EP4712829A1

EP4712829A1 - Dishwasher equipped with sliding containers for items to be washed

Info

Publication number: EP4712829A1
Application number: EP23727948.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabio BURLON
Original assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Current assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date: 2023-05-16
Filing date: 2023-05-16
Publication date: 2026-03-25
Also published as: AU2023448400A1; WO2024235448A1; CN121038678A

Abstract

The invention relates a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (3) having a top wall (6), a bottom wall (8), a rear wall (9), lateral walls (10, 12) and an aperture (14) for a closing door (16). A container (20) for items to be washed is slidingly arranged in the washing chamber (3) wherein the container (20) comprises a container section (22) facing one washing chamber lateral wall (10) of said washing chamber lateral walls (10, 12). The dishwasher (1) further comprises a rail assembly (30) having a first guide rail (32) associated to the container section (22) and a second guide rail (34) associated to the washing chamber lateral wall (10), wherein the first guide rail (32) is slidable with respect to the second guide rail (34). A supporting device (60) is arranged between the second guide rail (34) and the washing chamber lateral wall (10). The supporting device (60) comprises a bracket (62) attached to the washing chamber lateral wall (10) and a holder (80) having first connecting elements (82) for connecting the holder (80) to the bracket (62) and having second connecting elements (90) for connecting the second guide rail (34) to the holder (80).

Description

DISHWASHER EQUIPPED WITH SLIDING CONTAINERS FOR ITEMS TO BE WASHED

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a washing chamber for items to be washed.

Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher comprising a sliding container which is displaceable into and out of the washing chamber.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is an apparatus for washing items using a force of washing liquid sprayed onto the items. A dishwasher comprises a washing chamber, or tub, closable by a door in which items to be washed are positioned, usually in racks.

The door is typically a downwardly opening hinged door which may pivot along a lower axis up to a horizontal opened position.

Typically, dishwashers comprise one or more spray arms spraying washing liquid, e.g. a mixture of water and detergent, onto the items to clean them. The washing liquid is collected in a sump at a bottom of the tub. A circulation pump of the dishwasher is fluidly connected to the sump and pumps washing liquid from the sump to the spray arms during a wash cycle.

A dishwasher typically comprises two or more racks, vertically arranged one to the other inside the tub, in which the items to be cleaned can be positioned. The racks are usually displaceable into and out of the tub so as to facilitate loading and unloading of items into and out of the racks.

The lower rack is usually provided with wheels which roll along rails or ledges formed on the tub walls in alignment with the inner surface of the door when the door is in its horizontal opened position. This allows the lower rack to be rolled on the wheels out onto the inner surface of the door for easy loading and unloading. The upper rack, or the upper racks if more than one are provided, is displaceable into and out of the tub by means of a couple of sliding systems arranged between vertical lateral tub walls and respective vertical lateral sides of the rack.

A sliding system of known type comprises a rail which is connected to a vertical lateral side of the rack and at least two pairs of horizontally spaced support rollers connected to a vertical lateral tub wall. Each pair of rollers comprises an upper roller and a lower roller that slidingly receive therebetween respective upper and lower sliding surfaces of the rail.

A different sliding system of known type, disclosed for example in US7640612B2, comprises a telescopic rail assembly which has a first guide rail connected to a vertical lateral side of the rack, a second guide rail connected to a vertical lateral tub wall and rolling means for guiding the first guide rail in a displaceable manner on the second guide rail in a direction of movement of the rack.

Rolling means may be in the form of balls accommodated in one or more cages interposed between the first and second guide rails.

Manufacturing operations comprise the steps of connecting the first guide rail to the vertical lateral side of the rack and fixing the second guide rail to the vertical lateral tub wall. Said steps are carried out for each rack during manufacturing of the dishwasher. The rail assemblies are opportunely designed to fit with the particular rack that they have to support and/or to guarantee the correct stroke of the rack in and out of the tub.

According to this solution, therefore, there are provided different rail assemblies for different type of racks used in the dishwasher and, also, there are provided different rail assemblies for different dishwasher models equipped with different type of racks. This negatively affects manufacturing costs since it requires the realization of ad-hoc rail assemblies for different racks used in a dishwasher or ad- hoc rail assemblies used in different dishwasher models.

A further support device of known type is disclosed in DE102013211560A1 wherein the sliding system comprises a bracket attached on a side wall of the tub and a guide rail which is apt to be removably connected to the bracket.

Manufacturing operations comprise the steps of attaching the bracket to the vertical lateral tub wall and connecting the guide rail to the bracket. Said steps are carried out for each rack during manufacturing of the dishwasher. The bracket and the guide are opportunely designed to fit with the specific rack that they have to support and/or to guarantee the correct stroke of the rack in and out of the tub. Again, according to this solution, there are provided different brackets and guide rails for different type of racks used in the dishwasher and, also, there are provided different brackets and guide rails for different dishwasher models equipped with different type of racks. This negatively affects manufacturing costs since it requires the realization of ad-hoc rail assemblies for different racks used in a dishwasher or ad-hoc rail assemblies used in different dishwasher models.

An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the limits posed by the known techniques.

It is an object of the present invention to optimize operations in dishwashers manufacturing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for manufacturing dishwashers in a cost-efficient manner.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has found that by providing a dishwasher for washing items having a washing chamber receiving a container for said items, said container comprising a container section facing one washing chamber lateral wall of said washing chamber, a rail assembly comprising a first guide rail associated to said container section and a second guide rail associated to said washing chamber lateral wall and a supporting device arranged between said second guide rail and said washing chamber lateral wall, wherein said supporting device comprises a bracket attached to said washing chamber lateral wall and by further providing said supporting device with a holder arranged between said bracket and said second guide rail, it is possible to reach the mentioned objects.

In an aspect thereof the present invention relates, therefore, to a dishwasher for washing items comprising:

- a washing chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, lateral walls and an aperture for a closing door;

- a container for said items, said container being slidingly arranged in said washing chamber, said container comprising a container section facing one washing chamber lateral wall of said washing chamber lateral walls;

- a rail assembly comprising a first guide rail associated to said container section and a second guide rail associated to said washing chamber lateral wall, wherein said first guide rail is slidable with respect to said second guide rail;

- a supporting device arranged between said second guide rail and said washing chamber lateral wall, wherein said supporting device comprises a bracket attached to said washing chamber lateral wall; wherein said supporting device further comprises a holder having first connecting elements for connecting said holder to said bracket and having second connecting elements for connecting said second guide rail to said holder, said holder being arranged between said bracket and said second guide rail.

Advantageously, the supporting device according to the invention allows to simplify the manufacturing process, either during manufacturing of a dishwasher or of different dishwasher models wherein it is necessary to use different supporting devices that adapt to the different rail assemblies.

The supporting device according to the invention may be adapted by only choosing and using the proper holder that fit the actual rail assembly. The bracket, instead, is always the same despite the differences between the supporting devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the holder has a first side facing the bracket and comprising the first connecting elements and a second side facing the second guide rail and comprising the second connecting elements.

Preferably, the first connecting elements comprise first snap-fit connecting elements.

Advantageously, the holder is easily connected to the bracket.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one catching element that engages with a respective retaining surface belonging to the bracket and/or the first snap-fit connecting elements comprises at least one retaining surface that engages with a respective catching element belonging to the bracket.

Preferably, the catching element comprises a hook or a protruding element, more preferably a flexible hook.

In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting elements comprise second snap- fit connecting elements.

Advantageously, the second guide rail is easily connected to the holder.

Preferably, the second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one protruding element apt to catch a corresponding aperture of said second guide rail and/or the second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one aperture apt to be caught by a corresponding protruding element of said second guide.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the holder, the first connecting elements and/or the second connecting elements are integrally made.

Advantageously, the realization of the holder is quick, and cost-effective.

In a preferred embodiment, the holder is a plastic element, preferably obtained by an injection molding process.

Preferably, the bracket is a metallic element. Advantageously, the bracket has a solid structure.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bracket is attached to the washing chamber lateral wall by clinching or by soldering or with screws.

In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is configured to receive support rollers, preferably two couple of support rollers.

Advantageously, the bracket is configured to be modified to mount said support rollers to realize a supporting device for a rail assembly. Advantageously, there are provided the two pairs of support rollers for slidingly receiving therebetween a rail of the rail assembly.

Preferably, the bracket comprises apertures to receive respective shafts of the support rollers.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the holder comprises a depression area that extends longitudinally for receiving the second guide rail.

Advantageously, the second guide rail is received in the depression area of the holder so that the second guide rail is mounted as close as possible to the washing chamber lateral wall minimizing the space occupation of the rail assembly and optimizing the size of the rack.

In a preferred embodiment, the rail assembly comprises sliding members arranged between the first guide rail and the second guide rail. Preferably, the sliding members comprise rolling members.

Preferably, the rail assembly comprises one or more further guide rails arranged between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

In a further aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a supporting device for connecting a rail assembly to a lateral wall of a washing chamber in a dishwasher wherein said rail assembly is associated to a container for items to be washed, wherein said supporting device comprises a bracket attachable to said washing chamber lateral wall, wherein said supporting device comprises a holder having first connecting elements for connecting said holder to said bracket and having second connecting elements for connecting said rail assembly to said holder, said holder being arrangeable between said bracket and said second guide rail.

In a preferred embodiment, the holder has a first side comprising the first connecting elements and a second side comprising the second connecting elements.

Advantageously, the holder is easily connected to the bracket.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one catching element engageable with a respective retaining surface belonging to the bracket and/or the snap-fit connecting elements comprises at least one retaining surface engageable with a respective catching element belonging to the bracket.

Advantageously, the second guide rail is easily connectable to the holder.

Preferably, the second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one protruding element apt to catch a corresponding aperture of the rail assembly and/or the second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one aperture apt to be caught by a corresponding protruding element of the rail assembly.

Advantageously, the realization of the holder is quick, and cost-effective.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bracket is configured to receive support rollers, preferably two couple of support rollers.

Advantageously, the bracket is configured to be modified to mount said support rollers to realize a supporting device for a rail assembly. Advantageously, there are provided the two pairs of support rollers for slidingly receiving therebetween a rail of the rail assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket comprises apertures to receive respective shafts of the support rollers.

Preferably, the holder comprises a depression area that extends longitudinally for receiving the second guide rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be highlighted in greater detail in the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, provided with reference to the enclosed drawings. In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular:

- Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a dishwasher according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a rack positioned in a fully extracted position and the top panel removed therefrom;

- Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a supporting device of the dishwasher of Figure 1 isolated from the rest according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the supporting device of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 shows the supporting device of Figure 2 in a different operational position;

- Figure 5 shows a partial exploded view of Figure 4 corresponding to a first position during assembling operations;

- Figure 6 shows an isometric view of some elements of Figure 5 isolated from the rest;

- Figure 6 A shows an exploded view of Figure 6;

- Figure 7 shows an isometric rear view of Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is a cross section view along line VIII^O-VIII^O of figure 7;

- Figure 9 shows an isometric view of an element of Figure 6A isolated from the rest;

- Figure 10 shows a frontal plan view of Figure 9; - Figure 11 shows a rear plan view of Figure 9;

- Figure 12 shows an isometric view of an element of Figure 6 A isolated from the rest;

- Figure 12A shows an isometric view of the element of Figure 12 according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 13 shows an isometric view of a supporting device according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention using the element of Figure 12;

- Figure 14 shows an exploded view of Figure 13;

- Figure 15 shows the supporting device of Figure 13 used in a dishwasher according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 16 shows an isometric view of a dishwasher according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention with the uppermost and the intermediate racks positioned in extracted positions;

- Figure 17 shows a supporting device for the uppermost rail of the dishwasher of Figure 16 isolated from the rest according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 18 shows the supporting device of Figure 17 isolated from the rest;

- Figure 19 shows a supporting device for the intermediate rail of the dishwasher of Figure 16 isolated from the rest according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 20 shows the supporting device of Figure 19 isolated from the rest;

- Figure 20A is a cross section view along line XX°-XX° of figure 20;

- Figure 21 shows an isometric view of the uppermost rails of Figure 17 from another point of view;

- Figure 21 A shows an enlarged view of a particular of Figure 21;

- Figure 22 is a view of the uppermost rail inserted into the uppermost supporting device;

- Figure 23 is a view of the attempt of inserting the uppermost rail into the intermediate supporting device;

- Figure 24 shows an isometric view of the intermediate rail of Figure 18 from another point of view;

- Figure 25 is a view of the intermediate rail inserted into the uppermost supporting device;

- Figure 26 is a view of the intermediate rail inserted into the intermediate device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Figure 1 illustrates a dishwasher 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwasher 1 comprises an outer cabinet 2 and a washing chamber 3 configured to accommodate items to be washed, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

A number of walls form the washing chamber 3, hereinafter also indicated as tub 3. The tub 3 preferably comprises a top wall 6, a bottom wall 8, a rear wall 9, lateral walls 10, 12 and an aperture 14. The aperture 14 allows access to the tub 3 and a closing door 16 is associated to the aperture 14.

The dishwasher 1 comprises one or more racks 20 apt to accommodate said items, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

In Figure 1, only the uppermost rack 20 is shown for the reason of brevity and clarity. The uppermost rack 20 is typically arranged to accommodate cutlery and is also known as a top cutlery tray 20.

The dishwasher 1 is also preferably equipped with further racks, not shown, for example a lower rack and an intermediate rack arranged one above the other wherein each rack is configured to accommodate specific items to be washed, for example the lower rack is configured to receive dishes or pots and the intermediate rack is configured to receive mugs and/or glasses.

Hereinafter we will refer to the uppermost rack 20, also simply indicated as rack 20, but it has to be understood that the solution shown and described throughout the description may apply to any other rack of a dishwasher.

The dishwasher 1 , as known in the art, further comprises a sump 28 at a bottom of the tub 3, one or more spray devices, such as one or more spray arms, and a circulation pump. The circulation pump is configured to pump liquid from the sump 28 to the spray devices during a wash cycle of the dishwasher 1. The liquid is sprayed from the spray devices onto the items to clean the items. Due to gravity, the liquid is collected in the sump 28 where it is pumped again by the circulation pump to the spray devices. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the spray devices and the circulation pump are not illustrated in Figure 1. In a first aspect of the invention, the rack 20 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 so that it can be displaced into and out of the tub 3 so as to facilitate loading and unloading of items into and out of the rack 20. The rack 20 comprises a rack section 22 facing the left lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 and a rack section 22 facing the right lateral wall 12 of the tub 3.

Figure 1 shows the rack 20 displaced out of the tub 3 in a fully extracted position that facilitates loading and unloading of cutlery into and out of the rack 20.

The rack 20 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 by means of rail assemblies 30, preferably by means of two rail assemblies placed at opposite sides of the rack 20, i.e. a left rail assembly 30 and a right rail assembly 30 looking at Figure 1.

According to the preferred embodiment here illustrated and described, the two rail assemblies 30 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one rail assembly 30, in particular the left rail assembly 30, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right rail assembly 30.

The rail assembly 30, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, comprises a first guide rail 32 associated to the rack section 22 and a second guide rail 34 associated to the lateral wall 10, wherein the first guide rail 32 is slidable with respect to the second guide rail 34.

The first guide rail 32 is preferably fixed to the rack section 22, for example through screws or snap-fit connection means, so the rack 20 and the first guide rail 32 move together. The second guide rail 34, as better described later, is arranged to be not movable with respect to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 so that, in the mounted configuration, the second guide rail 34 is stationary and the first guide rail 32, with the rack 20, slidably moves with respect the second guide rail 34. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein, the rail assembly 30 preferably further comprises a middle guide rail 36 which is arranged between the first guide rail 32 and the second guide rail 34, as shown in detail in Figure 3. The middle guide rail 36 is guided in displaceable manner on the first guide rail 32 by means of a first rolling member assembly 38a and the middle guide rail 36 is guided in displaceable manner on the second guide rail 34 by means of a second rolling member assembly 38b.

The middle guide rail 36 is preferably constituted of two rails 36a, 36b fixed therebetween, for example by welding.

According to an aspect of the invention, a supporting device 60 is arranged between the second guide rail 34 of the rail assembly 30 and the left lateral wall rail 34 of the rail assembly 30 and the right lateral wall 12 of the tub 3. Preferably the two supporting devices 60 are placed at opposite sides of the rack 20, i.e. a left supporting device 60 and a right supporting device 60 looking at Figure 1.

According to the preferred embodiment here illustrated and described, the two supporting devices 60 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one supporting device 60, in particular the left supporting device 60, which is an object of the present invention, being clear that the description may be extended to the right supporting device 60.

The supporting device 60, illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 isolated from the rest, preferably comprises a bracket 62 attachable to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 62 is attached to the lateral wall 10 by clinching, so that manufacturing costs and times are reduced. The bracket 62 is preferably a metallic element, more preferably a metallic plate. Advantageously, the bracket 62 has a solid structure.

In further prefer embodiments, the bracket 62 is attached to the lateral wall 10 in different ways, for example by soldering or using one or more screws.

The bracket 62, as illustrated in Figures 6 A and 12, preferably comprises two lateral attaching parts 64a, 64b connected by an intermediate part 66.

Each attaching part 64a, 64b is preferably embossed so as to define two retaining surfaces 68a, 70a, 68b, 70b, the function of which will be described later.

Each attaching part 64a, 64b then further preferably comprises two apertures 72a, 74a, 72b, 74b, the function of which will be described later.

According to an aspect of the invention, the supporting device 60 further comprises a holder 80 which is arrangeable between the bracket 62 and the second guide rail 34 of the rail assembly 30.

The holder 80 has a first side 80a facing the bracket 62 and a second side 80b facing the second guide rail 34 of the rail assembly 30.

The holder 80 is preferably configured to be removably connected to the bracket 62. Also, preferably, the holder 80 is configured so that the second guide rail 34 is removably connected to the holder 80.

The holder 80 preferably comprises first connecting elements 82 for connecting the holder 80 to the bracket 62 and second connecting elements 90 for connecting the second guide rail 34 to the holder 80.

The first connecting elements 82 are preferably arranged at the first side 80a of the holder 80 and the second connecting elements 90 are preferably arranged at the second side 80b of the holder 80.

The holder 80 is preferably configured to be removably connected to the bracket 62 by means of a snap-fit joint.

Advantageously, the holder 80 is easily connected to the bracket 62.

The first connecting elements 82 preferably comprise a first couple of catching elements 84a, 86a apt to catch the corresponding retaining surfaces 68a, 70a of the first attaching part 64a of the bracket 62 and a second couple of catching elements 84b, 86b apt to catch the corresponding retaining surfaces 68b, 70b of the second attaching part 64b of the bracket 62, as visible in Figure 8.

Catching elements 84a, 86a, 84b, 86b preferably comprise respective hooks 84a, 86a, 84b, 86b, more preferably flexible hooks. In further embodiments, catching elements may comprise respective protruding elements apt to catch corresponding retaining surfaces.

The holder 80 and the first connecting elements 82 are preferably integrally made. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the holder 80 and the flexible hooks 84a, 86a, 84b, 86b are preferably integrally made.

More preferably the holder 80 and the first connecting elements 82 are made of plastic and preferably obtained by an injection molding process.

The realization of the holder 80 is thus simple, quick, and cost-effective.

In a further preferred embodiment, not shown, said snap-fit joint is preferably defined by first connecting elements comprising at least one retaining surface engageable with a respective catching element belonging to the bracket.

The first side 80a of the holder 80 further preferably comprises guiding elements 88a, 89a, 88b, 89b that help the correct alignment of the holder 80 with the bracket 62 during the mounting of the holder 80 to the bracket 62.

The guiding elements 88a, 89a, 88b, 89b preferably comprises protruding pins that match the apertures 72a, 74a, 72b, 74b of the bracket 62. More preferably, there are provide a first couple of protruding pins 72a, 74a that match the apertures 72a, 74a of the first attaching part 64a of the bracket 62 and a second couple of protruding pins 72b, 74b that match the apertures 72b, 74b of the second attaching part 64b of the bracket 62.

The second connecting elements 90 of the holder 80 preferably comprise protruding elements 92, 93, 94 apt to catch corresponding apertures 95, 96, 97 of the second guide rail 34, the last aperture 97 being not completely visible in the Figures.

Each aperture 95, 96, 97 of the second guide rail 34 preferably comprises a first wide part 95a, 96a and a second thin part 95b, 96b.

Protruding elements 92, 93, 94 preferably comprise head portions 92a, 93a, 94a with undercuts 92b, 93b, 94b defining respective grooves, as illustrated in Figure 9.

The second guide rail 34 is connectable to the holder 80 by aligning and inserting the protruding elements 92, 93, 94 of the holder 80 into wide parts 95a, 96a of apertures 95, 96, 97 of the second rail 34 and then sliding the second rail 34 so that the second thin parts 95b, 96b of apertures 95, 96, 97 slide along grooves 92b, 93b, 94b of the protruding elements 92, 93, 94. The second rail 34 is thus finally arranged in its final fixed position with respect to the holder 80. A stopping element 98, preferably a flexible tooth 98, is arranged at the holder 80 and preferably comprises an abutting surface 98a, as visible in Figure 6.

The flexible tooth 98 is snapped into a slot 99 of the second rail 34 when the last reached its final fixed position with respect to the holder 80.

The abutting surface 98a of the flexible tooth 98 avoids unwanted sliding movement of the second rail 34 with respect to the holder 80 thus maintaining its final fixed position.

The second guide rail 34 is therefore configured to be removably connected to the holder 80 by means of a snap-fit joint. Advantageously, the second guide rail 34 is easily connected to the holder 80.

The holder 80 and second connecting elements 90 are preferably integrally made. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the holder 80 and the protruding elements 92, 93, 94 are preferably integrally made.

More preferably the holder 80 and the protruding elements 92, 93, 94 are made of plastic and preferably obtained by an injection molding process.

The realization of the holder 80 is thus simple, quick, and cost-effective.

In a further preferred embodiment, not shown, said snap-fit joint is preferably defined by second connecting elements comprising at least one aperture apt to be caught by a corresponding protruding element of the rail assembly.

Protruding elements 92, 93, 94 and the stopping element 98 are preferably longitudinally arranged in a central depression area 100 of the holder 80.

The second guide rail 34 is hence preferably received in the central depression area 100 of the holder 80. The second guide rail 34 is thus mounted as close as possible to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 minimizing the space occupation of the rail assembly 30 and optimizing the size of the rack 20.

Assembling operations of the dishwasher 1 require for the fixation of the bracket 62 to the lateral wall 10, the connection of the holder 80 to the bracket 62 and the connection of the rail assembly 30 to the holder 80 by connecting the second guide rail 34 to the holder 80. Successively the rack 20 is connected to the rail assembly 30, preferably by fixing the rack section 22 to the first guide rail 32, for example through screws or snap-fit connection means. In a further preferred embodiment, the rack 20 is firstly connected to the rail assembly 30, preferably by fixing the rack section 22 to the first guide rail 32, and successively the second guide rail 34, together with the rack 20, is connected to the holder 80.

According to the invention, the holder 80 of the supporting device 60 is opportunely configured to properly match the rail assembly 30 which is used in a particular dishwasher 1 , more preferably to properly match the second guide rail 34 of the rail assembly 30.

As known, rail assemblies in a dishwasher or rail assemblies in different dishwasher models may vary to fit with the rack they have to support. For example, a rail assembly used to support the uppermost rack for cutlery usually has a lighter construction compared to an intermediate rack for mugs and/or glasses. In fact, items positioned in the uppermost rack generally has lower overall weight compared to items positioned in the intermediate rack. The guide rails of the uppermost rack may have, for example, smaller sizes compared to guide rails of the intermediate rack. Also, for example, the rail assembly for an intermediate rack in a dishwasher with low place setting may have a lighter construction compared to the rail assembly for an intermediate rack in a dishwasher with higher place setting. Accordingly, either during manufacturing of a dishwasher or of different dishwasher models it is necessary to use different supporting devices that adapt to the different rail assemblies.

Advantageously, the supporting device according to the invention allows to simplify the manufacturing process since the supporting device may be adapted by only choosing and using the proper holder that fit the actual rail assembly. The bracket, instead, is always the same despite the differences between the supporting devices.

Different holders for different supporting devices may be advantageously realized in a simple, quick, and cost-effective way, in particular when the holders are made of plastic.

Figure 12A shows a bracket 62’ according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the attaching parts 64a, 64b are provided with retaining surfaces 68a, 70a, 68b, 70b for attachment of a holder 80 thereto while the attaching parts 64a, 64b are deprived of any aperture.

According to another aspect, as illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, the bracket 62 of the invention is preferably configured to be modified to mount two pairs of support rollers to realize a supporting device 160 for a rail assembly 140.

In particular, the two pairs of support rollers 104, 106, 104’, 106’ slidingly receive therebetween a rail 144 of the rail assembly 140, as shown in Figure 15.

In the preferred embodiment here illustrated and described each support roller 104, 106, 104’, 106’ is preferably embodied as a rolling wheel rotatable around a respective shaft 108, 110, 108’, 110’.

According to the invention, the two couples of apertures 72a, 74a, 72b, 74b of the bracket 62 are apt to receive the respective two couples of shafts 108, 110, 108’, 110’ of the support rollers 104, 106, 104’, 106’, as illustrated in Figure 14.

Therefore, preferably, the bracket 62 equipped with said pairs of support rollers 104, 106, 104’, 106’ constitutes the supporting device 160 for the rail 144 which is connectable to the rack section 22.

For example, the rail 144 is preferably connected to the rack section 22 by means of a couple of wheels 180, only one shown in Figure 15, received in a hollow central section 147 of the rail 144. The wheels 180 are rotatable around respective shafts 182 fixedly connected to the rack section 22.

In further preferred embodiments, not shown, the rail may be fixedly connected to the rack section, for example through a screw, so that rail and the rack always move together.

It appears from the above that by using the same bracket 62 it is possible to realize either a first type of supporting device 60, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 12, for a first type of rail assembly having a guide rail 34 which is mounted stationary with respect the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 or a second type of supporting device 160, as illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, for a second type of rail assembly having a guide rail 144 which slides with respect to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3.

This advantageously gives a degree of flexibility to manufacturer that may use a common component, namely the bracket, for assembling different types of rail assemblies. Figure 16 illustrates a dishwasher 201 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components of the first embodiment previously described are identified by the same reference numbers. The dishwasher 201 comprises an outer cabinet 2 and a washing chamber 3 configured to accommodate items to be washed, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

The dishwasher 201 comprises one or more racks 220, 320 apt to accommodate said items, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

In Figure 16, an uppermost rack 220 and an intermediate rack 320 are shown.

The uppermost rack 220, hereinafter also indicated as upper rack 220, is typically arranged to accommodate cutlery and is also known as a top cutlery tray 220.

The intermediate rack 230 is typically arranged to accommodate mugs and/or glasses.

The dishwasher 201 is also preferably equipped with a further lower rack, not shown, which is typically configured to accommodate dishes or pots.

The dishwasher 201, as known in the art, further comprises a sump 28 at a bottom of the tub 3, one or more spray devices, such as one or more spray arms, and a circulation pump. The circulation pump is configured to pump liquid from the sump 28 to the spray devices during a wash cycle of the dishwasher 201. The liquid is sprayed from the spray devices onto the items to clean the items. Due to gravity, the liquid is collected in the sump 28 where it is pumped again by the circulation pump to the spray devices. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the spray devices and the circulation pump are not illustrated in the Figures.

In an aspect of the invention, the racks 220, 230 are slidingly arranged in the tub 3 so that they can be displaced into and out of the tub 3 so as to facilitate loading and unloading of items into and out of the racks 220, 230.

The upper rack 220 comprises a rack section 222 facing the left lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 and a rack section 222 facing the right lateral wall 12 of the tub 3.

Figure 16 shows the upper rack 220 displaced out of the tub 3 in an extracted position that facilitates loading and unloading of cutlery into and out of the rack 220.

The upper rack 220 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 by means of two upper rail assemblies 230 and respective upper supporting devices 260, the last not visible in Figure 16.

Preferably, the two rail assemblies 230 are placed at opposite sides of the rack 220, i.e. a left rail assembly 230 and a right rail assembly 230 looking at Figure 16.

Preferably the two supporting devices 260 are placed at opposite sides of the rack 220, i.e. a left supporting device 260 and a right supporting device 260.

The two rail assemblies 230 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one rail assembly 230, in particular the left rail assembly 230, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right rail assembly 230.

Analogously, the two supporting devices 260 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one supporting device 260, in particular the left supporting device 260, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right supporting device 260.

The upper rail assembly 230 (Figures 17 and 18) preferably comprises an upper rail 244 having a first rolling surface 246 and a second rolling surface 248. A central section 247 of the rail 244 is comprised between the first rolling surface 246 and the second rolling surface 248. The central section 247 is preferably embodied as a hollow section.

The rail 244 is connected to the rack section 222. In the first preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein the rail 244 is connected to the rack section 222 so that the rack 220 may slide for a predetermined stroke with respect to the rail 244. At this purpose the rail 244 is preferably connected to the rack section 222 by means of a couple of wheels received in the hollow central section 247 of the rail 244, not shown and preferably of the type shown in Figure 15. The wheels are rotatable around respective shafts fixedly connected to the rack section 222.

In further preferred embodiments, the rail may be fixedly connected to the rack section, for example through a screw, so that rail and the rack always move together.

The upper supporting device 260, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, preferably comprises an upper bracket 262 and two pairs of support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’.

The bracket 262 is attached to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 262 is attached to the lateral wall 10 by clinching, so that manufacturing costs and times are reduced. The bracket 262 is preferably a metallic element, more preferably a metallic plate.

In further prefer embodiments, the bracket 262 is attached to the lateral wall 10 in different ways, for example by soldering or using one or more screws.

Each support roller 264, 266, 264’, 266’ is preferably embodied as a rolling wheel rotatable around a respective shaft 268, 270, 268’, 270’.

The bracket 262 preferably comprises two couples of apertures 272, 274, 272’, 274’ receiving respective couple of shafts 268, 270, 268’, 270’ of the support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’.

In the mounted configuration, the upper rail 244 is received between the two pairs of support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’ and may slide therebetween.

The intermediate rack 320 (Figures 19 and 20) comprises a rack section 322 facing the left lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 and a rack section 322 facing the right lateral wall 12 of the tub 3.

Figure 16 shows the intermediate rack 320 displaced out of the tub 3 in an extracted position that facilitates loading and unloading of mugs and/or glasses into and out of the rack 320.

The intermediate rack 320 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 by means of two intermediate rail assemblies 330 and respective intermediate supporting devices 360.

Preferably, the two rail assemblies 330 are placed at opposite sides of the rack 320, i.e. a left rail assembly 330 and a right rail assembly 330 looking at Figure 16.

Preferably the two supporting devices 360 are placed at opposite sides of the rack 320, i.e. a left supporting device 360 and a right supporting device 360 looking at Figure 16.

The two rail assemblies 330 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one rail assembly 330, in particular the left rail assembly 330, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right rail assembly 330.

Analogously, the two supporting devices 360 are symmetric and hence substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one supporting device 360, in particular the left supporting device 360, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right supporting device 360.

The intermediate rail assembly 330, as shown in Figure 19, preferably comprises an intermediate rail 344 having a first rolling surface 346 and a second rolling surface 348. A central section 347 of the rail 344 is comprised between the first rolling surface 346 and the second rolling surface 348. The central section 347 is preferably embodied as a hollow section.

The rail 344 is connected to the rack section 322. In the first preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein the rail 344 is connected to the rack section 322 so that the rack 320 may slide for a predetermined stroke with respect to the rail 344. At this purpose the rail 344 is preferably connected to the rack section 322 by means of a couple of wheels received in the hollow central section 347 of the rail 344, not shown and preferably of the type shown in Figure 15. The wheels are rotatable around respective shafts fixedly connected to the rack section 322.

The intermediate supporting device 360, as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, preferably comprises a first bracket 362 bearing a first pair of support rollers 364, 366 and a second bracket 362’ bearing a second pair of support rollers 364’, 366’. The first and second brackets 362, 362’ are attached to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3. In a preferred embodiment, the brackets 362, 362’ are attached to the lateral wall 10 with screws 367, as depicted in Figure 20 A and described below.

The first bracket 362 preferably comprises a first portion 372 which is arranged inside the tub 3 and in contact with the lateral wall 10 and a second portion 374 which is arranged outside the tub 3 and in contact with the lateral wall 10, wherein the first portion 372 and the second portion 374 are connected therebetween and fixed to the lateral wall 10 through said screws 367.

The first bracket 362 preferably comprises two shafts 368, 370 for the support rollers 364, 366.

Analogously, the second bracket 362’ preferably comprises a first portion 372’ which is arranged inside the tub 3 and in contact with the lateral wall 10 and a second portion 374’ which is arranged outside the tub 3 and in contact with the lateral wall 10, wherein the first portion 372’ and the second portion 374’ are connected therebetween and fixed to the lateral wall 10 through said screws 367.

The second bracket 362’ preferably comprises two shafts 368’, 370’ for the support rollers 364’, 366’.

Each support roller 364, 366, 364’, 366’ is preferably embodied as a rolling wheel rotatable around the respective shaft 368, 370, 368’, 370’.

In the mounted configuration, the intermediate rail 344 is received between the two pairs of support rollers 364, 366, 364’, 366’ and may slide therebetween.

As known, the upper rail 244 of the upper rail assembly 230 has a lighter construction compared to the intermediate rail 344 of the intermediate rail assembly 330. In fact, items positioned in the upper rack 220 generally has lower overall weight compared to items positioned in the intermediate rack 320.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper rail 244 and the intermediate rail 344 have the same outer shape but differ in the respective thicknesses tl, t2, i.e. the thickness tl of the upper rail 244 is lower than the thickness t2 of the intermediate rail 344, for example tl =0,6mm and t2=0,8mm.

Having the upper rail 244 and the intermediate rail 344 the same outer shape it is important that the upper rail 244 is correctly mounted to the upper supporting devices 260 by its insertion between the two pairs of support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’ of the upper supporting device 260 and that the intermediate rail 344 is correctly mounted to the intermediate supporting devices 360 by its insertion between the two pairs of support rollers 364, 366, 364’, 366’ of the intermediate supporting device 360.

Furthermore, it is important that the upper rail 244 is not mountable to the intermediate supporting device 360 while it is allowed that the intermediate rail 344 is mountable to the upper supporting device 260.

These features are reached by the upper and intermediate rail assemblies 230, 330 and respective upper and intermediate supporting devices 260, 360 of the invention, as explained below.

Preferably, the upper rail 244 of the upper rail assembly 230, as visible in Figures 21 and 21 A, comprises a first inhibiting element 280 and the intermediate supporting device 360 comprises a second inhibiting element 380, as visible in Figure 20.

The first inhibiting element 280 preferably comprises a protrusion 280 protruding from the upper rail 244 towards the lateral wall 10. The second inhibiting element 380 preferably comprises a stopping surface arranged at the bracket 362 of the intermediate supporting device 360. Preferably, the stopping surface 380 is arranged between the first and/or the second pairs of support rollers 364, 366, 364’ , 366’.

During assembling operations, the upper rail 244 may be correctly inserted between the two pairs of support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’ of the upper supporting device 260, as illustrated in Figure 22.

On the contrary, any attempt to insert the upper rail 244 between the support rollers 364, 366, 364’, 366’ of the intermediate supporting device 360 is prevented by the interference between the first inhibiting element 280 and the second inhibiting element 380, preferably by abutment of the protrusion 280 of upper rail 244 against the stopping surface 380 of the intermediate supporting device 360, as illustrated in Figure 23.

On the other side, it has to be noted that the intermediate rail 344 may be either correctly inserted between the support rollers 364, 366, 364’, 366’ of the intermediate supporting device 360 (Figure 26) or between the two pairs of support rollers 264, 266, 264’, 266’ of the upper supporting device 260 (Figure 25).

Said configuration eventually defines a so called poka-yoke system for the correct assembling of the rails 244, 344.

In the embodiments illustrated and described above, the rolling members preferably comprise two rolling wheels rotatable around respective shafts, wherein the rail is received between the two rolling wheels.

In different embodiments, not shown, the rolling members may comprise two rolling pins or rolling shafts or even two fixed pins (not rotatable pins) or fixed shafts (not rotatable shafts). In the latest, the fixed pins or shafts are preferably realized, or covered, with a material having a low coefficient of friction.

It has thus been shown that the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved. In particular, the invention makes possible to provide a dishwasher with a washing chamber for items to be washed and having a container slidingly arranged in the washing chamber through supporting devices that optimize assembling and/or disassembling operations compared to known systems.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments shown in the figures, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein; on the contrary, further variants of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher (1) for washing items comprising:

- a washing chamber (3) comprising a top wall (6), a bottom wall (8), a rear wall (9), lateral walls (10, 12) and an aperture (14) for a closing door (16);

- a container (20) for said items, said container (20) being slidingly arranged in said washing chamber (3), said container (20) comprising a container section (22) facing one washing chamber lateral wall (10) of said washing chamber lateral walls (10, 12);

- a rail assembly (30) comprising a first guide rail (32) associated to said container section (22) and a second guide rail (34) associated to said washing chamber lateral wall (10), wherein said first guide rail (32) is slidable with respect to said second guide rail (34);

- a supporting device (60) arranged between said second guide rail (34) and said washing chamber lateral wall (10), wherein said supporting device (60) comprises a bracket (62) attached to said washing chamber lateral wall (10); characterized in that said supporting device (60) further comprises a holder (80) having first connecting elements (82) for connecting said holder (80) to said bracket (62) and having second connecting elements (90) for connecting said second guide rail (34) to said holder (80), said holder (80) being arranged between said bracket (62) and said second guide rail (34).

2. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said holder (80) has a first side (80a) facing said bracket (62) and comprising said first connecting elements (82) and a second side (80b) facing said second guide rail (34) and comprising said second connecting elements (90).

3. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first connecting elements (82) comprise first snap-fit connecting elements (82).

4. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said first snap-fit connecting elements (82) comprise at least one catching element (84a, 86a, 84b, 86b) that engages with a respective retaining surface (68a, 70a, 68b, 70b) belonging to said bracket (62) and/or said first snap-fit connecting elements comprises at least one retaining surface that engages with a respective catching element belonging to said bracket.

5. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second connecting elements (90) comprise second snap-fit connecting elements (90).

6. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said second snap- fit connecting elements (90) comprise at least one protruding element (92, 93, 94) apt to catch a corresponding aperture (95, 96, 97) of said second guide rail (34) and/or said second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one aperture apt to be caught by a corresponding protruding element of said second guide.

7. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holder (80), said first connecting elements (82) and/or said second connecting elements (90) are integrally made.

8. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holder (80) is a plastic element, preferably obtained by an injection molding process.

9. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bracket (62) is a metallic element.

10. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bracket (62) is attached to said washing chamber lateral wall (10) by clinching or by soldering or with screws.

11. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bracket (62) is configured to receive support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’), preferably two couple of support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’).

12. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said bracket (62) comprises apertures (72a, 74a, 72b, 74b) to receive respective shafts (108, 110, 108’, 110’) of said support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’).

13. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holder (80) comprises a depression area (100) that extends longitudinally for receiving said second guide rail (34).

14. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rail assembly (30) comprises sliding members (38a, 38b) arranged between said first guide rail (32) and said second guide rail (34), preferably said sliding members comprising rolling members (38a, 38b).

15. A dishwasher (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rail assembly (30) comprises one or more further guide rails (36) arranged between said first guide rail (32) and said second guide rail (34).

16. A supporting device (60) for connecting a rail assembly (30) to a lateral wall (10) of a washing chamber (3) in a dishwasher (1) wherein said rail assembly (30) is associated to a container (20) for items to be washed, wherein said supporting device (60) comprises a bracket (62) attachable to said washing chamber lateral wall (10), characterized in that said supporting device (60) comprises a holder (80) having first connecting elements (82) for connecting said holder (80) to said bracket (62) and having second connecting elements (90) for connecting said rail assembly (30) to said holder (80), said holder (80) being arrangeable between said bracket (62) and said second guide rail (34).

17. A supporting device (60) according to claim 16, characterized in that said holder (80) has a first side (80a) comprising said first connecting elements (82) and a second side (80b) comprising said second connecting elements (90).

18. A supporting device (60) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said first connecting elements (82) comprise first snap-fit connecting elements (82).

19. A supporting device (60) according to claim 16, characterized in that said first snap-fit connecting elements (82) comprise at least one catching element (84a, 86a, 84b, 86b) engageable with a respective retaining surface (68a, 70a, 68b, 70b) belonging to said bracket (62) and/or said snap-fit connecting elements comprises at least one retaining surface engageable with a respective catching element belonging to said bracket.

20. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in that said second connecting elements (90) comprise second snap-fit connecting elements (90).

21. A supporting device (60) according to claim 20, characterized in that said second snap-fit connecting elements (90) comprise at least one protruding element (92, 93, 94) apt to catch a corresponding aperture (95, 96, 97) of said rail assembly (30) and/or said second snap-fit connecting elements comprise at least one aperture apt to be caught by a corresponding protruding element of said rail assembly.

22. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 21, characterized in that said holder (80), said first connecting elements (82) and/or said second connecting elements (90) are integrally made.

23. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 22, characterized in that said holder (80) is a plastic element, preferably obtained by an injection molding process.

24. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 23, characterized in that said bracket (62) is a metallic element.

25. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 24, characterized in that said bracket (62) is configured to receive support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’), preferably two couple of support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’).

26. A supporting device (60) according to claim 25, characterized in that said bracket (62) comprises apertures (72a, 74a, 72b, 74b) to receive respective shafts (108, 110, 108’, 110’) of said support rollers (104, 106, 104’, 106’).

27. A supporting device (60) according to any of the claims 16 to 26, characterized in that said holder (80) comprises a depression area (100) that extends longitudinally for receiving said second guide rail (34).