EP3718458A1 - Spray arm for a dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray arm for a dishwasher, with an inlet opening (4) for washing liquid, a spray nozzle (5), a washing liquid channel (6) fluidically connecting the spray nozzle (5) to the inlet opening (4) and a filter medium, the filter medium being a is replaceable in the inlet opening (4) positionable filter insert (7).

Description

The invention relates to a spray arm for a dishwasher, with an inlet opening for washing liquid, a spray nozzle, a washing liquid channel connecting the spray nozzle with the inlet opening in terms of flow, and a filter medium.

Dishwashers as such are well known per se from the prior art, which is why a separate printed document is not required at this point.

Known dishwashers have a washing compartment that provides a washing area. This is accessible on the user side via a loading opening, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotably mounted wash cabinet door. When used as intended, the washing compartment serves to hold items to be cleaned, which can be, for example, dishes, cutlery and / or the like.

A spray device housed in the washing compartment serves to apply washing liquid, the so-called wash liquor, to wash items to be cleaned. This spray device typically provides rotatably mounted spray arms, two or three such spray arms being provided as a rule. When used as intended, the items to be cleaned are exposed to washing liquor by means of rotating spray arms.

A generic spray arm is for example from EP 3 016 569 B1 known.

The one from the EP 3 016 569 B1 previously known spray arm has an inlet opening for washing solution. When used as intended, the spray arm is charged with rinsing solution via the inlet opening.

The spray arm also has a spray nozzle. A plurality of spray nozzles are typically provided. When used as intended, washing liquor is dispensed via this, specifically in the direction of the items to be cleaned, among other things.

For the purpose of fluidic connection of the spray nozzle to the inlet opening, the spray arm also provides a washing solution channel. When used as intended, washing solution applied to the spray arm flows through the washing solution channel via the inlet opening to the spray nozzle, from where the washing solution is then dispensed in the direction of the items to be cleaned.

In order to avoid unwanted clogging or clogging of a spray nozzle with dirt particles or similar impurities that are carried along by the washing liquor, the generic spray arm is after EP 3 016 569 B1 equipped with a filter medium. This filter means is arranged in the wash liquor channel and is intended to hold back dirt particles or similar impurities carried along by the wash liquor.

That from the EP 3 016 569 B1 Known filter means is formed from webs that are spaced apart from one another in the wash liquor channel and are aligned in a V-shape.

With the one from the EP 3 016 569 B1 With previously known filter media, the clogging tendency of the spray nozzles provided by the spray arm can advantageously be minimized, but when used as intended, the filter media itself can be clogged in a disadvantageous manner, as the spaces between the webs of the filter media become clogged with dirt particles or similar impurities . Since the webs are arranged in the rinsing liquor channel, that is, in the interior of the spray arm, user-side access is not possible or only difficult, which makes user-side cleaning cumbersome and time-consuming if the filter medium is clogged. In addition, the previously known construction does not allow the user to easily check the filter means for a possible blockage.

On the basis of what has been described above, the object of the invention is to provide a spray arm which, while at the same time minimizing the tendency of the spray nozzles to clog, structurally ensures that the filter means is easier to use.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a spray arm of the generic type which is characterized in that the filter means is replaceable The filter insert can be positioned in the inlet opening.

In a departure from the prior art, a filter means is provided according to the invention which, when used as intended, is not arranged in the wash liquor channel but as a filter insert in the inlet opening upstream of the wash liquor channel. The arrangement of the filter insert in the inlet opening has the advantage of easy accessibility. It is therefore easy for the user to check the filter insert for contamination and to clean it if necessary.

In addition, in a departure from the prior art, the invention provides that the filter means is not designed to be stationary, but to be replaceable. The filter insert according to the invention can therefore be removed from the inlet opening by the user if necessary. The filter insert can then be checked and cleaned independently of the spray arm. In particular, it is possible to clean the filter insert under running water, for example a tap. After cleaning, the filter insert can then be repositioned in the inlet opening of the spray arm as intended.

The exchangeable arrangement of the filter insert in the inlet opening increases the ease of use for the user, which further improves handling.

Overall, the invention proposes a spray arm which has a removable, in particular tool-free removable filter insert which, when used as intended, is arranged centrally in the suction area, namely in the inlet opening of the spray arm. The construction according to the invention ensures, on the one hand, that the tendency of the spray nozzles of the spray arm to clog is minimized and, on the other hand, that any clogging of the filter insert can be easily checked by the user and, if necessary, also easily eliminated by cleaning. In this respect, the invention provides an improved cleaning option for the spray arm for the user, since dirt particles or similar impurities fed to the spray arm via the washing liquor can be separated off centrally and easily removed by removing and cleaning the filter insert separately.

The construction according to the EP 3 016 569 B1 does not allow this because a filter medium is provided for each branch of the spray arm, i.e. two for each spray arm, which are also built into the interior of the spray arm and are therefore not accessible to the user.

Another advantage is that the spray arm rotates more slowly or even comes to a standstill in the event of a blockage of the filter insert arranged centrally in the inlet opening. This can be detected via a device for spray arm speed detection, which is preferably provided by the dishwasher anyway, and can be communicated to a user via a corresponding display device of the dishwasher. Any blockages in the spray arm can thus be automatically detected at an early stage and indicated to a user of the dishwasher so that he can take appropriate cleaning measures at an early stage.

According to a further advantage of the invention, it is provided that the filter insert has a filter section and a fastening section formed therewith, preferably integrally formed therewith.

The filter insert is functionally divided into a filter section on the one hand and a fastening section on the other. The filter section serves to remove dirt particles or similar impurities carried along from the washing solution. By means of the fastening section, the filter insert is held securely in position on the spray arm, which in particular ensures that washing solution cannot inadvertently pass the filter section into the washing solution channel of the spray arm. The fastening section thus ensures that washing liquor always flows through the filter section in the intended use.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the fastening section has an annular flange arranged circumferentially on the filter section.

The ring flange is angled to the filter section of the filter insert and comes to rest between two abutments in the final assembled state. This ensures a positionally accurate and positionally secure arrangement of the filter insert in the inlet opening of the spray arm in a structurally simple manner.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that on the outside of the inlet opening an edge section which interacts with the annular flange in the final assembled state is formed. This edge section serves as a first abutment for the annular flange, on which first abutment the annular flange rests in the final assembled state.

The second abutment for the annular flange is provided, for example, by a connecting piece of a support arm, by which support arm the spray arm is held in the intended use. Thus, the annular flange of the filter insert in the final assembled state is clamped in a secure position between the edge section surrounding the inlet opening of the spray arm on the one hand and the dishwasher-side connector of the support arm on the other hand. A fastening means, such as a nut, is used to fix the spray arm to the support arm in a manner known per se.

This construction provided according to the invention allows the filter insert to be checked for any possible contamination and, if necessary, also to be cleaned, in a very simple way. Because on the user side it is only necessary to dismantle the spray arm to loosen the nut coupling the spray arm to the support arm. The then dismantled spray arm can be removed from the dishwasher by the user and placed, for example, on a work surface of an adjacent kitchen unit. The filter insert can then be removed from the inlet opening of the spray arm without tools and cleaned if necessary. After cleaning the filter insert, put it back into the inlet opening of the spray arm. The spray arm can then be coupled to the support arm again by bringing the nut into operative connection with the thread surrounding the inlet opening and tightening it. In the final assembled state, the filter insert with its annular flange is again clamped between the edge section surrounding the inlet opening on the one hand and the corresponding opposite of the support arm on the other, which ensures a precise and secure arrangement of the filter insert in the inlet opening.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the filter section is designed as a sieve. In the simplest case, this can be a plastic part with a lattice-shaped mesh design. Alternatively, the filter section can have a filter mesh, a wire mesh and / or a sponge. Furthermore alternatively it can be provided that a three-dimensional filter in the form of a filter mesh, a wire mesh and / or a sponge is connected upstream of the filter section designed as a sieve. In this case, such a three-dimensional filter is preferably removably arranged on the filter section, so that, in particular in the event of cleaning, the filter section can be separated from the three-dimensional filter by the user.

According to a further feature of the invention, the mesh size of the filter section, which is preferably designed as a sieve, is smaller than the spray nozzle diameter. This ensures that such dirt particles or similar impurities are retained which could lead to a blockage of the spray nozzle. Smaller dirt particles, which can also pass through the spray nozzle, are let through by the filter section. This has the advantage that the filter section does not inadvertently become clogged too quickly.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the filter section is spherical. This configuration proves to be advantageous in particular for two reasons. On the one hand, the available filter area is increased overall due to the spherical design. On the other hand, the spherical design allows the formation of a volume space that can serve to accommodate a three-dimensional filter such as a sponge, a filter mesh and / or the like.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the filter insert is made of plastic. This enables the design of a robust, but at the same time dimensionally stable and corrosion-resistant component. Alternatively, it can be provided that the filter insert is made of metal.

Fig. 1

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung von unten einen erfindungsgemäßen Sprüharm gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht von oben den Sprüharm nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

in schematisch perspektivischer Draufsicht von oben den Sprüharm nach den Fign. 1 und 2 im demontierten Zustand;

Fig. 4

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung einen Filtereinsatz nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

in schematischer Draufsicht von oben den Sprüharm nach den Fign. 1 bis 3;

Fig. 6

in schematischer Seitenansicht den Sprüharm nach Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

in schematisch perspektivischer Draufsicht von oben den Sprüharm nach Fig. 5 in teilmontiertem Zustand;

Fig. 8

in schematischer Seitenansicht den Sprüharm nach Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung den erfindungsgemäßen Sprüharm gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 10

in teilgeschnittener Seitenansicht den Sprüharm nach Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

in einer Ausschnittsdarstellung einen Ausschnitt nach Fig. 9 und

Fig. 12

in einer Ausschnittsdarstellung einen Ausschnitt nach Fig. 10.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description with reference to the figures. Show it

Fig. 1

in a schematic perspective view from below a spray arm according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

in a schematic perspective view from above the spray arm after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

in a schematic perspective top view from above the spray arm according to the Figs. 1 and 2 when dismantled;

Fig. 4

in a schematic perspective illustration a filter insert according to the invention;

Fig. 5

in a schematic plan view from above the spray arm according to the Figs. 1 to 3 ;

Fig. 6

in a schematic side view of the spray arm Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

in a schematic perspective top view from above the spray arm Fig. 5 in partially assembled condition;

Fig. 8

in a schematic side view of the spray arm Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

in a schematic perspective view the spray arm according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 10

in a partially sectioned side view the spray arm Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 11

in a detail view a detail after Fig. 9 and

Fig. 12

in a detail view a detail after Fig. 10 .

The Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 show a spray arm 1 according to the invention, namely according to a first embodiment, as it is typically used as a spray arm mounted in the washroom below a lower basket of a dishwasher. The Figures 9 to 12 show a spray arm 1 according to the invention according to a second embodiment as it is used as a wash basket-mounted spray arm, typically above a lower basket or below an upper basket.

The spray arm 1 has a base body which is formed from two half-shells 2 and 3. In the final assembled state, the two half-shells 2 and 3 define a volume space that serves as a washing solution channel 6.

On the inlet side of the washing solution channel 6, an inlet opening 4 is provided, via which, when used as intended, washing solution enters the spray arm 1, that is to say into the washing solution channel 6 accommodated by the spray arm 1. On the outlet side of the wash liquor channel 6, spray nozzles 5 are provided, via which, in the intended use, wash liquor is dispensed in the direction of the items to be cleaned. The washing solution channel 6 serves as a fluidic connection between the inlet opening 4 and the spray nozzles 5.

The spray arm 1 is equipped with a filter medium which, according to the invention, is designed as a filter insert 7. Fig. 4 shows the filter insert 7 in a schematic perspective view.

Like in particular the Figures 1 and 3 for the first embodiment and the Figures 10 and 12 For the second embodiment, the filter insert 7 is positioned exchangeably within the inlet opening 4 according to the invention. It can therefore optionally be removed from the inlet opening 4 by the user or reinserted into it. In this case, the user can take the filter insert 7 out of the inlet opening 4, in particular for the purpose of cleaning.

The filter insert 7 has a filter section 8 and a fastening section 9. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filter section 8 is designed in the manner of a sieve and provides a mesh-like grid, the mesh size being smaller than the diameter of the spray nozzles 5. For example, the mesh size can be between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fastening section 9 is designed as an annular flange 10 which surrounds the filter section 8 at one end.

The inlet opening 4 provides an edge section 11 surrounding the inlet opening 4 at the edge. This especially decreases the representation Fig. 1 Regarding the first embodiment and the representation according to Fig. 12 recognize for the second embodiment. In the fully assembled state of the spray arm 1, the annular flange 10 of the filter insert 7 rests against the edge section 11 of the inlet opening 4.

Like again in particular the representation after Fig. 4 can be seen, the filter section 8 of the filter insert 7 is spherical. This creates an optimized, large filter surface. In addition, due to the spherical configuration of the filter section 8, a volume or cavity is provided by the filter section 8, which can serve to accommodate additional filter elements, in particular three-dimensional filters. Wire, steel wool and / or similar fabrics and / or sponges can serve as three-dimensional filters, for example.

For the positionally secure arrangement of the spray arm 1 within a washing area of a dishwasher, a nut 14 is used in a manner known per se, as exemplified by the embodiment according to FIG Figures 9 to 12 can be seen. In the final assembled state, the spray arm 1 is held by a support arm 12. The support arm 12 provides an inflow channel 13 via which washing solution is fed to the spray arm 1 in the intended use. The support arm 12 opens into a connecting piece 15 which carries a nut 14 which can be rotated through 360 °. The internal thread provided by the nut 14 interacts with an external thread which is formed on the outside of the inlet opening 4. To assemble the spray arm 1, it is to be attached to the support arm 12 on the nozzle side, the nut 14 carried by the nozzle 15 being brought into screw engagement with the thread formed on the outside of the inlet opening 4. The nut must then be tightened so that the spray arm 1 presses against the nozzle 15.

With the design of the filter insert 7 according to the invention, a positionally accurate and secure mounting of the filter insert 7 is now achieved in an advantageous manner that the circumferential annular flange 10 is clamped in the final assembled state of the spray arm 1 between the inlet opening-side edge section 11 as the first abutment and the connector 15 as the second abutment . This embodiment has the particular advantage that after loosening the nut 14, the spray arm 1 is separated from the support arm 12 in a manner known per se, so that the spray arm 1 can be removed by the user. At the same time, however, when the spray arm 1 is dismantled, the user can also access the filter insert 7. This allows a simple control of the filter insert 7 and possibly. also a simple cleaning of the same, since it can be removed from the inlet opening 4 by the user without tools and cleaned separately by the spray arm 1.

Reference number

1

Spray arm

2

Half shell

3

Half shell

4th

Inlet opening

5

Spray nozzle

6th

Rinsing solution channel

7th

Filter insert

8th

Filter section

9

Fastening section

10

Ring flange

11

Edge section

12

Beam

13

Inflow channel

14th

mother

15th

Support

Claims (10)

Spray arm for a dishwasher, with an inlet opening (4) for washing liquid, a spray nozzle (5), a washing liquid channel (6) fluidically connecting the spray nozzle (5) to the inlet opening (4) and a filter medium, characterized in that
that the filter medium is an exchangeable filter insert (7) that can be positioned in the inlet opening (4). Spray arm according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the filter insert (7) has a filter section (8) and a fastening section (9) formed in one piece therewith. Spray arm according to claim 2,
characterized,
that the fastening section (9) has an annular flange (10) arranged around the filter section (8). Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that on the outside of the inlet opening (4) an edge section (11) which interacts with the annular flange (10) in the final assembled state is formed. Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4,
characterized,
that the filter section (8) is designed as a sieve. Spray arm according to claim 5,
characterized,
that the sieve has a mesh size which is smaller than the spray nozzle diameter. Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4,
characterized,
that the filter section (8) has a filter mesh. Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4,
characterized,
that the filter section (8) has a wire mesh and / or a sponge. Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 8,
characterized,
that the filter section (8) is dome-shaped. Spray arm according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the filter insert (7) is made of plastic.

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