IMPROVED OVERFLOW SIPHON FOR USE IN A DISHWASHER AND DISHWASHER HAVING THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to an overflow siphon (1) for use in a dishwasher (2) for draining excess water. The dishwasher (2) comprises a washing tub (3) for receiving dishes to be cleaned, wherein the washing tub (3) has an opening for loading or unloading the dishes, a plurality of feet (5) for supporting the washing tub (3) and a reservoir which is arranged under the washing tub (3) for collecting the excess water filled into the washing tub (3). The overflow siphon (1) comprises a duct (6) which includes an inlet (7) for drawing the excess water from the washing tub (3) and an outlet (8) for draining the excess water into the reservoir, wherein the outlet (8) is fluidly connected to the inlet (7).

Description

The present invention relates to an overflow siphon for use in a dishwasher and a dishwasher having an overflow siphon. The present invention particularly relates to an overflow siphon for draining excess water from a washing tub into a reservoir which is arranged under the washing tub.

The washing tub of a dishwasher is generally filled with a requisite amount of fresh water for cleaning the dishes. Several methods of filling a washing tub with water are known. In a commonly used technique, the water level inside the washing tub is monitored by a level sensor which is arranged within the washing tub. In another commonly used technique, the water level inside the washing tub is monitored by a flow sensor arranged along a water intake line.

A problem with a water filling process is that the sensors and/or the water intake valves can fail to function properly. In such cases, the washing tub is filled with an excessive amount of water. The excess water usually runs off the washing tub and causes serious damages.

Several methods have been devised to drain the excess water away from the washing tub. In a commonly used technique, the water level in the washing tub is monitored by a presostat. If the water level exceeds a predetermined level, a discharge motor is activated to drain off the excess water. However, the use of a presostat renders the drainage system susceptible to disturbances. Therefore, a reliable drainage method must be used. In another commonly used technique, the washing tub is provided with an overflow siphon for conducting the excess water into a reservoir which is arranged under the washing tub. The overflow siphon is arranged to fluidly connect the washing tub with the reservoir. If the water level exceeds a predetermined level, the excess water is conducted via the overflow siphon into the reservoir. The reservoir is typically provided with a buoy which activates a discharge motor for draining off the excess water collected in the reservoir.

DE 39 30 578 A1 discloses a dishwasher which has a drain hose for draining the excess water from a washing tub into a bottom tray. The drain hose has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fitted to an overflow channel. The excess water runs off into the overflow channel through a cut-out in the washing tub. The outlet opens into the bottom tray. The overflow channel is clamped between an outer side wall of the dishwasher and a cross member which supports the washing tub.

In general, it is important that the drainage system is leak-tight to prevent water from flowing to an outside of the dishwasher. However, a leak-tight drainage system can only be attained if all of its components are adequately mounted to the dishwasher. The drainage components are usually vulnerable to misalignments and relative displacements during the clamping work.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an overflow siphon for use in a dishwasher which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art and which can be easily and reliably installed for an initial operation of the dishwasher or uninstalled for servicing the dishwasher.

This objective has been achieved by the overflow siphon according to the present invention as defined in claim 1, and the dishwasher according to the present invention as defined in claim 10. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The overflow siphon of the present invention is configured by a duct which has a first engagement means for aligning and detachably attaching the same directly to its designated attachment position on one of the front feet. The duct has an inlet that adjoins a lower edge of an opening of the washing tub to define an overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub with the duct. The duct has an outlet that opens into a reservoir for collecting the excess water. Thereby, the overflow siphon can be easily and reliably installed into the dishwasher.

In an embodiment, the first engagement means is provided on a lateral wall portion of the duct. The overflow siphon can be aligned and attached to the front foot by way of a lateral engagement. Thereby, a sufficient amount of working space is secured for installing or uninstalling the overflow siphon.

In another embodiment, the first engagement means rotatably engages the duct with the front foot. The duct is resiliently arrested to the front foot when it is rotatably aligned to its designated attachment position. Thereby, an installation of the overflow siphon is further improved. Thus, the overflow siphon is prevented from being misaligned or displaced.

In an alternative embodiment, the first engagement means has one or more than one snap-fit element which resiliently and detachably engages the duct with the front foot. In this embodiment, the overflow siphon can be aligned and attached to the front foot as before by way of a lateral engagement. However, in this embodiment, the overflow siphon need not be rotated for an alignment and can be immediately attached to the front foot at its designated attachment position.

In another embodiment, the overflow siphon has a second engagement means for positioning and preliminarily arresting a frontal reinforcement bracket which is utilized for supporting the washing tub. The second engagement means facilitates proper positioning of the frontal reinforcement bracket when mounting the same to the front feet. However, the installation of the overflow siphon is performed separately and prior to an installation of the frontal reinforcement bracket. Thereby, the overflow siphon can be easily serviced.

The dishwasher according to the present invention may have one or more than one overflow siphon. Thereby, the excess water can be rapidly drained off before it runs off the washing tub.

In another embodiment, the washing tub has one or more than one downwardly bending cove-shaped lip which adjoins the inlet to define a smooth overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub with a respective duct of the overflow siphon. Thereby, a flow path between the washing tub and the duct is further improved.

In another embodiment, a door of the washing tub is configured to open/close without interfering with the frontal reinforcement bracket. Thereby, the overflow siphons can be uninstalled for servicing without demounting the door.

The overflow siphon of the present invention can be easily and reliably installed into the dishwasher. Especially, an alignment and an attachment of the overflow siphon to the dishwasher has been facilitated. Thereby, the overflow siphon is prevented from being misaligned and displaced during an installation as well as after an installation, for example when the dishwasher is transported or the like. Hence, a leak-tight installation and a proper operation of the drainage system is safeguarded. In addition, the overflow siphon can be easily uninstalled for servicing. Most importantly, a frontal reinforcement bracket can be separately and independently uninstalled without jeopardizing the leak-tightness of the overflow siphon. Moreover, a sufficient amount of working space for installing/uninstalling the overflow siphon has been secured. Thus, the overflow siphons can be uninstalled for servicing the dishwasher even without demounting the door. The overflow siphon of the present invention enables a compact drainage system which is highly fail-safe and cost effective.

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

FIG. 1—is a schematic perspective partial view of a dishwasher having two overflow siphons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3—is another schematic partial perspective view of the dishwasher having two overflow siphons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 2, prior to aligning and attaching the overflow siphon to a front foot.

FIG. 6—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5, prior to rotating the overflow siphon.

FIG. 7—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 6, while rotating the overflow siphon to its designated attachment position.

FIG. 8—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 7, when the overflow siphon is aligned and attached to the front foot at its designated attachment position.

FIG. 9—is an enlarged schematic perspective partial view of a dishwasher having an overflow siphon according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

• 1. Siphon
• 2. Dishwasher
• 3. Tub
• 4. Hinge
• 5. Foot
• 6. Duct
• 7. Inlet
• 8. Outlet
• 9. Edge
• 10a. Lateral wall portion
• 10b. Upper wall portion
• 10c. Lower wall portion
• 11. First projecting portion
• 12. Flange
• 13. First aperture
• 14. Second projecting portion
• 15. Second aperture
• 16. Snap-fit element
• 17. Bracket
• 18. Lip
• 19. Base
• 20. Plate

The overflow siphon (1) is suitable for use in a dishwasher (2) for draining excess water (FIGS. 1 to 4). The dishwasher (2) includes a washing tub (3) for receiving dishes to be cleaned. The washing tub (3) has an opening for loading or unloading the dishes. The dishwasher (2) further includes a plurality of feet (5) for supporting the washing tub (3). A reservoir (not shown) is arranged under the washing tub (3) for collecting the excess water filled into the washing tub (3). The overflow siphon (1) is formed by a duct (6) which has an inlet (7) and an outlet (8) (FIGS. 5 to 9). The outlet (8) is fluidly connected to the inlet (7). The inlet (7) draws the excess water from the washing tub (3). The outlet (8) drains the excess water into the reservoir.

The overflow siphon (1) according to the present invention has a first engagement means which is configured to align and detachably attach the duct (6) directly to one of a front foot (5) at its designated attachment position (FIGS. 8 and 9). When the overflow siphon (1) is at its designated attachment position, the inlet (7) adjoins a lower edge (9) of the opening of the washing tub (3) to define an overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub (3) with the duct (6), and the outlet (8) opens into the reservoir. Thereby, the overflow siphon (1) can be easily and reliably installed into the dishwasher (2).

In an embodiment, the duct (6) is formed by two lateral wall portions (10a), an upper wall portion (10b), and a lower wall portion (10c) (FIGS. 5 to 9). The lateral wall portions (10a) respectively oppose the inner sides of the front feet (5). The upper wall portion (10b) opposes a lower side of the washing tub (3). In this embodiment, the first engagement means is formed on a lateral wall portion (10a) of the duct (6) (FIGS. 5 to 9). The overflow siphon (1) can be aligned and attached to the front foot (5) by way of a lateral engagement. Thereby, a sufficient amount of working space for installing the overflow siphon (1) is secured.

In another embodiment, the first engagement means has a first section and second section. The first section is configured to rotatably engage the duct (6) with one of the front feet (5) (FIGS. 5 to 8). The second section is configured to arrest the duct (6) to the same front foot (5) when the duct (6) is rotatably aligned to its designated attachment position. Thereby, both the alignment step and the attachment step are further facilitated. Consequently, the overflow siphon (1) is prevented from being misaligned or displaced.

In another embodiment, the first section has a first projecting portion (11) (FIG. 5). The first projecting portion (11) has a flange (12) which is insertable through a first aperture (13) formed on the front foot (5) (FIGS. 5 to 8). In this embodiment, the second section has a second projecting portion (14) which resiliently snaps into a second aperture (15) formed on the front foot (5) (FIGS. 5 to 8).

In another embodiment, both the flange (12) and the first aperture (13) have non-circular shapes (FIGS. 5 to 8). The flange (12) partially overlaps, in an axial direction a surrounding portion of the first aperture (13) when the duct (6) is rotated to its designated attachment position (FIGS. 7 and 8). Thereby, a rotating flange lock is attained which allows releasing or arresting the overflow siphon (1).

In an alternative embodiment, the first engagement means has one or more than one snap-fit element (16) which resiliently and detachably engages the duct (6) with the front foot (5) (FIG. 9). The overflow siphon (1) can be aligned and attached to the front foot (5) as before by way of a lateral engagement. However, in this embodiment, the overflow siphon (1) need not be rotated when aligning and attaching to the front foot (5) at its designated attachment position. As before, a sufficient amount of working space is secured for installing/uninstalling the overflow siphon (1).

In another embodiment, the overflow siphon (1) has, in addition to the first engagement means, a second engagement means. The second engagement means is utilized for positioning and preliminarily arresting a frontal reinforcement bracket (17) (FIGS. 1 to 4). The frontal reinforcement bracket (17) is utilized for supporting the washing tub (3). The frontal reinforcement bracket (17) is to be arranged across the two front feet (5) and underneath the washing tub (3). When assembling the dishwasher (2), the overflow siphon is initially aligned and attached to a front foot (5). As next, the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) is mounted the two front feet (5) and underneath the washing tub (3). Thereby, the installation of the over flow siphon (1) is performed separately from the frontal reinforcement bracket (17). However, the second engagement means facilitates proper positioning of the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) when mounting the latter to the front feet (5).

In another embodiment, the second engagement means is provided on the lower wall portion (10c) of the duct (6) so as to oppose an upper surface of the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) (FIGS. 1 to 4).

In another embodiment, the duct (6) has a rectangular cross section. The cross section of the duct (6) gradually increases towards an opening of the inlet (7) (FIGS. 1 to 9). Thereby a wide overflow path is attained.

The dishwasher (2) according to the present invention may have one or more than one overflow siphon (1). Thereby, the excess water can be rapidly drained off.

In an embodiment of the dishwasher, two overflow siphons (1) are respectively attached to each one of the two front feet (5) (FIGS. 1 to 4). The overflow siphons (1) respectively adjoin the left and right lower edges (9) of the opening (4) of the washing tub (3) which are close to the side walls of the dishwasher. Thereby, the excess water is quickly and reliably drained off even when the dishwasher is not horizontally installed.

In another embodiment, a lower edge (9) of the opening of the washing tub (3) has one or more than on downwardly bending cove-shaped lip (18) (FIGS. 5 to 7). Each of the lips (18) defines an overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub (3) with a respective duct (6). In this embodiment, the inlet (7) is arranged to adjoin a respective lip (18) (FIGS. 1 to 9). The lip (18) bends into the inlet (17).

In another embodiment, each of the front feet (5) is configured by a height adjustable base (19) and a lateral reinforcement plate (20) (FIGS. 1 to 9). In this embodiment, the lateral reinforcement plates (20) are respectively arranged on the lateral side of the washing tub (3). Each of the lateral reinforcement plate (20) firmly connects the washing tub (3) to the base (19). The height adjustable base (19) is provided in form of a frame which supports the whole dishwasher (2). In this embodiment, the first engagement means of the overflow siphon (1) aligns and detachably attaches the duct (6) directly to a respective lateral reinforcement plate (20) of the front foot (5) (FIGS. 1 to 9).

In another embodiment, the dishwasher has a door (not shown) for opening/closing the washing tub (3). The door is pivotably mountable to the lateral reinforcement plates (20) by means of hinges (4) (FIGS. 5 to 9). The dishwasher (2) further includes a frontal reinforcement bracket (17) which is mounted across the two front feet (5) (FIGS. 1 to 4). The frontal reinforcement bracket (17) extends horizontally underneath both the overflow siphons (1) and the washing tub (3). In this embodiment, the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) supports the washing tub (3) without interfering with the pivotable door. Thereby, the overflow siphons (1) can be disassembled for servicing the dishwasher (2) without demounting the door. When servicing the overflow siphons, at first the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) is demounted. As next, the overflow siphons are detached from the front feet (5).

In another embodiment, the dishwasher (2) has a discharging unit (not shown) for discharging the excess water collected in the reservoir to an outside. The discharging unit includes a discharge motor and a buoy. The buoy is arranged within the reservoir. The buoy activates operation of the discharge motor when the reservoir has collected a predetermined amount of water.

The overflow siphon of the present invention is easy to mount. Especially, an alignment and an attachment of the overflow siphon has been improved. Thus, any misalignments and displacements during an installation as well as after the installation have practically prevented. The overflow siphon of the present invention enables a leak-tight installation. The overflow siphon of the present invention is compact. Thus, a sufficient amount of working space for installing/uninstalling the overflow siphon has been secured. Consequently, the overflow siphon is easy to service. In addition, an interference of the overflow siphon with other components has been reduced. For instance, a frontal reinforcement bracket can be separately and independently uninstalled. Moreover, when servicing the dishwasher, the overflow siphons can be uninstalled without demounting the pivotable door.

Claims

1. An overflow siphon (1) for use in a dishwasher (2) for draining excess water, the dishwasher (2) comprising a washing tub (3) for receiving dishes to be cleaned, wherein the washing tub (3) has an opening for loading or unloading the dishes, a plurality of feet (5) for supporting the washing tub (3) and a reservoir which is arranged under the washing tub (3) for collecting the excess water filled into the washing tub (3), the overflow siphon (1) comprising a duct (6) which includes an inlet (7) for drawing the excess water from the washing tub (3) and an outlet (8) for draining the excess water into the reservoir, wherein the outlet (8) is fluidly connected to the inlet (7); the overflow siphon (1) characterized by further comprising a first engagement means for aligning and detachably attaching the duct (6) directly to one of a front feet (5) at a designated attachment position wherein the inlet (7) adjoins a lower edge (9) of the opening of the washing tub (3) to define an overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub (3) with the duct (6) and wherein the outlet (8) opens into the reservoir.

2. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct (6) including a lateral wall portion (10a) which opposes an inner side of the front foot (5) and an upper wall portion (10b) which opposes a lower side of the washing tub (3), wherein the first engagement means is provided on a lateral wall portion (10a) of the duct (6).

3. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first engagement means including a first section for rotatably engaging the duct (6) with the front foot (5) and a second section for arresting the duct (6) to the front foot (5) when the duct (6) is rotatably aligned to its designated attachment position.

4. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first section including a first projecting portion (11) which has flange (12) for inserting through a first aperture (13) on the front foot (5) and the second section including a second projecting portion (14) for resiliently snapping into a second aperture (15) on the front foot (5).

5. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that both the flange (12) and the first aperture (13) have non-circular shapes, wherein the flange (12) partially overlaps, in an axial direction a surrounding portion of the first aperture (13) when the duct (6) is rotated to its designated attachment position.

6. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first engagement means including one or more than one snap-fit element (16) for engaging the duct (6) with the front foot (5).

7. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising a second engagement means for positioning and arresting a frontal reinforcement bracket (17) which is arranged across the two front feet (5) and underneath the washing tub (3).

8. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct (6) further including a lower wall portion (10c) which is averted from a lower surface of the washing tub (3), wherein the second engagement means is provided on the lower wall portion (10c) of the duct (6) so as to oppose an upper surface of the frontal reinforcement bracket (17).

9. The overflow siphon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct (6) has a rectangular cross section which widens towards an opening of the inlet (7).

10. A dishwasher (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more than one overflow siphon (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The dishwasher (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that two overflow siphons (1) are respectively attached to each of the two front feet (5).

12. The dishwasher (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that a lower edge (9) of the opening of the washing tub (3) has one or more than one downwardly bending cove-shaped lip (18) which defines an overflow path that fluidly connects the washing tub (3) with the inlet (7) of the duct (6), wherein the inlet (7) of the duct (6) adjoins a respective lip (18).

13. The dishwasher (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the front feet (5) is configured by a height adjustable base (19) and a lateral reinforcement plate (20), wherein the lateral reinforcement plate (20) is arranged on a respective lateral side of the washing tub (3) and connects the base (19) with the washing tub (3), and wherein the first engagement means of the overflow siphon (1) aligns and detachably attaches the duct (6) directly to a respective lateral reinforcement plate (20) of the front foot (5).

14. The dishwasher (2) according to claim 10, characterized by further comprising a frontal reinforcement bracket (17) which is mounted to the front feet (5), wherein the frontal reinforcement bracket (17) extends horizontally underneath both the overflow siphon (1) and the washing tub (3) without interfering with the door.

15. The dishwasher (2) according to claim 10, characterized by further comprising a discharging unit for discharging the excess water collected in the reservoir to an outside, wherein the discharging unit includes a discharge motor and a buoy which is arranged within the reservoir for activating/deactivating operation of the discharge motor.