A DISHWASHER COMPRISING UV LIGHT SOURCE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising an UV (ultraviolet) light source.

[0002] In dishwashers, dirty kitchenware are placed in washing tubs to be washed. Kitchenware are cleaned by means of water sprayed through the spray arms. In addition to washing with water, it is a known application to use UV (ultraviolet) light sources in dishwashers, which enable dissipating ultraviolet light inside the washing tub. Washed dishes are sterilized by means of said UV light sources. Sterilization of dishes is of utmost importance in areas where kitchenware are used collectively and hygiene is critical, such as restaurants or hospitals. Dishwashers capable of sterilization are therefore preferred. In general, UV light sources are placed in the vicinity of spray arms. This enables them to dissipate light from an equal distance to the kitchenware placed in the washing tub. A UV light source can be controlled by means of the control unit of the dishwasher and may be activated according to the preference of the user. An electrical connection is established from the control unit to the UV light source in order to energize the UV light source. Electrical connection is usually enabled by cable lines. However, since there is continuous water circulation in the washing tub, presence of cable lines therein may be hazardous. This delimits the areas where UV light sources can be positioned, reducing the efficiency of sterilization.

[0003] State of the art patent application document no. KR20150124147 discloses a dishwasher comprising a UV light source energized by means of a battery rechargeable with mechanical energy. US2009301530 discloses a dishwasher with a UV generator located at a side wall of a dishwasher tub with a power generator located on the rear side of the UV generator.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to realize a dishwasher comprising a UV light source which can be positioned in various regions by means of being energized externally.

[0005] The dishwasher realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims comprises a body, a washing tub provided on the body, a lower and an upper spray arm enabling spraying water on the dishes placed in the washing tub, and a UV light source provided in the washing tub. The UV light source is in active position when illuminating and in passive position when illumination is disabled.

[0006] The dishwasher of the invention comprises an energy source enabling energizing the UV light source by means of the fluid passing through the washing tub. The UV light source can be disposed in various regions thanks to the energy source.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises an energy source which is a hydro generator having a turbine generating mechanical energy by rotating by means of the fluid in the washing tub, and a generator converting the mechanical energy received from the turbine into electric energy. The energy thus generated by means of the hydro generator is transmitted to the UV light source.

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises a UV light source disposed in the vicinity of the spray arm, which is thus energized by means of transmitting water from the spray arm to the hydro generator.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises a fan provided in the vicinity of the turbine. The turbine is enabled to rotate by means of the fan. This enables generating energy by means of the hydro generator and switching the UV light source to active position.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises a variable-speed motor and a control card enabling the hydro generator to generate energy when the rotation speed of the variable-speed motor exceeds a threshold value predetermined by the producer.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises a control unit enabling controlling operation processes such as washing or drying, and a switch energized by the control unit. The switch is arranged between the hydro generator and the UV light source. The energy flow from the hydro generator to the UV light source is controlled by means of the switch.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit enables triggering the switch in the rinsing step. This enables switching the UV light source to active position in the rinsing step.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit enables switching the UV light source to passive position upon detecting detergent or dirt in the washing tub.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher comprises a hydro generator saving energy when the UV light source is in active position.

[0015] A dishwasher realized to achieve the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dishwasher.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lower spray arm, upper spray arm end the UV light source.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hydro generator.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the fan, hydro generator and the light source.

[0016] The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.

1. Dishwasher

2. Body

3. Washing tub

4. Lower spray arm

5. Upper spray arm

6. UV light source

7. Turbine

8. Generator

9. Hydro generator

10. Fan

11. Variable-speed motor

12. Control card

13. Control unit

14. Switch

[0017] The dishwasher (1) comprises a body (2), a washing tub (3) provided on the body (2), in which the washing process is performed, a lower spray arm (4) and/or an upper spray arm (5) provided in the washing tub (3), enabling transmitting water to the kitchenware placed in the washing tub (3), and a UV (ultraviolet) light source (6) provided in the washing tub (3), terminating the microorganisms on the kitchenware placed in the washing tub by emitting ultraviolet radiation, being in an active position when radiating UV light and in a passive position when not radiating UV light. Washed kitchenware are sterilized by means of the UV light source (6).

[0018] The dishwasher (1) of the invention comprises an energy source (7) connected to the UV light source (6), energizing and thereby enabling the UV light source (6) to switch to active position by generating energy by means of the fluid in the washing tub (3). The UV light source (6) does not require to be energized by cable by means of the energy source (7). This enables positioning the UV light source (6) in various regions.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises an energy source (7) which is a hydro generator (9) having a turbine (7) rotating by means of the fluid in the washing tub (3), and a generator (8) connected to the turbine (7). The fluid used in washing cycle enables the turbine (7) to rotate by impacting the blades of the turbine (7). The turbine (7) generates mechanical energy by rotating. The generated mechanical energy is transmitted to the generator (8) and is converted into electrical energy by the generator (8). This enables energizing the UV light source (6).

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a UV light source (6) energized by means of transmitting water from a spray arm to the hydro generator (9) by being disposed in the vicinity of the lower spray arm (4) and/or the upper spray arm (5). The fluid flow contacting the turbine (7) increases by means of the hydro generator (9) being disposed in the vicinity of a spray arm (4, 5). This increases the amount of energy generated for the UV light source (6) to switch to active position.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a fan (10) disposed in the vicinity of the turbine (7) and thereby enabling the turbine (7) to rotate and the UV light source (6) to switch to active position. The fan (10) enables the turbine (7) to rotate and the hydro generator (9) to generate electricity. This enables switching the UV light source (6) to active position. In addition, fan (10) usage enhances the drying performance.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a variable-speed motor (11) provided on the body (2), enabling controlling the water pressure transmitted to the washing tub (3) and a control card (12) enabling the hydro generator (9) to generate energy when the rotation speed of the variable-speed motor (11) exceeds a threshold value predetermined by the producer. Since water flow intensity increases when rotation speed of the motor (11) exceeds a given threshold value, the washing tub (3) is cleaned from residue such as detergent and dirt particles. The dishes are enabled to be cleaner by means of the UV light source (6) radiating in predetermined times and for given periods.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a control unit (13) provided on the body (2), enabling controlling operation processes such as washing or drying, and a switch (14) disposed between the hydro generator (9) and the UV light source (6), and energized by the control unit (13). The energy flow from the hydro generator (9) to the UV light source (6) is controlled by means of the switch (14) disposed between the hydro generator (9) and the UV light source (6). By this, the UV light source (6) is restricted from switching to active position each time the hydro generator (9) activates. The switch (14) is controlled by the control unit (13). Thus, the UV light source (6) is switched to active position according to desire of a user.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit (13) enables the switch (14) to be triggered in the rinsing step and the UV light source (6) to be switched to active position. The control unit (13) determines that the dishwasher (1) is in the rinsing step, enables the switch (14) to be triggered and thereby the UV light source (6) to be energized by the hydro generator (9). Dishes are sterilized by means of the UV light source (6) switched to active position in the rinsing step.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit (13) enables switching the UV light source (6) to passive position upon detecting presence of detergent or dirt particles in the washing tub (3). The control unit (13) checks whether there are dirt particles or detergent in the washing tub (3). The UV light source (6) is enabled to switch to passive position upon detecting presence of detergent or dirt particles. This prevents subjecting detergent or dirt particles to ultraviolet light, thereby enhancing washing performance.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher (1) comprises a hydro generator (9) saving energy when the UV light source (6) is in active position. The hydro generator (9) generates the energy required to switch the UV light source (6) to active position. This enables saving energy.

[0027] The invention enables realizing a dishwasher (1) comprising a UV light source (6) switching to active position by means of the energy generated by the fluid used in washing cycle passing through the hydro generator (9). By this, a cable connection is not required between the control unit (13) and the UV light source (6) for the UV light source (6) to switch to active position, improving product safety. The UV light source (6) being energy-wise independent of the control unit (13), increases the number of regions where it can be positioned on the body (2). The UV light source (6) can thus be used more efficiently, enhancing cleaning performance.

Claims

1. A dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2), a washing tub (3) provided on the body (2), in which the washing process is performed, a lower spray arm (4) and/or an upper spray arm (5) provided in the washing tub (3), enabling transmitting water to the kitchenware placed in the washing tub (3), and a UV (ultraviolet) light source (6) provided in the washing tub (3), terminating the microorganisms on the kitchenware placed in the washing tub (3) by emitting ultraviolet radiation, having an active position in which it radiates and a passive position in which it does not radiate, characterized by a hydro generator (9) connected to the UV light source (6), enabling the UV light source (6) to switch to active position by generating energy by means of a turbine (7) rotating by means of the fluid in the washing tub (3), and a generator (8) connected to the turbine (7).

2. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the UV light source (6) disposed in the vicinity of the lower spray arm (4) and/or the upper spray arm (5) and energized by water transmitted from a spray arm (4, 5).

3. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a fan (10) disposed in the vicinity of the turbine (7) and thereby enabling the turbine (7) to rotate and the UV light source (6) to switch to active position.

4. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a variable-speed motor (11) provided on the body (2), enabling controlling the water pressure transmitted to the washing tub (3) and by a control card (12) enabling the hydro generator (9) to generate energy when the rotation speed of the variable-speed motor (11) exceeds a threshold value predetermined by the producer.

5. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a control unit (13) provided on the body (2), enabling controlling operation processes such as washing or drying, and by a switch (14) disposed between the hydro generator (9) and the UV light source (6), and energized by the control unit (13).

6. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the control unit (13) enabling in the rinsing step the switch (14) to be triggered and the UV light source (6) to be switched to active position.

7. A dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the control unit (13) enabling the UV light source (6) to be switched to passive position upon detecting presence of detergent or dirt particles in the washing tub (3).

Ansprüche

1. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1) umfasst einen Körper (2), eine am Körper (2) angesetzte Spülwanne (3), in dessen der Spülvorgang durchgeführt wird, einem unteren Sprüharm (4) und/oder einem oberen Sprüharm (5), der in der Spülwanne (3) angebracht ist, um Wasser auf das in der Spülwanne (3) platzierte Geschirr zu übertragen, und eine UV-(Ultraviolett-)Lichtquelle (6), die in der Spülwanne (3) vorgesehen ist, die Mikroorganismen auf dem in der Spülwanne (3) platzierten Küchengeschirr durch Emission von ultravioletter Strahlung abtötet, und eine aktive Position darstellt, wenn es eine Strahlung abgibt, und eine passive Position darstellt, wenn es keine Strahlung abgibt, gekennzeichnet ist sie durch einen Hydrogenerator (9), der mit der UV-Lichtquelle (6) verbunden ist, der es der UV-Lichtquelle (6) ermöglicht, durch Erzeugung von Energie durch eine Turbine (7), die sich mit der Flüssigkeit in der Spülwanne dreht, in die aktive Position zu schalten (3), wobei es eine Verbindung mit der Turbine (7) und dem Generator (8) aufweist.

2. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die UV-Lichtquelle (6) in der Nähe des unteren Sprüharms (4) und/oder des oberen Sprüharms (5) angeordnet ist und durch von einem Sprüharm (4, 5) übertragenes Wasser mit Energie versorgt wird.

3. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass durch ein Gebläse (10), das in der Nähe der Turbine (7) angeordnet ist und dadurch die Drehung der Turbine (7) und das Umschalten der UV-Lichtquelle (6) in die aktive Position ermöglicht.

4. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Motor (11) mit einer variablen Drehzahl an dem Körper (2) vorgesehen ist und ermöglicht, den auf die Waschwanne (3) übertragenen Wasserdruck zu steuern, durch eine Steuerkarte (12), die es dem Hydrogenerator (9) ermöglicht, Energie zu erzeugen, wenn die Drehung des drehzahlgeregelten Motors (11) einen vom Hersteller vorgegebenen Schwellwert überschreitet.

5. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine am Körper (2) vorgesehene Steuereinheit (13), die die Steuerung von Betriebsvorgängen wie Waschen oder Trocknen ermöglicht, und durch einen Schalter (14), der zwischen dem Hydrogenerator (9) und der UV-Lichtquelle (6) angeordnet und mit Strom durch die Steuereinheit (13) versorgt wird.

6. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 5 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinheit (13) im Spülschritt das Auslösen des Schalters (14) und das Schalten der UV-Lichtquelle (6) in die aktive Position ermöglicht.

7. Eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 5 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinheit (13) ermöglicht, dass die UV-Lichtquelle (6) beim Erkennen des Vorhandenseins von Reinigungsmittel oder Schmutzpartikeln in der Spülwanne (3) in die passive Position geschaltet wird.

Revendications

1. Un lave-vaisselle (1) comprenant un corps (2), une cuve de lavage (3) prévue dans le corps (2), dans laquelle le processus de lavage est effectué, un bras d'aspersion inférieur (4) et/ou un bras d'aspersion supérieur (5) prévus dans la cuve de lavage (3), permettant de transmettre de l'eau aux ustensiles de cuisine placés dans la cuve de lavage (3), et une source de lumière UV (ultraviolette) (6) prévue dans la cuve de lavage (3), éliminant les micro-organismes sur les ustensiles de cuisine placés dans la cuve de lavage (3) en émettant un rayonnement ultraviolet, ayant une position active dans laquelle elle rayonne et une position passive dans laquelle elle ne rayonne pas, est caractérisé en ce qu'un hydrogénérateur (9) est connecté à la source de lumière UV (6), permettant à la source de lumière UV (6) de passer en position active en générant de l'énergie au moyen d'une turbine (7) tournant grâce au fluide dans la cuve de lavage (3), et un générateur (8) connecté à la turbine (7).

2. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 1, est caractérisé en ce que la source de lumière UV (6) est disposée à proximité du bras d'aspersion inférieur (4) et/ou du bras d'aspersion supérieur (5) et est alimentée par l'eau transmise par un bras d'aspersion (4, 5).

3. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 1, est caractérisé en ce qu'un ventilateur (10) est disposé à proximité de la turbine (7) et permet ainsi à la turbine (7) de tourner et à la source de lumière UV (6) de passer en position active.

4. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 1, est caractérisé en ce qu'un moteur à vitesse variable (11) disposé sur le corps (2) permet de contrôler la pression d'eau transmise à la cuve de lavage (3) et par une carte de contrôle (12) permettant à l'hydrogénérateur (9) de générer de l'énergie lorsque la vitesse de rotation du moteur à vitesse variable (11) dépasse une valeur seuil prédéterminée par le producteur.

5. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 1, est caractérisé en ce qu'une unité de commande (13) est prévue sur le corps (2), permettant de commander des processus de fonctionnement tels que le lavage ou le séchage, et par un commutateur (14) disposé entre l'hydrogénérateur (9) et la source de lumière UV (6), et mis sous tension par l'unité de commande (13).

6. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 5, est caractérisé en ce que l'unité de commande (13) permet à l'étape de rinçage de déclencher l'interrupteur (14) et de commuter la source de lumière UV (6) en position active.

7. Un lave-vaisselle (1) selon la déclaration 5, est caractérisé en ce que l'unité de commande (13) permet à la source de lumière UV (6) d'être commutée en position passive lors de la détection de la présence de particules de détergent ou de saleté dans la cuve de lavage (3).

Drawing