WO2022103372A1

WO2022103372A1 - A dishwasher with a sterilization function and an operation method for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2022103372A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/051192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abdulkadir DANISMAZ; Murat CERDIK; Ridvan GUNAYDIN
Original assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2020-11-16
Filing date: 2021-11-11
Publication date: 2022-05-19
Also published as: TR202018298A1; EP4243665A1

Abstract

The dishwasher according to the present invention with at least one cleaning function comprising at least one washing process, at least one rinsing process and at least one drying process comprises at least one body (G) having at least one top portion (G1); at least one cleaning compartment (T) located in the body (G), in which the cleaning function is performed; at least one fan for the drying process; at least one control unit for performing the cleaning function; at least one control panel for transmitting necessary commands to the control unit by the user; at least one sterilization function which can be activated during the drying process or independently of the cleaning function, depending on user preference; at least one sterilization module located on an inner surface of the top portion (G1) facing the cleaning compartment (T), the sterilization module transmitting ultraviolet rays into the cleaning compartment (T) for the sterilization function and comprising at least one light source that emits ultraviolet rays; and at least one rack (S) in the form of a drawer with a grid form, which is located in the cleaning compartment (T) in a removable manner and in which the objects to be cleaned and/or sterilized are placed.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A DISHWASHER WITH A STERILIZATION FUNCTION AND AN OPERATION METHOD FOR THE SAME

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dishwashers with a sterilization function and operation methods for the same.

Background of the Invention

In order to clean an object, the object can be subjected to various processes. The most commonly used process for cleaning is a washing that uses a cleaning agent such as a detergent, a soap, and rinsing that removes the cleaning agent from the object. For example, devices such as dishwashers can be used to clean dirty dishes, wherein the dirty dishes placed in these dishwashers can be washed by means of a cleaning agent, rinsed and dried according to a selected cleaning function.

Another process used for cleaning is subjecting the objects to a sterilization process. According to the sterilization process, the object can be cleaned without the need for water and cleaning agents, in which case ultraviolet rays can be used for this purpose, for example. As it is known, when ultraviolet rays are sent on an object for a certain period of time, microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on this object can be destroyed and the object can be cleaned from such elements that may adversely affect the health of living things.

A cleaning process performed by exposing to ultraviolet rays becomes more and more important as time goes on, especially in terms of protecting environmental health. In this context, applications in which various household appliances are equipped with devices emitting ultraviolet rays are becoming widespread. However, cleaning processes to be carried out using ultraviolet rays in household appliances should be carefully handled in terms of both the effectiveness of the cleaning process and the elimination of any possible damage. Brief of the Invention

The dishwasher according to the present invention with at least one cleaning function comprising at least one washing process, at least one rinsing process and at least one drying process comprises: at least one body having at least one top portion; at least one cleaning compartment located in the body, in which the cleaning function is performed; at least one fan for the drying process; at least one control unit for performing the cleaning function; at least one control panel for transmitting necessary commands to the control unit by the user; at least one sterilization function which can be activated during the drying process or independently of the cleaning function, depending on user preference; at least one sterilization module located on an inner surface of the top portion facing the cleaning compartment, the sterilization module transmitting ultraviolet rays into the cleaning compartment for the sterilization function and comprising at least one light source that emits ultraviolet rays; and at least one rack in the form of a drawer with a grid form, which is located in the cleaning compartment in a removable manner and in which the objects to be cleaned and/or sterilized are placed, the rack having at least one sterilization area in which the objects to be sterilized are placed and to which the rays emitted from the sterilization module reach.

The operation method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a command from a user by means of the control panel; determining whether the received command relates to a cleaning function or a sterilization function; if the command received relates to a cleaning function, checking whether a command for activating the sterilization function is present; if a command for activating the sterilization function is not present, performing the user-selected cleaning function routinely without activating the sterilization function; if a command for activating the sterilization function is present, activating the sterilization function during the drying process of the cleaning function; operating the fan as long as the sterilization function is active during the drying process; terminating the cleaning function when the processes related to the selected cleaning function are completed; if the command received relates to the sterilization function, activating only the sterilization function without activating any cleaning function; terminating the sterilization function when the processes related to the sterilization function are completed.

Thanks to the dishwasher and the operation method according to the present invention, it can be ensured that the dishwasher performs a sterilization function both during the cleaning process and independently of the cleaning process. Therefore, users can both wash and sterilize the dishes, as well as sterilizing objects except for dishes, such as phones and keys (especially objects that are frequently used in daily life and have a high microbial load) without water. Thus, conventional dishwashers can also be provided with sterilization compartments, while obtaining an effective, efficient and reliable dishwasher and an operation method for the same, which can meet the user's needs at the highest level.

Object of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher with a sterilization function, and an operation method for the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher performing a sterilization process by ultraviolet rays, and an operation method for the same.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which the efficiency of the sterilization process with ultraviolet rays is increased, and an operation method for the same. Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which the sterilization function can be used both during the cleaning process of the dishes and without performing any cleaning process, and an operation method for the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that minimizes the possibility of the user being harmed by ultraviolet rays, and an operation method for the same.

Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is another perspective view of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a top portion and a sterilization rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front view of a top portion and a sterilization rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the top portion.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

Body (G)

Top portion (G1)

Rack (S)

Cleaning compartment (T)

First sterilization module (U1)

Second sterilization module (U2)

Horizontal area (1a)

Inclined area (1b)

of the Invention

In order to clean an object, both washing and rinsing processes can be performed using a cleaning agent, and a sterilization process can be performed without using water and cleaning agents. A common example of the aforementioned sterilization process is exposing the object to be cleaned to ultraviolet rays, wherein such sterilization applications are becoming more and more common day by day, especially by integrating them into household appliances, due to their environmental friendliness and effective cleaning. However, cleaning processes to be carried out using ultraviolet rays in household appliances should be carefully considered in terms of both the effectiveness of the cleaning process and the elimination of any possible damage. In this context, the present invention provides a dishwasher with a sterilization function by emitting ultraviolet rays, and an operation method for the same.

The dishwasher according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1-5, has at least one cleaning function comprising at least one washing process (such a washing process is carried out with a cleaning agent, such as detergent), at least one rinsing process and at least one drying process. The dishwasher according to the present invention also comprises: at least one body (G) having at least one top portion (G1); at least one cleaning compartment (T) located in the body (G), in which the cleaning function is performed; at least one fan for the drying process; at least one control unit for performing the cleaning function; and at least one control panel for transmitting necessary commands to the control unit by the user. Further, the dishwasher comprises at least one sterilization function which can be activated during the drying process or independently of the cleaning function (i.e. when no cleaning function is active), depending on user preference, i.e. in a selective manner; at least one sterilization module located on an inner surface of the top portion (G1) facing the cleaning compartment (T), the sterilization module transmitting ultraviolet rays (the wavelength of this ray can be in the range of 400 nm - 200 nm, and the rays can be in IIV-A, IIV-B, IIV-C classes) into the cleaning compartment (T) for the sterilization function and comprising at least one (preferably more than one, e.g. 1 to 1000 in number) light source (e.g. a LED, a lamp, etc.) that emits ultraviolet rays; and at least one rack (S) in the form of a drawer with a grid form, which is located in the cleaning compartment (T) in a removable manner, preferably closer to the top portion (G1), and in which the objects to be cleaned and/or sterilized are placed, the rack (S) having at least one sterilization area in which the objects to be sterilized are placed and to which the rays emitted from the sterilization module reach, wherein the rack (S) is preferably made of a plastic or a metal material and preferably comprises a protective agent against corrosion caused by ultraviolet rays (such a protective agent can be in the form of a coating or as an additive to the raw material from which it is produced). If there is more than one light source in the sterilization module of the dishwasher, the wavelengths of the rays emitted by these light sources may be the same or different from each other. In addition, the sterilization area in the rack (S) can be one or more in number, and can be arranged to cover some or all of the inner volume of the rack (S).

The operation method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a command from a user by means of the control panel; determining whether the received command relates to a cleaning function or a sterilization function; if the command received relates to a cleaning function, checking whether a command for activating the sterilization function is present; if a command for activating the sterilization function is not present, performing the user-selected cleaning function routinely without activating the sterilization function; if a command for activating the sterilization function is present, activating the sterilization function during the drying process of the cleaning function; operating the fan as long as the sterilization function is active; terminating the cleaning function when the processes related to the selected cleaning function are completed (and accordingly, the sterilization function); if the command received relates to the sterilization function, activating only the sterilization function without activating any cleaning function; terminating the sterilization function when the processes related to the sterilization function are completed (e.g. when a predetermined period for the sterilization function has elapsed).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the user can activate only the cleaning function or only the sterilization function via the control panel or activate both the cleaning and sterilization function at the same time. When only the cleaning function is selected, the dishwasher routinely performs the related cleaning function according to the parameters and processes pre-defined in the control unit for the selected cleaning function. When the user selects the sterilization function along with the cleaning function, the dishwasher performs the related cleaning function according to the parameters and processes pre-defined in the control unit for the selected cleaning function, wherein in the drying process of the selected cleaning function, the sterilization module is activated and the objects in the rack (S) are sterilized by ultraviolet rays during the drying process. As long as the sterilization module is active, the fan is also enabled. The presence of moisture and water vapor in the cleaning compartment (T) adversely affects the light transmittance of the sterilization module. Since the fan is enabled as long as the sterilization module is active, the fan takes the moisture and water vapor in the cleaning compartment (T). Thus, the transmission performance of the light source contained in the sterilization module increases, and accordingly, an effective sterilization can be achieved. When only the activation of the sterilization function is selected, only the sterilization module is activated to emit ultraviolet rays so that a sterilization process is applied to the objects in the rack (S) without activating any cleaning function and without using water or detergent. Therefore, in the dishwasher according to the invention, while cleaning the dishes with water, an object can be sterilized without water by using ultraviolet rays, so that an effective dishwasher is achieved that meets the user's needs at the highest level. Since the sterilization module is located on the top portion (G1), direct exposure of the user to ultraviolet rays can be prevented and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays can be minimized. In addition, the efficiency of the sterilization process can be increased by positioning the rack (S) preferably closer to the top portion (G1).

In a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, the top portion (G1) comprises at least one horizontal area (1a) which is located substantially in the middle of the top portion (G1), substantially parallel to a floor where the dishwasher is located; and at least one inclined area (1b) located between the horizontal area (1a) and the lateral walls of the body (G), wherein, in this embodiment, the dishwasher comprises at least a first sterilization module (U 1 ) located in the horizontal area (1a) and/or at least a second sterilization module (U2) located in the inclined area (1b) (this second sterilization module (U2) may be the same as the first sterilization module (U 1) or different from the first sterilization module (U 1 ), that is, both of the modules may comprise an equal number of light sources of equal characteristics (e.g. emitting rays of the same wavelength), and the number of light sources contained in the modules or the wavelengths of the rays emitted by the light sources they contain or the voltage values of the light sources can be different from each other). In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 3-5, the dishwasher according to the invention preferably has a plurality of second sterilization modules (U2) located to at least partially surround the first sterilization module (U 1), and thus, multiple different sterilization areas can be formed on the rack (S), and ultraviolet rays can be effectively delivered to each area of the rack (S).

In another alternative embodiment, the rack (S) is preferably a cutlery rack, usually called the third rack, located at the top of the cleaning compartment (T) in a conventional dishwasher, where the cutlery is generally placed in a horizontal manner for cleaning. In this embodiment, the dishwasher also preferably comprises at least one nozzle located on the top portion (G1) (preferably in the horizontal area (1a) of the top portion (G1)). Thus, both an effective cleaning function and an effective sterilization function can be realized for the objects positioned in the rack (S).

In another embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher may comprise a plurality of racks

(S) located in the cleaning compartment (T), wherein these racks (S) can be located in the cleaning compartment (T) at different heights. For example, the user can remove the racks (S) from the cleaning compartment (T) or place them in the cleaning compartment

(T) in accordance with his/her needs when necessary for cleaning and/or sterilizing objects of different lengths and/or sizes. For example, when the user wants to sterilize a long object, he/she can remove the racks (S) close to the top portion (G1) from the cleaning compartment (T), and when he/she wants to sterilize a short object, he/she can place this object in the rack (S) closest to the top portion (G1).

In another exemplary embodiment, preferably, ultraviolet rays are released from the sterilization module at an angle of 60 to 140 degrees. In other words, the releasing angle of the light source contained in the sterilization module is between 60 and 140 degrees. Thus, the rays from the sterilization module substantially reach the objects to be sterilized in a direct manner; and reflection of the rays to reach the objects to be sterilized can be minimized. Therefore, the sterilization efficiency can be increased effectively.

In a further embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, the rack (S) comprises at least one indication which indicates the areas that the rays emitted from the sterilization module reach. The indication may be an external element fixed to the related area of the rack (S), or it may also be formed by producing the related area of the rack (S) from a different material and/or in a different colour and/or by painting/coating the related area with a different colour and/or by placing an information writing in the related area. Thus, for example, when the user only wants to use the sterilization function, she/he can be informed about which part of the rack (S) should be used to place the object she/he wants to sterilize for an effective sterilization.

In another alternative embodiment, preferably, a part of the sterilization module from which the rays are released is in the form of a protrusion extending towards the rack (S). Therefore, the rays released from the sterilization module cover a shorter distance to reach the object to be sterilized, and the object can be sterilized much more effectively.

In another exemplary embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the operation method preferably comprises the step of initiating the sterilization function simultaneously with the drying process, enabling the sterilization function throughout the drying process such that it is terminated following completion of the drying process, when the command for activating both the cleaning function and the sterilization function is received. Yet in a further alternative embodiment, when a command for activating both the cleaning function and the sterilization function is received, the sterilization function is activated a certain period after the drying process has initiated, remains active for the remaining period of the drying process, and is terminated when the drying process is completed. Thus, the sterilization process can be prevented from being adversely affected by the humidity and temperature in the cleaning compartment (T), and the sterilization module's lifetime can be extended. In another embodiment, the duration of the sterilization function performed during the drying process may vary depending on the duration of the selected cleaning function. In this embodiment, preferably, the duration of the sterilization function performed in the cleaning function with a longer duration (e.g. t1) is shorter than the duration of the sterilization function performed in the cleaning function with a shorter duration (e.g. t2) (i.e. t1 <t2). In this way, the sterilization module can be operated more effectively, extending its service life, and ensuring that the dishwasher operates with optimum energy consumption.

Claims

CLAIMS A dishwasher with at least one cleaning function comprising at least one washing process, at least one rinsing process and at least one drying process, the dishwasher comprising: at least one body (G) having at least one top portion (G1); at least one cleaning compartment (T) located in the body (G), in which the cleaning function is performed; at least one fan for the drying process; at least one control unit for performing the cleaning function; and at least one control panel for transmitting necessary commands to the control unit by the user; and characterized by comprising at least one sterilization function which can be activated during the drying process or independently of the cleaning function, depending on user preference; at least one sterilization module located on an inner surface of the top portion (G1) facing the cleaning compartment (T), the sterilization module transmitting ultraviolet rays into the cleaning compartment (T) for the sterilization function and comprising at least one light source that emits ultraviolet rays; and at least one rack (S) in the form of a drawer with a grid form, which is located in the cleaning compartment (T) in a removable manner and in which the objects to be cleaned and/or sterilized are placed, the rack (S) having at least one sterilization area in which the objects to be sterilized are placed and to which the rays emitted from the sterilization module reach. A dishwasher according to claim 1 , characterized in that the rack (S) is located in the cleaning compartment (T) closer to the top portion (G1). A dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rack (S) comprises a protective agent against corrosion caused by ultraviolet rays.

4. A dishwasher according to claim 1 , characterized in that the top portion (G1) comprises at least one horizontal area (1a) which is located substantially in the middle of the top portion (G1), substantially parallel to a floor where the dishwasher is located; and at least one inclined area (1b) located between the horizontal area (1a) and the lateral walls of the body (G).

5. A dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that the dishwasher comprises at least a first sterilization module (U1) located in the horizontal area (1a) and/or a plurality of second sterilization modules (U2) located in the inclined area (1b), which are positioned to partially surround the first sterilization module (U1).

6. A dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rack (S) is a cutlery rack located at the top of the cleaning compartment (T) in a conventional dishwasher, where the cutlery is generally placed in a horizontal manner for cleaning.

7. A dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that the dishwasher comprises at least one nozzle located on the top portion (G1).

8. A dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that ultraviolet rays are released from the sterilization module at an angle of 60 to 140 degrees.

9. A dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rack (S) comprises at least one indication which indicates the areas that the rays emitted from the sterilization module reach.

10. A dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part of the sterilization module from which the rays are released is in the form of a protrusion extending towards the rack (S).

11. An operation method for a dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising the steps of: receiving a command from a user by means of the control panel; determining whether the received command relates to a cleaning function or a sterilization function; if the command received relates to a cleaning function, checking whether a command for activating the sterilization function is present; if a command for activating the sterilization function is not present, performing the user-selected cleaning function routinely without activating the sterilization function; if a command for activating the sterilization function is present, activating the sterilization function during the drying process of the cleaning function; operating the fan as long as the sterilization function is active during the drying process; terminating the cleaning function when the processes related to the selected cleaning function are completed; if the command received relates to the sterilization function, activating only the sterilization function without activating any cleaning function; terminating the sterilization function when the processes related to the sterilization function are completed. An operation method according to claim 11 , characterized in that the method comprises the step of: when a command for activating both the cleaning function and the sterilization function is received, initiating the sterilization function simultaneously with the drying process, enabling the sterilization function throughout the drying process such that it is terminated following completion of the drying process. An operation method according to claim 11 , characterized in that the method comprises the step of: when a command for activating both the cleaning function and the sterilization function is received, activating the sterilization function after a certain period of time after the drying process has initiated, maintaining the sterilization function in the active state for the remaining period of the drying process, and terminating the sterilization function when the drying process is completed. An operation method according to according to any of the claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the duration of the sterilization function performed during the drying process can be varied depending on the duration of the selected cleaning function. An operation method according to according to any of the claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the duration of the sterilization function performed in the cleaning function with a longer duration is shorter than the duration of the sterilization function performed in the cleaning function with a shorter duration.