MXPA06007397A - Warewash machine with wrap-around hood and multi-position splash guard, and drip flange for warwash machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A warewash machine includes a multi-position splash guard enabling multiple machine configurations in which undesired overspray is reduced or eliminated. A drip flange may also be provided to increase the amount of water that impinges upon wares.

Description

AVAUTENSILIOS MACHINE WITH ENVELOPE COVER WITH MULTI-POSITION SPLASH PROTECTOR. AND SPRAY TAB FOR MACHINE LAVAUTENSILIOS TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates generally to machines used to wash kitchen utensils such as plates, glasses and pots and trays, and more particularly to a dishwashing machine with a splashback cover and a multi-position splash guard and / or a washing machine with a drain tab located at the top.

BACKGROUND In vertical type washing machines, two basic types are provided, namely a continuous sliding configuration for mounting along a wall, or a right angle configuration for mounting on a corner. Vertical units that use a wraparound cover unit on any of the three sides of the wash area are open when the cover is raised, allowing the unit to be mounted, either against a wall or in a corner. However, when mounted against a wall by lifting the cover exposes the operator to unwanted excess spray, and when mounted in a corner by lifting the cover exposes the wall to unwanted excess spray. In the facilities at the corner, it is known to mount a wall panel against the wall in an attempt to protect the floor. However, the excess dew may still trickle down to the bottom of the wall or on the floor, and the problem of operators getting wet still remains a matter of installations along the wall. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a utensil washing machine system utilizing a wrapping cover in which excess spray through an essentially unused side of the machine can be effectively reduced or eliminated. Dishwashing machines may also include washing arms or high rinse arms that tend to leak water in a manner such that water does not impinge on the utensils within the washing area. It would be desirable to provide a system for directing such water leaks on the utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, a dishwashing machine includes a frame in part defining a multi-sided washing area. A wraparound housing unit includes first, second and third wall portions, the wraparound cover unit capable of moving through a closed position, in which the first, second and third wall portions are located in alignment with the first, second and second wall portions. and third sides of the wash area, and an open position to provide access to the wash area. A multi-position splash guard is dimensioned and configured to be stively mounted in multiple positions on the washing machine, allowing multiple machine configurations, including: (i) a first configuration in which, when the enclosure is built up open, and the multi-position splash guard is located next to the first side of the washing area and the second and third sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils; and (ii) a second configuration in which, when the wrapping cover is in its open position, the multi-position splash guard is located next to the second side of the washing area and the first and second sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils. In another aspect, a utensil washing machine includes a frame in part defining a four-sided washing area, a first side of the washing area covered by a wall. A wraparound cover is capable of moving between a lowered position and a raised position in the frame. A multi-position splash guard is dimensioned and configured to be stively mounted in multiple positions on the frame allowing multiple configurations of the machine, Including: (i) a first configuration in which the multi-position splash guard is mounted to the frame along a second side of the wash area to limit excess spray through the second side of the wash area yet when the wrapping cover is in its raised position, with the third and fourth sides of the washing area being open to provide the entry and exit of utensils when the wrapping cover is in its raised position; and (ii) a second configuration in which the multi-position splash guard is mounted to the frame along the third side of the wash area to limit excess spray through the third side of the wash area even when the cover The casing is in its raised position, with the second and fourth sides of the washing area being open to provide the entry and exit of utensils when the casing is in its raised position. In a further aspect, the multi-position splash guard is installable on a table-top machine that includes a frame in part defining a multi-sided washing area and a wrap-around cover capable of moving between a lowered position to align with the first, second and third sides of the washing area, and a raised position to provide access to the washing area. The multi-position splash guard includes a wall member sized and configured for selective mounting in at least two positions in the ware washing machine, including a first position in which the wall member limits the excess spray through a second side of the wash area, and a second position in which the wall member limits excess spray through the third side of the wash area. In yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a dishwashing machine in one of at least first and second configurations, involves the steps of: providing a washing unit with a washing area with at least first, second and third substantially vertical sides; providing a wraparound movable cover with first, second and third wall portions, when the wrapping cover is in a closed position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively placed next to the first, second and third substantially vertical sides, when the envelope cover is in an open position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively misaligned from the first, second and third substantially vertical sides; making a determination as to whether the washing machine should have the first configuration or the second configuration; and (i) if a determination is made that the washing machine should have the first configuration, mount a splash guard in a first position on the washing machine to limit the excess spray through the first side of the washing area when the envelope cover is in the open position; and (ii) if a determination is made that the washing machine should have the second configuration, assemble a scraper rotector in the first step to limit the excess of spray through the second side of the washing area when the envelope cover is in the open position. In a further aspect, a utensil washing machine includes a washing area defined by a housing structure and including a supepor side having a revolving rinse arm with a coupling to a water source. A run-off tab extends downward from the top side, the runoff flange separated from and extending around the coupling so that leakage of water that is directed laterally out of the coupling strikes the runoff flange and drains down on the utensils inside. of the washing area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dishwashing machine with a multi-position splash guard. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the respective configurations of the utensil washing machine using a multi-position splash guard. Figure 5 is a partial perspective showing a variation for attaching a multi-position splash guard. Figure 6 is a side elevation (in cross section) showing another variation for attaching a multi-position splash guard. Figure 7 is a partial perspective showing an alternative embodiment where a multi-position splash shield connects to the envelope cover. Figure 8 is a side view of an upper part of a washing chamber that includes a drip tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1, a mode of the washing machine 100 in partially disassembled configuration is shown. A frame / housing 102 in part defines a multi-sided washing area 104. The machine includes a fixed upper part 106 and a fixed rear wall 108. A lower tub 110 can completely or partially surround the bottom of the washing area 104, and a lower wash arm 112 is provided to direct the liquid onto the utensils. A separate rinse arm can also be provided, and both a wash arm and a rinse arm can also be provided on the upper side of the wash area 104. A lattice 114 can be placed over the area of the spout to hold a plate rack during a wash cycle. The frame 102 is formed to allow three substantially vertical sides 116, 118 and 120 to be open for easy access to the washing area. During a wash cycle, a wraparound cover 122 is placed with its three wall portions 124, 126 and 128 in alignment with respective sides 116, 118 and 120 (sides 116 and 120 opposed to each other and positioned separately as shown, while sides 116 and 118, and sides 118 and 120 similarly, they are adjacent to each other). Such placement of the cover 122 is considered the closed position of the cover. As used herein, the terminology "in alignment with" should not be construed as requiring that the wall portions be directly centered on the sides of the wash area, although such a configuration is possible and within the scope of such terminology. The cover can typically be raised to an open, upward position (see Figures 2 to 4) in which the three wall portions 124, 126 and 128 of the cover are misaligned from sides 116, 118 and 120, leaving such sides open unless they are covered in another way. In this regard, the dishwashing machine 100 illustrated includes a multi-position splash guard 130 sized and configured for selective mounting in multiple positions in the dishwashing machine, particularly on the frame 102 adjacent any of the sides 116, 118 or 120. This ability to place the splash guard at such multiple sites allows multiple configurations of the machine as shown in Figures 2 to 4. In particular, in a configuration shown in Figure 2, the multi-position splash guard 130 is located at side of side 116 of the washing area. When the wrapping cover 122 is in its open position the sides 118 and 120 of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils, while the protection 130 prevents excess dew through the side 116. In another configuration shown in Figure 3, the multi-position splash guard 130 is located on the side of the side 118 of the wash area. When the wrapping cover 122 is in its open position the sides 116 and 120 of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils, while the protection 130 prevents excess dew through the side 118. In yet another configuration shown in Figure 4, the multi-position splash guard 130 is located on the side 120 of the wash area. When the wrapping cover 122 is in its open position the sides 116 and 118 of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils, while the protection 130 prevents excess dew through the side 120.

In each of the configurations of Figures 2 to 4, the splash guard is positioned to limit the excess spray of the liquid out of a particular side of the wash area, even when the wrap cover 122 is in the open position. In addition, in each configuration, when the envelope cover is lowered to its closed position, the two open sides of the washing area are separated by the respective wall portions of the cover, and the other wall part of the cover covers the multi-position splash guard. In each of the configurations of Figures 2 through 4, the lower edge of each of the inlet and outlet sides of the washing area are typically located at a height aligned with a countertop or conveyor as shown, allowing A bar or conveyor is used as a platform area for the shelves of utensils before washing, and allowing other bar or conveyor to be used as a receiving area for shelves of utensils removed from the machine after washing. In the configuration of Figures 2 to 4, the side of the wash area including the multi-position splash guard 130, adjacent to a wall, as is common in a corner installation, can be placed adjacent to a wall, without being concerned that excess spray will damage Wall. In the configuration of Figure 3, the machine can be placed along a wall without worrying that an operator located on the side 118 of the machine will be sprayed with water when the operator lifts the cover to move the shelf of utensils out and inside the washing area. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the multi-position splash guard 130 mounts directly to the frame 102 of the washing machine. In one variation, shown in Figure 2, the frame 102 includes fastener openings 140 to facilitate attachment of the multi-position splash guard 1 30, which includes fastener openings 142 alignable with the fastener openings 140 of the frame. . A fastener 143, such as a screw, bolt or pin, is then positioned through the aligned openings 140 and 142 to hold the splash guard 130 in place. All three sides 116, 118 and 120 of the frame include openings. 140 arranged in a similar manner to facilitate selective fixing of the multi-position splash guard on any of the three sides. In another method, shown in FIG. 5, the frame 102 includes mounting slots 144 for facilitating the attachment of the multi-position splash guard 130, which includes mounting pins 146 extending from this. and capable of linear with the mounting grooves 144 of the frame 102. The bolts 146 may have elongated heads 148 to prevent removal of the guard unless the guard is first moved upward to place the elongated heads within the elongated portions of the frame. slot 150. Alternatively, the mounting bolts 146 could be placed on the frame 102 and the slots 144 could be located in the multi-position splash guard 130. In yet another variation, the splash guard can be formed with upper and lower angled portions. lower 154, as shown in the partial side elevation of Figure 6, which fit on support bars 156 in the frame. Alternatively, the sides 116, 118 and 120 of the frame can be configured with slots placed separately within which the protector can slide. Combinations of these fixation schemes can also be used. In any case, a lower part of the multi-position guard can be positioned to direct the liquid back to the wash area, in each of the mounting portions, and in some implementations will include a lip extending inward to carry the out this purpose. In an alternative embodiment, the multi-position splash guard 130 can be connected to any of the three wall portions 124, 126 and 128 of the wraparound cover. In one variation, shown in the partial view of Figure 7, the multi-position splash guard 130 is fixed to and moved with the cover 122. The lower part of the machine frame or housing includes a guard receiving compartment, such as 160, on each side. The guard 130 moves towards the compartment on the side to which it is fixed when the cover is lowered, and moves out of the compartment along the side of the washing area, for protection from overspray, when the cover is lifted. In another variation, the inner side of each of the wall portions of the wrapping cover may include channels positioned separately to receive the shield, and the wrapping cover 122 may move relative to the multi-position splash guard 130 when move the envelope cover between its lowered position and its raised position. Regardless of the use of the embodiment, a method of manufacturing a washing machine is provided in one of at least the first and second configurations, and involves the steps of providing a washing unit with a washing area with at least first, second and third substantially vertical sides; providing a wraparound movable cover with first, second and third wall portions, when the wrapping cover is in a closed position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively placed next to the first, second and third substantially vertical sides, when the The envelope cover is in an open position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively misaligned from the first, second and third substantially vertical sides; making a determination as to whether the washing machine should have the first configuration or the second configuration; and (i) if the determination is made that the washing machine should have the first configuration, mount a splash guard in a first position on the washing machine to limit the excess spray through the first side of the washing area when the envelope cover is in the open position; and (ii) if the determination is made that the washing machine should have the second configuration, mount a splash guard in a second position in the washing machine to limit the excess of spray through the second side of the washing area. when the wraparound cover is in the open position.

In another aspect, instead of providing a multi-position splash guard, a dishwashing machine can be constructed with a wraparound cover with wall portions, which are selectively disengaged from the cover in order to remain in the low position. when the envelope cover is moved to the raised position, again allowing the selectable configurations of the machine, depending on which wall is disconnected to remain lowered and limit the overspray. In one example, a support that connects two wall portions is fixed to one wall but is selectively connectable to the other wall by a latch with spring mechanism on the inner side of the other wall. In addition to limiting the overspray of dishwashing machines, it is also desirable to direct as much water as possible onto the utensils inside the washing chamber. Referring to Figure 8, an upper portion of the wash chamber is shown including a liquid jet arm 200 having a plurality of nozzles 202 thereon to eject the liquid 204 downwardly on the utensils.

The arm 200 is mounted for rotation as the water is expelled from the nozzles, and therefore a movable coupling is created for a water source in the area 206. The liquid has to leak from the coupling area 206 as shown at 208 and it is ejected radially outward, and such liquid 208 typically moves towards the sides of the washing chamber without ever reaching the utensils. Since it is desirable to maximize the supply of water to the utensils, a drip tab 210 is incorporated, extending down the top side of the wash area. The runoff flange 210 is spaced from and extends around the coupling area 206 so that leakage of water 208 which is directed radially or laterally outwardly from the coupling impinges on the runoff flange 210 and drains downwardly on the utensils within the area. of washing. In one variation, the drip tab 210 is continuous around the coupling area 206, and may extend in a circle around the coupling area 206. As shown, the liquid jet arm 200 includes ends extending outward beyond a lower edge 212 of the runoff flange 210, and a space is provided between the rotating arm and the lower edge of the runoff flange, however, in another embodiment the flange substantially extends the total distance of the upper side or ceiling of the area Wash precisely on the upper part of the swivel arm to capture as much of the water leak as possible. The drip tab can be configured to prevent a substantial portion of the leaked water 208 from being directed onto the side walls of the wash area. In one implementation, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the water leakage from the docking area impinges on the runoff tab. It should be clearly understood that the foregoing description is intended solely as an illustration and example and is not intended to be taken as a limitation. Other changes and modifications can be made, including both variations of narrowing and widening of the modalities and examples previously described.

Claims (25)

1. A washing machine characterized in that it comprises: a frame in part defining a washing area with multiple sides; A wraparound cover unit includes first, second and third wall portions, the wraparound cover unit capable of moving between a closed position, in which the first, second and third wall portions are located in alignment with the first, second and third wall portions. third sides of the washing area, and an open position to provide access to the washing area; a multi-position splash guard sized and configured to be selectively mounted in multiple positions in the washing machine allowing multiple machine configurations, including: (i) a first configuration in which, when the shell cover is in its open position, the The multi-position splash guard is located next to the first side of the washing area and the second and third sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of the utensils; and (ii) a second configuration in which, when the wrapping cover is in its open position, the multi-position splash guard is located next to the second side of the washing area and the first and third sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils.

The washing machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first and second sides are substantially parallel to each other.

The washing machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first and second sides are adjacent to each other.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the multi-position splash guard is sized and configured for selective mounting in multiple positions in the frame. The appliance washing machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the multi-position splash guard is sized and configured for selective mounting in multiple positions in the enclosing cover unit. The appliance washing machine according to claim 5, further characterized in that the frame includes a first receiving compartment of the protector and a second receiving compartment of the protector, where in the first configuration the multi-position splash guard moves towards the first receiver compartment of the protector when moving the envelope cover to its closed position and moving upward toward the second side of the washing area when the envelope cover is moved to its open position, wherein in the second configuration the protector The multi-position splash valve moves to the second receiver compartment of the protector when the envelope cover is moved to its closed position and moves up along the third side of the wash area when the envelope cover is moved to its open position. The appliance washing machine according to claim 5, further characterized in that in the two of the first configuration and the second configuration the wrapping cover moves relative to the multi-position splash guard when the envelope cover is moved between its closed position and its open position. 8. A washing machine characterized in that it comprises: a frame that defines in part a washing area with four sides, a first side of the washing area covered by a wall; a wraparound cover capable of moving between a lowered position and a raised position in the frame; a multi-position splash guard sized and configured for selective mounting in multiple positions on the frame allowing multiple machine configurations, which include: a first configuration in which the multi-position splash guard is mounted to the frame along a second side of the wash area to limit the excess spray through the second side of the wash area even when the The envelope cover is in its raised position, with the third and fourth sides of the washing area being open to provide the entry and exit of the utensils when the envelope cover is in its raised position; and a second configuratin which the multi-positsplash guard is mounted to the frame along a third side of the wash area to limit excess spray through the third side of the wash area even though the cover is in its raised posit with the second and fourth sides of the washing area being open to provide the entry and exit of utensils when the wrapping cover is in its raised posit The appliance washing machine according to claim 8, further characterized in that multiple configurat of the machine further include: a third configuratin which the multi-positsplash guard is mounted to the frame along the fourth side of the washing area to limit overspray through the fourth side of the wash area even when the wrapping cover is in its raised posit with the second and third sides of the wash area being open to provide the entry and exit of utensils when the wrapping cover It is in its elevated posit The washing machine according to claim 8, further characterized in that in both of the first configuratand the second configurat the wrapping cover, when in its lowered posit covers the multi-positsplash guard. The appliance washing machine according to claim 8, further characterized in that the frame includes fastener openings in the two of the second side and third side to facilitate the attachment of the multi-positsplash guard, which includes fastener openings alignable with the fastener openings. Bracket openings in the frame. The appliance washing machine according to claim 8, further characterized in that the frame includes mounting grooves in both of the second side and third side to facilitate the attachment of the multi-positsplash guard, which includes mounting bolts that can be aligned with the mounting slots of the frame. The washing machine in accordance with claim 8, further characterized in that the frame includes mounting bolts in both of the first - side and the second side to facilitate the fixation of the multi-position splash g, which includes mounting slots that can be aligned with the frame mounting bolts. The appliance washing machine according to claim 8, further characterized in that in the first configuration the multi-position splash g is attached to one side of the enclosing cover and in the second configuration the multi-position splash g is fixed to the container. another side of the wraparound cover. 15. A multi-position splash g installable in a dishwashing machine that includes a frame that defines in part a multi-sided washing area and a movable envelope cover between a lowered position to align the first, second and third sides of the area The end, and position and lift to provide the access to the area of Idle, characterized and rotator of multiple positions because it comprises: a wall member sized and configured for selective assembly in at least two positions in the washing machine, including a first position in which the wall member limits the excess spray through the second side of the washing area, and a second position in which the wall member limits the excess spray to through the third side of the washing area. 16. A method for manufacturing a dishwashing machine in one of at least the first and second configurations, characterized in that it comprises: providing a washing unit with a washing area with at least first, second and third sides substantially vertical; providing a wraparound movable cover with first, second and third wall portions, when the wrapping cover is in a closed position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively placed next to the first, second and third substantially vertical sides, when the envelope cover is - in an open position the first, second and third wall portions are respectively misaligned from the first, second and third substantially vertical sides; making a determination as to whether the washing machine should have the first configuration or the second configuration; and if the determination is made that the washing machine should have the first configuration, mount a splash g in a first position on the washing machine to limit the excess spray through the first side of the washing area when the cover envelope is in the open position; if the determination is made that the washing machine should have the second configuration, mount a splash g on the washing machine to limit the excess spray through the second side of the washing area when the cover is in position open 17. A dishwashing machine characterized in that it comprises. a washing area defined by a housing structure and including an upper side having a g rative b rum and flushing with a coupling to a water source; and a runoff flange extending downwardly from the upper side, the runoff flange separated from and extending around the coupling so that leakage of water that is laterally directed away from the coupling impinges on the runoff flange and drains downwardly on the runners. utensils inside the washing area. 18. The utensil washing machine according to claim 17, further characterized in that the drip tab is continuous around the coupling. The appliance washing machine according to claim 18, further characterized in that the drainage flange extends in a circle around the coupling. 20. The ware washing machine according to claim 17, further characterized in that the run-off flange of the rotating rinse arm includes ends extending beyond a lower edge of the run-off flange., and a space is provided between the rotating rinse arm and the lower edge of the runoff flange. 21. The warewashing machine according to claim 17, further characterized in that the runoff flange is configured to prevent a substantial portion of the water leakage from being directed onto the walls of the wash area. 22. The washing machine according to claim 21, further characterized in that at least 75% of the water leakage from the coupling impinges on the runoff flange 23. A washing machine characterized in that it comprises: a frame that defines part of an area of washing of multiple sides, one side of the washing area covered by a wall; a wraparound cover capable of moving between a lowered position and an elevated position in the frame, the wraparound cover including at least first, second and third wall portions that are located respectively next to the first, second and third sides of the wash area when the wrapping cover is in the lowered position, at least the first and second wall portions capable of selectively disconnecting from the wrapping cover to remain in the lowered position when the wrapping cover is moved to its raised position, allowing multiple configurations of the machine, which includes: a first configuration in which the first wall portion of the wrapping cover is disconnected so that, when the wrapping cover is in its raised position, the first wall portion limits the excess spray through the first side of the washing area, and the second and third portions of the wall are erected in such a way that that the second and third sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils; and a second configuration in which the second wall portion of the wrapping cover is disconnected so that, when the wrapping cover is in its raised position, the second wall portion limits the excess spray through the second side of the washing area. , and the first and third wall portions are raised such that the first and third sides of the washing area are open to provide the entry and exit of utensils. 24. The ware washing machine according to claim 23, further characterized in that the first wall portion is adjacent to the second wall portion. 25. The warewashing machine according to claim 23, further characterized in that the first wall portion is positioned separately and opposite to the second wall portion.