WO2016082889A1

WO2016082889A1 - Filter apparatus and dishwasher having the same

Info

Publication number: WO2016082889A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/075954
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuf Koc; Ugur Kan
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2014-11-28
Filing date: 2014-11-28
Publication date: 2016-06-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter apparatus (1) for use in the sump (2) of a dishwasher (3). The filter apparatus (1) comprises a filter assembly (4) which has a coarse filter (5) and a micro filter (6) and a fine filter (7) which has a filter surface (8) and an aperture (9) for receiving the filter assembly (4). The filter surface (8) has ports (10) for filtering the wash liquor. The filter apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises a barrier (11) for damming up the wash liquor which flows along the filter surface (8) towards the filter assembly (4).

Description

FILTER APPARATUS AND DISHWASHER HAVING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a filter apparatus for filtering the wash liquor in a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher.

Domestic dishwashers are commonly known. A domestic dishwasher generally comprises a tub, an upper pull-out rack, a lower pull-out rack, an upper rotating spray arm and a lower rotating spray arm which are associated with the upper pull-out rack and the lower pull-out rack respectively, a sump which is arranged into the bottom of the tub for collecting the wash liquor, a heater for heating the wash liquor and a pump for supplying the rotating spray arms with pressurized wash liquor. During the course of washing, the rotating spray arms sprinkle the articles inside the racks with wash liquor. The wash liquor resolves the dirt from the articles and drains down together with the resolved dirt onto the bottom of the tub. To avoid recirculation of the dirt through the pump, a filter apparatus is generally arranged into the bottom of the tub and upstream of the sump.

The filter apparatuses which are used in domestic dishwashers are commonly known. Fig.4 shows a filter apparatus (1´) which is known from the prior art. The filter apparatus (1´) comprises a fine filter (7´) which has a filter surface (8´) and an aperture (9´) into which a filter assembly (4´) has been inserted. The filter assembly (4´) has a coarse filter (5´) which is embedded into a micro filter (6´) for sequentially filtering the dirt and draining the wash liquor into the sump (2´). The filter surface (8´) is inclined downwards towards the center (C´) of the filter assembly (4´) and has a plurality of fine ports (10´) for filtering the dirt and draining the wash liquor into the sump (2´). The filter assembly (4´) comprises a plurality of openings (13´,14´) for admitting the wash liquor which streams downwards (D´) along the filter surface (8´) into the coarse filter (5´) and the micro filter (6´).

In general, the proper functioning of the pump and the heater depends on the filtration performance of the filter apparatus (1´). When the amount of wash liquor which is drained through the ports (10´) of the filter surface (8´) into the sump (2´) decreases, then the amount of wash liquor which is admitted into the filter assembly (4´) through the openings (13´,14´) increases and, in turn, the amount of wash liquor which is sucked by the pump from the micro filter (6´) also increases. In such instances, there is a risk that the micro filter (6´) gets clogged through the suction effect of the pump. In the event of clogging, the dirt which is trapped in the micro filter (6´) is disintegrated by the suction effect and subsequently infiltrated into the pump. Thus, the turbidity of the wash liquor increases and the washing performance decreases. In the event of clogging, also the amount of wash liquor which reaches the pump decreases. Because of the reduced circulation of the wash liquor, an auto-protective mechanism shuts the heater off and, thus, the heating process becomes degraded.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a filter apparatus for use in a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved filtration performance and an improved washing performance.

This objective has been achieved by the filter apparatus as defined in claim 1 and the dishwasher as defined in claim 13. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The filter apparatus of the present invention comprises a water impermeable barrier and a spillway. The water impermeable barrier dams up the wash liquor which flows along the entire filter surface towards the filter assembly up to a predetermined level. The spillway conducts the wash liquor which spills over the predetermined level defined by the barrier into the filter assembly. The wash liquor on the filter surface is conducted immediately into the filter assembly exclusively through the spillway.

In the filter apparatus of present invention, particularly the water impermeable barrier safeguards a continual and sufficient drainage of wash liquor through the ports of the filter surface into the sump and in turn the pump can be supplied with a sufficient amount of wash liquor and the circulation performed by the pump can be prevented from stopping. Because of the stable circulation of the wash liquor, the auto-protective mechanism of the heater can be prevented from being activated and the heating process can be properly conducted. In addition, in the filter apparatus of the present invention, particularly the spillway protects the micro filter from receiving an excessive amount of wash liquor and, in turn, the risk of clogging and an increase in the turbidity is eliminated or reduced as much as possible. With the present invention, the filtration performance of the filter apparatus has been improved. With the filter apparatus of the present invention, also the washing results can be positively influenced. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased.

In an embodiment, the barrier is disposed directly onto the filter surface, in particular at a position which is closest to the filter assembly. The barrier completely surrounds the filter assembly. Thereby, a comparatively large amount of wash liquor can be dammed up behind the barrier and drained through the ports of the filter surface into the sump. In this embodiment, the wash liquid which spills over the barrier is conducted into the filter assembly through the openings on the filter assembly which define the spillway.

In a version of this embodiment, the openings are formed into the body of the micro filter, in particular at locations on and/or below the level defined by the barrier. The coarse filter is embedded into the body of the micro filter and releasably held by the body.

In another version of this embodiment, the fine filter, including the filter surface and the barrier are manufactured from plastic. Alternatively metal can be utilized.

In an alternative embodiment, the barrier is alternatively disposed onto the filter assembly instead of the fine filter. The barrier completely surrounds the filter assembly. Thereby, similar to the preceding embodiment, a comparatively large amount of wash liquor can be dammed up behind the barrier and drained through the ports of the filter surface into the sump. In this embodiment, the wash liquid which spills over the barrier is conducted into the filter assembly through the openings on the filter assembly which define the spillway.

In a version of this alternative embodiment, the barrier is defined by the body of micro filter. The openings are formed into the body at locations on the level of the barrier. The coarse filter is embedded into the body of the micro filter and releasably held by the body.

Additional advantages of the filter apparatus and the dishwasher of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher which has a filter apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is a schematic partial sectional view of the dishwasher which has a filter apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 – is a schematic partial sectional view of the dishwasher which has a filter apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 – is a schematic partial sectional view of a dishwasher which has a filter apparatus according to the prior art.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Filter apparatus
Sump
Dishwasher
Filter assembly
Coarse filter
Micro filter
Fine filter
Filter surface
Aperture
Port
Barrier
Spillway
Opening
Opening
Frame
Body
Flange
Wall portion

L: Spillover level defined by the barrier (11)

P1: Lowest point of the filter surface (8)

P2: Highest point of the filter surface (8)

C: Center of the filter assembly (4)

D: Downstream direction of the wash liquor

The dishwasher (3) comprises a tub (not shown) and a sump (2) which is arranged into the bottom of the tub for collecting the wash liquor or the like.

The filter apparatus (1) is suitable for use in the sump (2) of the dishwasher (3) (Fig. 1 to 3).

The filter apparatus (1) comprises a filter assembly (4) which has a coarse filter (5) and a micro filter (6) (Fig. 1 to 3). The filter apparatus (1) further comprises a fine filter (7) which has a filter surface (8) and an aperture (9) for detachably receiving the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 1 to 3). The filter surface (8) has a plurality of ports (10) for filtering the wash liquor (Fig. 1 to 3).

The filter apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises a water impermeable barrier (11) and a spillway (12) (Fig. 1 to 3). The water impermeable barrier (11) dams up the wash liquor which flows along the entire filter surface (8) towards the filter assembly (4) up to a level L (Fig. 1 to 3). The spillway (12) conducts the wash liquor which spills over the level (L) defined by the barrier (11) into the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 1 to 3). The wash liquor on the filter surface (8) is conducted immediately into the filter assembly (4) exclusively through the spillway (12) (Fig. 1 to 3).

The present invention also provides a dishwasher (3) (Fig. 1). The dishwasher (3) of the present invention comprises the filter apparatus (1) (Fig. 2 and 3). The filter apparatus (1) is arranged into the bottom of the tub and upstream of the sump (2) (Fig. 1 to 3).

In an embodiment, the barrier (11) is arranged on the edge of the filter surface (8) next to the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 2). The barrier (11) completely surrounds the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 2). The spillway (12) comprises a plurality of openings (13,14) which are arranged on the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 2). The plurality of openings (13,14) are upstream of the coarse filter (5) and the micro filter (6) (Fig. 2).

In a version of this embodiment, the fine filter (7) comprises a frame (15) which supports the filter surface (8) and the barrier (11) (Fig. 2).

In another version of this embodiment, the fine filter (7), including the frame (15), the filter surface (8) and the barrier (11) are manufactured as a single piece (Fig. 2).

In another version of this embodiment, the single piece fine filter (7) is manufactured from plastic (Fig. 2).

In another version of this embodiment, the single piece fine filter (7) is manufactured alternatively from metal (Fig. 2).

In another version of this embodiment, the plurality of openings (13,14) include one or more than one upper opening (13) and one or more than one lower opening (14) (Fig. 2). Each upper opening (13) is located on the level L defined by the barrier (11) (Fig. 2). Each lower opening (14) is located below the level L defined by the barrier (11) (Fig. 2). The filter assembly (4) comprises a body (16) which supports the micro filter (6) and releasably holds the coarse filter (5) (Fig. 2). The body (16) comprises a seating flange (17) for attachment to the aperture (9) and a wall portion (18) (Fig. 2). The upper and the lower opening (13,14) are both formed into the wall portion (17) (Fig. 2).

In another version of this embodiment, the lower opening (14) is located on or below the lowest point (P1) of the filter surface (8) (Fig. 2).

In an alternative embodiment, the barrier (11) is alternatively arranged on the filter assembly (4) instead of the fine filter (7) (Fig. 3). The barrier (11) completely surrounds the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 3). The spillway (12) comprises a plurality of openings (13) which are arranged on the filter assembly (4) (Fig. 3). The plurality of openings (13) are upstream of the coarse filter (5) and the micro filter (6) (Fig. 3).

In a version of this alternative embodiment, the plurality of openings (13) include one or more than one upper opening (13) which is located on the level L defined by the barrier (11) (Fig. 3). The filter assembly (4) comprises a body (16) which supports the micro filter (6) and releasably holds the coarse filter (5) (Fig. 3). The body (16) comprises a seating flange (17) for attachment to the aperture (9) and a wall portion (18) (Fig. 3). The barrier (11) is defined by wall portion (17) (Fig. 3). The upper openings (13) are formed into the wall portion (17) (Fig. 3). In this version of the alternative embodiment, the plurality of openings (13) does not include any lower opening (14).

In other versions of the preceding embodiments, the filter surface (8) is inclined downwards towards the center (C) of the filter assembly (4). The level L defined by the barrier (11) is below the highest point P2 of the filter surface (8) and above the lowest point P1 of the filter surface (8).

In other versions of the preceding embodiments, the level L which is defined by the barrier (11) encloses the half or more than the half of the filter surface (8) (Fig. 2 and 3).

In other versions of the preceding embodiments, the barrier (11) has a tubular or collar like shape (Fig. 2 and 3).

In other versions of the preceding embodiments, the aperture (9) is located at the center of the fine filter (7) with respect to the width (Fig. 2 and 3).

In other versions of the preceding embodiments, the fine filter (7) is manufactured from plastic or metal (Fig. 2 and 3).

With the present invention, the filtration performance of the filter apparatus (1) has an improved. With the filter apparatus (1) of the present invention, the washing performance of the dishwasher (3) has also been improved. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased.

Claims

A filter apparatus (1) for use in the sump (2) of a dishwasher (3), the filter apparatus (1) comprising

- a filter assembly (4) which has a coarse filter (5) and a micro filter (6) and

- a fine filter (7) which has a filter surface (8) and an aperture (9) for detachably receiving the filter assembly (4), wherein the filter surface (8) has a plurality of ports (10) for filtering the wash liquor,

characterized in that

- a water impermeable barrier (11) for damming up the wash liquor which flows along the entire filter surface (8) towards the filter assembly (4) up to a level L and

- a spillway (12) for conducting the wash liquor which spills over the level L defined by the barrier (11) into the filter assembly (4), wherein the wash liquor on the filter surface (8) is conducted immediately into the filter assembly (4) exclusively through the spillway (12).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

- the barrier (11) is arranged on the edge of the filter surface (8) next to the filter assembly (4) and completely surrounds the filter assembly (4) and

- the spillway (12) comprises a plurality of openings (13, 14) which are arranged on the filter assembly (4).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fine filter (7) comprising a frame (15) which supports the filter surface (8) and the barrier (11).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that

- the plurality of openings (13, 14) include one or more than one upper opening (13) which is located on the level L defined by the barrier (11) and one or more than one lower opening (14) which is located below the level L defined by the barrier (11) and

- the filter assembly (4) comprising a body (16) which supports the micro filter (6) and releasably holds the coarse filter (5), wherein the body (16) comprising a seating flange (17) for attachment to the aperture (9) and a wall portion (18) and wherein the upper and the lower openings (13, 14) are formed into the wall portion (18).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower opening (14) is located on or below the lowest point P1 of the filter surface (8).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

- the barrier (11) is arranged on the filter assembly (4) and completely surrounds the filter assembly (4) and

- the spillway (12) comprises a plurality of openings (13) which are arranged on the filter assembly (4).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

- the plurality of openings (13) include one or more than one upper opening (13) which is located on the level L defined by the barrier (11) and

- the filter assembly (4) comprises a body (16) which supports the micro filter (6) and releasably holds the coarse filter (5), wherein the body (16) comprising a seating flange (17) for attachment to the aperture (9) and a wall portion (18), wherein the barrier (11) is defined by the wall portion (18) and wherein the upper openings (13) are formed into the wall portion (18).
The filter apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter surface (8) is inclined downwards towards the center (C) of the filter assembly (4) and the level L defined by the barrier (11) is below the highest point P2 of the filter surface (8) and above the lowest point P1 of the filter surface (8).
The filter apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the level L defined by the barrier (11) encloses the half or more than the half of the filter surface (8).
The filter apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

the barrier (11) has a tubular shape.
The filter apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the aperture (9) is positioned at the center of the fine filter (7) with respect to the width.
The filter apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that

the fine filter (7) is manufactured from plastic or metal.
A dishwasher (3) comprising a tub and a sump (2) which is arranged into the bottom of the tub for collecting the wash liquor, characterized in that the filter apparatus (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the filter apparatus (1) is arranged into the bottom of the tub and upstream of the sump (2).