EP1985224A1 - Dish support structure for a dish rack for a dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure has sectioned rectilinear or curved elements (412) with a transversal section having an acute angle ridge (415) directed in a direction of a horizontal plane of a vessel basket, where the elements are made of molded plastic material. The elements have a plane wall (418) and a curved wall (417), where the walls are intersected to constitute the ridge. The section has a semi-circular portion (416) opposite to the ridge (415) and has variable dimensions.

Description

The present invention relates to a dish support structure of a dish rack for dishwashers.

In general, the present invention applies to the field of dishwashers comprising a washing tub in which one or more dish baskets can be arranged.

The cleaning of the dishes placed in these baskets is done by sprinkling, thanks to reels placed below and / or above the dish rack to send directional water jets on the dishes.

It is important therefore that the dishes are positioned correctly in these baskets so that items of dishes to be cleaned, typically glasses, bowls, plates, cutlery, cooking vessels, can be cleaned by the jets. water while being stably held in the dish baskets.

The arrangement of the dishes should also be compatible with the hot air circulation drying process in the wash tub.

In a traditional dishwashing machine, the dish racks are equipped with various dish support structures to support different items of dishes vertically or flat.

However, when disposable items of dishes to be cleaned on these dish support structures, they may be an inconvenience for the passage of water jets towards the items of dishes to clean.

In addition, some of the jets of water can come to water the walls of the dishwasher and not directly the dishes.

The present invention aims to provide a dish support structure to ensure good cleaning conditions of dishes.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a dish support structure of a dish rack for dishwashers.

This structure comprises straight curved or rectilinear elements, having a cross section comprising an acute angle edge directed substantially towards the horizontal plane of the dish rack.

According to the invention, the profiled elements comprise a substantially flat wall and a curved wall, the intersection of the walls constituting the acute angle edge.

Due to the specific shape of the cross section of the profiled curved or rectilinear elements of the structure, the jets of water coming in particular from the reels placed under the dish rack can be reflected on the walls of the profiled curved or rectilinear elements.

Thanks to the beveled shape of the cross section facing the horizontal plane of the dish rack, the water jets are not impeded by the curved or rectilinear profiled elements of the structure of the dish support, unlike other forms of cross section that would have the disadvantage of obstructing and returning the jets to the washing tub, and thus prevent the cleaning of dishes placed on the support structure.

The specific shape of the transverse structure, similar to an airplane wing shape, makes it possible to obtain profiled elements rigid enough to support dishware elements while allowing the water jets to be reflected by its walls. direction of the dishes to be cleaned.

Furthermore, the substantially flat wall of the profiled elements makes it easier to demold these elements when they are made of molded plastic material.

In practice, the cross section further comprises an arcuate portion substantially opposite the acute corner edge.

The profiled elements thus have a portion in the form of a circular arc opposite the bevelled portion of the cross section, that is to say opposite to the horizontal plane of the dish rack.

This portion in the form of a circular arc is intended to support the dishes to be cleaned and thus has a sufficiently rigid surface to support these elements stably.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the profiled elements have a cross section of variable size.

Thus, in the length of these profiled elements, the dimensions, and generally the width of the cross-section, can vary in order to adapt to the specific constraints applied to these profiled elements.

In particular, when the dishware structure comprises profiled curved elements extending above the horizontal plane of the dish rack, the cross section of the curved elements in a base portion, near the horizontal plane of the dish rack, is larger than the cross section of the curved elements in a portion remote from said base portion.

The cross section of the curved elements thus varies along the length so as to obtain a uniform distribution of the stresses on the section.

Thus, the base is enlarged to prevent any deformation of the curved elements for supporting items of dishes.

In practice, the profiled curved or rectilinear elements are made of molded plastic material.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a wash tub and at least one dish rack.

This dish rack comprises a dish support structure according to the invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un support à vaisselle conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale du support à vaisselle de la figure 1 incorporant certains éléments de vaisselle ;
• la figure 3 illustre un exemple de chargement de la vaisselle dans un panier à vaisselle conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 illustrant le chargement d'assiettes dans un support à vaisselle conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue partielle de dessus en section selon la ligne V-V de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon une ligne VI-VI à la figure 4;
• la figure 7 est une vue agrandie du détail A de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective écorchée d'un lave-vaisselle conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues en perspective illustrant un panier à vaisselle conforme à un second et à un troisième mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 11A et 11B illustrent un élément de maintien en position d'assiettes incorporé dans le panier à vaisselle illustré à la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective illustrant un panier à vaisselle conforme au troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, avec un élément de maintien en position d'assiettes dans une position centrale ; et
• la figure 13 est une vue agrandie du détail B de la figure 12.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a top view of a dish rack according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dish rack from the figure 1 incorporating certain dishes;
• the figure 3 illustrates an example of loading the dishes in a dish rack according to the invention;
• the figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 2 illustrating the loading of plates in a dish rack according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 5 is a partial top view in section along line VV of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a sectional view along a line VI-VI to the figure 4 ;
• the figure 7 is an enlarged view of detail A of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 is a perspective cutaway view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views illustrating a crockery basket according to a second and a third embodiment;
• the Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a plate-holding element incorporated in the dish rack illustrated in FIG. figure 10 ;
• the figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a crockery basket according to the third embodiment of the invention, with a holding element in the position of plates in a central position; and
• the figure 13 is an enlarged view of detail B of the figure 12 .

A dishwasher dish rack according to various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

The invention applies in particular to a dishwasher 1 as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 comprising a washing tub 10 containing two dish baskets 20, 30.

For illustration purposes, the right side of the baskets 20, 30 has been removed from the figure 8 .

Of course, the number of dish baskets is not limiting, the dishwasher can in particular include only one dish rack in a washing tub.

Generally, the upper dish rack 20 is mounted on guide rails secured within the walls of the wash tub so that can be removed from this tank for loading and unloading the dishes.

Similarly, the lower dish rack 30 rests on rails formed in the bottom of the washing tub and against the door 2 of the dishwasher 1 so that it can be removed for loading and unloading the dishes.

Below each dish rack 20, 30 can be positioned a reel 21, 31 for sending directional water jets to clean dishes arranged in the dish baskets.

In this embodiment, a dishwasher 1 comprising a separation wall 3 separating the washing tub 10 in two parts has been illustrated, a dish rack 20, 30 being placed in each of the parts of the washing tub 10.

Here, the partition wall 3 is disposed substantially at mid-height of the washing tub 10, thus creating two wash compartments of substantially identical size.

Such a dishwasher makes it possible in particular to perform a separate and independent operation of the upper part and the lower part of the washing tub, simultaneously or not.

In this embodiment, and without limitation, each dish rack is equipped in part before a front 4, 5 to isolate each half-wash tank during their separate operation and protect the storm door 2 splashes of water or dirt.

Of course, the invention also applies to a single wash tub containing two dish baskets.

We illustrated at the figure 1 a dish rack adapted to equip, and for example the upper dish rack 20 as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .

The dish rack can be made of a metal structure of rilsanized son, and be in the form of a mesh structure.

The realization of such a dish rack, from transverse threads 22 and longitudinal threads 23 extending in a plane and thereby constituting a perforated bottom of the dish rack 20, will not be detailed here.

In addition, threads partially or completely surround the rim of the dish rack 20.

These son 25 are welded to the folded ends of the transverse son 22 and the longitudinal son 23.

The periphery 25 of the basket thus forms lateral or transverse edges or walls 27.

The facade 4 is made for example of a vertical plastic wall, placed at a front transverse wall 27 of the dish rack 20.

The dish rack 20 is adapted to integrate a particular dish rack as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 according to a first embodiment.

This dish rack 40 comprises at least one plate support area.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , this dish rack 40 has two plate support areas 410, 420.

First, a first plate support area 410 will be described, the second plate support area 420 being similar except for certain dimensions as explained below.

The plate support area 410 is formed of a structure that includes slots 411.

These slots 411 in particular allow the introduction of plates in the plate support area 410.

The envelope of the structure of this plate support zone 410 constitutes a curved and curved surface which extends above the plane P of the dish support, here substantially adjacent to the horizontal plane of the bottom of the dish rack 20.

The structure of the plate support zone 410 thus constitutes a concavity whose rounding is arranged facing the plane P of the dish support 40.

In this embodiment, the curved structure consists of a series of arches 412 spaced from each other.

The space between two adjacent arches 412 allows to create a slot 411 adapted to receive a more or less inclined plate relative to the plane P of the dish rack 40.

The surface of these arches has a curvature allowing positioning on these arches of crockery pieces of glass, bowl, cup, cup (see in particular figure 3 ).

As well illustrated at the figure 2 , the radius of curvature R1 of the surface is between 50mm and 200mm.

Moreover, in order to provide an adequate inclination bowls or cups placed on this curved surface, it forms an angle α between 25 ° and 45 ° between this structure and the plane P of the dish rack.

Preferably, this angle is between 30 ° and 35 °, and for example equal to 32 °.

Thanks to this inclination, as illustrated in figure 3 when a bowl is placed astride the arches 412 of the curved structure, the inclination of this bowl is of the order of 35 °, so that it is possible to obtain a good drying performance of this bowl, and especially to avoid stagnation of water in the bottom of the bowl.

Similarly, the curvature of the structure constituted by the arches 412 allows to position glasses on this structure so that their inclination is of the order of 21 °, also allowing to obtain good drying performance.

Returning to figure 1 , the dish rack 20 comprises as previously indicated two plate support areas 410, 420.

These plate support areas are arranged parallel to the direction corresponding to the depth of the basket 20 when the dish rack 40 is integrated with the dish rack 20.

They are also arranged side by side in the width of this dish rack 20 so as to create two parallel plate support areas.

In this embodiment, the first plate support area 410 comprises thirteen arches 412.

The second plate support area 420 has eleven arches 422.

Of course, the number of arches is in no way limiting, and allows, between each arch, to create a space or slot 411, 421 likely to receive a plate.

The first support zone 410 is here adapted to support in each slot 411 flat plates of small or large dimensions, for example with a diameter of between 20 and 26 cm.

The radius of curvature R1 of the curved and curved surface of the first plate support area 411 is thus between 120mm and 150mm, and for example substantially equal to 140mm.

The second plate support area 420 is for supporting hollow plates.

The curved and curved surface of the structure of the second plate support zone 420 has a radius of curvature R2 of between 70 mm and 90 mm, for example equal to 80 mm.

Moreover, in order to allow the retention of elements such as glasses, or bowls, on the curved surfaces of the plate support areas 410, 420, the plate support areas 410, 420 are adjacent to a wall substantially. vertical of the dish rack 20, and for example in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , to the side walls 26 described above.

This dish rack 40 is fixed on the rilsanized son structure of the dish rack 20 for example by means of shapes 41 dedicated to the clipping of the support 40 on the rilsanized son of the basket 20.

These clipper shapes 41 are formed on the borders 42, 43 of the dish support 40.

Moreover, the dish support 40 may comprise abutments 413, 423 at the end of the arches 412, 422, at their base portion connecting these arches to the lateral edges 43 of the dish support 40.

As well illustrated at the figure 2 these stops 413, 423 make it possible to maintain in inclined position bowl-type elements, glass, placed on the curved surface of the plate support area 410, 420.

These stops 413, 423 prevent the sliding of the glasses and bowls on the hoops 412, 422.

In addition, the arches 412, 422 may comprise abutments 415, 425 made on the arches 412, 422, by prominences of rounded shape on the upper part of the arches 412, 422.

These abutments 415, 425 prevent any slippage of the glasses or bowls placed on the curved and curved surface constituted by the rounded upper parts of the arches 412, 422.

Thanks to the presence of these plate support areas 410, 420, the loading of the basket is universal since it allows both the loading of plates or the loading of glasses, bowls, or cups on the same structures dish rack.

In addition to these plate support areas 410, 420, the dish support 40 may further comprise one or more inclined flat areas 50 extending in the width of the dish rack 40, and adapted to support glasses, or bowls, or to receive shelter.

In this embodiment, the dish rack 20 has two plane inclined zones 50 towards the front of the dish support, that is to say towards the front 4 of the dish rack 20.

These flat inclined zones 50 are formed by a crossed structure of curved or rectilinear bars 51 defining a perforated surface.

Furthermore, the structure of the dish rack 20 can also integrate side shelves 60 mounted on the wires 25 of the periphery of the dish rack 20, at the side edges 26.

These shelves 60 are generally made of a plastic structure which is then clipped onto the rilsanized son 25 around the dish rack 20.

Thus, the stemmed glasses resting on the hoops 412, 422 have their feet held by slots 61, in the form of crenellations, formed in the side shelves 60.

This dish rack 20 also makes it possible to position one or more cutlery baskets (not shown), of traditional configuration, in different areas of the basket 20, on the dish rack 40.

These cutlery baskets can bear on the hoops 412, 422 and the side edges 26 of the dish rack 20, or on the inclined surfaces 50 at the front of the dish rack 20.

Such a dish rack equipped with a universal dish rack can be used interchangeably at the top or bottom of a washing tub of a dishwasher.

In this embodiment, the dishwasher as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 may comprise two dish baskets 20, 30 having an identical dish rack 40.

Thanks to the modular loading of crockery on the dish racks described above, all crockery pieces can be easily positioned anywhere in the crockery basket.

In particular, the curved structure of the plate support areas does not create protruding elements in the plane of the dish rack, which can hinder the provision of bulky utensils such as salad bowls, pans.

These bulky utensils can be positioned, as described above for glasses or bowls, directly on the curved and curved structure of the dish rack, overlapping the arches 412, 422.

By using identical dish baskets for both the top and the bottom of a dishwasher, a glass, cup and saucer-type loading can be made in a top rack 20 and a dish-type loading, pan and plate in the lower crockery basket 30.

In a second configuration, an identical load can be made in the two dish baskets 20, 30.

As examples, it is possible to place about forty glasses without feet on a dish rack as described above.

On the other hand, when the dishwasher has its washing tub 10 separated into two separate cleaning areas, each dish rack 20, 30 can be loaded differently or identically and suitable wash programs are implemented in each half. -tank.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 4 to 6 each plate support structure 410, 420.

As well illustrated at the figure 6 each arch 412, 422 extends in a complex surface substantially inclined with respect to the plane P of the dish rack 40 and to the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20.

Each arch thus forms an arc of a circle of suitable radius of curvature and extending substantially at a height of between 40 and 50 mm above the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20.

Each arch 412, 422 extends between a lateral border 43 and a central bar 44 of the dish support 40.

The height of the hoops 412, 422 is determined so that the bottom of the plates of conventional size comes into contact with a hoop 412, 422.

More generally, the shape of each arch 412, 422 is determined from a truncated revolution surface corresponding to a virtual attitude profile which is generally inclined. Each arch 412, 422 thus has a curved profile, above the plane P of the dish support, as visible in FIG. figure 3 .

As shown in the figures, each arch 412, 422 has a curved profile both in a vertical projected plane (see figure 4 ) and in a horizontal projected plane (see figure 5 ).

Each arch 412, 422 is spaced a regular pitch between 15 and 30mm, and preferably between 20 and 25 mm.

As non-limiting examples, the first series of hoops of the plate support area 410 has a regular pitch between the hoops of the order of 23 mm suitable for positioning flat or dessert plates as shown in figure 5 .

The second plate support zone 420 also comprises a series of arches 422 whose spacing is of the order of 24.5 mm, adapted to the positioning of hollow plates, whose thickness between the bottom and the edges the plate is larger than for flat plates.

As well illustrated at the figure 6 , the hoops 412, 422 thus extend respectively in complex surfaces parallel to each other and inclined relative to the plane 24 of the dish rack.

Furthermore, a rack 430 consisting of teeth 431 having a predetermined inclination is disposed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the series of hoops 412, 422.

This rack 430 thus extends in the direction parallel to the depth of the basket 20, parallel to the side edges 26.

The teeth 431 are arranged projecting from the plane of the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20.

As well illustrated also at the figure 5 , the teeth 431 are spaced with a regular pitch, equal to the pitch separating the arches 412, 422.

This toothed rack 431 makes it possible to keep the plates placed in the slots 411, 421 at their lower edge coming into contact with the bottom 24 of the basket 20.

In order to further improve the holding in position of the plates above the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20, the support structure comprises two identical racks 430 arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry of the series of hoop, c ' that is to say at a vertical plane extending in the depth of the basket 20 (see in particular figure 2 ).

This creates two points of support in the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20 for each plate, avoiding the latter can rotate between the hoops.

The teeth 431 of the racks are made directly on the structure of the dish rack 20, for example by means of a rilsanized wire welded to a longitudinal wire 23 of the dish rack 20.

The shape of the teeth 431 of the racks is determined so that the position of the plates above the plane 24 of the basket 20 ensures both the passage of water jets in order to obtain satisfactory washing performance, and to obtain efficient drying of the plates.

The shape of the teeth is determined so as to maintain the plates inclined backwards at an angle between 0 and 5 ° with the vertical.

Of course, the racks could also be made of plastic material and mounted, for example by snapping on the structure of son rilsanisés constituting the dish rack 20.

The racks could also be replaced by series of single spikes.

As well illustrated on Figures 4 and 5 each arch includes at least one projecting element 414, 424.

These projecting elements 414, 424 are intended to form a substantially point contact point plates on a surface of each arch 412,422.

In this embodiment, each projecting element 414, 424 consists of a small-sized line extending on the surface of each arch 412, 422, intended to come into contact with the bottom of a plate.

Each projecting element 414, 424 can thus be produced by gadroons which extend over the height of the profile of each arch 412, 422.

These protruding elements make it possible to ensure the support of the plates on points of contact that are appreciably punctual.

In the second plate support zone 420, intended to support mainly hollow plates, two projecting elements 424 are arranged on a surface of each arch 422, symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry of the arch 422.

As well illustrated at the figure 5 , the distance separating these two elements 424 is adapted to correspond to the conventional diameter of a bottom of a hollow plate.

For the first plate support area 410, intended to support both large flat plates and flat dessert plates, each arch 412 preferably has four projecting elements 414 arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry. of the arch 412.

Each hoop 412 thus has a first pair of projecting elements 414 disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the hoop and whose distance substantially corresponds to the conventional diameter of the bottom of a dessert plate.

A second pair of projecting elements 414 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the hoop 412 and separated by an upper distance, substantially corresponding to the diameter of the bottom of a traditional flat plate.

Thanks to these points of contact substantially punctual on the bottom plates, these plates are only maintained in position at the teeth 431 of the racks 430 and projecting elements 414, 424.

As a result, the risks of water retention at the contact points are minimized, as well as the risk of entrapment of food between the plates and the contact points of the support structure.

By way of non-limiting example, the projecting elements 414, 424 may consist of gadroons having a thickness on the surface of each arch 412, 422, between 1mm and 1.5mm.

Preferably, the entire dish support 40 is made of plastic, and preferably in a rigid plastic material having good resilience and a high creep resistance.

This plastic material must be resistant to the temperature and chemical attack of the detergent bath used in the dishwasher wash tub.

The use of such a strong plastic material makes it possible to achieve the dish support structure at a lower cost while maintaining the pieces of dishes in a stable position during a cycle of operation of the dishwasher, and this during the whole life of this dishwasher.

It is important in particular that the hoops 412, 422 do not undergo deformation caused by the weight of the dishes and the heat transmitted by the washing bath.

By way of non-limiting example, the dish support structure 40 is made of polypropylene filled with glass fibers.

This choice of material makes it possible to obtain good resistance to chemical attack, and good mechanical strength and particularly creep. Moreover, this material is of low cost.

By using a plastic material to make the dish support 40, this plastic material may further be overmolded with an elastomer so as to dampen shocks for fragile dishware.

The use of such an elastomer also makes it possible to improve the adhesion of the dishes to the arches, and in particular glasses or bowls as illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .

This improves the stability of the dishes disposed on the curved and curved structure above the plane 24 of the dish rack.

In order to limit the manufacturing cost of this dish support structure, the overmoulding of an elastomer could also be limited to certain areas, and for example to portions of the arches 412, 422 intended to come into contact with the dishes and which may be sensitive to shocks when loading dishes.

In the dish support structure 40 described above, it is important in accordance with the invention to improve the passage of water jets towards the dishwashing elements to be cleaned, and in any case, not to impede the projection of these jets of water.

In this regard, the dish support structure 40 described above comprises various curved or rectilinear elements, generally made of plastic.

These elements are in particular the arches 412, 422, the borders 42, 43 and the curved or rectilinear bars 51.

These elements have at least one wall that extends substantially in an oblique plane relative to the horizontal plane of the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20.

As well illustrated at the figure 6 for a hoop 412, the cross section of this hoop is profiled in the manner of an aircraft wing.

More specifically, the cross section of the profiled curved element constituting the arch 412 comprises an edge 415 of acute angle directed substantially downwards, towards the horizontal plane of the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20.

Thus, for each arch 412, while the curved profile of each arch is substantially inclined relative to the plane of the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20, the cross section of each arch has an acute angle edge directed towards the bottom of the basket dishwashing 20.

More specifically, each profiled element comprises a substantially planar wall 418 and a curved wall 417, the intersection of these walls constituting the acute corner edge 415 as described above.

Opposite this sharp corner edge 415, a portion 416 in the form of a circular arc makes it possible to join the flat wall 418 to the curved wall 417 of the profiled element.

This specific embodiment of the cross section of the profiled curved element forming the arch 412 makes it possible to direct the jets of water preferentially towards the dishes as well illustrated in FIG. figure 7 by the arrows schematizing the direction of the jets of water.

The substantially planar wall 418 makes it easier to demold the plastic arch 412 during its manufacture.

The curved wall 417 makes it possible to improve the rigidity of this arch by increasing the width of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the inclined plane containing the arch 412.

The beveled shape of the edge 415 thus allows the water jets to reach in an optimum manner the pieces of dishes to be cleaned.

While a different shape would return the jets of water to the wash tub, this beveled shape of the cross-section makes it possible to reflect the jets of water on the walls 417, 418 of the cross section of the profile of the hoops 412 and thus to direct these jets of water to the dishes, and in particular to the plates arranged in the slots 411 on each side of this arch 412 .

In order to further improve the passages of the jets of water produced by the reel 21 arranged under the dish rack 20, the structure of the dish support 40 comprises at least a portion of the lateral edge 43 forming a baffle, adapted to direct the jets d water to the inside of the dish rack 40 (see arrow at figure 4 ). For this purpose, the lateral edges 43 comprise curved portions 43 ', forming deflectors for guiding the water jets towards the center of the dish rack 40. In addition, the dish rack 40 comprises, as well illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , lateral edges 43 whose height extends under the lower plane P of the dish rack 40, that is to say also beyond the lower plane 24 of the dish rack 20.

This extension of the lateral edges 43 of the dish support 40 may be limited to a central portion of these lateral edges 43.

As well illustrated at the figure 4 these lateral edges thus make it possible to reflect the jets of water (see arrow) coming from the reel 21 arranged in the lower part, in the direction of the dishware elements supported on the dish support 40.

In addition, central bars 44 for supporting the hoops 412, 422 in the center of the dish rack 40 may also include recesses or indentations 45 (see in particular figure 3 or figure 13 ) to allow the passage of the jets of water.

These notches 45 may be made in the form of a circular arc in the vertical plane of each bar 44 so as to create a passage for the water jets towards the dishes arranged on the dish rack 40.

In order to obtain a uniform distribution of the stresses on the assembly of each arch 412, 422, the cross section of the profile of the arches 412, 422 varies between a base portion of the arches, located near the bottom 24 the dish rack 20 and a remote portion, and for example the central portion of each arch.

Thus, the cross section of the curved elements constituting the arches in the base portion is of greater dimension than the cross section of these same curved elements in the portion remote from the base portion of the curved elements.

More specifically, the width of the cross section, that is to say the distance separating the flat wall 418 of the curved wall 417 is increased in the base portion of the arches 412, 422 with respect to the centrally located cross-section. of the arch 412, 422.

Although an airfoil shaped cross-section has been described for a curved element and constituting a hoop of the dish support structure, this specific cross section can also be applied to rectilinear elements or other elements. curves of the dish support structure, and for example the various bars 51 for supporting the dishes on the dish rack 20.

Finally, in order to improve the positioning of large dishware items, of the large-diameter plate type, or even of stemware, the dish rack comprises, close to a dish support area 40, a holding element 440 in the position of the dishes.

In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , the dish rack comprises three holding elements 440, 440 '.

A first holding element 440 is disposed near a dish support area 410, 420, and preferably between these two dish support areas 410, 420.

• une position écartée des zones de support 410, 420 telle qu'illustrée à la figure 1 ;
• une position rapprochée de la première zone de support de vaisselle 410 ; et
• une position rapprochée de la seconde de support de vaisselle 420.

This holding element 440 is adapted to be oriented in several positions:

• a position separated from the support zones 410, 420 as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 ;
• a position close to the first dish support area 410; and
• a position close to the second dish support 420.

In this embodiment, the steerable element 440 may comprise slot shapes 441, 442 (see in particular figures 2 and 3 ).

These crenellated shapes 441, 442 may have a flat bottom (shape 442) or a circular bottom (shape 441) adapted to maintain different shapes and sizes of glasses. Thus, the flat-bottomed slots 442 are adapted to maintain a stemless glass and the circular-bottomed slots 441 are adapted to hold a stemware.

As well illustrated also at the figure 2 , the orientation of this holding element 440 can be achieved by an elastic latching system on a fastening zone 443. The holding element can thus be constituted from a rilsanized wire having at its ends two feet 444 adapted to pivot (for example by means of a clutch system), to change the orientation of the holding element 440.

Between the two feet 444 of the holding element 440 extends the rilsanized wire curved to achieve the different crenellations 441, 442, at a height of the order of 50 to 70 mm above the plane P of the dish rack 40.

In order to be used with either of the dish support areas 410, 420, this swivelable support member 440 is reversible to permit all positions of use.

In addition to its operating positions, the steerable retaining element 440 could also be retractable and thus occupy a retracted position substantially in the plane of the bottom 24 of the dish rack 20. This retaining element 440 can also be dismountable.

In this embodiment, the dish support further comprises two other holding elements in the position of the dishes 440 'arranged at the front of the dish rack and in the width of this dish rack 40.

These holding elements 440 'are here arranged near an inclined surface 50 for disposing glasses.

A holding element 440 'may for example be fixed, mounted on the front of the dish rack. A second holding element 440 'can be set back from the front of the basket and retractable against the inclined surface 50.

As before, these holding elements 440 'have slot shapes 441' adapted to hold a tall glass or the foot of a stemmed glass (see FIG. figure 3 ).

It will be noted that the entire description made above relating to the dish rack 20 applies identically to the description of the lower dish rack 30.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 9 to 13 other embodiments of a dish rack whose holding element in the position of the dishes has been modified to fit the support of large plates, diameter generally greater than 26 cm.

The elements common to the embodiments described above, in particular with reference to the figure 3 , will not be redescribed here.

As before, the dish rack 20 comprises in this embodiment two plate support areas 410, 420.

In this embodiment, and in a nonlimiting manner, the support means plates are constituted by the arches 412, 422 described above.

These hoops 412, 422 are adapted to support the plates at a first angle of inclination relative to the vertical.

As indicated above, this angle of inclination is of the order of 0 to 5 ° relative to the vertical.

A plate holding member 450, 450 'is disposed near the plate support area 410, and in this embodiment, near the two plate support areas 410, 420.

More specifically, the holding element in position plate 450, 450 'is disposed between the two plate support areas 410, 420.

As well illustrated on Figures 9 and 10 , the plate-holding element 450, 450 'is adapted to support in cooperation with the support means of the plate support area, having the embodiment with the arches 412 of the support zone of Plates 410, plates at a second angle of inclination relative to the vertical.

The position of these plate-holding elements 450, 450 'makes it possible to further incline the plates, so that the second angle of inclination is greater than the first angle of inclination previously defined by the support structure of the plate. plates by means of arches 412.

As well illustrated on Figures 9 and 10 each plate holding element 450, 450 'comprises a series of pins 451, 451.

As described with reference to the first embodiment of the figure 1 and at the holding element in dishwashing position 440, the plate-holding element 450, 450 'is orientable, for example by means of a fastening system 443 as described previously, implementing a dog system.

For this, the series of pins 451, 451 'is mounted on a pivot structure 452, 452' pivotally mounted in the dish rack 20.

The plate holding element 450, 450 'is thus at least adapted to take a position away from the first plate support area 410 or a position close to this plate support area 410.

As well illustrated on Figures 9 and 10 , the plate-holding element 450, 450 'cooperates to maintain the large-diameter plates with the hoops 412 of the first plate-support area 410 when the plate-holding element is in position. a position spaced from this plate support area 410.

In this embodiment in which the holding element is positioned between the plate support areas 410, 420, when the plate-holding element cooperates with the arches 412 of the first support zone of plates 410, it is both in a position spaced from this first plate support area 410 and in contact with the second plate support area 420.

As well illustrated on Figures 9 and 10 , the plate holding element 450, 450 'thus comes into contact with a part of the curved and curved surface of the second plate support area 420, preferably near the base of the arches 422 of the second plate support area 420.

Thus, the blocking of the holding element in plate position 450, 450 'in the spaced apart position of the first plate support area 410 is ensured.

This arrangement ensures a reliable maintenance of large plates.

Of course, although there has been described a cooperation of the plate support holding member 450, 450 'with the first plate support area 410, an identical co-operation can be achieved by directing to the opposite the plate holder holding member 450, 450 ', with the second plate supporting area 420.

Here, in the embodiment described in figure 9 , the pins 451 'are fixed with respect to the pivot structure 452' and form an angle of at least 45 ° with this pivoting structure 452 '.

In the embodiment mode as illustrated in figure 10 , the pins 451 are articulated on the pivoting structure 452 of the holding element in plate position 450.

This second embodiment is described in more detail with reference to the Figures 11A and 11B .

More specifically, the pivot structure 452 here consists of a rilsanized wire folded at its ends 453 to allow pivotal mounting on the fastening means 443 as described above.

Between these ends 453 extends a rilsanized wire 454 on which the pins 451 are pivotally mounted.

These pins 451 are themselves integral with a rilsanized wire 455 mounted by a staple system 456 on the rilsanized wire 454.

These pins 451 form an angle of approximately 45 ° with the rilsanized wire 455 and the rilsanized wire 454 of the pivot structure 452.

The staple system 456 allows the relative rotation of the rilsanized yarns 454 and 455.

In order to limit the amplitude of the pivoting of the pins 451 around the rilsanized wire 454 of the pivot structure 452, the wire 455 supporting the pins 451 comprises slots 457 (see in particular figure 11A ).

These slots 457 are intended to cooperate with crenellations 458 provided in the length of the wire 454 of the pivot structure 452.

More specifically, some slots 457 are intended to come into contact with slots 458 when the pins 451 are in a substantially perpendicular position and above the wire 454, thus extending away from the mounting ends 453. This first position is illustrated in particular in Figure 11B .

A second portion of the slots 457 of the wire 455 supporting the pins 451 is intended to lock in the crenellations 458 of the wire 454 when the pins 451 are perpendicular to the wire 454 but in the same direction as the mounting ends 453.

This second position rotated 180 ° with respect to the first position is illustrated in particular in FIG. figure 13 .

In addition to the pivot locking function of the pins 451, the crenellations 458 of the pivot structure 452 of the holding element in plate position 450 are adapted to hold the foot of a glass.

This feature is achieved in particular when the plate holding element 450 is in a central position between the dish support areas 410, 420, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 12 and 13 .

Due to the arrangement of the pins 451 in the vertical plane containing the holding element in plate position, these pins 451 do not interfere with the dishware arrangement as previously described on the dish support areas 410, 420, nor the maintenance of glasses resting on the crenellations 458 of the holding element in plate position 450.

Thanks to the presence of these pins 451, 451 ', it is possible to maintain a dish inclined large diameter in each dish support area 410, 420 so that the upper part of the plate can not come into contact with the top of the wash tub or with a reel provided in the upper part, or as illustrated in figure 8 in the case of the lower dish rack 30, with the partition wall 3.

In particular, the inclination of the plates can be of the order of 45 ° relative to the vertical, allowing for plates of large diameter, between 26 and 33 cm, not to exceed the maximum height of the dish rack 20 , and to remain in the bulk of the basket as defined in particular by the front door 4.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

In particular, the dish rack 20 could comprise only one dish support area 410 as described above.

Furthermore, this dish support area 410, and more particularly the arches 412 could also be made from rilsanisés son and not molded plastic material.

In addition, the various elements of the dish rack 20 previously described for the different embodiments can be implemented independently of each other.

In particular, the holding elements in position of the plates, intended to maintain in very inclined position the large plates in the dish rack, can be implemented for other types of plate support, not necessarily comprising arches .

Furthermore, the structure of the plate support area forming a curved and curved surface can be made differently, without implementing the arches described above to maintain the plates in slots.

Claims (7)

Dish holding structure of a dishwasher dish rack comprising curved or rectilinear profiled members (412), having a cross section comprising an acute angle edge (415) directed substantially in the direction of the horizontal plane (24) dish rack (20), characterized in that said profiled members (412) comprise a substantially planar wall (418) and a curved wall (417), the intersection of said walls constituting said acute angle edge (415). The dish support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said cross-section comprises a circular arc-shaped portion (416) substantially opposite said sharp corner edge (415). Dish holding structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said profiled elements (412) have a cross section of variable size. Dish support structure according to Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises curved profile elements (412) extending above the horizontal plane (24) of the dish rack (20), the cross-section of the elements curves (412) in a base portion near the horizontal plane (24) of the dish rack being larger than the cross section of the curved members (412) in a portion remote from said base portion. Dish holding structure according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the straight curved or straight elements (412) are made of molded plastic material. Dish support structure according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one deflector side edge portion (43) adapted to direct the jets of water towards the inside of said dish. structure. Dishwasher comprising a wash tub (10) and a dish rack (20), characterized in that said dish rack (20) comprises a dish support structure according to one of claims 1 to 6.

Images