A bowl basket assembly for a dishwasher and a dishwasher

Abstract

This invention relates to a dish rack assembly for a dishwasher and the dishwasher itself. The dish rack assembly includes a dish rack and a pot support mounted on the side wall of the dish rack. The pot support includes a mounting portion mounted on the dish rack and a support arm connected to the mounting portion. The support arm is connected to the mounting portion and located inside the dish rack. A portion of the support arm is a support part for supporting the pot opening. The support arm can be in a first position of lateral extension. The support arm has a water flow channel for water to flow through, and the outlet of the water flow channel is located on the side of the support portion away from the mounting portion. The pot support of this invention can both support and clean pots, serving two purposes. It has a simple structure, reliable design, low failure rate, low cost, and high manufacturability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and more specifically to a dish rack assembly for a dishwasher and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] For dishwasher users, the ability to place pots and pans and the washing experience are becoming increasingly important, especially for built-in dishwashers integrated into cabinets, where manufacturers tout the ability to wash pots and pans as a major selling point. However, the dish racks typically have a complex network of support bars for the dishes, with only a small portion of the supports being adjustable. Pots and pans are difficult to keep stable in the rack, and interference between them and the other dishes is significant. Heavy pots can even squeeze, twist, or deform the support bars, causing the rack to malfunction. Furthermore, placing a pot directly on top of the arranged dishes can cause the dishes to change their angle or even obstruct each other during washing, hindering the washing process.

[0003] Therefore, it is essential to provide a pot support on the dish rack to support the cookware. For example, the Chinese utility model patent disclosed in patent number CN202321317691.9 (publication number CN219846495U) entitled "Dish Basket Assembly and Washing Machine for Washing Machine" includes a dish rack with an open top; a pot support including a base and a support frame. The base is installed on the side wall of the dish rack, and the support frame is installed on the base and can be in a horizontal state. The support frame can be rotated to both horizontal and vertical states. When in use, the support frame is rotated to a horizontal state to support the cookware. When not in use, the support frame is rotated to a vertical state to reduce the space occupied in the dish rack.

[0004] Each change of the support rack's position requires manual operation by the user, which is quite troublesome. In addition, when pots are placed flat on the dish rack, to ensure the number of dishes that can be placed, the bottom of the pot is usually filled with dishes. These dishes can obstruct the water flow, resulting in poor cleaning of the pots. If dishes are not placed under the pots to ensure cleaning, the pots will occupy more than half of the dish rack's space, leaving less space for the user to place dishes and significantly reducing the number of dishes that can be washed. If a special area is set up for cleaning pots, it not only requires complex pot support components, but is also costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dish rack assembly for a dishwasher that can spray water onto the pot supported on it, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that uses the above-mentioned dish rack assembly, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a dish rack assembly for a dishwasher, including a dish rack and a pot support disposed on the side wall of the dish rack. The pot support includes a mounting part mounted on the dish rack and a support arm connected to the mounting part. The support arm is connected to the mounting part and located inside the dish rack. A portion of the support arm is a support part for supporting the pot opening. The support arm can be in a first position of lateral extension. The feature is that the support arm is provided with a water flow channel through which water can flow, and the outlet of the water flow channel is located on the side of the support part away from the mounting part.

[0008] In the above solution, the mounting part is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the dish rack, so that the support arm is in a first position of horizontal extension and a second position of vertical extension. When it is necessary to support the pot, the support arm is in the first position to facilitate the support of the pot; when it is not necessary to support the pot, the support arm is in the second position to reduce the space occupied in the dish rack.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the support arm furthest from the mounting part is referred to as the free end. When the support arm is in the first position, the free end faces the center of the dish rack; when the support arm is in the second position, the free end faces upwards. The support arm can switch from the second position to the first position under the weight of the pot. This allows the user to switch the support arm to the first position simultaneously with placing the pot, which is convenient and eliminates the need to switch the support arm to the first position first before placing the pot.

[0010] To ensure the support arm automatically switches to the second position when no cookware is placed on it, the dish rack assembly also includes an elastic element that allows the mounting part to rotate so that the support arm is in the second position. This way, when the cookware is removed, the mounting part automatically switches to the second position under the action of the elastic element, requiring no user intervention, which is very convenient and reduces the need for bending over.

[0011] In order to position the pot support relative to the bowl basket and stably support the pot when the support arm is in the first position, the mounting part has a vertically extending limiting part, on which the fixed end of the support arm is mounted. When the support arm is in the first position, the limiting part is located inside the bowl basket and abuts against the side wall of the bowl basket.

[0012] To improve the cleaning effect on cookware, the end of the support arm furthest from the mounting part is called the free end. There are two water outlets, namely the first water outlet and the second water outlet. The first water outlet is located at the free end of the support arm, and the second water outlet is located between the support part and the first water outlet. When the support arm is in the first position, the first water outlet faces forward and the second water outlet faces upward.

[0013] The first and second water outlets form a "dual-channel T-shaped" spray pattern. Starting from the contact surface between the cookware and the support, the fluid radiates outwards. Simultaneously, the fluid's direction is passively changed as it enters the cookware through the opening and travels along the inner wall of the cookware, constantly being redirected. The straight, radial fluid is passively transformed into an arc-shaped flow. During this process, dirt on the inner wall of the cookware directly obstructs the fluid's path. In this state, the dirt is subjected to a peeling force parallel to the inner wall of the cookware and an adhesive force perpendicular to the dirt's adhesion to the inner wall. This optimal dirt removal effect results in more comprehensive and thorough cleaning, ensuring a superior cookware cleaning experience for the user.

[0014] To further improve the cleaning effect on cookware, when the support arm is in the first position, the free end of the support arm is inclined from top to bottom toward the mounting part, and the angle between the free end of the support arm and the support part is an obtuse angle. This reduces the loss of the bend while ensuring that the jet enters along the acute angle of the inner wall of the cookware, thus fully ensuring hydraulic efficiency.

[0015] To further improve the cleaning effect on cookware, the cross-sectional area of ​​both the first and second water outlets is increased along the water flow direction, effectively increasing the diffusion range of the jet to the outside of the water column.

[0016] To further improve the cleaning effect on cookware, a support plate is provided between the support arm and the mounting part. The upper surface of the support plate can also support the rim of the cookware. The end of the support arm connected to the mounting part is called the fixed end. The position of the support arm adjacent to its fixed end serves as the support part for supporting the cookware. When the support arm is in the first position, the upper surface of the support plate is higher than the support part. In this way, when the cookware is inverted and the rim of the pot is supported on the pot support, the rim of the pot is inclined, which facilitates the downward flow of water and prevents water from accumulating at the rim of the pot.

[0017] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a dishwasher, characterized in that it includes a cabinet with an open front side and the above-mentioned dish rack assembly, the dish rack being disposed in the cabinet, the cabinet also having a water supply pipe, and the mounting part having a water inlet pipe connecting the water supply pipe and the water flow channel.

[0018] To facilitate the retrieval of tableware from the dish basket, the water supply pipe is located at the rear of the dish basket. The dish basket can move back and forth in and out of the box. When tableware needs to be retrieved, the dish basket is pulled out of the box. To prevent the water inlet pipe from interfering with the pushing and pulling of the dish basket, an insertion hole is provided on the front side wall of the water supply pipe. The water inlet pipe has a cover at the insertion hole that can be opened or closed. When the dish basket is in the box, the cover opens the insertion hole, and the water inlet pipe extends into the water supply pipe through the insertion hole. When the dish basket is removed from the box, the water inlet pipe disengages from the water supply pipe through the insertion hole, and the cover closes the insertion hole.

[0019] A drive mechanism could be installed to open or close the cover before the water inlet pipe is inserted into or removed from the inlet pipe. However, this is cumbersome. Therefore, the cover is located inside the water inlet pipe, with its upper edge connected to the pipe and its lower edge free. The cover remains in a state of covering the inlet hole under gravity, and can deflect upwards to open the hole under the influence of water flow. When the user pushes the dish basket into the machine, the basket's inertia inserts the water inlet pipe into the water supply pipe and pushes open the cover. During machine operation, fluid from the water supply pipe enters the water flow channel and sprays out from the outlet to clean the cookware.

[0020] After washing, the user pulls out the dish basket, the water inlet pipe separates from the water supply pipe, and the lid automatically covers the socket in the drooping position to seal the water supply pipe. The dish basket is pulled out of the box. When the user takes away the pot, the pot support arm returns to a vertical position under the action of the elastic element, so the user does not need to manually put it away.

[0021] In other words, the installation and removal of the water inlet and supply pipes are completed simultaneously with the pushing and pulling of the dish rack, allowing users to achieve multiple functions with minimal operation, which is very convenient.

[0022] Preferably, the water inlet of the water supply pipe is located below the insertion hole. The cover is circular, thicker in the middle and thinner at the perimeter. The cover can be tilted upwards until its lower edge abuts against the rear wall of the water inlet pipe, allowing the water supply pipe to supply water upwards without the cover being pushed upwards towards the insertion hole and unable to return to its original position. The water in the water supply pipe flows from bottom to top, fully utilizing the characteristics of fluid direction and pressure to achieve the functions of sealing and resetting.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: By setting a water flow channel on the support arm, and with the outlet of the water flow channel located on the side of the support part away from the mounting part, when the pot is inverted and the pot opening is supported on the support part, the water flowing out from the outlet is located in the inverted area of ​​the pot, which can clean the pot and improve the cleaning effect; and the water from the outlet is sprayed directly onto the inner wall of the pot to achieve minimal friction loss and maximum hydraulic efficiency, cleaning the inner wall of the pot, realizing enhanced cleaning of the pot, ensuring the cleaning effect of the pot, and not being affected by tableware placed under the pot.

[0024] The pot support of the present invention can both support the pot and clean it, serving two purposes in one. It has a simple structure, reliable design, low failure rate, low cost, and high manufacturability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply pipe and dish basket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention (the support arm is in the first position);

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pot support in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pot support structure from another direction;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water supply pipe and dish basket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the support arm in the second position). Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the dishwasher of this preferred embodiment includes a cabinet, a water supply pipe 1, and a dish rack assembly, which includes a dish rack 3 and a pot support A.

[0032] The pot support A is mounted on the side wall of the bowl basket 3, allowing the pot 2 to be inverted and resting on its rim. The pot support A includes a mounting part 4 mounted on the bowl basket 3, a support arm 5 connected to the mounting part 4, and a support plate 6 located between the mounting part 4 and the support arm 5.

[0033] The support arm 5 is located inside the bowl basket 3. One end of the support arm 5 is connected to the mounting part 4 as a fixed end, and the other end of the support arm 5 extends away from the mounting part 4 as a free end. The support arm 5 is partially a support part for supporting the pot opening. In this embodiment, the position of the support arm 5 near its fixed end serves as a support part for supporting the pot 2.

[0034] The mounting part 4 is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the bowl basket 3. The bowl basket 3 is a hollow structure formed by multiple frame strips 31. The frame strips 31 at the top of the side wall of the bowl basket 3 pass through the mounting part 4, and the mounting part 4 can rotate relative to the frame strips 31, so that the support arm 5 is in a first position of horizontal extension and a second position of vertical extension. When it is necessary to support the pot 2, the support arm 5 is in the first position (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), this facilitates support for the cookware 2. When support for the cookware 2 is not needed, the support arm 5 is in the second position (as shown). Figure 5 As shown), this reduces the space occupied in basket 3.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, with the support arm 5 in the first position, the free end of the support arm 5 faces the center of the bowl basket 3, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the support arm 5 is in the second position, the free end of the support arm 5 faces upward, and the support arm 5 can switch from the second position to the first position under the gravity of the cookware 2.

[0036] The dish basket assembly also includes an elastic element that rotates the mounting part 4 to the second position of the support arm 5. In this embodiment, the elastic element is a torsion spring, with one torsion arm abutting against the dish basket 3 and the other torsion arm abutting against the mounting part 4. This allows the user to switch the support arm 5 to the first position while placing the pot, which is convenient as it eliminates the need to first switch the support arm 5 to the first position before placing the pot. After the pot 2 is lifted, the mounting part 4 automatically switches to the second position under the action of the elastic element, requiring no user operation and greatly reducing the need for bending over.

[0037] The mounting part 4 has a vertically extending limiting part 41, and the fixed end of the support arm 5 is mounted on the limiting part 41. When the support arm 5 is in the first position, the limiting part 41 is located inside the bowl basket 3 and abuts against the side wall of the bowl basket 3, so that when the support arm 5 is in the first position, the pot support A can be positioned relative to the bowl basket 3 to stably support the pot 2.

[0038] The upper surface of the support plate 6 can also support the rim of the pot 2. When the support arm 5 is in the first position, the upper surface of the support plate 6 is higher than the support part. In this way, when the pot 2 is upside down and the edge of the rim is supported on the pot support A, the edge of the rim is inclined, which facilitates the downward flow of water and prevents water from accumulating at the edge of the rim.

[0039] The support arm 5 is provided with a water flow channel 51 through which water can flow, and the outlet of the water flow channel 51 is located on the side of the support part away from the mounting part 4. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 3 , 4 As shown, there are two water outlets, namely the first water outlet 52 and the second water outlet 53. The first water outlet 52 is located at the free end of the support arm 5, and the second water outlet 53 is located between the support part and the first water outlet 52 (in this embodiment, the support part is the area between the second water outlet 53 and the limiting part 41). When the support arm 5 is in the first position, the first water outlet 52 faces forward and the second water outlet 53 faces upward.

[0040] The first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53 form a "dual-channel T-shaped" spray nozzle. Starting from the contact surface between the cookware 2 and the support part, the jet flows radially. At the same time, the fluid is restricted by the arc of the cookware 2. As it enters from the pot opening, the fluid direction is passively changed along the inner wall of the cookware 2. The straight radial fluid is passively transformed into an arc fluid. During this process, the dirt on the inner wall of the cookware 2 directly blocks the direction of the fluid. In this state, the dirt is subjected to a peeling force parallel to the inner wall of the cookware 2 and an adhesive force perpendicular to the dirt adhering to the inner wall of the cookware 2. At this time, the dirt peeling effect is optimal, and the dirt cleaning is more comprehensive and thorough, ensuring the cleaning effect of the cookware 2 at the user end.

[0041] In addition, when the support arm 5 is in the first position, the free end of the support arm 5 is inclined from top to bottom toward the mounting part 4. In this embodiment, the part of the support arm 5 between its free end and the mounting part 4 is a straight section, and the angle between the free end of the support arm 5 and the straight section is an obtuse angle. This reduces the loss of the bend while ensuring that the jet enters along the acute angle of the inner wall of the pot 2, thus fully ensuring hydraulic efficiency.

[0042] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​both the first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53 increases along the direction of water flow, and the included angle between the two side walls of the first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53 along the direction of water flow is 100° to 130°, which effectively increases the diffusion range of the jet to the outside of the water column.

[0043] The front of the box is open, the bowl basket 3 is located in the box and the bowl basket 3 can move back and forth to enter and exit the box. The water supply pipe 1 is located in the box and is located behind the bowl basket 3. The mounting part 4 is provided with a water inlet pipe 42 that connects the water supply pipe 1 and the water flow channel 51.

[0044] When it is necessary to take out the tableware, pull the bowl basket 3 out of the box. In order to prevent the water inlet pipe 42 from affecting the pushing and pulling of the bowl basket 3, the front side wall of the water supply pipe 1 is provided with a socket 21. The water inlet pipe 42 is provided with a cover 22 at the socket 21, which can open or close the socket 21. When the bowl basket 3 is in the box, the cover 22 opens the socket 21, and the water inlet pipe 42 passes through the socket 21 and extends into the water supply pipe 1. When the bowl basket 3 is removed from the box, the water inlet pipe 42 is disconnected from the water supply pipe 1 through the socket 21, and the cover 22 closes the socket 21.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cover 22 is located in the water inlet pipe 42. The upper edge of the cover 22 is connected to the water inlet pipe 42, and the lower edge of the cover 22 is in a free state. Under the action of gravity, the cover 22 remains in a state that covers the socket 21. Under the action of water flow, the cover 22 can be deflected upward to open the socket 21. During the process of the user pushing the bowl basket 3 into the box, the inertia of the bowl basket 3 is used to insert the water inlet pipe 42 into the water supply pipe 1 and push open the cover 22. When the machine is running, the fluid in the water supply pipe 1 enters the water flow channel 51 and sprays out from the water outlet to clean the cookware 2.

[0046] After cleaning, the user pulls out the dish basket 3, the water inlet pipe 42 separates from the water supply pipe 1, and the cover 22 automatically covers the socket 21 in a drooping state, thus sealing the water supply pipe 1. The dish basket 3 is pulled out of the box. When the user takes away the pot 2, the pot support A, under the action of the elastic element, returns the support arm 5 to a vertical state, so the user does not need to manually put it away.

[0047] In other words, the installation and removal of the water inlet pipe 42 and the water supply pipe 1 are completed simultaneously with the pushing and pulling of the dish basket 3. Users can achieve multiple functions with very few operations, which is very convenient.

[0048] The water inlet of the water supply pipe 1 is located below the socket 21, meaning that the water in the water supply pipe 1 flows from bottom to top. The cover 22 is circular, thick in the middle and thin at the perimeter. The cover 22 can be deflected upwards until its lower edge abuts against the rear side wall of the water inlet pipe 42. By making full use of the characteristics of fluid direction and fluid pressure, the functions of sealing and resetting are achieved, so that the water supply pipe 1 can supply water upwards without the cover 22 being pushed upwards and unable to reset.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A dish rack assembly for a dishwasher, comprising a dish rack (3) and a pot support (A) disposed on a side wall of the dish rack (3), the pot support (A) comprising a mounting portion (4) mounted on the dish rack (3) and a support arm (5) connected to the mounting portion (4), the support arm (5) being connected to the mounting portion (4) and located inside the dish rack (3), the support arm (5) partially serving as a support portion for supporting the opening of a pot, the support arm (5) being capable of being in a first laterally extended position, characterized in that, The support arm (5) is provided with a water flow channel (51) through which water can flow, and the outlet of the water flow channel (51) is located on the side of the support part away from the installation part (4).

2. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting part (4) is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the bowl basket (3), so that the support arm (5) is in a first position of horizontal extension and a second position of vertical extension.

3. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the support arm (5) away from the mounting part (4) is called the free end. When the support arm (5) is in the first position, the free end of the support arm (5) faces the center of the bowl basket (3). When the support arm (5) is in the second position, the free end of the support arm (5) faces upward. The support arm (5) can switch from the second position to the first position under the gravity of the pot (2).

4. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The basket assembly also includes an elastic element that allows the mounting part (4) to rotate to the second position of the support arm (5).

5. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting part (4) has a vertically extending limiting part (41), and the fixed end of the support arm (5) is mounted on the limiting part (41). When the support arm (5) is in the first position, the limiting part (41) is located inside the bowl basket (3) and abuts against the side wall of the bowl basket (3).

6. The bowl basket assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The end of the support arm (5) away from the mounting part (4) is called the free end. There are two water outlets, namely the first water outlet (52) and the second water outlet (53). The first water outlet (52) is located at the free end of the support arm (5), and the second water outlet (53) is located between the support part and the first water outlet (52). When the support arm (5) is in the first position, the first water outlet (52) faces forward and the second water outlet (53) faces upward.

7. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the support arm (5) is in the first position, the free end of the support arm (5) is tilted from top to bottom toward the mounting part (4).

8. The bowl basket assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​both the first outlet (52) and the second outlet (53) increases along the direction of water flow.

9. The bowl basket assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A support plate (6) is provided between the support arm (5) and the mounting part (4). The upper surface of the support plate (6) can also support the pot opening of the pot (2). The end of the support arm (5) connected to the mounting part (4) is called the fixed end. The position of the support arm (5) adjacent to its fixed end is used as the support part for supporting the pot (2). When the support arm (5) is in the first position, the upper surface of the support plate (6) is higher than the support part.

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that, The container includes a front-opening box and a bowl basket assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. The bowl basket (3) is disposed in the box, and the box is also provided with a water supply pipe (1). The mounting part (4) is provided with an inlet pipe (42) that connects the water supply pipe (1) and the water flow channel (51).

11. The dishwasher according to claim 10, characterized in that: The water supply pipe (1) is located on the rear side of the bowl basket (3). The bowl basket (3) can move back and forth in and out of the box. The front side wall of the water supply pipe (1) is provided with a socket (21). The water inlet pipe (42) is provided with a cover (22) at the socket (21) that can open or close the socket (21). When the bowl basket (3) is in the box, the cover (22) opens the socket (21) and the water inlet pipe (42) passes through the socket (21) and extends into the water supply pipe (1). When the bowl basket (3) is removed from the box, the water inlet pipe (42) is removed from the water supply pipe (1) through the socket (21) and the cover (22) closes the socket (21).

12. The dishwasher according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cover (22) is located in the water inlet pipe (42). The upper edge of the cover (22) is connected to the water inlet pipe (42). The lower edge of the cover (22) is in a free state. The cover (22) remains in a state of covering the socket (21) under the action of gravity. The cover (22) can be deflected upward to open the socket (21) under the action of water flow.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 12, characterized in that: The water inlet of the water supply pipe (1) is located below the insertion hole (21). The cover (22) is circular, thick in the middle and thin at the perimeter. The cover (22) can be tilted upwards to the position where the lower edge abuts against the rear side wall of the water inlet pipe (42).

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