EP3148394A1

EP3148394A1 - A dishwasher comprising an elevating means

Info

Publication number: EP3148394A1
Application number: EP15710203.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ahmet Alptekin; Osman Cengiz; Mehmet MUTLUDOGAN; Ersin Donmez
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2014-06-02
Filing date: 2015-03-18
Publication date: 2017-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-18
Also published as: WO2015185228A1; EP3148394B1; TR201806863T4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2) having two side walls (3); a door (4) providing access into the body (2); a rack (5) whereon the items to be washed are placed, having a washing position wherein the rack (5) is entirely inside the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the rack (5) is almost entirely taken outside the body (2) by being pulled forwards, and an elevating means (6) that enables the position of the rack (5) to be changed in the vertical direction in the loading/unloading position and that has two rails (7) each disposed on one of the opposite side walls (3).

Description

A DISHWASHER COMPRISING AN ELEVATING MEANS

The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising an elevating means.
In dishwashers, racks are used wherein the items to be washed are placed. The user can perform the loading/unloading operation by pulling the rack forwards. In dishwashers comprising more than one rack, the lower rack, when changed to the loading/unloading position, is balanced on the door that opens forward by rotating around a horizontal axis. The user has to bend in order to perform the loading/unloading operation to the lower rack that is relatively at the lower position. This situation causes the users to be strained and to have backaches. In order to solve this problem, the state of the art elevating means are used. The elevating means are embodiments like switch mechanisms wherein the rack is lifted from below, suspension mechanisms wherein the rack is lifted by arms inside the body, and rail mechanisms wherein the rack is lifted from the rear side by the rails disposed on the side walls. In rail systems, the rack is held by at least one retaining means and the retaining means is connected to the slider that moves on the rail. The retaining means that extend from the side walls into the body get caught onto the rack while the rack is changed from the washing position to the loading/unloading position, preventing the movement of the rack. Furthermore, the user has to struggle to attach the rack to the retaining means properly and loses time. In addition, when the elevating means lifts the rack, the partially-held rack becomes unbalanced and the front side of the rack bends downwards.
In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP1744656, a dishwasher is disclosed, wherein the retaining supports that support the basket are opened and closed by being actuated with a lifting means.
In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US2007035220, a dishwasher is disclosed comprising a basket that is lifted by the arms engaged with the side walls by making a swinging motion.
In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US2003042825, a dishwasher is disclosed wherein the height adjustment of the rack is made by moving upwards – downwards the telescopic rail housings whereon the rack is mounted.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein the rack is easily attached to the elevating means.
The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body having two side walls; a door providing access into the body, a rack whereon the items to be washed are placed, an elevating means that enables the rack to be moved in the vertical direction in the loading/unloading position wherein the rack is almost outside the body and that has at least two rails disposed oppositely on the side walls, and at least two lugs that are disposed oppositely on the rack and that have a closed position wherein the lugs do not prevent the movement of the rack in the horizontal direction and an open position wherein the lugs extend out from the rack so as to enter into the rails in directions opposite to one another. By means of the present invention, the user enables the rack to be attached to the elevating means by taking the rack to the loading/unloading position and changing the lugs to the open position. The rack can move along the rail in the vertical direction by means of the lugs.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lug is disposed at the side of the rack rear wall so as not to project from the side walls of the rack. In the closed position, the lug does not project outwards from the lateral sides of the rack and thus the rack can move in the horizontal direction without the lug getting caught on the side wall.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lug moves by sliding in the horizontal direction while changing from the closed position to the open position. When the rack is desired to be attached to the rails, the lugs are changed to the open position by being slid along the rear wall and are inserted into the opposite rails.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lugs that change simultaneously from the closed position to the open position by the actuation of the user are used. The user, after changing the rack to the loading/unloading position, enables both of the lugs to be inserted simultaneously into the opposite rails by a single movement. By means of this embodiment, the user is not required to open the lugs one by one and to lose time.
In an embodiment of the present invention, an arm moved by the user is disposed on the rack and at least two joints are provided, one end attached to the arm, the other end to the lug, transmitting the movement of the arm to the lug, thus enabling the lug to change between the closed position and the open position. The user enables the opposite lugs on the rack to be inserted into the rails simultaneously by using the arm. The joint functions as a motion transmitter between the arm and the lugs.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm extends vertically at almost the center of the rack rear wall. The user enables the lugs to be opened/closed by moving the arm upwards/downwards by means of the joints. The joints used at the right and left sides can be at the same length by means of the arm being at the center of the rack rear wall. The user enables the lugs to be opened/closed with a lesser amount of force by means of the joints moving symmetrically.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the joints are rod-shaped. The joint, the ends of which are connected to the arm and the lug, rotates around itself and transmits the movement of the arm to the lug. The lugs are simultaneously opened/closed by the inexpensive and simple solution used in this embodiment.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a frame is provided, that completely surrounds the rear wall of the rack and whereon the arm, the joints and the lugs are disposed and that prevents the rack from being bent while the rack is lifted by the elevating means. By strengthening the rear wall of the rack, heavy pots, containers etc. on the rack, that is generally produced from metal wires, can be easily lifted by the elevating means.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the elevating means comprises a slider that can move upwards/downwards inside the rails and whereon the lug is seated in the open position. When rack is brought to the loading/unloading position and the lugs changed to the open position, the elevating means lifts the rack by moving the slider.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a notch that prevents the lug from changing to the closed position when seated on the slider is provided on the lug. Thus, when the rack is lifted up by the elevating means, the user is prevented from accidentally actuating the arm and hence from causing the rack to fall by the lugs changing to the closed position.
In the dishwasher of the present invention, the rack easily engages with the elevating means by means of the lugs on the rack and using a separate piece on the side wall to enable the rack to be attached to the elevating means is not required. Quality perception of the user is improved by means of engaging the rack with the elevating means by a single movement.
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 sideways perspective view of a dishwasher related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 – is the partial perspective view of a dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 – is the partial perspective view of a dishwasher when the lug is in the closed position related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 – is the partial perspective view of a dishwasher when the lug is in the open position related to an embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
1. Dishwasher
2. Body
3. Side wall
4. Door
5. Rack
6. Elevating means
7. Rail
8. Lug
9. Arm
10. Joint
11. Frame
12. Slider
13. Notch
The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2) having two side walls (3); a door (4) providing access into the body (2); a rack (5) whereon the items to be washed are placed, having a washing position wherein the rack (5) is entirely inside the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the rack (5) is almost entirely taken outside the body (2) by being pulled forwards, and an elevating means (6) that enables the position of the rack (5) to be changed in the vertical direction in the loading/unloading position and that has two rails (7) each disposed on one of the opposite side walls (3).
The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises at least two lugs (8) that are disposed oppositely on the rack (5) and that have a closed position wherein the lugs (8) are located such that the rack (5) is not prevented from moving in the horizontal direction while changing between the washing position and the loading/unloading position and an open position wherein the lugs (8) extend out of the rack (5) in directions opposite to one another, to enter into the opposite rails (7).
In the dishwasher (1) of the present invention, while the lugs (8) are in the closed position, the rack (5) can be moved easily in the horizontal direction between the washing position and the loading/unloading position. The lug (8) preferably does not project from the sides of the rack (5) while in the closed position, and thus does not prevent the movement of the rack (5). While the rack (5) is in the loading/unloading position, each lug (8) enters into the rail (7) opposite thereto when the lugs (8) are changed to the open position. In the open position, the lug (8) guides the movement of the rack (5) in the vertical direction along the rail (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lug (8) is disposed on the rear wall of the rack (5) so as to be parallel to the rear wall of the rack (5). The lug (8) in the closed position wherein the lug (8) extends along the rear wall of the rack (5) changes to the open position by being moved and is seated into the opposite rail (7) while the rack (5) is in the loading/unloading position. In this embodiment, when the rack (5) is lifted upwards by the elevating means (6), almost the entire rack (5) remains outside the body (2) and the user can easily reach the almost entirety of the rack (5) by means of the lug (8) being disposed on the rear wall of the rack (5).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lug (8) has a closed position wherein the lug (8) is almost coplanar with the rear wall of the rack (5) and an open position wherein the lug (8) moves in the horizontal direction towards the rail (7) while in the closed position and extends out of the rack (5). In this embodiment, the lug (8) extends along the rear wall of the rack (5) and does not prevent the user from using the rack (5) while in the closed position. The lugs (8) slide towards both sides along the rear wall of the rack (5) and change to the open position.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the lugs (8) disposed oppositely on the rack (5) simultaneously change from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position by a single movement of the user. While the rack (5) is in the loading/unloading position, each lug (8) enters into the rail (7) opposite thereto and changes from the closed position to the open position by a single movement of the user.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises an arm (9) that extends in the vertical direction on the rack (5) and that can be actuated by the user, and at least two joints (10), one end attached to the arm (9), the other end to the lug (8), that transmit the movement of the arm (9) to the lug (8) when the user actuates the arm (9), enabling the lug (8) to change between the closed position and the open position. The joints (10), attached from one of their ends to the arm (9) and to the opposite lugs (8) from the other ends, enable the lugs (8) to open/close simultaneously with the movement of the arm (9). The arm (9) preferably moves in a single direction and as the user pulls or pushes the arm (9), the joint (10) transmits the movement of the arm (9) to the lug (8). The lug (8) opens/closes towards the sides so as to be parallel to the rear wall of the rack (5) by the effect of the joint (10).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm (9) is positioned vertically so as to be positioned at the center of the rear wall of the rack (5). The joints (10) attached to the lugs (8) are at equal distances to the arm (9). The arm (9) extends in the vertical direction at the center of the rack (5) rear wall and the user enables the lugs (8) to open/close simultaneously by moving the arm (9) upwards/downwards. Furthermore, as the arm (9) is positioned at the center of the rack (5), identical joints (10) can be used and mold costs in production are decreased.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the joint (10) is rod-shaped. Attached from both ends, the joint (10) transmits the movement of the arm (9) to the lug (8) by rotating almost 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the movement of the arm (9) is transmitted to the lug (8) with the rotation of the joint (10) in a simple rod form without requiring complex solutions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a frame (11) that surrounds the rear wall of the rack (5) whereon the lug (8), the joint (10) and the arm (9) are positioned. The frame (11) covers the rear wall of the rack (5) all along, enabling the rack (5) to be strengthened. Thus, when the rack (5) is lifted by the elevating means (6), the items on the rack (5) are balanced. Furthermore, as the lug (8), the arm (9) and the joint (10) are disposed on the frame (11), the user can use the rack (5) standalone by dislodging the frame (11) when the elevating means (6) is not desired to be used.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the elevating means (6) comprises a slider (12) that can move inside the rail (7) vertically and whereon the lug (8) can be seated in the open position. The slider (12) is actuated under the control of the user and can move upwards/downwards inside the rail (7). In this embodiment, the rack (5) is moved in the vertical direction by being carried by the slider (12). When the rack (5) is in the loading/unloading position, the lugs (8), by being changed to the open position, are enabled to be seated on the sliders (12) in the rails (7). Thus, the user can lift the rack (5) up while performing loading/unloading to/from the rack (5) and can work without bending.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a notch (13) disposed on the lug (8) that is engaged with the slider (12) when the lug (8) is seated on the slider (12). When the lug (8) is seated on the slider (12) in the open position, the notch (13) is engaged with the slider (12) and prevents the lug (8) from changing to the closed position. While the rack (5) is carried by the elevating means (6), the lugs (8) are prevented from changing to the closed position by movement of the arm (9) and the rack (5) is prevented from falling. When the rack (5) is lowered to the loading/unloading position, the notch (13) is released from the slider (12) and the lugs (8) are enabled to change to the closed position by freely moving the arm (10).
In the dishwasher (1) of the present invention, the lugs (8) do not prevent the door (4) from opening/closing since the lugs (8) are positioned on the rack (5). Furthermore, the user enables the rack (5) to be engaged with the elevating means (6) and thus the position of the rack (5) to be changed in the vertical axis by changing the opposite lugs (8) simultaneously to the open position by a single motion.

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2) having two side walls (3); a door (4) providing access into the body (2); a rack (5) whereon the items to be washed are placed, having a washing position wherein the rack (5) is entirely inside the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the rack (5) is taken almost entirely outside the body (2) by being pulled forwards, and an elevating means (6) that enables the position of the rack (5) to be changed in the vertical direction in the loading/unloading position and that has two rails (7) each disposed on one of the opposite side walls (3), characterized by at least two lugs (8) that are disposed oppositely on the rack (5) and that have a closed position wherein the lugs (8) are located such that the rack (5) is not prevented from moving in the horizontal direction between the washing position and the loading/unloading position and an open position wherein the lugs (8) extend out of the rack (5) in directions opposite to one another, to enter into the opposite rails (7).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the lug (8) disposed on the rear wall of the rack (5) so as to be parallel to the rear wall of the rack (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the lug (8) having a closed position wherein the lug (8) is almost coplanar with the rear wall of the rack (5) and an open position wherein the lug (8) moves in the horizontal direction towards the rail (7) while in the closed position and extends out of the rack (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the lugs (8) that simultaneously change from the closed position to the open position by a single movement of the user.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an arm (9) that extends in the vertical direction on the rack (5) and that can be actuated by the user and by at least two joints (10), one end attached to the arm (9), the other end to the lug (8), that transmit the movement of the arm (9) to the lug (8) when the user actuates the arm (9), enabling the lug (8) to change between the closed position and the open position.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the arm (9) that is positioned vertically so as to be at the center of the rear wall of the rack (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the rod shaped joint (10).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a frame (11) that surrounds the rear wall of the rack (5) whereon the lug (8), the joint (10) and the arm (9) are positioned.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the elevating means (6) comprising a slider (12) that can move inside the rail (7) vertically and whereon the lug (8) is seated in the open position.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a notch (13) disposed on the lug (8) that is engaged with the slider (12) when the lug (8) is seated on the slider (12).