WO2013164200A1

WO2013164200A1 - A dishwasher comprising a filter

Info

Publication number: WO2013164200A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/058109
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Ozan TRAS; Guvenc Nayman Numanoglu
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2012-05-04
Filing date: 2013-04-18
Publication date: 2013-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-04
Also published as: AU2013256908A1; EP2844125A1

Description

A DISHWASHER COMPRISING A FILTER

The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a filter.

Filters used in dishwashers clog due to the dirt adhering thereon after consecutive washings. In the course of time, the clogging of the filter decreases the washing performance of the dishwasher and makes the filtration system dysfunctional. In order to prevent the filter from clogging, the user is required to remove and clean the filter at certain periods. But many users never clean the filter or cannot replace it properly after the cleaning. The filter not being cleaned or its erroneous mounting causes the washing performance to decrease. For this reason, in the state of the art, various solutions have been developed for the filter to clean itself.

In dishwashers, a washing sump is situated at the lower portion of the washing tub, wherein the water in the washing tub is collected during the washing process and in the middle of which the filter is placed. The circulation pump which is used to return the water collected in the washing sump to the washing tub is connected to the washing sump by means of a suction hose. Due to the limited space in the dishwasher, the circulation pump and the mains water inlet are positioned so as to be at the two sides of the sump. Almost opposite to the wall where the circulation pump is connected to the washing sump, a supply hose is provided, one end of which is connected to the mains and the other end to the sump.

Since the circulation pump sucks the water in the washing sump by means of the suction hose, more dirt accumulates at the inner part of the washing sump remaining at the side of the wall thereof to which the suction hose is connected. For this reason, in order to increase the filter-cleaning performance, the supply hose must go around the sump located between the mains water inlet and the circulation pump, and spray the water onto the outer surface of the filter from the side where the suction hose is situated.

However, during this embodiment, the supply hose may get twisted and adversely affect the water flow, and even the hose may break. Due to the increased length of the hose, the water pressure decreases and an efficient cleaning cannot be performed with the water with reduced pressure. Moreover, in the case the supply hose is not fixed to the sump along the line the supply hose covers, the risk of the hose contacting the heater and getting burned and torn may arise.

In the state of the art International Patent Application No. WO2011039253, an additional water inlet hole is disclosed, that is situated in almost the same vertical direction as the suction hole and at a higher level that the suction hole and that sprays water onto the outer surface of the microfilter.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher comprising a filter which can be cleaned without requiring user intervention.

The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a channel located on the sump, through which the water taken from the mains passes. The channel has an inlet port and at least an outlet port, and the water received from the mains enters the channel through the inlet port and is sprayed onto the filter surface from the outlet port. The outlet port is positioned so as to spray the mains water onto the outer surface of the filter facing the side where the suction hole is located. Thus, dirt accumulating on the inner surface of the filter is provided to be cleaned by spraying water in the reverse direction. Since the water received from the mains is conveyed through the channel during the cleaning process, the water pressure remains constant, thus improving the filter-cleaning performance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel, the inlet port of which is located close to the mains water inlet and the outlet port of which is located close to the circulation pump, provides the water to be conveyed over the sump. Since the circulation pump and the mains water inlet are generally positioned so that the sump remains therebetween due to the limited space in the dishwasher, the water being conveyed by means of the channel located on the sump so that the inlet port is close to the mains water inlet and the outlet port is close to the circulation pump shortens the water-conveying path. Thus, friction-based pressure losses and the space occupied by the channel on the dishwasher are decreased. Moreover, the material cost of the channel is decreased. Furthermore, since the water is conveyed over the sump, conveying means such as hose, pipe, etc. are prevented from hitting the heater.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the water received from the inlet port circulates almost half of the sump periphery and is sprayed onto the outer surface of the filter from the outlet port.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel is located on the inner wall of the sump. Thus, the channel is provided to occupy less space in the body without protruding outside the sump. By benefiting from the gaps remaining around the sump, space is gained for the placement of the circulation pump and the water softening unit, thus the body volume is effectively used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel and the sump are produced as a single piece, for example by the plastic injection method. Thus, ease of production is provided and the number of production errors is decreased.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vertical cross-sectional area of the channel narrows from the inlet port towards the outlet port. The speed of the water passing through the channel and sprayed onto the outer surface of the filter increases towards the channel outlet port, thus the filter-cleaning performance is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port of the channel is located at a higher position that the outlet port. Thus, the speed of the water increases moving from the water inlet port towards the outlet port, thus the filter-washing performance is improved.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the channel is located on the sump wall in an inclined manner. By means of the inclination of the channel, the flowing speed of the water increases, thus improving the filter-washing performance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel extends on the cylindrical or conic wall of the sump by following a helical arc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel comprises a step extending from the sump wall towards the filter and a lid covering the step. The step extends from the inner wall of the sump towards the filter. By means of the lid, the water passing through the step is prevented from leaking into the sump and thus the volume of the water sprayed onto the outer wall of the filter is maintained.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel comprises at least one hole arranged between the inlet port and the outlet port. Thus, in addition to the water sprayed from the outlet port, water is sprayed onto the filter along the channel through the holes, thus providing an improved cleaning of the filter.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the holes are shaped so as to narrow in the flow direction of the water. Thus, by increasing the flowing speed of the water sprayed, the filter-cleaning performance is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mains water is delivered to the channel after passing through the supply line that extends between the mains and the inlet port.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mains water is delivered to the channel after passing through the water softening unit. In order to realize the filter-cleaning function during the present washing steps, the mains water passing through the water softening unit is delivered to the channel by means of the supply line.

By means of the present invention, thanks to the channel located on the sump, the water is sprayed in the reverse direction to the dirt accumulating on the inner surface of the filter and thus the filter is provided to be cleaned without requiring user intervention. By means of the water being conveyed over the sump with the channel, the body volume is effectively used and space is gained for the placement of the circulation pump and the water softening unit.

A dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a dishwasher.

Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the sump, the filter and the channel relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 – is the partial perspective view of the sump, the filter and the channel relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 – is the perspective view of a lid relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Dishwasher
Washing tub
Sump
Filter
Circulation pump
Suction hole
Channel
Inlet port
Outlet port
Step
Lid
Water softening unit
Supply line
Hole

The dishwasher (1) comprises a washing tub (2), a sump (3) located under the washing tub (2) and wherein the water in the washing tub (2) accumulates during the washing process, a filter (4) located on the sump (3), allowing the wash water to pass from the washing tub (2) into the sump (3) and retaining dirt carried with the water, a circulation pump (5) providing the circulation of the wash water accumulating in the sump (3) and a suction hole (6) located on the sump (3) and whereto the circulation pump (5) is connected.

The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a channel (7) that is located on the sump (3), that has an inlet port (8) providing the receiving of water from the mains and at least an outlet port (9) opening to the periphery of the suction hole (6) and providing the spraying of the water onto the filter (4), and that provides the water received from the inlet port (8) to be conveyed towards the outlet port (9).

While the dishwasher (1) operates, the water accumulated in the sump (3) is sucked by means of the circulation pump (5) and sent to the spray arms that deliver water to the racks. While the water accumulated in the sump (3) is sucked by means of the circulation pump (5), dirt carried by the water accumulates on the inner surface of the wall of the filter (4) situated in front of the suction hole (6). The water received from the mains is transferred into the channel (7) through the inlet port (8) and sprayed onto the filter (4) from the outlet port (9). Thus, the dirt accumulating on the inner surface of the filter (4) is removed from the inner surface by means of the water flow in reverse direction to the sucking direction, thus the filter (4) is provided to be cleaned without requiring user intervention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel (7) providing the water to be conveyed over the sump (3) is positioned so that the inlet port (8) thereof is located close to the mains water inlet and the outlet port (9) thereof is located close to the circulation pump (5). Due to the limited space in the dishwasher (1), the circulation pump (5) and the mains water inlet are oppositely positioned so as to be at the two sides of the sump (3). In line with this positioning, the channel (7) being positioned on the sump (3) so that the inlet port (8) thereof is located close to the mains water inlet and the outlet port (9) thereof is located close to the circulation pump (5) shortens the conveying path of the water. Thus, friction-based pressure losses and the space occupied by the channel (7) on the dishwasher (1) are decreased. Moreover, the material cost of the channel (7) is decreased.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port (8) and the outlet port (9) are almost oppositely positioned on the sump (3). Due to the limited space in the dishwasher (1), the circulation pump (5) and the mains water inlet are oppositely positioned so that the sump (3) remains therebetween. Thus, the outlet port (9) is located on the sump (3), almost opposite to the inlet port (8) so as to be in the same vertical direction with the circulation pump (5).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel (7) is located on the inner wall of sump (3).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel (7) is produced with the sump (3) as a single piece. Thus, the amount of waste in production is decreased, providing cost advantage in production.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the channel (7) narrows from the inlet port (8) towards the outlet port (9). The speed of the water passing through the channel (7) and sprayed onto the outer surface of the filter (4) increases towards the outlet port (9), thus the filter (4)-cleaning performance is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port (8) is located at a position higher than the outlet port (9). The water received from the inlet port (8) speeds up while flowing towards the outlet port (9), thus a more effective filter (4)-cleaning is provided.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the channel (7) is in inclined form. Thus the flowing speed of water increases and the filter (4)-cleaning performance is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sump (3) is cylindrical or conic and the channel (7) extends on the wall of the sump (3) by following a helical arc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel (7) comprises a step (10) and a lid (11) covering the step (10). The outlet port (9) is located on the lid (11). Thus, the production of the channel (7) is facilitated.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the cross-section of the lid (11) is in form of an inverted “L”.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel (7) comprises at least one hole (14) arranged thereon. Thus, by spraying water onto the filter (4) from different directions along the line where the water flows through the channel (7), the filter (4) is provided to be cleaned.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a supply line (13) that extends between the mains and the inlet port (8).

In a derivative of this embodiment, the dishwasher (1) comprises a water softening unit (12) located on the supply line (13). The water received from the mains is conveyed to the channel (7) by the supply line (13).

By means of the present invention, thanks to the channel (7) located on the sump (3), the water is sprayed in reverse direction to the dirt accumulating on the inner surface of the filter (4) and thus the filter (4) is provided to be cleaned without requiring user intervention. By means of the water being conveyed over the sump (3) with the channel (7), the body volume is effectively used and space is gained for the placement of the circulation pump (5) and the water softening unit (12). By means of the rigid structure of the channel (7), the water conveyed through the channel (7) is prevented from losing pressure, thus improving the filter (4)-washing performance.

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

Claims

A dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2), a sump (3) located under the washing tub (2) and wherein the water in the washing tub (2) accumulates during the washing process, a filter (4) located on the sump (3), allowing the wash water to pass from the washing tub (2) into the sump (3) and retaining dirt carried with the water, a circulation pump (5) providing the circulation of the wash water accumulating in the sump (3) and a suction hole (6) located on the sump (3) and whereto the circulation pump (5) is connected.

characterized by a channel (7)

- that is located on the sump (3)

- that has an inlet port (8) providing the receiving of water from the mains and at least an outlet port (9) arranged at the periphery of the suction hole (6) and providing the spraying of the water onto the filter (4)

- that provides the water received from the inlet port (8) to be conveyed towards the outlet port (9).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the channel (7) providing the water to be conveyed over the sump (3) and positioned so that the inlet port (8) thereof is located close to the mains water inlet and the outlet port (9) thereof is located close to the circulation pump (5).
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the inlet port (8) and the outlet port (9) that are almost oppositely positioned on the sump (3).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the channel (7) located on the inner wall of the sump (3).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the channel (7) that is produced as a single piece with the sump (3).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the channel (7), the cross-sectional area of which narrows from the inlet port (8) towards the outlet port (9).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the inlet port (8) that is located at a position higher than the outlet port (9).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the sump (3) that is cylindrical or conic and by the channel (7) that extends on the sump (3) wall by following a helical arc.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the channel (7) comprising a step (10) that extends from the sump (3) wall towards the filter (4) and a lid (11) that covers the step (10).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one hole (14) arranged on the channel (7).
A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a supply line (13) that extends between the inlet port (8) and the mains.
A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 11, characterized by a water softening unit (12) located on the supply line (13).