being at point (15).
  • the coupling (12) has two water inlets; one is placed at the top, and it appears to be housed in the outlet (15); the other water intlet is placed at the bottom, and has a free support at point (14) (see section A-A), which is closed with a plate. Water flowing from the motor pump passes through the outlet (15) and reaches the upper dishwasher blade (8). Water flow applies pressure onto the plate, which in turn creates an airtight seal on the lower inlet of the coupling (12).
  • a safety ring (16) made of a thermoplastic material, was added. It is attached into a suitable slit on the outside of the outlet (15), and provides an airtight seal.
  • the upper dish rack In the second operating position, the upper dish rack is raised upwards to accommodate the space requirements of the kitchenware. Water flow comes from the outlet (15) and goes directly to the coupling of the pipe (11), pushing the plate (13) upward to create an airtight seal.
  • the plate (13) may have a second connection surface with the water inlets.
  • These surfaces are made of a soft plastic material or a thermoplastic material having the hardness to endure the impact that occurs when the coupling is working.
  • a non-inventive hollow sphere or a non-inventive solid sphere can also be used, instead of the plate.
  • the explicit weight of this sphere maintains the constant movement within the coupling (12), which is caused by the water flowing under pressure. Details of this are shown in figures 5 and 6.
  • the guide component (18) which is inserted with a trigger device, or welded within the coupling (15) has two functions. First, (see figure 6) it pushs the sphere (17) upwards to secure the water inlet in the coupling (12). Second, it provides for the correct positioning of the movable parts of the dish rack with the stable parts of the body.
  • This second function can also be used with the version of the present invention using plates (see figures 2, 3 and 4).
  • this invention is related to the automatic household dishwasher, and in particular, to an improved mechanism for distributing water to the dish racks.
  • the conventional dishwasher contains a body in which the dish racks are placed. Dish racks glide in and out of the body of the dishwasher on slides attached to the inside walls of the dishwasher. Water is sprayed throughout the body of the dishwasher by way of a motor pump forcing water through pipes, which are connected to dishwasher blades.
  • This invention is related to a special coupling for the pipe system, in which one can adjust the height of the upper dish rack.
  • This special coupling provides better working conditions for the motor pump, as well as for the dishwasher blades. It also provides stabilization to the water flow, by connecting and disconnecting the pipes.
  • EP 0786231A which falls under Article 54(3) EPC, discloses a hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at different heights.
  • An other hydraulic coupling of similar type is known for example from EP-A-401767.
  • figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the domestic dishwasher is shown.
  • the pipe (10) extending from the motor pump is fixed to the back wall of the dishwasher body, its only outlet being at point (15).
  • the coupling (12) has two water inlets; one is placed at the top, and it appears to be housed in the outlet (15); the other water intlet is placed at the bottom, and has a free support at point (14) (see section A-A), which is closed with a plate. Water flowing from the motor pump passes through the outlet (15) and reaches the upper dishwasher blade (8). Water flow applies pressure onto the plate, which in turn creates an airtight seal on the lower inlet of the coupling (12).
  • a safety ring (16) made of a thermoplastic material, was added. It is attached into a suitable slit on the outside of the outlet (15), and provides an airtight seal.
  • the upper dish rack In the second operating position, the upper dish rack is raised upwards to accommodate the space requirements of the kitchenware. Water flow comes from the outlet (15) and goes directly to the coupling of the pipe (11), pushing the plate (13) upward to create an airtight seal.
  • the plate (13) may have a second connection surface with the water inlets.
  • These surfaces are made of a soft plastic material or a thermoplastic material having the hardness to endure the impact that occurs when the coupling is working.
  • a hollow sphere or a solid sphere can also be used, instead of the plate.
  • the explicit weight of this sphere maintains the constant movement within the coupling (12), which is caused by the water flowing under pressure. Details of this are shown in figures 5 and 6.
  • a guide component (38) is necessary to facilitate the closing of the upper water inlet.
  • the guide component (18) which is inserted with a trigger device, or welded within the coupling (15) has two functions. First, (see figure 6) it pushs the sphere (17) upwards to secure the water inlet in the coupling (12). Second, it provides for the correct positioning of the movable parts of the dish rack with the stable parts of the body.
  • This second function can also be used with the version using plates (see figures 2, 3 and 4).

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Valve Housings (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)

Abstract

This invention is related to a special coupling for the pipe system, in which one can adjust the height of the upper dish rack. This special coupling provides better working conditions for the motor pump, as well as for the dishwasher blades. It also provides stabilization to the water flow, by connecting and disconnecting the pipes.

Description

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION RELATED TO THE INVENTION
  • In general, this invention is related to the automatic household dishwasher, and in particular, to an improved mechanism for distributing water to the dish racks.
  • The conventional dishwasher contains a body in which the dish racks are placed. Dish racks glide in and out of the body of the dishwasher on slides attached to the inside walls of the dishwasher. Water is sprayed throughout the body of the dishwasher by way of a motor pump forcing water through pipes, which are connected to dishwasher blades.
  • This invention is related to a special coupling for the pipe system, in which one can adjust the height of the upper dish rack. This special coupling provides better working conditions for the motor pump, as well as for the dishwasher blades. It also provides stabilization to the water flow, by connecting and disconnecting the pipes. EP 0786231 A, which falls under Article 54(3) EPC, discloses a hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at different heights according to the preamble of claim 1. An other hydraulic coupling of similar type is known for example from EP-A-401767.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • With reference to the annexed drawings:
    • Figure 1
    shows a cross-sectional view of a domestic dishwasher comprising a hydraulic coupling according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Figure 2
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to an embodiment of the invention; the upper water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 3
    shows a close-up view of the hydraulic coupling according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Figure 4
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to an embodiment of the invention; the lower water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 5
    shows a cross sectional view of a non-inventive hydraulic coupling; the upper water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 6
    shows a cross- sectional view of a non-inventive hydraulic coupling ; the lower water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
  • In figure 1, a cross-sectional view of the domestic dishwasher is shown.
  • It is as follows: (1) Body; (2) door; (3) water drip tray; (4) filter; (5) motor pump unit;
  • (6) lower dish rack; (7) upper dish rack; (8) dishwasher blades with spray nozzles;
  • (9) pipe that provides water to the lower dishwasher blade; (10) pipe that provides water to the upper dishwasher blade; (11) the connection piece of the pipe; (12) hydraulic coupling fixed to the pipe.
  • In figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling is shown.
  • The pipe (10) extending from the motor pump is fixed to the back wall of the dishwasher body, its only outlet being at point (15). The coupling (12) has two water inlets; one is placed at the top, and it appears to be housed in the outlet (15); the other water intlet is placed at the bottom, and has a free support at point (14) (see section A-A), which is closed with a plate. Water flowing from the motor pump passes through the outlet (15) and reaches the upper dishwasher blade (8). Water flow applies pressure onto the plate, which in turn creates an airtight seal on the lower inlet of the coupling (12).
  • In figure 3, a close-up view of the coupling is shown:
  • In order to provide a secure connection to the inlets of the coupling, a safety ring (16), made of a thermoplastic material, was added. It is attached into a suitable slit on the outside of the outlet (15), and provides an airtight seal.
  • In figure 4, a sectional view of the second operating position of the coupling is shown.
  • In the second operating position, the upper dish rack is raised upwards to accommodate the space requirements of the kitchenware. Water flow comes from the outlet (15) and goes directly to the coupling of the pipe (11), pushing the plate (13) upward to create an airtight seal.
  • However, in order to create a better seal, the plate (13) may have a second connection surface with the water inlets. These surfaces are made of a soft plastic material or a thermoplastic material having the hardness to endure the impact that occurs when the coupling is working.
  • A non-inventive hollow sphere or a non-inventive solid sphere can also be used, instead of the plate. The explicit weight of this sphere maintains the constant movement within the coupling (12), which is caused by the water flowing under pressure. Details of this are shown in figures 5 and 6.
  • In this case, with the assumed water flow from the lower inlet to the coupling, the addition of a guide component (18) is necessary to facilitate the closing of the upper water inlet.
  • The guide component (18), which is inserted with a trigger device, or welded within the coupling (15) has two functions. First, (see figure 6) it pushs the sphere (17) upwards to secure the water inlet in the coupling (12). Second, it provides for the correct positioning of the movable parts of the dish rack with the stable parts of the body.
  • This second function can also be used with the version of the present invention using plates (see figures 2, 3 and 4).
    • BACKGROUND INFORMATION RELATED TO THE INVENTION
  • In general, this invention is related to the automatic household dishwasher, and in particular, to an improved mechanism for distributing water to the dish racks.
  • The conventional dishwasher contains a body in which the dish racks are placed. Dish racks glide in and out of the body of the dishwasher on slides attached to the inside walls of the dishwasher. Water is sprayed throughout the body of the dishwasher by way of a motor pump forcing water through pipes, which are connected to dishwasher blades.
  • This invention is related to a special coupling for the pipe system, in which one can adjust the height of the upper dish rack. This special coupling provides better working conditions for the motor pump, as well as for the dishwasher blades. It also provides stabilization to the water flow, by connecting and disconnecting the pipes. EP 0786231A, which falls under Article 54(3) EPC, discloses a hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at different heights. An other hydraulic coupling of similar type is known for example from EP-A-401767.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • With reference to the annexed drawings:
    • Figure 1
    shows a cross-sectional view of a domestic dishwasher comprising a hydraulic coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention.
    Figure 2
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention; the upper water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 3
    shows a close-up view of the hydraulic coupling according to the first embodiment of the invention.
    Figure 4
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to the first embodiment of the invention; the lower water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 5
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling to the second embodiment of the invention; the upper water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
    Figure 6
    shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to the second embodiment of the invention; the lower water inlet being connected to the water supply pipe.
  • In figure 1, a cross-sectional view of the domestic dishwasher is shown.
  • It is as follows: (1) Body; (2) door; (3) water drip tray; (4) filter; (5) motor pump unit;
  • (6) lower dish rack; (7) upper dish rack; (8) dishwasher blades with spray nozzles;
  • (9) pipe that provides water to the lower dishwasher blade; (10) pipe that provides water to the upper dishwasher blade; (11) the connection piece of the pipe; (12) hydraulic coupling fixed to the pipe.
  • In figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic coupling according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • The pipe (10) extending from the motor pump is fixed to the back wall of the dishwasher body, its only outlet being at point (15). The coupling (12) has two water inlets; one is placed at the top, and it appears to be housed in the outlet (15); the other water intlet is placed at the bottom, and has a free support at point (14) (see section A-A), which is closed with a plate. Water flowing from the motor pump passes through the outlet (15) and reaches the upper dishwasher blade (8). Water flow applies pressure onto the plate, which in turn creates an airtight seal on the lower inlet of the coupling (12).
  • In figure 3, a close-up view of the coupling according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown:
  • In order to provide a secure connection to the inlets of the coupling, a safety ring (16), made of a thermoplastic material, was added. It is attached into a suitable slit on the outside of the outlet (15), and provides an airtight seal.
  • In figure 4, a sectional view of the second operating position of the coupling according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • In the second operating position, the upper dish rack is raised upwards to accommodate the space requirements of the kitchenware. Water flow comes from the outlet (15) and goes directly to the coupling of the pipe (11), pushing the plate (13) upward to create an airtight seal.
  • However, in order to create a better seal, the plate (13) may have a second connection surface with the water inlets. These surfaces are made of a soft plastic material or a thermoplastic material having the hardness to endure the impact that occurs when the coupling is working.
  • The second embodiment of the hydraulic coupling according to the invention is illustrated in figures 5 and 6.
  • A hollow sphere or a solid sphere can also be used, instead of the plate. The explicit weight of this sphere maintains the constant movement within the coupling (12), which is caused by the water flowing under pressure. Details of this are shown in figures 5 and 6.
  • In this case, with the assumed water flow from the lower inlet to the coupling, the addition of a guide component (38) is necessary to facilitate the closing of the upper water inlet. The guide component (18) which is inserted with a trigger device, or welded within the coupling (15) has two functions. First, (see figure 6) it pushs the sphere (17) upwards to secure the water inlet in the coupling (12). Second, it provides for the correct positioning of the movable parts of the dish rack with the stable parts of the body.
  • This second function can also be used with the version using plates (see figures 2, 3 and 4).

Claims (5)

  1. A detachable hydraulic coupling (12) for a vertically adjustable top sprayer of a domestic dishwasher, the coupling (12) comprising two water inlets for selective coupling to a water supply pipe (10), a single water outlet for coupling to the top sprayer (11) and a flow distribution movable plate (13), characterized in that said movable plate (13) is housed within the body of the hydraulic coupling (12), said movable plate (13) being attached by means of pins (14) at one of the water inlets; and in that said movable plate (13) can be rotated about said pins (14) upwards due to incoming water pressure to create an airtight seal and thus block the other of the water inlets, said coupling (12) being preferably further detachably connected with a guide component (18) to be placed within the body of the coupling (12), for the correct positioning of said coupling (12) with the supply pipe (10).
  2. A detachable hydraulic coupling (12) according to claim 1, characterised in that while water flowing from the upper water inlet, water flow applies pressure onto the movable plate (13), which in turn creates an airtight seal on the lower inlet of the coupling (12) and, while water flowing from the lower water inlet, water flow comes from the outlet (15) and goes directly to the coupling of the pipe (11), pushing the plate (13) upward to create an airtight seal, where the plate is held in a position almost parallel to the direction of water flow.
  3. A detachable hydraulic coupling (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the detachable hydraulic coupling (12) and the connection pipe (11) are molded from thermoplastic material. and coupled in such a way as to create an airtight seal, and this coupling process is accomplished by means of ultrasound welding or vibration welding.
  4. A detachable hydraulic coupling (12), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suitable cross section and radius of the pipe's connection system provides a silent work environment with no turbulence.
  5. A detachable hydraulic coupling (12) for a vertically adjustable top sprayer of a domestic dishwasher, the coupling (12) comprising two water inlets for selective coupling to a water supply pipe (10), a single water outlet for coupling to the top sprayer (11) and a flow distribution movable sphere (17), characterized in that said movable sphere (13) is housed within the body of the hydraulic coupling (12); and in that said movable sphere (17) can push upwards due to incoming water pressure to create an airtight seal and thus block the other of the water inlets, said coupling (12) being further detachably connected with a guide component (18) to be placed. within the body of the coupling (12), for the correct positioning of said coupling (12) with the supply pipe (10).
EP97932129A 1996-07-17 1997-07-17 Detachable hydraulic coupling or flow distribution valve for use in the household dishwasher Expired - Lifetime EP0918482B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR9600592 1996-07-17
TR96005/92 1996-07-17
TR9600592 1996-07-17
PCT/TR1997/000012 WO1998002082A1 (en) 1996-07-17 1997-07-17 Detachable hydraulic coupling or flow distribution valve for use in the household dishwasher

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0918482A1 EP0918482A1 (en) 1999-06-02
EP0918482B1 true EP0918482B1 (en) 2004-10-27

Family

ID=21620871

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97932129A Expired - Lifetime EP0918482B1 (en) 1996-07-17 1997-07-17 Detachable hydraulic coupling or flow distribution valve for use in the household dishwasher

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0918482B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE280531T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3566297A (en)
DE (1) DE69731387T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2231876T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1998002082A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1284791B1 (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-05-21 Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa IMPROVED HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT DISHWASHER.
DE10155903A1 (en) * 2001-11-14 2003-05-15 Aeg Hausgeraete Gmbh Dishwasher machine for cleaning crockery etc. has second spray device arranged near cleaning liquid feed that is active when the first spray device is separated from feed
DE102007041307A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH dishwasher

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0786231A2 (en) * 1996-01-29 1997-07-30 SMEG S.p.A. Hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at two different heights

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE444884B (en) * 1980-03-11 1986-05-20 Electrolux Ab HUSHALLSDISKMASKIN
IT1234696B (en) * 1989-06-06 1992-05-26 Zanussi A Spa Industrie DISHWASHER WITH REMOVABLE HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE BASKET.

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0786231A2 (en) * 1996-01-29 1997-07-30 SMEG S.p.A. Hydraulic connection device for a dishwasher rack which can be positioned at two different heights

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69731387D1 (en) 2004-12-02
EP0918482A1 (en) 1999-06-02
DE69731387T2 (en) 2005-11-10
ES2231876T3 (en) 2005-05-16
ATE280531T1 (en) 2004-11-15
WO1998002082A1 (en) 1998-01-22
AU3566297A (en) 1998-02-09

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