WO2019002930A1

WO2019002930A1 - Washing rack for dishwashing machine or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2019002930A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Marchitto; Giovanni Porcarelli
Original assignee: J.P. Industries S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-06-29
Filing date: 2018-06-27
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Also published as: IT201700073166A1

Abstract

Rack (1) for washing machines, in particular for dishwasher machines, where said rack (1) has a shape associable to the shape of the dishwasher tank, and comprises a plurality of longitudinal wires (30) and a plurality of transverse wires (20) integral to each other, suitably arranged and shaped to define at least one seating space (4) capable of seating at least one dish, and comprising at least one external wall (101, 102, 110) and at least one bottom (104), defined by said longitudinal (30) and transverse (20) wires, where said bottom (104) is substantially orthogonal to said external wall and is subdividable into at least three zones: - at least one central zone (10); - at least two side zones (11) substantially symmetrical relative to said central zone (10); characterised in that the arrangement of the longitudinal wires (30): - must provide at least two rest points for each dish seated in the space (4); - must be such that when one or more of said longitudinal wires (30) is not in contact with a dish, it must not prevent the correct positioning and seating of the dish in the space (4).

Description

WASHING RACK FOR DISHWASHING MACHINE OR THE LIKE

DESCRIPTION

The object of the present invention is a rack for washing machines, in particular for dishwasher machines.

The invention therefore falls within the field of dishwashers, particularly in the household sector or the like.

Obviously, nothing prevents the application of the invention to be extended also to fields other than the domestic one, such as for example industrial, catering or in general for all those fields or applications requiring the washing of dishes, pots, kitchen utensils or the like.

The current dishwashers are equipped with washing racks adapted to seat and keep the dishes stable during the washing process.

In general, a dishwasher is equipped with at least one washing rack, preferably two, one lower and one upper, or three, one lower, one central and one upper. It is customary to shape the lower rack and the upper rack differently so that they can best perform their function; usually the lower one receives plates and pots, while the upper one holds receives glasses, cups, small cups or dishes of smaller dimensions.

According to the type of dish seated, therefore, a different rack is drawn and made, so as to optimize the capacity and functionality thereof.

Said modus operandi facilitates and improves the loading capacity of each rack, but at the same time it requires a production line for the upper rack and a production line for the lower rack, forcing the producer to equip himself with at least two production lines, with an increase in production and management costs. In order to reduce such costs, universal racks are known, i.e. usable without distinction both as upper racks and as lower racks.

Some of said universal racks provide differentiated zones adapted to seat either only dishes or only glasses.

Such differentiated zones create mandatory loading positions for the dishes, for example glasses may be seated only in the respective differentiated zone, greatly reducing the loading capacity of the dishes.

Other universal racks are characterised by a mesh, or profile, capable of accommodating both dishes and glasses; this allows a polyvalent use of said racks.

Said polyvalence of the rack is detrimental to the capacity of the same since the mesh allows seating different types of dishes, but in a limited number of pieces and admissible positions.

Such drawback affects the loading efficiency and the performance of the dishwasher.

The market and the current trend towards energy saving require increasingly performing washing machines, both from a functional point of view and from a consumption point of view.

It is intuitive that by reducing the loading capacity of a dishwasher, its efficiency is reduced by forcing the user to multiple consecutive washing cycles.

The problem to be solved concerns the loading capacity of said racks and the discretion or possibility of seating therein, as needed, dishes different in shapes and dimensions, while maintaining a high loading capacity.

This problem and drawback has long been known and felt and the solutions known to the prior art offer different types of racks.

As anticipated, the most used solutions provide for:

- the use of specific racks according to the dish they must receive, for example one upper and one lower, each with different functionalities (i.e. one dedicated to dishes or the like, the other dedicated to glasses or the like);

- the use of universal racks equipped with differentiated zones capable of accommodating multiple types of dishes at the expense of the loading capacity.

There are also types of racks characterised by profiled meshes to maximize the loading capacity, but they are more laborious to produce, due to their geometry and shape.

The solutions proposed by the prior art, therefore, do not provide, at reasonable costs, washing racks capable of accommodating different types of dishes and at the same time maintaining a high loading capacity.

The main object of the present invention is to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a washing rack capable of accommodating dishes of different shapes and dimensions, guaranteeing excellent loading capacities. A further object of the present invention, at least for one or more executive variants, is to provide a washing rack usable both as a lower or upper rack, and as a central rack.

A further object of the present invention, at least for one or more executive variants, is to provide a washing rack capable of simplifying and speeding up the production process.

This and other objects, which shall appear clear hereinafter, are achieved with a washing rack or the like, illustrated in the following description and in the annexed claims that constitute an integral part of the same description.

Further features of the present invention shall be better highlighted by the following description of a preferred embodiment, in accordance with the patent claims and illustrated, purely by way of a non-limiting example, in the annexed drawing tables, in which:

- Fig. 1 is a front view of a transverses wire of a possible variant of the washing rack according to the present invention;

- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the rack of Fig. 1 ; - Fig. 3 is a side view of the rack of Fig. 2;

- Fig. 4 is a front view of a portion of the rack of Fig. 1, in this case the left portion, where a 140 mm diameter plate is housed;

- Fig. 5 is a front view of the same portion of the rack of Fig. 4 where a 190 mm diameter plate is housed;

- Fig. 6 is a front view of the rack of Fig. 1 where there are housed a 260 mm diameter plate in the rack portion of Fig. 4 and a 230 mm diameter plate in the opposite rack portion;

- Fig. 7 is a front view of the same rack portion of Fig. 4 where a 280 mm diameter plate is housed;

- Fig. 8 is a front view of the same rack portion of Fig. 4 where a 310 mm diameter plate is housed;

- Fig. 9 is a front view of the same rack portion of Fig. 4 where a 350 mm diameter plate is housed;

- Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of the 140 mm plate placed as in Fig. 4;

- Fig. 1 1 is a rear perspective view of the 140 mm plate placed as in Fig. 4;

- Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the 190 mm plate placed as in Fig. 5;

- Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the 190 mm plate placed as in Fig. 5;

- Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of the 230 mm plate placed as in Fig. 6; - Fig. 15 is a rear perspective view of the 230 mm plate placed as in Fig. 6;

- Fig. 16 is a front perspective view of the 260 mm plate placed as in Fig. 6;

- Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of the 260 mm plate placed as in Fig. 6;

- Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of the 280 mm plate placed as in Fig. 7;

- Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the 280 mm plate placed as in Fig. 7; - Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of the 310 mm plate placed as in Fig. 8;

- Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of the 310 mm plate placed as in Fig. 8;

- Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of the 350 mm plate placed as in Fig. 9;

- Fig. 23 is a rear perspective view of the 350 mm plate placed as in Fig. 9;

- Fig. 24 is a front view of the rack according to the present invention wherein generic glasses are housed;

- Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the rack of Fig. 24;

- Fig. 26 is a front view of the rack according to the present invention wherein generic glasses and generic cups are housed;

- Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the rack of Fig. 26.

- Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the rack as a whole;

- Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a further possible embodiment variant of the washing rack according to the present invention, usable as a lower rack;

- Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the rack of Fig. 29 where the modular units are coupled with a support frame;

- Fig. 31 is a front view of the rack of Fig. 30;

- Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a further possible embodiment variant of the washing rack according to the present invention, usable as an upper rack;

- Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the rack of Fig. 32 where the modular units are coupled with a support frame;

- Fig. 34 is a front view of the rack of Fig. 33.

The features of the invention are now described, using the references in the figure.

It is also noted that any dimensional and spatial term (such as "lower", "upper", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear", vertical, horizontal and the like) refers to the position according to which substantially the elements are in operating conditions.

With the purpose of highlighting some features instead of others, not necessarily what described in the annexed drawings is to scale.

Without any limiting intent, for descriptive simplicity, hereinafter:

- the term "dishes" means any object used on the table on in the kitchen such as cutlery, plates, kitchen utensils, pans, pots, earthenware, etc.;

- the term "plate" means any container with a flat or recessed bottom and more or less expanded and raised rim, wherein food is placed, served and/or eaten, or other dishes of similar shape; - the term "glass" or "cup" means any vessel wherein beverages are placed, served and/or drunk (water, wine, liqueurs, coffee, etc.).

Numeral 1 indicates a possible embodiment variant of the washing rack according to the present invention.

Said rack 1 is defined by a plurality of transverse wires 20 and a plurality of longitudinal wires 30, made integral according to known techniques (for example welding or braze-welding).

Said transverse wires 20 and said longitudinal wires 30 are suitably shaped and coupled so as to define the external walls and the bottom of said rack 1.

In the accompanying figures, said plurality of longitudinal wires 30 comprises the wires 300, 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, said wires being equal to each other; here they are numbered differently to indicate the longitudinal wires that from time to time, as it will be seen, act as rest points for different types of plates with different sizes.

In general, the number and the arrangement of said plurality of longitudinal wires 30 is variable according to the dimensions of the rack 1 ; in particular, their arrangement must be such that when a wire does not provide a support, or when it is not in contact with a plate, it still must not prevent the correct positioning and seating of the plate in the space 4.

Said wires 20 and 30 are suitably shaped and mutually arranged so as to define the overall dimensions and the walls of the rack 1 , in particular:

- said longitudinal wires 30 act as a support for the transverse wires 20, confer structure and rigidity to the rack 1 and provide rest and support points for the dishes, particularly plates;

- said transverse wires 20 are appropriately spaced from one another so as to define seating spaces 4 for the dishes and are suitably shaped in order to also provide different rest points for the dishes; particularly cups, pots and glasses. From here on, the term "housing space" 4, or more simply "space" 4, means the space delimited by two consecutive transverse wires 20 and by the longitudinal wires 30 which keep them integral, said space being capable of seating at least one dish.

For this purpose, the transverse wires 20 may be spaced from each other according to a constant pitch (or spacing) capable of allowing the seating of a plurality of dishes, said pitch being variable usually between 15 and 35 mm, preferably between 20 and 30 mm.

In general, the value of the pitch is a design choice and may depend on the type of dishwasher whereon the rack 1 is to be installed and/or on the type of dishes that the rack is to receive.

Finally, nothing prevents an executive variant to be made wherein the pitch is not constant, but varies according to certain design choices, along the longitudinal development of the rack 1.

According to a possible embodiment variant, the rack 1 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, associable to the shape of the tank portion of the dishwasher that receives it, and advantageously comprises four substantially vertical walls and a bottom, defined by the longitudinal wires 30 and by the transverse wires 20.

The space of the tank portion that receives the rack usually allows loading higher dishes than the vertical walls of the rack but not protruding too much below the same, i.e. below the bottom 104, so as not to interfere with other underlying objects (such as sprayers or other devices).

Said vertical walls define the perimeter of said rack 1 and comprise two side walls 1 10, a front wall 101 and a rear wall 102.

The bottom 104 is substantially orthogonal to said vertical walls 101 , 102, 1 10, and it is preferably subdividable into at least three zones:

- at least one central zone 10;

- at least two side zones 1 1 substantially symmetrical relative to said central zone 10 (see Fig. 1).

Each of said zones can be defined, viewed frontally:

- seamlessly by shaping and profiling of a single transverse wire 20;

- by means of multiple wire portions suitably linked and joined to each other so as to obtain a transverse wire 20.

Said two lateral zones 1 1 have substantially equal surfaces, shapes and dimensions and define corresponding seating spaces 4.

Each of said side zones 1 1 comprises a vertical side wall 1 10 and an inclined portion 1 1 1 of the bottom, suitably linked to each other, said inclined portion 1 1 1 being sloping towards said side wall 1 10.

The angle a comprised between said side wall 1 10 and said inclined portion 1 1 1 is variable between 60° and 85°, preferably between 70° and 80°.

Said inclined portion 1 1 1 is linked to the central zone 10 by means of an intermediate connecting portion ending with a cusp 23 extending upwards; in particular the root or the base 230 of said cusp 23 is joined with said central zone 10.

In other words, said central zone 10 is delimited on the right and left by portions 23-230 of the transverse wires 20, i.e. comprised between cusps 23 and corresponding roots 230.

Advantageously, said cusp 23 is inclined, preferably rearward, with respect to the side wall 1 10 (see Fig. 3) by an angle Θ variable between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°.

Such inclination, as also already known, serves to be able to correctly insert the plates in the spaces 4 in a substantially vertical position.

The inclination of the cusp 23 allows accommodating in the spaces 4 various types of dishes, different in shape and dimension, guaranteeing a rest for each type of dishes.

Advantageously, also the portion of transverse wire 20 between the longitudinal wires 304 and 305, the function whereof will be shown below and wherein said cusp 23 is comprised, may be inclined, preferably backwards, with respect to the side wall 1 10 (see Fig. 3) by said angle Θ.

The distance between said longitudinal wires 304 and 305 can be defined as the maximum possible in order to support the plates of smaller diameter provided, without the lower edge of these falling below the bottom 104 of the rack 1. According to a possible embodiment variant, said inclined wall 1 1 1 may be provided with at least one recess 21 1 , the functionality whereof will be illustrated below.

Said side wall 1 10 may be provided with a projection 210, extending towards the central zone 10.

Said projection 210 confers rigidity to the rack 1 and provides a rest and support for the dishes seated in the space 4 starting from a minimum diameter thereof. Said projection 210 may have a substantially "V" shape with an inner angle β varying between 55° and 85°, preferably between 65° and 75°.

The central zone 10 is characterised by an asymmetry with respect to the median axis x-x of the rack 1.

Said central zone 10 is provided with at least one row of tines 24.

According to a preferred variant, said central zone 10 is provided with at least two tines 24, suitably spaced from one another so as to define and delimit a space 240 dedicated to the seating of the cutlery basket.

Said tines 24 provide additional rest points and an anti-tipping function for the dishes housed in the space 4.

Said central zone 10 comprises:

- a first inclined portion 120 and a second inclined portion 122 opposed to each other and sloping towards the respective side walls 1 10 of the side zones 1 1 ;

- an intermediate portion 121 substantially horizontal linked with the first inclined portion 120 and with said second inclined portion 122.

Preferably, said intermediate portion 121 is linked to said second inclined portion 122 through a cusp-shaped portion 25 that extends upwards.

Said cusp-shaped portion 25 may act as:

- an abutment and support element for the dishes; and/or

- a stop element for the cutlery basket, preventing it from moving inside the space 240 under the action of the washing water.

The above-mentioned tines 24 are preferably orthogonal with respect to the horizontal portion 121 and may be fixed either to the transverse wire 20 or to the longitudinal wire 30.

Said first inclined portion 120 and said second inclined portion 122 are linked to the respective root 230 of the cusp 23.

The angle γ comprised between said cusp-shaped portion 23 and said first inclined portion 120 is variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°.

The angle λ comprised between said cusp-shaped portion 23 and said second inclined portion 122 is variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°.

In general, the main angles, with a functional effect, of the rack 1 are:

- the angle γ comprised between said cusp-shaped portion 23 and said first inclined portion 120, variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°;

- the angle λ comprised between said cusp-shaped portion 23 and said second inclined portion 122, variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°;

- angle a comprised between said side wall 1 10 and said inclined portion 1 1 1 , variable between 60° and 85°, preferably between 70° and 80°;

- inclination angle Θ of the cusp 23 relative to the side wall 1 10, variable between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°.

The suitable choice of the value of said angles allows having an optimal inclination of the dishes, in particular it allows:

- an inclination of plates and glasses sufficient to favour the washing action of the water;

- an inclination of plates and glasses sufficient for a correct dripping of the washing water, essential in the drying step of the washing cycle;

- the rest point to be at the optimal height for supporting the dishes and plates regardless of their type, dimension and shape; this allows, for example, housing plates of any type and dimension.

- obtaining a length of the different portions 1 1 1 , 120, 121 and 122 of the transverse wire 20, compatible with the dimensions of different types of glasses, cups and plates.

Said rest points, in fact, are the result of the geometry of the profile of the transverse wire 20 and depend on the length and inclination of the different portions of said transverse wire 20.

The rack 1 according to the present invention is characterised by the asymmetry of the central zone 10, where said asymmetry allows:

- accommodating large dishes, such as 350 mm diameter plates, where the cutlery basket is not used;

- improving the loading capacity of the rack;

- simultaneously receiving and seating dishes and plates of different shapes and dimensions, guaranteeing high loading capacity;

- conferring universality to the rack, allowing to accommodate any type of dish, plate or glass in any zone of the rack;

- providing a second inclined portion 122 of greater dimensions with respect to the other portions 1 1 1 , 120 and 121 of the transverse wire 20, so as to be able to receive glasses or. cups of larger diameters/dimensions, which otherwise would not be seated.

The main advantages and functions of the rack 1 will be illustrated below, with reference to Figs. 1 to 27.

By way of a non-limiting example, for convenience of description, from now on reference will be made to circular plates of different sizes.

What illustrated here is extensible and applicable, with the necessary devices, to any type or shape of plate (oval, square, rectangle, etc.).

In order to include and represent the widest possible range of plates that can be seated in a generic dishwasher (domestic or industrial), the following assortment of dishes is described and considered:

- plate 40, 140 mm diameter plate, Figs. 4, 10, 1 1 ;

- plate 41 , 190 mm diameter plate, Figs. 5, 12, 13;

- plate 42, 230 mm diameter plate, Figs. 6, 14, 15; - plate 43, 260 mm diameter plate, Figs. 6, 16, 17;

- plate 44, 280 mm diameter plate, Figs. 7, 18, 19;

- plate 45, 310 mm diameter plate, Figs. 8, 20, 21 ,

- plate 46, 350 mm diameter plate, Figs. 9, 22, 23.

It should be noted that the measurements of the plates shown above are merely indicative, but comply with current commercial measures; for example the plate 40 may be similar to a dessert or fruit plate, while the plate 46 may be comparable to a pizza plate or a cutting board.

In order to illustrate the universality and versatility of the rack according to the present invention, said plates are seated in the same zone asthe rack 1 , i.e. the left side area.

In Figures 4 to 23 the arrows shown identify the rest points for each plate listed above.

Each plate, once seated in the space 4, can be inclined towards the front or rear transverse wire, said front and rear transverse wires being adapted to define the space 4, according to what previously said.

Regardless of whether the plate rests on the front or rear transverse wire, the geometries of the rack 1 ensure that the plate is still sufficiently inclined to favour the washing action of the water and its subsequent dripping.

The plate 40 is supported by the longitudinal wires 304 and 305, and receives a support from the cusp 23.

The plate 41 is supported by the longitudinal wires 304 and 305, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive support from the cusp 23 or the tine 24 and the projection 210.

The plate 42 is supported by the longitudinal wires 304 and 305, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive a support from the cusp 23 or the tine 24 and the projection 210.

The plate 43 has a diameter too large for resting on the longitudinal wire 304 and, instead, is supported by the longitudinal wires 301 and 305, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive support from the tine 24 and/or the projection 210.

The plate 44 is supported by the longitudinal wires 301 and 305, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive support from the tine 24 and/or the projection 210.

The plate 45 is supported by the longitudinal wires 301 and 306, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive support from the tine 24 and/or the projection 210.

The plate 46 has a diameter so large that it can not rest on the longitudinal wire 301 and is supported by the longitudinal wires 300 and 306, and, depending on how it is positioned in the respective space 4, can receive support from the tine 24 and the projection 210.

What illustrated may also be extended to the use of the right side area.

The examples shown above well illustrate how the number and arrangement of the plurality of longitudinal wires 30 are important for the functionality of the rack 1.

In fact, each longitudinal wire 300, 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, can provide a rest point for the dishes and, as can be seen from the figures, when one or more of said wires is not in contact with a dish, it does not prevent the correct positioning and seating of the dish in the space 4.

In the same way, it is possible to note how the profile and the geometries of the transverse wire 20 are able to support any size of dish, in particular the dimensions and the position of the cusp 23, of the projection 210 and of the tines 24.

It should be noted that the recess 21 1 of the inclined portion 1 1 1 allows:

- bringing said portion 1 1 1 in contact with the longitudinal wire 304 so as to guarantee a support for the same portion 1 1 1 and a rest point for the dishes

(as illustrated below);

- maintaining an optimal inclination of the portion 1 1 1.

Without such recess 21 1 , therefore, the portion 1 1 1 is similar to a substantially rectilinear segment, and at least two possible variants can be obtained. The first provides for keeping the angle a between 60° and 85° and, to guarantee a support for the portion 1 1 1 , the position of the wire 304 is modified which is moved so as to remain in contact with said portion 1 1 1 ; however, this may compromise the full functionality of said thread 304 due to its new position. In fact, the position of the longitudinal thread 304, as illustrated, is established to support different types of dishes and to obtain a high loading capacity, therefore it is preferable not to change it.

The second variant provides for keeping unchanged the optimal position of said wire 304 (Fig. 1) and modifying the inclination of the portion 1 1 1 ; said portion 1 1 1 should have an angle a greater than 85°, compromising the advantages illustrated above.

In general, the arrangement of the longitudinal wires 30 must provide at least one rest point, preferably two, against the vertical component of the weight of each dish housed in the space 4, irrespective of the geometry, dimension or shape of said dish, while further rest points against tipping may be provided by the tines 24, by the cusps 23 and/or 25, and/or by the projections 210.

In conclusion, therefore, for each generic plate there can be associated:

- for the support, two specific longitudinal wires 30, precisely, two of the wires 300, 301 , 304, 305, 308 arranged spaced apart to each other and/or from the side walls 1 10 so as to ensure that said plate is positioned without its lower edge projecting too much from the bottom 104, and the upper edge can cross from the top the space of the tank portion receiving the rack 1 ;

- against tipping, at least one pair of rests, front and/or rear, consisting of the tines 24 and/or the cusps 23 and/or 25, and/or the projections 210.

The height of the cusps 23 is such that it does not interfere abnormally with the dishes ensuring a stable seating, and at the same time provides an effective support to the various dishes, for example it is able to act as a rest for both the 140 mm diameter plates 40, and 350 mm diameter plates 46.

Very preferably, and at least starting from a certain minimum diameter onwards, of said two specific longitudinal wires 30 associated to a generic plate, only one (305; 306) runs on the bottom 104, while the other (300, 301 , 302, 303) runs on the side walls 1 10.

Moreover, it is possible to observe how, at least starting from the value of a given diameter (in the exemplary figures starting from plate 41 ), the plate is located close to a side wall 1 10 leaving the central zone 10 as free as possible. The current support of the plates, however, provides two single longitudinal wires, among which each plate, whatever its diameter, is located centred, with considerable waste of unusable space and actually unused at the sides.

Moreover, it is possible to observe how the asymmetry of the central zone 10, given by the arrangement of the longitudinal wires 30 and the shaping of the transverse wires 20, allows seating large dishes, such as for example plates 45 or 46, respectively of 310 and 350 mm in diameter.

The central, asymmetric and differentiated central zone 10 allows on both side zones 1 1 (left or right) the rest of large plates, with diameters, for example, from 280 mm up to 350 mm.

According to the variant of the accompanying figures, the plates 45 or 46 seated in the left side zone 1 1 are in a lower position than when housed in the right side zone 1 1 , since the longitudinal wire 306 is lower than the longitudinal wire 307 and therefore provide rest points with different heights.

This asymmetry is appropriate for standard-sized household dishwasher racks, but may not be needed at all for larger racks.

For such embodiment variant without the asymmetry, the second portion 122 is shaped like the first portion 120 and directly connected to the intermediate portion 121 ; in practice the cusp-shaped portion 25 is not provided.

With ref. to Figs. 9, it can be seen how the rack 1 is able to accommodate the plate 46, seated in a side zone 1 1 and in the central zone 10, said central zone 10 being without the cutlery basket, keeping the other side zone 1 1 substantially clear and capable of seating smaller plates, glasses or cups.

Such modulability and flexibility of the rack 1 guarantee a high loading capacity and allow positioning any dish in any zone of the rack 1 , i.e. the rack 1 does not provide different zones adapted to seat either only plates or only glasses.

Such feature differs from the prior art which provides for associating and seating specific dishes in specific seats of the lower or upper rack only.

What illustrated thus far is extensible and applicable, with the necessary devices, to any type or shape of glass or cup.

With reference to Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 the use of the rack for washing glasses and cups is now described.

The glass 50 and the cup 51 can advantageously be seated:

- in the inclined portion 1 1 1 of the side zone 1 1 , possibly being supported by the projection 210;

- in the first inclined portion 120 of the central zone 10, possibly being supported by the cusp 23;

- in the second inclined portion 122 of the central zone 10;

- in the space 240, defined by the tines 24, if free from the cutlery basket (in this case the user does not use the cutlery basket), being them eventually supported by the tine 24.

From the figures it is deduced that the dimensions of the different inclined portions of the bottom 104 of the rack 1 , allow accommodating glasses and cups of generic measures, i.e. the length of said inclined portions 1 1 1 , 120, 122 must be:

- sufficient to accommodate at least one generic glass or a generic cup;

- such as to allow the rest points of the dishes to be at the optimal height to support said dishes.

Such requirements are not in contrast with those previously described for the seating of the plates.

The cusp 23 may in fact have a height such as to support the glass 50, preventing it from tipping over; the value of this height can be conjugated and combined with the different dishes, so as to support them.

Said cusp 23, therefore, may be such as to provide a rest for both the glasses and the dishes. In brief, therefore, the rack according to the present invention allows:

- load universality, i.e. any type of dish may be positioned and seated in any point of said rack 1 ;

- a high loading capacity, said capacity deriving from the positioning freedom of the dishes and the lack of fixed positions typical of the prior art.

The rack according to the present invention may advantageously be used as a lower or upper rack, where in the first case it can be provided with handling means 6 such as wheels or the like, while in the second case it is provided with sliding coupling means, such as guides, which fix it to the washing tank, according to what known in the prior art.

According to a possible embodiment variant, shown in the figures 29 to 34, the rack 1 may comprise one or more modular units 2.

In particular, the rack 1 is defined by and composed of one or more modular units 2 removably positioned and coupled with a support frame 60.

Said modular unit 2 consists of a rack portion 1 defined by at least one transverse cut of the rack 1 ; said rack 1 , therefore, is divided into multiple modular units 2.

The modular unit 2 thus defined has the same profile as the above-described rack

1 and achieves the same advantages of loading capacity and universality.

The modular unit 2 may comprise gripping means 200, which facilitate the user in the operations of gripping and transport of the said unit 2, and at least one foot

201 arranged on the bottom of the rack, preferably at least two feet 201.

According to a possible variant, the modular unit 2 advantageously comprises four feet 201 , each disposed at a corner of the rack.

Said feet 201 may be part of the structure of the modular unit 2 or be suitably installed thereon as an accessory.

The feet 201 cooperate with the holes 600 provided on the support frame 60, so as to retain and secure the modular unit 2 to said frame 60.

Furthermore, said feet 201 may allow the stacking of said modular units 2; this allows reducing the space occupied during the arrangement and/or removal steps of the dishes from the rack 1. This modularity of the rack 1 allows easing the loading and unloading operations of the dishwasher, since the user does not interact with the entire rack but with portions thereof and therefore operates with smaller weights and overall dimensions.

The rack 1 thus defined may be used both as a lower rack by means of the installation of the handling means 6 (see Figs. 29, 30, 31), and as an upper rack by means of the installation of suitable coupling means (see Figs. 32, 33, 34). In the latter case, the support frame 60 may be provided with holes or openings 601 which allow it to be fixed to said coupling means (not shown).

It is also possible to provide a further variant characterised by a vertical modularity of the rack 1 , which is cut along its vertical walls.

For example, the modular units 2 may have a height of the vertical walls substantially equal to half the height of the rack 1 , or in general a height such as to accommodate dishes with a reduced vertical development, such as for example cups.

This allows doubling the number of dishes arranged in the same volume, to the advantage of efficiency and loading capacity.

Without any limiting intent, in the accompanying figures the rack 1 is composed of two modular units 2; nothing prevents that more modular units may be provided 2.

Said rack 1 may advantageously be made of metal, plastic or similar materials according to processing techniques well known to the person skilled in the art. For example, metal wires may be used which, after suitable bending and shaping, can be joined and possibly painted or enamelled, so as to obtain the rack 1.

In the case of use of plastic materials, it is possible to obtain said rack 1 , or parts thereof such as the transversal wires, by moulding or the like.

An executive variant that uses both metal materials, for example for the longitudinal wires, and plastic materials, for example for the transverse wires, may be further envisaged. By way of non-limiting example, there is shown a numerical example of a possible variant of the rack 1 usable in a generic dishwasher provided with a 180÷190 litre tank, where:

- the overall dimensions are substantially: width 515÷525 mm, height 150÷250 mm, depth 515÷525 mm;

- the side wall 1 10 has a size comprised between 150÷250 mm;

- the inclined portion 1 1 1 has a size comprised between 95÷105 mm;

- the inclined portion 120 has a size comprised between 40÷50 mm;

- the intermediate portion 121 has a size comprised between 95÷105 mm; - the inclined portion 122 has a size comprised between 75÷85 mm;

- the cusp 23 has a size comprised between 35÷50 mm, said dimension being the height of said cusp 23 from the root 230 to the vertex;

- the tine 24 has a dimension comprised between 55÷80 mm;

- the cusp 25 has a dimension comprised between 5÷15 mm, said dimension being the height of said cusp 25 from the root to the vertex.

It is clear that in the practical embodiment of the invention several modifications and further variants may be provided, all falling within the same inventive concept; all the various components and details previously described may also be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Finally, even if not illustrated, it is clear how the rack 1 according to the invention may also receive other deep containers such as pots, salad bowls or the like without the tines 24 or cusps 23 constituting an obstacle.

Moreover, where the space above the rack 1 is sufficient, it is possible to seat in the rack 1 dishes having sizes equal to or greater than half the width of said rack 1.

Claims

Rack (1) for washing machines, in particular for dishwasher machines, where said rack (1) has a shape associable to the shape of the dishwasher tank, and comprises a plurality of longitudinal wires (30) and a plurality of transverse wires (20) integral to each other, suitably arranged and shaped to define at least one seating space (4) capable of seating at least one dish, and comprising at least one external wall (101 , 102, 1 10) and at least one bottom (104), defined by said longitudinal (30) and transverse (20) wires, where said bottom (104) is substantially orthogonal to said external wall and is subdividable into at least three zones:

- at least one central zone (10);

- at least two side zones (1 1) substantially symmetrical relative to said central zone (10);

characterised in that the arrangement of the longitudinal wires (30):

- must provide at least two rest points for each dish seated in the seating space (4);

- must be such that when one or more of said longitudinal wires (30) is not in contact with a dish, it must not prevent the correct positioning and seating of the dish in the seating space (4).

Rack (1) according to the previous claim, wherein each of said side zones (1 1) comprises a side wall (1 10) and an inclined portion (1 1 1), suitably linked to each other, said inclined portion (1 1 1) being sloping towards said side wall (1 10).

Rack (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said inclined portion (1 1 1) is linked to the central zone (10) by means of an intermediate linking cusp-shaped portion (23).

Rack (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said cusp (23) is inclined relative to the side wall (1 10) by a variable angle between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°. Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims from 2 onwards, wherein said side wall (1 10) may be provided with a projection (210), extending towards the central zone (10).

Rack (1), according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said central zone (10) comprises:

- a first inclined portion (120) and a second inclined portion (122) opposed to each other and sloping towards the respective side walls (1 10) of the side zones (1 1 );

- an intermediate portion (121) substantially horizontal linked with the first inclined portion (120) and with said second inclined portion (122);

- at least two tines (24) suitably spaced from each other.

Rack (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said central zone (10) is asymmetrical relative to the median axis (x-x) of the said rack (1), allowing dishes of large size to rest on both the side zones (1 1) of the rack (l ).

Rack (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said intermediate portion (121 ) is linked to said second inclined portion (122) by means of a cusp-shaped portion (25).

Rack (1) according to the previous claim 7 or 8, wherein said first inclined portion (120) and said second inclined portion (122) are linked with the respective root (230) of the cusp (23).

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the transverse wires (20) can be spaced from each other according to a constant pitch, said pitch being variable between 15 and 35 mm, preferably between 20 and 30 mm.

Rack (1) according to the previous claims, wherein the main angles of the rack (1) are:

- angle γ comprised between said cusp (23) and said first inclined portion (120), being variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°;

- angle λ comprised between said cusp (23) and said second inclined portion (122), being variable between 60° and 80°, preferably between 65° and 75°;

- angle a comprised between said side wall (1 10) and said inclined portion (1 1 1), being variable between 60° and 85°, preferably between 70° and 80°;

- inclination angle Θ of said cusp (23) relative to the side wall (1 10) variable between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°.

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the value of the length of said inclined portions (1 1 1 , 120, 122) of the transverse wire (20) must be:

- sufficient to accommodate at least one generic glass or a generic cup;

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at each generic dish seated in the seating space (4) there may be associated:

- for the resting, two specific longitudinal wires (30) arranged spaced apart to each other and/or from the side walls (1 10) so as to ensure that said plate is positioned without its lower edge projecting too much from the bottom (104), and the upper edge can cross from the top the space of the tank portion receiving the rack (1);

- for the anti-tipping, at least one pair of rests, front and/or rear, consisting of the tines (24) and/or the cusps (23) and/or the cusp- shaped portions (25) and/or the projections (210).

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein starting from a certain minimum diameter of the dishes onwards, of said two specific longitudinal wires (30) associated to a generic plate, only one (305; 306) runs on the bottom (104) of said rack (1), while the other

(300, 301 , 302, 303) runs on the side walls (1 10).

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said rack (1) allows positioning and seating any dish at any point of the same.

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said rack (1) comprises one or more modular units (2), in particular said rack (1) is defined by and consists of one or more modular units (2) removably positioned and coupled with a support frame (60).

Rack (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said modular unit (2) consists of a rack portion (1) defined by at least one transverse cut of said rack (1), and may comprise gripping means (200) and at least one foot (201 ).

Rack (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said at least one foot (201 ) cooperates with a hole (600) provided on said support frame (60), so as to retain and secure the modular unit (2) to said frame (60).