A dishwasher comprising a water distribution member

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is arranged in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; at least one rack (4) which is disposed in the washing tub (3) and whereon the kitchen items to be washed are placed; at least one spraying member (5) which enables the water to be sprayed onto the rack (4); a water delivery line (6) which enables the water to be delivered to the spraying member (5) and which extends towards the ceiling of the washing tub (3); and a water outlet opening (61) which is provided on the water delivery line (6). The dishwasher further comprises a water distribution member (7) which is rotatably disposed on the water delivery line (6) so as to be positioned above at least one rack (4) and which has a receptacle body (71); a water inlet opening (72) provided on the receptacle body (71) and configured to receive at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) into the receptacle body (71); at least two fins (73) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the water outlet opening (61) and enabling the receptacle body (71) to be rotated by ensuring that at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) hits the fins (73); and at least one nozzle (74) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the rack (4) and enabling the water in the receptacle body (71) to be sprayed onto the rack (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a water distribution member and hence having improved washing performance.

[0002] In dishwashers, the washing process is realized by spraying the water received from the water delivery line onto the dishes by means of spraying members. The kitchen items placed onto the rack are cleaned with water pressure and detergent. The flow rate and pressure of the sprayed water are critical in terms of cleaning of the dishes. The layout of the dishes on the rack is very important to perform a highly-efficient washing process. Various racks have been developed to enable small-sized kitchen items such as forks and knives to be cleaned without being tossed around inside the washing tub. The most efficient type of rack recently used for cutlery is a third rack, known as the cutlery rack, which is located close to the ceiling. The racks with a horizontal arrangement are advantageous in terms of both usability and cleaning performance. However, it is difficult for the water coming from the spraying member located underneath the rack to reach the top wall of the washing tub. In particular, when the water pressure is low or when large-sized kitchen items are placed in the upper rack, the water cannot reach the ceiling cutlery rack. To solve the problems encountered in such cases, the water delivery line is extended toward the ceiling of the washing tub, and an additional water distribution member is developed for the uppermost area. Thus, the water is delivered to the ceiling cutlery rack and to the kitchen items placed on the upper rack. However, the water exiting from the state of the art water distribution member is not sufficiently pressurized, and the water is delivered randomly onto the rack, which results in the kitchen items on the rack not being properly cleaned. Therefore, there is a need for a dishwasher comprising a water distribution member which delivers the water more efficiently onto the kitchen items on the rack.

[0003] In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP2134230, a dishwasher comprising a water distribution member is disclosed.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher wherein the kitchen items placed on the rack are effectively cleaned.

[0005] 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, and at least one rack whereon the dishes to be washed are placed. The dishwasher preferably comprises a lower rack, an upper rack, and a cutlery rack. The washing tub also comprises at least one spraying member which enables the water to be sprayed onto the racks. The water is delivered to the spraying member through a water delivery line. The dishwasher further comprises a water distribution member which is positioned on the water delivery line, preferably above the cutlery rack. The water distribution member has a receptacle body which receives the water exiting from a water outlet opening of the water delivery line, and at least two fins which are provided on the surface of the receptacle body facing the water outlet opening. By ensuring that at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening hits the said fins, the receptacle body is rotated. Thus, the water distribution member is rotated by means of the fins without the need for an additional rotary wheel. Since the use of an additional wheel is not required, a volume is gained in the water distribution member. The water is received into the receptacle body by means of a water inlet opening provided on the surface of the receptacle body facing the water outlet opening. The water received into the receptacle body is pressurized and sprayed onto the rack by means of at least one nozzle provided on the surface of the receptacle body facing the rack. Thus, the receptacle body is rotated with a portion of the water exiting from the water outlet opening of the water delivery line, and the remaining portion is received into the receptacle body and pressurized by means of the nozzle to be delivered onto the cutlery rack. Since the nozzle is located on the receptacle body, the nozzle is also rotated together with the receptacle body. Thus, the water in the water delivery line is enabled to be mechanically delivered to every region of the rack in a pressurized manner. Thus, the kitchen items such as forks, spoons, and knives on the rack are enabled to be efficiently cleaned.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the water outlet opening is greater than the diameter of the water inlet opening. Thus, by using a single water outlet opening, both the delivery of water into the receptacle body and the delivery of water onto the fins are ensured.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water distribution member is connected to the water delivery line by means of a holder. Thus, the water distribution member is enabled to be securely positioned in the washing tub and above the rack.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water distribution member comprises a connection protrusion which extends downward from the receptacle body. The holder comprises a connection housing wherein the said connection protrusion is at least partially fitted. Through the connection protrusion and the connection housing, the water distribution member is rotatably connected to the holder. Thus, the water distribution member is positioned on the water delivery line.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating surface comprises a receptacle opening. The receptacle opening enables at least a portion of the water in the receptacle body to be transferred to the connection housing. Thus, a water jacket is formed between the receptacle body and the connection housing, facilitating the rotation of the water distribution member.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating surface comprises a plurality of receptacle openings. Thus, the leakage of water into the space between the receptacle body and the connection housing is accelerated, and the friction between the water distribution member and the holder is more quickly reduced.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water distribution member comprises a curved part. The curved part has the form of a truncated hemisphere. The nozzle is positioned on the curved part. Thus, while the water distribution member is rotated, the water is delivered to different points of the rack by means of the nozzle provided on the curved part, improving the washing performance of the dishwasher.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water distribution member comprises a plurality of nozzles. Thus, the amount of water delivered onto the rack per unit time is increased. Moreover, the water is enabled to be delivered simultaneously to different points of the rack.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzles have different water outlet angles relative to one another. Thus, the water is enabled to be simultaneously delivered to different points of the rack, increasing the speed and efficiency of the washing process.

[0014] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher is realized, wherein by means of a water distribution member provided above the rack, the velocity of the water delivered onto the rack is increased in a cost-effective manner and the washing performance is improved.

[0015] The dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the dishwasher related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the water distribution member of the dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 - is the sideways view of the water distribution member of the dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 - is the top view of the water distribution member of the dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 - is the perspective view of the water delivery line, the holder and the water distribution member of the dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 - is the bottom perspective view of the water delivery line of the dishwasher related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1. Dishwasher 2. Body 3. Washing tub 4. Rack 5. Spraying member 6. Water delivery line 61. Water outlet opening 7. Water distribution member 71. Receptacle body 72. Water inlet opening 73. Fin 74. Nozzle 75. Connection protrusion 76. Seating surface 77. Receptacle opening 78. Curved part 8. Holder 81. Connection housing

[0017] The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is arranged in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; at least one rack (4) which is disposed in the washing tub (3) and whereon the kitchen items to be washed are placed; at least one spraying member (5) which enables the water to be sprayed onto the rack (4); a water delivery line (6) which enables the water to be delivered to the spraying member (5) and which extends towards the ceiling of the washing tub (3); and a water outlet opening (61) which is provided on the water delivery line (6). Preferably, a plurality of racks (4) are provided in the washing tub (3).

[0018] The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a water distribution member (7) which is rotatably disposed on the water delivery line (6) so as to be positioned above at least one rack (4) and which has a receptacle body (71); a water inlet opening (72) provided on the receptacle body (71) and configured to receive at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) into the receptacle body (71); at least two fins (73) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the water outlet opening (61) and enabling the receptacle body (71) to be rotated by ensuring that at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) hits the fins (73); and at least one nozzle (74) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the rack (4) and enabling the water in the receptacle body (71) to be sprayed onto the rack (4). The water distribution member (7) is disposed on the water delivery line (6) such that the water inlet opening (72) faces the water outlet opening (61). At least a portion of the water flowing out of the water outlet opening (61) is received into the receptacle body (71) through the water inlet opening (72). The water in the receptacle body (71) is sprayed onto the rack (4) by means of the nozzle (74). Thus, the water coming from the water delivery line (6) and exiting from the water outlet opening (61) is accelerated and delivered onto the kitchen items on the rack (4). The receptacle body (71) is rotatably mounted on the water delivery line (6). The fins (73) extend from the receptacle body (71) in the form of a protrusion. The fins (73) extend perpendicular to a rotation axis (X) of the receptacle body (71). A portion of the water exiting from the water outlet opening (61) is enabled to hit the fins (73) provided on the receptacle body (71) so as to rotate the receptacle body (71). Thus, the receptacle body (71) is enabled to be rotated by means of the fins (73), and the water received into the receptacle body (71) and pressurized by means of the nozzle (74) is delivered to different regions of the rack (4). Consequently, the kitchen items placed on the rack (4) are enabled to be effectively cleaned.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the water outlet opening (61) having a larger diameter than the diameter of the water inlet opening (72). Thus, a portion of the water exiting from the water outlet opening (61) is received into the receptacle body (71) by means of the water inlet opening (72), while another portion is delivered onto the fins (73).

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a holder (8) which is connected to the water delivery line (6), whereon the water distribution member (7) is rotatably mounted, and which supports the water distribution member (7). As seen in Figure 5, by means of the holder (8) connected to the water delivery line (6) at one end, the water distribution member (7) is connected to the water delivery line (6) such that the water inlet opening (72) is located below the water outlet opening (61). The water distribution member (7) is rotatably placed onto the holder (8). Thus, the water distribution member (7) is enabled to be rotated in a balanced manner.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a connection protrusion (75) which is provided on the water distribution member (7) and which extends in the direction of a rotation axis (X) of the water distribution member (7); and a connection housing (81) which is provided on the holder (8), into which the connection protrusion (75) is at least partially fitted, and which guides the rotational movement of the water distribution member (7). As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the connection protrusion (75) extends in the direction of the rotation axis (X). The connection housing (81) extends in the same direction as the connection protrusion (75). The connection protrusion (75) is rotatably connected into the connection housing (81). The connection housing (81) restricts the movements of the connection protrusion (75) other than the rotational movement. Thus, the water distribution member (7) is enabled to be safely rotated.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a seating surface (76) which is provided on the receptacle body (71) and which seats on the connection housing (81) when the water distribution member (7) is placed onto the holder (8). The seating surface (76) surrounds the connection protrusion (75). The seating surface (76) seats on the walls surrounding the opening located at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71). While the water distribution member (7) is being rotated, the seating surface (76) is rotated on the walls surrounding the opening located at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71). In other words, the seating surface (76) guides the rotational movement of the water distribution member (7).

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one receptacle opening (77) which is provided on the seating surface (76) and which enables at least a portion of the water in the receptacle body (71) to be delivered onto the connection housing (81). The receptacle opening (77) is positioned directly above the wall surrounding the opening located at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71). By means of the water leaking from the receptacle opening (77) onto the connection housing (81), the friction between the seating surface (76) and the wall surrounding the opening at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71) is reduced while the water distribution member (7) is being rotated. Thus, the water distribution member (7) is enabled to be rotated more rapidly.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the water distribution member (7) having at least two receptacle openings (77). Both receptacle openings (77) are positioned directly above the wall surrounding the opening located at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71). Thus, by forming a plurality of receptacle openings (77) between the seating surface (76) and the wall surrounding the opening located at the end of the connection housing (81) facing the receptacle body (71), the friction is reduced at multiple points. Thus, the water distribution member (7) is enabled to be rotated more rapidly. In a preferred version of the present invention, at least three receptacle openings (77) which are formed at equal intervals are provided on the seating surface (76). Thus, the rotation of the water distribution member (7) is facilitated and balanced.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a curved part (78) which is provided on the surface of the water distribution member (7) facing the rack (4), and at least one nozzle (74) which is provided on the curved part (78). The curved part (78) is formed on the surface located below the fins (73). The curved part (78) has the form of a truncated lower hemisphere so as to face the rack (4). Thus, the nozzle (74) provided on the curved part (78) faces the rack (4). Moreover, the nozzle (74) provided on the curved part (78) is enabled to spray the water onto the rack (4) at an angle.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the water distribution member (7) having at least two nozzles (74). By using a plurality of nozzles (74) and rotating the water distribution member (7), the water is enabled to be sprayed onto every point of the rack (4). Thus, the washing performance of the dishwasher (1) is improved.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises at least two nozzles (74) having different water outlet angles. The nozzles (74) are positioned on the receptacle body (71) such that the water flowing from each nozzle (74) scans different areas of the rack (4). Thus, the water is effectively delivered onto the entire surface of the rack (4).

[0028] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher (1) is realized, wherein the pressurized water is enabled to delivered to every region of the rack (4) and the washing performance is improved in a cost-effective manner by means of the water distribution member (7) comprising the fins (73) which generate rotational torque by receiving the water coming from the water delivery line (6), and at least one nozzle (74) which pressurizes the water from the water delivery line (6).

Claims

1. A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is arranged in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; at least one rack (4) which is disposed in the washing tub (3) and whereon the kitchen items to be washed are placed; at least one spraying member (5) which enables the water to be sprayed onto the rack (4); a water delivery line (6) which enables the water to be delivered to the spraying member (5) and which extends towards the ceiling of the washing tub (3); and a water outlet opening (61) which is provided on the water delivery line (6), characterized by a water distribution member (7) which is rotatably disposed on the water delivery line (6) so as to be positioned above at least one rack (4) and which has a receptacle body (71); a water inlet opening (72) provided on the receptacle body (71) and configured to receive at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) into the receptacle body (71); at least two fins (73) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the water outlet opening (61) and enabling the receptacle body (71) to be rotated by ensuring that at least a portion of the water coming from the water outlet opening (61) hits the fins (73); and at least one nozzle (74) provided on the surface of the receptacle body (71) facing the rack (4) and enabling the water in the receptacle body (71) to be sprayed onto the rack (4).

2. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the water outlet opening (61) having a larger diameter than the diameter of the water inlet opening (72).

3. A dishwasher as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by a holder (8) which is connected to the water delivery line (6), whereon the water distribution member (7) is rotatably mounted, and which supports the water distribution member (7).

4. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by a connection protrusion (75) which is provided on the water distribution member (7) and which extends in the direction of a rotation axis (X) of the water distribution member (7); and a connection housing (81) which is provided on the holder (8), into which the connection protrusion (75) is at least partially fitted, and which guides the rotational movement of the water distribution member (7).

5. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by a seating surface (76) which is provided on the receptacle body (71) and which seats on the connection housing (81) when the water distribution member (7) is placed onto the holder (8).

6. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by at least one receptacle opening (77) which is provided on the seating surface (76) and which enables at least a portion of the water in the receptacle body (71) to be delivered onto the connection housing (81).

7. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the water distribution member (7) having at least two receptacle openings (77).

8. A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a curved part (78) which is provided on the surface of the water distribution member (7) facing the rack (4), and at least one nozzle (74) which is provided on the curved part (78).

9. A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the water distribution member (7) having at least two nozzles (74).

10. A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 9, characterized by at least two nozzles (74) having different water outlet angles.

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