EP4736731A1

EP4736731A1 - A dishwasher comprising a carbon filter

Info

Publication number: EP4736731A1
Application number: EP25192795.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Isik Sena Akgun Guldur; Gokhan SIR; Nuray CAVDAR; Ozcan Hatipoglu; Derin AKTAS
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2024-11-01
Filing date: 2025-07-30
Publication date: 2026-05-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a device body (2); a washing chamber (3) which is disposed in the device body (2); at least one drying duct (4); at least one duct inlet (5) which connects the washing chamber (3) to the drying duct (4); and at least one fan (6) which is configured to direct the air in the washing chamber (3) toward the drying duct (4). The dishwasher comprises at least one carbon filter (7); at least one filter housing (8) which supports the carbon filter (7) from at least one section of the wall thereof; a first position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet (5) to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to be filtered by the carbon filter (7) before entering the air duct (4); a second position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to pass through the duct inlet (5) into the air duct (4) without passing through the carbon filter (7); an actuator which is connected to the filter housing (8) and which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) between the first position and the second position; at least one VOC sensor (9) which is configured to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air in the washing chamber (3); and a control unit which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) to the first position and activate the fan (6) when the VOC sensor (9) detects a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration above a selected concentration value, and to move the carbon filter (7) to the second position and deactivate the fan (6) when the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is measured to be below the selected concentration value.

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, especially to a dishwasher comprising a carbon filter which filters bad odors.
Dishwashers are machines used in places such as homes, offices, and restaurants, designed to wash dishes more quickly and economically and to improve living standards. The use of dishwashers generally consists of washing the dishes placed in the washing chamber. In environments such as homes, where a large number of dishes are not accumulated at once, the washing chamber of the dishwasher cannot be fully loaded with dishes. Fully loading the washing chamber can only occur after several eating and/or drinking activities. This situation may result in some of the dishes placed in the washing chamber remaining there for a few days. Foodstuff residues on the waiting dishes may begin to decay during the waiting period and start to generate odors in the washing chamber. This odor generation can easily reach levels which disturb the user. Therefore, the users often start the washing process without waiting, in order to prevent odor generation from occurring in the washing chamber. This means that the washing process is started before the washing chamber is fully loaded. Operating the dishwasher without utilizing its full capacity results in increased consumption of energy, water, and cleaning agents, as well as environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need in the technique for a dishwasher wherein odors which may be generated in the washing chamber due to dishes being left to wait are eliminated.
In the state of the art Chinese Utility Model Application No. CN209915908U , an odor removal device for a dishwasher is disclosed. The dishwasher body comprises a casing which is fixed to the upper surface of the body. A fan is mounted on the inner bottom surface of the casing, and an odor removal box is provided on one side of the fan. The odor removal box is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the casing. A ventilation pipe is fixed to the inlet of the fan. The fan extracts unpleasant-smelling air from the inner chamber of the dishwasher body by means of the ventilation pipe. The said air is then delivered to the odor removal box through the air delivery pipe, and the unpleasant-smelling air is adsorbed and purified by means of activated carbon in the odor removal box.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein bad odors in the washing chamber are detected, the air in the washing chamber is filtered and refreshed by means of a carbon filter when bad odor is detected, and the carbon filter is protected to extend the economic life thereof when no bad odor is detected.
Another aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein a carbon filter is used, it is detected whether the filtering performance of the carbon filter is below a threshold value, and the filtering performance is increased by washing the carbon filter when it is detected that the filtering performance is below the threshold value.
The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a device body; a washing chamber which is disposed in the device body; at least one drying duct; at least one duct inlet which connects the washing chamber to the drying duct; and at least one fan which is configured to direct the air in the washing chamber toward the drying duct.
The dishwasher of the present invention further comprises at least one carbon filter; at least one filter housing which supports the carbon filter from at least one section of the wall thereof; a first position wherein the carbon filter is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet to enable the air in the washing chamber to be filtered by the carbon filter before entering the drying duct; a second position wherein the carbon filter is positioned so as to enable the air in the washing chamber to pass through the duct inlet into the drying duct without passing through the carbon filter; an actuator which is connected to the filter housing and which is configured to move the carbon filter between the first position and the second position; at least one VOC sensor which is configured to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air in the washing chamber; and a control unit, in other words, a processing unit, which is configured to move the carbon filter to the first position and activate the fan when the VOC sensor detects a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration above a selected concentration value, and to move the carbon filter to the second position and deactivate the fan when the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is measured to be below the selected concentration value.
In the embodiments of the present invention, a carbon filter is provided. The carbon filter is configured to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air passing therethrough. The carbon filter is supported by the filter housing. The filter housing may support the carbon filter by holding the same at a portion thereof, or may be in the form of a frame which surrounds the periphery of the carbon filter. In the embodiments of the present invention, the carbon filter can be positioned in at least two positions. In the first position, the carbon filter is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet. Thus, the air in the washing chamber is enabled to be filtered through the carbon filter to pass into the drying duct. In the second position, the carbon filter is positioned relative to the duct inlet such that the air in the washing chamber passes into the drying duct without passing through the carbon filter. The actuator is connected to the filter housing and hence to the carbon filter. The actuator is configured to move the filter housing to bring the carbon filter into the first position and the second position. The dishwasher of the present invention further comprises at least one VOC sensor which is configured to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air in the washing chamber. In the embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is configured to bring the carbon filter into the first position by means of the actuator and operate the fan when the VOC sensor measures a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in the washing chamber above a selected concentration value. The control unit is also configured to bring the carbon filter into the second position and stop the fan when the VOC sensor measures a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value in the washing chamber below the selected concentration value.
When the dishes in the washing chamber are left unwashed, foodstuff residues on the dishes begin to decay and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, causing bad odors. The intensity of bad odor in the washing chamber is directly proportional to the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in the air. In the present invention, the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in the washing chamber is used as an indicator of the presence of bad odors.
In an initial state of the dishwasher, the machine door which provides access to the washing chamber is closed, and no washing process is performed. In this case, the carbon filter is in the second position. In the second position of the carbon filter, the air in the washing chamber is enabled to pass directly into the drying duct through the duct inlet without passing through the carbon filter. Thus, the filtration performance of the carbon filter, which is not used unnecessarily, is maintained at a high level. The control unit measures the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in the air in the washing chamber by means of the VOC sensor. If the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is below the selected concentration value, the control unit takes no action regarding the carbon filter in the second position and the fan in the off state. If the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is above the selected concentration value, the control unit brings the carbon filter into the first position and activates the fan. The fan begins to direct the air from the washing chamber into the drying duct through the duct inlet. In the first position, the carbon filter is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet such that the air in the washing chamber is filtered therethrough before passing into the drying duct. The air in the washing chamber begins to pass through the carbon filter and into the drying duct. The volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air passing through the carbon filter are absorbed by the carbon filter. Consequently, the air in the washing chamber begins to be purified of bad odors. When in a subsequent measurement by the VOC sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value is measured, it is determined that the air in the washing chamber has been purified of bad odors. In this case, in other words, if in a subsequent measurement by the VOC sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value is measured, the control unit brings the carbon filter to the second position and stops the fan. Thus, the air in the washing chamber is enabled to be directed from the duct inlet into the drying duct without passing through the carbon filter. In this case, the carbon filter does not absorb any volatile organic compounds (VOC) at a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value. A volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value corresponds to an odor intensity which is not disturbing to the user. While below the said value, when a washing cycle is initiated in the dishwasher, volatile organic compounds (VOC) will be removed without using the carbon filter. Thus, the carbon filter is not used unnecessarily, and the economic life thereof is extended.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to operate the fan at a speed value depending on the difference between the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value and the selected concentration value. In this embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value and the selected concentration value is directly proportional to the fan speed. For example, in an embodiment where the selected concentration value is 50 ppb (parts per billion), if the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value is 70 ppb (20 ppb distance), the control unit operates the fan at a selected speed, and if the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value is 80 ppb (30 ppb difference), the control unit operates the fan at a speed higher than the selected speed. If the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value is 60 ppb (10 ppb difference), the control unit operates the fan at a speed lower than the selected speed.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a substantially circular duct inlet; at least two carbon filters in a substantially semi-disk shape; the filter housing which supports the carbon filters at least from the straight edges thereof; and at least one central rib passing through the center of the duct inlet and to which the filter housings are rotatably connected. In this embodiment, the actuator is configured to rotate each filter housing in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters to form a substantially full disk form and bring the same to the first position, and to rotate each filter housing in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters such that the broad surfaces thereof face and overlap each other while bringing the same to the second position. In this embodiment, the duct inlet is circular. Here, the central rib is provided, one end of which extends towards an inner wall of the duct inlet and the other end to the opposite inner wall of the duct inlet, and which passes through the center of the duct inlet. The two substantially semi-disk-shaped carbon filters are rotatably connected to the central rib by means of the filter housings. When the carbon filters are desired to be positioned in the first position, the actuator rotates the filter housings in opposite directions so as to bring both semi-disk-shaped carbon filters so that the straight edges thereof face each other to form a substantially full disk and cover the duct inlet with the said full disk form. When the carbon filters are desired to be positioned in the second position, the actuator rotates the filter housings in opposite directions so as to align both semi-disk-shaped carbon filters such that the broad surfaces thereof face and overlap each other. In this embodiment of the present invention, the volume which needs to be occupied in the washing chamber and/or the drying duct for the carbon filters to shift to the first position and the second position is reduced or becomes unnecessary. The volume required to be occupied refers to the volume which defines the movement path of the carbon filters between the first position and the second position and which allows the movement of the carbon filters. Thus, the need for making additional arrangement for forming the volume required to be occupied in a dishwasher rack to be placed in the washing chamber of the present invention and/or in the drying duct is eliminated.
In a variation of the embodiment of the present invention comprising at least two carbon filters in a substantially semi-disk form, the carbon filters extend toward the washing chamber when in the second position. In this embodiment, during the shift of the filters between the first position and the second position, the filters move in the washing chamber. The two semi-disk-shaped carbon filters, the surfaces of which are aligned one above the other, positioned in the second position, extend toward the washing chamber by centering over the duct inlet. Thus, the filters provided in the washing chamber are positioned in the second position so as to cause minimal obstruction to the air flow passing through the duct inlet. Moreover, the need for making an arrangement to form the volume required to be occupied in the drying duct of the present invention is eliminated.
In a variation of the embodiment of the present invention comprising at least two carbon filters in a substantially semi-disk form, the carbon filters extend toward the drying duct when in the second position. In this embodiment, the two semi-disk-shaped carbon filters, the surfaces of which are aligned one above the other, positioned in the second position, extend toward the drying duct by centering over the duct inlet. During the shift between the first position and the second position, the filters move in the drying duct. The filters do not occupy any space in the washing chamber during the shift between the first position and the second position. Thus, the need for making an arrangement to form the volume required to be occupied in a dishwasher rack to be placed into the washing chamber of the present invention is eliminated.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a duct frame which surrounds the periphery of the duct inlet. The duct frame defines the periphery of the duct inlet in a smooth manner. The duct frame enables the filters in the first position to cover the duct inlet more tightly. Thus, when the filters are in the first position, it is ensured that all the air in the washing chamber passes through the filters for filtration.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the filter housing in the form of a frame surrounding the periphery of the carbon filter. In this embodiment of the present invention, the filter housing supports the carbon filter by surrounding, in other words, framing the same along the entire periphery thereof. Thus, it is ensured that the carbon filter is supported during the shift between the first position and the second position and that the positions thereof relative to the duct inlet in the mentioned positions are guaranteed. Moreover, in the embodiments of the present invention comprising the duct frame, the surface of the duct frame and the surface of the filter housing are arranged to match each other. Thus, when the filters are in the second position, the filter housing fits tightly into the duct frame. Thus, when the filters are in the first position, it is ensured that all the air in the washing chamber passes through the filters for filtration.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the control unit which is configured to, after the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated, stop the fan and to keep the carbon filter in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor after a selected filtration time. When the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated, the air in the washing chamber passes through the carbon filter. The air in the washing chamber, which contains volatile organic compounds (VOC), begins to be filtered by means of the carbon filter. A carbon filter which can perform filtration efficiently is expected to reduce the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value in the air in the washing chamber to a value below the selected concentration value by the end of the selected period. It is defined that the carbon filter is unable to perform efficient filtration if the air in the washing chamber cannot be reduced to a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value by the end of the selected period. Therefore, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured in the air in the washing chamber by the VOC sensor after the selected period, the fan is stopped and the filtration process is terminated.
In other words, the control unit stops the fan and terminates the process of passing the air in the washing chamber through the filter housing. By being washed, the carbon filter is enabled to perform efficient filtration again. In order to achieve this, the control unit keeps the carbon filter in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle. The filtration performance of the washed carbon filter is improved. When the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated for the next filtration process, efficient filtration is realized.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises at least one air pressure sensor which is provided on the side of the duct inlet facing the washing chamber and on the side facing the drying duct; and the control unit which is configured to stop the fan and keep the carbon filter in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if the pressure difference between the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side of the filter housing facing the washing chamber and the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side facing the drying duct exceeds a selected pressure difference or if the pressure ratio exceeds a selected pressure ratio. When the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated, the air in the washing chamber passes through the carbon filter. The air in the washing chamber which contains volatile organic compounds (VOC) begins to be filtered by means of the carbon filter. When the carbon filter performs filtration efficiently, the carbon filter is not clogged, it is expected that there is not a significant pressure difference between the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side of the filter housing facing the washing chamber and the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side facing the drying duct. If the mentioned pressure difference is large, it is defined that the carbon filter cannot perform filtration efficiently. Therefore, if the pressure difference between the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side of the filter housing facing the washing chamber and the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor provided on the side facing the drying duct exceeds the selected pressure difference, or if the pressure ratio exceeds the selected pressure ratio, the filtration process is terminated. In other words, the control unit stops the fan and terminates the process of passing the air in the washing chamber through the filter housing. By being washed, the carbon filter is enabled to perform filtration efficiently again. In order to achieve this, the control unit keeps the carbon filter in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle. After the subsequent washing cycle, the carbon filter is regenerated by reaching the initial filtration condition or a condition close to this condition. When the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated for the next filtration process, efficient filtration is realized.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to bring the carbon filter to the second position by means of the actuator after a drying step in the washing cycle. After the carbon filter is washed and dried and the filtration condition thereof is renewed, the carbon filter is brought to the second position. Thus, the passage of air through the carbon filter is prevented and the carbon filter is enabled to maintain the renewed condition thereof.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor and the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated, generate a visual and/or auditory warning on an interface located on the device body or a machine door, or to send a notification to at least one user's mobile device via a wireless connection unit. The machine door is the dishwasher door which enables users to access the washing chamber and closes the washing chamber during the washing process. After the detection of bad odor in the washing chamber by means of the VOC sensor, the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated to initiate the removal of the bad odor. Until the bad odor in the washing chamber is eliminated, the user is informed that there is bad odor in the washing chamber. Thus, the user is prevented from opening the machine door and being exposed to the bad odor. The visual/auditory warning generated in this case is a warning that there is bad odor in the washing chamber. The notification also conveys the information that there is bad odor in the washing chamber.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor and the carbon filter is brought to the first position and the fan is operated, lock a machine door, and to unlock the machine door when the carbon filter is brought to the second position and the fan is stopped. Here, after the detection of bad odor in the washing chamber by means of the VOC sensor, when the carbon filter is brought to the second position and the fan is operated to remove the said bad odor, the machine door is locked. Thus, the user is prevented from opening the machine door. As a result, it is guaranteed that the user is not exposed to the bad odor in the washing chamber.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a heating member for heating at least the base of the washing chamber. In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value is measured, begin heating the base of the washing chamber by means of the heating member, and to stop heating the base of the washing chamber when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor. The volatile organic compounds (VOC) may adhere to heavy components in the air in the washing chamber and accumulate at the base of the washing chamber as deposit. In order to ensure advanced bad odor removal, the mentioned deposit must also be filtered. To this end, the base of the washing chamber is heated by the heating member. By means of the heating process, the deposit is volatilized and made to reenter the air in the washing chamber. Then, the air in the washing chamber is filtered through the carbon filter provided in the filter housing.
In the embodiments of the present invention, the selected concentration value is preferably 50 ppb (parts per billion).
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 of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the washing chamber and the drying duct in the dishwasher of the present invention.
Figure 3 - the view from inside the washing chamber of two substantially semi-disk shaped carbon filters aligned to form a substantially full disk shape and positioned in the first position.
Figure 4 - the view from inside the washing chamber of two substantially semi-disk shaped carbon filters aligned such that one broad surface of each overlap, and extending toward the washing chamber, and positioned in the second position.
Figure 5 - the view from inside the drying duct of two substantially semi-disk shaped carbon filters aligned such that one broad surface of each overlap, and extending toward the washing chamber, and positioned in the second position.
Figure 6 - the view from inside the washing chamber of two substantially semi-disk shaped carbon filters aligned such that one broad surface of each overlap, and extending toward the drying duct, and positioned in the second position.
Figure 7 - the view from inside the drying duct of two substantially semi-disk shaped carbon filters aligned such that one broad surface of each overlap, and extending toward the drying duct, and positioned in the second position.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Dishwasher
2. Device body
3. Washing chamber
4. Drying duct
5. Duct inlet
- 51. Central rib
- 52. Duct frame
6. Fan
7. Carbon filter
8. Filter housing
9. VOC sensor
10. Air pressure sensor
K. Machine door

The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a device body (2); a washing chamber (3) which is disposed in the device body (2); at least one drying duct (4); at least one duct inlet (5) which connects the washing chamber (3) to the drying duct (4); and at least one fan (6) which is configured to direct the air in the washing chamber (3) toward the drying duct (4).
The dishwasher (1) of the present invention further comprises at least one carbon filter (7); at least one filter housing (8) which supports the carbon filter (7) from at least one section of the wall thereof; a first position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet (5) to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to be filtered by the carbon filter (7) before entering the air duct (4); a second position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to pass through the duct inlet (5) into the air duct (4) without passing through the carbon filter (7); an actuator which is connected to the filter housing (8) and which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) between the first position and the second position; at least one VOC sensor (9) which is configured to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air in the washing chamber (3); and a control unit which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) to the first position and activate the fan (6) when the VOC sensor (9) detects a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration above a selected concentration value, and to move the carbon filter (7) to the second position and deactivate the fan (6) when the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is measured to be below the selected concentration value.
In the embodiments of the present invention, preferably, the size of the carbon filter (7), or of the carbon filters (7) in the embodiments comprising a plurality of carbon filters (7), is essentially the size of the duct inlet (5). For example, for a circular duct inlet (5), the carbon filter (7) may also be in a circular form. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carbon filter (7) may be in the form of a lid which can close the duct inlet (5). In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lid-shaped carbon filter (7) may be hinged to the duct inlet (5) from one edge of the duct inlet (5). The actuator may position the carbon filter (7), which is hinged to one edge of the duct inlet (5), between the first position and the second position by rotating the same toward the washing chamber (3) or the air duct (4) (in a one-sided swinging motion similar to opening a door or a window).
In the embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is preferably configured to measure the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration values in the air in the washing chamber (3) at a selected period by means of the VOC sensor (9) when the machine door (K) is closed. Thus, the volatile organic compounds (VOC) generated by the dishes in the washing chamber (3) are continuously measured at selected intervals. If it is determined in the said measurements that the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration exceeds the selected concentration value, the carbon filter (7) is brought to the first position and the fan (6) is activated to start the bad odor removal process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is preferably configured to measure the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration values in the air in the washing chamber (3) by means of the VOC sensor (9) after a selected period has elapsed following the closure of the machine door (K). In this embodiment, if the user wants to start the washing process after closing the machine door (K), a waiting period is provided during which the user can make the washing settings and initiate the process such that the mentioned operation is not interrupted.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to operate the fan (6) at a speed value depending on the difference between the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value and the selected concentration value. In other words, the control unit is configured to operate the fan (6) at a speed value depending on the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a substantially circular duct inlet (5); at least two carbon filters (7) in a substantially semi-disk shape; the filter housing (8) which supports the carbon filters (7) at least from the straight edges thereof; at least one central rib (51) passing through the center of the duct inlet (5) and to which the filter housings (8) are rotatably connected; and the actuator which is configured to rotate each filter housing (8) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) to form a substantially full disk form and bring the same to the first position, and to rotate each filter housing (8) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) such that the broad surfaces thereof face and overlap each other while bringing the same to the second position. In this embodiment of the present invention, the central rib (51) extends through the center of the substantially circular duct inlet (5) toward two opposite inner walls of the duct inlet (5) (see Figures 3-7). In this embodiment of the present invention, two carbon filters (7) are provided. The carbon filters (7) are substantially semi-disk shaped. In the embodiments of the present invention, the VOC sensor (9) may be positioned on the central rib (51). In the embodiments of the present invention comprising air pressure sensors (10), the air pressure sensor (10) may also be positioned on the central rib (51). In the embodiments where the sensors are provided on the central rib (51), the straight edge of the carbon filter (7), for example from a central region, may be trimmed or cut to allow the placement of the sensors (see Figures 3-7). In this embodiment of the present invention, since the sensors and the filter are positioned on the central rib (51), ease of assembly is provided. The filter housing (8) supports the carbon filter (7) along at least a portion of the straight edge thereof. The filter housings (8) are rotatably connected to the central rib (51). The actuator can rotate the filter housings (8), and hence the substantially semi-disk-shaped carbon filters (7), around the central rib (51) in opposite directions, for example, one carbon filter (7) clockwise and the other carbon filter (7) counterclockwise. In this embodiment, in order to position the carbon filter (7) in the first position, the actuator rotates each filter housing (8) around the central rib (51) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) to form a substantially full disk shape and position the disk to cover the duct inlet (5). Thus, the carbon filters (7) are positioned in the first position such that the air in the washing chamber (3) is filtered through the carbon filters (7) before passing into the air duct (4). In this embodiment, in order to position the carbon filter (7) in the second position, the actuator rotates each filter housing (8) around the central rib (51) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) such that one broad surface of each overlaps with each other. The carbon filters (7) with one broad surface of each overlapping form a substantially two-layered semicircular shape. Thus, the carbon filters (7) are positioned in the second position such that the air in the washing chamber (3) passes from the duct inlet (5) into the air duct (4) without passing through the carbon filters (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the carbon filters (7) extend toward the washing chamber (3) when in the second position. In a variation of this embodiment of the present invention, when in the second position, the carbon filters (7) extend toward the washing chamber (3), preferably perpendicular to the plane wherein the duct inlet (5) is provided (see Figures 4, 5).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the carbon filters (7) extend toward the drying duct (4) when in the second position. In a variation of this embodiment of the present invention, when in the second position, the carbon filters (7) extend toward the drying duct (4), preferably perpendicular to the plane wherein the duct inlet (5) is provided (see Figures 6, 7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a duct frame (52) which surrounds the perimeter of the duct inlet (5). In the embodiments of the present invention comprising the central rib (51), the central rib (51) passes through the center of the duct frame (52). The central rib (51) is connected at both ends to the two inner side walls of the duct frame (52).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the filter housing (8) is in the form of a frame which surrounds the perimeter of the carbon filter (7), preferably the entire perimeter thereof.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to stop the fan (6) and keep the carbon filter (7) in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) after a selected filtering period following the shifting of the carbon filter (7) to the first position and the operation of the fan (6).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one air pressure sensor (10) which is provided on the side of the duct inlet (5) facing the washing chamber (3) and on the side facing the air duct (4); and the control unit which is configured to stop the fan (6) and keep the carbon filter (7) in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if the pressure difference between the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor (10) provided on the side of the filter housing (8) facing the washing chamber (3) and the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor (10) provided on the side facing the air duct (4) exceeds a selected pressure difference or if the pressure ratio exceeds a selected pressure ratio.
In the embodiments of the present invention, the actuator, the VOC sensor (9), and/or the air pressure sensor (10) may preferably be provided in the vicinity of the duct inlet (5), on the duct frame (52) in the embodiments comprising a duct frame (52), or on the central rib (51) specifically in the embodiments comprising the central rib (51). The placement of the actuator, the VOC sensor (9), and/or the air pressure sensor (10) on the duct frame (52) provides ease of assembly. Thus, when the mounting of the duct frame (52) to the duct inlet (5) is completed, the mounting of the actuator, the VOC sensor (9), and/or the air pressure sensor (10) provided on the duct frame (52) is completed as well. The VOC sensor (9) must be provided in a section facing the washing chamber (3). Preferably, the VOC sensor (9) may also be positioned at any location in the washing chamber (3).
In the embodiments of the present invention, the carbon filter (7) used may preferably be formed by trapping carbon particles in a spongy structure. The carbon filter (7) may preferably be in the form of a spongy structure wherein carbon particles are trapped.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to bring the carbon filter (7) to the second position by means of the actuator after a drying step in the washing process.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) and the carbon filter (7) is brought to the first position and the fan (6) is operated, generate a visual and/or auditory warning on an interface located on the device body (2) or a machine door (K), or to send a notification to at least one user's mobile device via a wireless connection unit.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) and the carbon filter (7) is brought to the first position and the fan (6) is operated, lock a machine door (K), and to unlock the machine door (K) when the carbon filter (7) is brought to the second position and the fan (6) is stopped. Here, the locking of the machine door (K) refers to the engagement of a lock which prevents the user from opening the machine door (K). The locking of the machine door (K) can be performed by means of an electromechanical or electromagnetic lock provided on the machine door (K).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a heating member for heating at least the base of the washing chamber (3). In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value is measured, begin heating the base of the washing chamber (3) by means of the heating member, and to stop heating the base of the washing chamber (3) when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the selected concentration value for the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value is preferably 50 ppb (parts per billion).
The carbon filter (K) to be used in the embodiments of the present invention may be an activated carbon filter (K).

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a device body (2); a washing chamber (3) which is disposed in the device body (2); at least one drying duct (4); at least one duct inlet (5) which connects the washing chamber (3) to the drying duct (4); and at least one fan (6) which is configured to direct the air in the washing chamber (3) toward the drying duct (4), characterized by at least one carbon filter (7); at least one filter housing (8) which supports the carbon filter (7) from at least one section of the wall thereof; a first position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to cover the duct inlet (5) to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to be filtered by the carbon filter (7) before entering the air duct (4); a second position wherein the carbon filter (7) is positioned so as to enable the air in the washing chamber (3) to pass through the duct inlet (5) into the air duct (4) without passing through the carbon filter (7); an actuator which is connected to the filter housing (8) and which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) between the first position and the second position; at least one VOC sensor (9) which is configured to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air in the washing chamber (3); and a control unit which is configured to move the carbon filter (7) to the first position and activate the fan (6) when the VOC sensor (9) detects a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration above a selected concentration value, and to move the carbon filter (7) to the second position and deactivate the fan (6) when the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration is measured to be below the selected concentration value.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit which is configured to operate the fan (6) at a speed value depending on the difference between the measured volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value and the selected concentration value.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a substantially circular duct inlet (5); at least two carbon filters (7) in a substantially semi-disk shape; the filter housing (8) which supports the carbon filters (7) at least from the straight edges thereof; at least one central rib (51) passing through the center of the duct inlet (5) and to which the filter housings (8) are rotatably connected; and the actuator which is configured to rotate each filter housing (8) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) to form a substantially full disk form and bring the same to the first position, and to rotate each filter housing (8) in opposite directions so as to align the carbon filters (7) such that the broad surfaces thereof face and overlap each other while bringing the same to the second position.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the carbon filters (7) which extend toward the washing chamber (3) when in the second position.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the carbon filters (7) which extend toward the drying duct (4) when in the second position.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a duct frame (52) which surrounds the perimeter of the duct inlet (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the filter housing (8) which is in the form of a frame surrounding the perimeter of the carbon filter (7).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit which is configured to stop the fan (6) and keep the carbon filter (7) in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) after a selected filtering period following the shifting of the carbon filter (7) to the first position and the operation of the fan (6).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one air pressure sensor (10) which is provided on the side of the duct inlet (5) facing the washing chamber (3) and on the side facing the air duct (4); and the control unit which is configured to stop the fan (6) and keep the carbon filter (7) in the first position during at least a portion of a subsequent washing cycle if the pressure difference between the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor (10) provided on the side of the filter housing (8) facing the washing chamber (3) and the air pressure measured by the air pressure sensor (10) provided on the side facing the air duct (4) exceeds a selected pressure difference or if the pressure ratio exceeds a selected pressure ratio.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of Claims 8 to 9, characterized by the control unit which is configured to bring the carbon filter (7) to the second position by means of the actuator after a drying step in the washing process.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit which is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above a selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) and the carbon filter (7) is brought to the first position and the fan (6) is operated, generate a visual and/or auditory warning on an interface located on the device body (2) or a machine door (K), or to send a notification to at least one user's mobile device via a wireless connection unit.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit which is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9) and the carbon filter (7) is brought to the first position and the fan (6) is operated, lock a machine door (K), and to unlock the machine door (K) when the carbon filter (7) is brought to the second position and the fan (6) is stopped.
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a heating member for heating at least the base of the washing chamber (3), and the control unit which is configured to, when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value below the selected concentration value is measured, begin heating the base of the washing chamber (3) by means of the heating member, and to stop heating the base of the washing chamber (3) when a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration value above the selected concentration value is measured by the VOC sensor (9).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized in that the selected concentration value is 50ppb.