WO2018219469A1

WO2018219469A1 - Dishwasher with improved cleaning/drying performance and improved energy efficiency

Info

Publication number: WO2018219469A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/063414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuf Koc; Furkan BAYAV; Ozcan Hatipoglu; Mutlu IPEK; Nevin AYATA AKKAS
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2017-06-02
Filing date: 2017-06-02
Publication date: 2018-12-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1 ) comprising: a tub for receiving the articles to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid; one or more rotating spraying means (2) each for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid onto the articles; a liquid supply means (3) for supplying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the rotating spray means (2); and a control unit (4) for operating the liquid supply means (3).

Description

DISHWASHER WITH IMPROVED CLEANING/DRYING PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The present invention relates to washers, in particular to dishwashers. The present invention more particularly relates to the rotating spraying means of the dishwasher.

Dishwashers are commonly known in the art. A dishwasher generally comprises: a tub for receiving the articles to be washed/rinsed with a cleaning liquid; a pivotable door for opening/closing the tub; an upper article rack, a lower article rack and optionally a cutlery tray which are extendably disposed into the tub; at least two rotating spraying means for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid respectively towards the upper article rack and the lower article rack, wherein the rotating spraying means are respectively disposed onto the bottom of the tub below the lower article rack, and to the underside of the upper article rack, and wherein each rotating spraying means has a hub that has a center of rotation, generally two diametrically opposed arms extending from the hub, and a plurality of nozzles disposed along each arm for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid into the tub; a cutlery basket which is removably disposed into the lower article rack; a liquid supply means for supplying the pressurized cleaning liquid with a circulation pump through the conduits having liquid channels to the rotating spraying means; and a sump in the bottom of the tub for collecting the cleaning liquid and the dirt that drips down; a heating means for heating the cleaning liquid; and a control unit for operating the liquid supply means and the heating means.

The cleaning cycle generally includes a pre-washing step, a main washing step, a rinsing step and a drying step. When the dishwasher is taken into operation, the circulation pump circulates the cleaning liquid that is collected in the sump to the rotating spraying means. The rotating spraying means are set into rotary movement as the pressurized cleaning liquid is jetted out of the inclined nozzles which generate a rotational thrust. The inclined nozzles which generate the rotational thrust are generally located further away from the hub and close to the tips of the arms. The geometry and the position of the nozzles are generally determined such that the pressurized cleaning liquid can be effectively sprayed over the surface of the articles inside the upper/lower article racks. The flow rate and the pressure of the jets of the cleaning liquid positively influence the cleaning performance. During the cleaning cycle, the jets of the cleaning liquid hit the articles in the upper article rack and the lower article rack, and thus the dirt on the articles is dissolved under the influence of the pressure and the heat of the cleaning liquid and any cleansing agent therein. The cleaning liquid drips from the articles down into the sump or flows along the surface of the tub into the sump. The dirt is partially removed from the liquid through the coarse/fine filters in the sump during the circulation.

WO2009132949 (A1) discloses a prior art dishwasher.

A problem with the prior art dishwasher is that the dirt on the articles cannot always be sufficiently removed. In order to prevent inferior washing results the amount of cleaning liquid used can be increased or the temperature of the cleaning liquid can be increased or the duration of the cleaning cycle can be prolonged. However, such measures increase the operating costs, and thus the user satisfaction decreases.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved cleaning performance and improved energy efficiency.

This objective has been achieved by the dishwasher as defined in claim 1. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises: an electrically powered air supply means for supplying without using the Venturi effect pressurized air to one or more rotating spraying means, wherein the respective rotating spraying means is adapted to jet the pressurized air and the pressurized cleaning liquid together mixedly onto the articles, wherein the control unit further comprises a first mode for operating the liquid supply means and the air supply means simultaneously.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the mixed jet of pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid increases the flow rate and the pressure of the cleaning liquid. Thereby, the articles inside the tub can be more effectively washed and rinsed, the dirt can be more easily removed, and thus the cleaning performance can be improved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the mixed jet of pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid increases the area onto which the cleaning liquid impinges. Thereby, the articles inside the tub can be more effectively washed and rinsed, and thus the cleaning performance can be further improved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the temperature of the cleaning liquid can be decreased during the cleaning cycle, thanks to the improved cleaning performance. Thereby, the standard cleaning performance can be achieved at relatively lower temperatures. Thereby, the energy consumption can be comparatively reduced, and the energy efficiency of the dishwasher can also be improved.

In an embodiment, the first mode can be selectively activated or deactivated through the control unit any in one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step during the cleaning cycle. In a version of this embodiment this selection is performed by the control unit in accordance with the load of the dishwasher. In a version of this embodiment the selection can also be performed by the user via the user interface. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the cleaning performance can be adaptively and flexibly enhanced.

In an embodiment, the control unit has a second mode for operating the air supply means without operating the liquid supply means. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air jets can be used in the drying step for enhancing the drying process. Thereby, the pressurized air jets can be effectively directed onto the articles, and the ambient air inside the tub can be agitated.

In an embodiment, the second mode can be selectively activated or deactivated through the control unit in the drying step. In a version of this embodiment this selection is performed by the control unit in accordance with the load of the dishwasher. In a version of this embodiment the selection can also be performed by the user via the user interface. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the drying performance can be adaptively and flexibly enhanced.

In an embodiment, the pressurized air can be selectively supplied at a plurality of different pressure levels in accordance with pre-washing step, the main washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air jets can be variably applied in strength, and thus the flow rate and the pressure of the cleaning liquid can be adaptively enhanced in accordance with the particular step of the cleaning cycle.

In an embodiment, the first mode is activated at least in the rinsing step, and the air supply means supplies the pressurized air at the highest pressure level among the plurality of different pressure levels available. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the deposits including the liquid particles or any solid particles can be effectively removed from the articles in the rinsing step.

In an embodiment, one or more rotating spraying means each comprises: one or more first nozzles for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; and one or more second nozzles for jetting the pressurized air, wherein one or more first nozzles are disposed in close proximity to one or more second nozzles respectively such that the jets of the pressurized air strike the jets of the cleaning liquid respectively; and a liquid channel for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles. In this embodiment, the air supply means comprises: one or more air channel for conveying the pressurized air to the second nozzles of the respective rotating spraying means, wherein the liquid channels are separate from the air channels. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air and the pressurized cleaning liquid can be mixed immediately after the jetting thereof, and thus the jets of cleaning liquid can be deflected and spread into the tub by the jets of the pressurized air which strike them.

In an embodiment, one or more second nozzles are vertically aligned. In this embodiment, one or more first nozzles are inclined. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the cleaning liquid jetted from the first nozzle can be more effectively deflected by the pressurized air jetted from the second nozzle at various angles in accordance with the flow rate and pressure of the jetted air. Thereby, the cleaning liquid can be effectively distributed over a comparatively larger area/volume in the tub, and thus the articles can be more effectively cleaned.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more rotating spraying means each comprises: one or more first nozzles for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; and a liquid channel for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles. In this alternative embodiment, the air supply means injects the pressurized air into the liquid channel of the respective rotating spraying means. In this alternative embodiment, the respective rotating spraying means is provided without the second nozzles and without the separate air channel. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid can be mixed before the jetting thereof and thus the flow rate and the pressure of the cleaning liquid can be increased, and the cleaning performance can be improved.

In alternative embodiments, the air to be jetted through the rotating spray means into the tub is pressurized by an air compressor or a fan. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the flow rate and the pressure of the air jets can be flexibly adjusted and thus the cleaning performance and the drying performance can be improved.

In an embodiment, the air to be pressurized can be selectively admitted through an air intake from the tub and/or from the outside at one or more different mixing rates. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the temperature inside the tub can be more easily adjusted, and thus the energy efficiency of the dishwasher can be further improved.

In an embodiment, the air to be pressurized and jetted through the respective rotating spray means can be heated by a heater at one or more different heating levels. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the hot air jets can be used for warming the interior of the tub during the cleaning cycle. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the hot air jets can be used in the drying step for enhancing the drying process.

In an embodiment, one rotating spraying means is disposed onto the bottom of the tub below the lower article rack. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the articles inside the lower article rack can be more effectively washed, rinsed and dried selectively with the pressurized air jets, and thus cleaning/drying performance can be improved.

In an embodiment, one rotating spraying means is disposed onto the underside of the upper article rack. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the articles inside the upper article rack can be more effectively washed, rinsed and dried selectively with the pressurized air jets, and thus cleaning/drying performance can be improved.

In an embodiment, one rotating spraying means is disposed onto the ceiling of the tub above the cutlery tray. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the articles inside the cutlery tray can be more effectively washed, rinsed and dried selectively with the pressurized air jets, and thus cleaning/drying performance can be improved.

In an embodiment, the control unit has a third mode for operating the liquid supply means without operating the air supply means. In this embodiment, the third mode can be selectively activated or deactivated through the control unit in any one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step during the cleaning cycle. For instance, the third mode is activated when the first mode is not activated. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the cleaning performance can be flexibly enhanced. In the present invention, the activation/deactivation duration of the first, second and third modes can be varied within particular steps during the cleaning cycle in accordance with an algorithm.

The rotating spraying means may be provided in various different forms. In an embodiment, the rotating spray means has two arms extending from the hub. In a version of this embodiment, the first nozzles are disposed along the arms without the second nozzles. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid can be mixed prior to the jetting thereof. In an alternative version of this embodiment, the first nozzles and also the second nozzles are disposed along the arms in close proximity to each other respectively. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid can be mixed immediately after the jetting thereof and thus the jets of cleaning liquid can be deflected and spread into the tub by the influence of the jets of air.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the the dishwasher according to the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is a schematic partial perspective inner view of the dishwasher of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 – is a schematic partial perspective view of a rotating spraying means of the dishwasher of Fig. 2;

Figure 4 – is a schematic partial top view of the rotating spraying means of Fig. 3;

Figure 5 – is a schematic sectional view of the rotating spraying means of Fig. 4, taken along the line A-A.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Dishwasher
Rotating spraying means
Liquid supply means
Control unit
Air supply means
First nozzle
Second nozzle
Liquid channel
Air channel
Compressor
Circulation pump
Sump
Arm
Hub

The dishwasher (1) comprises: a tub for receiving the articles to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid; one or more rotating spray means (2) each for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid onto the articles; a liquid supply means (3) for supplying the pressurized cleaning liquid selectively to the rotating spraying means (2); and a control unit (4) for operating the liquid supply means (3) (Fig. 1).

The dishwasher (1) of the present invention further comprises: an electrically powered air supply means (5) for supplying without using the Venturi effect pressurized air to one or more rotating spraying means (2), wherein the respective rotating spraying means (2) is further adapted to jet the pressurized air and the pressurized cleaning liquid together mixedly onto the articles, wherein the control unit (4) further comprises: a first mode for operating the liquid supply means (3) and the air supply means (5) simultaneously (Fig. 2).

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the first mode in each one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step.

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) further comprises: a second mode for operating the air supply means (5) without operating the liquid supply means (3).

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the second mode in the drying step.

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) is further adapted to operate the air supply means (5) to selectively supply the pressurized air at a plurality of different pressure levels in accordance with pre-washing step, the main washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step.

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) is further adapted to activate the first mode in the rinsing step and to operate the air supply means (5) to supply the pressurized air at the highest pressure level among the plurality of different pressure levels available.

In an embodiment, one or more rotating spraying means (2) each comprises: one or more first nozzles (6) for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; one or more second nozzles (7) for jetting the pressurized air, wherein one or more first nozzles (6) are disposed in close proximity to one or more second nozzles (7) respectively such that the jets of pressurized air directly strike the jets of cleaning liquid respectively; and a liquid channel (8) for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles (6). In this embodiment, the air supply means (5) comprises: one or more air channels (9) for conveying the pressurized air to the second nozzles (7) of the respective rotating spraying means (2), wherein the liquid channels (8) are separate from the air channels (9) (Fig. 2 to Fig.4).

In an embodiment, one or more second nozzles (7) are vertically aligned; and one or more first nozzles (6) are inclined (Fig. 2 to Fig.4).

In an alternative embodiment, one or more rotating spraying means (2) each comprises: one or more first nozzles (6) for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; and a liquid channel (8) for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles (6); and the air supply means (5) is further adapted to inject the pressurized air into the liquid channel (8) of the respective rotating spraying means (2).

In an embodiment, the air supply means (5) comprises: an air compressor (10) or a fan for pressurizing the air to be jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub. In this embodiment, the liquid supply means (3) comprises: a circulation pump (11) for pressurizing the cleaning liquid to be jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub (Fig. 2). In this embodiment, the inlet of the circulation pump (11) is connected to the sump (12).

In an embodiment, the air supply means (5) comprises: an air intake (not shown) for selectively admitting the air to be pressurized from the tub and/or from the outside.

In an embodiment, the air supply means (5) comprises: a heater (not shown) for heating the air to be pressurized and jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub. In this embodiment, the control unıt (4) is further adapted to control the heater.

In an embodiment, the dishwasher (1) further comprises: a lower article rack and an upper article rack which are extendably disposed into the tub. In this embodiment, one rotating spraying means (2) is disposed onto the bottom of the tub below the lower article rack (Fig. 2).

In an embodiment, one rotating spraying means (2) is disposed onto the underside of the upper article rack, wherein the rotating spraying means (2) is movable with the upper article rack (Fig. 2).

In an embodiment, the control unit (4) further comprises: a third mode for operating the liquid supply means (3) without operating the air supply means (5). In this the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the third mode in each one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step.

In alternative embodiments, the rotating spray means has two arms (13) extending from the hub (14), wherein one or more arms (13) may be provided with or without the second nozzles (7). In an embodiment, one or more first nozzles (6) and one or more second nozzles (7) are disposed along the arms (13) (Fig. 3). In an alternative embodiment, one or more first nozzles (6) are disposed along the arms (13) without the second nozzles (7) (Fig. 2).

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the mixed jet of pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid increases the flow rate and the pressure of the cleaning liquid. Thereby, the articles inside the tub can be more effectively washed and rinsed, the dirt can be more easily removed, and thus the cleaning performance can be improved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the mixed jet of pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid increases the area onto which the cleaning liquid impinges. Thereby, the articles inside the tub can be more effectively washed and rinsed, and thus the cleaning performance can be improved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the temperature of the cleaning liquid can be decreased during the cleaning cycle, thanks to the improved cleaning performance. Thereby, the standard cleaning performance can be achieved at comparatively lower temperatures. Thereby, the energy consumption can be comparatively reduced, and the energy efficiency of the dishwasher (1) can also be improved. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above-described embodiments.

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising: a tub for receiving the articles to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid; one or more rotating spray means (2) each for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid onto the articles; a liquid supply means (3) for supplying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the rotating spraying means (2); and a control unit (4) for operating the liquid supply means (3), characterized by further comprising: an electrically powered air supply means (5) for supplying without using the Venturi effect pressurized air to one or more rotating spraying means (2), wherein the respective rotating spraying means (2) is further adapted to jet the pressurized air and the pressurized cleaning liquid together mixedly onto the articles, wherein the control unit (4) further comprises: a first mode for operating the liquid supply means (3) and the air supply means (5) simultaneously.
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the first mode in each one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step.
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (4) further comprises: a second mode for operating the air supply means (5) without operating the liquid supply means (3).
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the second mode in the drying step.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (4) is further adapted to operate the air supply means (5) to selectively supply the pressurized air at a plurality of different pressure levels in accordance with pre-washing step, the main washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (4) is further adapted to activate the first mode in the rinsing step and to operate the air supply means (5) to supply the pressurized air at the highest pressure level among the plurality of different pressure levels available in the drying step.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one or more rotating spraying means (2) each comprises: one or more first nozzles (6) for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; one or more second nozzles (7) for jetting the pressurized air, wherein one or more first nozzles (6) are disposed in close proximity to one or more second nozzles (7) respectively such that the jets of the pressurized air strike the jets of the cleaning liquid respectively; and a liquid channel (8) for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles (6); and the air supply means (5) comprises: one or more air channels (9) for conveying the pressurized air to the second nozzles (7) of the respective rotating spraying means (2), wherein the liquid channel (8) is separate from the air channels (9).
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that one or more second nozzles (7) are vertically aligned; and one or more first nozzles (6) are inclined.
The dishwasher (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one or more rotating spraying means (2) each comprises: one or more first nozzles (6) for jetting the pressurized cleaning liquid; and a liquid channel (8) for conveying the pressurized cleaning liquid to the first nozzles (6); and the air supply means (5) is further adapted to inject the pressurized air into the liquid channel (8) of the respective rotating spraying means (2) such that the first nozzles (6) of the respective rotating spraying means (2) also jet the pressurized air.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the air supply means (5) comprises: an air compressor (10) or a fan for pressurizing the air to be jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub; the liquid supply means (3) comprises: a circulation pump (11) for pressurizing the cleaning liquid to be jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub.
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 10, characterized in that the air supply means (5) comprises: an air intake for selectively admitting the air to be pressurized from the tub and/or from the outside.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the air supply means (5) comprises: a heater for heating the air to be pressurized and jetted through the rotating spray means (2) into the tub.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by further

comprising: a lower article rack and an upper article rack which are extendably disposed into the tub; and one rotating spraying means (2) is disposed onto the bottom of the tub below the lower article rack.
The dishwasher (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that one rotating spraying means (2) is disposed onto the underside of the upper article rack, wherein the rotating spraying means (2) is movable with the upper article rack.
The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the control unit (4) further comprises: a third mode for operating the liquid supply means (3) without operating the air supply means (5), wherein the control unit (4) is further adapted to selectively activate/deactivate the third mode in each one of the pre-washing step, the main washing step and the rinsing step.