A dishwasher comprising an ultraviolet light

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2), wherein the washing process is performed; at least one spraying member (4) which is disposed in the washing tub and which delivers water onto the kitchen items; a door (5) which is disposed on the body (2) and which has an open position (A) wherein the door (5) is parallel to the floor and a closed position (K) wherein the door (5) is entirely adjacent to the washing tub (3) and perpendicular to the floor; and an ultraviolet illumination member (6) which is disposed on the body (5) and which is used for disinfecting the kitchen items.

Description

[0001] A DISHWASHER COMPRISING AN ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

[0002] In dishwashers, the washing process is performed in the washing tub. Kitchen items to be washed are placed onto the racks disposed in the washing tub. The kitchen items placed onto the racks are cleaned with the water taken from the mains and the detergent delivered into the washing tub. After various washing steps, the drying process is realized and the washing program is completed. Detergent is used in certain steps in order to remove the dirt from the washed kitchen items. Although the detergent dispenser is usually positioned on the door, the same can be also positioned in various parts of the washing tub. The use of suitable amount of detergent in suitable quality for the type of dirt greatly affects the washing and drying performance. The use of chemicals other than detergents has increased greatly in recent years. It is known to use chemicals which remove bacteria and viruses from the environment in order to provide extra hygiene on the kitchen items. For example, additional cleaning agents such as bleach, vinegar, etc. are frequently used. Additional chemical materials that users add to the washing tub for disinfection are often not used on time or in appropriate amounts, leaving residues on or damaging the kitchen items. Therefore, embodiments have been developed wherein additional cleaning agents can be added to the washing tub and used in a timely and appropriate dosage. Dishwashers are known, which, in addition to additional cleaning agents, provide disinfection by means of ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light is disposed in the washing tub so as to reach all kitchen items. However, when the door is opened during the use of ultraviolet light, problems such as uncontrolled harmful rays reaching the user occur. In addition, more costly problems and usage problems occur in case of damaging or breaking the ultraviolet light.

[0003] In the state of the art Patent Application Document No. KR20070082389 , a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising a spring mechanism which covers the ultraviolet light.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher which provides product safety as well as ease of use. 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 body; a washing tub which is disposed in the body, wherein the washing process is performed; at least one spraying member which is disposed in the washing tub; a door which is disposed on the body and which can be opened / closed; and an ultraviolet illumination member which is disposed on the body. In order to perform the washing process, the water drawn from the mains is delivered onto the kitchen items by means of the spraying member. The door has an open position where the door is parallel to the floor and the inner volume of the washing tub can be accessed, and a closed position where the door completely insulates the washing tub from the outside environment. While the dishwasher is operated, the door is in the closed position. By means of the ultraviolet illumination member disposed on the door, the kitchen items are disinfected.

[0005] The dishwasher of the present invention comprises at least one channel which is arranged around the ultraviolet illumination member and a cover which moves on the channel. While the door is shifted between the open position and the closed position, the cover also moves by sliding on the channel.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a plate whereon the ultraviolet illumination member is disposed; two channels which are arranged on both sides of the plate such that the ultraviolet illumination member is positioned at the center, and the cover which is placed on the channels from both ends. Both ends of the cover are on the channels. While the door shifts between the open position and the closed position, the cover slides on the channel, thus enabling the ultraviolet illumination member to be covered or opened.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the channel having a first part where the cover is placed when the door is in the open position and a second part where the cover is placed when the door is in the closed position. When the cover is in the first part, the ultraviolet illumination member is covered by the cover. As the door shifts to the closed position, the cover slides towards the second part with the effect of gravity and the ultraviolet illumination member is opened to face the washing tub. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the channel having the first part which is almost in the vertical position and the second part which is almost in the almost horizontal position when the door is in the closed position. Since the door is in the vertical position when it is in the closed position, the cover slides from the first part and moves towards the second part. When the door shifts to the open position, the positions of the first part and the second part also change. Therefore, the cover slides to the first part.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the first part and the second part which are connected to each other at an angle. The first part and the second part are surfaces with different angles and form an angle at the point of connection. The cover displaces by passing over said angled point.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises an opening which is arranged on the channel and the cover which can be attached and detached through said opening. The cover can be detached through the opening by the user in order to effectively clean the dirt or detergent residues which may accumulate on the cover or the channels.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises an optical sensor which is disposed on the plate, preferably adjacent to the ultraviolet illumination member, and a control unit which informs the user according to the information received from the optical sensor. By means of the optical sensor, problems such as the cover not moving to the second part when the door is in the closed position can be detected and the user is warned by the control unit.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the cover which is manufactured from a material with high heat resistance. Since the cover is positioned very close to the ultraviolet illumination member, it is preferred to use materials with high thermal resistance such that the cover is not deformed over time.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the cover which is manufactured from a material with high mechanical resistance. When the door is in the open position, the cover covers the ultraviolet illumination member and protects the same from possible impacts. Therefore, the cover is preferred to be manufactured from a material with high mechanical resistance.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the cover which is preferably manufactured from polyoxymethylene (POM) material. Thus, the thermal and mechanical resistances of the cover are high and it becomes easier for the cover to slide on the channel.

[0014] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher is realized, wherein by means of the ultraviolet illumination member, disinfection function is provided and the ultraviolet illumination member is protected without the need for using electronic components.

[0015] A dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0016] Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the dishwasher.

[0017] Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the washing tub.

[0018] Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the plate and the cover.

[0019] Figure 4 - is the perspective view of the cover on the plate when the door is in the open position.

[0020] Figure 5 - is the sideways view of the plate and the channel.

[0021] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0022] 1- Dishwasher

[0023] 2- Body

[0024] 3- Washing tub

[0025] 4- Spraying member

[0026] 5- Door

[0027] A- Open position

[0028] K- Closed position

[0029] 6- Ultraviolet illumination member 7- Channel

[0030] 8- Cover

[0031] 9- Plate

[0032] 10- First part

[0033] 11- Second part

[0034] 12- Opening

[0035] 13- Optic sensor

[0036] 14- Control unit

[0037] The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2), wherein the washing process is performed; at least one spraying member (4) which is disposed in the washing tub and which delivers water onto the kitchen items; a door (5) which is disposed on the body (2) and which has an open position (A) wherein the door (5) is parallel to the floor and a closed position (K) wherein the door (5) is entirely adjacent to the washing tub (3) and perpendicular to the floor; and an ultraviolet illumination member (6) which is disposed on the body (5) and which is used for disinfecting the kitchen items. The washing process is carried out by delivering the water taken from the mains onto the kitchen items loaded into the washing tub (3). The door (5) is in the closed position (K) while the dishwasher (1) is operated, and in the open position (A) during loading and unloading. By means of the ultraviolet illumination member (6) provided on the door (5), all the kitchen items in the washing tub (3) are disinfected by getting in contact with equal rays at the same level.

[0038] The dishwasher (1) of the present invention at least one channel (7) which is disposed around the ultraviolet illumination member (6) and a cover (8) which moves by sliding on the channel (7) while the door (5) shifts between the open position (A) and the closed position (K). As the door (5) shifts between the open position (A) and the closed position (K), the direction of gravity acting on the cover (8) also changes. When the door (5) is in the open position (A), the cover (8) is positioned so as to cover the ultraviolet illumination member (6). When the door (5) shifts to the closed position (K), the cover (8) slides on the channel (7), enabling the ultraviolet illumination member (6) to be opened so as to send rays to every part of the washing tub (3).

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a plate (9) whereon the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is disposed; two channels (7) which are arranged on both sides of the plate (9) such that the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is positioned at the center, and the cover (8) which is placed on the channels (7) from both ends. The ultraviolet illumination member (6) is positioned on the plate (9) provided on the door (5). The channels (7) are arranged on both sides such that the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is positioned at the center. One end of the cover (8) is placed in a channel (7) while the other end is placed in the other channel (7) so as to move along the channel (7).

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the channel (7) having a first part (10) wherein the cover (8) is placed so as to cover the ultraviolet illumination member (6) when the door (5) is in the open position (A), and a second part (11) wherein the cover (8) is placed by sliding downwards such that the ultraviolet illumination member (6) illuminates the washing tub (3) when the door (5) is in the closed position (K). Since the first part (10) is inclined towards the plate (9) when the door (5) is in the open position (A), the cover (8) is placed in the first part (10). Thus, the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is covered and any item which may fall thereon during loading and unloading is prevented from damaging the same. When the door (5) shifts to the closed position (K), the cover (8) moves by sliding towards the second part (11). Thus, the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is uncovered and ultraviolet light is sent into the washing tub (3).

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the channel (7) having the first part (10) which is positioned almost in the vertical direction and the second part (11) which is positioned almost in the horizontal direction when the door (5) is in the closed position (K). When the door (5) is in the closed position (K), the first part (10) is in an almost vertical position, and when the door (5) is in the open position (A), is in an almost horizontal position so as to be inclined towards the plate (9). Thus, the cover (8) is enabled to slide so as to be placed in the first part (10). When the door (5) is in the closed position (K), the second part (11) is almost in the bearing position, inclined towards the interior of the washing tub (3). When the door (5) is in the open position (A), the second part (11) is almost in the vertical direction inclined towards the first part (10). Thus, it is provided that the cover (8) slides into the first part (10) when the door (5) is in the open position (A), and when the door (5) is in the closed position (K), the cover (8) slides into the second part (11).

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the channel (7) comprising the first part (10) and the second part (11), which are connected to each other so as to form an obtuse angle therebetween. The first part (10) and the second part

[0043] (11) are composed of inclined surfaces with different angles. An angled surface is formed at the point the first part (10) and the second part (11) join. Thus, the cover (8) is enabled to easily slide and move.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises an opening

[0045] (12) which is arranged on the channel (7) and the cover (8) which can be attached and detached through said opening (12). By means of the opening (12) arranged on the channel (7), the cover (8) can be detached from the channel (7). Thus, dirt or detergent residues accumulating on the cover (8) or channel (7) are easily cleaned. By means of the effective cleaning of the channel (7) and the cover (8), the processes of covering or opening the ultraviolet illumination member (6) with the effect of gravity are efficiently performed.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one optical sensor (13) which is disposed on the plate (9), adjacent to the ultraviolet illumination member (6), and a control unit (14) which enables the user to be informed according to the information received from the optical sensor (13). By means of the optical sensor (13), it is detected whether the ultraviolet illumination (6) is open or covered. Thus, if the cover (8) does not slide downwards as the door (5) shifts to the closed position (K), the user is informed by means of the control unit (14).

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the cover (8) which is manufactured from a material with high heat resistance. Since the cover (8) is always close to the ultraviolet illumination member (6), a material with high thermal resistance is preferred so as not to cause thermal deformation. Thus, the user satisfaction and the efficiency are improved.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the cover (8) which is manufactured from a material with high mechanical resistance. In particular, when the cover (8) covers the ultraviolet illumination member (6) as the door (5) is in the open position (A), the cover (8) is not affected by any item which may fall thereon. Therefore, the cover (8) protects the ultraviolet illumination member (6).

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the cover (8) which is preferably manufactured from polyoxymethylene (POM) material. By means of the polyoxymethylene material, the cover (8) has a high mechanical strength and is structured so as to slide easily in the channel (7).

[0050] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher (1) is realized, comprising a cover (8) which covers the ultraviolet illumination member (6) when the door (5) is in the open position (A), and opens the ultraviolet illumination member (6) so as to enable ultraviolet rays to reach the washing tub (3) when the door (5) is in the closed position (K). By means of the present invention, the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is protected without using extra electronic components and without increasing the electricity consumption. Moreover, the user satisfaction and the product safety are improved.

Claims

CLAIMS1- A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2), wherein the washing process is performed; at least one spraying member (4) which is disposed in the washing tub and which delivers water onto the kitchen items; a door (5) which is disposed on the body (2) and which has an open position (A) wherein the door (5) is parallel to the floor and a closed position (K) wherein the door (5) is entirely adjacent to the washing tub (3) and perpendicular to the floor; and an ultraviolet illumination member (6) which is disposed on the body (5) and which is used for disinfecting the kitchen items, characterized by at least one channel (7) which is disposed around the ultraviolet illumination member (6) and a cover (8) which moves by sliding on the channel (7) while the door (5) shifts between the open position (A) and the closed position (K).2- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a plate (9) whereon the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is disposed; two channels (7) which are arranged on both sides of the plate (9) such that the ultraviolet illumination member (6) is positioned at the center, and the cover (8) which is placed on the channels (7) from both ends.3- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the channel (7) having a first part (10) wherein the cover (8) is placed so as to cover the ultraviolet illumination member (6) when the door (5) is in the open position (A), and a second part (11) wherein the cover (8) is placed by sliding downwards such that the ultraviolet illumination member (6) illuminates the washing tub (3) when the door (5) is in the closed position (K).4- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the channel (7) having the first part (10) which is positioned almost in the vertical direction and the second part (11) which is positioned almost in the horizontal direction when the door (5) is in the closed position (K).9- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized by the channel (7) comprising the first part (10) and the second part (11), which are connected to each other so as to form an obtuse angle therebetween. - A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an opening (12) which is arranged on the channel (7) and the cover (8) which can be attached and detached through said opening (12). - A dishwasher (1) as in any one of Claim 2 or Claim 6, characterized by at least one optical sensor (13) which is disposed on the plate (9), adjacent to the ultraviolet illumination member (6), and a control unit (14) which enables the user to be informed according to the information received from the optical sensor (13). - A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cover (8) which is preferably manufactured from polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

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