WO2013053720A1

WO2013053720A1 - A rack suitable for usage in a dishwasher and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used

Info

Publication number: WO2013053720A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/069982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Osman Kilic; Salih Goksu
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2011-10-11
Filing date: 2012-10-10
Publication date: 2013-04-18
Also published as: EP2765898A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rack (2) suitable for use in a dishwasher (1), wherein the items to be washed are placed, comprising a base (3) and a front wall (4), a rear wall (5) and two side walls (6) surrounding the base (3), and relates to the dishwasher (1) wherein the rack (2) is used.

Description

A RACK SUITABLE FOR USAGE IN A DISHWASHER AND THE DISHWASHER WHEREIN THE RACK IS USED

The present invention relates to a rack comprising a shelf whereon the items to be washed are placed and a dishwasher wherein the rack is used.

In dishwashers, shelves that are mounted to the side wall of the rack are used, whereon especially small volume items like glasses, bowls, cutlery, etc. are placed in order to provide effective utilization of the washing space. However, the support surface of the shelf must have different details in order to be able to place items having wide and flat surfaces like glasses, bowls and long, thin structured items like forks, spoons and knives on the shelf in a balanced manner. Otherwise, these types of items can fall into the rack during washing and this situation results in these items not being cleaned effectively.

In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US20050242046, a dishwasher comprising an auxiliary shelf, mounted to the side wall of the rack, adaptable to accommodate a variety of kitchenware to be washed is described.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a rack comprising a shelf enabling easy and balanced placement of kitchenware thereon with geometric structures different from each other and the dishwasher wherein it is used.

The rack realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, is suitable for use in the dishwasher and comprises two slots with one end closed, one each disposed on the front wall and the rear wall extending oppositely to one another, and a shelf mounted between the slots and which can perform both rotational and sliding movements between the slots. Items can be loaded on the upper or lower surface by rotating the shelf around the rotational axis extending parallel to the side wall of the rack. The shelf can be rotated 360 degrees around the rotational axis. Furthermore, the shelf rests on the side wall by rotating and sliding between the slots and thus the inner volume of the rack is provided to be used effectively. The user is provided with utilization versatility by using the upper or lower surface of the shelf depending on the desire of the user.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the shelf comprises a first support surface and a second support surface, positioned so as to be one in front of the other, suitable for washing various types of kitchenware by placing thereon. The shelf can be used in three different positions. In the first washing position of the shelf, wide-mouthed items like cups, glasses, etc. can be washed by placing on the first support surface. The shelf is changed from the first washing position to the second washing position by rotating the shelf between the slots. Thus, the second support surface disposed at the rear side of the first support surface is brought to the top and long, thin items like forks, spoons can be washed by placing on the second support surface. The shelf rests on the side wall in the passive position whereto the shelf is changed by rotating or sliding between the slots. Thus, the rack volume is provided to be used effectively by preventing the shelf from occupying space in the rack in cases wherein the shelf is not in use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shelf is mounted on the rack by inserting the pins disposed on both lateral sides thereof into the slots with two closed ends disposed on the front wall and the rear wall of the rack. The shelf is provided to rotate around its horizontal axis by the rotational movement made by the pins inside the slots. By means of rotating the pins inside the slots, the shelf is provided to pass between the first washing position and the second washing position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack comprises at least one shaft seated into slots with both ends disposed oppositely, whereon the shelf is rotatably mounted. The shelf is mounted on the shaft so as to rotate around the shaft, providing the shelf to be placed on the rack by seating the ends of the shaft into the slots. The shelf is provided to pass between the first washing position and the second washing position by being rotated around the shaft. The shelf is changed to the passive position by being rotated almost 90 degrees and by sliding the ends of the shaft inside the slots when the shelf is in the first washing position or the second washing position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, more than one protrusion is provided on the second support surface, that is used for placing long, thin items like forks and spoons therebetween. By placing items like forks and spoons between the protrusions, the protrusions are provided to support these items. Thus, items like forks and spoons are provided to be washed without overturning and being stacked on top of each other. Consequently, cleaning effectiveness of these items is increased.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the slots are disposed on flanges situated on the front wall and the rear wall.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the slot is configured to be hollow. It becomes easy to insert the pins into the slots since the inside of the slot is empty.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack comprises recesses disposed at both ends of the slot wherein the ends of the pins or the shaft are seated when the shelf is changed to the first washing, the second washing or the passive position. Thus, the shelf is provided to remain stationary by preventing the pins from moving inside the slots.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack comprises more than one locking element, disposed on the sides of the shelf facing the side wall or inside the rack, extending outwards from the first support surface and the second support surface. The locking element is attached to the wire disposed on the side wall, extending in the horizontal direction thereby the shelf is provided to remain stationary in the first washing position and the second washing position. Thus, the items placed on the shelf are supported in a more balanced manner.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking element is configured as a plate. The locking element rests on the wire when the shelf is changed to the first washing position or the second washing position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking element is configured as a hook. The locking element is mounted on the wire when the shelf is changed to the first washing position or the second washing position. The locking element provides the shelf to be fixed in the changed position by almost partially clasping around the wire.

In a version of this embodiment, the mouths of the locking element face directions opposite to one another. The locking element is inserted over the wire in the first washing position or the second washing position of the shelf and the mouth of the locking element faces downwards.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a rack as described in the above-mentioned embodiments.

By means of the present invention, a rack is realized comprising a shelf whereon various types of kitchenware are provided to be placed in a balanced manner by changing the position thus providing effective utilization of the interior space.

The model embodiments relating to the rack realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used are illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 – is the perspective view of a dishwasher.

Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the rack and the shelf when the shelf is in the second washing position relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 – is the perspective view of a shelf relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 – is the perspective view of a rack and a shelf when the shelf is in the first washing position relating to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 – is the perspective view of the shelf, flange and the locking elements when the shelf is in the second washing position relating to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 – is the perspective view of a rack and a shelf, when the shelf is in the position of being rotated between the slots for changing to the passive position relating to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 – is the perspective view of a rack and a shelf when the shelf is in the passive position relating to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 – is the perspective view of a shelf when the shelf is in the passive position relating to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 – is the perspective view of the shelf and the locking elements relating to another embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Dishwasher
Rack
Base
Front wall
Rear wall
Side wall
Slot
First support surface
Second support surface
Pin
Shelf
Protrusion
Flange
Wire
Locking element
Recess
Shaft

The rack (2) is suitable for use in the dishwasher (1) and the items to be washed are placed therein. The rack (2) comprises a base (3), and a front wall (4), a rear wall (5) and two side walls (6) surrounding the base (3).

The rack (2) of the present invention furthermore comprises two slots (7), with both ends closed, each disposed on the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5) to be opposite to each other and a shelf (11) mounted between the slots (7) that can make both sliding and rotational movements between the slots (7).

The shelf (11) is mounted between the slots (7) so as to move between the slots (7). The shelf (11) can be rotated around the rotational axis extending parallel to the side wall (6). Furthermore, the position of the shelf (11) in the rack (2) can be changed by sliding the shelf (11) between the slots (7). Thus, the interior space of the rack (2) is provided to be utilized effectively.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the shelf (11) comprises a first support surface (8) and a second support surface (9) disposed on the rear side of the first support surface (8). The shelf (11) has a first washing position wherein the wide mouthed items like cups, glasses can be washed by placing on the first support surface (8), a second washing position changed from the first washing position by being rotated around its axis extending parallel to the side walls (6) and wherein long, thin items like forks, spoons can be washed by placing on the second support surface (9) and a passive position wherein the shelf (11) rests on the side wall (6) by being rotated and slid in the slots (7). The first support surface (8) has an almost flat surface suitable for washing kitchenware like cups, glasses. The second support surface (9) is suitable for washing long, thin items like forks, spoons by arranging thereon. In the first washing position of the shelf (11), the washing operation is performed on the first support surface (8) and in the second washing position, on the second support surface (9). The shelf (11) is provided to pass between the first washing position and the second washing position by means of rotating the shelf (11) around its axis extending parallel to the side wall (6). Thus, the user is provided to easily bring the first support surface (8) or the second support surface (9) to active position depending on the geometric structure of the items to be washed. Consequently, the items placed on the shelf (11) are provided to be supported in a balanced manner. Furthermore, the items placed on the shelf (11) are provided to be cleaned effectively by eliminating problems like falling into the rack (2) or overturning during washing. The shelf (11) is moved towards the side wall (6) by rotating and sliding the shelf (11) between the slots (7) and the shelf (11) rests on the side wall (6) in the changed passive position. Thus, the inner space of the rack (2) is provided to be utilized more effectively by means of changing the shelf (11) to the passive position when not in use.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises more than one pin (10) disposed on both surfaces of the shelf (11) facing the side walls (6), that can make both rotational and sliding movements inside the slots (7) by being seated into the slots (7). The shelf (11) is mounted on the rack (2) by means of seating the pins (10) into the slots (7). By means of rotating the pins (10) inside the slots (7), the shelf (11) is provided to pass between the first washing position and the second washing position. The shelf (11) is moved towards the side wall (6) by rotating and sliding the pins (10) in the slots (7) and changed to the passive position. Passing of the shelf (11) between the first washing position and the second washing position is made when the pin (10) is almost at the center of the slot (7). Furthermore, when the shelf (11) is changed to the first washing position or the second washing position, the pin (10) functions as the support point for the shelf (11) and the shelf (11) is provided to be positioned in a balanced manner inside the rack (2).

The pins (10) are preferably disposed at the center of the lateral side of the shelf (11). In other words, the pins (10) are disposed on the line that almost passes from the center of the shelf (11). Thus, the rotational movement made by the shelf (11) around the rotational axis passing over the pins (10) is rendered to be balanced.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises at least one shaft (17) seated into slots (7) both ends of which are opposite to each other, whereon the shelf (11) is rotatably mounted. The shelf (11) is mounted on the shaft (17) so as to rotate around the shaft (17) and both ends of the shaft (17) are seated into the slots (7). Thus, the shelf (11) is provided to be mounted on the rack (2).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises more than one protrusion (12) situated on the second support surface (9) which enables long, thin items like forks, spoons that are placed therebetween, to be supported. The protrusions (12) are arranged on the second support surface (9) so as to be spaced apart and parallel to the side wall (6). The cutlery items are provided to rest on the protrusions (12) and to be supported in balanced manner on the shelf (11) by preferably by placing one cutlery item between each of two protrusions (12). By means of the protrusions (12) the cutlery items are provided to be cleaned effectively by not touching one another.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises at least one flange (13) disposed on the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5), whereon the slot (7) is located.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the slot (7) is located at the inner surface of the flange (13). Thus, the ends of the pins (10) or the shaft (17), when seated in the slot (7), are provided to bear against the inner surfaces of the flanges (13) that form the base of the slots (7).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the slot (7) is configured to be hollow. Inserting the ends of the pins (10) or the shaft (17) into the slots (7) is made easier since the slots (7) are hollow. Thus, the problems that may arise while inserting the ends of the pins (10) or the shaft (17) into the slots (7) originating from tolerance defects that can occur during production of the pins (10) or the shaft (17) are also eliminated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises more than one recess (16) disposed at two ends of the slot (7), wherein the ends of the pin (10) or the shaft (17) are seated when the shelf (11) is changed to the first washing, the second washing and the passive position and preventing the ends of the pin (10) or the shaft (17) from moving in the slot (7). The recesses (16) are at a lower elevation in the vertical plane with respect to the slot (7). When the shelf (11) is changed to one of the first washing, the second washing or passive positions, the movement of the shelf (11) in the horizontal axis is prevented by providing the ends of the pin (10) or the shaft (17) to be seated into the recesses (16).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rack (2) comprises a wire (14) disposed on the side wall (6), extending in the horizontal direction and at least one locking element (15) disposed at the sides of the shelf (11) extending parallel to the side wall (6), which provides the shelf (11) to be fixed at an almost parallel position to the base (3) of the rack (2) in the first washing position and the second washing position of the shelf (11) by being attached on the wire (14). By means of the locking element (15), the shelf (11) is provided to remain immovable in the first washing position and the second washing position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking element (15) is configured as a plate. The locking element (15) is located at two opposite sides of the shelf (11) that extend parallel to the side walls (6). The locking element (15) extends outwards from the side of the shelf (11). The locking element (15) rests on the wire (14) when the shelf (11) is changed to the first washing position or the second washing position. Thus, when items to be washed are placed on the shelf (11), the risks like the shelf (11) rotating involuntarily or overturning of the items are eliminated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking element (15) is configured as a hook. The shelf (11) is provided to be fixed in the changed position by fitting the locking element (15) on the wire (14) when the shelf (11) is changed to the first washing position or the second washing position.

In a version of this embodiment, the mouths of the locking elements (15) face opposite directions.

The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a rack (2) as described in the above-mentioned embodiments.

By means of the present invention, various types of kitchenware are provided to be placed on the shelf (11) in a balanced manner by using a single shelf (11). Consequently, both the shelf (11) and the inner space of the rack (2) are more effectively used.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A rack (2) suitable for use in a dishwasher (1), wherein the items to be washed are placed, comprising a base (3) and a front wall (4), a rear wall (5) and two side walls (6) surrounding the base (3),

characterized by two slots (7), with both ends closed, each disposed on the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5) so as to be opposite to each other and a shelf (11) mounted between the slots (7), that can make both sliding and rotational movements between the slots (7).
A rack (2) as in Claim 1, characterized by the shelf (11) comprising a first support surface (8) and a second support surface (9) disposed on the rear side of the first support surface (8), having a first washing position wherein the wide mouthed items like cups, glasses can be washed by placing on the first support surface (8), a second washing position changed from the first washing position by being rotated around its axis extending parallel to the side walls (6) and wherein long, thin items like forks, spoons can be washed by placing on the second support surface (9) and a passive position wherein the shelf (11) rests on the side wall (6) by being rotated and slid in the slots (7).
A rack (2) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by more than one pin (10) disposed on each two surfaces of the shelf (11) facing the side walls (6), that can make both rotational and sliding movements inside the slots (7) by being seated into the slots (7).
A rack (2) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one shaft (17) both ends of which are opposite to each other, seated into slots (7) and whereon the shelf (11) is rotatably mounted.
A rack (2) as in Claim 2 or 3, characterized by more than one protrusion (12) situated on the second support surface (9) which supports long, thin items like forks, spoons that are placed therebetween.
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by at least one flange (13) disposed on the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5), whereon the slot (7) is located.
A rack (2) as in Claim 6, characterized by the slot (7) which is located at the inner surface of the flange (13).
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the hollow slot (7).
A rack (2) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 8, characterized by more than one recess (16) disposed at two ends of the slot (7) wherein the ends of the pin (10) or the shaft (17) are seated when the shelf (11) is changed to the first washing, the second washing and the passive position and which prevents the ends of the pin (10) or the shaft (17) from moving in the slot (7).
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims characterized by a wire (14) disposed on the side wall (6), extending in the horizontal direction and at least one locking element (15) disposed at the sides of the shelf (11) extending parallel to the side wall (6), which provides the shelf (11) to be fixed at an almost parallel position to the base (3) of the rack (2) in the first washing position and the second washing position of the shelf (11) by being attached on the wire (14).
A rack (2) as in Claim 10, characterized by the plate-shaped locking element (15).
A rack (2) as in Claim 10, characterized by the hook-shaped locking element (15).
A rack (2) as in Claim 12, characterized by the locking elements (15), the mouths of which face opposite directions.
A dishwasher (1) comprising a rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims.