CN110772194A

CN110772194A - Fluid treatment system, dishwasher and method for manufacturing a fluid treatment system

Info

Publication number: CN110772194A
Application number: CN201910690631.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: E·布里格弄; 皮耶尔乔治·贝尔利亚尔多
Original assignee: Bitron Corp
Current assignee: Bitron Corp; Bitron SpA
Priority date: 2018-07-27
Filing date: 2019-07-29
Publication date: 2020-02-11
Also published as: EP3598928A1; KR20200012794A; IT201800007558A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses an integrated fluid treatment system (3) for a dishwasher (1), comprising at least two connection elements (5), each adapted to be coupled to a respective hole (13) comprised in a washing chamber (12) of the dishwasher (1); the fluid treatment system (3) being characterized in that it comprises at least one coupling system (6) associated with at least one of the connection elements (5) adapted to allow at least one of the connection elements (5) to move at least with respect to the first axis so that the at least two connection elements (5) will move with respect to each other.

Description

Fluid treatment system, dishwasher and method for manufacturing a fluid treatment system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for treating a fluid (for example water and/or steam) suitable for application in a dishwasher, wherein the system according to the invention is of the monoblock type.

The invention also relates to a dishwasher comprising a fluid treatment system according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a fluid treatment system according to the invention.

Background

Water treatment systems for dishwashers are known, comprising: a vapor recovery member; a salt container; and a container for decalcifying the substance. Such a water treatment circuit comprises one or more components having a connection element for connecting it to the washing chamber. Such a connection must ensure sufficient waterproofing to prevent water from leaking out of the washing chamber during the washing phase.

The connection between the washing chamber and the water treatment circuit can be rigid, with sealing being ensured by a gasket (for example a rectangular gasket or an O-ring) compressed by means of a ring nut.

An alternative embodiment, eliminating the use of a ring nut allows to provide the seal radially by using a snap-type system, wherein the male part is inserted in an opening comprised in the washing chamber and is fixed sealingly by a linear movement along the axis of said opening.

Fig. 1A shows one embodiment of a presently known water treatment system 3 in which the air circuit breaker 23 and the vapor recovery system 4B are implemented by separate components from the decalcifying apparatus (4A, 4C). Such devices are interconnected by a suitable connection system, so that they are able to compensate for any production tolerances and any differential thermal expansion of the opening formed in washing chamber 12.

In such an embodiment, the salt compartment 4A comprises a connection element 5A adapted to be inserted into a suitable opening 13A and rigidly connected (e.g. by a ring nut). As is known, the opening defined by the connecting element 5A of the salt compartment 4A must be suitably closed by the cover 13.

In the same embodiment, the vapor recovery compartment 4B comprises a connection element 5B adapted to be inserted in a suitable opening 13B and rigidly connected (for example by a ring nut). An air break 23 is present near the vapour recovery compartment 4.

As known to those skilled in the art, the washing chamber is typically made of a material having different thermal expansion characteristics than the material used to manufacture the fluid handling system included in the dishwasher. For example, water treatment systems including decalcification circuits are made of plastic, while washing chambers are made of metal (e.g., steel). Moreover, production and assembly tolerances between the washing chamber and the components included in the various fluid handling systems are different and their alignment is difficult to achieve due to cost constraints.

According to one embodiment of the fluid treatment system of a dishwasher, in particular a lower cost solution, an integrally realized non-separable assembly is provided, which comprises the individual components of the fluid treatment system, for example a water treatment system, wherein there are two connecting elements for connecting it to the washing chamber; more specifically, according to such an embodiment, the connecting elements are different from each other. Such a design solution enables a rigid sealing connection, for example along only one axis. This solution is limited by the need to make openings in the washing chamber by a specific process (e.g. embossing).

FIG. 1B illustrates one possible embodiment of an integrated fluid treatment system. In the embodiment shown, it can be seen that: a first compartment 4A for containing salt corresponding to the connecting element 5A; a second compartment 4B corresponding to the connecting element 5B; an air circuit breaker device 23; and, a third compartment 4C adapted to contain a substance having decalcifying properties; they are integrally formed.

The shown embodiment shows a solution for connecting a fluid handling system to a washing chamber by means of a ring nut. The solution shown makes connecting the fluid treatment system to the washing chamber particularly difficult, requiring very tight tolerances in the manufacturing of the washing chamber. Moreover, such solutions are particularly susceptible to the problem of thermal expansion; in fact, the differential thermal expansion described above cannot be compensated by the relative movement of the system components, as in the solution shown in fig. 1A for example, because the structure of the fluid handling system is monolithic.

The manufacture of integrated fluid treatment systems appears to require the implementation of a radial seal connection system with a snap-in system to avoid the use of a ring nut.

On the other hand, the drawback of the snap-in system is: since the walls of the washing chamber are thin, to reduce the weight and cost of the washing chamber, the embossing realized on the walls of the opening to allow the snap connection cannot exceed a certain size. Thus, in order to enable the connection element to be connected to said suitably embossed opening, the manufacturing tolerances of the openings in the washing chamber of the water treatment system and/or dishwasher are narrow, the production process is very selective and therefore costly.

Moreover, not all dishwasher manufacturers can implement a snap-in connection system, which entails the use of a connection system using a ring nut.

The above technical problem is evident in the embodiment of the integrated water treatment circuit described in international patent application WO2016203439a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to solve these and other technical problems by providing a constructive variant for manufacturing a fluid treatment system for dishwashers, wherein the system is monolithic and has said connecting elements movable with respect to each other. The object of the present invention is to make a low-cost component as shown in patent application WO2016203439a1, but at the same time also to solve the technical problems existing in this patent application, such as the problems relating to the tolerances of assembling the fluid treatment system to the washing chamber. In particular, the invention is intended to allow a connection of an integrated fluid treatment system, thus economical to manufacture, having two or more connection elements for connection to a washing chamber, wherein there is at least one coupling system adapted to allow movement of at least one of said connection elements so as to enable said at least two connection elements to move relative to each other.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid treatment system for a dishwasher having the features specified in the appended claim 1.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a dishwasher having the features specified in the appended claim 13.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fluid treatment system having the features specified in appended claim 15.

The dependent features are set out in the respective dependent claims appended hereto.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the system, dishwasher and method will become more apparent from the following description of certain possible exemplary embodiments thereof, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1A and 1B show a system for treating a fluid, in particular water, according to the prior art; specifically, FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment according to the prior art, in which the various parts of the water treatment system are different and must be assembled together; FIG. 1B shows a second embodiment according to the prior art, wherein the system is monolithic;

FIG. 2 illustrates one possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of a fluid treatment system according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3A and 3B show a detail of a fluid treatment system comprising a coupling system according to the invention, wherein: FIG. 3A is a first perspective view of a detail of the fluid handling system showing one possible embodiment of the coupling system; FIG. 3B is a second perspective view of a portion of the details of the system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows a detail of a fluid treatment system including a coupling system according to the present invention; in particular, a perspective view shows another embodiment of the coupling system, which comprises a yielding element that is also capable of performing a fluid-tight function, for example during a system testing phase;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C are perspective views of one possible embodiment of a fluid treatment system according to the present invention showing the sequence of movement of one connecting element relative to another; specifically, the method comprises the following steps: FIG. 5A shows a system including the coupling system in one possible embodiment thereof, wherein the yielding element has been removed; FIG. 5B shows an enlargement of the coupling system of FIG. 5A; FIG. 5C shows the system with one connecting element having moved relative to the other connecting element as compared to FIG. 5A;

figures 6A and 6B show one possible embodiment for guiding and/or retaining a connecting element according to the invention; specifically, the method comprises the following steps: FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a guide element; FIG. 6B is a front view of the retaining member and the guide member;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a first portion and a second portion of a fluid treatment system, particularly a water treatment system, which must be welded together;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are front views of two details of the fluid handling system in the vicinity of the coupling system; specifically, the method comprises the following steps: FIG. 8A shows a detail of a compartment comprising a connecting element according to the invention; FIG. 8B shows a detail of a second portion of the compartment of FIG. 8A;

figures 9A and 9B show a possible embodiment of a water treatment system for a dishwasher, in which there are two connection elements adapted to be coupled to a plurality of corresponding openings contained in the washing chamber; specifically, the method comprises the following steps: FIG. 9A shows a water treatment system decoupled from the washing chamber; FIG. 9B shows a water treatment system coupled to the washing chamber.

Detailed Description

With reference to the above figures, a fluid treatment system for a dishwasher is indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 3.

The fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention is monolithic.

The fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention is particularly suitable for application in a dishwasher 1.

The fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention comprises at least two connection elements 5. Each connecting element 5 is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding opening 13 comprised in a washing chamber 12 of the dishwasher 1.

The fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention comprises at least one coupling system 6. Said at least one coupling system 6 is associated with at least one of the connection elements 5.

The coupling system 6 is adapted to allow movement of at least one of the connection elements 5. The at least one coupling system 6 is designed such that the at least two connecting elements 5 can be moved relative to each other, in particular at least relative to a first axis, preferably a first longitudinal axis "X".

For the purposes of this specification, an integrated fluid treatment system 3 refers to a system 3 formed of two molded parts or portions, by for example injection molding; the term "monolithic" also refers to such a system 3: after welding, one or more subsequent operations can be performed on the system, so that the system 3 can be formed by two or more elements suitably connected together (for example by said coupling system 6).

In the following description, the fluid treatment system 3 may be simply referred to as system 3.

Preferably, said connection element 5 can be a protrusion adapted to be inserted into a suitable hole defining said opening 13 in washing chamber 12, or said connection element 5 can be an opening into which a protrusion defining said opening 13 comprised in washing chamber 12 can be inserted.

Depending on the respective embodiment and requirements of the connecting element 5 and/or the opening 13, said connecting element 5 can be coupled to the respective opening 13 by several possible connection and/or fixing systems, for example by means of a ring nut and/or a snap-in system.

Said coupling system 6 can be implemented by means of numerous possible variants, which will be partially described in more or less detail in the following description of the invention, said variants being adapted to allow the relative movement of the connecting elements 5. Furthermore, the at least one coupling system 6 may be associated with the at least one connecting element 5 in different ways, depending on the respective embodiment and requirements of the connecting element 5 and/or the coupling system 6 itself.

The relative movement of the connecting element 5 can vary according to specific requirements and can follow a non-rectilinear path, but at the same time move with respect to at least one axis, or a movement defined by the projection of the displacement on a reference axis.

The relative movement of said connecting element 5 obtained by means of at least one coupling system 6 according to the present invention eliminates any problems related to tolerances when assembling the fluid treatment system 3 according to the present invention to the washing chamber 12 of the dishwasher 1.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the system 3 according to the invention, the same system 3 comprises: an integrally formed (i.e. monolithic according to the definition above) outer structure 40.

The same system 3 also comprises at least one compartment 4, preferably at least two compartments 4. In the compartment 4 defined by the outer structure 40, at least one fluid is adapted to pass. The fluid may be air, water, steam, a mixture of substances (e.g., brine).

In such an embodiment, the system 3 according to the invention comprises at least two connection elements 5. Each connecting element 5 is preferably defined by an edge 50.

Each connecting element 5 is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding opening 13 comprised in a washing chamber 12 of the dishwasher 1.

The connection element 5 is formed in the outer structure 40.

The fluid handling system 3 is made of plastic during the above-mentioned production process and is thus monolithic.

Said edge 50 may be the outer edge of a protrusion adapted to be inserted into a suitable hole defining said opening 13 comprised in the washing chamber 12, or may be the inner edge of an opening into which a protrusion defining said opening 13 comprised in the washing chamber 12 can be inserted.

In a preferred embodiment of the system 3 according to the invention, said system 3 is a water treatment system. In this embodiment, the system 3 includes: at least one first compartment 4A for containing salt, with which at least one first connection element 5A suitable for being coupled to said washing chamber 12 is associated; and at least one second compartment 4B for recovering the vapours, with which at least one second connection element 5B suitable for being coupled to said washing chamber 12 is associated.

In a different embodiment, the fluid treatment system 3 is another system included in the dishwasher than the above-described water treatment system, such as a water and/or steam recovery system.

Describing in more detail the construction of the general system 3 according to the invention, said coupling system 6 comprises a yielding element 63. Said yielding element 63 is adapted to allow said connecting element 5 associated with the coupling system 6 to move at least with respect to a first axis, preferably a first longitudinal axis "X".

In a possible alternative embodiment, the yielding element 63 is adapted to allow, in addition to the movement along the first longitudinal axis "X", a movement also along a second axis (for example: a second longitudinal axis "Y", which is preferably perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis "X").

For the purposes of this description, said first axis may vary according to requirements and to the constructional characteristics of the system 3 according to the invention, and may be mobile with respect to one or more axes (for example: two axes), so that any reference to a particular axis (possibly also shown in the accompanying figures) is understood to be merely illustrative and not restrictive.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "yielding element" refers to an element that is capable of being removed, broken and/or deformed both elastically and plastically.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of said at least one coupling system 6, it comprises a guiding and/or retaining element 7. Said guiding and/or retaining element 7 is adapted to allow the correct movement of said connecting element 5 associated with said coupling system 6, preferably along at least one axis, for example said first longitudinal axis "X".

Said guiding and/or retaining element 7 may also fulfill the function of retaining said connection element 5 in a predetermined position with respect to the external structure 40, for example before the connection element 5 is coupled to said opening 13 of the washing chamber 12.

In a possible embodiment, the guide and/or holding element 7 comprises a guide 72 and/or a rail 73. In a possible embodiment, said guide 72 is preferably associated with the outer structure 40; whereas said track 73 is preferably associated with the structure surrounding said connection element 5 and/or with the compartment 4 comprising said connection element. Preferably, said guides 72 and said tracks 73 are adapted to interact with each other to controllably guide the movement of the connecting element 5 with respect to the other connecting elements 5 or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40.

In a possible embodiment, said guiding and/or retaining element 7 comprises a stop 74 adapted to define at least one limit of travel of the connecting element 5 with respect to the other connecting element 5 or, for example, with respect to the outer structure 40. The stopper 74 is, for example, a convex portion or a tooth portion. In a possible embodiment, at least one stop 74 is included in the external structure 40 and at least one other stop 74 is included in the structure surrounding said connecting element 5, or in the compartment 4 comprising said connecting element, so that they can interact with each other to define at least one limit of the movement of the connecting element 5 with respect to the other or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40.

In general, the guiding and/or retaining element 7 is adapted to define the stroke of the relative movement between the connecting element 5 and the other connecting element 5 or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40.

In general, the shape and position of the guiding and/or retaining element 7 included in the coupling system 6 are suitably set according to the shape of the connecting element 5 and its position in the external structure 40 of the monolithic fluid treatment system 3, and according to the shape of the coupling system 6 (which defines the type of relative movement between said connecting element 5 and another connecting element or, for example, said external structure 40), and also according to the type of yielding element 63 used. Preferably, said guiding and/or retaining element 7 is located in the vicinity of the yielding element 63 of the coupling system 6.

In a first possible embodiment of the coupling system 6 comprised by the system 3 according to the invention, said yielding element 63 is an element of the coupling system 6 adapted to be at least partially removed from the structure of the coupling system 6. The present solution makes it possible to eliminate a portion of the coupling system 6, so that the relative movement between the connection elements 5 can take place at least with respect to one axis, for example the first longitudinal axis "X".

In such an embodiment, the coupling system 6 may comprise an engagement element 62, the engagement element 62 being adapted to ensure a fluid connection between said connection element 5 and one or more compartments 4 comprised in the fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention.

In a possible embodiment, said engaging elements 62 are configured such that, after removal of the yielding element 63 and the movement of the connecting element 5 (for example with respect to the external structure 40), the same engaging elements 62 will partially or completely overlap and/or contact each other so as to ensure fluid communication between said connecting element 5 and at least one compartment 4 and/or vice versa.

Preferably, in the embodiment in which said yielding element 63 is removed, it is advantageous to include a guiding and/or retaining element 7.

In a possible alternative embodiment of the coupling system 6 comprised in the system 3 according to the invention, said yielding element 63 is an element of the coupling system 6 which is adapted to break at one or more points or along predetermined breaking lines. In such an embodiment, the coupling system 6 may comprise engagement elements 62 configured such that, upon at least partial breakage of the yielding element 63 and movement of the connecting element 5 (e.g. relative to the outer structure 40), the same engagement elements 62 will partially or completely overlap and/or contact each other so as to ensure fluid communication between said connecting element 5 and the at least one compartment 4, and/or vice versa.

Preferably, in the embodiment in which said yielding element 63 is broken, it advantageously comprises a guiding and/or retaining element 7.

When implementing the above-described embodiment of the yielding element 63 comprised in the coupling system 6, it is possible to implement an embodiment of a fluid treatment system in which the entire compartment 4, including the connecting element 5, can be moved, changing its position with respect to the other compartments and/or with respect to the outer structure 40 of the system 3.

In the above described embodiments, said yielding element 63 may at least partly serve as a retaining element, e.g. to retain said connecting element 5 and/or the entire compartment 4 in a predetermined position, thereby avoiding the risk of undesired disengagement, e.g. during transport, before assembling the system 3 to the washing chamber 12.

In a possible alternative embodiment of the coupling system 6 comprised in the system 3 according to the invention, said yielding element 63 is an element of the coupling system 6 which is adapted to be deformed so as to vary at least the longitudinal extension between the two ends of said yielding element 63.

The deformation of said yielding element 63 corresponds to the relative movement of the connecting element 5.

In such an embodiment, said yielding element 63 may comprise an engaging element 62 in order to ensure a fluid connection between the at least one compartment 4 and said at least one connecting element 5, if necessary.

In this embodiment, it is not necessary to remove and/or break the yielding element 63 to ensure relative movement between the connecting elements 5. The configuration of the yielding element 63 is adapted to deform, for example like an accordion or otherwise, so as to allow mutual movement without any breakage and/or detachment of any portion of the same yielding element 63. The solution provides the advantages of: the yielding element 63 and in particular any ribs or ridges 632, in turn comprising edges serving as joining elements 62, may be used as fluid sealing elements for system testing purposes during production, in particular after welding. Thus, the present embodiment is particularly suitable for systems 3 that require fluid sealing to prevent leakage or infiltration, at least during the testing phase. More generally, said yielding element 63, including said joining element 62, is suitable to be used as a sealing element for the test system 3 after the welding phase.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "fluid tightness" refers to tightness to fluids in the liquid phase (e.g. water) and in the gas phase (e.g. air).

This embodiment makes it possible to reduce the necessary operations, in particular without requiring a breaking or removal step (for example by cutting which would otherwise have to be performed), for example in order to complete the system tightness test procedure.

Indeed, in the embodiment comprising the engaging element 62, in order to ensure the fluid connection between the at least one compartment 4 and the at least one connection element 5, the testing of the fluid treatment system may be carried out immediately after the yielding element 63 is deformed. In particular, the engagement elements 62 may be coupled together to obtain a fluid connection by collapsing the deformably yielding element 63.

In another embodiment, the same yielding element 63, once deformed, may be used as a fluid sealing element, for example by being coupled to the engaging element 62.

In the embodiment with a yielding element that is deformable, there may be no guiding and/or retaining means for preventing said connection element 5 from obtaining further degrees of freedom than those defined by the configuration of the coupling system 6 itself. In a possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, there may be guides 72 and/or rails 73 and/or stops for guiding the movement of said connecting element 5 with respect to the other connecting element 5, or for example with respect to the outside, thus preventing the connecting element 5 from moving for example along an axis other than the one on which the coupling system 6 is designed and/or along an overtravel. This solution is intended to prevent undesired malfunctions. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, said yielding element 63 may at least partly serve as a retaining element to prevent movement of the connecting element 5.

In one possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, a stop 74 may be included for defining at least one limit of travel of the connecting element 5 with respect to the other connecting element 5 or, for example, with respect to the outer structure 40.

Hybrid embodiments of said yielding element 63, not described in detail herein, comprising a combination of two or more of the above solutions and allowing to obtain the same technical result as described above, should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

All the different embodiments of the system 3, the connecting element 5 and the coupling system 6 described so far allow to vary the relative position between the connecting elements 5, so that any production tolerances and/or variations due to different degrees of thermal expansion can be compensated in a different and innovative way.

In one possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of the coupling system 6 as described above, said coupling system 6 may comprise an engagement element 62. Said engaging element 62 is adapted to ensure a connection, preferably a fluid connection, between the at least one compartment 4 and the at least one connecting element 5, if required.

The fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention is particularly suitable for being fluidly connected to a washing chamber 12.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the system 3 according to the invention, the system 3 is adapted to treat water, and such system 3 further comprises: at least one inlet conduit 21 through which inlet conduit 21 water can be supplied to the same system 3.

A safety electrovalve may be associated with said duct 21 in order to prevent the flow of water towards the system 3. Along said inlet conduit a flow meter is preferably arranged, which is adapted to determine the amount of water supplied to the system 3.

The system 3 according to the invention also comprises a third compartment 4C suitable for containing a substance with decalcifying properties, such as an epoxy resin.

The fluid flowing out from said third compartment 4C through the outlet line reaches the washing chamber 12.

The third compartment 4C is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4A adapted to contain salt. By means of the salt, a regenerating fluid, for example brine, can be produced for regenerating the decalcified substance contained in the third compartment 4C.

In such an embodiment of the water treatment system 3, said first compartment 4A for containing salt is adapted to be coupled to a first aperture 13A formed on a first face 121 of said washing chamber 12 by means of a corresponding connecting element 5A, in particular a first connecting element. In particular, said first face 121 is preferably the bottom of the washing chamber 12, possibly also connected to a sump.

In the same embodiment, said second compartment 4B for recovering steam is adapted to be coupled to a second hole 13B formed on the second face 122 of said washing chamber 12 by means of a respective connecting element 5B, in particular a second connecting element. In particular, said second face 122 is preferably a side wall of the washing chamber 12, which shares a corner with said first face 121.

In the system 3 according to the invention, at least one coupling system 6 is associated with at least one of said connection elements (5A, 5B) connected to said first and

second compartments

4A, 4B.

In the first embodiment, said coupling system 6 is associated with a connection element 5B connected to the second compartment 4B for recovering the vapour; for example, said connecting element 5B is comprised in the second compartment 4B.

In a second possible embodiment, the coupling system 6 is connected with a connection element 5A connected to the first compartment 4A for containing salt; for example, the connecting element 5A is comprised in the first compartment 4A.

In another possible embodiment, a respective coupling system 6 is associated with each connection element (5A, 5B).

The system 3 according to the invention is particularly suitable to be associated with a dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 preferably comprises a washing chamber 12, which in turn comprises a plurality of holes 13 adapted to be coupled to the connecting element 5 belonging to the fluid treatment system 3 comprised in the same dishwasher 1.

Preferably, each hole 13 is coupled to a respective connection element 5 to allow, at least partially and at least in some operating configurations, a fluid communication between the washing chamber 12 and said fluid treatment system 3 (for example comprising one or more compartments (4A, 4B) in the system 3).

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, said washing chamber 12 is made of a metallic material. In addition, at least one first hole 13A is formed on the first face 121 of the washing chamber 12. More preferably, at least one second hole 13B is formed on the second face 122 of the washing chamber 12. Preferably, the first face 121 and the second face 122 share one corner.

Generally, said washing compartment 12 defines an area for washing dishes comprising a structure defining at least five faces of the same compartment, wherein the dishwasher 1 comprises a door adapted to seal said washing compartment 12, i.e. defining a sixth face.

Said hole 13 is adapted to receive a connection element 5 comprised in one or more fluid treatment systems 3, for example to a compartment (4, 4A, 4B) comprised in the same dishwasher 1.

Each aperture (13, 13A, 13B) is coupled to a respective connecting element (5, 5A, 5B), in particular allowing fluid communication between the washing chamber 12 and said compartment (4, 4A, 4B).

In a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, the washing chamber 12 is made of a metallic material; whereas the system 3 is substantially made of plastic material.

This embodiment of the dishwasher is not subject to any problems caused by differences in thermal expansion, despite the use of different types of materials to be joined together.

The component 3 according to the invention can be manufactured using a novel, innovative, simple, low-cost method. Such a method is suitable for manufacturing at least one fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention from a plastic material.

The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

moulding a first portion 31 of said system 3 comprising a first portion 41 of the outer structure 40 and a first portion 64 of at least one coupling system 6;

moulding a second portion 32 of the system 3 comprising a second portion 42 of the outer structure 40;

-welding together said first portion 31 and said second portion 32 of the system 3, comprising at least two connecting elements 5, so as to form said integral system 3;

-activating the coupling system 6;

-moving the connecting element 5 associated with said coupling system 6 with respect to the other connecting element 5 at least with respect to one axis.

Obviously, said at least two connection elements 5 are comprised in at least one of said first portion 31 and/or said second portion 32 of the component 3. Depending on the characteristics of the compartment 4 associated with the connecting element 5, the connecting element 5 will be comprised in said first portion 31 or said second portion 32. The at least two connecting elements 5 will be located, for example, in the vicinity of at least one portion of the first portion 64 and/or the second portion 65 of the coupling system 6.

In general, the step of molding the first portion 31 and the step of molding the second portion 32 can be performed simultaneously or in reverse order according to production requirements even by using a common mold. The molding step may be a thermal molding, injection and/or co-molding step.

In the moulding step, it is preferably envisaged that at least one portion, preferably both portions, of the component 3 comprise said guiding and/or retaining elements 7, suitably shaped according to the type of said at least one coupling system 6.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the step of moulding the first portion 31 of the system 3 envisages that said portion comprises at least one first portion 64 of at least one coupling system 6, and the step of moulding the second portion 32 of the system 3 envisages that said portion comprises a second portion 65 of a coupling system 6.

In the present embodiment, said at least one coupling system 6 is suitably distributed over said first portion 31 and said second portion 32 of the fluid treatment system 3.

Thus, the step of moulding the second portion 32 of the system 3 envisages that, in addition to the second portion 42 of the external structure 40, the second portion 32 also comprises a second portion 65 of the coupling system 6.

The step of welding together said first portion 31 and said second portion 32 makes it possible to at least partially assemble the system 3 according to the invention, in particular the external structure 40.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the invention, the welding operation is performed only once. Indeed, welding may occur in a single run along the entire perimeter of the system 3, preferably in the outer structure 40, and/or in a single step, since no further welding is required on other parts of the system 3, in particular the outer structure 40, according to the present invention. This embodiment allows to reduce the production costs of the system 3.

The step of activating said coupling system 6 requires that the coupling system 6 is arranged to allow relative movement between the connecting elements 5.

The method according to the invention envisages that the step of activating the coupling system 6 may correspond to at least one of the following operations:

-breakage of the yielding element 63;

removal of the yielding element 63;

deformation of the yielding element 63.

The operation to be performed will vary according to the embodiment of the coupling system 6, in particular of the yielding element 63.

The breaking operation can be carried out on the yielding element 63, for example by carrying out a cutting step 63 thereon and/or by relative movement between the connecting elements 5, in particular by moving the connecting elements 5 associated with the coupling system 6, so as to break (for example tear) said yielding element 63.

The operation of removing the yielding element 63 may be performed, for example, by two cutting steps, to allow the removal of the entire portion of the yielding element 63, and/or by a step of milling said yielding element 63.

The operation of deforming the yielding element 63 can be achieved, for example, by controlled mutual movement of the connecting elements 5, in particular movement of the connecting elements 5 associated with the coupling system 6, so as to reduce the rigidity of the yielding element and/or by removing some stops introduced during the moulding step, so as to ensure that said coupling system 6 will allow relative movement of said connecting elements 5 at least along one axis, preferably the first longitudinal axis "X", according to the design specifications.

Any mixing operation that includes more than one of the above operations should still be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the step of moulding the first portion 31 and in the step of moulding the second portion 32, each portion comprises a respective portion of a compartment (4A, 4B, 4C) and a respective portion of the coupling system 6. Furthermore, the welding step is only performed once, so the method comprises a single step of welding the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 together.

After the step of activating the coupling system 6, said guiding and/or retaining element 7 (if present) can act so as to retain said connecting element 5 associated with said coupling system 6 in a predetermined position. For example, said guiding and/or retaining element 7 may prevent the connecting element 5 from being completely detached from the system 3 (e.g. the outer structure 40), so that the fluid treatment system 3 manufactured so far may be moved to another place, e.g. assembled into the dishwasher 1, without risking to lose any part of the system 3. Such guiding and/or retaining elements 7 are particularly useful in those embodiments in which the step of activating the coupling system 6 corresponds to a breaking operation and/or an operation of removing the yielding element 63.

The method then envisages the step of moving said connection elements 5 with respect to each other (for example with respect to said external structure 40). In this step, the connecting element 5 may be arranged in a desired configuration and/or for appropriately activating the guiding and/or holding element 7.

Such a movement step may comprise a movement in order to be able to correctly assemble the system 3 in the dishwasher 1, in particular fixing the connecting element 5 in the hole 13 of the washing chamber 12.

In some embodiments of the method according to the invention, the step of activating said coupling system 6 and the step of moving are performed substantially simultaneously, since the movement of the connecting element 5 is the way by which the coupling system 6 is activated.

Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C show one possible embodiment of a fluid treatment system 3 according to the invention. In particular, fig. 5A shows a system 3 comprising an embodiment of the coupling system 6, wherein the yielding element has been removed, for example by two cutting operations, preferably by laser cutting.

In this figure, a clearance is visible that allows the coupling system 6 to operate correctly, i.e. a clearance that allows the second connection element 5B to move, for example, with respect to the second compartment 4B.

This embodiment comprises an engagement element 62 in the coupling system 6, which is designed such that after removal of the yielding element, there is a space allowing the second connection element 5B to move relative to the second compartment 4B. The figure shows an embodiment of an edge (50A, 50B) of the connecting element (5A, 5B) defining a protrusion adapted to be inserted into a hole of the washing chamber.

The figure also shows the presence of the guiding and/or retaining element 7, in particular the stop 74. In this figure, it can also be seen that the assembly of the components is carried out in one piece.

Fig. 5B shows an enlarged view of the coupling system 6 of fig. 5A. In this figure, the ends of the engaging elements 62 can be seen, still separated from each other, so as to allow a mutual movement between the second connecting element 5B and the respective compartment 4B.

In fig. 5B, the guiding and/or holding element 7, in particular the guide 72 and the rail 73, can also be identified.

Fig. 5C shows the system 3, wherein the movement of the second connection element 5B relative to the first connection element 5A or relative to the second compartment 4B can be seen compared to fig. 5A.

The relative movement of the connecting elements (5A, 5B) allows the same connecting elements 62 to partially overlap and/or contact each other, for example, to achieve a plastic-plastic contact. In this configuration, the coupling system 6 is at least able to ensure the conduction of steam between said second connection element 5B and said second compartment 4B.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a system 3, in particular a water treatment system 3 for a dishwasher 1. In this embodiment, there are various compartments (4A, 4B) suitable for performing several functions of the water treatment system 3 according to the invention, which is monolithic.

In this figure, one possible embodiment of the second compartment 4B for recovering the vapour can also be seen, which comprises a coupling system 6 able to allow said second connecting element 5B to move at least along one axis, in particular a first longitudinal axis "X", with respect to said first connecting element 5A associated with the first compartment 4A for containing the salt. This embodiment shows a possible embodiment of the yielding element 63 adapted to allow the second connection element 5B to move with respect to the first connection element 5A comprised in said first compartment 4A. Said second compartment 4B for recovering steam comprises a vent 43 as known to a person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown, since the coupling system 6 is associated with the second connection element 5B comprised in the second compartment 4B for recovering steam, said coupling system 6 comprises an engagement element 62 adapted to ensure a fluid connection.

The present embodiment also shows one possible embodiment of the guiding and/or retaining element 7. The guiding and/or retaining element 7 is adapted to allow correct relative movement between the connecting elements (5A, 5B) at least with respect to one axis, for example along a first longitudinal axis "X". In fig. 2, an inlet conduit 21 of the water treatment system 3 according to the invention can also be seen.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a detail of the system 3 according to the invention, which comprises a coupling system 6. In this figure, one possible embodiment of the yielding element 63 can be seen. Depending on the particular embodiment desired, the yielding element 63 may be removed, broken and/or deformed.

The figure also shows a guiding and/or holding element 7. The illustrated embodiment allows said connection element 5 to be correctly moved along the first longitudinal axis "X" and the second longitudinal axis "Y" with respect to the other connection element 5 or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40. The travel allowed along the axis "X" is longer than the travel allowed along the axis "Y". In the illustrated embodiment, the axis "X" is a vertical axis and the axis "Y" is a horizontal axis.

Fig. 3B shows a perspective cut-away view of a detail of the system 3, the system 3 comprising a coupling system 6 according to the invention. In particular, fig. 3B shows a detail of the system 3 of fig. 3A in a cross-sectional view. This figure shows one possible configuration of the yielding element 63 of the coupling system 6. In the embodiment shown, the coupling system 6 comprises an engagement element 62 adapted to ensure a fluid connection between said connection element 5 and one or more compartments 4 comprised in the fluid treatment system 3. .

The figure also shows at least partially the guiding and/or holding element 7.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of a fluid handling system including a coupling system according to the present invention; in particular, the perspective view shows another embodiment of the coupling system. This figure shows one possible embodiment of a yielding element 63 which can replace the yielding element shown in figures 3A and 3B.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the yielding element 63 is adapted to deform.

In the embodiment shown, at least two folded or bellows-like portions defining said yielding element can be seen, these portions providing the structure with elasticity, since they can be deformed. Such yielding element 63 makes it possible to move said connecting element 5, allowing said connecting element 5 to move along a first longitudinal axis "X" and a second longitudinal axis "Y" with respect to another connecting element 5 or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40. The travel allowed along the axis "X" is longer than the travel allowed along the axis "Y". In the illustrated embodiment, the axis "X" is a vertical axis and the axis "Y" is a horizontal axis.

The illustrated embodiment avoids the need for further operations on the coupling system 6, in particular removal operations, such as cutting operations.

In the embodiment shown, there are ribs or ridges 632, which ensure fluid tightness, which prove particularly useful for the test system 3, for example after a welding step. In particular, the ribs or ridges 632 define engagement elements 62 that are adapted to couple together to provide a fluid connection. In the illustrative but non-limiting embodiment shown herein, the upper engagement element is adapted to be inserted (e.g., by a male-female connection) into a bore defined by the lower engagement element as the yielding element 63 is deformed. In particular, by moving the connecting elements 5 relative to the outer structure 40 to bring them close to each other, the folded or bellows-like portions will be compressed, allowing the engaging elements 62 to interact with each other.

The relative movement between said connecting element 5 and the external structure 40 will cause the activation of the guiding and/or retaining elements 7, in particular by making their stops 74 interact, thus providing a retaining function for retaining said connecting element 5 in a predetermined position with respect to the external structure 40. The shape and position of the stops 74 are such that their activation will allow the engagement elements 62 to interact, defining a minimum point that will ensure a fluidic connection between the connecting element 5 and the external structure 40. The engagement element 62 ensures fluid tightness, so that the system 3 can be tested.

In fact, the present solution is particularly advantageous for testing fluid treatment systems, since the latter can also be tested during the manufacturing process, thus speeding up the time of sale of the product. In fact, after the yielding element 63 is deformed, a fluid connection can be obtained between the at least one compartment 4 and the at least one connection element 5, so that the system 3 according to the invention can be tested.

As mentioned above, this figure also shows the guiding and/or retaining element 7, which in turn comprises a stop 74 in the form of a wedge-shaped projection or tooth. The illustrated embodiment allows said connection element 5 to be correctly moved along the first longitudinal axis "X" and the second longitudinal axis "Y" with respect to the other connection element 5 or, for example, with respect to the external structure 40.

Fig. 6A shows a perspective cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of the guiding and/or holding element 7 of the coupling system 6 according to the invention, in particular showing one possible embodiment of a guide 72 and a track 73 adapted to allow a correct movement of the connecting element 5, for example with respect to the compartment 4.

Fig. 6B shows a front view of one possible embodiment of the guiding and/or retaining element 7 of the coupling system 6 of fig. 6A; in particular, one possible embodiment of the stop 74 is shown.

Since said fig. 6B is a front view of a part of the system 3, as shown in fig. 6A, it shows further details of the guide 72 and the track 73 of the guiding and/or holding element 7 according to the invention.

Fig. 7A shows a first part 31 of the system 3 as shown in fig. 2, 5A-5C, in particular a water treatment system 3 for a dishwasher 1.

As can be understood from the present figures, in a possible embodiment, the first portion 64 of the coupling system 6 is included in said first portion 31. Such a first portion 31 also comprises a first portion 41 of the outer structure 40 and at least one connection element 5. In said first portion 31, it is also possible to include portions of the guiding and/or retaining element 7.

Fig. 7B shows the second part 32 of the system 3, in particular the second part 32 of the system 3 of fig. 7A. Said second portion 32 is complementary to the first portion 31 for assembling the compartment 4 comprised in the system 3.

Said first portion 31 and said second portion 32 are preferably manufactured by means of a moulding and/or co-moulding system.

Then, as specified in the method according to the invention, said first portion 31 and said second portion 32 are welded together.

Fig. 8A and 8B show two details of fig. 7A-7B close to the coupling system 6, in particular the first and second parts of the system 3 according to the invention.

In these figures, it is possible to see the portions (41, 42) of the compartment 4, the protrusion 5 comprised in said first portion 31, the portions (64, 65) of the coupling system 6, in particular for forming the engaging element 62 and the yielding element 63, in a possible embodiment. The configuration of the individual parts constituting the guide 72, the track 73 and the stop 74 of the guide and/or holding element 7 can also be determined from fig. 8A and 8B.

Fig. 9A shows one possible embodiment of an integrated water treatment system 3 for an integrated implementation of a dishwasher 1. In this figure, the system 3 is separated from said washing chamber 12 and the presence of the component made as a whole can be identified. As can be seen in the figures, washing chamber 12 comprises two holes (13B, 13A) on two different faces (121, 122) of the same washing chamber 12. The second aperture 13B on the second face 122 is configured to be coupled to a second connection element 5B having an edge 50B, the second connection element 5B being comprised in a second compartment 4B for recovering steam.

The first aperture 13A on the first face 121 is configured to couple to a first connection element 5A having an edge 50A of a first compartment 4A for containing salt.

In the embodiment shown, said second compartment 4B comprises a coupling system 6 adapted to allow said second connection element 5B to move with respect to the first connection element 5A or with respect to said second compartment 4B with respect to at least one axis, in particular a longitudinal axis "X".

Fig. 9B shows an embodiment of the system 3 of fig. 9A, wherein the system 3 is coupled to said washing chamber 12. In this configuration, the connecting elements (5A, 5B) are inserted into the respective holes (13A, 13B). By comparing fig. 9A and 9B, it can be seen that the relative distance between the connecting elements (5A, 5B) varies due to the coupling system 6.

The different possible embodiments of the coupling system 6 of the system 3 allow to select the most suitable solution based on the characteristics and functions of the system 3.

The coupling system 6 can be adjusted as desired, since it can be activated during the manufacturing of the system 3, for example in case of removal and/or breakage of the yielding element 63, or during the installation of the system 3 in the dishwasher 1, for example in case of a deformable and/or breakable yielding element 63.

The invention also allows, for example when using deformable yielding elements, to control the movement of the connecting elements 5 with respect to each other, or for example to control the movement of the connecting elements 5 with respect to the outer structure 40, by means of the same yielding element or by means of said guiding and/or retaining element 7. In practice, such guiding and/or retaining elements 7 make it possible to define a maximum stroke for the movement of the connecting elements 5 with respect to each other, or for example with respect to the compartment 4, for example along at least one axis.

The system 3 according to the invention is a component that can be manufactured at low cost, thus reducing the production costs incurred for manufacturing the fluid treatment system 3, and furthermore, manufacturing the fluid treatment system 3 does not suffer from problems related to manufacturing tolerances, which might otherwise impair the step of assembling the system 3 into the washing chamber 12.

Any alternative embodiment not described in detail herein but which can be easily inferred by the person skilled in the art from the description and the drawings should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference numerals

Dishwasher 1

Washing chamber 12

First surface 121

Second side 122

Hole 13

Cover 15

Inlet duct 21

Air circuit breaker 23

Fluid treatment system 3

First part 31

Second part 32

Compartment 4

Outer structure 40

First part 41

Second portion 42

Air vent 43

Connecting element 5

Edge 50

Coupling system 6

Engaging element 62

Yielding element 63

Ribs or ridges 632

First part 64

Second part 65

Guiding and/or retaining element 7

Guide 72

Track 73

Stopper 74

First longitudinal axis X

Second longitudinal axis Y

Claims

1. An integrated fluid treatment system (3) for a dishwasher (1), comprising at least two connection elements (5), each adapted to be coupled to a respective hole (13) comprised in a washing chamber (12) of the dishwasher (1);

the fluid treatment system (3) being characterized in that it comprises at least one coupling system (6) associated with at least one of the connection elements (5) adapted to move at least one of the connection elements (5) at least with respect to a first axis so that the at least two connection elements (5) move with respect to each other.

2. The fluid treatment system (3) according to claim 1, wherein the system (3) comprises:

-an integrally realized monolithic external structure (40);

-at least one compartment (4) defined by said outer structure (40), at least one fluid being adapted to flow at least therein;

-at least two connection elements (5), each defined by an edge (50) and adapted to be coupled to a respective hole (13) comprised in the washing chamber (12);

the connection element (5) being formed in the outer structure (40);

the fluid treatment system (3) is made of plastic material during production and is therefore monolithic.

3. The system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (3) is a water treatment system comprising:

-at least one first compartment (4A) for containing salt associated with at least one first connection element (5A), said at least one first connection element (5A) being in turn adapted to be connected to said washing chamber (12);

-at least one second compartment (4B) for recovering steam associated with at least one second connection element (5B), said at least one second connection element (5B) being in turn adapted to be connected to said washing chamber (12).

4. System (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling system (6) comprises a yielding element (63) adapted to move the connecting element (5) at least with respect to the first longitudinal axis (X).

5. System (3) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling system (6) comprises a guiding and/or retaining element (7) adapted to allow at least a correct movement of the connecting element (5) associated with the coupling system (6).

6. System (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the yielding element (63) is an element of the coupling system (6) adapted to be removed from the structure of the coupling system (6).

7. System (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the yielding element (63) is an element of the coupling system (6) adapted to break at one or more points.

8. System (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the yielding element (63) is an element of the coupling system (6) suitable for being deformed so as to vary at least the longitudinal extension between two ends of the same yielding element (63).

9. System (3) according to claim 8, wherein the yielding element (63) may comprise an engagement element (62) so as to ensure a fluid connection between at least one compartment (4) and the at least one connection element (5) after deformation of the yielding element (63).

10. System (3) according to claim 4, 5, 8 or 9, wherein the yielding element (63) is adapted to be used as a fluid sealing element for testing the system (3) after a welding phase.

11. System (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling system (6) comprises an engagement element (62) adapted to ensure a fluid connection between at least one compartment (4) and at least one connection element (5).

12. A system (3) according to claim 3, wherein the system is adapted to be fluidly connected to a washing chamber (12);

the system (3) further comprises:

-at least one inlet duct (21) through which water can be supplied into the same system (3);

-a third compartment (4C) for containing a substance having decalcifying properties;

said first compartment for containing salt (4A) is adapted to be coupled to a first hole (13A) formed on a first face (121) of said washing chamber (12) by means of a respective connecting element (5A);

said second compartment (4B) for recovering steam being adapted to be coupled, by means of a respective connecting element (5B), to a second hole (13B) formed on a second face (122) of said washing chamber (12);

at least one coupling system (6) is associated with at least one of said connection elements (5A, 5B) connected to said first compartment (4A) and to said second compartment (4B).

13. Dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (12), the washing chamber (12) in turn comprising a plurality of holes (13), said plurality of holes (13) being adapted to be coupled to a connecting element (5) belonging to a fluid treatment system (3) contained in the same dishwasher (1);

each aperture (13) is coupled to a respective connection element (5) to enable fluid communication between a washing chamber (12) and the fluid treatment system (3);

characterized in that the fluid treatment system (3) is manufactured according to claim 1.

14. The dishwasher (1) of claim 13, wherein:

-said washing chamber (12) is made of a metallic material;

-forming at least one first hole (13A) on a first face (121) of said washing chamber (12);

-forming at least one second hole (13B) on a second face (122) of said washing chamber (12).

15. A method for manufacturing at least one fluid processing system (3) according to claim 1, the fluid processing system being made of plastic;

the method comprises the following steps:

-moulding a first portion (31) of the system (3) comprising a first portion (41) of the external structure (40) and a first portion (64) of at least one coupling system (6);

-moulding a second portion (32) of the system (3) comprising a second portion (42) of the outer structure (40);

-welding together said first portion (31) and said second portion (32) of a system (3) comprising at least two connecting elements (5), so as to form said integral system (3);

-activating the coupling system (6);

-moving the connecting element (5) associated with the coupling system (6) at least with respect to one axis with respect to the other connecting element (5).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the activating step corresponds to at least one of:

-a fracture (63) of the yielding element;

-removal of the yielding element (63);

-deformation of the yielding element (63).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein during the step of moulding the first portion (31) and the step of moulding the second portion (32), a single step of welding the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) together is performed, wherein each portion comprises a respective portion of the compartment (4A, 4B, 4C) and a respective portion of the coupling system (6).