EP2658431B1

EP2658431B1 - A dishwasher comprising a rack

Info

Publication number: EP2658431B1
Application number: EP11791300.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ismail Cem Bastuji; Huseyin KARAOGLAN
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2010-12-29
Filing date: 2011-12-07
Publication date: 2021-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-07
Also published as: PL2658431T3; EP2658431A1; WO2012089464A1

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a rack wherein the items to be washed are placed.
The dishwashers comprise upper and lower racks disposed into the washing chamber wherein the items to be washed are placed. The racks are pulled out of the washing chamber for placing the items therein. The user desires to place the items into the dishwasher so as to be washed and dried most effectively. However, the problem of water accumulation on the items arises since they are placed on the rack being parallel to the horizontal direction.
In the state of the art International Patent Document No. EP2191764 , a dishwasher is disclosed that comprises hook-shaped supports onto which items like glasses and cups are hanged.
In the state of the art United States Patent Document No. US6123204 , a hanger element is disclosed, being in the active position when items like glasses, cups, goblets etc are placed thereon and in the passive position when not in use.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein the items to be washed are placed on the rack so as to be washed and dried in an effective manner.
The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one support member, mounted to the rack side wall, having a closed position, whereat it remains parallel to the side wall and a supporting position changed to by rotating around the vertical axis while in the closed position, extending into the rack and supporting the items placed on the rack.
The dishwasher of the present invention comprises the support member placed on the rack by mounting both the horizontal wire and the vertical wire therein and helping to support the items to be washed. The support member being passive in the closed position and functioning to actively support in the supporting position, performs rotational movement in the vertical axis between these two positions. The support member helps and supports the rack in carrying the items from one end when the items are hung to the support member. Furthermore, the support member provides the items to washed and dried better.
The support member is produced as one-piece molded plastic. The one-piece support member provides the items to be hung thereon by being mounted to the side wall and prevents the items to remain entirely parallel to the horizontal axis.
The dishwasher furthermore comprises the support member having at least one retainer, wherein the vertical wire is seated, providing the support member to be mounted to the side wall. The retainer provides the support member to be mounted into the rack. The retainer rotates around the vertical wire while the support member rotates between the closed position and the supporting position.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer is shaped like a channel that surrounds the vertical wire placed therein from the sides. The vertical wire remains in the retainer both in the supporting position and the closed position.
The support member comprises at least two ports, arranged at the inlets of two retainers at different heights and aligned in the vertical direction, facing opposite directions, providing the vertical wire to be inserted into the retainer. The port is disposed at the inlet of the retainer. The vertical wire is inserted through the port and placed into the retainer while mounting the support member to the side wall.
The support member comprises at least one "L" shaped extension, bearing against the horizontal wire both in the supporting position and the closed position and restraining its movement in the vertical direction.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises at least one locking element providing it to be mounted to the side wall.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises at least one first locking element, surrounding the horizontal wire and providing the support member to be locked to the side wall while in the closed position. The support member is folded towards the side wall by means of the first locking element and the support member is prevented from occupying space inside the washing chamber.
The first locking element is furthermore U shaped and surrounds the side wall.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises at least one second locking element, secured to the horizontal wire, providing the support member to support the items rigidly while in the supporting position. The support member, while changing from the closed position to the supporting position, moves up to the last point allowed by the retainer and the second locking element is inserted and seated in the horizontal wire .
In an embodiment of the present invention, the second locking element is U shaped, disposed behind the extension and surrounds the side wall.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises at least one carrier disposed thereon that extends inwards the washing chamber when the support member is in the supporting position. The items to be washed are washed in a more effective manner since they do not remain entirely parallel to the horizontal axis when placed on the rack by hanging on the carrier.
In a derivative of this embodiment, the support member comprises the carrier having at least one cavity against which the items bear. The items are prevented from sliding or falling from the support member by the sides thereof being seated into the cavity.
In another derivative of this embodiment, the carrier comprises at least one protrusion against which the items bear. The items are prevented from sliding or falling from the support member by the sides thereof being hung on the protuberance shaped protrusion.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises at least one holder arm, extending into the rack perpendicularly to the horizontal wire while in the supporting position, providing the items resting thereon to be supported, with the second locking element and the extension disposed on one end, the carrier on the other end and the first locking element between the second locking element and the carrier. The support member furthermore comprises at least one rotation arm, disposed vertical to the holder arm, being parallel to the side wall both in the closed position and the supporting position, whereon the extension and the retainer are situated. The support member furthermore comprises at least one resting arm that extends angularly between the rotation arm and the holder arm and that provides support against the force exerted by the items placed on the support member when in the supporting position. The rotational movement performed by the support member is accomplished in the directional axis of the resting arm.
In the present invention, a one-piece support member is disclosed, having a supporting position wherein the items placed on the rack are prevented from remaining entirely parallel to the horizontal axis by being hung thereto and a closed position wherein it is folded and locked on the side wall when not in use. The said support member does not have any surface that clasps or encloses the items.
The model embodiments relating to the dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of a dishwasher.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the rack while a support member is in the supporting position and mounted to the rack.
Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the rack while a support member is in the closed position and mounted to the rack.
Figure 4 - is the sideways view of the rack while a support member is in the closed position and mounted to the rack.
Figure 5 - is the front perspective view of a support member.
Figure 6 - is the rear perspective view of another support member.
Figure 7 - is the sideways perspective view of a support member.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Dishwasher
2. Washing chamber
3. Side wall
4. Rack
5. Horizontal wire
105. Vertical wire
6. Support member
7. Retainer
8. Port
9. Extension
10. Resting arm
11. First locking element
12. Second locking element
13. Carrier
14. Cavity
15. Protrusion
16. Holder arm
17. Rotation arm

The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a washing chamber (2) wherein the washing process is performed, at least one rack (4) having horizontal wire (5), vertical wire (105) and a side wall (3), wherein the items to be washed are placed, at least one support member (6) mounted on the side wall (3), having a closed position (K) whereat it remains parallel to the side wall (3) and a supporting position (T) changed to by being rotated around the vertical axis while in the closed position (K), extending into the rack (4) and supporting the items placed on the rack (4) (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5).
The user places the items to be washed in the rack (4) from one of their sides on the rack (4) and on the support member (6) from the other side while the support member (6) is in the supporting position (T). Thus, the items do not remain entirely parallel to the horizontal plane and accumulation of water on or in the items is prevented after completion of the washing process. Furthermore, the items are washed or rinsed more effectively by being hung to the support member (6) that does not possess any surface for clasping or enclosing the items. The support member (6) is changed to the closed position (K) by folding on the side wall (3) when not in use and does not occupy dead space (Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4).
The support member (6) is produced as one-piece molded plastic. The support member (6) provides help for holding the items rigidly on the rack (4) during supporting of the items. The items are placed on the rack (4) from one side and bear against the support member (6) from the other side.
The support member (6) furthermore comprises at least one retainer (7) wherein the vertical wire (105) is seated, providing the support member (6) to be mounted to the side wall (3). The support member (6) is mounted to the rack (4) by means of the retainer (7) when desired to be used by the user. The vertical wire (105) is seated into the retainer (7) both in the supporting position (T) and the closed position (K). The retainer (7) rotates around the vertical wire (105) when the support member (6) is moved between the supporting position (T) and the closed position (K) (Figure 4).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer (7) is shaped like a channel that surrounds the vertical wire (105) placed therein from the sides. The retainer (7) moves by rotating around the vertical wire (105) while the support member (6) changes position (Figure 5).
The support member (6) comprises at least two ports (8), arranged on the inlets of two retainers (7) at different heights and aligned in the vertical direction, facing opposite directions, allowing the vertical wire (105) to be inserted into the retainer (7). The vertical wire (105) is provided to be inserted into each retainer (7) by means of the port (8) (Figure 5).
The support member (6) comprises at least one "L" shaped extension (9), bearing against the horizontal wire (5) both in the supporting position (T) and the closed position (K) and restraining its movement in the vertical direction. The end portion of the extension (9) bears on the horizontal wire (5) when the support member (6) is in the closed position (K) and prevents the support member (6) from sliding in the downward direction. The short arm of the extension (9) bears against the horizontal wire (5) in the supporting position (T) and provides support for the support member (6). Thus, the extension (9) provides the support member (6) to remain rigidly (Figure 5).
The support member (6) furthermore provides support for placing the items on the rack (4) in positions when the support member (6) is not 90 degrees vertical to the side wall (3). The extension (9) is always disposed on the horizontal wire (5) and provides the support member (6) to receive from the side wall (3) while the support member (6) is moved between the closed position (K) and the supporting position (T).
The support member (6) furthermore comprises at least one locking element (11, 12) providing it to be secured to the side wall (3).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member (6) comprises at least one first locking element (11) providing the support member (6) to be locked to the side wall (3) while in the closed position (K) and surrounding the horizontal wire (5). The first locking element (11) faces the side wall (3) while in the closed position (K). The support member (6) is secured to the horizontal wire (5) by means of the first locking element (11) while in the closed position (K) and shifts to passive position by being folded over the side wall (3).
The first locking element (11) is furthermore U shaped and surrounds the side wall (3).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member (6) comprises at least one second locking element (12) surrounding the horizontal wire (5) and supporting the support member (6) in carrying the items rigidly in the supporting position (T). The second locking element (12) is located behind the extension (9). Thus, the support member (6) and the items thereon are prevented from moving in unbalanced manner or from falling. Furthermore, the horizontal wire (5) gives support against the weight force exerted by the items when the second locking element (12) is secured to the horizontal wire (5) in the supporting position (T) (Figure 5).
The second locking element (12) is furthermore U shaped and surrounds the side wall (3).
The horizontal wire (5) enters from the open end of the second locking element (12) and is secured inside the second locking element (12) while the support member (6) changes from the closed position (K) to the supporting position (T). Consequently, the support member (6) in the supporting position (T) receives support from the horizontal wire (5) and has a more rigid structure.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member (6) comprises at least one carrier (13) disposed thereon that extends into the washing chamber (2) when in the supporting position (T). The items to be washed rest on the rack (4) from one end and hung to the carrier (13) from the other end. Thus, the items placed on the rack (4) are supported for remaining rigid. The carrier (13) remains parallel to the side wall (3) in the closed position (K) (Figure 5, Figure 6).
In a derivative of this embodiment, the support member (6) comprises the carrier (13) having at least one cavity (14) against which the items bear. The items are prevented from sliding or falling off the support member (6) as their sides are seated into the cavity (14) (Figure 5, Figure 6).
In another derivative of this embodiment, the support member (6) comprises the carrier (13) having at least one protrusion (15) against which the items bear. The items are prevented from sliding or falling off from the support member (6) by bearing against the protuberance shaped protrusion (15).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member (6) comprises at least one holder arm (16) extending into the rack (4), perpendicularly to the horizontal wire (5) while in the supporting position (T), providing the items resting thereon to be supported, with the second locking element (12) and the extension (9) disposed on one end, the carrier (13) on the other end and the first locking element (11) disposed between the second locking element (12) and the extension (9), and the carrier (13). In this embodiment, the first locking element (11), the second locking element (12) securing the carrier (13) carrying the items and the support member (6) and the extension (9) providing support in the vertical direction are disposed in the same direction which increases the resistance force in supporting the items on the rack (4) by being hung from the support member (6) (Figure 7).
The support member (6) furthermore comprises at least one rotation arm (17) whereat the extension (9) and the retainer (7) are disposed, that remains vertical to the holder arm (16) and is parallel to the side wall (3) both in the closed position (K) and the supporting position (T). The rotation arm (17) is disposed in the vertical movement axis of the support member (6). During rotation of the support member (6), the extension (9), the holder arm (16) and the rotation arm (17) move connected with the support member (6) (Figure 7).
The support member (6) furthermore comprises at least one resting arm (10) that extends angularly between the rotation arm (17) and the holder arm (16), disposed on the carrier (13) when in the supporting position (T) and which provides support against the force exerted by the items. The resting arm (10) provides support against the force created on the support member (6) due to the items placed on the carrier (13) in the supporting position (T) (Figure 7).
By means of the present invention, a one-piece plastic molded support member (6) is realized that provides the items placed into the dishwasher (1) to be arranged on the rack (4) so as to prevent water from accumulating on or in the items, to remain rigidly on the rack (4) in the washing, rinsing, drying and the other cycles. The items remain rigidly on the rack (4) and are treated by means of the support member (6) that provides the items placed on the rack (4) to be supported by hanging. An additional component is not required for mounting this support member (6) on the rack (4). Consequently, costs are decreased.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (2) wherein the washing process is performed, at least one rack (4) having the horizontal wire (5), vertical wire (105) and a side wall (3), wherein the items to be washed are placed, said dishwasher (1) further comprising at least one support member (6)
- mounted to the side wall (3),

- having a closed position (K) whereat it remains parallel to the side wall (3) and a supporting position (T) extending into the rack (4) and supporting the items placed on the rack (4), characterized by the support member (6) having at least one retainer (7) wherein the vertical wire (105) is seated, providing the support member (6) to be mounted to the side wall (3), the retainer (7) rotating around the vertical wire (105) while the support member (6) rotates between the closed position (K) and the supporting position (T).
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the support member (6) produced as one-piece molded plastic.
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the retainer (7) being shaped like a channel that surrounds the vertical wire (105) placed therein from the sides.,
The dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by at least two ports (8), facing opposite directions and arranged on the inlets of two retainers (7) at different heights, aligned in the vertical direction and allowing the vertical wire (105) to be inserted into the retainer (7).
The dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the support member (6) having at least one "L" shaped extension (9), bearing on the horizontal wire (5) both in the supporting position (T) and the closed position (K) and restraining movement in the vertical direction.
The dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the support member (6) having at least one locking element (11, 12), providing it to be secured to the side wall (3).
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by at least one first locking element (11) surrounding the horizontal wire (5) and providing the support member (6) to be locked to the side wall (3) in the closed position (K).
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 6 or 7, characterized by at least one second locking element (12) surrounding the horizontal wire (5) and supporting the support member (6) in carrying the items rigidly in the supporting position (T).
The dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the support member (6) comprising at least one carrier (13) disposed thereon, extending into the washing chamber (2) when in the supporting position (T).
The dishwasher (1) as in claim 9, characterized by the carrier (13) having at least one cavity (14) against which the items bear.
The dishwasher (1) as in claim 9, characterized by the carrier (13) having at least one protrusion (15) against which the items bear.
The dishwasher (1) as in any one of the Claims 9 to 11, characterized by the support member (6) having at least one holder arm (16) extending into the rack (4) and perpendicularly to the horizontal wire (5) while in the supporting position (T), providing the items resting thereon to be supported, with the second locking element (12) and the extension (9) disposed on one end, the carrier (13) on the other end and the first locking element (11) disposed between the second locking element (12) and the extension (9), and the carrier (13).
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 12, characterized by the support member (6) having at least one rotation arm (17) whereat the extension (9) and the retainer (7) are disposed, that remains vertical to the holder arm (16) and is parallel to the side wall (3) both in the closed position (K) and the supporting position (T)
The dishwasher (1) as in Claim 13, characterized by at least one resting arm (10) that extends angularly between the rotation arm (17) and the holder arm (16), that provides support against the force exerted by the items placed on the carrier (13) when in the supporting position (T).