A dishwasher comprising an automatic door opening mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a door (4) which insulates the washing tub (3) from the external environment; a door lock (5) which locks the door (4); and a door opening mechanism (7) having an actuator (6) which pushes and partially opens the door (4) at the end of the washing and drying processes so as to leave a gap between the door (4) and the body (2).

Description

[0001] 7.3641

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] A DISHWASHER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENING MECHANISM

[0004] The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising an automatic door opening mechanism.

[0005] In dishwashers, the drying process is performed after the washing process. In some embodiments, upon the completion of the washing and drying processes, the door of the dishwasher can be partially opened automatically, the hot vapor therein is discharged to the outer environment and the washed items are enabled to dry faster. In dishwashers wherein the door is partially opened automatically at the end of the washing and drying processes, applying lower temperatures in the drying process is sufficient and thus, energy is saved. Opening of the dishwasher door automatically, furthermore, prevents the vapor cooling up from condensing and leaving stains on the washed items. In the state of the art, in order to ensure that the door is opened automatically, door opening mechanisms are used which extend from the body towards the door and enable the door to be partially opened by pushing the door by the activation of the devices such as solenoid motor or electric motor. In some embodiments, the door lock which enables the door to be locked also forms a part of the door opening mechanism, keeping the door locked during the washing program and additionally pushing the door to partially open the same at the end of the washing program. When the door is partially opened by the door opening mechanism at the end of the washing program, the user may sometimes attempt to push the door in the opposite direction to close the same, which lead to damage to the door opening mechanism.

[0006] In the state of the art European Patent No. EP2568864, a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising an automatic door opening mechanism which enables the door to be opened slightly between the washing and drying processes.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a dishwasher comprising a door opening mechanism which enables the door to be opened automatically.

[0008] 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; a door which isolates the washing tub from the outer environment; a door lock which locks the door; and a door opening mechanism comprising an actuator which pushes the door to partially open the same. The door opening mechanism enables the door to be opened partially so as to allow the hot steam inside to escape. Thereby, the drying performance is increased. 7.3641

[0009] The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a door opening mechanism having a first shaft which pushes the door slightly using the energy received from the actuator, an arm which is connected to the first shaft and a second shaft which further pushes the door using the motion received from the movement arm. Thus, the door is first released from the lock and partially opened, and then pushed further by the second shaft. This enables a greater amount of hot steam to be expelled. Moreover, the fact that the door is actuated from two parallel points ensures more balanced opening.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a movement spring which is provided between the first shaft and the movement arm and which transmits the motion of the first shaft to the movement arm. By means of the structure of the spring, smoother transmission of motion is ensured.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a counter spring which is symmetrical with the movement spring along a horizontal axis. When the movement mechanism is activated and / or deactivated to open the door, the kinetic energy of the movement spring is counteracted by the counter spring. Thus, more balanced movement is ensured.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a casing, and the door opening mechanism having the movement arm one end of which is connected to the casing. The door opening mechanism is mounted on the casing. One end of the movement arm is rotatably fixed to the casing. The other end of the movement arm transmits the motion to the second shaft.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a transfer member which is provided between the movement arm and the second shaft. The transfer member transmits the motion of the movement arm, which is positioned horizontally, to the second shaft, which is located on a vertical plane. The transfer member enables smoother transmission of the motion.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the door opening mechanism having an L-shaped lever which is provided between the actuator and the first shaft and which transfers the linear motion received from the actuator to the first shaft by rotating the direction of the motion by 90 degrees. By means of the lever, the direction of motion received from the actuator is changed.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a pin which enables the lever to be mounted on the casing so as to rotate around a fixed axis; a piston which transfers the horizontal linear motion received from the actuator to the lever; a transfer end which is provided at the other end of the lever and which transmits the linear motion by rotating the same 90 7.3641 degrees; and a transmission member which receives the motion from the transfer end to transmit the same to the first shaft. The lever is connected to the casing by means of the pin. With the motion received from the actuator, the piston pushes the lever from one end, and the lever, which rotates on the pin, changes the direction of motion by 90 degrees. The transfer end provided at the other end of the lever and the transmission member are compatible with one another, ensuring the transmission of the motion in the vertical direction.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a transfer spring which is provided between the transmission member and the first shaft. By means of the energy received from the transmission member, the transfer spring pushes the first shaft toward the door.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises the door opening mechanism having a control unit. The control unit controls how far the door needs to be opened.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher comprises a plurality of indicators which are provided on the second shaft. By means of the indicators, the amount of the door opening can be determined and controlled.

[0019] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher is realized, comprising a door opening mechanism enabling the door to be opened to the desired extent.

[0020] A dishwasher realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0021] Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the dishwasher.

[0022] Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the casing and the body.

[0023] Figure 3 - is the schematic view of the door opening mechanism.

[0024] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows.

[0025] 1- Dishwasher

[0026] 2- Body

[0027] 3- Washing tub

[0028] 4- Door

[0029] 5- Door lock

[0030] 6- Actuator

[0031] 7- Door opening mechanism 7.3641

[0032] 8- First shaft

[0033] 9- Movement arm

[0034] 10- Second shaft

[0035] 11- Movement spring

[0036] 12- Counter spring

[0037] 13- Casing

[0038] 14- Transfer member

[0039] 15- Lever

[0040] 16- Pin

[0041] 17- Piston

[0042] 18- Transfer end

[0043] 19- Transmission member

[0044] 20- Transfer spring

[0045] 21- Control unit

[0046] 22- Indicator

[0047] The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a door (4) which insulates the washing tub (3) from the external environment; a door lock (5) which locks the door (4); and a door opening mechanism (7) having an actuator (6) which pushes and partially opens the door (4) at the end of the washing and drying processes so as to leave a gap between the door (4) and the body (2). By means of the energy received from the actuator (6), the door (4) is enabled to be pushed and partially opened when the washing process ends. Thus, the dense and hot air inside is removed from the washing tub (3), and the drying performance is improved.

[0048] The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a first shaft (8) which moves toward the door (4) using the energy received from the actuator (6), a movement arm (9) which transmits motion as a result of the motion of the first shaft (8), and a second shaft (10) which is connected at one end to the movement arm (9), which extends at the 7.3641 other end toward the door (4) and which is parallel to the first shaft (8). The first shaft (8) is actuated with the energy received from the actuator (6). The movement arm (9) moves with the motion of the first shaft (8) so as to ensure that energy is transmitted to the second shaft (10). Thus, the second shaft (10) moves toward the door (4) and pushes the door (4). The first shaft (8) pushes the door (4) slightly, enabling the door (4) to be released from the door lock (5). The second shaft (10) pushes the door (4) further, ensuring that a greater amount of hot steam is discharged from the washing tub (3).

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a movement spring (11) which is provided between the first shaft (8) and the movement arm (9) and which transfers energy between the first shaft (8) and the movement arm (9). The first shaft (8) and the movement arm (9) are connected by means of the movement spring (11). The motion of the first shaft (8) is transmitted to the movement spring (11), and the movement spring (11) enables the motion of the movement arm (9).

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a counter spring (12) which is provided symmetrically to the movement spring (11) with respect to a horizontal axis and which balances the motion in the opposite direction. The movement spring (11) and the counter spring (12) are symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the centers thereof. Thus, as the door (4) opens and closes, the movement spring (11) and the counter spring (12) balance the motion of each other and prevent excessive load on the system.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a casing (13) whereon the door opening mechanism (7) is mounted and the movement arm (9) which is rotatably connected at one end to a corner of the casing (13), which extends along a horizontal plane and which, at the other end, transmits the motion to the second shaft (10). The door opening mechanism (7) is mounted on a casing (13). One end of the movement arm (9) is rotatably fixed to the casing (13). The other end of the movement arm (9) enables the second shaft (10) to be actuated. The movement arm (9) extends nearly horizontally from one corner of the casing (13) to another. The first shaft (8) and the second shaft (10) are positioned parallel to each other and both extend toward the door (4). Thus, the movement arm (9) enables the transfer of the motion.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) including a transfer member (14) which is provided between the movement arm 7.3641

[0053] (9) and the second shaft (10) and which changes the direction of motion nearly perpendicularly. The movement arm (9) is positioned almost on a horizontal plane. The second shaft (10) is positioned toward the door (4) on a vertical plane. The transfer member (14) ensures smoother transmission of motion between the movement arm (9) and the second shaft (10). By moving at the connection points thereof, the transfer member (14) ensures smoother motion transmission and power delivery.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having an L-shaped lever (15) which is provided between the actuator (6) and the first shaft (8) and which transmits the linear motion received from the actuator (6) to the first shaft (8) by rotating the direction of motion by 90 degrees. By means of the lever (15), the motion received from the actuator (6) is rotated by 90 degrees and transmitted to the first shaft (8). Thus, the first shaft (8) is enabled to move.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a pin (16) which enables the lever (15) to be mounted on the casing (13) so as to rotate around a fixed axis; a piston (17) which transfers the horizontal linear motion received from the actuator (6) to the lever (15); a transfer end (18) which is provided at the other end of the lever (15) and which transmits the linear motion by rotating the same 90 degrees; and a transmission member (19) which receives the motion from the transfer end (18) to transmit the same to the first shaft (8). The lever (15) is rotatably fixed to the casing (13) by means of the pin (16). By means of the piston (17), the motion from the actuator (6) is transmitted to the lever (15), and the lever (15) is pushed on the horizontal plane. The lever (15), which is pushed from one end on the horizontal plane, rotates about the pin (16) and ensures that the motion is transmitted at the other end thereof on the vertical plane. The transfer end (18) is compatible with the transmission member (19) so as to enable the motion to be transmitted directly on the vertical plane. Thus, the transmission member (19) moves on the vertical plane and ensures that the first shaft (8) moves toward the door (4).

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a transfer spring (20) which is provided between the transmission member (19) and the first shaft (8). By means of the transfer spring (20) provided between the transmission member (19) and the first shaft (8), smoother transmission of motion is ensured.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a control unit (21) which ensures the control of the motion transmission. 7.3641

[0058] The control unit (21) enables the actuator (6) to be activated and energy to be generated depending on the program cycles. Thus, the door (4) is enabled to be opened depending on the characteristics of the washing cycles.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises the door opening mechanism (7) having a plurality of indicators (22) which are provided at intervals on the second shaft (10) and which ensure that the amount of pushing of the door (4) is determined. The second shaft (10) enables the door (4) to be opened further. By means of the indicators (22) provided thereon, the control unit (21) controls the opening distance of the door (4). Depending on the type and temperature of the program, the opening distance of the door (4) can be determined. Thus, the drying efficiency is increased.

[0060] By means of the present invention, a dishwasher (1) is realized, comprising a door opening mechanism (7) which enables the door (4) to be partially opened at the desired distance. While the first shaft (8) pushes the door (4) at a distance required to release the door lock (5), the second shaft (10) ensures that the door (4) is opened further. Thus, a greater amount of hot steam is discharged, and the drying performance is improved.

Claims

CLAIMS1- A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a door (4) which insulates the washing tub (3) from the external environment; a door lock (5) which locks the door (4); and a door opening mechanism (7) having an actuator (6) which pushes and partially opens the door (4) at the end of the washing and drying processes so as to leave a gap between the door (4) and the body (2), characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a first shaft (8) which moves toward the door (4) using the energy received from the actuator (6), a movement arm (9) which transmits motion as a result of the motion of the first shaft (8), and a second shaft (10) which is connected at one end to the movement arm (9), which extends at the other end toward the door (4) and which is parallel to the first shaft (8).2- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a movement spring (11) which is provided between the first shaft (8) and the movement arm (9) and which transfers energy between the first shaft (8) and the movement arm (9).3- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a counter spring (12) which is provided symmetrically to the movement spring (11) with respect to a horizontal axis and which balances the motion in the opposite direction.4- A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a casing (13) whereon the door opening mechanism (7) is mounted and the movement arm (9) which is rotatably connected at one end to a comer of the casing (13), which extends along a horizontal plane and which, at the other end, transmits the motion to the second shaft (10).5- A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) including a transfer member (14) which is provided between the movement arm (9) and the second shaft (10) and which changes the direction of motion nearly perpendicularly.6- A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having an L-shaped lever (15) which is provided between the actuator (6)and the first shaft (8) and which transmits the linear motion received from the actuator (6) to the first shaft (8) by rotating the direction of motion by 90 degrees.7- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a pin (16) which enables the lever (15) to be mounted on the casing (13) so as to rotate around a fixed axis; a piston (17) which transfers the horizontal linear motion received from the actuator (6) to the lever (15); a transfer end (18) which is provided at the other end of the lever (15) and which transmits the linear motion by rotating the same 90 degrees; and a transmission member (19) which receives the motion from the transfer end (18) to transmit the same to the first shaft (8).8- A dishwasher (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a transfer spring (20) which is provided between the transmission member (19) and the first shaft (8).9- A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a control unit (21) which ensures the control of the motion transmission.10- A dishwasher (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the door opening mechanism (7) having a plurality of indicators (22) which are provided at intervals on the second shaft (10) and which ensure that the amount of pushing of the door (4) is determined.

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