ES2197275T3 - DISHWASHER MACHINE WITH IMPROVED HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT. - Google Patents

Abstract

A dishwasher equipped with an upper crockery basket (2) capable of taking two different height positions, comprising a commutation device (5) to feed the upper sprayer (3) as a function of the height position selected for the basket (2). Said device (5) is practically integrated in a connecting element (4) between an hydraulic feed intake (6) and the upper sprayer (3), and comprises two alternative inlets (9,10) and an outlet (11), between which flow deflecting means (12) are provided, which take an operating position depending on the pressure exerted by the wash fluid from the hydraulic intake (6). <IMAGE>

Description

Dishwasher machine with hydraulic circuit improved.

The present invention relates to a machine dishwasher.

As is known, dishwasher machines they generally comprise two baskets for dishes, specifically an upper loading basket and a lower loading basket.

In such machines the dishes are sprayed by two rotating sprinklers, which spray the washing fluid towards the baskets and are fed with pressurized fluid from a pump appropriate wash housed in the base of the machine; the sprinkler bottom is usually fed and held from the bottom by means of a tubular element directly connected to the body of the bomb.

Some embodiments have the top sprinkler fed from the top: a nozzle placed in the roof of the wash basin which is powered by a conduit from the pump, directs a stream of fluid down, said jet flows through the air until it reaches an element of conical reception and is centrally fixed to the upper basket of machine. The air crossing that separates the nozzle from the element receiver is provided to let the basket slide horizontally to carry out the normal operations of removal or insertion associated with the loading and unloading of the crockery. The conical receiving element associated with the sprinkler upper swivel and in connection with it normally uses a Venturi tube system to prevent fluid turbulence and Reflux. However, the jet of fluid coming out of the nozzle crosses the air and enters the conical receiving element at high speed, hitting its walls and causing noise to maintains practically all the time of washing, which It makes the appliance very loud.

In addition, since the upper basket of the dishwasher machine is generally height adjustable (this is I could adopt at least two different positions, that is, the high and low inside the wash basin to adjust to dimensions of the objects to be washed), the air jump it can be even greater or lesser according to the use of the dishwasher. Therefore, it is evident that when the upper basket is placed in its lowest position, the flow of fluid through of air is greater and as a result washing under these conditions It will be more critical. In fact, when there is such a condition it is more likely that a part of the fluid does not reach the element of conical reception and fall out of it causing a reduction in washing behavior Another negative effect under this condition is the highest noise caused by the fluid entering The conical element.

With a view to reducing the problem of noise and fluid losses under pressure, it is suggested to equip dishwashers with adequate means to eliminate the air jump between the upper nozzle and conical receiving element during the machine utilization

For example the document EP-A-401.767 describes a machine dishwasher with its height-adjustable upper basket, in which a feed line to the upper sprinkler part of a pump and extends along the side wall and the bottom wall of the wash basin; on the bottom wall of the bucket said conduit ends in a switching device fitted with two exits at different heights provided with the respective balls of closure, each ball is housed in a slope seat placed in line with an output of the device. Therefore, each ball is driven by gravity to the closing position of their respective exit.

The top dishwasher sprinkler has a connecting tube suitable to be alternately coupled both with one as with the other exit according to the position of the height selected for the basket. A tube of this type has a protruding end suitable for entering the selected output and move the relevant ball to let the fluid flow to through it. Therefore, with the recycling pump of the machine running, the washing fluid is free to pass to through the outlet in which said end has been inserted that protrudes, then reaching the connecting tube and the sprayer. In In this case, the other output of the switching device remains closed by the relevant ball, which remains in due position to your seat in slope and water pressure.

However, the previous solution is associated with some problems. A first problem is the need to obtain a appropriate seat in the cuvette wall, specifically the part rear, to place the switching device, which is quite bulky. This operation is obviously difficult by the molded from a rather complex piece like the back wall of the bucket and implies high costs.

A second problem related to the solution Previous is that the design of the switching device can cause some impediments to the flow of water from the tube connection, in addition, in the case of failures and malfunction of the device, the latter cannot be easily reached and the eventual maintenance operations can be difficult.

Finally, the need also to obtain a protruding end on the junction tube with the sprayer will do more complicated manufacturing of the piece.

Another dishwasher machine is also known to from the Italian utility model application No. MI92U00567, in which the hydraulic intake on the rear wall of the cuvette It has two tracks in the vertical direction.

In this case, the union tube with the sprayer It has a hydraulic connector with three vertical terminals which only the central allows the hydraulic union with the sprayer, while one of the other two terminals works alternately as a shutter for the hydraulic intake path no used

An embodiment of this type requires a connector considerably bulky as well as the use of an admission two-way hydraulics, with problems similar to those that have been mentioned above with reference to the document EP-A-401767

Another problem related to the solution described in document MI92U00567 concerns the high precision required for coupling between connector and intake hydraulic, since in this case two joints will be needed simultaneous instead of one.

WO83 / 01892 describes a machine dishwasher in which the hydraulic intake has only one outlet, while the union tube with the sprayer has a connector with two terminals in vertical position. These terminals are equipped each with a hollow bellows to be pressed against admission hydraulic to make the union. The bellows that is not in line with the hydraulic outlet is pressed against the rear wall of the bucket and clogged.

The problem related to a solution of this type is an insecure seal exerted by the bellows when is connected to the hydraulic intake with respect to the joints of board mentioned above. In addition, said solution may cause water to retain and cause stagnation, specifically in the lower terminal due to the shape of the terminal itself. Finally, the bellows are subject to deterioration over time due to the thermal cycles to which they are exposed during washing and sliding on the back wall of the bucket which causes hardening and fragility with local losses in its union with hydraulic intake.

EP 0 786 231 describes a device of hydraulic union for a dishwasher rack which can be placed at two different heights and includes a conduit of sprinkler feed, integral with the frame and which extends up towards the outlet of the supply pipe, said conduit being provided with an elongated end chamber divided into a suitable upper and lower entrance to be adjusted alternatively on said output. Is it so provided shutter means that move within said chamber under the action of the water flow that comes from the outlet of form that open that entrance that is in use and close that That is not in use.

It is an object of the present invention to resolve the above problems and provide a dishwasher machine with a feed system for the upper sprinkler provided with a better behavior, ease and precision compared to the known state of the art. In this framework it is the main object of the present invention provide a dishwasher machine in the that the upper sprinkler feed tube is provided with Small means for simple and safe hydraulic joining operations as a function of height adjustments and displacements of basket. It is another object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher machine equipped with a power supply system top sprinkler that does not require substantial changes in the cycle of molding the walls of the wash basin.

It is a further object of the present invention provide a dishwasher machine fitted with a device switching to feed the upper sprinkler at different levels high, easy to reach in case of operations Maintenance and repair

In order to fulfill these purposes, the object of the present invention is a dishwasher that incorporates the characteristics of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the claims. Dependents

Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and attached drawings, which are they provide by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side section of the top of a dishwasher in accordance with this invention, with the upper basket of dishes in one position high

Figure 2 shows a side section of the top of the dishwasher of figure 1, with the basket upper crockery in a low position;

Figure 3 shows a side section of a detail of the dishwasher of figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a side section of a detail of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment possible of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a side section of a detail of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment possible of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the top of the wash basin of a dishwasher machine according to the present invention Said bucket, indicated globally by the number 1, has a top basket 2 with a spray element 3 of known type and operation that is fixed on its lower side. The number 4 indicates a plastic tubular element, with one end hydraulically connected with spray element 3 and the other end of the tubular element 4 has a connection device 5, which is also formed by an element substantially tubular suitable for coupling to a hydraulic intake 6 in the back wall of the cuvette. Said hydraulic admission 6 is practically the outlet of a feed tube 7 connected to a dishwasher machine feed pump, no represented here for simplicity.

As you can see, particularly in the figure 3, the connection device 5 has an intermediate body 8 with two admissions, which are placed vertically on top of each other, on the side directed to the hydraulic intake 6, specifically a upper entry 9 and lower entry 10, while on the side opposite of intermediate body 8 has an outlet 11 connected to the tubular element 4.

Inside intermediate body 8, this is the hollow space that extends between the entrances 9-10 and exit 11, there is a 12 ball both of plastic material as a lightweight material. Such a ball 12 can slide freely inside the intermediate body 11 but it is prevented from going through inputs 9 and 10 by throttles 13A and 13B, whose diameters are smaller than the ball diameter 12.

On the contrary, the diameter of the ball is smaller that the diameter of the outlet 11, however, a grid indicated with the number 14 is provided in correspondence with the point of connection between said output 11 and connection element 4, which prevents the ball 12 from going to the element 4, although it allows the fluid flow Obviously, other solutions can be provided to prevent ball 12 from going to element 4, such as some extensions or stranglers in line with the mouth of the item 4 at exit 11.

Figures 1 and 3 also show how the Hydraulic intake 6 includes a part 15 practically formed by the end of the tube 7, which protrudes from the rear wall of the bucket 1 and has an externally threaded female, on such piece 15 a ring nut 16 is threaded which has a male thread, with the eventual interposition of a meeting. The ring nut 16 is suitable to be mechanically coupled with input 9 or the entry 10, which have a suitable section to be inserted into the main hole of ring nut 16, expressly shaped for that purpose.

As you can see, a stretch mark 17 outside the inputs 9 and 10 of intermediate body 8 acts as a stop element limit for mechanical coupling, this is for the insertion of entries 9 or 10 of intermediate body 8 at admission 6.

The device assembly during the stage of Manufacturing is quite simple. For this purpose, the operator you simply need to insert ball 12 into body 8 and connect the latter with the end of the tubular element 4, previously adjusted with the grid 14, said coupling between the device 5 and item 4 can be obtained using any known technique, such as a closing coupling Quick. It should be noted that the connection device 5 forms a independent module that can be obtained independently of the tubular element 4 and be used in various assemblies and configurations

The device works as follows.

When the basket 2 is in its raised position, as in the case of figure 1, the input 10 of the device connection 5 is placed in a way in which it can be joined with the hydraulic intake 6 by a simple push towards the bottom of the tray 1 exerted on basket 2 when the latter is replaced inside the dishwasher machine.

Under such conditions, with the wash pump without function, ball 12 remains by gravity on the choke 13B.

When the wash cycle and the pump starts fluid feed is activated, fluid flow from the tube supply 7 and the hydraulic intake 6 enters the device connection 5 through input 10.

Therefore, the flow reaches ball 12 which it will be elevated by the fluid pressure and carried against the throttle 13A, thereby obstructing the passage through the input 9. As a result, the flow of fluid can only go to the output 11 and be completely channeled into the connection element 4 towards the spray element 3 (as stated, the stroke Eventually the ball 12 inside the element 4 is prevented by suitable means 14). Obviously, when the pump is turned off washed, ball 12 will return by gravity to rest on the choke 13B.

Theoretically, if ball 12 is licked too much strong by the fluid flowing to the outlet 11 (specifically, if the ball 12 is obstructing and partially reducing the section of the passage of the washing fluid, thereby causing an increase in speed and the consequent reduction of static pressure) there may be an unstable situation due to elevation and continuous rejection of ball 12 from its seat 13A or 13B.

However, it is clear that this risk may be eliminated in different ways, which are clear to those skilled in the art, such as for example providing some seats 13A and 13B that are sufficiently separated one on the other, to ensure that ball 12 (or another element of equivalent interception) can be placed in an area where the wash fluid has a sufficiently low speed or is substantially stagnant.

At least you can see that the ball 12 acts as a fluid flow deflector and is suitable for changing your operating position only as a function of one's own flow pressure

Whenever position change is required vertical of the basket 2, taking it to its lowest position, as represented in figure 2, it is enough to remove the basket 2 ones few centimeters so that the connection device 5 (specifically entry 10) is decoupled from admission hydraulic 6.

Then, following the height adjustment from basket 2 in a normally known way, the entrance upper 9 of the connection device 5 will be at the same height that the hydraulic intake 6.

Under this circumstance, it will be enough to push the basket 2 towards the rear wall of the cuvette 1 to obtain the connection connection between inlet 9 and hydraulic intake 6.

Also in this case, with the wash pump without function, ball 12 will rest by gravity on the choke 13B. The device appears already correctly arranged previously for operation as shown in figure 2, since ball 12 is resting right on the choke (13B) that corresponds to the entrance (10) to be obstructed.

When the wash cycle starts and the fluid feed pump, flow fluid flow from the feeding tube 7 and the hydraulic intake 6 enters the connection device 5 through input 9. Then the flow reaches ball 12, already in position, which is maintained by fluid pressure against choke 13B, clogging the step to entry 10. Therefore, in this case also the flow of fluid can only go to exit 11 to be completely channeled in the connection element 4 towards the spray element 3.

Obviously, when the pump is turned off washed, the ball will remain by gravity in its resting position about the throttle 13B.

Previously reference was made to the case in the that the connection device 5 has two suitable inputs 9 and 10 to be inserted at least partially in admission hydraulic 6, with a male female coupling, however, it is quite evident that the same result can be obtained through of an arrangement substantially opposite to that described in the Figures 1-3, this is with a female coupling in male.

For this purpose Figure 4 shows a possible variant of the embodiment of the present invention, in the that the same numbers in the previous figures are used to indicate the same components as illustrated or the elements technically equivalent, adding a tilde '.

Said figure 4 shows a variant of the realization of the type of mechanical / hydraulic coupling between the 6 'hydraulic intake and 9' and 10 'inlets, according to the which entry 9 'or 10' is coupled around the intake 6 'hydraulic, which in this case acts as a male instead of as a female, as it does in the case of the figures 1-3. In this case, the 15 'piece of the admission Hydraulic 6 'has a grooved joint 18 instead of a threaded, the purpose of which is to guarantee both mechanical coupling as the hydraulic seal.

As you can see, in the case of the function of limit stop of inputs 9 'or 10' on admission 6 'is obtained by means of stretch marks 17 'within the entrances 9' and 10 '. It is evident that in the case of the embodiment of Figure 4 the machine connection device in accordance with this invention works substantially as described previously.

It should still be noted that Figures 1 and 2 show the case in which the end of the tubular element 4, in the which the sprayer element 3 is mounted, is directed downwards (in other words, the sprayer 3 is at a lower height with reference to the tubular element 4, therefore, in this embodiment it is evident that when the wash pump stops the fluid available in tubular element 4 can flow freely out to through the sprayer 3).

In yet another embodiment the end of the tubular element 4 mentioned above may be directed towards above (in which case the sprayer 3 will be at a higher height with with respect to the tubular element 4). Therefore, in a situation of this type, when the wash pump stops there may be a fluid stagnation inside the tubular element 4, since the ball 12 will obstruct the inlet 10 and prevent its flow.

To avoid this, ball 12 may be favorably made of a lightweight material or in any case of a material that floats. Therefore, in fact, when the pump washing stops and there is fluid inside the spray element 3 and the tubular element 4, the ball 12 is raised leaving the entrance 10 open until the fluid drains completely from the tubular element and of the sprayer.

The characteristics of the present invention They are very clear from the previous description.

In particular, a machine is described class dishwasher comprising a top basket for tableware capable of adopting two different positions in height, the which has a switching device to feed the sprayer top as a function of the height of the selected position for the basket Said device, which is practically integrated into the connection element between the admission of Hydraulic feed and sprayer, comprises two inputs optional and one output, including flow deflector means suitable to change and maintain their own position of operation as a function of the pressure exerted by the fluid washing from the hydraulic intake.

This avoids the need to provide a complex bulky hydraulic intake or protruding ends specific for the actuation of the deflector means.

In addition, the device described above has the important feature of being easily accessible simply removing the basket from the bucket, in the case of operations of maintenance, which can even be carried out directly by the user.

The advantages of the present invention are also will become apparent from the previous description, among the which should be mentioned the following:

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the jump is eliminated of air as provided in the known technique with the total advantage of noise and hydraulic circuit behavior of dishwasher, which also uses airtight gasket means to eliminate possible fluid losses;

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the end of the tube Power from the machine pump has only one output, that does not require special seats or changes in the process of molded;

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water flow to Through the device it is safe and practically without stagnation any;

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the device of connection that contains the flow deflector means is a small element that does not limit the space available in the basket, is simply a low cost item and can be easily accessible and removable for eventual operations maintenance;

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the device of connection can form an independent module, which can be obtain independently of the sprinkler connection element and Be used in various assemblies and configurations.

It is clear that many changes in the machine described above by way of example by experts in the technique without leaving the novel principles of the solution inventive and it is also clear that in the practical performance of the invention the components may differ in shape and size of the that have been described before and be replaced with technical elements equivalent.

For example, it is possible to provide an item of rubber inside the ring nut 16 of Figure 3, or outside of entries 9 and 10 to increase board behavior hydraulic tightness between the pieces. Optionally, both inputs 9 and 10 as the complete connection device 5 can have rubber coated surfaces.

In another embodiment the ball can be replaced. by other flow deflector elements, such as floats or shutters of various shapes, or elements oscillators, adjusted with appropriate displacement guides and suitable to be displaced by fluid pressure.

For this purpose, Figure 5 shows a possible further embodiment of the present invention, according with which an oscillating element or a shutter is provided in place of a ball. This figure shows the same numbers as the previous figures to indicate the same components already illustrated or any technically equivalent element by adding quotes ''

As you can see in figure 5, the device flow baffle according to the present invention comprises an oscillating element or a 12 '' deflector made of material plastic and articulated in a known way to the 8 '' body of the 5 '' device, the coupling between the 12 '' deflector and the body 8 '' can be for example a quick closing setting.

As it appears, the baffle 12 '' also acts as a flow deflector and is suitable to obstruct the inlet 9 '' or inlet 10 '' alternately due to pressure exerted by the wash fluid from the feed intake 6 '' hydraulics, following the same procedures that have been described above with reference to the figures 1-4 without reducing the flow rate section of the fluid.

With regard to the embodiment of Figure 5, it is you should mention the possibility of obtaining the 12 '' deflector of a piece with the plastic body 8 '' of the device 5 ''. In that case, the 12 '' deflector can change its operating condition through an elastic or `` foil '' joint, practically through a simple reduction of the thickness of the plastic material of the deflector itself near its point of attachment to the body 8``.

According to a further embodiment, also the shutters that lead to the inputs of the device connection can be adjusted with joints to improve closure airtight of the ball when the washing fluid under pressure enters on the connection device.

Claims (14)

1. Dishwasher machine comprising a bucket wash (1), at least one basket (2) suitable for sliding in said bucket (1) and capable of adopting at least two positions of different heights, a fluid supply line (7, 7 ', 7 '') ending in a hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6 '') placed on a wall of said bucket (1), a spray element (3) supported by said basket (2) and a tubular element (4, 4 ', 4' ') supported by said basket (2) in which a first end of said tubular element (4, 4 ', 4' ') is connected to said sprayer (3) and a second end of said tubular element (4, 4 ', 4' ') has a connection element (5, 5 ', 5' '), said connection element being also a tubular element provided with a body part (8) in which the flow moves vertically and at least one exit (11, 11 ', 11' ') connected to said second end of said tubular element (4, 4 ', 4' ') and at least two input parts horizontally arranged (9, 10; 9 ', 10'; 9 '', 10 '') that can be selectively coupling during use with said admission of power (6, 6 ', 6' '), a flow diversion device (12, 12 ', 12' ') being provided in said connection element (5, 5 ', 5' '), between said inputs (9, 10; 9', 10 '; 9' ', 10' ') and said outputs (11, 11 ', 11' '), which is capable of maintaining at least two alternative operating positions due to pressure exerted by the washing fluid supplied by said admission of hydraulic power (6, 6 ', 6' '), said device of flow deviation comprising a sealing element (12, 12 ', 12 '') that moves only in said body part (8) and appropriate when used to block the inlet (9, 10; 9 ', 10'; 9 '', 10 '') not being coupled with said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6' ') and because means are provided (13A, 13B; 13A', 13B '; 13A '', 13B '') placed on said body part (8) and appropriate to obstruct the passage of said sealing element (12, 12 ', 12 '') through said inputs (9, 10; 9 ', 10'; 9 '', 10 '') at along a substantially horizontal axis. 2. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1 characterized in that said flow deflection device (12, 12 ', 12'') is suitable for adopting or maintaining at least one of said positions exclusively due to the pressure exerted by the fluid wash fed from said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6''). 3. Dishwashing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said flow diversion device (12, 12 ', 12''), when in said positions, does not cause any vacuum in the flow of the washing fluid. 4. Dishwashing machine according to claim 3 characterized in that said flow deflection device (12, 12 ', 12'') is kept in the closed position of said inlet (9, 10; 9', 10 ';9'' , 10 '') by the pressure exerted by the washing fluid. 5. Dishwasher machine according to claim 3 characterized in that said flow deflection device comprises a ball (12, 12 ', 12''). 6. Dishwasher machine according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said means (13A, 13B; 13A ', 13B'';13A'',13B'') suitable for obstructing the passage of said sealing element or ball (12, 12 ', 12'') through said inputs (9, 10; 9', 10 ';9'',10'') comprises shutters (13A, 13B; 13A', 13B ''; 13A '',13B'') provided with dimensions smaller than those of said sealing element or ball (12, 12', 12 ''). 7. Dishwashing machine according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that appropriate second means (15, 15 ') are provided to obstruct the passage of said sealing element or ball (12, 12', 12 '') in said tubular element (4, 4 '), said second means comprising in particular a grid (15, 15') placed near one end of said tubular element (4, 4 '). 8. Dishwashing machine according to claim 1 characterized in that said inlets (9, 10; 9 ', 10'; 9 '', 10 '') are suitable for engaging in said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6 '') for the coupling of the parts, said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6'') acting as a female element and said inputs (9, 10; 9', 10 ';9'',10'') as male elements, or suitable for engaging in said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6', 6 '') for coupling the parts, said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6'') acting as a male element and said inputs (9, 10; 9 ', 10'; 9 '', 10 '') as a female element. 9. Dishwashing machine according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that hydraulic sealing means are provided between said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6'') and said inlets (9, 10; 9' , 10 ';9'',10''). 10. Dishwashing machine according to claim 1 characterized in that said connecting element (5, 5 ', 5'') is a separate piece of said tubular element (4, 4', 4 '') and is coupled thereto and because coupling means are provided, specifically of the type of rapid snap closure between said connecting element (5, 5 ', 5'') and said tubular element. 11. Dishwashing machine according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that adequate means (17, 17 ', 17'') are provided to limit the stroke of said inlets (9, 10; 9', 10 '; 9 '', 10 '') inside or above said hydraulic feed intake (6, 6 ', 6''). 12. Dishwashing machine according to claim 3 characterized in that said flow diversion device comprises a float. 13. Dishwashing machine according to claim 3 characterized in that said flow diversion device comprises an oscillating element suitable for being displaced by the pressure of the washing fluid. 14. Dishwashing machine according to claim 6 characterized in that they are provided together in line with said means (13A, 13B; 13A ', 13B'';13A'',13B'') suitable for blocking the passage of said sealing element or ball (12, 12 ', 12'') through said inlets (9, 10; 9', 10 ';9'',10'').