EP4023135A1 - Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine - Google Patents

Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4023135A1
EP4023135A1 EP20217895.0A EP20217895A EP4023135A1 EP 4023135 A1 EP4023135 A1 EP 4023135A1 EP 20217895 A EP20217895 A EP 20217895A EP 4023135 A1 EP4023135 A1 EP 4023135A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spray
rotation
rotation axis
spray system
support
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20217895.0A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Sebastian Jan Chwalibog
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Midea Group Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Midea Group Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Midea Group Co Ltd filed Critical Midea Group Co Ltd
Priority to EP20217895.0A priority Critical patent/EP4023135A1/de
Priority to PCT/CN2021/142549 priority patent/WO2022143787A1/en
Publication of EP4023135A1 publication Critical patent/EP4023135A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
    • 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
    • A47L15/4278—Nozzles
    • A47L15/4282—Arrangements to change or modify spray pattern or direction

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a spray arm for dispersing a fluid in a volume.
  • the spray arm can be used in a dishwasher, to disperse water over a plurality of objects.
  • CN111227751A , CN205338873U , CN206950137U , CN110859566A , CN203789884U , CN111297293U disclose spray arms for dishwashers.
  • Disclosed and claimed herein is a spray system for spraying a fluid in a dishwasher.
  • the present disclosure relates to a spray system for spraying a fluid in a dishwasher.
  • the spray system comprises a rotatable hub and one or more spray arms comprising one or more nozzles.
  • the spray arms are rotatably mounted to the hub.
  • the hub rotates around a first rotation axis and each spray arm rotates around a second rotation axis.
  • the rotation around the first rotation axis may be caused by a first driving means, e. g. a motor.
  • the rotation around the first rotation axis causes a continuous change in the position of the nozzles, i. e. the position from which the flow emanates.
  • the rotation around the second rotation axis causes a continuous change in the angle at which the flow emanates from the nozzle. Thereby, the complexity of the flow of the fluid is increased, and the flow better reaches objects with non-uniform surfaces.
  • the rotation around the second rotation axis may be caused, for example, by a second driving means, such as a motor, which may be independent from the first driving means.
  • a rotation of the hub around the first rotation axis causes the spray arm to rotate around the second rotation axis.
  • the rotational movements are thus simultaneous, thereby increasing the complexity of the flow, i. e. the entropy in the flow parameters.
  • the rotation around the second axis does not need an external driver, such as a motor. Rather, mechanical forces are translated from the rotation around the first axis to the rotation around the second axis.
  • the translation may be caused by a set of gears in an exemplary embodiment. This allows implementing the spray system of the present disclosure by modifying the spray arms of an existing spray system with only limited modification of other parts.
  • the hub is attachable to a first support via a first bearing, and the first bearing is configured to enable a rotation of the hub around the first rotation axis.
  • each spray arm is mounted to the hub via a second bearing at a proximal end of the spray arm, the second bearing is configured to enable a rotation of the spray arm around the second rotation axis.
  • a bearing reduces the friction upon rotation. The use of bearings is, however, optional, and snapping connections may also be used, as long as the connections allow rotation.
  • the first bearing and/or the second bearing is a ball bearing.
  • a ball bearing allows reducing the friction in the bearings, and thus the mechanical strain and the wear are reduced.
  • the second rotation axis extends from the proximal end to a distal end of the spray arm.
  • the second rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis.
  • the spray system further comprises one or more first protrusions disposed on a second support.
  • the first protrusions, disposed on the second support engage with the edges of the spray arms to cause the spray arm to rotate around the second rotation axis.
  • the spray system may comprise one or more second protrusions disposed on the spray arms, in addition to the first protrusions disposed on the second support.
  • the rotation of the spray arms around the second axis is then caused by either the protrusions engaging with each other, or the first protrusions engaging with the spray arms, or a combination thereof.
  • the size and/or shape of the first protrusions and second protrusions may determine a minimum angle by which the spray arms are rotated. Rotation of the spray arms may be caused at first by the displacement of the spray arm when engaging with the protrusion, but the angular momentum conferred to the spray arm by said motion may cause a further rotation.
  • the further rotation may optionally be blocked by a hard stop, or prevented by gravity, or spray recoil, as detailed below.
  • the second support may be a static support that does not rotate with the spray arms.
  • the spray arms move along the second support.
  • the first and/or second protrusions deflect the force generated by the rotation around the first rotation axis into a perpendicular direction.
  • This mechanism allows a simple construction, and thereby avoids unnecessary complexity.
  • the second support may be able to rotate slowly around the first rotation axis. Thereby, the perpendicular motion is initiated at a different angular position, thereby further increasing the complexity of the flow.
  • Such a rotation may be caused by the rotation of the hub and the spray arms or externally driven.
  • the second support may preferably rotate in the opposite direction as the hub, but it may alternatively rotate into the same direction, but at a different speed.
  • the second support is comprised in or attached to the first support.
  • one and the same part of the spray system may comprise different features and thereby have multiple functions. By including these parts into one single piece, the complexity of the spray system in further reduced. Also, the first and second support and the blocking element may be combined in one piece.
  • the support is a nut, attached to a manifold of a dishwasher. In a further embodiment, the support is attached to a basket of a dishwasher.
  • the spray system may therefore be suspended by the manifold, and spray objects in baskets above and below.
  • Any part of the system may be integrated into existing features of a dishwasher, thereby reducing the complexity of the construction.
  • the spray system further comprises a blocking element configured to provide a hard stop to restrain the rotation of the spray arm around the second rotation axis to a maximum angle.
  • the hard stop may comprise a ring disposed around the first rotation axis. The ring then prevents the blade to rotate further than to a maximum angle. The position of the blocking element thereby determines the maximum angle, and may be fixed or adjustable during operation.
  • the blocking element is comprised in or attached to the first support and/or second support.
  • the first support and/or second support may be made of a single piece of molded polymer, providing a supply for the fluid and carrying the first bearing, and may be appropriately shaped to provide the hard stop to block the rotation around the second axis in excess of a maximum angle, as described above.
  • the blocking element is comprised in or attached to a funnel, or a manifold of the dishwasher. Combination of these elements further reduces complexity both in design of an embodiment and in production.
  • the rotation of the spray arm involves rotation in two directions.
  • the rotation of the spray arm is further caused by gravity and/or spray recoil from the nozzles.
  • the fluid is a liquid.
  • the fluid is water, or a water-based solution.
  • the spray system may be used for a number of applications, such as a garden sprinkler, a car wash, or a dishwasher. However, also different uses are possible. For example, an embodiment may relate to dispersing a gas and/or mixing gases.
  • the rotation of the hub is hydraulically or pneumatically driven.
  • the pressure of the fluid sprayed does itself drive both rotations, thereby eliminating the need for an additional motor.
  • the nozzles are configured to eject the fluid into different directions relative to the spray arm. This further increases the complexity of the flow.
  • FIG 1 represents a drawing of a dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a first spray system 102 according to the embodiment described with respect to Figures 2A-2D below.
  • the dishwasher further comprises a second spray system 104 according to the embodiment described with respect to Figures 3A-3D below.
  • the second spray system 104 may be attached to a basket 106 for storing the dishes to be washed.
  • FIG. 2A represents a drawing of a first spray system 200, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the first spray system 200 comprises a hub 202 and, in this exemplary embodiment, two spray arms 204, 206. However, in other embodiments, the spray system 200 may comprise another number of spray arms.
  • the hub 202 is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis 208. Thereby, the two spray arms 204, 206 revolve around the first rotation axis 208.
  • each spray arm is configured to perform a second rotation around a second rotation axis 210.
  • the second rotation axis extends from the proximal end, i. e. the base end of each spray arm to its distal end, i. e. its tip.
  • the second rotation axis is different for each spray arm.
  • the spray system may comprise five spray arms, each of which has its own second rotation axis. These rotation axes do, however, have in common that all of them are, at least substantially, perpendicular to the first rotation axis.
  • the spray arms may be attached to the hub in a way that they are tilted away from the normal, such that they cover a cone when revolving around the first rotation axis, rather than a plane.
  • the second axes describe a cone, similar to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3A .
  • the rotation may be limited to a maximum angular range as described below.
  • the spray arms 204, 206 comprise nozzles as discussed below.
  • FIG. 2B represents a drawing of a detail of the first spray system 200.
  • the spray arm 204 is shown in a horizontal position, i. e. at zero degrees rotation angle of the rotation around the second rotation axis.
  • the spray arm 206 is shown in a tilted position, i. e. rotated at a non-zero rotation angle around the second rotation axis.
  • the spray arms 204, 206 are only connected via the hub, and therefore rotate independently around the second rotation axes.
  • first protrusions 214 are disposed on the second support 212.
  • second protrusions 216 are disposed on the spray arm 206 and second protrusions on the spray arm 204.
  • the hub rotates around the first rotation axis, and the second protrusions 216 on the spray arms move along the rim of the second support 212. Once they reach the first protrusions 214 disposed on the second support, the first and second protrusions 214, 216 engage with each other and cause the spray arm to rotate around the second rotation axis, in one direction, as shown.
  • the first and second protrusions 214, 216 disengage.
  • This restoring movement may be caused by gravitation, as the weight of the spray arm is symmetrically distributed with respect to the second rotation axis.
  • the restoring movement may further be caused or assisted by the contact between the first protrusions 214 on the second support 212 and the second protrusions 216 on the spray arms 204, 206, as well as by the contact of the first protrusions 214 with the edges of the spray arms 204, 206.
  • This may be further assisted by the recoil force of the nozzles 222 ( Fig. 2D ) if the nozzles have a symmetric directionality.
  • the rim of the funnel element here also serves as a blocking element to restrain the rotation of the spray arms. As shown, spray arm 206 is prevented from further rotating by the blocking element.
  • the blocking element may be positioned independently from the second support 212.
  • the maximum angular range covered by the spray arms 204, 206 is defined by the positioning of the blocking element.
  • the blocking element may be designed by choosing an appropriate maximum angle for the rotation around the second rotation axis, calculating an according position for the blocking element using angular functions, and positioning the blocking element. This may be done using design of an embodiment, but the blocking element may be configurable such that the maximum angle can be changed after fabrication.
  • the blocking element may also be displaceable during operation.
  • Figure 2C represents a drawing of a further detail of the first spray system 200.
  • Figure 2D represents an exploded view drawing of the first spray system 200.
  • the hub 202 is disposed on a first support 218.
  • the sump cavity serves as a first support 218.
  • a funnel component serves as second support 212.
  • the spray arms 204, 206 are attached to the hub 202 via second bearings 220 and comprise a plurality of nozzles, 222.
  • the nozzles 222 spray water into a plurality of directions relative to the spray arm.
  • the second embodiment ( Fig. 3A-3D ) relates to a spray arm related to a basket in an upper part of a dishwasher. As far as not described differently, the properties and advantages of the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 3A represents a drawing of a second spray system 300, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the second spray system 300 comprises a hub 302 and, in this exemplary embodiment, two spray arms 304, 306.
  • the hub 302 is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis 308.
  • the two spray arms 304, 306 revolve around the first rotation axis 308.
  • each spray arm is configured to perform a second rotation around a second rotation axis 310.
  • the spray arms 304, 306 comprise nozzles as discussed below.
  • the spray arms 304, 306 are tilted downwards, so that they form an oblique angle to the first rotation axis. However, the axes are substantially perpendicular.
  • Figure 3B represents a drawing of a detail of the second spray system 300.
  • FIG. 3C represents a drawing of a further detail of the second spray system 300.
  • the spray arms 304, 306 are shown in a horizontal position, i. e. at zero degrees rotation angle of the rotation around the second rotation axis.
  • On the second support 312, one or more protrusions 314 are disposed.
  • the second protrusions 316 disposed on the spray arm 306 are about to engage the first protrusions on the second support.
  • the nut (second support 312) here also serves as a blocking element, limiting the angle of rotation of the spray arms.
  • Figure 3D represents an exploded view drawing of the second spray system 300.
  • the hub 302 is connected to a first support 318.
  • the manifold serves as a first support 318.
  • a nut serves as second support 312.
  • the spray arms 304, 306 are attached to the hub 302 via second bearings 320, and comprise nozzles 322.
  • FIGS 4A and 4B represent drawings of a third spray system 400, according to a third exemplary embodiment.
  • the hub 402 rotates around the first rotation axis 414.
  • the spray arm 404 is mounted on hub 402 asymmetrically, so that the spray arm is inclined to the right if at rest. Upon operation, however, the spray arm is displaced by the first protrusions 408, 410 on the second support 406, and receives an angular momentum that causes further rotation around the second rotation axis 412.
  • Figure 4A depicts the spray arm at its largest angle of the rotation around its second axis.
  • a typical value is 12 to 15 degrees.
  • the spray arm is returned by gravity. Since the spray arm is asymmetric, i. e. the spray arm extends more to the right from the second axis 412 as shown, the position is restored by gravity.
  • Figure 4B shows the spray arm after partial restoration of the position.
  • the rotation of the hub around the first axis is generated by a first driving means, as in the other embodiments.
  • the fifth embodiment comprises a motor, acting as a second driving means that causes the rotation of the spray arms around the second axis.
  • the second driving means is actuated and controlled independently from the first driving means.
  • the spray system comprises a set of gears that acts as a transmission means.
  • the set of gears transmits a rotation force from the rotation of the hub around the first axis to the spray arms. This causes the spray arms to rotate around the second axis.

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
EP20217895.0A 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine Pending EP4023135A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20217895.0A EP4023135A1 (de) 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine
PCT/CN2021/142549 WO2022143787A1 (en) 2020-12-30 2021-12-29 Spray system for a dishwasher

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20217895.0A EP4023135A1 (de) 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4023135A1 true EP4023135A1 (de) 2022-07-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20217895.0A Pending EP4023135A1 (de) 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 Sprühsystem für eine geschirrspülmaschine

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4023135A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2022143787A1 (de)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040069332A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2004-04-15 Lebaron Forrest L. Spray arm hub/head for ware washer
CN203789884U (zh) 2014-04-02 2014-08-27 美的集团股份有限公司 洗碗机喷臂组件及洗碗机
CN205338873U (zh) 2015-12-07 2016-06-29 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有它的洗碗机
EP3050480A1 (de) * 2015-02-02 2016-08-03 LG Electronics Inc. Geschirrspüler
CN206950137U (zh) 2017-02-20 2018-02-02 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 洗碗机
EP3284385A1 (de) * 2015-04-14 2018-02-21 Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Mfg. Co., Ltd. Sprüharmanordnung einer geschirrspülmaschine und geschirrspülmaschine damit
WO2020042750A1 (zh) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-05 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有其的洗涤电器
CN110859566A (zh) 2018-08-28 2020-03-06 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有其的洗涤电器
CN111227751A (zh) 2016-06-10 2020-06-05 Lg电子株式会社 洗碗机
CN111297293A (zh) 2018-12-12 2020-06-19 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 一种洗碗机喷淋装置及洗碗机

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4737703B2 (ja) * 2008-08-07 2011-08-03 日本洗浄機株式会社 食器洗浄機
EP2572624B8 (de) * 2011-09-22 2018-02-07 Whirlpool Corporation Geschirrspüler mit Sprühsystem
CN106264399B (zh) * 2016-09-09 2019-07-26 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂装置及用水家用电器
US10531781B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2020-01-14 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Dishwasher with discretely directable tubular spray elements
CN111387899A (zh) * 2020-05-19 2020-07-10 九牧厨卫股份有限公司 一种清洗装置

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040069332A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2004-04-15 Lebaron Forrest L. Spray arm hub/head for ware washer
CN203789884U (zh) 2014-04-02 2014-08-27 美的集团股份有限公司 洗碗机喷臂组件及洗碗机
EP3050480A1 (de) * 2015-02-02 2016-08-03 LG Electronics Inc. Geschirrspüler
EP3284385A1 (de) * 2015-04-14 2018-02-21 Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Mfg. Co., Ltd. Sprüharmanordnung einer geschirrspülmaschine und geschirrspülmaschine damit
CN205338873U (zh) 2015-12-07 2016-06-29 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有它的洗碗机
CN111227751A (zh) 2016-06-10 2020-06-05 Lg电子株式会社 洗碗机
CN206950137U (zh) 2017-02-20 2018-02-02 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 洗碗机
WO2020042750A1 (zh) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-05 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有其的洗涤电器
CN110859566A (zh) 2018-08-28 2020-03-06 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 喷臂组件及具有其的洗涤电器
CN111297293A (zh) 2018-12-12 2020-06-19 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 一种洗碗机喷淋装置及洗碗机

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