EP1925249A1 - Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager - Google Patents

Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1925249A1
EP1925249A1 EP06124788A EP06124788A EP1925249A1 EP 1925249 A1 EP1925249 A1 EP 1925249A1 EP 06124788 A EP06124788 A EP 06124788A EP 06124788 A EP06124788 A EP 06124788A EP 1925249 A1 EP1925249 A1 EP 1925249A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
component
elastomer
water
thermoplastic
nozzle
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06124788A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Andreas Krupicka
Monica Celotto
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.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to EP06124788A priority Critical patent/EP1925249A1/fr
Publication of EP1925249A1 publication Critical patent/EP1925249A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/007—Arrangements of water softeners
    • 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
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/06—Ribs, lifters, or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle
    • 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
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0057—Cleaning of machines parts, e.g. removal of deposits like lime scale or proteins from piping or tub

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an anti-calc and "easy-clean" water dispensing component of a household appliance, and specifically to the use of an elastomer or rubber material for the manufacture of a water dispensing component of a household appliance, in particular a water inlet or water injection component of a washing machine, a dishwasher or a refrigerator with water dispenser.
  • a common problem with plastic surfaces in water environments is the deposition and accumulation of salts and minerals, in particular calc, which are usually contained in the water and also in many detergents. After some time in wet service conditions, the surfaces of plastic components are covered with white minerals. This is particularly true for elastomer surfaces and reduces the aesthetical perception, i.e. the material gives an impression of ageing (although this is not the case). Moreover, in the case of water nozzles, calc accumulation may hinder/block proper water flow through the nozzles. Removal of these mineral deposits is then very difficult, so that it is also very difficult to clean the plastic surface below.
  • the present invention relates to the use of an elastomer or rubber material for the manufacture of a water dispensing component of a household appliance, in particular a water inlet or water injection component of a washing machine, a dishwasher or a refrigerator.
  • an anti-calc and "easy-clean" water dispensing component of a household appliance as claimed in Claim 1 there is provided an anti-calc and "easy-clean" water dispensing component of a household appliance as claimed in Claim 1, and a method of manufacture of the water dispensing component as claimed in Claim 18.
  • a water inlet/injection system of a household appliance as well as a household appliance, in particular a washing machine, a dishwasher or a refrigerator with a water dispenser, comprising the water dispensing component, as claimed in Claims 19 and 20 respectively.
  • a water dispensing component 1 of a household appliance (generally known and therefore not shown) comprises a body 2 having an external surface 3 provided with at least one nozzle or outlet 4 connected to a water feed conduit 5; surface 3 includes a surface portion 6 which surrounds nozzle 4.
  • nozzle 4 comprises a projection element 7 which projects from body 2 and has a hole 8 connected to conduit 5; projection element 7 has an outer surface 9 (including a lateral portion and a top end portion) surrounding hole 8 and which is part of surface portion 6; hole 8 is delimited inside by an inner lateral surface 10.
  • nozzle 4 and hole 8 are flush with surface 3.
  • Nozzle 4 and/or surface 3 or at least surface portion 6, and specifically at least outer surface 9 and inner lateral surface 10, are made of an elastomer or rubber material, in particular selected in the group of thermoplastic elastomers, crosslinked elastomers and silicone rubbers, possibly suitable for contact with drinkable water and possibly also exhibiting microbe-resistance and fungicide properties.
  • the elastomer or rubber material is a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably selected in the group of thermoplastic styrenic elastomers, thermoplastic olefinic elastomers, thermoplastic silicone elastomers; in particular, the thermoplastic elastomer is selected in the group of styrene block copolymers.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer is selected in the group of styrene-olefine block copolymers such as SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers), SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymers), SEPS (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymers), etc.
  • SBS styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • SEPS styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymers
  • thermoplastic elastomer is a SEBS copolymer.
  • the elastomer or rubber material is a silicone rubber.
  • body 2 comprises a base hard part 11, made of a substantially hard (rigid) polymer material or of a metal material, and a covering soft part 12, which is made of elastomer or rubber material and includes nozzle 4 and surface 3 surrounding nozzle 4 (i.e. surface portion 6).
  • base hard part 11 is defined by an inner hard core of body 2
  • covering soft part 12 is defined by a soft outer layer of elastomer or rubber material which includes surface 3 and nozzle 4.
  • Projection element 7 which defines nozzle 4 is also made of elastomer or rubber material.
  • hard part 11 is made of a substantially hard (rigid) thermoplastic polymer commonly used in household appliance manufacturing, preferably selected in the group consisting of PC, ABS, PET, PBT, PETG, PS, PP, PE, PA, SAN, PMMA, POM, CAP.
  • the polymer material is a polypropylene or a PP-based material.
  • hard part 11 is made of metal material.
  • base hard part 11 is defined by an inner hard core of body 2 which extends to surface 3, and covering soft part 12 does not completely cover body 2; in other words, surface 3 comprises soft zones 13 which are made of elastomer or rubber material (and includes surface portion 6) and hard zones 14 which are made of substantially hard polymer material or metal material.
  • Nozzle 4 and surface 3 surrounding nozzle 4 are however made of elastomer or rubber material.
  • covering soft part 12 does not completely cover body 2, and nozzle 4 and surface 3 surrounding nozzle 4 (i.e. surface portion 6) are made of elastomer or rubber material; in this variation, the elastomer or rubber material completely covers inner lateral surface 10 of hole 8 and extends to an inner surface of body 2, opposite to external surface 3.
  • body 2 i.e. component 1 as a whole
  • body 2 is completely made of elastomer or rubber material.
  • Component 1 is realized by a manufacturing method which is substantially a known moulding process of plastic materials; unlike known methods, however, according to the invention an elastomer or rubber material is selected for realizing either component 1 as a whole, or some parts of component 1.
  • body 2 comprises a base hard part 11 (in particular, made of substantially hard polymer material), and a covering soft part 12 (made of elastomer or rubber material), i.e. soft zones 13 and hard zones 14,
  • the method advantageously comprises a step of co-injection moulding or a step of over-injection moulding of soft part 12 and hard part 11; i.e. soft part 12 are advantageously co-injection moulded or over-injection moulded with hard part 11.
  • hard part 11 and soft part 12 are separately formed, for example injection moulded, and then assembled with each other in any known way.
  • thermoplastic elastomer and specifically SEBS copolymers
  • thermoplastics materials commonly used for water dispensing components in household appliances, for example PP-based materials.
  • FIG 4 partially shows a home dishwasher 20, which is generally known and therefore not described nor shown in details for the sake of simplicity.
  • Dishwasher 20 comprises a casing 21 which encloses a wash chamber 22 and a water injection system 23 for feeding water into chamber 22; system 23 includes at least a water dispensing component 1 which is positioned in chamber 22.
  • component 1 is defined by a bottom rotating spray arm 25 of dishwasher 20; spray arm 25 is carried by a hub 26 projecting from the bottom of chamber 22 and is supplied with pressurized water by the dishwasher hydraulic circuit (not shown); as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, component 1 (i.e. spray arm 25) comprises a body 2 having an external surface 3 exposed in use to water contact and provided with a number of spray nozzles 4 designed to feed pressurized-water jets inside chamber 22 and specifically towards a movable bottom basket (not shown). Nozzles 4 are defined by respective projection elements 7 protruding from surface 3.
  • dishwasher 20 comprises also a rotating top spray arm 27, which is partially shown in Figure 5 and defines a further water dispensing component 1 realized according to the invention; also top spray arm 27 (which is for example supported by a hub carried by a top basket, not shown) is provided with a number of nozzles 4 which are differently shaped and designed to direct pressurized-water jets inside chamber 22.
  • FIG. 6 partially shows another household appliance 19, specifically a washing machine 30, which is generally known and therefore not described nor shown in details for the sake of simplicity.
  • Washing machine 30 has a casing 21 which encloses a wash chamber 22, a water inlet system 23 for feeding water into chamber 22, and a rotating drum 32 housed in chamber 22 and provided with drum lifters 35 (only one of which shown in Figure 6);
  • water inlet system 23 is of any known type and includes several and differently shaped dispensing component 1 having nozzles 4 and holes 8; nozzle 4 and holes 8 are formed, for example, on the walls of chamber 22, on drum 32, on drum lifters 35, on separate and specifically designed components in chamber 22, etc.
  • dispensing components 1 are realized according to the invention.
  • a dispensing component according to the invention is defined by drum lifter 35 which projects radially from an inner lateral surface of drum 32 and is provided with a number of nozzles 4; clearly, other dispensing components 1 of system 23 may be realized in the same way.
  • the invention may be advantageously applied to any other kind of electric household appliance having a water inlet or injection system.
  • another preferred application of the invention is for house refrigerators provided with a water dispenser (for providing refrigerated water to users), wherein the water dispensing component of the refrigerator is advantageously made in accordance to the invention.
  • Water dispensing components according to the invention exhibit anti-adsorptive properties with regard to minerals commonly present in drinkable water (salts/calc), and self-clean properties; in fact, surfaces of a component made of elastomer or rubber material, and specifically made of one of the materials previously described, are hardly be covered with white water mineral residuals (calc), and even if some calc accumulates anyway on the surface, it could be easily removed by simply rubbing the surface (e.g. by hand, by a dedicated integrated system or, in case of use in washing machine and tumble drier applications inside the drums, by the machine operation itself, due to frequent contacts with laundry).
  • components according to the invention are easy and relatively cheap to manufacture, in particular because the materials of the invention can be processed by the same common methods (extrusion, injection moulding, compression molding) used for traditional materials; thermoplastic elastomers can also be easily co-processed with traditional materials such as PP to achieve components with two-material features.
  • components made according to the invention also feature attractive soft-touch surface properties.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
EP06124788A 2006-11-24 2006-11-24 Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager Withdrawn EP1925249A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06124788A EP1925249A1 (fr) 2006-11-24 2006-11-24 Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06124788A EP1925249A1 (fr) 2006-11-24 2006-11-24 Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1925249A1 true EP1925249A1 (fr) 2008-05-28

Family

ID=38135006

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06124788A Withdrawn EP1925249A1 (fr) 2006-11-24 2006-11-24 Dispositif de distribution d'eau pour un appareil ménager

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1925249A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012085002A3 (fr) * 2010-12-21 2012-09-07 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle de table

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB773080A (en) * 1955-04-07 1957-04-24 Gen Motors Corp Improved dish washer machine
US4416300A (en) * 1981-09-25 1983-11-22 The Maytag Company Heat shielded thermoplastic wash arm for dishwasher
US5560381A (en) * 1995-09-29 1996-10-01 White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Stainless steel cover for plastic spray arm

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB773080A (en) * 1955-04-07 1957-04-24 Gen Motors Corp Improved dish washer machine
US4416300A (en) * 1981-09-25 1983-11-22 The Maytag Company Heat shielded thermoplastic wash arm for dishwasher
US5560381A (en) * 1995-09-29 1996-10-01 White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Stainless steel cover for plastic spray arm

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012085002A3 (fr) * 2010-12-21 2012-09-07 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle de table
US9775488B2 (en) 2010-12-21 2017-10-03 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Table top dishwasher

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