Assembly for fixing a steam nozzle in dishwashing machine

Abstract

In a steam dishwashing machine a steam nozzle that sprays steam, supplied by a steam generator, into the dish washing space or compartment. The steam nozzle is fixed to the tub so that the dish washing space itself is not limited, nor are the shape and size of the dishwashing machine racks. Moreover, the steam nozzle is fixed such that any warping or deformation of the steam nozzle, due to prolonged exposure to high-temperature wash water or high-temperature steam, is prevented.

1 . A dish washing machine comprising:
 a tub having an inner surface that defines a dish washing space;   a steam generator;   a nozzle assembly that sprays steam, supplied by the steam generator, into the dish washing space; and   a coupling member coupled to the nozzle assembly, the coupling member applying a force such that the nozzle assembly is fixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.   
   
   
       2 . The dish washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly includes a peripheral edge portion, and wherein the force applied by the coupling member is such that the peripheral edge portion is fixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub. 
   
   
       3 . The dish washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly comprises:
 a body part that includes a spray port on a first side of the body part, and wherein the force applied by the coupling member is such that a second side of the body part, opposite the first side of the body part, is fixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.   
   
   
       4 . The dish washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly comprises:
 a body part that includes a spray port on a first side of the body part; and   a coupling part formed on a second side of the body part, the coupling part projecting through a coupling hole formed in the tub; wherein coupling member is coupled to the coupling part by a plurality of connection members.   
   
   
       5 . The dish washing machine of  claim 4 , wherein the coupling member comprises:
 a rear panel portion; and   a plurality of extension tabs, wherein the plurality of connection members pass through holes formed in the rear panel portion and into the coupling part of the nozzle assembly, and wherein each of the plurality of extension tabs extend from the rear panel portion to the tub, thereby applying a force on the tub such that a peripheral edge portion of the nozzle assembly is fixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.   
   
   
       6 . The dish washing machine of  claim 4 , wherein the coupling member comprises:
 a rear panel portion; and   a plurality of extension tabs, wherein the plurality of connection members pass through holes formed in the rear panel portion and into the coupling part of the nozzle assembly, and wherein each of the plurality of extension tabs extend from the rear panel portion to the tub, thereby applying a force on the tub such that a rear surface of the nozzle assembly is fixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.   
   
   
       7 . The dish washing machine of  claim 4 , wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises:
 an introduction part through which steam, supplied by the steam generator, is introduced into the steam nozzle.   
   
   
       8 . The dish washing machine of  claim 7 , wherein the introduction part is formed on a side portion of the coupling part. 
   
   
       9 . A dish washing machine comprising:
 a tub defining a dish washing space;   a steam generator a coupling member; and   a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising:
 a body part including at least one spray port on a first side of the body part, wherein the spray port sprays steam, generated by the steam generator, into the dish washing space, and 
 a coupling part formed on a second side of the body part, wherein the coupling part is coupled to the coupling member such that a force is applied on the tub thereby fixing the nozzle assembly to the tub. 
   
   
   
       10 . The dish washing machine of  claim 9 , wherein the coupling part projects through a coupling hole formed in the tub. 
   
   
       11 . The dish washing assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the coupling part is coupled to the coupling member by a threaded engagement. 
   
   
       12 . The dish washing machine of  claim 9  further comprising a sealing member, the sealing member being fixed between the body part and the tub. 
   
   
       13 . The dish washing machine of  claim 9 , wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises:
 an introduction part through which steam, supplied by the steam generator, is introduced into the steam nozzle.   
   
   
       14 . The dish washing machine of  claim 13 , wherein the introduction part is formed on the coupling part.