EP3860422B1

EP3860422B1 - A dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP3860422B1
Application number: EP19761836.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ugur Kan; Guvenc Nayman Numanoglu; Nasir Efe ARAS; Orhan Atabey
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2018-10-04
Filing date: 2019-08-29
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-29
Also published as: EP3860422A1; WO2020069801A1

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser suitable for using tablet/powder detergent.
In dishwashers, detergent dispensers are used, which are generally disposed onto the inner side of the door and which are suitable for using tablet/powder detergent. A sump, wherein the water in the tub is collected, is situated at the lower side of the tub wherein the washing process is performed. In the state of the art, by means of a pump the water in the sump is directed to the spray arms positioned one above the other inside the tub. According to the washing program, a certain time after the beginning of the washing process, by means of electrical control members such as thermal pusher, solenoid coil, etc. the detergent dispenser cover is opened, and the detergent in the detergent dispenser is mixed with water to be sent to the washing tub. Thus, the dishes placed onto the racks, which are located one over the other inside the tub, are cleaned. However, the electrical control members should be energized to open the detergent dispenser cover, and therefore, the energy consumed for the washing process in the machine increases. Moreover, the detergent dispenser which is disposed on the inner side of the door decreases the usable area on the door.
In the state of the art French Patent Document No. FR2885789 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising a detergent dispenser which is disposed on the upper rack.
In the state of the art United States Patent Document No. US2014137911 , a dishwasher is disclosed comprising a dispenser unit is mounted to the dish rack and is configured to hold an additive.
In the state of the art International Patent Document No. WO2018036630 , a dishwasher is disclosed comprising a container attached to a rack for accommodating detergent.
In the state of the art United States Patent Document No. US2698022 , a dishwasher is disclosed comprising a dispenser for liquid detergent.
In the state of the art French Patent Document No. FR2761254 , a dishwasher is disclosed, the dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser having a container which is disposed on the upper rack, wherein a water causes the container to rotate.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser which enables the detergent to be sent to the washing tub without the need for any electrical control members.
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; a washing tub which is disposed in the body and wherein the washing process is performed; a lower rack and an upper rack wherein the dishes to be washed are placed and which have a washing position wherein the entire lower rack and/or upper rack is in the body and a loading/unloading position wherein the lower rack and/or the upper rack is partially pulled out of the body; and a lower spray arm and an upper spray arm which are disposed in the washing tub and which provide the spraying of water into the washing tub. A detergent dispenser is placed onto the lower rack and/or the upper rack. The detergent dispenser comprises a detergent compartment wherein the user places detergent, and a cover which opens/closes the detergent compartment. The cover opens/closes by rotating.
The detergent dispenser of the present invention comprises the cover which enables the detergent in the detergent compartment to be released with the effect of the water sprayed into the washing tub by the lower spray arm or the upper spray arm such that the detergent is mixed with water to be delivered into the washing tub. The water is delivered into the washing tub by means of the lower spray arm or the upper spray arm. The water hits the detergent dispenser placed onto the lower rack or the upper rack and enables the cover provided on the upper side of the detergent dispenser to open by rotating. The detergent placed into the detergent compartment leaves the detergent compartment by means of the opening cover to be delivered into the washing tub.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises at least one connection member which is disposed on two opposite sides thereof and which enables the detergent dispenser to be fixed onto the lower rack and/or the upper rack. The connection member is preferably flexible. Therefore, the detergent dispenser can be easily detachably mounted onto the racks, thus providing ease of use to the user. When the detergent dispenser is desired to be fixed onto the rack, screws can be used as connection member.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a protector plate which is disposed on the detergent compartment and which extends above the cover to prevent the dishes placed into the lower rack and/or the upper rack from blocking the movement of the cover. In order to release the detergent in the detergent compartment to be delivered into the washing tub, the cover provided at the upper side thereof should be opened. However, the dishes placed into the lower rack and/or the upper rack may be big enough to block the movement of the cover. Therefore, by means of the protector plate extending above the cover, the dishes are prevented from contacting and blocking the cover.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a control latch which enables the water delivered into the washing tub by means of the lower spray arm and/or the upper spray arm to contact the detergent. The control latch is disposed at the lower side of the detergent dispenser. The water delivered into the washing tub by means of the lower spray arm and/or the upper spray arm hits the control latch disposed at the lower side of the detergent dispenser. When not in contact with the water, the control latch is positioned in the horizontal plane.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a control latch pin which is disposed on two opposite sides thereof and which enables the control latch to be rotated with the effect of the water which is sprayed by the lower spray arm and/or the upper spray arm to get into contact with the control latch. The water sprayed by the spray arms hits the lower side of the detergent dispenser. With the effect of the water, the control latch rotates around the control latch pin. Thus, the water is delivered into the detergent compartment.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a cover pin which is disposed on two opposite sides thereof and which enables the cover to be rotated with the effect of the water delivered onto the detergent compartment. By means of the water delivered onto the detergent compartment, the cover rotates around the cover pin. Thus, the detergent mixed with water is delivered into the washing tub via the opening cover.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a blocking member which prevents the control latch from rotating around the control latch pin with the effect of its own weight when the control latch is not in contact with water. The blocking member is disposed on the detergent dispenser. When the control latch is not in contact with water, the control latch tends to rotate clockwise with the effect of its own weight. By means of the blocking member, the control latch is prevented from rotating due to its own weight. When not in contact with the water, the control latch is positioned in the horizontal plane.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a control latch locking member which locks the control latch at the position where the latter is fixed. The control latch locking member is disposed at the end of the control latch. The blocking member and the control latch locking member are in contact with each other. The control latch locking member locks the control latch in position which is prevented from rotating due to its own weight by means of the blocking member. When the control latch is in contact with water, the control latch moves counterclockwise. In this case, the control latch locking member also moves counterclockwise.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a cover locking member which prevents the cover from rotating around the cover pin. The cover locking member is disposed at the end of the cover. The control latch locking member and the cover locking member are in contact with each other. The control latch locking member, which moves counterclockwise with the effect of the water contacting the control latch, releases the cover locking member. Thus, the cover rotates clockwise around the cover pin with the effect of its own weight. By means of the water delivered from the washing tub and reaching the detergent compartment with the opening of the cover, the tablet/powder detergent in the detergent compartment melts to be delivered into the washing tub.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises the detergent compartment with an inclined lower surface. At least one protrusion is provided on the inclined lower surface of the detergent compartment. By means of the inclined lower surface of the detergent compartment, the tablet/powder detergent therein can easily dissolve. By means of the protrusion provided on the inclined lower surface of the detergent compartment, the detergent is prevented from solidifying and getting stuck.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises at least one opening which enables the detergent to be mixed with the washing water. The opening is arranged on the detergent compartment. With the movement of the cover, said opening is opened and the detergent in the detergent compartment can be easily mixed into the washing water.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser comprises a prestress means which enables the cover to return to its initial position after the detergent is released. The prestress means is disposed at the rear side of the cover and moves with the force of the pressure applied onto the cover by the water delivered by the spray arm. The prestress means returns to its initial position when the force acting thereon is removed. Thus, after the detergent required for the washing process is delivered into the washing tub and the water passage is completed, the cover shifts to the initial position, ready for the next washing process. The prestress means can be a spring.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher enables the detergent in the detergent dispenser to be released and delivered into the washing tub depending on the pressure of the water delivered to the lower spray arm and/or the upper spray arm. From the beginning of the washing process, both the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm are operated, and water is delivered to both spray arms. In case the pressure of the water delivered to the spray arms exceeds a predetermined value, the prestress means is triggered. By means of the cover which is opend by the prestress means, the detergent in the detergent compartment is released and delivered into the washing tub.
By means of the present invention, a dishwasher is realized, comprising a detergent dispenser which enables the detergent in the detergent compartment to be released and delivered into the washing tub a certain time after the beginning of the washing process depending on the program type without requiring the user of any electrical control members.
The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the dishwasher wherein the upper spray arm and the upper rack are completely positioned in the body.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the dishwasher wherein the lower spray arm and the lower rack are completely positioned in the body.
Figure 3 - is the front perspective view of the detergent dispenser.
Figure 4 - is the rear perspective view of the detergent dispenser.
Figure 5 - is the below schematic view of the detergent dispenser.
Figure 6 - is the sideways perspective view of the detergent dispenser which is disposed on the upper rack in an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1- Dishwasher
2- Body
3- Washing tub
4- Lower rack
5- Upper rack
6- Lower spray arm
7- Upper spray arm
8- Detergent dispenser
9- Detergent compartment
10- Cover
11- Connection member
12- Protector plate
13- Control latch
14- Control latch pin
15- Cover pin
16- Blocking member
17- Control latch locking member
18- Cover locking member
19- Protrusion
20- Opening
21-Prestress means

The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a lower rack (4) and an upper rack (5) wherein the dishes to be washed are placed and which have a washing position wherein the entire lower rack (4) and/or upper rack (5) is in the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) is partially pulled out of the body (2); a lower spray arm (6) and an upper spray arm (7) which are disposed in the washing tub (3) and which provide the spraying of water into the washing tub (3); and a detergent dispenser (8) which is disposed on the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) and which has a detergent compartment (9) wherein the user places detergent (D) and a cover (10) which opens/closes the detergent compartment (9). The water is delivered into the washing tub (3) by means of the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7). As the cover (10) opens a certain time after the beginning of the washing process, the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) is released and mixed with the water in the washing tub (3). The mixture of detergent (D) and water is sent onto the lower rack and/or the upper rack (5), thus cleaning the dishes. By positioning the detergent dispenser (8) on the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5), the area on the inner door is increased (Figure 1, 2, 3).
The detergent dispenser (8) of the present invention comprises the cover (10) which enables the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) to be released with the effect of the water sprayed into the washing tub (3) by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) such that the detergent (D) is mixed with water to be delivered into the washing tub (3). With the effect of the water contacting the lower side of the detergent dispenser (8), the cover (10) opens. With the opening of the cover (10), the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) is mixed with the contacting water and the water in the washing tub (3) so as to be delivered into the washing tub (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises at least one connection member (11) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the detergent dispenser (8) to be fixed onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). The connection member (11) is preferably flexible. The detergent dispenser (8) can be easily detachably mounted onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). Thus, ease of use is provided for the user. When the detergent dispenser (8) is desired to be fixed onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5), screws are used as the connection member (11).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a protector plate (12) which is disposed on the detergent compartment (9) and which extends above the cover (10) to prevent the dishes placed into the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) from blocking the movement of the cover (10). Dishes with different dimensions can be placed into the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). The cover (10), which tends to open by rotating with the effect of the water getting in contact with the lower side of the detergent dispenser (8), must be prevented from getting in contact with the dishes placed into the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). The dishes directly contact the protector plate (12). Thus, the cover (10) is prevented from getting into contact with the dishes.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a control latch (13) which is disposed under the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the water delivered into the washing tub (3) by means of the lower spray (6) arm and/or the upper spray arm (7) to contact the detergent (D). The water is delivered into the washing tub (3) by means of the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7). The control latch (13) is provided at the point where the sprayed water contacts the detergent dispenser (8) placed onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). The water contacting the control latch (13) passes over the control latch (13) and reaches the detergent compartment (9).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a control latch pin (14) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the control latch (13) to be rotated with the effect of the water which is sprayed by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) to get into contact with the control latch (13). First the control latch (13) must rotate in order for the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) to be released and delivered into the washing tub (3). The control latch (13) tends to be rotated with the effect of the water which is sprayed by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) to be delivered onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5). The control latch (13) which gets in contact with water rotates around the control latch pin (14) and enables the water to be delivered into the detergent compartment (9).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a cover pin (15) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the cover (10) to be rotated with the effect of the water delivered onto the detergent compartment (9). With the rotation of the control latch (13) around the control latch pin (14), the cover (10) is enabled to rotate around the cover pin (15) in a direction opposite to that of the control latch (13). As the cover (10) opens by rotating, the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) is delivered into the washing tub (3) via the cover (10) (Figure 4).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a blocking member (16) which is disposed on the detergent dispenser (8) and which prevents the control latch (13) from rotating around the control latch pin (14) with its own weight when the control latch (13) is not in contact with water. When not in contact with the water, the control latch (13) is positioned in the horizontal plane. However, the control latch (13) tends to rotate clockwise with the effect of its own weight. The blocking member (16) prevents the control latch (13) from rotating when the water delivered by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) does not contact the detergent dispenser (8) and when the detergent (D) is not required to be delivered into the washing tub (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a control latch locking member (17) which is disposed at the end of the control latch (13) and which locks the control latch (13) at the position where the latter is fixed. The blocking member (16) and the control latch locking member (17) are in contact with each other. The control latch locking member (17) is disposed at the end of the control latch (13). By means of the blocking member (16), the control latch (13), which tends to rotate with the effect of its of weight, is fixed in position. As the water delivered by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) contacts the lower side of the detergent dispenser (8), the control latch (13) of which the tendency to rotate increases with the effect of its own weight tends to move counterclockwise.
The control latch (13), which is released from the control latch locking member (17), rotates around the control latch pin (14).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a cover locking member (18) which is disposed at the end of the cover (10) and which prevents the cover (10) from rotating around the cover pin (15). The control latch locking member (17) and the cover locking member (18) are in contact with each other. As the control latch (13) moves counterclockwise with the effect of the contacting water and of its own weight, the control latch locking member (17) releases the cover locking member (18). The cover (10) moves clockwise around the cover pin (15) in a direction opposite to that of the control latch (13). With the opening of the cover (10), the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) is mixed with water and delivered into the washing tub (3) (Figure 4).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises an inclined lower surface arranged on the detergent compartment (9) and at least one protrusion (19) arranged on the inclined lower surface. Moreover, by means of the protrusion (19) arranged on the detergent compartment (9), the water hitting the protrusion (19) disperses so as to be directed onto the detergent (D). Thus, the detergent (D) is enabled to be better dissolved, and prevented from solidifying and getting stuck onto the detergent compartment (9) (Figure 5).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises at least one opening (20) which is arranged on the detergent compartment (9) and which enables the detergent (D) to be mixed with the washing water. The cover (10), which opens by rotating around the cover pin (15), facilitates the mixing of the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) with the water in the washing tub (3) via the opening (20).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispenser (8) comprises a prestress means (21) which enables the cover (10) to return to its initial position after the detergent (D) is released. The prestress means (21) is disposed at the rear side of the cover (10) and moves with the force of the pressure applied onto the cover (10) by the water delivered by the spray arm (6 or 7). The prestress means (21) returns to its initial position when the force acting thereon is removed. Thus, after the detergent (D) required for the washing process is delivered into the washing tub (3) and the water passage is completed, the cover (10) shifts to the initial position, ready for the next washing process. The prestress means (21) can be a spring.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) enables the detergent (D) in the detergent dispenser (8) to be released and delivered into the washing tub (3) depending on the pressure of the water delivered to the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7). From the beginning of the washing process, both the lower spray arm (6) and the upper spray arm (7) are operated, and water is delivered to both spray arms (6 and 7). In case the pressure of the water delivered to the spray arms (6 and 7) exceeds a predetermined value, the prestress means (21) is triggered. By means of the cover (10) which is opened by the prestress means (21), the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) is released and delivered into the washing tub (3).
By means of the present invention, a dishwasher (1) is realized, comprising the detergent dispenser (8) which enables the detergent (D) to be delivered into the washing tub (3) without the need for any electrical control members. By positioning the detergent dispenser (8) on the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5), the usable area on the inner door is increased.

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a lower rack (4) and an upper rack (5) wherein the dishes to be washed are placed and which have a washing position wherein the entire lower rack (4) and/or upper rack (5) is in the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) is partially pulled out of the body (2); a lower spray arm (6) and an upper spray arm (7) which are disposed in the washing tub (3) and which provide the spraying of water into the washing tub (3); and a detergent dispenser (8) which is disposed on the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) and which has a detergent compartment (9) wherein the user places detergent (D) and a cover (10) which opens/closes the detergent compartment (9), characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) having the cover (10) which enables the detergent (D) in the detergent compartment (9) to leave the detergent compartment (9) by opening with the effect of the water sprayed into the washing tub (3) by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7), and the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a cover pin (15) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the cover (10) to be rotated with the effect of the water delivered onto the detergent compartment (9).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising at least one connection member (11) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the detergent dispenser (8) to be fixed onto the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a protector plate (12) which is disposed on the detergent compartment (9) and which extends above the cover (10) to prevent the dishes placed into the lower rack (4) and/or the upper rack (5) from contacting the cover (10).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a control latch (13) which is disposed under the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the water delivered into the washing tub (3) by means of the lower spray (6) arm and/or the upper spray arm (7) to contact the detergent (D).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a control latch pin (14) which is disposed on two opposite sides of the detergent dispenser (8) and which enables the control latch (13) to be rotated with the effect of the water which is sprayed by the lower spray arm (6) and/or the upper spray arm (7) to get into contact with the control latch (13).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a blocking member (16) which is disposed on the detergent dispenser (8) and which prevents the control latch (13) from rotating around the control latch pin (14) with its own weight when the control latch (13) is not in contact with water.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a control latch locking member (17) which is disposed at the end of the control latch (13) and which locks the control latch (13) at the position where the latter is fixed.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a cover locking member (18) which is disposed at the end of the cover (10) and which prevents the cover (10) from rotating around the cover pin (15) when the control latch locking member (17) and the cover locking member (18) are in contact with each other.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the detergent compartment (9) with an inclined lower surface arranged on the detergent compartment (9) and at least one protrusion (19) arranged on the inclined lower surface.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising at least one opening (20) which is arranged on the detergent compartment (9) and which enables the detergent (D) to be mixed with the washing water.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the detergent dispenser (8) comprising a prestress means (21) which is disposed on the cover (10) and which enables the cover (10) to return to its initial position after the detergent (D) is released.