A washing device comprising a filter cleaning assembly and a filter cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing device (B) comprising a reservoir (1) into which dirty washing / rinsing liquid flows during or after the washing process, the reservoir (1) comprising a discharge section (1a); a filter (2) placed in the discharge section (1a); a circulation pump (3); a diverter (4) for directing the water coming from the circulation pump (3); a filter bed (7) Iocated on at least one portion of the reservoir (1); said discharge section (1a) into which a first level of water (L) is provided by means of the diverter (4) and the circulation pump (3); a filter cleaning assembly (6) for cleaning the filter (2) after each washing process, which is connected on one side to the reservoir (1) and diverter (4), and the other side of which is positioned at the discharge section (1a), wherein the filter cleaning assembly (6) comprises a plurality of nozzles (6c) that spray the water coming from the diverter (4) to the discharge section (1a), thereby creating an agitation effect for the water in the discharge section (1a); a filter outlet (4e) on the diverter body (4a) of the diverter (4), which transfers the water from the circulation pump (3) to the filter cleaning assembly (6); at least one control unit which enables the filter cleaning process to be initiated after washing the items to be washed, in order to clean the dirt adhered to inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2).

Description

[0001] A WASHING DEVICE COMPRISING A FILTER CLEANING ASSEMBLY AND A FILTER CLEANING METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a washing device comprising a filter cleaning assembly for preventing the formation of a dirt layer on the filter surface and avoiding quality problems, and a filter cleaning method.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] In washing devices, e.g. dishwashers, which spray washing / rinsing liquid on dirty items (for example, dishes) to clean them, the dirt removed from the item flows into a reservoir at the bottom of the washing device together with the washing / rinsing liquid. In order to prevent the dirt from mixing with the hydraulic system containing the circulation pump located at the bottom of the washing device, at least one filter is used in said reservoir to filter the dirty washing / rinsing liquid. While filtering the dirty washing / rinsing liquid flowing into the reservoir, said dirt hits and adheres to the filter surface, thereby creating dirt layers on the filter surface after a while. Since these dirt layers have a clogging effect, they make it difficult for the circulation pump in the hydraulic system to draw water, causing a decrease in washing performance. According to the state of the art, cleaning process of the filter has to be performed manually by the user. However, since the filter cleaning process is under the initiative of the user, the cleaning process may be forgotten.

[0006] In order to solve the problems described above, the state of the art includes washing devices that perform automatic filter cleaning. Said washing devices perform a filter cleaning process at predetermined periods after completion of the washing process. TR2017 / 14673A3 discloses a dishwasher with a self-filter cleaning mode that comprises a control unit continuously monitoring a dirtiness rate of a filter unit and starting a filter cleaning process based on the dirtiness rate of the filter unit. Similarly, TR2016 / 15837A3 discloses a dishwasher with a self-filter cleaning mode that comprises a control unit constantly monitoring a dirtiness rate of a microfilter and comparing the dirtiness rate of the microfilter with a predetermined dirtiness threshold value to decide whether to start a filter cleaning process. However, the filters mentioned in these documents, which are included in the state of the art, always reach a dirtiness level. This prevents full performance in item cleaning process until the filter cleaning process.

[0007] Brief Description of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a washing device which comprises at least one body comprising at least one inner compartment for placing the items to be washed; at least one reservoir at the bottom of said body, which comprises at least one discharge section in the form of a recess to extend towards the floor, wherein dirty washing / rinsing liquid flows into the reservoir during or after the washing process; at least one filter placed in the discharge section for filtering the dirty washing / rinsing liquid flowing into the reservoir; at least one circulation pump connected to the discharge section; at least one diverter connected with the circulation pump and the discharge section for directing the water coming from the circulation pump, wherein the diverter comprises at least one diverter body, at least one diverter motor connected with the diverter body, and at least one diaphragm with at least one diaphragm opening thereon, which moves counterclockwise with the drive of the diverter motor for directing water; at least one drain pump connected with the discharge section, which discharges the dirty washing / rinsing liquid collected in reservoir and discharge section; at least one filter bed which is at least provided on one part of the reservoir with a space between the filter bed and the reservoir surface. The washing device also comprises said discharge section into which at least a first level of water is provided by means of the diverter and the circulation pump; at least one filter cleaning assembly in a form that surrounds at least one portion of the filter for cleaning the filter after each washing process, wherein the filter cleaning assembly is connected on one side to said reservoir and diverter, and the other side thereof is positioned at the discharge section between the filter and the discharge section, wherein the filter cleaning assembly comprises a plurality of nozzles that spray the water coming from the diverter to the discharge section, thereby creating an agitation effect for the water in the discharge section; at least one filter outlet on the diverter body of the diverter, which transfers the water from the circulation pump to the filter cleaning assembly; at least one control unit which controls operation of the circulation pump and the diverter motor, and enables the filter cleaning process to be initiated after washing the items to be washed, in order to clean the dirt adhered to inner and outer surfaces of the filter.

[0009] Thanks to the washing device and the filter cleaning method, after the dirty items are washed, the filter cleaning process is automatically initiated to clean the filter without the user's initiative or without the need for additional technical features such as additional dirtiness level measurement. Thanks to said washing device and filter cleaning method, the filter surfaces are cleaned with the effect of agitation. This ensures effective cleaning for all surfaces of the filter.

[0010] Object of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing device that comprises a filter cleaning assembly preventing the formation of a dirt layer on the filter surface and avoiding quality problems, and a filter cleaning method.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device that comprises a filter cleaning assembly providing effective cleaning on inner and outer surfaces of the filter with the effect of agitation, and a filter cleaning method.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device that provides automatic filter cleaning after each item washing process, and a filter cleaning method.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device comprising a filter cleaning assembly that can be disassembled in a practical way, and a filter cleaning method.

[0015] Description of the Drawings

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the washing device according to the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lower part of the washing device according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the lower part of the washing device according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is another side sectional view of the lower part of the washing device according to the invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filter cleaning assembly of the washing device according to the invention.

[0021] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0022] Washing device (B)

[0023] Body (B1)

[0024] First level (L)

[0025] Reservoir (1)

[0026] Discharge section (1a)

[0027] Filter (2)

[0028] Circulation pump (3)

[0029] Diverter (4)

[0030] Diverter body (4a)

[0031] Diverter motor (4b)

[0032] Diaphragm opening (4c)

[0033] Diaphragm (4d)

[0034] Filter outlet (4e)

[0035] Drain pump (5)

[0036] Filter cleaning assembly (6)

[0037] Connecting section (6a)

[0038] Assembly body (6b)

[0039] Nozzles (6c)

[0040] First portion (6d)

[0041] Second portion (6e)

[0042] Extension (6f) Filter bed (7) of the Invention

[0043] In washing devices, while washing the dirty items, the dirt removed from the item flows into the reservoir at the bottom of the washing device together with the washing / rinsing liquid. During the filtering of the dirty washing / rinsing liquid flowing into the reservoir, said dirt hits and adheres to the filter surface, thereby creating dirt layers on the filter surface after a while. Since these dirt layers have a clogging effect, they cause a decrease in washing performance. According to the state of the art, cleaning process of the filter has to be performed manually by the user. However, since the filter cleaning process is under the initiative of the user, the cleaning process may be forgotten. In another state of the art, there are washing devices that perform automatic filter cleaning according to the filter dirtiness level. However, the item washing processes in these washing devices are not performed with full performance until the initiation of the filter cleaning process. Therefore, the present invention provides a washing device comprising a filter cleaning assembly for solving said problems, and a filter cleaning method thereof.

[0044] The washing device (B) according to the present invention, which is illustrated in figures 1- 5, comprises at least one body (B1) comprising at least one inner compartment for placing the items to be washed; at least one reservoir (1) at the bottom of said body (B1) (i.e. at the part closer to the floor), which comprises at least one discharge section (1a) in the form of a recess to extend towards the floor, wherein dirty washing / rinsing liquid flows into the reservoir (1) during or after the washing process; at least one filter (2), preferably a microfilter, placed in the discharge section (1a) for filtering the dirty washing / rinsing liquid flowing into the reservoir (1); at least one circulation pump (3) connected to the discharge section (1a); at least one diverter (4) connected with the circulation pump (3) and the discharge section (1a) for directing the water coming from the circulation pump (3), wherein the diverter (4) comprises at least one diverter body (4a), at least one diverter motor (4b) connected with the diverter body (4a), and at least one diaphragm (4d) with at least one diaphragm opening (4c) thereon, which moves counterclockwise with the drive of the diverter motor (4b) for directing water; at least one drain pump (5) connected with the discharge section (1a), which discharges the dirty washing / rinsing liquid collected in reservoir (1) and discharge section (1a); at least one filter bed (7) which is at least provided on one part of the reservoir (1) with a space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1) surface. The washing device (B) also comprises said discharge section (1a) into which at least a first level of water (L) (preferably, said first level is such that it exceeds the filter (2) surface) is provided by means of the diverter (4) and the circulation pump (3) preferably at the final stage of the washing process; at least one filter cleaning assembly (6) in a form that surrounds at least one portion of the filter (2) for cleaning the filter (2) after each washing process, wherein the filter cleaning assembly (6) is connected on one side to said reservoir (1) (preferably to the side of the reservoir (1) where the filter bed (7) is located, so as to remain in the space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1)) and diverter (4), and the other side thereof is positioned at the discharge section (1a) between the filter (2) and the discharge section (1a), wherein the filter cleaning assembly (6) comprises a plurality of nozzles (6c) that spray the water coming from the diverter (4) to the discharge section (1a), thereby creating an agitation effect for the water in the discharge section (1a); at least one filter outlet (4e) on the diverter body (4a) of the diverter (4), which transfers the water from the circulation pump (3) to the filter cleaning assembly (6); at least one control unit which controls operation of the circulation pump (3) and the diverter motor (4b), and enables the filter cleaning process to be initiated after washing the items to be washed, in order to clean the dirt adhered to inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2). Here, said washing device is preferably a dishwasher.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said filter cleaning assembly (6) is in the form of a channel through which the water passes. The filter cleaning assembly (6) preferably comprises at least one connecting section (6a) connected to the reservoir (1) (preferably to the side of the reservoir (1) where the filter bed (7) is located, so as to remain in the space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1)); at least one assembly body (6b) in a form surrounding at least one part of the filter (2), which is connected to said connecting section (6a) by means of at least one connecting element (preferably a tab) and is located to remain between the filter (2) and discharge section (1a). Said nozzles (6c) are located on the assembly body (6b) so as to spray water into the discharge section (1a) (preferably, to the part of the discharge section (1a) between the assembly body (6b) and the filter (2)) and remain completely submerged in the water in the discharge section (1a). In this way, the water sprayed by the nozzles (6c) creates a agitation effect in the water in the discharge section (1a). With the effect of agitation, the dirt layer on the inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2) is purified more effectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly body (6b) comprises at least a first portion (6d) with one side connected to the connecting section (6a); and at least a second portion (6e) with one side fixed to the first portion (6d), which, when positioned in the discharge section (1a), extends towards the lower surface of the discharge section (1a) (i.e. away from the first portion (6d)) so as to surround the filter (2) with at least a first distance therebetween (preferably, evenly spaced), wherein the second portion (6e) comprises a plurality of extensions (6f) on which said nozzles (6c) are located. The first portion (6d) and the second portion (6e) mentioned here are fixed to each other by a welding method.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said filter cleaning assembly (6) has a demountable structure. Thus, when the filter cleaning assembly (6) needs to be replaced, at least one of the connecting section (6a) and the assembly body (6b) can be replaced with spare parts in a practical way. Similarly, the filter cleaning assembly (6) can be practically dismantled from said reservoir (1).

[0047] Further, the filter cleaning method of the washing device (B) according to the invention comprises the steps of filling said discharge section (1a) with water up to a first level (L) so as to submerge the entire filter surface of the filter (2) in water; initiating the filter cleaning process by the control unit after the washing process; actuating the diverter motor (4b) by the control unit and triggering said diaphragm (4d) by the diverter motor (4b) for rotational movement; when the diaphragm opening (4c) reaches the same position as the filter outlet (4e), passing the water, which has been pressurized and directed by the circulation pump (3), through the filter outlet (4e) to the filter cleaning assembly (6); spraying the water in the filter cleaning assembly (6) through the nozzles (6c) into the water in the discharge section (1a) in a pressurized manner, such that an agitation effect is created; cleaning the inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2) with the agitation effect. By agitating the water in the discharge section (1), inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2) are effectively cleaned.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said filter cleaning method comprises the steps of passing the water, which has been pressurized and directed by the circulation pump (3), through the filter outlet (4e) to the connecting section (6a) when the diaphragm opening (4c) reaches the same position as the filter outlet (4c); passing the water in the connecting section (6a) to the first portion (6d) in the assembly body (6b), and then to the second portion (6e) thereof, so that the water is sprayed by nozzles (6c) in a pressurized manner into the water in the discharge section (1a) to create an agitation effect.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said filter cleaning method comprises the steps of removing the dirty water from the discharge section (1a) by means of the drain pump (5), after cleaning the inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2) with the effect of agitation.

[0050] Thanks to the washing device (B) and the filter cleaning method, after the dirty items are washed, the filter cleaning process is automatically initiated to clean the filter (2) without the user's initiative or without the need for additional technical features such as additional dirtiness level measurement. Thanks to said washing device (B) and filter cleaning method, the filter (2) surfaces are cleaned with the effect of agitation. This ensures effective cleaning for all surfaces of the filter (2).

Claims

CLAIMS A washing device (B) comprising at least one body (B1) that comprises at least one inner compartment for placing the items to be washed; at least one reservoir (1) at the bottom of said body (B1), which comprises at least one discharge section (1a) in the form of a recess to extend towards the floor, wherein dirty washing / rinsing liquid flows into the reservoir (1) during or after the washing process; at least one filter (2) placed in the discharge section (1a) for filtering the dirty washing / rinsing liquid flowing into the reservoir (1); at least one circulation pump (3) connected to the discharge section (1a); at least one diverter (4) connected with the circulation pump (3) and the discharge section (1a) for directing the water coming from the circulation pump, wherein the diverter (4) comprises at least one diverter body (4a), at least one diverter motor (4b) connected with the diverter body (4a), and at least one diaphragm (4d) with at least one diaphragm opening (4c) thereon, which moves counterclockwise with the drive of the diverter motor (4b) for directing water; at least one drain pump (5) connected with the discharge section (1a), which discharges the dirty washing / rinsing liquid collected in reservoir (1) and discharge section (1a); at least one filter bed (7) which is at least provided on one part of the reservoir (1) with a space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1) surface, characterized by comprising said discharge section (1a) into which at least a first level of water (L) is provided by means of the diverter (4) and the circulation pump (3); at least one filter cleaning assembly (6) in a form that surrounds at least one portion of the filter (2) for cleaning the filter (2) after each washing process, wherein the filter cleaning assembly (6) is connected on one side to said reservoir (1) and diverter (4), and the other side thereof is positioned at the discharge section (1a) between the filter (2) and the discharge section (1a), wherein the filter cleaning assembly (6) comprises a plurality of nozzles (6c) that spray the water coming from the diverter (4) to the discharge section (1a), thereby creating an agitation effect for the water in the discharge section (1a); at least one filter outlet (4e) on the diverter body (4a) of the diverter (4), which transfers the water from the circulation pump (3) to the filter cleaning assembly (6); at least one control unit which controls operation of the circulation pump (3) and the diverter motor (4b), and enables the filter cleaning process to beinitiated after washing the items to be washed, in order to clean the dirt adhered to inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2). A washing device (B) according to claim 1 , characterized in that one side of the filter cleaning assembly (6) is connected to the side of the reservoir (1) where the filter bed (7) is located, so as to remain in the space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1). A washing device (B) according to claim 1, characterized in that said filter (2) is a microfilter. A washing device (B) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said filter cleaning assembly (6) is in the form of a channel through which the water passes. A washing device (B) according to claim 1 , claim 2 or claim 4, characterized in that the filter cleaning assembly (6) comprises at least one connecting section (6a) connected to the reservoir (1); at least one assembly body (6b) in a form surrounding at least one part of the filter (2), which is connected to said connecting section (6a) by means of at least one connecting element and is located to remain between the filter (2) and discharge section (1a). A washing device (B) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting section (6a) is connected to the side of the reservoir (1) where the filter bed (7) is located, so as to remain in the space between the filter bed (7) and the reservoir (1). A washing device (B) according to claim 5, characterized in that said nozzles (6c) are located on the assembly body (6b) so as to spray water into the discharge section (1a) and remain completely submerged in the water in the discharge section (1a). A washing device (B) according to claim 5, characterized in that said assembly body (6b) comprises at least a first portion (6d) with one side connected to theconnecting section (6a); and at least a second portion (6e) with one side fixed to the first portion (6d), which, when positioned in the discharge section (1a), extends towards the lower surface of the discharge section (1a) so as to surround the filter (2) with at least a first distance therebetween, wherein the second portion (6e) comprises a plurality of extensions (6f) on which said nozzles (6c) are located. A washing device (B) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said filter cleaning assembly (6) has a demountable structure. A filter cleaning method for a washing device (B) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising the steps of filling said discharge section (1a) with water up to a first level (L) so as to submerge the entire filter surface of the filter (2) in water; initiating the filter cleaning process by the control unit after the washing process; actuating the diverter motor (4b) by the control unit and triggering said diaphragm (4d) by the diverter motor (4b) for rotational movement; when the diaphragm opening (4c) reaches the same position as the filter outlet (4e), passing the water, which has been pressurized and directed by the circulation pump (3), through the filter outlet (4e) to the filter cleaning assembly (6); spraying the water in the filter cleaning assembly (6) through the nozzles (6c) into the water in the discharge section (1a) in a pressurized manner, such that an agitation effect is created; cleaning the inner and outer surfaces of the filter (2) with the agitation effect. A filter cleaning method according to claim 10, characterized by comprising the steps of passing the water, which has been pressurized and directed by the circulation pump (3), through the filter outlet (4e) to the connecting section (6a) when the diaphragm opening (4c) reaches the same position as the filter outlet (4c); passing the water in the connecting section (6a) to the first portion (6d) in the assembly body (6b), and then to the second portion (6e) thereof, so that the water is sprayed by nozzles (6c) in a pressurized manner into the water in the discharge section (1a) to create an agitation effect.

Images