EP3020319A1 - Household dish-washing machine - Google Patents
Household dish-washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3020319A1 EP3020319A1 EP15193136.7A EP15193136A EP3020319A1 EP 3020319 A1 EP3020319 A1 EP 3020319A1 EP 15193136 A EP15193136 A EP 15193136A EP 3020319 A1 EP3020319 A1 EP 3020319A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tub
- suction
- casing
- outlet
- fan
- 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.)
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- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
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- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 6
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Images
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
- A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
- A47L15/488—Connections of the tub with the ambient air, e.g. air intake or venting arrangements
-
- 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
- A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
- A47L15/486—Blower arrangements
Abstract
- an outlet connector (15) that connects the delivery section (42b) of the casing (42) of the fan (41) to an inlet portion of the discharge duct (8);
- a first suction inlet (22), connected to an outlet opening of the tub; and
- a second suction inlet (47a), which opens towards the space that surrounds the tub.
Description
- The present invention relates to a dish-washing machine having an open-circuit drying system, according to the preamble of
Claim 1. - Drying systems that equip present-day dish-washers are substantially of a closed-circuit or open-circuit type, it being possible for the latter to be further divided into natural-air-circulation systems and forced-air-circulation systems.
- In dish-washers with closed-circuit drying systems, a fan draws moist air into the tub and then sends it back into the tub following upon dehumidification thereof. For this purpose, provided between the outlet for the moist air of the tub and the suction mouth of the fan is a condenser device or the like, whilst between the delivery section of the fan and the inlet for the air into the tub a heating element may be operative, to render the drying process more efficient (see, for example,
FR 2491322 A - In open-circuit dish-washers with natural ventilation, instead, a flow of air is induced in a non-forced way between an inlet and an outlet of the tub, i.e., without the aid of a fan, with the air coming from outside that replaces the moist air present in the tub (see, for example,
EP 752232 A EP 556773 A WO 2009/008828 A ). - The outlet for the moist air extracted from the tub may be defined at the front of the machine, for example, in the case of built-in machines or in the case of free-standing machines the back of which is to be set up against a wall of the domestic environment. In these solutions, the system for extraction of the moist air from the tub, which usually includes a radial fan with centrifugal impeller, is located in the door of the machine (see, for example,
EP 0721762 A or the aforementionedWO 2009/008828 ). These solutions generally complicate production of the machine. - From
US 2008/0202557 A an extraction system is also known, including a main duct for discharge of the moist air, which extends over the upper wall of the tub, with a respective outlet portion above an upper edge of the front door of the machine. In this case, the moist air is drawn in by way of a first radial fan, the suction branch of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding outlet passage provided in the upper part of the washtub, in a position close to the rear wall of the latter. The extraction system moreover comprises a second fan, set alongside the first fan. The second fan is operative for drawing in air from the environment overlying the washtub and for sending it into the duct for discharge of the moist air, downstream of the first fan, via a corresponding auxiliary duct, basically in order to reduce the humidity of the air extracted from the tub. Also this solution proves relatively complicated, cumbersome, and costly. - In view of what has been set forth above, the main aim of the present invention is basically to provide a dish-washer equipped with a system for drying dishes with an open circuit for the air that is simple to produce, inexpensive, and compact. This object is achieved, according to the present invention, by a dish-washing machine having the characteristics referred to in
Claim 1. Preferred characteristics of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention. - In brief, a dish-washing machine has a load-bearing structure and a washtub, there being articulated to the load-bearing structure a front door of the tub. The machine moreover has a system for extraction of moist air from the tub, which comprises a fan or suction assembly and a discharge duct. The suction assembly comprises a radial fan having a fan casing, housed in which is a centrifugal impeller, the fan casing defining a suction mouth and a delivery section, wherein the suction mouth is in fluid communication with an outlet opening formed in one of the upper wall and a stationary side wall of the tub. The discharge duct has an inlet portion, in fluid communication with the delivery section of the fan casing, and an outlet portion at the front of the machine.
- The machine is characterized in that:
- the suction assembly comprises a box-shaped casing, located within which is the fan casing, which is mounted on the outside of the tub on the aforesaid upper or side wall and has:
- an outlet connection that connects the delivery section of the fan casing to the inlet portion of the discharge duct;
- a first suction inlet, connected to the outlet opening of the tub; and
- a second suction inlet, which opens towards the space that surrounds the tub.
- Thanks to these characteristics, the machine according to the invention may be equipped with a compact fan or suction assembly, which enables both suction of air charged with steam from the tub and suction of dry air from the environment external to the tub to be obtained, in particular in order to reduce the relative humidity of the air extracted from the tub prior to its expulsion via the discharge duct.
- In a preferred embodiment, the fan casing is set in the box-shaped casing with its suction mouth set at a distance from the first and second suction inlets and staggered with respect thereto in such a way that the fan is designed to draw into the suction mouth of the corresponding casing substantially moist air from the first suction inlet and substantially dry air from the second suction inlet. In this way, the fan casing may be provided with a single suction opening, and is hence of simple conception and inexpensive.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first suction inlet is formed in a bottom wall of the box-shaped casing, facing which is the suction mouth of the fan casing. In this way, the suction mouth of the fan generally faces the first suction inlet so that, notwithstanding the fact that the mouth and the inlet are at a certain distance from one another and staggered with respect to one another, an adequate draught effect is enabled by the fan, in regard to the air to be extracted from the tub. Advantageously, in an embodiment of this sort, the fan casing may be associated to an upper wall of the box-shaped casing of the suction assembly.
- Preferentially, the outlet connection and/or the second suction inlet of the box-shaped casing is/are formed in a peripheral wall of the box-shaped casing. This positioning of the outlet connection and/or of the second suction inlet enables containment of the dimensions of height of the box-shaped casing of the suction assembly, which can hence be housed also in extremely small spaces - such as those existing between the upper wall of the tub and a corresponding top of the dish-washer or of a kitchen (in the case of built-in the machines) or between the side wall of the tub and a side wall of the cabinet of the dish-washer (when provided), thus guaranteeing in any case the necessary suction of air from the environment external to the washtub. On the other hand, not excluded from the scope of the invention is the case where the outlet connection and/or the second suction inlet are/is defined in an upper wall of the box-shaped casing.
- In a preferred embodiment, the suction assembly comprises a first valve arrangement that can be controlled for opening and closing the first suction inlet when the fan is active or inactive, respectively, the first valve arrangement including a first electric actuator within the box-shaped casing.
- The presence of the first valve arrangement prevents the undesired entry of moist air and/or steam into the box-shaped casing and passage thereof into the discharge duct, in the course of the steps of a treatment program different from the drying step, i.e., steps in which the fan is not active, as well as proving useful for reducing dispersion of heat and noise. The fact that the actuator is housed in the casing enables increase of the compactness of the device and facilitates assembly of the extraction system. Advantageously, also the mechanical transmission members operatively set between the actuator and the open/close element may be housed in the box-shaped casing.
- In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the suction assembly comprises a second valve arrangement, which can be controlled for opening and closing the second suction inlet, the second valve arrangement including a second electric actuator within the box-shaped casing.
- The presence of the second valve arrangement makes it possible - according to the need - to enable or disable mixing of the moist air extracted from the tub with dry air taken in from outside the tub. Also in this case, housing of the second actuator within the box-shaped casing is to the advantage of compactness of the system and its simplicity of installation in the machine.
- Preferentially, the machine further comprises control means, for controlling the first actuator independently of the second actuator. In this way, opening and closing of the first suction inlet may occur at distinct times with respect to opening and closing of the first suction inlet in order to enable different drying strategies. Very preferably, the aforesaid control means - possibly provided also for control of the fan - may be at least in part integrated in an electric/electronic board, which is also housed in the box-shaped casing of the suction assembly.
- In a preferred embodiment, the fan casing is configured as a component distinct from the box-shaped casing. In this way, for implementation of the suction assembly, commercially available fans may be used. On the other hand, not excluded from the scope of the invention is the case where the casing of the fan is totally or in part defined by the box-shaped casing.
- In one embodiment, the first valve arrangement comprises an open/close member, which is mounted substantially coaxial with respect to the first suction inlet and is able to assume a raised closing position and a lowered opening position with respect to a corresponding seat belonging to the first suction inlet. This configuration proves advantageous in so far as it contributes to guaranteeing a compact configuration of the suction assembly.
- In one embodiment, the second valve arrangement comprises a sliding open/close element with a plate-like body having a plurality of first through openings, the sliding open/close element being set up against a wall of the box-shaped casing having a plurality of second through openings that form the second suction inlet, the sliding open/close element being displaceable between a closing position, in which the first through openings are staggered with respect to the second through openings, and an opening position, in which the first through openings are aligned to the second through openings. Also this configuration proves advantageous in order to guarantee a compact configuration of the suction assembly.
- In a preferred embodiment,
- the discharge duct has a portion intermediate to the inlet and outlet portions, the height of which decreases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards the outlet portion, and the width of which increases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards the outlet portion;
- at least the outlet portion and the intermediate portion of the discharge duct extend over an upper wall of the tub, with the outlet portion above an upper edge of the door; and
- the outlet opening is formed in one of the upper wall and a stationary side wall of the tub, with the box-shaped casing that is mounted on the aforesaid wall with the respective first suction inlet set in a position corresponding to the outlet opening and substantially coaxial thereto.
- Thanks to the above characteristics, also the discharge duct may have a very compact configuration, with extremely small dimensions in height, which make possible positioning of its more extensive parts in the space available above the washtub, albeit enabling expulsion of the moist air from the front of the machine.
- The outlet opening may therefore be formed in the upper wall of the tub, with the inlet portion of the discharge duct that also extends over the aforesaid upper wall, or else the outlet opening may be formed in a stationary side wall of the tub, in which case the inlet portion of the discharge duct also extends at least in part on the outside of said side wall, towards the upper wall of the tub.
- In one embodiment, the outlet portion of the discharge duct comprises an outlet divided into a plurality of sub-outlets by means of a plurality of intermediate walls or formations. In this way, the flow at outlet from the duct can be divided into a plurality of sub-flows, with the aforesaid walls or formations that contribute to bestowing the necessary structural strength on the thinnest portion of the discharge duct, i.e., its outlet portion.
- In one embodiment, at least one of an upper wall and a lower wall of the intermediate portion of the discharge duct is generally plane and set horizontally, whereas the other of the upper wall and the lower wall of the intermediate portion is generally inclined starting from the inlet portion of the discharge duct towards its outlet portion. This generally tapered conformation of the prevalent part of the discharge duct guarantees an expulsion that is efficient from the fluid-dynamic standpoint.
- In one embodiment, the load-bearing structure of the machine includes an upper structural cross member, with the outlet portion of the discharge duct that extends at least partially over the structural cross member and is provided with means for fixing thereto. In this way, the discharge duct may be effectively constrained also to its end region opposite to that of connection to the suction assembly, the casing of which is in turn fixed to the tub.
- The aforesaid fixing means preferably comprise one or more elements, which are formed integrally with the discharge duct and/or are elastically deformable, to the advantage of simplicity of construction and of recovery of any possible tolerances of assembly.
- Further objects, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing detailed description of an embodiment provided purely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed plates of drawings, wherein:
-
Figure 1 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a dish-washing machine according to a possible embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 2 is a partial and schematic perspective view of the machine ofFigure 1 , with some further elements and an extraction system represented in partial exploded view; -
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an extraction system according to an embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 4 is an exploded schematic view of a duct of an extraction system according to an embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a suction assembly of an extraction system according to an embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first part of a casing of the assembly ofFigure 5 , with some components that are to be mounted thereon; -
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second part of a casing of the assembly ofFigure 5 , with some components that are to be mounted thereon; -
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first casing part ofFigure 6 , with the corresponding components mounted; -
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second casing part ofFigure 7 , with the corresponding components mounted; -
Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of a suction assembly of an extraction system according to an embodiment of the invention, with a casing part removed; -
Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of a suction assembly of an extraction system according to an embodiment of the invention; and -
Figure 13 is a view similar to that ofFigure 2 , regarding a further embodiment of the invention. - Reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of the present description is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" and the like that may be present in various parts of the present description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used in what follows are merely for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
- It is moreover pointed out that in the sequel of the present description only the elements useful for an understanding of the invention will be described, taking for granted, for example, that the machine according to the invention comprises all the elements in themselves known for operation of a dish-washing machine, including a possible external cabinet thereof, a user interface, a control system, pumps, level sensors, heating elements, a sprinkler system for spraying the dishes, etc.
- In
Figures 1 and2 , represented in a partial and schematic way is a dish-washing machine 1 having a system for drying dishes according to one embodiment of the invention. Themachine 1 is illustrated limitedly to the parts of immediate interest for an understanding of the present invention. - The
machine 1 has a load-bearing structure, which comprises abase 2 that supports awashtub 3. Thebase 2, made, for example, of injection-moulded plastic material, defines a housing space within which various functional components of themachine 1 are positioned, amongst which, for example, a washing pump, a discharge pump, a pressure switch, a sump for collecting the washing liquid, etc. (which are not visible). Thewashtub 3 is of a conception as a whole known and hence comprises a lower wall, an upper wall, and four side walls. Represented inFigure 1 are only theupper wall 3a and the three stationary side walls of thetub 3, i.e., therear wall 3b and the right-hand and left-hand walls, designated by 3c; the fourth side wall of thetub 3, i.e., its front wall, is constituted by an inner shell of the door of the machine, designated by 4 inFigure 2 , which is articulated to the load-bearing structure of the machine, for example, to itsbase 2. In the example, the load-bearing structure also includes metal upright elements and cross members, amongst which anupper cross member 5, which extends substantially parallel over the upper edge of thedoor 4, when closed, in a position set-in with respect thereto. Designated by 6 inFigure 2 are two side walls of a body of themachine 1, fixed in an upper area thereof to thecross member 5. Thewalls 6 may be fixed in their lower part to thebase 2. Theside walls 6 may be omitted in the case of built-in machines. - In one embodiment, one of the
side walls 3c of the tub 3 (for example, the left-hand wall 3c) is provided with an opening A (Figure 2 ), where - on the outside of the tub - a known multipurpose device is mounted, which may integrate the so-called "air-break", through which the water coming from the water mains is drawn into the tub, according to modalities in themselves known. This device, which is also of a construction in itself known and is not shown, is prearranged for setting the inside of thetub 3 in air communication with the external environment, substantially for anti-syphoning functions, in order to prevent any undesirable return to the water mains of water already charged into themachine 1, and for venting functions, in order to prevent, in the course of operation of themachine 1, over-pressures from possibly arising within thetub 3, as well as for enabling air change within thetub 3, in the course of a step of forced extraction of moist air from the tub itself, as described hereinafter. - Alternatively, air change in the tub in the course of drying may be guaranteed via a tubular chimney, which extends through a corresponding passage provided in the lower wall of the
tub 3, preferably in a corner area thereof, with interposition of sealing means and fixing means. Such a chimney, which is also of a type in itself known and hence not represented, has an upper end and a lower end, which open on opposite sides of the lower wall of the tub, with the upper end that is located at a height greater than the maximum level that can be reached by the water in the course of washing or rinsing operations performed by themachine 1. Associated to the upper end of the chimney is a cap or lid, which defines a substantially shielded or labyrinthine path, whilst the lower end of the chimney opens in the space circumscribed by thebase 2 of the machine, for setting thetub 3 in air communication with the outside. Furthermore, the air change in the tub is guaranteed also by leakage that occurs, for example, at the interface between the stationary part of thetub 3 and the part constituted by the inner shell of thedoor 4. - With reference also to
Figures 3-5 , the drying arrangement of themachine 1 includes a system for extraction of moist air or steam from thetub 3, which comprises a fan orsuction assembly 7 and adischarge duct 8. Theassembly 7 has a respective box-shaped casing in which a centrifugal fan is housed, described hereinafter. As may be seen in particular inFigures 4-5 , thedischarge duct 8 comprises a hollow body having a generally flattened shape, which has aninlet portion 10 and anoutlet portion 11 between which anintermediate portion 12 extends having a height that decreases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards theoutlet portion 11, and a width that increases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards theoutlet portion 11. - In the
portions duct 8, and in particular its hollow body, defines an inlet and an outlet, respectively. Preferentially, this outlet extends substantially over the entire front of theportion 11. As will be seen hereinafter, in a preferred embodiment, the aforesaid outlet - designated as a whole by 14 inFigure 3 - is divided into a plurality of sub-outlets. These sub-outlets may be defined by intermediate walls or formations, some of which are designated by 14a inFigure 4 , provided in theportion 11 or a part thereof, in particular the terminal part. Thesewalls 14a also perform a structural function, rendering theduct 8 less vulnerable to deformation, which over time might cause an undesired variation of its geometry. - The generally flattened hollow body of the
duct 8 may be made of a single piece of plastic material, for example, via blow moulding. However, in preferred embodiments, the body of theduct 8 is made of a number of parts joined longitudinally together. In the case illustrated inFigure 4 , for example, the body of theduct 8 comprises a lower half-shell 8a and an upper half-shell 8b made of plastic material joined together, for example, by hot-blade or vibration welding or else via mechanical connection means such as hooks that couple with eyelets obtained on the opposite half-shell. In such an embodiment, one of the two half-shells, for example, the lower half-shell 8a, may define integrally also theinlet portion 10, obtained by a substantiallytubular formation 10a, here having a quadrangular cross section. Once again with reference to the case of a body of theduct 8 made of two half-shells, one of them - for example, the lower half-shell 8a - may define integrally the intermediate walls orformations 14a. - In a preferred embodiment, associated to the body of the
duct 8 are means for fixing thereof to the structure of themachine 1. In the example illustrated - see, for example,Figure 4 - these means comprise twoelements 13, which project laterally from the body of theduct 8, in the proximity of, or at, anoutlet portion 11 thereof, and are provided for anchorage to thecross member 5 of the structure of themachine 1, for example, via screws or hooking clips, or again define appendages that can be engaged in corresponding openings provided in thecross member 5. Preferably, theelements 13 are obtained in a single piece with a half-shell of the body of theduct 8, in particular the lower half-shell 8a. - In a preferred embodiment, also the box-shaped casing of the
suction assembly 7 has a generally flattened shape and is formed in at least two parts, such as alower part 7a and anupper part 7b, as may be seen, for example, inFigure 5 . Preferentially, thelower part 7a is generally hollow, i.e., has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, whilst thepart 7b forms a lid. Also the twoparts - In the example illustrated, the
casing part 7a defines integrally anoutlet connector 15, which is to form a connection between theinlet portion 10 of theduct 8 and the delivery section of the fan previously mentioned, described hereinafter. - In the example, the
outlet connector 15 is defined in the form of a tubular portion of thecasing part 7a, on which theportion 10 of the body of theduct 8 is designed to be fitted. - In one embodiment, the
portion 10 and theoutlet 15 have means for mutual coupling, such as, for example, snap-action couplings, In the example illustrated, theoutlet 15 is provided with external teeth, possibly elastically deformable ones, represented only inFigure 5 , where they are designated by 16a. On the other side, theportion 10 is provided with corresponding engagement seats, designated by 16b only inFigure 4 . -
Figure 6 illustrates a possible embodiment of thecasing part 7a, which comprises abottom wall 20 and aperipheral wall 21. Thebottom wall 20 has a throughopening 22 associated to atubular connector 23, which is clearly visible inFigures 11 and 12 , in order to form a main suction inlet of the casing of theassembly 7. The diameter of theconnector 23 is preferentially larger than the diameter of theopening 22. - In one embodiment, the extraction system 7-8 comprises a first valve arrangement, which includes an open/close member operated by a corresponding actuator, for enabling or preventing passage of moist air into the
duct 8 when thesuction assembly 7 is active or inactive, respectively. As already mentioned, such a valve arrangement proves useful for preventing any dispersion of heat and/or moist air during hot steps of the treatment cycle (pre-washing, washing, rinsing) that precede the drying step in order to improve the energy efficiency of the machine and prevent any condensation of moist air that might flow naturally into theduct 8. This measure proves also useful for the purposes of long-term protection of the fan used. - For this purpose, in the embodiment exemplified, a first open/
close member 24 is designed to be mounted at theopening 22, in particular within theconnector 23, so that an upper surface thereof can operate substantially in a fluid-tight way with respect to the edge of theopening 22, which functions substantially as valve seat. Preferentially, the open/close member 24 is displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to thebottom wall 20 in which theopening 22 is defined, and elastic means are preferably associated thereto, which are operative for urging the member itself into a generally raised position, i.e., such that the open/close element 24 occludes theinlet opening 22. - In one embodiment, associated to the wall 20 - and preferably formed integrally with the wall 20 - is a
support 25 for afirst transmission member 26. In the example, themember 26 is in the form of a fork lever, having an end provided with anopening 26a for engagement of a side pin (24b,Figure 10 ) associated to astem 24a of the open/close member 24, here substantially of the disc or mushroom type. The opposite end of themember 26 defines two fork arms, each of which having apin 26b for engagement in arespective seat 25a of thesupport 25. In one embodiment, associated to thesupport 25 and/or to thetransmission member 26 are the aforementioned elastic means that urge themember 24 towards the corresponding closing position. In the example, the aforesaid elastic means comprise a spring designated by 27. - The
peripheral wall 21 of thecasing part 7a has an interruption orside passage 28, where aslide guide 29 is defined - substantially in a position corresponding to the bottom wall 20 - for a second open/close member, described hereinafter. As will emerge from what follows, thepassage 28 is part of a second inlet of thecasing 7a-7b of the fan orsuction assembly 7. In the example, the guide comprises an axially extensive relief of thewall 20. - In a preferred embodiment, defined within the
casing part 7a is a sort ofsubchamber 30, where theoutlet connector 15, theopening 22, and thepassage 28 are located. Preferentially, for this purpose, thecasing part 7a has anintermediate wall 31, which rises from the bottom 20 and connects together two different points of theperipheral wall 21, where in the stretch of thewall 21 comprised between these two points theoutlet connector 15 and theside passage 28 are located and where, in the region of thebottom wall 20 delimited by the aforesaid stretch of theperipheral wall 21 and by theintermediate wall 31, theopening 22 is located. In the example, thewall 31 moreover has aninterruption 31a in a position corresponding to thesupport 25. - Once again in
Figure 6 , designated by 32 is a fluid-tight gasket, designed to co-operate with a wall projecting from thecasing part 7b, as described hereinafter. Preferentially, thisgasket 32 is mounted on thebottom wall 20 within thesubchamber 30 so as to follow the peripheral profile of the latter. - In the example illustrated, the
bottom wall 20 has afurther opening 20a, for an electrical-connection wiring (not represented). Alternatively, the opening designed for passage of the wiring may be obtained in theperipheral wall 21. -
Figure 7 illustrates a possible embodiment of thecasing part 7b, comprising a preferably planemain wall 33 having a peripheral relief 34, with a profile largely extent corresponding to that of theperipheral wall 21 of thecasing part 7a in order to enable precise coupling therewith. - From the
main wall 33 there rises awall 35, having a development substantially corresponding to the perimeter of thesubchamber 30, but of slightly smaller dimensions. In this way, during assembly, thewall 35 can fit into thesubchamber 30, with its bottom edge that bears upon thegasket 32. - The
wall 35 has afirst passage 36, which - in the condition where theparts outlet connector 15 of thecasing part 7a. Thewall 35 then has, in an external stretch thereof, a second passage that forms a secondary suction inlet of theassembly 7. In the aforesaid assembled condition, this second passage is in a position corresponding to thepassage 28 of theperipheral wall 21 of thecasing part 7a. In a preferred embodiment, the second passage of thewall 35 is made of a plurality of throughopenings 37, here in the form of generally vertical slits. Consequently, in the assembled condition, theslits 37 come to face thepassage 28 of thewall 21. Alternatively, the windowing obtained by theslits 37 may be provided on thepart 7a in the portion occupied by thepassage 28. - In an internal stretch of the
wall 35, a further throughopening 38 is defined, where adisplacement seat 39 is obtained for a correspondingsecond transmission member 40. In one embodiment, themember 40 is able to slide through thecylindrical opening 38 and in theseat 39 and is substantially wedge-shaped, or in any case defines a topinclined surface 40a that is designed to co-operate with thefirst actuation member 26 associated to thecasing part 7a, in order to bring about angular movement thereof about an axis of rotation defined by the corresponding pins 26 (seeFigure 6 ). - Mounted within the area circumscribed by the
wall 35 is the aforementionedradial fan 41. Thefan 41 has afan casing 42 with a preferablycircular suction mouth 42a and adelivery section 42b. In the assembled condition, thedelivery section 42b is in a position corresponding to thepassage 36 and, hence, to theoutlet connector 15 of thecasing part 7a. Housed in thefan casing 42 is acentrifugal impeller 43, operated via anelectric motor 43a. Thefan casing 42 is preferably fixed to thecasing part 7b, with modalities in themselves known (for example, via screws or mechanical attachments). Equivalently, installation of thefan casing 42 on the box-shaped casing of theassembly 7 may be obtained on thepart 7a by means of similar fixing means. - Designated as a whole by 44 is a first electric actuator. In a preferred embodiment, the
actuator 44 is a linear actuator, very preferably a thermoelectric actuator. Actuators of this sort are well-known and do not require a detailed description (see, for example,EP0940577 A ). Here, let it suffice to recall that a thermoelectric actuator includes a cylinder containing a material which is able to increase in volume when heated (typically a wax) and in which a piston is at least partially immersed. The actuator comprises a casing in which an electric heater is present, typically a PTC resistor, and inside which also the first end of a drive shaft is located, which is to be moved by the piston, countering the action of an elastic element, typically a spring. When the heater is supplied, it heats the body of the piston, causing an increase in volume of the aforesaid material and hence an advance of the piston towards the outside of the cylinder, with consequent advance of the shaft against the action of the corresponding elastic element. When electric power supply ceases, the material progressively cools and reduces in volume, enabling re-entry of the piston into the cylinder, as a result of the action of the elastic element that acts on the drive shaft. It will be appreciated that operation of this type of actuators is subject to operating inertia, due to the times necessary for heating and cooling the material the volume of which varies. - The
actuator 44 is mounted on thecasing part 7b with its shaft (visible in 44a) coupled to thetransmission member 40 in such a way as to cause a linear reciprocating movement. For this purpose, preferentially, rising from thewall 33 of thebody 7b are formations for positioning theactuator 44, designated by 45 inFigure 7 . Equivalently, theactuator 44 may be mounted on the box-shaped casing of theassembly 7 on thepart 7a, and in this case thepositioning formations 45 and thedisplacement seat 39 are provided on thepart 7a. - As already mentioned, the
casing 7a-7b of thesuction assembly 7 is provided with a secondary suction inlet, here obtained via theslits 37. This inlet can be used for enabling pre-mixing of the moist air extracted from thetub 3 with air present outside the tub 3 (here above the tub), when thefan 41 is operating. This measure may prove useful, for example, for reducing the relative humidity of the air extracted from the tub in order to prevent risks of condensation within theduct 8 and, in particular, at theoutlet portion 11, where drops of condensate that may possibly have formed would more easily wet in an undesirable way parts of themachine 1 accessible to the user, especially thecontrol panel 4a (Figure 2 ) located in the upper portion of thedoor 4 or else in the stationary part of themachine 1 above thedoor 4. - Preferentially, associated to the aforesaid secondary suction inlet is a corresponding second valve arrangement.
- With reference, for example, to the embodiment illustrated, designated by 46 is a second electric actuator, which is also preferably a linear actuator, very preferably a thermoelectric actuator of the same type as the
actuator 44. Theactuator 46 is designed to move a second open/close member, designated as a whole by 47, operative at the secondary suction inlet constituted by theslits 37. In the example, the open/close element 47 basically comprises a body in the form of a generally elongated plate, having a plurality of throughopenings 47a, preferably in the form of slits similar to theslits 37 of thewall 35. The body of the open/close element 47 may advantageously be shaped at an end thereof to define a seat for coupling with a corresponding end of the shaft of theactuator 46. - Consequently, preferentially, the open/
close element 47 is a sliding open/close element, which is to be mounted directly adjacent to the portion ofwall 35 having theslits 37. For this purpose, as will be seen, the slidingseat 29 provided on thecasing part 7a is exploited. There are then provided means (not illustrated) in thecasing part 7b for positioning theactuator 47, which may for example include formations similar to those designated by 45. Alternatively, the arrangement of the slidingseat 29 and of the means for positioning theactuator 47 may be reversed, so that the former is provided on thecasing part 7b, whereas the latter are provided on thecasing part 7a. - Finally, designated as a whole by 48 in
Figure 7 is a control board, comprising a PCB support, mounted on which are the electrical and/or electronic components that supervise operation of thefan 41 and of theactuators electrical connector 49 for connection of a supply and control wiring (not represented). In the assembled condition, the part of theconnector 49 to which the aforesaid wiring is connected is located substantially at theopening 20a of thecasing part 7a. Also theactuators board 48 via corresponding electrical leads (not represented). - It is to be noted that the presence of a control board within the
casing 7a-7b of thesuction assembly 7 must be understood as optional characteristic, it being possible for the functions of theboard 48 to be transferred totally or in part to a main control board of themachine 1 or to other sub-systems of its control circuit, in a remote position with respect to theassembly 7. - Visible in
Figures 8 and 9 are, respectively, thecasing parts parts 7a-7b. - From
Figure 8 it may be noted how thewall 21 defines an interruption or slit 31b, substantially aligned axially to thepassage 28 and to thecorresponding slide guide 29. Partially displaceable through this slit is the open/close element 47 associated to thecasing part 7b. - From
Figure 9 , it may be noted how thecasing 42 of thefan 41 is positioned within the region circumscribed by thewall 35 and how the open/close element 47 is adjacent to the stretch of thewall 35 provided with theslits 37 ofFigure 7 . It may also be noted how theoutlet mouth 42b of thefan 41 is located in a position corresponding to thepassage 36 ofFigure 7 . - For the purposes of assembly, after the various components have been mounted on the
casing parts Figures 8 and 9 , thecasing part 7b is set on top of thepart 7a so that its region circumscribed by thewall 35 fits into thesubchamber 30 defined by theintermediate wall 31 and by part of theperipheral wall 21 of thecasing part 7a. Following upon this positioning, the lower edge of thewall 35 and a corresponding part of thecasing 42 of thefan 41 bear upon thegasket 32 carried by thecasing part 7a. Following upon this assembly, the lower edge of the sliding open/close element 47 couples to theguide 29, adjacent to thewall 35, with part of the open/close element itself that traverses theinterruption 31b (Figure 8 ) of the wall. Thesuction mouth 42a of thefan casing 42 faces thebottom wall 20 of thecasing part 7a, at a certain distance therefrom. The assembled condition may partially be seen in the schematic representation ofFigure 10 , where thecasing part 7b is not represented, and the open/close element 47 is instead represented in cross-sectional view. - From this figure it may be noted how, according to one aspect of the invention, the
fan 41 is positioned within thecasing 7a-7b so that itssuction mouth 42a is in a position at least partially staggered with respect to theopening 22 of thecasing 7a-7b, i.e., not coaxial thereto. It will likewise be appreciated that thesuction mouth 42a of the fan is also set at a distance from, and staggered with respect to, the secondary suction inlet of the casing. - In this way, as may be appreciated, the fan is able to draw off, in the appropriate proportions, both moist air from the main suction inlet and dry air from the secondary suction inlet. An optimal suction from both of the suction inlets is guaranteed, among other things, also by an appropriate spacing between the
suction mouth 42a and the bottom 20 of thepart 7a, this spacing generating in effect an accumulation of air adequately mixed immediately upstream of thefan 41. - In one embodiment, the
casing 7a-7b of the fan orsuction assembly 7 is mounted on thetub 3, with the inlet 22 (i.e., the corresponding connector 23) in fluid communication with an outlet opening of thetub 3. In the embodiment referred toFigures 1 and2 , theassembly 7 is mounted on theupper wall 3a of thetub 3, which is purposely provided with the aforesaid outlet opening, designated by OUT inFigure 2 . The outlet opening OUT preferentially consists of a substantially circular hole, fitted in which is theconnector 23 of thecasing 7a-7b of theassembly 7. Preferentially, theconnector 23 is cylindrical and externally threaded (see, for example,Figures 11 and 12 ). In this way, after theconnector 23 has been fitted into the opening OUT, on its part projecting towards the inside of thetub 3 a suitable ring nut can be screwed, with possible interposition of a gasket, to fix thecasing 7a-7b to thewall 3a of the tub. - The inlet portion of the
discharge duct 8 is connected to theoutlet connector 15 of thecasing 7a-7b of thesuction assembly 7, whereas theoutlet portion 11 of theduct 8 is located at the front of themachine 1, with itsoutlet 14 above the upper edge of thedoor 4, in particular above thecontrol panel 4a. - The arrangement is such that, during operation of the
fan 41, the moist air is drawn in from the outlet opening OUT of theupper wall 3a of thetub 3 through the suction inlet 22-23 of theassembly 7 and then reaches thesuction mouth 42a of thefan 41 and is forced by theimpeller 43 in a radial direction in order to pass into thedischarge duct 8, through thedelivery section 42b and theoutlet connector 15 of theassembly 7. The moist air then passes into theduct 8, to be then expelled from itsoutlet portion 11, at the front of themachine 1. - In a preferred embodiment, such as the one represented in
Figures 1-2 , at least theoutlet portion 11 and theintermediate portion 12 of the discharge duct 8 (or a prevalent part of the intermediate portion) extend over theupper wall 3a of thetub 3, with theoutlet portion 11 above the upper edge of thedoor 4. In the embodiment ofFigures 1-2 also the inlet portion of theduct 8 thus extends over theupper wall 3a of thetub 3. - The particular shape of the
intermediate portion 12 of theduct 8, tapered in height from theinlet portion 10 to theoutlet portion 11 and tapered in width from theoutlet portion 11 to theinlet portion 10, is very compact. Indicatively, theinlet portion 10 of theduct 8 may have a height comprised between 15 and 30 mm, preferably approximately 20 mm, whereas theoutlet portion 11 may have a height of less than 10 mm, for example, between 1 and 5 mm. The width of theduct 8 may be comprised between 35-50 mm at theinlet portion 10, and 180-400 mm at theoutlet portion 11. Sizings of this sort enable installation of the extraction system described on machines of standard dimensions, even when they are provided with a corresponding cabinet equipped with an upper panel or "top". The outlet of theduct 8, which is comparatively much wider and much lower than its inlet, enables in any case the values of flow rate of thefan 41 to be achieved, without causing any significant loss of head, and guarantees that the rate of the flow of air that leaves theduct 8 is sufficiently high to prevent condensation of the steam in the vicinity of theoutlet 14. In this perspective, theduct 8 does not necessarily have to be provided with a discharge for the condensate. The shape suggested for theduct 8 also enables formation, at theoutlet 14, of a sort of air "blade" that is very thin and wide, with the result that the fact that moist air is coming out is hardly noticeable. - The arrangement indicated for the
assembly 7 in any case makes it possible to obtain a practically direct draught of the moist air expelled from thetub 3. This draught, in addition to enabling an improved extraction of the moist air, ensures a constancy of volume of the air drawn out of the tub, even with an outlet opening OUT of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the openings usually provided in solutions in which a suction channel extends between the suction mouth of the fan and the outlet opening for the moist air from the tub, thereby enabling a greater flexibility in sizing in the design stage. The efficiency of extraction of the moist air consequently also improves the air change in the tub. - For the purposes of positioning, on the
upper wall 3a of thetub 3 it is preferable for at least part of one of the larger walls of theduct 8, in particular its lower wall, to be generally plane or only slightly inclined so as to favour evacuation of possible condensate towards theassembly 7, where possible draining means could be provided, whereas the other larger wall, in particular the upper wall, is generally inclined starting from theinlet portion 10 towards theoutlet portion 11; such a preferred embodiment may be seen, for example, inFigures 3 and 4 , where the body of theduct 8 is formed in two parts. - According to a preferred embodiment, the
outlet portion 11 of theduct 8 extends over thestructural cross member 5 and is fixed to this via the purposely providedelements 13. As has been mentioned, preferentially these fixing elements are formed integrally with the body of theduct 8, or with a part thereof, and have a certain longitudinal elasticity or flexibility, which enables compensation of possible assembly tolerances. - With the
actuators close element 24 and the open/close element 47 are in respective positions where they close the main suction inlet 22-23 and the secondary suction inlet represented by theslits 37. In this condition, in the course of the normal operations of washing and rinsing performed during a treatment cycle of themachine 1, inlet of water and/or steam into thecasing 7a-7b of the suction assembly is prevented. The extraction system 7-8 of themachine 1 is then rendered active in the terminal step of a treatment cycle, i.e., in the course of a drying step. - In one embodiment, the
motor 43a of thefan 41 and theactuator 44 are connected in parallel, i.e., supplied simultaneously. In such an embodiment, on account of the time necessary for theactuator 44 to cause passage of the open/close element 24 into the position of opening of the main suction inlet, it is preferable to govern opening of the secondary suction inlet in advance. This solution prevents thefan 41 from generating negative pressures within the casing of theassembly 7, which is still closed towards the outside, as well as any troublesome hissing sounds due to operation. - For this purpose, in one embodiment, the control system of the machine sends a command signal to the
board 48, which brings about power supply of theactuator 46, with consequent displacement linear of the open/close element 47. At the end of displacement of the open/close element, opening of the secondary suction inlet is obtained, i.e., alignment of theslits 47a of the open/close element 47 with theslits 37 of thewall 31.Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the condition of closing and the condition of opening of the open/close element 47, respectively. - Next, the
board 48 governs power supply of thefan 41 and of theactuator 44. For this purpose, thefan motor 43a and theactuator 44 can be connected in parallel. Operation of theactuator 44 causes an advance of thetransmission member 40, theinclined surface 40a of which causes angular movement of thetransmission member 26 in the sense of causing lowering of the open/close element 24, and hence opening of the main suction inlet 22-23. On account of the operating inertia of theactuator 44, thefan 41 is initially able to draw in only substantially dry air from the environment overlying thetub 3, via theslits duct 8. - In one embodiment, after a pre-defined time, necessary to obtain passage of the open/
close element 24 into the opening position, electric power supply to theactuator 46 is interrupted. In this way, re-closing of the secondary suction inlet is brought about, and in a first part of the drying process thefan 41 introduces into thedischarge duct 8 only air charged with humidity extracted from thetub 3. This moist air is expelled from theoutlet 14 of theduct 8 with a substantially blade-like flow. - In a second part of the drying process, the
actuator 46 can be once again supplied in order to re-open the secondary suction inlet. In this part of the process, then, the moist air extracted from the tub is mixed, inside thecasing 7a-7b of theassembly 7 and at inlet to thefan 41, with substantially dry air taken in from above the tub. As has been explained, this measure can be implemented for reducing the relative humidity of the air extracted from the tub in order to prevent risks of condensation, in particular on the front of the machine. This measure may be implemented also in order to slow down expulsion of steam and hot air at the front of the machine, as well as to reduce the temperature of the air expelled. - Of course, also various other logics are possible for driving the
actuators motor 43a of thefan 41; for example, themotor 43a and theactuator 44 may be governed separately so that the fan is operated only after the time necessary for theactuator 44 to bring about opening of the open/close element 24; likewise, theactuator 46 may be kept active for the entire duration of the drying process so as to bring about mixing between dry air and moist air right from the start of the process, or again theactuator 46 may be kept active only in a first part of the process, when the amount of steam extracted from the tub is greater, and then be deactivated in a second part of the process, when the residual amount of steam to be extracted is modest. - Illustrated schematically in
Figure 13 is a further embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the same reference numbers as those ofFigures 1-12 are used in order to designate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described above; moreover, the representation of theside wall 6 of the body of themachine 1 has been omitted, for reasons of greater clarity. - In the
machine 1 ofFigure 13 , thesuction assembly 7 is to be mounted on one of the stationary side walls of thetub 3, here the right-hand wall 3c, at the corresponding outlet opening OUT. Preferentially, the opening OUT is made in an upper area of the wall in question, on its upper half. Theduct 8 is preferably supported by theupper wall 3a of the tub and by theassembly 7. - Also in this embodiment, the
outlet portion 11 and theintermediate portion 12, or at least its prevalent part, of thedischarge duct 8 extend over theupper wall 3a of thetub 3, with theoutlet portion 11 above the upper edge of thedoor 4. Unlike the embodiment ofFigures 1-12 , instead, theinlet portion 10 of theduct 8 extends at least in part on the outside of thewall 3c, from the casing of theassembly 7 to theupper wall 3a. In the case exemplified, theinlet portion 10 and theintermediate portion 12 define between them a generally curved region of transition. Preferentially, theportions duct 8 may include a plurality of intermediate walls or formations (seeFigure 4 , references 14a) at least in theportion 11, for strengthening the outlet portion of the duct and/or defining a plurality of sub-outlets therein. - Operation of the
machine 1 ofFigure 13 is practically the same as what has previously been described with reference to the machine ofFigures 1-12 . - Preferentially, the
fan 41 used is a fan with reduced vertical encumbrance. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the fan has anelectric motor 43a that is set concentrically with respect to itsimpeller 43, i.e., with the impeller that surrounds the motor. For such a case, the motor is preferentially a motor protected from the hygroscopic standpoint. - From the foregoing description the characteristics and advantages of the present invention emerge clearly, which are mainly represented by the simple, inexpensive, and compact structure of the air-extractor system described.
- It is clear for the person skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made to the dish-washing machine described by way of example herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the ensuing claims.
- The
fan 41 may be driven at a constant speed for the entire drying step or, advantageously, at a variable speed so that the flow rate of evacuated air is higher in an initial part of said drying step and lower subsequently. For example, a control of the speed of the motor of the fan may be hypothesised such that its impeller turns faster in the first ten minutes of the drying step and more slowly thereafter. In this way, benefits are obtained from the energy standpoint in so far as the speed of the fan can be reduced in the second part of the drying step, where the amount of moist air to be extracted from the tub is lower. In the case, instead, where there exist significant risks of formation of condensate, it is preferable to drive thefan 41 so that in the initial part of the drying step it turns at a lower speed, after which, when the relative humidity of the air has been adequately reduced, the speed of thefan 41 is increased in order to ensure maximum expulsion of moist air. - The
duct 8 may be appropriately provided with a passage for discharge of any possible condensate set in a suitable position, for example, in its lowest point in the case of the embodiment ofFigures 1-12 or in the lowest point of theportion Figure 13 .
Claims (15)
- A dish-washing machine having a load-bearing structure (2) and a washtub (3), a front door (4) of the tub (3) being articulated to the load-bearing structure (2), the machine (1) moreover having a system (7-8) for extraction of moist air from the tub (3) that comprises a suction assembly (7) and a discharge duct (8),
wherein the suction assembly (7) comprises a fan (41), in particular a radial fan (41), having a fan casing (42) housed in which is a centrifugal impeller (43), the fan casing (42) defining a suction mouth (42a) and a delivery section (42b), the suction mouth (42a) being in fluid communication with an outlet opening (OUT) formed in one of the upper wall (3a) and a stationary side wall (3c) of the tub (3),
wherein the discharge duct (8) has an inlet portion (10) and an outlet portion (11), the inlet portion (10) being in fluid communication with the delivery section (42b) of the fan casing (42), and the outlet portion (44) being at the front of the machine (1),
characterized in that- the suction assembly (7) comprises a box-shaped casing (7a-7b) located within which is the fan casing (42), the box-shaped casing (7a-7b) being mounted on the outside of the tub (3) on said wall (3a; 3c) and having- an outlet connection (15) that connects the delivery section (42b) of the fan casing (42) to the inlet portion (11) of the discharge duct (8);- a first suction inlet (22, 23), connected to the outlet opening (OUT) of the tub (3); and- a second suction inlet (37), which opens towards the space that surrounds the tub (3). - The dish-washing machine according to Claim 1, wherein the fan casing (42) is arranged in the box-shaped casing (7a-7b) with its suction mouth (42a) in a position at a distance from the first and second suction inlets (22, 37) and in a position staggered with respect thereto, in such a way that the fan (41) is able to draw in through the suction mouth (42a) of the corresponding casing (42) substantially moist air from the first suction inlet (22, 23) and substantially dry air from the second suction inlet (37).
- The dish-washing machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first suction inlet (22, 23) is formed in a bottom wall (20) of the box-shaped casing (7a-7b), facing which is the suction mouth (42a) of the fan casing (42).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the outlet connection (15) and the second suction inlet (37) is formed in at least one of a peripheral wall (21, 35) and an upper wall (33) of the box-shaped casing (7a-7b).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction assembly (7) comprises a first valve arrangement (24-27, 44) controllable for opening and closing the first suction inlet (22, 23), the first valve arrangement including a first electric actuator (44) within the box-shaped casing (7a-7b), the first valve arrangement (24-27, 44) being in particular configured for opening and closing the first suction inlet (22, 23) upon activation and deactivation of the fan (41), respectively.
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction assembly (7) comprises a second valve arrangement (46, 47) controllable for opening and closing the second suction inlet (28, 37), the second valve arrangement including a second electric actuator (46) within the box-shaped casing (7a-7b).
- The dish-washing machine according to Claims 5 and 6, further comprising control means (49) for controlling the first actuator (44) independently of the second actuator (46).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan casing (42) is configured as a component distinct from the box-shaped casing (7a-7b).
- The dish-washing machine according to Claim 5, wherein the first valve arrangement (24-27, 44) comprises an open/close member (24), which is mounted substantially coaxial with respect to the first suction inlet (22, 23) and is able to assume a raised closing position and a lowered opening position with respect to a corresponding seat (22) belonging to the first suction inlet (22, 23).
- The dish-washing machine according to Claim 6, wherein the second valve arrangement (46, 47) comprises a sliding open/close member (47) with a plate-like body having a plurality of first through openings (47), the sliding open/close member (47) being set up against a wall of the box-shaped casing (7a-7b), which has a plurality of second through openings (37) that form the second suction inlet, the sliding open/close member (47) being linearly displaceable between a closing position, where the first through openings (47) are staggered with respect to the second through openings (37), and an opening position, where the first through openings (47) are substantially aligned with the second through openings (37).
- The dish-washing machine according to Claim 1, wherein:- the discharge duct (8) has a portion (12) intermediate between the inlet and outlet portions (10, 11), the height of which decreases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards the outlet portion (11) and the width (W) of which increases, preferably in a substantially progressive way, towards the outlet portion (11);- at least the outlet portion (11) and the intermediate portion (12) of the discharge duct (8) extend over an upper wall (3a) of the tub (3), with the outlet portion (11) over an upper edge of the door (4);- the outlet opening (OUT) is formed in one of the upper wall (3a) and a stationary side wall (3c) of the tub (3), with the box-shaped casing (7a-7b) that is mounted on said wall (3a; 3c) with the respective first suction inlet (22, 23) set in a position corresponding to the outlet opening (OUT) and substantially coaxial thereto.
- The dish-washing machine according to Claim 1, wherein:- the outlet opening (OUT) is formed in the upper wall (3a) of the tub (3), and the inlet portion (10) of the discharge duct (8) extends over the upper wall (3a) of the tub (3); or else- the outlet opening (OUT) is formed in a stationary side wall (3c) of the tub (3), and the inlet portion (10) of the discharge duct (8) extends at least in part on the outside of said stationary side wall (3c), towards the upper wall (3a) of the tub (3).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet portion (11) of the discharge duct (8) comprises an outlet (14) divided into a plurality of sub-outlets by means of a plurality of intermediate walls or formations (14a).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower wall of the intermediate portion (12) of the discharge duct (8) is generally plane and set horizontally, whereas the upper wall of the intermediate portion (12) is generally inclined starting from the inlet portion (10) of the discharge duct (8) towards its outlet portion (11).
- The dish-washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the load-bearing structure (2, 5) includes an upper structural cross member (5);- the outlet portion (11) of the discharge duct (8) extends at least partially over the structural cross member (5) and is provided with means for fixing thereof to the structural cross member (5), the fixing means preferably comprising one or more elements (13), which are formed integrally with the discharge duct (8) and/or are elastically deformable.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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ITTO20140944 | 2014-11-13 |
Publications (2)
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EP3020319A1 true EP3020319A1 (en) | 2016-05-18 |
EP3020319B1 EP3020319B1 (en) | 2023-02-22 |
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Family Applications (1)
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EP15193136.7A Active EP3020319B1 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2015-11-05 | Household dish-washing machine |
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CN108618732A (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2018-10-09 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Air-out component and dish-washing machine |
CN110859578A (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2020-03-06 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Drying system and dish washing machine |
WO2022161322A1 (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2022-08-04 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Hot air device for dish-washing machine and dish-washing machine |
CN114877598A (en) * | 2022-06-09 | 2022-08-09 | 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 | Air guide structure and combined refrigerator |
EP4082418A1 (en) * | 2021-04-30 | 2022-11-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher with door condensation and door opening system with air barrier |
WO2022267628A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-29 | 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 | Dishwasher air curtain device, and dishwasher |
EP4133986A1 (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2023-02-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher system with an air barrier for door condensation |
US20230284865A1 (en) * | 2022-03-08 | 2023-09-14 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Dishwashing appliance vent conduit |
WO2023247030A1 (en) * | 2022-06-22 | 2023-12-28 | Gorenje D.O.O. | A ventilation system for a dishwasher |
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EP0556773A1 (en) | 1992-02-17 | 1993-08-25 | MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine with fan for the circulation of air |
EP0721762A1 (en) | 1995-01-16 | 1996-07-17 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine with drying fan |
EP0752232A1 (en) | 1995-07-06 | 1997-01-08 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine having a natural ventilation drying system |
EP0862893A2 (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-09-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dish-washing machine |
EP0920830A1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1999-06-09 | AKO-Werke GmbH & Co. KG | Proceeding for drying dishes in an electrical household appliance |
EP0940577A2 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 1999-09-08 | ELTEK S.p.A. | Actuator of the thermal type and method for closing and sealing the body of an actuator of the thermal type |
EP1127532A2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-08-29 | Bonferraro S.p.A. | Dishwasher with adjustable drying cycle |
US20040080219A1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2004-04-29 | Daniele Cerruti | Ventilation system for household appliances in particular for washing machines |
US20080202557A1 (en) | 2007-02-22 | 2008-08-28 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Industrial Dishwasher and Method of Operating the Same |
WO2009008828A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2009-01-15 | Asko Cylinda Ab | Dish washer provided with a drying system |
-
2015
- 2015-11-05 EP EP15193136.7A patent/EP3020319B1/en active Active
- 2015-11-11 RU RU2015148356A patent/RU2015148356A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2491322A1 (en) | 1980-10-08 | 1982-04-09 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Dishwashing machine recycling drying air after condensing moist air - uses closed air cycle with fan forcing air over heater to dry dishes and condenser to dry air before its return to pump |
EP0521815A1 (en) * | 1991-07-02 | 1993-01-07 | Miele & Cie. GmbH & Co. | Dishwasher with an opening or similar connecting the washing compartment with the ambient air |
EP0556773A1 (en) | 1992-02-17 | 1993-08-25 | MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine with fan for the circulation of air |
EP0721762A1 (en) | 1995-01-16 | 1996-07-17 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine with drying fan |
EP0752232A1 (en) | 1995-07-06 | 1997-01-08 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Dishwashing machine having a natural ventilation drying system |
EP0862893A2 (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-09-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dish-washing machine |
EP0920830A1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1999-06-09 | AKO-Werke GmbH & Co. KG | Proceeding for drying dishes in an electrical household appliance |
EP0940577A2 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 1999-09-08 | ELTEK S.p.A. | Actuator of the thermal type and method for closing and sealing the body of an actuator of the thermal type |
EP1127532A2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-08-29 | Bonferraro S.p.A. | Dishwasher with adjustable drying cycle |
US20040080219A1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2004-04-29 | Daniele Cerruti | Ventilation system for household appliances in particular for washing machines |
US20080202557A1 (en) | 2007-02-22 | 2008-08-28 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Industrial Dishwasher and Method of Operating the Same |
WO2009008828A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2009-01-15 | Asko Cylinda Ab | Dish washer provided with a drying system |
Cited By (13)
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CN108618732B (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2023-06-30 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Air outlet assembly and dish washer |
CN108618732A (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2018-10-09 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Air-out component and dish-washing machine |
CN108577767B (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2023-08-29 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Drying device for dish-washing machine and dish-washing machine |
CN108577767A (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2018-09-28 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Drying device and dish-washing machine for dish-washing machine |
CN110859578A (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2020-03-06 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Drying system and dish washing machine |
WO2022161322A1 (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2022-08-04 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Hot air device for dish-washing machine and dish-washing machine |
US11723512B2 (en) | 2021-04-30 | 2023-08-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | DOS air barrier with door condensation |
EP4082418A1 (en) * | 2021-04-30 | 2022-11-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher with door condensation and door opening system with air barrier |
WO2022267628A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-29 | 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 | Dishwasher air curtain device, and dishwasher |
EP4133986A1 (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2023-02-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher system with an air barrier for door condensation |
US20230284865A1 (en) * | 2022-03-08 | 2023-09-14 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Dishwashing appliance vent conduit |
CN114877598A (en) * | 2022-06-09 | 2022-08-09 | 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 | Air guide structure and combined refrigerator |
WO2023247030A1 (en) * | 2022-06-22 | 2023-12-28 | Gorenje D.O.O. | A ventilation system for a dishwasher |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3020319B1 (en) | 2023-02-22 |
RU2015148356A (en) | 2017-05-16 |
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