The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher comprising a pivot arm arrangement supporting a rack relative to the washing chamber, wherein the pivot arm arrangement is movable from a lower position to an upper position so as to elevate the rack from a first extracted position to an elevated position.
A dishwasher is an apparatus for washing items such as dishware, cutlery, and the like. A dishwasher comprises a washing chamber and one or more racks for housing the items to be cleaned. A dishwasher typically comprises one or more spray arms spraying washing liquid, e.g. a mixture of water and detergent, onto the items to clean them.
Conventionally, the racks can only be moved horizontally in and out of the washing chamber. For a lower rack placed at a bottom of the washing chamber, a user will have to bend over to perform loading or unloading of items. This may result in physical discomfort, especially for disabled and/or elder people.
Therefore, pivot arm arrangements have been developed being movable from a lower position to an upper position so as to elevate the rack from a first extracted position to an elevated position. Such pivot arm arrangements are for example disclosed in US 2012/0074080 or WO 2014/033092. Due to the elevation of the rack to the elevated position, the loading and unloading of items in the rack is significantly facilitated and can be performed in a more ergonomic manner.
As explained above, pivot arm arrangements can provide a more ergonomic and user-friendly dishwasher. However, some problems remain regarding flexibility, ergonomic aspects, and the user-friendliness of such dishwashers.
Furthermore, generally, on today's consumer market, it is an advantage if products, such as dishwashers, have conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by dishwasher comprising a washing chamber and a rack movably arranged in horizontal directions into and out from the washing chamber between an inserted position and a first extracted position. The dishwasher further comprises a pivot arm arrangement supporting the rack relative to the washing chamber. The pivot arm arrangement is movable from a lower position to an upper position so as to elevate the rack from the first extracted position to an elevated position. The dishwasher further comprises an actuator assembly transferrable between a first state in which the actuator assembly is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement to move from the lower position towards the upper position upon movement of the rack to the first extracted position, and a second state in which the actuator assembly is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement to remain in the lower position upon movement of the rack to the first extracted position and allow movement of the rack in a horizontal direction out from the washing chamber past the first extracted position.
Since the dishwasher comprises the actuator assembly being transferrable between the first and second states, a more flexible dishwasher is provided. This because the dishwasher allows a user to move the rack in the horizontal direction out from the washing chamber past the first extracted position to a second extracted position located further out from the washing chamber than the first extracted position, or to an elevated position, simply by selecting the state of the actuator assembly and move the rack towards the first extracted position.
Prior art pivot arm arrangements are configured to initiate movement from a lower position to an upper position when the rack reaches a first extracted position. This puts limitations on the distance in which the rack can be moved horizontally out from the washing chamber when the pivot arm arrangement is in the lower position.
However, since the dishwasher according to the present disclosure comprises the actuator assembly being transferrable between the first and second states, a user can select whether to move the rack in the horizontal direction out from the washing chamber past the first extracted position to the second extracted position simply by transferring the actuator assembly to the second state and moving the rack in the horizontal direction out from the washing chamber past the first extracted position. In this manner, the loading and unloading of items in the rack can be further facilitated when the pivot arm arrangement is in the lower position, especially loading and unloading of items at rear portions of the rack. Moreover, since the actuator assembly allows movement of the rack past the first extracted position, a user can in a simpler and more ergonomic manner reach lower portions of the washing chamber, for example when wanting to clean filters and/or fill salt in a salt container which may be positioned at the lower portions of the washing chamber.
If the user instead wants to elevate the rack, the user can ensure that the actuator assembly is in the first state and move the rack to the first extracted position. Accordingly, a dishwasher is provided allowing a user to select between two alternative pathways of the rack simply by selecting state of the actuator assembly and move the rack towards the first extracted position. Thus, a more flexible, ergonomic, and user-friendly dishwasher is provided.
Accordingly, a dishwasher is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.
Optionally, the actuator assembly is biased towards the first state. Thereby, the pivot arm arrangement will initiate movement from the lower position towards the upper position when the rack reaches the first extracted position in an automatic manner in case the actuator assembly is unactuated. Thereby, an even more user-friendly dishwasher is provided
Optionally, the actuator assembly is arranged on the rack. Thereby, an even more user-friendly dishwasher is provided. Moreover, a dishwasher is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the actuator assembly comprises an actuator for transferring the actuator assembly from the first state to the second state. Thereby, the actuator assembly can be transferred from the first state to the second state in a simple and user-friendly manner.
Optionally, the actuator is arranged at a front side of the rack. Thereby, the actuator assembly can be transferred from the first state to the second state in a simpler and more user-friendly manner.
Optionally, the rack comprises a handle for facilitating movement of the rack in horizontal directions into and out from the washing chamber, and wherein the actuator is arranged adjacent to the handle. Thereby, the actuator assembly can be transferred from the first state to the second state in a simple, intuitive, and more user-friendly manner, for example by applying a force onto the actuator and the handle using one hand. In addition, unintentional actuation of the actuator assembly can be avoided.
Optionally, the actuator is arranged below the handle. Thereby, the actuator assembly can be transferred from the first state to the second state in a simple, intuitive, and more user-friendly manner, for example by positioning the palm of a hand onto the handle and by actuating the actuator using the fingers of the hand. In addition, since the actuator is arranged below the handle, unintentional actuation of the actuator assembly can be avoided.
Optionally, the actuator is movable between the first and second states, and wherein the actuator assembly is transferred from the first state to the second state when the actuator is moved in a direction towards the handle. Thereby, the actuator assembly can be transferred from the first state to the second state in a simple, intuitive, and more user-friendly manner, for example by positioning the palm of a hand onto the handle and by pressing the actuator towards the handle using the fingers of the hand.
Optionally, the actuator assembly comprises an actuator arm hinged relative to the rack, and wherein the actuator is arranged on the actuator arm. Thereby, a simple and reliable actuator assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the dishwasher comprises a lock assembly configured to, in a locked state, lock the pivot arm arrangement in the lower position, and in an unlocked state, unlock the pivot arm arrangement from the lower position, and wherein the an actuator assembly is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement to move from the lower position towards the upper position by transferring the lock assembly to the unlocked state, and is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement to remain in the lower position by assuming a state which causes the lock assembly to remain in the locked state. Thereby, a dishwasher is provided allowing a user to select between two alternative pathways of the rack in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner, simply by selecting state of the actuator assembly and move the rack towards the first extracted position. In addition, a dishwasher is provided in which it is ensured that the pivot arm arrangement is remained in the lower position when the actuator assembly is in the second state and the rack is moved to and past the first extracted position.
Optionally, the lock assembly comprises a locking member and a locking element, the locking member being provided with a first recess, wherein the locked state constitutes a state in which the locking element is positioned in the first recess, and wherein unlocked state constitutes a state in which the locking element is positioned outside of the first recess. Thereby, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a dishwasher is provided in which it is further ensured that the pivot arm arrangement is remained in the lower position when the actuator assembly is in the second state and the rack is moved to and past the first extracted position.
Optionally, the locking element is arranged on the pivot arm arrangement. Thereby, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the dishwasher comprises a rail allowing the movement of the rack in the horizontal directions into and out from the washing chamber, and wherein the locking member is stationary arranged relative to the rail. Thereby, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the actuator assembly comprises an actuator member arranged to move the locking element out of the first recess when the actuator assembly is in the first state and when the rack is moved to the first extracted position. Thereby, the lock assembly is transferred to the unlocked state in a simple and reliable manner allowing the pivot arm arrangement to move from the lower position towards the upper position. Moreover, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the actuator member is operably connected to the actuator via the actuator arm. Thereby, a simple and reliable actuator assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the actuator assembly is arranged to, upon transfer to the second state, move the actuator member to a position which causes the locking element to remain in the first recess upon movement of the rack to the first extracted position. Thereby, it is ensured that the pivot arm arrangement is remained in the lower position when the actuator assembly is in the second state and that the rack can be moved to and past the first extracted position, in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.
Optionally, the locking element is arranged to abut against the actuator member to hinder horizontal movement of the rack past the first extracted position when the actuator assembly is in the first state. Thereby, it is ensured that the rack can be elevated from the first extracted position to the elevated position in a controlled and reliable manner.
Optionally, the actuator member is configured to assume a position which allows movement of the actuator member past the locking element in the horizontal direction out from the washing chamber when the actuator assembly is in the second state. Thereby, an actuator assembly is provided allowing movement of the rack in a horizontal direction out from the washing chamber past the first extracted position without transferring the lock assembly to the unlocked state in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.
Optionally, the lock assembly is transferrable to an upper locked state in which the lock assembly locks the pivot arm arrangement in the upper position, and wherein the actuator assembly is operably connected to the lock assembly for unlocking the lock assembly from the upper locked state. Thereby, the loading and unloading of items in the rack can be performed in a more secure and user-friendly manner when the rack is in the elevated position. Moreover, a lock assembly is provided capable of performing at least two tasks, namely locking the pivot arm arrangement in the lower position and locking the pivot arm arrangement in the upper position. In addition, an actuator assembly is provided serving several functions including control of pathway of the rack and unlocking the lock assembly from the upper locked state. In this manner, a dishwasher is provided which can be used in a simpler, more intuitive, and more user-friendly manner. In addition, a dishwasher is provided comprising advanced features and functions while the dishwasher has conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Optionally, the lock assembly is configured to assume the upper locked state when the pivot arm arrangement is moved to the upper position. Thereby, a dishwasher is provided in which the rack is locked in the elevated position in an automatic manner when the rack reaches the elevated position. In this manner, a more user-friendly dishwasher is provided.
Optionally, the locking member is provided with a second recess, and wherein the upper locked state constitutes a state in which the locking element is positioned in the second recess. Thereby, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a dishwasher is provided in which it is further ensured that the pivot arm arrangement can be remained in the upper position, i.e. that the rack can be remained in the elevated position.
Optionally, the actuator assembly is configured to unlock the lock assembly from the upper locked state when being transferred to the second state. Thereby, the lock assembly can be unlocked from the upper locked state, and thus also the rack from the elevated position, in a simple, intuitive, and more user-friendly manner. In addition, since the actuator assembly may be biased towards the first state, unintended unlocking of the lock assembly can be avoided.
Optionally, the actuator assembly is configured to move the locking element out of the second recess, so as to unlock the lock assembly from the upper locked state, when being transferred to the second state. Thereby, a simple and reliable lock assembly is provided capable of performing different functions while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.
Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
The dishwasher 1 further comprises a sump 28 at a bottom of the washing chamber 3. Moreover, the dishwasher 1 comprises a door arranged to provide a closure of the washing chamber 3, one or more spray devices, such as one or more spray arms, and a circulation pump. The circulation pump is configured to pump liquid from the sump 28 to the spray devices during a wash cycle of the dishwasher 1. The liquid is sprayed from the spray devices onto the items to clean the items. Due to gravity, the liquid is collected in the sump 28 where it is pumped again by the circulation pump to the spray devices. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the door, the spray devices, and the circulation pump are not illustrated in
Three directions d1, d2, d3 are illustrated in
The dishwasher 1 comprises a pivot arm arrangement 7. The pivot arm arrangement 7 supports and holds the rack 5 relative to the washing chamber 3. The pivot arm arrangement 7 is movable from a lower position to an upper position so as to elevate the rack 5 from the first extracted position to an elevated position. In
During the movement of the pivot arm arrangement 7 from the lower position towards the upper position, the rack 5 is moved in a swinging motion having movement vectors in the first horizontal direction d1 as well as in the first vertical direction d3. According to the illustrated embodiments, the rack 5 is elevated to a vertical position relative to the washing chamber 3 approximately corresponding to the vertical position of the upper rack 6 relative to the washing chamber 3. When the rack 5 is in the elevated position, a user can in a simpler and more ergonomic manner load and unload of items in the rack 5.
The pivot arm arrangement 7 comprises a second bracket 37 attached to a respective second end 33″, 34″ of the swing arms 33, 34. Each second end 33″, 34″ of the swing arms 33, 34 is pivotably attached to the second bracket 37 at a respective pivot axis p3, p4. A rail 25 is attached to the second bracket 37. The rack 5 is movably arranged in horizontal directions into and out from the washing chamber via the rail 25. The length of the swing arms 33, 34 and the positions of the pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 are adapted such that the rail 25, and thus also the rack 5, is horizontally oriented upon movement of the pivot arm arrangement 7 from the lower position illustrated in
Moreover, as indicated in
The following is explained with reference to
If the user instead wants to elevate the rack 5, the user can ensure that the actuator assembly is in the first state and move the rack to the first extracted position illustrated in
As is indicated in
Due to these features, a user may in a simple manner transfer the actuator assembly 11 to the second state simply by positioning the palm of a hand onto the handle 13 and by pressing the actuator 11′ towards the handle 13 using the fingers of the hand. According to the illustrated embodiments, the actuator 11′ is formed as a handle and is provided with an arrow indicating the actuation direction thereof.
As is further explained herein, according to the illustrated embodiments, the dishwasher 1 comprises a lock assembly configured to, in a locked state, lock the pivot arm arrangement 7 in the lower position, and in an unlocked state, unlock the pivot arm arrangement 7 from the lower position.
As indicated above, the dishwasher 1 comprises a rail 25 allowing the movement of the rack 5 in the horizontal directions d1, d2 into and out from the washing chamber 3. The locking member 10 is stationary arranged relative to the rail 25. The locking member 10 is provided with a first recess 21. The locked state, as referred to herein, constitutes a state in which the locking element 9 is positioned in the first recess 21, as is illustrated in
The actuator assembly 11 comprises an actuator member 8 and a linkage 30. The actuator member 8 is operably connected to the actuator 11′, indicated in
As is further explained below, the actuator member 8 is arranged to move the locking element 9 out of the first recess 21 when the actuator assembly 11 is in the first state and when the rack 5 is moved to the first extracted position.
In this manner, the pivot arm arrangement 7 is free to move from the lower position towards the upper position by the biasing force of the spring arrangement 41, indicated in
As indicated in
According to the illustrated embodiments, the lock assembly 9, 10 is transferrable to an upper locked state in which the lock assembly 9, 10 locks the pivot arm arrangement 7 in the upper position. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the lock assembly 9, 10 is configured to assume the upper locked state when the pivot arm arrangement 7 is moved to the upper position. As is indicated in
The actuator assembly 11 is operably connected to the lock assembly 9, 10 for unlocking the lock assembly 9, 10 from the upper locked state. In
When the lock assembly 9, 10 is unlocked, i.e. when the locking element 9 is moved out of the second recess 22, the pivot arm arrangement 7 is free to move from the upper position towards the lower position. A user may move the pivot arm arrangement 7 from the upper position towards the lower position by applying a force onto the rack, or onto the pivot arm arrangement 7, in a direction towards the lower position. During the movement of the pivot arm arrangement 7 towards the lower position, the locking element 9 will follow the arc-shaped surface 23, as illustrated in
As indicated above, the actuator assembly 11 is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement 7 to remain in the lower position upon movement of the rack 5 from an inserted position to the first extracted position when the actuator assembly 11 is in the second state.
Moreover, as seen in
As can be seen in
It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2019/079252 | 10/25/2019 | WO |