WASHING ARM FOR A PARTICULARLY COMMERCIAL DISHWASHING MACHINE, WASHING ARM SYSTEM WITH SUCH A WASHING ARM AND DISHWASHING MACHINE

A combined wash and rinse arm system with separate channel systems addresses the space inefficiency of separate arm systems by integrating both functions into a single unit, enhancing space utilization and efficiency in dishwashers.

DE102023100424B4Active Publication Date: 2025-10-16ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023100424
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-01-10
Publication Date
2025-10-16
Estimated Expiration
2043-01-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing dishwashers require separate wash and rinse arm systems, increasing the overall height and reducing the effective volume for cleaning in the treatment chamber.

Method used

A combined wash and rinse arm system with separate channel systems for wash and rinse liquids, integrated into a single housing, allowing for a compact design and efficient use of space.

Benefits of technology

The integrated system reduces the number of components, enabling a more compact construction and efficient use of space while maintaining effective cleaning capabilities.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A wash arm (1) for a dishwasher, in particular a commercial one, wherein the wash arm (1) has a housing (2) in which an inlet region (5) for supplying liquid and at least one nozzle (8, 9, 10, 11) for spraying the supplied liquid are formed, wherein an interior region of the housing (2) enclosed by the housing (2) is spatially divided into a first channel system (6) and a second channel system (7) hermetically separated from the first channel system (6), wherein the inlet region (5) is designed to supply washing liquid to the first channel system (6) and rinse liquid to the second channel system (7) as required, characterized in that in an end region (13) of the wash arm housing (2) facing away from the inlet region (5) of the wash arm (1), at least one cleaning opening (26) is provided which is in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) and has an opening / closing mechanism associated with the cleaning opening (26).wherein the opening / closing mechanism is designed to open automatically, in particular for flushing at least one area of ​​the first channel system (6) as needed, and to close automatically, in particular for terminating the flushing of at least one area of ​​the first channel system (6), as needed.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial dishwashing, in particular, and more specifically to a wash arm for a dishwasher, in particular a commercial utensil or dishwashing machine. The wash arm according to the invention is particularly part of a rotating washing and rinsing system of a conveyor dishwasher or a programmable automatic dishwasher.

[0002] Conveyor dishwashers are primarily flight-type or rack-type dishwashers. Conveyor dishwashers are typically used in commercial applications. Unlike programmable dishwashers, where the items to be cleaned remain stationary in the machine during the cleaning process, conveyor dishwashers transport the items through various treatment zones.

[0003] Programmable dishwashers are manually loaded and unloaded dishwashers. Programmable dishwashers can be pass-through dishwashers, also called hood-type dishwashers, or front-loaders. Front-loaders can be undercounter, countertop, or freestanding dishwashers with front loading.

[0004] A dishwasher designed as a programmable automatic dishwasher typically has a treatment chamber for cleaning dishes. A wash tank is usually located below the treatment chamber, into which liquid from the treatment chamber can flow back by gravity. The wash tank contains wash liquid, which is usually water, to which detergent can be added if necessary.

[0005] A dishwasher designed as a programmable automatic dishwasher further comprises a wash system with a wash pump, a pipe system connected to the wash pump, and a plurality of spray nozzles formed in at least one wash arm. The wash liquid in the wash arm can be pumped by the wash pump via the pipe system to the spray nozzles and sprayed onto the items to be cleaned by the spray nozzles in the treatment chamber. The sprayed wash liquid then flows back into the wash tank.

[0006] Commercial dishwashers designed as programmable automatic machines usually work in two main process steps: a first step, which involves washing with a washing liquid - as already described - and a second step, which involves rinsing.

[0007] During the final rinse, the dishes in the treatment chamber are sprayed with preferably heated fresh water and / or a metered-in rinse aid. The fresh water and / or rinse aid is referred to herein as "rinse aid liquid" and is conveyed via at least one rinse aid line to a plurality of spray nozzles formed in at least one rinse aid arm. The final rinse is performed with fresh water, preferably with fresh water from a water heater. After spraying, the fresh water is also collected in the dishwasher's wash tank.

[0008] Wash arm systems are usually used to spray the washing liquid and the rinse aid liquid as required, as known, for example, from DE 20 2014 105 113 U1.

[0009] Such commonly used rinsing systems consist of a wash arm and a separate rinse arm, which are mounted for rotation around a common axis. During the wash phase, the appropriate wash liquid is supplied to the wash arm. During the rinse phase, however, the wash liquid supply to the wash arm is interrupted, and rinse liquid is supplied to the rinse arm.

[0010] The disadvantage of the solutions known from the prior art is that the wash arm system has a certain height, which in turn reduces the volume effectively available for cleaning the wash ware in the treatment chamber (in program machines) or in the treatment zone (in conveyor dishwashers).

[0011] The document DE 696 18 563 T2 relates to a dishwasher with at least one and preferably two rotating spray devices provided with selectively fed spray nozzles.

[0012] The publication DE 198 12 329 C1 relates to a dishwasher with a spray arm mounted on a bearing part so that it can rotate and be removed, to which rinse water can be supplied via the bearing part and the pivot bearing. Attaching and removing the spray arm is made considerably easier and simpler by the fact that a mechanical bistable switching device consisting of a locking part and a control part is arranged between the bearing part and the spray arm. This switching device can be alternately adjusted to a locking and unlocking position by repeatedly applying vertical pressure to the spray arm. In doing so, it establishes a locking connection to the bearing part via the locking part and then releases this locking connection again.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing arm that is as compact as possible and which enables the volume available for receiving and cleaning wash ware in the treatment zone or treatment chamber of a dishwasher to be optimally utilized.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, the underlying object is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the washing arm according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 6. According to a further (second) aspect of the invention, the underlying object is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 7, wherein an advantageous development of this washing arm is specified in dependent patent claim 8.

[0015] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a washing arm for a particularly commercial dishwasher, wherein the washing arm has a housing in which an inlet region for supplying liquid and at least one nozzle for spraying the supplied liquid are formed.

[0016] Such a washing arm is already known, at least in principle, from the state of the art, such as DE 20 2014 105 113 U1.

[0017] In order to achieve a particularly compact construction of the washing arm, it is provided in particular according to the invention that an interior region of the housing enclosed by the housing is spatially divided into a first channel system and a second channel system hermetically separated from the first channel system, wherein the inlet region of the washing arm is designed to supply washing liquid to the first channel system and rinse liquid to the second channel system as required.

[0018] In other words, one aspect of the present invention can be seen in particular in the fact that the washing arm is designed as a combined washing arm, i.e. one and the same washing arm has both the function of spraying washing liquid and the function of spraying rinse aid liquid.

[0019] This measure significantly simplifies the design of the wash arm compared to prior art solutions, as it eliminates the need for two different arm systems for spraying wash liquid on the one hand and rinse aid on the other. In the combined wash arm according to the invention, both functions are integrated into one and the same arm system. This allows for a reduction in the number of individual components required to create the wash system, which simultaneously results in a particularly compact design of the wash arm and thus a reduced overall height.

[0020] According to implementations of the washing arm according to the invention, it is provided that the washing arm has a first nozzle system with at least one first nozzle that is in fluid communication with the first channel system and is designed to generate a washing liquid spray level when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system. The first nozzle system further has at least one second nozzle that is in fluid communication with the first channel system and is designed to generate a drive jet for rotating the washing arm when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system, wherein the at least one second nozzle is preferably formed in an end region of the washing arm.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, according to embodiment variants of the wash arm according to the invention, the wash arm has a second nozzle system with at least one first nozzle that is in fluid communication with the second channel system and is designed to generate a rinse-aid spray level when rinse-aid liquid is supplied to the second channel system. The second nozzle system further has at least one second nozzle that is in fluid communication with the second channel system and is designed to generate a drive jet for rotating the wash arm when rinse-aid liquid is supplied to the second channel system. The at least one second nozzle is preferably formed in an end region of the wash arm.

[0022] According to preferred implementations of the washing arm according to the invention, the housing has an S- or Z-shape in plan view.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, it is provided that the housing is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotational axis of the washing arm running through the inlet area of ​​the washing arm and has a plurality of washing arm areas extending at least substantially partially or regionally in the radial direction from the inlet area of ​​the washing arm, wherein each washing arm area has a first area connected to the inlet area and preferably directly adjoining the inlet area, which first area extends at an angle with respect to the radial direction, and has a second area connected to the first area, which extends at least substantially in the radial direction, and has a third area connected to the second area, which third area extends at an angle with respect to the radial direction and with respect to a main extension direction of the first area in the opposite direction.

[0024] Furthermore, it is provided that the rotational axis of the wash arm, which runs through the inlet area of ​​the wash arm, is arranged eccentrically with respect to the second area of ​​each wash arm area. This, in turn, ensures that the wash arm can be driven in rotation particularly efficiently by the generated drive jet with the aid of the at least one second nozzle of the first and / or second nozzle system. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0025] The wash arm is preferably designed such that, when used as intended, particularly in a commercial dishwasher, it can rotate in a preferred direction of rotation (e.g., counterclockwise) about an axis of rotation extending through the inlet area of ​​the wash arm. The first channel system should be formed, at least in part, in a rear (i.e., remote) area of ​​the wash arm housing, as viewed in the preferred direction of rotation of the wash arm, and the second channel system should be formed, at least in part, in a front (i.e., facing) area of ​​the wash arm housing, as viewed in the preferred direction of rotation of the wash arm. This enables particularly efficient final rinsing with a relatively small amount of final rinsing liquid.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, this relates to a simplified and efficient cleaning of the wash arm system, which is typically performed at the end of a commercial dishwashing day or shift. The aim is to provide a solution in which at least some of the work steps required for cleaning the dishwasher can be performed automatically, thus saving personnel and simultaneously reducing the resources used for cleaning (water, energy, chemicals).

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, it is provided that in an end region of the wash arm housing facing away from the inlet region of the wash arm, at least one cleaning opening is provided which is in fluid communication with the first channel system and has an opening / closing mechanism assigned to the cleaning opening, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is designed to open automatically, in particular as needed, for flushing at least one region of the first channel system and to close automatically, in particular as needed, for ending the flushing of at least one region of the first channel system.

[0028] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the opening / closing mechanism has an electrically, magnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated actuator in order to be able to open or close the at least one cleaning opening as required.

[0029] In one conceivable implementation, it is provided in this context that the opening / closing mechanism has a check valve, wherein the check valve has a shut-off body which is displaceable relative to the wash arm housing and relative to the at least one cleaning opening assigned to the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening is in fluid communication with the first channel system of the wash arm, and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening and the first channel system is interrupted, preferably in a purely linear movement.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the opening / closing mechanism is designed to preferably automatically close the at least one cleaning opening as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system of the washing arm reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is further designed in particular to open the at least one cleaning opening when the static pressure inside the first channel system of the washing arm falls below the predetermined or definable minimum pressure value.

[0031] Different designs are possible for the opening / closing mechanism.

[0032] For example, it is conceivable that the opening / closing mechanism has a gate valve that is preferably mounted in the corresponding end region of the wash arm in such a way that the gate valve can be displaced in a preferably purely linear movement relative to the first channel system of the wash arm housing and relative to the at least one cleaning opening assigned to the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening is in fluid communication with the first channel system of the wash arm housing and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening and the first channel system of the wash arm housing is interrupted.

[0033] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the gate valve has a guide sleeve and preferably a shut-off body projecting radially from the guide sleeve, wherein the guide sleeve is mounted in particular in a linearly movable manner on a guide pin extending in the longitudinal direction of the wash arm housing.

[0034] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the opening / closing mechanism preferably has, in the corresponding end region of the wash arm, a pivoting element serving as a shut-off body, which is designed and / or mounted in such a way that the pivoting element can be pivoted in a preferably pure pivoting movement relative to the wash arm housing and relative to the at least one cleaning opening assigned to the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening is in fluid communication with the first channel system of the wash arm housing, and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening and the first channel system of the wash arm housing is interrupted.

[0035] In this context, it is advisable for the pivoting element to be assigned a preloading element, in particular in the form of a spring, with which the pivoting element is preloaded into its open position. The preload force exerted on the pivoting element by the preloading element and / or the open position of the pivoting element are / is preferably selected such that the preload force is overcome as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system of the wash arm housing reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure value.

[0036] Furthermore, as an alternative to this, it is conceivable that the opening / closing mechanism preferably has, in the corresponding end region of the wash arm, a closure element, in particular a spherical closure element, which is received in a cage region and serves as a shut-off body and is designed and / or mounted in the cage region in such a way that the closure element can be moved relative to the wash arm housing and relative to the cage region and relative to the at least one cleaning opening assigned to the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening is in fluid communication with the first channel system of the wash arm housing, and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening and the first channel system of the wash arm housing is interrupted.

[0037] The closure element and the cage region are preferably designed such that the closure element is transferred into its closed position by the water pressure prevailing inside the first channel system of the wash arm housing and is held there as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system of the wash arm housing reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure value, and that the closure element moves into its open position by gravity as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system of the wash arm housing falls below the predetermined or definable minimum pressure value.

[0038] The invention further relates to a wash arm system for a dishwasher, in particular a commercial one, wherein the wash arm system comprises a wash arm of the aforementioned type according to the invention, a locking mechanism arranged at the inlet area of ​​the wash arm and a coupling bushing which is designed to be arranged in a fixed position with respect to the dishwasher and in particular with respect to a treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher.

[0039] The washing arm can be connected to a first end region of the coupling bushing via the locking mechanism, in particular via a clip and / or snap-in connection, in such a way that the washing arm can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the coupling bushing.

[0040] According to further developments of the wash arm system according to the invention, the coupling bushing is designed as a hollow body that is closed or closable at the first end region of the coupling bushing, wherein rinse aid liquid can be supplied to the coupling bushing as required via the second end region of the coupling bushing opposite the first end region. The coupling bushing has at least one window region through which the rinse aid liquid fed into the coupling bushing as required can be supplied to the second channel system of the wash arm housing.

[0041] In a further development of the last-mentioned embodiment, it is provided that the inlet region of the washing arm is designed such that, in a state when the washing arm is connected to the coupling bush, an annular channel is formed which surrounds the coupling bush at least partially or in regions and via which washing liquid can be supplied to the first channel system of the washing arm housing as required.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advisable in this context that a sealing ring, preferably made of a plastic material, is provided in the annular channel, wherein the sealing ring is designed to be moved by the washing liquid pressure into a closed position when washing liquid is supplied to the annular channel, in which a fluid connection from the annular channel to the second channel system of the washing arm housing is interrupted.

[0043] Finally, the invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a commercial utensil or dishwashing machine, wherein the dishwasher has at least one treatment chamber or at least one treatment zone in which washing liquid and / or rinse aid liquid is sprayed as required, wherein at least one washing arm of the aforementioned type according to the invention is provided for spraying the washing liquid and / or the rinse aid liquid.

[0044] An exemplary embodiment of the washing arm according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] They show: Fig. 1 schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the washing arm according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically and in a plan view the exemplary embodiment of the washing arm according to the invention; Fig. 3 schematically and in a side view the exemplary embodiment of the washing arm according to the invention; Fig. 4 schematically and in a sectional view of the washing arm according to Fig. 2; Fig. 5 schematically and in a sectional view along the line YY in Fig. 3 the washing arm according to Fig. 3; and Fig. 6 schematically shows a sectional view along the line FF in Fig. 5.

[0046] The exemplary embodiment of the washing arm 1 according to the invention, which is shown in the accompanying drawings, serves to spray washing liquid during the washing phase and to spray rinse liquid during a rinsing phase, in particular in a commercial dishwasher.

[0047] The washing arm 1 has a housing 2 in which an inlet area 5 for supplying liquid (washing liquid or rinse aid liquid) is formed.

[0048] The housing 2 can, for example, be made entirely or partially from a metallic material, such as sheet metal, for example, using a deep-drawing process. Other materials, such as plastic, and other manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, are also conceivable.

[0049] The housing 2 can, for example, be constructed in multiple parts and can, for example, form an upper shell 3 and a lower shell 4, which each define an upper side and a lower side, respectively. The definition can be understood, for example, such that the lower side always faces the items to be cleaned. Accordingly, corresponding nozzles 8, 9, 10, 11 are formed in the housing 2, for example on the underside and / or in the lower shell 4 and / or in the upper side or upper shell 5, via which liquid can be sprayed, jetted, or dripped onto the items to be cleaned.

[0050] In the embodiment of the washing arm 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, the housing 2 is formed from an upper shell 3 and a lower shell 4, each formed by a plastic injection molding process, wherein the upper and lower shells 4, 5 are subsequently assembled and preferably integrally connected to one another.

[0051] As is particularly the case with the sectional views in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the design of the washing arm 1 according to the invention is characterized in particular in that an interior region of the housing 2 enclosed by the housing 2 is spatially divided into a first channel system 6 and a second channel system 7 hermetically separated from the first channel system 6. The inlet region 5 is designed to supply washing liquid to the first channel system 6 and rinse liquid to the second channel system 7 as required.

[0052] The views especially in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 that the washing arm 1 has a first nozzle system with first nozzles 8 which are in fluid communication with the first channel system 6 of the washing arm housing 2 and which are designed to generate a washing liquid spray cone when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system 6.

[0053] The first nozzle system further comprises at least one second nozzle 9 fluidly connected to the first channel system 6, which is designed to generate a drive jet for rotating the washing arm 1 when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system 6. The at least one second nozzle 9 is preferably formed in an end region 13 of the washing arm 1.

[0054] Similarly, the wash arm 1 has a further, second nozzle system with first nozzles 10 that are fluidly connected to the second channel system 7 and designed to generate a rinse-aid spray cone when rinse-aid liquid is supplied to the second channel system 7. Furthermore, the second nozzle system has at least one second nozzle 11 that is fluidly connected to the second channel system 7 and designed to generate a drive jet for rotating the wash arm 1 when rinse-aid liquid is supplied to the second channel system 7.

[0055] As is the case with the isometric view in Fig. 1 can be removed, the at least one second nozzle 11 of the second nozzle system is preferably formed in an end region 13 of the washing arm 1.

[0056] The top view of the wash arm 1 according to Fig. 2 that in the exemplary embodiment of the washing arm 1, the housing 2 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotational axis 14 of the washing arm 1 running through the inlet area 5 of the washing arm 1 and has a plurality of (here: exactly two) washing arm areas 15 extending from the inlet area 5 of the washing arm 1 at least substantially partially or in regions in the radial direction 19.

[0057] Each wash arm region 15 has a first region 16 which is connected to the inlet region 5 and preferably directly adjoins the inlet region 5 and which is angled with respect to the radial direction 19.

[0058] Each wash arm region 15 further comprises a second region 17 connected to the first region 16, which extends at least substantially in the radial direction 19, and a third region 18 connected to the second region 17, which extends at an angle in the opposite direction with respect to the radial direction 19 and with respect to a main extension direction of the first region 16 of the wash arm region 15.

[0059] In this way, it is possible for the axis of rotation 14 of the washing arm 1 passing through the inlet area 5 of the washing arm 1 to be arranged eccentrically with respect to the second area 17 of each washing arm area.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment of the washing arm 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the washing arm 1 is designed such that it - in its intended use in a particularly commercial dishwasher - can be rotated in a preferred direction of rotation 20 about an axis of rotation 14 running through the inlet area 5 of the washing arm 1.

[0061] As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 4, for example, the first channel system 6 is formed at least in regions in a (rear) region of the wash arm housing 2 which is remote as seen in the preferred direction of rotation 20 of the wash arm 1, and the second channel system 7 is formed at least in regions in a (front) region of the wash arm housing 2 which is remote as seen in the preferred direction of rotation 20 of the wash arm 1.

[0062] The wash arm 1 according to the invention, as shown schematically in the drawings using an exemplary embodiment, is also characterized in particular in that in an end region 13 of the wash arm housing 2 facing away from the inlet region 5 of the wash arm 1, at least one cleaning opening 26 is provided which is in fluid communication with the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2 and has an opening / closing mechanism assigned to the cleaning opening 26, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is designed to open automatically, in particular as needed, to flush at least one region of the first channel system 6, and to close automatically, in particular as needed, to end the flushing of at least one region of the first channel system 6.

[0063] In the embodiment of the wash arm 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, an opening / closing mechanism is used which has a closure element 24 (ball), in particular a spherical one, which is received in a cage region 23 in the corresponding end region 13 of the wash arm 1 and which serves as a shut-off body and is designed and / or mounted in the cage region 23 in such a way that the closure element 24 can be moved relative to the wash arm housing 2 and relative to the cage region 23 and relative to the cleaning opening 26 assigned to the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening 26 is in fluid communication with the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2, and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the cleaning opening 26 and the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2 is interrupted.

[0064] The closure element 24 and the cage region 23 are designed such that the closure element 24 is moved into its closed position by the water pressure prevailing inside the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2 and is held there as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2 reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure value. On the other hand, the closure element 24 preferably moves into its open position by gravity as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system 6 of the wash arm housing 2 falls below the predetermined or definable minimum pressure value.

[0065] The sectional view in Fig. 5 it can be seen in particular that a closure mechanism 25 is formed at the inlet area 5 of the washing arm 1.

[0066] The locking mechanism 25 serves to detachably connect the washing arm 1, in particular via a clip and / or snap-in connection, to an end region 13 of a coupling bushing in such a way that the washing arm 1 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the coupling bushing.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all features disclosed herein. List of reference symbols 1 wash arm 2 housings 3 Upper shell of the housing 4 Bottom shell of the housing 5 Inlet area 6 first canal system 7 second canal system 8 first nozzles of the first nozzle system 9 second nozzles of the first nozzle system 10 first nozzles of the second nozzle system 11 second nozzles of the second nozzle system 13 End area of ​​the wash arm 14 axis of rotation 15 Wash arm area 16 first area of ​​the wash arm area 17 second area of ​​the wash arm area 18 third area of ​​the wash arm area 19 Radial direction 20 Preferred direction of rotation 23 Cage area 24 locking element 25 Locking mechanism 26 Cleaning opening

Claims

[1] Washing arm (1) for a dishwasher, in particular for commercial use, wherein the washing arm (1) has a housing (2) in which an inlet area (5) for supplying liquid and at least one nozzle (8, 9, 10, 11) for spraying the supplied liquid is formed, wherein an interior area of ​​the housing (2) enclosed by the housing (2) is spatially divided into a first channel system (6) and a second channel system (7) hermetically separated from the first channel system (6), wherein the inlet area (5) is designed to supply washing liquid to the first channel system (6) and rinse liquid to the second channel system (7) as required, characterized by, that in an end area (13) of the wash arm housing (2) facing away from the inlet area (5) of the wash arm (1) at least one cleaning opening (26) in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) is provided with an opening / closing mechanism associated with the cleaning opening (26), wherein the opening / closing mechanism is designed to open automatically, in particular as required, to flush at least one area of ​​the first channel system (6) and to close automatically, in particular as required, to end the flushing of at least one area of ​​the first channel system (6). [2] Washing arm (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing mechanism has an electrically, magnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated actuator for opening and / or closing the at least one cleaning opening (26) as required. [3] Washing arm (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening / closing mechanism has a check valve, wherein the check valve has a shut-off element which is displaceable relative to the washing arm housing and relative to the at least one cleaning opening (26) associated with the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening (26) is in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) of the washing arm (1) and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening (26) and the first channel system (6) is interrupted, preferably in a purely linear movement;and / or wherein the opening / closing mechanism is configured to preferably automatically close the at least one cleaning opening (26) as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm (1) reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is further configured to open the at least one cleaning opening (26) when the static pressure inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) falls below the predetermined or definable minimum pressure value. [4] Washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing mechanism has a shut-off valve preferably mounted in the corresponding end region (13) of the washing arm (1) such that the shut-off valve is displaceable in a preferably purely linear movement relative to the first channel system (6) of the washing arm housing (2) and relative to the at least one cleaning opening (26) associated with the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening (26) is in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) of the washing arm housing (2) and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening (26) and the first channel system (6) of the washing arm housing (2) is interrupted, wherein the shut-off valve preferably has a guide sleeve and preferably a shut-off element projecting radially from the guide sleeve,wherein the guide sleeve is mounted in a linearly movable manner on a guide pin extending in the longitudinal direction of the wash arm housing (2); or, wherein the opening / closing mechanism preferably has a pivoting element serving as a shut-off element in the corresponding end region (13) of the wash arm (1), which is designed and / or mounted such that the pivoting element can be pivoted in a preferably pure pivoting movement relative to the wash arm housing and relative to the at least one cleaning opening (26) associated with the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening (26) is in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2), and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening (26) and the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) is interrupted, wherein the pivoting element is preferably associated with a preloading element, in particular in the form of a spring, with which the pivoting element is preloaded into its open position,wherein the preload force exerted on the pivoting element by the preloading element and / or the opening position of the pivoting element are preferably selected such that the preload force is overcome as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure value; or, wherein the opening / closing mechanism preferably has in the corresponding end region (13) of the wash arm (1) a closure element (24) received in a cage region (23), which serves as a shut-off element and is designed and / or mounted in the cage region (23) such that the closure element (24) is movable relative to the wash arm housing and relative to the cage region (23) as well as relative to the at least one cleaning opening (26) associated with the opening / closing mechanism between an open position in which the at least one cleaning opening (26) is in fluid communication with the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) and a closed position in which a fluid connection between the at least one cleaning opening (26) and the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) is interrupted, wherein the closure element (24) and the cage region (23) are preferably designed such thatthat the closing element (24) is moved into its closed position and held there by the water pressure prevailing inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) reaches or exceeds a predetermined or definable minimum pressure value, and that the closing element (24) moves into its open position by gravity as soon as a static pressure inside the first channel system (6) of the wash arm housing (2) falls below the predetermined or definable minimum pressure value. [5] Washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the washing arm (1) has a first nozzle system with at least one first nozzle (8) in fluid communication with the first channel system (6), which is configured to generate a washing liquid spray cone when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system (6), wherein the first nozzle system further comprises at least one second nozzle (9) in fluid communication with the first channel system (6), which is configured to generate a drive jet for rotary driving of the washing arm (1) when washing liquid is supplied to the first channel system (6), wherein the at least one second nozzle (9) is preferably configured in an end region (13) of the washing arm (1). [6] Washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the washing arm (1) has a second nozzle system with at least one first nozzle (10) in fluid communication with the second channel system (7), which is configured to generate a rinse fluid spray cone when rinse fluid is supplied to the second channel system (7), wherein the second nozzle system further comprises at least one second nozzle (11) in fluid communication with the second channel system (7), which is configured to generate a drive jet for rotary driving of the washing arm (1) when rinse fluid is supplied to the second channel system (7), wherein the at least one second nozzle (11) is preferably configured in an end region (13) of the washing arm (1). [7] Washing arm (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by, that the housing (2) - with respect to a rotation axis (14) of the washing arm (1) passing through the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1) - is rotationally symmetrical and has several washing arm areas (15) extending at least substantially partially or partially in the radial direction (19) from the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1), wherein each washing arm area (15) has a first area (16) connected to the inlet area (5) and preferably adjoining the inlet area (5), which is angled with respect to the radial direction (19), and has a second area (17) connected to the first area (16), which extends at least substantially in the radial direction (19), and has a third area (18) connected to the second area (17),which is angled in the opposite direction with respect to the radial direction (19) and with respect to a principal extension direction of the first area (16), wherein the axis of rotation (14) of the washing arm (1) passing through the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1) is arranged eccentrically with respect to the second area (17) of each washing arm area (15). [8] Washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the washing arm (1) is designed such that it is rotatable in a preferred direction of rotation (20) about an axis of rotation (14) passing through the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1) in a preferred direction of rotation (20) in the intended use in a particularly commercial dishwasher, wherein the first channel system (6) is formed at least partially in a region of the washing arm housing (2) facing away from the preferred direction of rotation (20) of the washing arm (1) and the second channel system (7) is formed at least partially in a region of the washing arm housing (2) facing towards the preferred direction of rotation (20) of the washing arm (1). [9] Washing arm system for a dishwasher, in particular for commercial use, wherein the washing arm system comprises: - a washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8; - a locking mechanism (25) arranged at the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1); and - a coupling bushing which is designed to be fixedly arranged with respect to the dishwasher and in particular with respect to a treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein the washing arm (1) can be detachably connected via the locking mechanism (25), in particular via a clip and / or snap connection, to a first end region (13) of the coupling bushing in such a way that the washing arm (1) can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the coupling bushing. [10] Washing arm system according to claim 9, wherein the coupling bushing is designed as a hollow body which is closed or closable at the first end region (13) of the coupling bushing, wherein rinse fluid can be supplied to the coupling bushing as required via the second end region (13) opposite the first end region (13), wherein the coupling bushing has at least one window region through which the rinse fluid supplied to the coupling bushing as required can be supplied to the second channel system (7) of the washing arm (1). [11] Washing arm system according to claim 10, wherein the inlet area (5) of the washing arm (1) is designed such that, in a state when the washing arm (1) is connected to the coupling bushing, an annular channel is formed which at least partially or partially surrounds the coupling bushing, through which washing liquid can be supplied to the first channel system (6) of the washing arm (1) as required. [12] Washing arm system according to claim 11, wherein a sealing ring preferably made of a plastic material is provided in the annular channel, wherein the sealing ring is designed to be moved into a closed position by the washing liquid pressure when washing liquid is supplied to the annular channel, in which a fluid connection from the annular channel to the second channel system (7) of the washing arm (1) is interrupted. [13] Dishwasher, in particular a commercial utensil or dishwashing machine, wherein the dishwasher has at least one treatment chamber or at least one treatment zone in which washing liquid and / or rinse aid liquid is sprayed as required, wherein at least one washing arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is provided for spraying the washing liquid and / or the rinse aid liquid.

Citation Information

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