Dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher with a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4) for receiving items to be cleaned and a spray device (7) arranged within the washing container (3) for applying washing solution to the items to be cleaned, wherein the spray device (7) has a rotatably mounted spray arm (8, 9, 10) which is passively driven, characterized by a braking and holding device (24) arranged within the washing container (3) and cooperating with the spray arm (8, 9, 10), which is configured to brake a rotational movement of the spray arm (8, 9, 10) and to hold the spray arm (8, 9, 10) in a braked position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher with a washing container providing a washing chamber for receiving items to be cleaned and a spray device arranged within the washing container for applying washing solution to the items to be cleaned, wherein the spray device has a rotatably mounted spray arm which is passively driven.

[0002] Dishwashers of this type are known from the prior art. Therefore, reference is made only by way of example to EP 2 893 862 B1.

[0003] A dishwasher of this type has a wash chamber that provides a washing area. In its intended use, the wash chamber serves to hold items to be cleaned, which may be dishes and / or cutlery.

[0004] A spray system located inside the wash tub is used to fill the dishes with cleaning solution, i.e., the cleaning fluid. This system typically has several rotating spray arms. Usually, there are two or three such spray arms inside the wash tub, arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of the dishwasher.

[0005] A supply line provides the spray arms with cleaning solution. This line is connected to the spray arms on one side and to a circulation pump on the other. Under normal operating conditions, the circulation pump draws in cleaning solution that collects in a sump or at the bottom of the wash tank and distributes it to the spray arms to apply the cleaning solution to the items being cleaned. The spray arms are equipped with spray nozzles to ensure targeted application of the cleaning solution to the items being cleaned.

[0006] Each spray arm is equipped with at least one spray nozzle, which is oriented so that the spray arm is set into a rotational movement when filled with cleaning solution, due to the spray jet emitted from this nozzle. A spray arm designed in this way is passively driven. It is "passive" because no separate drive is provided to initiate the rotational movement of the spray arm. The rotational movement of the spray arm during operation is caused solely by the pressurized application of cleaning solution to the spray arm by the circulation pump.

[0007] In contrast to a "passively driven" spray arm, "actively driven" spray arms are also known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2021 205 923 A1. The dishwasher known from this document uses a spray arm for which a separately designed electric motor drive unit is provided. A dishwasher of this type does not have such a drive.

[0008] Although dishwashers known from the prior art have proven their worth in everyday practical use, there is room for improvement. In particular, it is desirable to achieve improved cleaning results, such that even heavily soiled items can be cleaned as intended, preferably without the user having to select a special cleaning program beforehand. It is therefore the Taskthe invention is to further develop a dishwasher of the generic type in such a way that an improved cleaning result can be achieved in the intended use.

[0009] To Solution The invention proposes a dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset to address this problem, characterized by a braking and holding device arranged within the washing container and mechanically cooperating with the spray arm, which is designed to brake a twisting movement of the spray arm and to hold the spray arm in a braked position.

[0010] The dishwasher according to the invention has a passively driven spray arm in a manner known per se. According to the invention, a passively driven spray arm is understood to be a spray arm for which no separate drive, in particular no separate motor drive, is provided to initiate a rotational movement of the spray arm. In particular, a passively driven spray arm is understood to be a spray arm in which the rotational movement of the spray arm is effected in operation solely by the pressurized application of dishwashing liquid to the spray arm by means of the circulation pump.

[0011] The dishwasher according to the invention has a braking and holding device arranged within the wash tub, which interacts with the spray arm. This braking and holding device serves to stop the spray arm, which is passively driven in normal use, from rotating. In this stopped position, the spray arm continues to dispense wash water as intended, but due to the lack of rotation, it does so in a targeted manner only within a specific zone of the wash chamber. The items in this zone are therefore subjected to intensive cleaning, resulting in even heavily soiled items achieving the desired cleaning result.

[0012] According to the invention, the braking and holding device is designed to decelerate any rotational movement of the spray arm and to hold the spray arm in a decelerated position. This allows zones of the wash chamber to be subjected to intensive exposure to the wash solution, as described above, so that items placed in these zones can undergo particularly intensive cleaning. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve the desired cleaning results even with heavily soiled items using ECO or standard wash programs, namely by placing these heavily soiled items in the so-called intensive wash zones of the wash tank, so that these items are more intensively supplied with the wash solution by a spray arm that is decelerated and stopped during normal use.

[0013] The design according to the invention makes it easy for the user to clean even heavily soiled items as desired by placing them in the designated area of ​​the wash chamber. In this context, it is particularly unnecessary for the user to select special wash programs. Instead, conventional ECO or standard programs can be used, which advantageously contributes to saving resources, especially water and / or heating energy. In this respect, the design according to the invention proves advantageous in two ways: firstly, because it allows for resource-efficient operation of the dishwasher, and secondly, because it enables the desired cleaning of even heavily soiled items.

[0014] A particular advantage of the invention is that the braking and holding device allows the user to specify a zone for intensive cleaning. For example, it can be provided that items to be cleaned by the user do not need to be positioned in a designated area of ​​the wash chamber for intensive cleaning. This gives the user complete freedom in placing the items, and only after the wash chamber has been loaded with items is the user able to determine, via an input direction on the dishwasher, which area or zone of the wash chamber will be subjected to intensive cleaning in the subsequent wash program. This further development of the invention provides additional user convenience, as zones for potential intensive cleaning can be freely selected and specified by the user.However, in this case too, the decisive factor is the design of a braking and holding device according to the invention, which is designed to slow down a twisting movement of the spray arm and to hold the spray arm in a braked position in its position.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the braking and holding device interacts mechanically, in particular magnetically, with the spray arm.

[0016] The interaction according to the invention between the braking and holding device on the one hand and the spray arm on the other is mechanical. In the simplest case, for example, a movable lever can be provided which, in a first position, allows free rotation of the spray arm. In a second position of the lever, free rotation of the spray arm is prevented, so that, in the event of rotation, the spray arm runs up against the stop against the lever and pauses in its rotational movement in this position until the lever is returned to its first position. The braking and holding device transfers the lever from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0017] It is particularly preferred, however, if the functional connection between the braking and holding device on the one hand and the spray arm on the other hand is magnetic. In this case, as will be explained in more detail below, magnetic bodies and counterparts are used which, solely through magnetic force, allow or block any possible rotational movement of the spray arm. The magnetic functional connection is preferred because it is less prone to wear and less noisy.

[0018] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device has a magnetic body that is movably arranged in relation to the spray arm.

[0019] According to this particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the braking and holding device has a magnetic body. In the intended use, this interacts with the spray arm, which makes it possible to selectively release or stop the spray arm in its rotational mobility.

[0020] The magnetic body of the braking and holding device is designed to be movable relative to the spray arm. It can therefore be moved from a first position to a second position and vice versa. This allows the magnetic body to be moved from a position in which it is operatively connected to the spray arm to a second position in which this interaction with the spray arm does not exist. In this way, it is possible to influence the rotational movement of the spray arm in a targeted manner simply by changing the position of the magnetic body.

[0021] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device has an electromotive drive that interacts with the magnetic body.

[0022] The electric motor drive enables movement of the magnetic body, allowing it to be moved from a first position to a second position and vice versa. This electric motor drive can preferably be actuated by a program controlled by the dishwasher, so that the movement of the magnetic body is dependent on the progress of a wash program performed by the dishwasher.

[0023] Accordingly, the movement of the spray arm interacting with the magnetic body is also fixed depending on the course of a washing program carried out by a dishwasher.

[0024] According to a further feature of the invention, the spray arm has several wings, with at least one wing having a counterpart that interacts with the magnetic body of the braking and holding device.

[0025] The magnetic body and its counterpart on the spray arm are designed, positioned, and made of such a material that they either attract each other or not, depending on the position of the magnetic body. In the appropriate position of the magnetic body, the spray arm can be locked in its rotational movement by attracting the counterpart supported by the magnetic body, thus preventing further rotation of the spray arm. In this case, the magnetic body is in its locking position.

[0026] Once the magnetic body has moved from its locked position and into its so-called release position, the magnetic body and the counterpart on the spray arm are spaced apart to such an extent that the attractive force emanating from the magnetic body is no longer sufficient to hold the counterpart on the spray arm, and thus the spray arm itself, in place. The spray arm, which is supplied with cleaning solution and therefore passively driven, can thus rotate as intended when the magnetic body is in its release position.

[0027] Due to the magnetic interaction between the magnet and its counterpart, the spray arm can be braked and held in its decelerated position by moving the magnet from its release position to its locking position. Conversely, the spray arm can be easily released by moving the magnet from its locking position back to its release position. In this release position, the spray arm can rotate freely as intended.

[0028] According to a further feature of the invention, the magnetic body is designed to be movable from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa by means of an electric motor drive. The first end position can be referred to as the locking position and the second end position as the release position. Since the magnetic body is moved from one end position to the other and vice versa by means of the electric motor drive, it is advantageously possible to provide for the movement of the magnetic body depending on the washing program performed by the dishwasher. This makes it possible to intensively spray the items to be cleaned with washing solution in the designated intensive washing zones of the wash chamber at specific times during a washing program. Targeted control over the intended cleaning of particularly heavily soiled items is thus advantageously enabled.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the magnetic body is provided by a rotatably mounted lever.

[0030] According to this particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the braking and holding device has a lever that is rotatably mounted. In the intended use, a rotational movement of the lever can therefore be effected via the device-side drive.

[0031] The lever provides the magnetic body for the braking and holding mechanism. When the lever is rotated, the position of the magnetic body also changes, allowing it to move from its first end position to its second and vice versa. This rotatable lever design for moving the magnetic body is a simple and cost-effective construction method that remains reliable throughout the entire lifespan of a dishwasher.

[0032] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device provides stops for the lever. These device-side stops define the previously described end positions of the magnetic body. As soon as the lever rests against a first stop, the first end position of the magnetic body is reached. During the lever's rotation until the second stop is reached, the magnetic body is then moved from the first end position to its second end position. The advantage of the device-side stops therefore lies particularly in the fact that the defined end positions can be reliably approached by the magnetic body.

[0033] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever interacts with the electric motor drive via an interposed slip clutch. The slip clutch advantageously enables the lever to be moved to a defined end position of the magnetic body, up to a stop against one of the two stops provided on the device. This eliminates the risk of mechanical damage to the lever, the electric motor drive, and / or any gearbox that may be interposed. In the event of an overload, i.e., when the lever moves against one of the two stops provided on the device, the slip clutch interposed between the lever and the electric motor drive slips. Consequently, both the lever and the electric motor drive are protected from mechanical overload.

[0034] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever is designed to be movable in a time-controlled manner. Thus, when the lever is rotated, it is driven by an electric motor for a specific period of time, a period sufficiently long to move the lever until it reaches one of the two stops on the device. The slip clutch provided according to the invention ensures that, upon reaching one of the two stops, the slip clutch engages while the electric motor continues to drive the lever, thereby preventing an excessively high force being applied to the lever, as described above.

[0035] The combination of a slip clutch and time-controlled lever drive advantageously eliminates the need for end position sensors or additional control and / or regulating devices for determining the magnetic body's end positions. This also results in a simple and therefore inexpensive, and in its intended use, robust design for the braking and holding device according to the invention.

[0036] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device comprises a second movably arranged magnetic body and a second electromechanical drive interacting with it. This design makes it possible to brake and hold the spray arm in a further position relative to the braking and holding device. The number of possible intensive rinsing positions that the spray arm can assume as needed can thus be increased.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided in this context that a further wing of the spray arm has a counterpart that interacts with a magnetic body of the braking and holding device. This also increases the number of possible intensive rinsing positions of the spray arm. In this case, two counterparts can interact with one and the same magnetic body on the device side, which allows for a first orientation of the spray arm as well as a second orientation of the spray arm, wherein the second orientation of the spray arm differs from the first orientation of the spray arm by, for example, 180°.

[0038] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device has a housing that provides a waterproof enclosure for the magnetic body and the electromechanical drive interacting with it.

[0039] This design advantageously allows for the retrofitting of existing dishwashers. The braking and holding device is located inside the wash tub and housed in a watertight casing. The casing, along with the components it contains during normal use, can therefore be retrofitted into the wash tub of an existing dishwasher. For proper operation, it is only necessary to equip the spray arm with corresponding counterparts so that a functional connection can be established with the magnetic elements on the unit.

[0040] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing has a connection port for cable routing. In the fully assembled state, this connection port protrudes through an opening in the dishwasher-side dishwashing tub, through which wiring can be routed to the electric motor drive provided by the braking and holding device. Advantageously, no further assembly work is required for retrofitting.

[0041] As described at the outset, the interaction according to the invention between the braking and holding device on the one hand and the spray arm on the other hand preferably occurs mechanically. According to a further embodiment, the braking and holding device can have a lever that is movably arranged relative to the spray arm. For example, the lever can be pivotable and carry a locking element arranged thereon, which is pivotable relative to the lever into a path of movement that can be described by the spray arm. In this further embodiment, it is therefore not necessary for the braking and holding device to interact magnetically with the spray arm.

[0042] This lever can preferably be moved from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa by means of a twisting motion. This twistability of the lever offers the advantage of allowing a spray arm, blocked in its rotational movement, to be moved back and forth alternately, thus increasing the size of the area of ​​the wash tank intensively exposed to the cleaning solution by the spray arm. In particular, larger items, such as pots, can thus be subjected to the desired intensive cleaning.

[0043] The lever is not in direct contact with the spray arm to be blocked; instead, a locking mechanism is provided, which is supported by the lever. This locking mechanism is pivotable relative to the lever and can therefore be pivoted into a path of movement that can be described by the spray arm.

[0044] This embodiment of the invention, based on a pivotable lever that interacts with the spray arm to block its movement, proves to be extremely robust, reliable, and durable in operation. The lever can be rotated from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa. In the first end position, the locking element is not pivoted relative to the lever, so there is no blocking position for the spray arm. The spray arm can therefore rotate freely in this position. In the blocking position, the lever is moved to its second end position, and the locking element is moved relative to the lever so that it pivots into the path of movement of the spray arm. In this position, the locking element arranged on the lever blocks any rotational movement of the spray arm, thus stopping its movement and securing its position.In this position, the spray arm rests against the locking device, thus preventing further rotation of the spray arm without first retracting the locking device.

[0045] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device has an electric motor drive that interacts with the lever. The electric motor drive enables movement of the lever, allowing it to be moved from a first position to a second position and vice versa. The actuation of the electric motor drive can preferably be program-controlled on the dishwasher side, so that the movement of the lever depends on the progress of a wash program performed by the dishwasher. Accordingly, the movement of the spray arm interacting with the lever is also locked in place depending on the progress of a wash program performed by the dishwasher.

[0046] According to a further feature of the invention, the spray arm has several wings, with at least one wing having a counterpart that interacts with the lever of the braking and holding device.

[0047] The lever and its counterpart on the spray arm are designed, positioned, and made of such a material that they either lock or do not lock depending on the lever's position. In the appropriate lever position, the spray arm can be locked in its rotational movement by the counterpart carried by the spray arm engaging with the locking element carried by the lever, thus preventing further rotation of the spray arm.

[0048] Once the lever is turned from its locked position and into its so-called release position, the spray arm is free to rotate, thus allowing it to rotate again. The spray arm, which is supplied with cleaning solution and therefore passively driven, can thus rotate as intended when the lever is in the release position.

[0049] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever is designed to be rotatable from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa by means of an electric motor drive. The first end position can be referred to as the release position and the second end position as the locking position. Since the lever is moved from one end position to the other and vice versa by means of the electric motor drive, it is advantageously possible to provide for the movement of the lever depending on the washing program performed by the dishwasher. This makes it possible to intensively spray the items to be cleaned with washing solution in the designated intensive washing zones of the wash chamber at specific times during a washing program. Targeted control over the intended cleaning of particularly heavily soiled items is thus advantageously enabled.

[0050] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device provides stops for the lever. These device-side stops define the previously described end positions of the lever. As soon as the lever rests against a first stop, the first end position of the lever is reached. During the lever's rotation until it reaches the second stop, the lever is then moved from the first end position to its second end position. The advantage of the device-side stops therefore lies particularly in the fact that the defined end positions can be reliably approached by the lever.

[0051] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever interacts with the electric motor drive via an interposed slip clutch. The slip clutch advantageously enables the lever to be moved to a defined end position, stopping against one of the two stops provided on the device. This eliminates the risk of mechanical damage to the lever, the electric motor drive, and / or any gearbox that may be interposed. In the event of an overload, i.e., when the lever moves against one of the two stops provided on the device, the slip clutch interposed between the lever and the electric motor drive slips. Consequently, both the lever and the electric motor drive are protected from mechanical overload.

[0052] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever is designed to be movable in a time-controlled manner. Thus, when the lever is rotated, it is driven by an electric motor for a specific period of time, a period sufficiently long to rotate the lever to its stop against one of the two device-side stops. The slip clutch provided according to the invention ensures that, upon reaching one of the two stops, the slip clutch engages while the electric motor continues to drive the lever, thereby preventing an excessively high force being applied to the lever, as described above.

[0053] The combination of a slip clutch and time-controlled lever actuation advantageously eliminates the need for end-position sensors or additional control and / or regulating devices for determining the lever end positions. This also results in a simple and therefore cost-effective and, in its intended use, robust design for the braking and holding device according to the invention.

[0054] According to a further feature of the invention, the braking and holding device has a housing that accommodates the electric motor drive in a waterproof manner.

[0055] This design advantageously allows for the retrofitting of existing dishwashers. The braking and holding device is integrated inside the wash tub and housed in a watertight casing. The casing, along with the components it contains during normal use, can therefore be retrofitted into the wash tub of an existing dishwasher. For proper operation, it is only necessary to equip the spray arm with the appropriate counterparts, if this is required at all.

[0056] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing has a connection port for cable routing. In the fully assembled state, this connection port protrudes through an opening in the dishwasher-side dishwashing tub, through which wiring can be routed to the electric motor drive provided by the braking and holding device. Advantageously, no further assembly work is required for retrofitting.

[0057] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing provides a compartment designed to accommodate the lever in its first end position.

[0058] The lever can be moved from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa, as previously described. The first end position of the lever is the release position, i.e., the position in which the spray arm can rotate freely due to the absence of any obstruction. According to the invention, the housing has a compartment that accommodates the lever in its first end position. This advantageously secures the lever in the release position, protecting it from mechanical damage caused by any items being washed, particularly during loading and / or unloading of the dishwasher. The lever is thus parked in a kind of "garage" when not in use, i.e., in its release position. Due to the compartment design according to the invention, it is largely protected from unwanted external influences.

[0059] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided in this context that the compartment has a roof element covering the lever in its first position, wherein the roof element has a liquid-permeable recess.

[0060] The compartment features a cover element that protects the lever in its first position, i.e., its first end position, from unwanted external influences from above. This cover element is equipped with a liquid-permeable recess, for example, with one or more parallel slots. This ensures that the lever can be flushed with the cleaning solution even in its release position, allowing any dirt adhering to the lever and / or present in the compartment to be rinsed away. This effectively prevents the lever from becoming blocked by dirt, grime, or similar substances in the dishwasher's wash chamber.

[0061] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever has a drive pin with a cross-sectionally coded marking on the slip clutch side. This coding serves in particular to simplify assembly and disassembly and ensures that the lever is always correctly aligned in relation to the slip clutch. In particular, the coding ensures that, during a corresponding rotational movement of the lever, the stops interacting with the lever, which define the first and second end positions, are maintained.

[0062] According to a further feature of the invention, a seal is arranged between the slip clutch and the lever. Since the rotatable lever is arranged outside the housing of the brake and holding device according to the invention, a seal arranged between the housing and the lever is used, thus reliably preventing unwanted fluid ingress into the housing of the brake and holding device.

[0063] According to a further feature of the invention, the lever provides a bearing pin around which the locking means is pivotably arranged.

[0064] As previously described, the lever carries a pivotably mounted locking device. This locking device can be pivoted from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa. In the first end position of the locking device, the spray arm can rotate freely, whereas the spray arm's rotation is blocked as soon as the locking device is moved to its second end position, i.e., rotated into a path of movement that the spray arm can trace.

[0065] A pivot pin allows the locking mechanism to be pivoted on the lever. The locking mechanism can pivot around this pivot pin.

[0066] According to a further feature of the invention, the locking device is capable of being moved from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa, wherein a spring element is provided, the locking device being arranged on the lever between the spring elements and the lever, the locking device bearing against the lever under spring tension in its first end position. Thus, the spring element, and not an electric motor drive as in the case of a lever, serves to move the locking device from its first end position to its second end position.

[0067] In its first end position, the locking device rests against the lever under spring tension. When the lever is moved from its first end position to its second end position, a rotational movement of the locking device is released, allowing it to pivot relative to the lever under spring force and rotate into the path of the spray arm. As soon as the lever is moved from its second end position to its first end position, the locking device engages a pivoting aid, which ensures that, with continued rotation of the lever, the locking device pivots against the spring force acting on it.

[0068] The pivoting aid is preferably the roof element of the compartment. In the first end position of the lever, i.e., in the free position of the lever, it is located within the compartment provided by the housing of the brake and holding device. In this position, the locking element rests against the underside of the roof element, and the entire lever, including the locking element it carries, is arranged within the compartment and largely protected from external influences.

[0069] If the lever is now pivoted by an electric motor from this release position to its locking position, i.e., its second end position, the locking device pivots automatically under spring force at the moment it leaves the compartment and consequently straightens itself. In doing so, the locking device pivots into the circular path described by the spray arm. In this position of lever and locking device, a locking position is established, which blocks any free rotational movement of the spray arm.

[0070] To return the lever to its initial end position, it is rotated towards the compartment. Shortly before reaching the compartment, the locking mechanism engages the compartment's roof element. As the lever continues to rotate into the compartment, the locking mechanism pivots relative to the lever against the spring force acting upon it, thus pre-tensioning the spring. Once the locking mechanism is engaged as a result of further rotation of the lever, the lever and locking mechanism can come to rest completely within the compartment. In this position, the locking mechanism is fully engaged and held in its relative position to the lever by the compartment's roof element. In this position, the lever and locking mechanism allow the spray arm to rotate freely as previously described.

[0071] The aforementioned design is structurally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. It uses only one electric motor drive, namely the one for the lever. The locking device pivots automatically into its open, i.e., locked, position due to spring force. Moving the locking device against the spring force into the pivoted position is accomplished by the electric motor drive of the lever. This is achieved by providing a pivoting aid against which the locking device engages when the lever is moved into the release position, thus pivoting it into the release position.

[0072] As soon as the lever is outside the compartment and the locking mechanism is unfolded as previously described, the spray arm's rotation is blocked. The spray arm then rests against the locking mechanism, either directly or via a designated counterpart. In this position, the lever can be pivoted back and forth, from its second end position to an intermediate position where it has not yet returned to the compartment. This pivoting motion of the lever causes any attached spray arm to also move back and forth, thus enlarging the intensive rinsing zone compared to a stationary position.In this respect, the pivoting lever, unlike the prior art, offers the advantage that the spray arm is not statically blocked in a specific position. Instead, it is possible to move the spray arm back and forth by at least a few degrees, even when blocked, by rotating the lever that blocks the spray arm's rotation. This allows the intensive wash area supplied with cleaning solution by the spray arm in the blocked position to be enlarged. This enables the user to intensively clean larger items, including those larger than the intended intensive wash zone. This not only facilitates the cleaning of larger items but also, potentially, the intensive cleaning of several adjacent items.

[0073] In this context, the invention further proposes a method for operating a dishwasher of the inventive design, in which the lever is moved back and forth by a locking means that is twisted into the path of movement of the spray arm.

[0074] The invention proposes a dishwasher design that allows the rotational movement of a spray arm to be slowed down as needed, and the spray arm to be stopped and secured in this stopped position. This results in intensive spraying of the items being washed with the cleaning solution, specifically those items directly associated with the stopped spray arm—that is, those items that are directly reached by the cleaning solution emitted by the spray arm during normal use. It is permissible to provide zones within the wash chamber that can be used as intensive wash zones, in which the spray arm can be stopped for a predefined duration, depending on the wash program being performed by the dishwasher.

[0075] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a spray arm of the spray device of the dishwasher according to the invention. Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 in schematic detail view of the spray arm positioned in the washing chamber of the dishwasher according to Fig. 2 Fig. 4 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of a braking and holding device according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the braking and holding device according to the invention. Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 in schematic perspective view of a braking and holding device arranged in the washing chamber of the dishwasher according to Fig. 5 Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view, partially depicting the braking and holding device. Fig. 5 ; Fig. 8 in schematic perspective view partially showing the braking and holding device according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 in schematic perspective view the braking and holding device according to Fig. 8 in a partially assembled position; Fig. 10 in schematic top view shows a section of the area of ​​the dishwasher's wash tub for the arrangement of the brake and holding device according to Fig. 8 ; Fig. 11 in schematic perspective view shows a section of the braking and holding device according to Fig. 8 ; Fig. 12 in schematic sectional view of the braking and holding device according to Fig. 11 Fig. 13 shows a schematic top view of the functioning of the embodiment according to the invention, with the spray arm in a first position; Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of the functioning of the embodiment according to the invention, with the spray arm in a second position; Fig. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a spray arm from below; Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of the spray arm in a second position according to Fig. 14 ; Fig. 17 schematically shows the spray arm after Fig. 16in a third position; Fig. 18 in schematic representation of a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 19 in schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the braking and holding device according to the invention with a lever in a first end position; Fig. 20 in schematic perspective view of the braking and holding device according to Fig. 19 with a lever in a second end position; Fig. 21 in schematic perspective view the braking and holding device according to Fig. 19 in a partially assembled position; Fig. 22 in a schematic exploded view of a lever according to the invention; Fig. 23 in a schematic top view of the washing chamber of the dishwasher with a rotating spray arm and the braking and holding device according to Fig. 19 ; Fig. 24 in schematic top view of the rinsing chamber Fig. 23with a spray arm blocked in its rotational movement; Fig. 25 in schematic perspective view the braking and holding device according to Fig. 19 in a partially cutaway view; Fig. 26 in a schematic sectional view of the braking and holding device according to Fig. 19 Fig. 27 shows a schematic perspective view from below of a spray arm; Fig. 28 shows a schematic perspective view of the spray arm from the rear. Fig. 27 in a section view; Fig. 29 in a schematic perspective view the spray arm after Fig. 27 in a further detail view; Fig. 30 in a schematic top view a spray arm moving back and forth according to a first illustration; Fig. 31 in a schematic top view the braking and holding device with a lever in a second end position; Fig. 32 in a schematic top view the braking and holding device according to Fig. 31with a lever in an intermediate position; Fig. 33 in a schematic perspective view the braking and holding device according to the invention with a lever in an intermediate position and Fig. 34 in a schematic perspective view the braking and holding device according to Fig. 33 with a lever in a second end position.

[0076] Fig. 1 A purely schematic representation in side view shows a dishwasher 1 according to the invention.

[0077] The dishwasher 1 has, in a manner known per se, a housing 2 which accommodates a wash tub 3. The wash tub 3, in turn, provides a wash chamber 4 for receiving items to be cleaned. For loading the wash chamber 4 with items to be cleaned, the wash tub 3 has a loading opening 5. This loading opening 5 can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a door 6, the door 6 being mounted to pivot about a horizontally extending pivot axis.

[0078] In normal use, the items to be cleaned are sprayed with washing solution, also called washing liquid, for which purpose the dishwasher 1 has a spray device 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the spray device 7 includes three spray arms 8, 9 and 10, which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 11. However, fewer or more spray arms can also be provided.

[0079] Dishwashing baskets are used to hold items to be cleaned, the illustration being according to Fig. 1 Three dishwashing baskets 12, 13 and 14 can be identified. These dishwashing baskets 12, 13 and 14 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 11, with a lower basket 14, an upper basket 13 arranged above it in the vertical direction 11 and a cutlery drawer 12 arranged above the upper basket 13 in the vertical direction 11.

[0080] The dishwashing baskets 12, 13, and 14 are each designed to move out of and into the wash chamber 4, for which purpose each basket 12, 13, and 14 is supported by basket guide rails. Looking towards the loading opening 5, each dishwashing basket 12, 13, and 14 has a basket guide rail on the left side and a basket guide rail on the right side. For clarity, these basket guide rails are arranged in Fig. 1 not shown in detail.

[0081] Fig. 2The schematic perspective view shows the exemplary design of the lower spray arm 10 of the spray device 7 in the vertical direction.

[0082] The spray arm 10 has a nozzle 15 for flow-related connection to a rinsing liquor supply line. A locking nut, also called a locking ring 16, serves to position and fix the spray arm 10 in the rinsing tank 3. This can be loosened by the user as desired, allowing the spray arm 10 to be installed or removed.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the spray arm 10 has two wings 17 and 18. In the intended use, these are mounted to rotate about a common axis of rotation 45, which axis of rotation 45 is defined by the nozzle 15.

[0084] According to the in Fig. 2In the illustrated embodiment, the wing 17 of the spray arm 10 is equipped with a plurality of nozzles 19 or 20, through which, in the intended use, cleaning solution is discharged on the spray arm side towards the items to be cleaned. As shown in the illustration Fig. 2 In this context, it can be seen that a nozzle 20 of the wing 17 is designed as a drive nozzle which, in the intended case of the spray arm 10 being supplied with cleaning solution, ensures that it is set into a rotational movement. The spray arm 10 is therefore a passively driven spray arm 10.

[0085] How Fig. 2Furthermore, as can be seen, the wing 18 carries a satellite arm 21, which is rotatable relative to the wing 18 and thus also relative to the spray arm 10. The satellite arm 21 also has wings 22 and 23, which are equipped with corresponding nozzles 19 and 20 respectively, and through which rinsing fluid is discharged in the intended use.

[0086] Fig. 3 A schematic top view shows the wash tank 3 and its base. The spray arm 10, which is mounted in the wash tank 3 as intended, can be seen in this illustration. As can also be seen in this illustration, the surface provided by the base of the wash tank 3 can be divided into four zones, which, according to the illustration, Fig. 3These zones are numbered in Roman numerals. These zones are hereinafter also referred to as intensive rinsing zones. One of the depicted zones is designated as an intensive rinsing zone when the spray arm 10 is stopped in a position in which the still-rotating satellite arm 21 is located within this zone, as shown in Fig. 3 This is exemplified by Zone IV. In this position of the spray arm 10, the items being washed in Zone IV are intensively sprayed with the washing solution due to the still rotating satellite arm 21.

[0087] To slow down the spray arm 10 in its rotational movement and to hold it in its slowed position, a braking and holding device 24 according to the invention is used, as can be seen from a combination of, in particular, the Figs. 4 and 5 as well as 7 to 12.

[0088] The braking and holding device 24 has a housing 25. This housing in turn has a base body 26 and a cover 27. The base body 26 is designed in the form of a shell open on one side, which is closed by means of the cover 27 in the intended use, preferably in a watertight manner.

[0089] Within the housing 25 are arranged an electric motor drive 30, a gearbox 31, a slip clutch 32 and a lever 28, as can be seen in particular from a combined view of the Figs. 7 and 8 This results in the following: In the intended use, the electric motor drive 30 can cause a pivoting movement of the lever 28.

[0090] As can be seen in particular from the presentation according Fig. 11The housing 25 provides two stops 38 and 39 for the lever 28. The lever 28 can be moved by means of the electric motor drive 30 until it reaches these stops 38 and 39. Fig. 11 In this context, a first possible end position of the lever 28 can be identified, in which end position the lever 28 rests against the stop 38. This is due to a rotational movement of the lever 28 with respect to the plane of the drawing. Fig. 11 Lever 28 can be rotated to the right, that is, counterclockwise, until it reaches the stop 39. In this position, lever 28 is then in its second end position.

[0091] The lever 28 is equipped with a magnetic body 29, for example a permanent magnet, as shown in the illustrations according to the Fig. 4 and 8 reveal themselves.

[0092] The spray arm 10, however, has on its underside at least one counterpart 48 designed to correspond to the magnetic body 29, which is in magnetic contact with the magnetic body 29. According to the illustrated embodiment, Fig. 15 Two counterparts, 48 ​​and 49, are provided.

[0093] The flange area 36, ​​which is already provided on the dishwasher side and provides wash liquor inlet pipes 37, serves to arrange the brake and holding device 24 in the wash chamber 4, as can be seen from a review of the Figs. 9 and 10 This results in the flange area 36 providing a screw connection point 35, via which, in the intended application, the brake and holding device 24 is securely connected to the flange area 36.

[0094] For the purpose of supplying power to the electric motor drive 30 provided by the brake and holding device 24, appropriate cables are provided, which are routed through a connection port 33 of the housing 35. In the final assembly state, this connection port 33 is inserted into a recess 34 on the flange side, as can be seen from a view of the Figs. 9 and 10 results.

[0095] Due to the electric motor drive 30, a rotational movement of the lever 28 and thus also a change in the position of the magnet body 29 carried by the lever 28 is possible. This is particularly evident from the illustration according to Fig. 13 , where 43 represents a first end position of the magnetic body 29 and 44 represents a second end position of the magnetic body 29. These two end positions 43 and 44 result from applying the lever 28 to the housing-side stops 38 and 39, as already shown above. Fig. 11 described.

[0096] Depending on whether a magnetic body 29 assumes the first end position 43 or the second end position 44, it comes to lie on a circular path 46 or 47 around the pivot point 45 of the spray arm 10, as can also be seen from the illustration. Fig. 13 This results in the magnetic body 29 being in its first end position 43 on the circular path 46 and in its second end position 44 on the second circular path 47.

[0097] A time-controlled drive of the lever 28 is provided for the defined attainment of the end positions 43 and 44. "Time-controlled" in this sense means that the drive of the lever 28 via the electric motor 30 occurs for at least such a duration that the lever 28, as a result of the rotational movement caused by the electric motor 30, moves far enough to come to rest securely against the corresponding stop 38 or 39, depending on the direction of rotation of the drive 30. To prevent force-induced damage to the lever 28 or the electric motor 30 when the lever 28 strikes one of the two stops 38 or 39, the slip clutch 32 mentioned above is provided, as shown in particular in the illustration. Fig. 12 results.

[0098] The slip clutch 32 has a first clutch part 40 and a second clutch part 41. The first clutch part 40 is provided by the lever 28, and the second clutch part 41 is designed as a sleeve which, in normal use, is driven by the electric motor 30. The two clutch parts 40 and 41 interact via a coordinated, corresponding geometric contour, as exemplified by a wave-valley geometry in Fig. 11 as shown. The second coupling part 41 is pressed against the first coupling part 40 by means of a compression spring 42 provided for this purpose. This relationship is also particularly evident from the illustration according to Fig. 12 .

[0099] As long as the lever 28 is not yet in contact with either of the two stops 38 or 39, the spring force exerted by the spring 42 is sufficient to engage the two coupling parts 40 and 41. In this case, a rotational movement via the drive 30 results in a corresponding rotational movement of the lever 28. As soon as the lever 28 comes to rest against either of the two stops 38 or 39, the geometrically interlocking coupling parts 40 and 41 snap into place, thus preventing excessive force from being applied to the lever 28 or the drive 30.

[0100] The aforementioned design of the slip clutch 32 has the particular advantage that it does not require specially designed end position sensors and / or a corresponding control system. Nevertheless, as a result of a rotational movement of the lever 28, the defined end positions 43 and 44 can be reliably approached by the magnetic body 29 carried by the lever 28.

[0101] The functioning of the embodiment according to the invention becomes particularly clear from a description of the Fig. 13 and 14 as well as 16 and 17.

[0102] According to Fig. 13The magnetic body 29 is in its first end position 43, the so-called release position. In this position, the magnetic body 29 is located on the circular path 46. The counterpart 48 provided by the spray arm 10 thus moves together with the spray arm 10 on the circular path 47, i.e., past the magnetic body 29. As a result, the spray arm 10 can rotate freely, in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 13 clockwise.

[0103] If a rotational movement of the spray arm 10 is to be interrupted, i.e., paused, the magnetic body 29 is moved into its second position, i.e., its second end position 44, which can also be referred to as the locking position. In this position of the magnetic body 29, it is located on the inner circular path 47, that is, the circular path 47 on which the counterpart 48, carried by the spray arm 10, also rotates. Consequently, when the magnetic body 29 is moved with the counterpart 48, an attraction occurs between the magnetic body 29 and the counterpart 48, resulting in an immediate deceleration and stopping of the spray arm 10 in this position. This position is in Fig. 14As shown. In this position, the magnetic interaction of the magnetic body 29 and the counterpart 48 prevents the spray arm 10 from rotating further clockwise. The satellite arm 21, which is freely rotatable on the spray arm 10, can, however, continue to rotate, thus ensuring intensive application of the washing solution to the items located in Zone IV in this position of the spray arm 10.

[0104] Provided that the spray arm 10 is equipped not only with one counterpart 48, but with two counterparts 48 and 49, as is the case in Fig. 15 As shown, the magnetic body 29 can also be used to stop the spray arm 10 by 180° from the position shown. Fig. 14 to be done as in Fig. 17 illustrated. By means of the single magnetic body 29, the two positions can therefore be set according to the Fig. 14 or 16 on the one hand and Fig. 17 on the other hand, they are approached. This takes place in Fig. 16an intensive treatment of the items being washed in Zone IV and in accordance with Fig. 17 Intensive treatment of the items being washed in Zone I with washing solution takes place.

[0105] To distinguish between the two positions according to the Figs. 16 and 17It may be possible to sensorily detect the spray of wash liquid emitted by one of the spray arm nozzles. For this purpose, the spray from the drive nozzle 20 or one of the other nozzles 19 provided by the spray arm 10 may be used. It is also conceivable to use the spray from a special rinsing nozzle provided by the spray arm 10, which, in a further function, serves to interact with a dosing device of the dishwasher in a known manner to rinse parts of the dosing device free of detergent. Sensor devices already installed in the dishwasher can be used for this purpose, which makes it possible to detect the respective position of the spray arm 10, particularly if the nozzle whose spray is sensorily detected is located opposite the freely movable satellite arm 21 on the wing 17.By simply counting the completed revolutions, it can therefore be ensured by time-controlled rotation of the arm 28 that the spray arm 10 is either in the position after . Fig. 16 or in the position after Fig. 17 is slowed down and stopped.

[0106] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a braking and holding device 24 is used, which has a second magnetic body 29 and a second electromechanical drive interacting with it. The second magnetic body 29 can assume the end positions 50 and 51, as shown in Fig. 18As shown, with such a dual design of the braking and holding device 24, it is possible to brake and hold the spray arm 10 in such a position that the satellite arm 21 is selectively positioned in one of zones I to IV. For example, the user can use a corresponding input device on the dishwasher to set in which of the intensive wash zones the satellite arm 21 should be positioned in the subsequent wash program. This allows for individual adjustment of the spray arm 10 depending on the user's load of dishes in the dishwasher.

[0107] The embodiment according to the invention is characterized in particular by its compact design.

[0108] The design, as well as its ease of assembly and retrofitting, are key advantages. A further embodiment of the flange area of ​​the inlet pipes, with and without an additional passage, allows for the easy creation of dishwasher variants with and without the brake and holding device 24 according to the invention. Furthermore, the brake and holding device assembly 24 is very cost-effective due to the motor-driven magnetic lever 28 and the slip clutch 32, as well as the elimination of additional sensors. Using a suitable method, the spray arm 10 can be stopped in two different zones / quadrants. By extending / mirroring the brake and holding device assembly 24 with two geared motors and two magnetic levers 28, all four quadrants can be advantageously operated with the same assembly and wiring effort.

[0109] An alternative design of the braking and holding device 124 is described in the Figs. 19 to 34 depicted.

[0110] Just like those in the Figures 4 to 18 The brake and holding device 24 shown has a housing 25. This housing, in turn, has a base body 26 and a cover 27. The base body 26 is designed as a shell open on one side, which is closed by means of the cover 27 in the intended use, preferably in a watertight manner. An electric motor drive 30, a gearbox 31, and a slip clutch 32 are arranged inside the housing 25, as can be seen in particular from a view of the Fig. 21 , 25 and 26 results.

[0111] The braking and holding device 124 also has a pivotable lever 128, which can be moved from a first end position 43 according to Fig. 19 into a second end position 44 according to Fig. 20and vice versa. In the intended use, a pivoting movement of the lever 128 takes place by means of the electric motor drive 30, the relationship of which is particularly evident from the illustration according to Fig. 21 results.

[0112] As in particular the presentation according Fig. 25 As can be seen, the housing 25 provides two stops 38 and 39. The lever 128 can be rotated by means of the electric motor drive 30 until it reaches these stops 38 and 39. Fig. 19 In this context, a first possible end position 43 of the lever 128 can be identified, in which end position 43 the lever 28 rests against the stop 38. This is due to a rotational movement of the lever 128 with respect to the plane of the drawing. Fig. 19 To the left, i.e., counterclockwise, the lever 128 can be rotated until it reaches the stop 39. In this position, the lever 28 is then in its second end position 44.

[0113] Fig. 22 An exemplary embodiment of the lever 128 is shown in a schematic exploded view. The lever 128 has a drive pin 146. With the interposition of a seal 150, this pin is inserted in the fully assembled state into a correspondingly shaped receptacle 147 of a coupling part 40 of the coupling 32, which interacts with the electric motor drive 30. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pin 146 is geometrically coded and has a triangular cross-section. This simplifies the correct positioning and assembly of the lever 128.

[0114] The lever 128 carries a locking element 129, which in the illustrated embodiment is plate-shaped. This locking element 129 is rotatable relative to the lever 128 and can be moved from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa. A pivoting extension 152 on the locking element side allows the locking element 129 to be pivotally rotated on the lever 128. In the fully assembled state, this extension projects into a correspondingly shaped recess 153 in the lever 128. The pivoting extension 152 is equipped with a through-hole through which a bearing pin 151, located on the lever 128, engages. In the fully assembled state, the locking element 129 can pivot about the axis of rotation provided by the bearing pin 151.

[0115] The locking device 129 is pivotably arranged on the lever 128 by means of a helical spring 154. The spring 154 ensures that the locking device 129 is pivoted upwards by spring force, as for example in Fig. 21 The figure shows that in this upward pivoted position, the locking device 129 is pivoted into a path of movement that can be described by the spray arm 10, so that a rotational movement of the spray arm 10 is blocked. A spray arm 10 blocked in its rotational movement is shown, for example, in the following figures. Figs. 28 and 29 As can be further seen from these figures, in the case of a blockage, the lever 128 is in its second end position 44, in which it rests against the second stop 39. In this second end position 44, the locking device 129 is pivoted upwards due to the spring 154 acting on the locking device 129, as shown by the Figs. 28 and 29The locking device 129 interacts with a counterpart 148 or 149 provided by the spray arm 10, wherein the counterpart 148 is a projection provided by the wing 17 of the spray arm 10, as can be seen from Fig. 28 results, whereas the counterpart 149 is formed by an edge provided by the wing 18, as this relationship can be seen in particular from Fig. 29 results. Taken together, they Figs. 28 and 29 two possible positions of the spray arm 10 in the blocked position can be identified, because according to Fig. 28 The wing 17 rests against the locking device 129, whereas according to Fig. 29 The wing 18 comes to rest against the locking device 129. According to the blockage case after Fig. 28 Intensive flushing takes place in zone IV, whereas in the case of a blockage, after Fig. 29 An intensive flush is performed in Zone I (according to the classification as per the Figure 13 and 14 or 16 to 18.

[0116] In the unblocked position of the spray arm 10, the lever 128 is in its first end position 43, the so-called release position. In this position, the lever 128, together with the locking device 129 carried by it, is arranged in a compartment 157 provided by the housing 25, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 19 The arrangement of the lever 128 in the compartment 157 serves in particular to protect the lever 128 and the locking device 129 carried by it from unintentional force application and / or mechanical influence, for example by washing items falling as a result of improper handling.

[0117] How Fig. 19As can be seen, compartment 157 provides a roof element 158, under which the lever 128, together with the locking device 129 carried by it, is arranged in the release position. The roof element 158 ​​thus covers the lever 128 and the locking device 129 carried by it in the release position. The roof element 158 ​​has openings in the form of slots 159 through which rinsing fluid can flow. This ensures that the lever 128 and the locking device 129 are flushed away, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the lever 128 and the locking device 129.

[0118] During the transfer of lever 128 from the in Fig. 19 shown first end position 43 into the in Fig. 20The second end position 44 shown pivots the locking device 129 automatically due to the spring 154 acting on the locking device 129 as soon as the lever 128 leaves the receiving space provided by the compartment 157.

[0119] When lever 128 pivots back from the second end position 44 to Fig. 20 into the first end position 43 after Fig. 19 The locking device 129, carried by the lever 128, moves against the front edge of the roof element 158 ​​before the lever 128 enters the receiving space provided by the compartment 157. As a result, the locking device 129 pivots against the force of the spring 154 acting on the locking device 129 and assumes its Fig. 19The lever 128 moves into the depicted non-locking position. It continues to travel until it reaches the first stop 38, at which point the locking device 129 comes to rest in the non-locking position below the roof element 158 ​​and is held in the locking position by the roof element 158. Subsequently, the lever 128 pivots again into the second end position 44. Fig. 20 , the locking device 129 automatically resets itself in the manner already described above and assumes its blocking position for the spray arm 10.

[0120] Due to the electric motor drive 30, a rotational movement of the lever 128 is possible. This is particularly evident from the illustrations following those already explained. Figs. 19 and 20 , where Fig. 19 a first final position 43 and Fig. 20 show a second end position 44 of the lever 128.

[0121] For a defined positioning at the end positions 43 and 44, a time-controlled drive of the lever 128 is also provided in this context. "Time-controlled" in this sense means that the drive of the lever 128 via the electric motor drive 30 takes place for at least such a duration that the lever 128, as a result of the rotational movement caused by the electric motor drive 30, travels far enough to come to rest securely against the corresponding stop 38 or 39, depending on the direction of rotation of the drive 30. To prevent force-induced damage to the lever 128 or the electric motor drive 30 when the lever 128 strikes one of the two stops 38 or 39, the slip clutch 32 mentioned above is provided, as can be seen in particular from the illustration. Fig. 26 results.

[0122] The slip clutch 32 has a first clutch part 40 and a second clutch part 41. The first clutch part 40 is force-transmittingly connected to the lever 128, and the second clutch part 41 is designed as a sleeve which, in the intended use, is driven by the electric motor drive 30. The two clutch parts 40 and 41 interact via a coordinated, corresponding geometric contour, such as a wave-valley geometry shown in Figure 1. Fig. 25 as shown. The second coupling part 41 is pressed against the first coupling part 40 by means of a compression spring 42 provided for this purpose. This relationship is also particularly evident from the illustration according to the Fig. 25 and 26 .

[0123] As long as the lever 128 is not yet in contact with either of the two stops 38 or 39, the spring force exerted by the spring 42 is sufficient to engage the two coupling parts 40 and 41. In this case, a rotational movement via the drive 30 results in a corresponding rotational movement of the lever 128. As soon as the lever 128 comes to rest against either of the two stops 38 or 39, the geometrically interlocking coupling parts 40 and 41 snap into place, thus preventing excessive force from being applied to the lever 128 or the drive 30.

[0124] The aforementioned design of the slip clutch 32 has the particular advantage that it does not require specially designed end position sensors and / or a corresponding control system. Nevertheless, the defined end positions 43 and 44 can be reliably reached by the lever 128 as a result of a rotational movement of the lever 128.

[0125] The functioning of the embodiment according to the invention becomes particularly evident from a combination of the Fig. 23 and 24 on the one hand, and the Figs. 30 to 34 on the other hand. Fig. 23 This first reveals the normal operation of the spray arm 10. It rotates in the direction of arrow 155, i.e., clockwise. The lever 128 of the brake and holding device 124 is in its release position and is received by the compartment 157 of the housing 25. In the release position of the lever 128, the spray arm 10 is not blocked from moving. According to Fig. 24 The lever 128 is pivoted into its second end position, i.e., it is in its locking position. In this position, the lever 128 is pivoted out of the receiving space of compartment 157, which leads to the locking device 29 being raised, as shown in Fig. 25As shown. In this position of lever 128 and locking device 129, a rotational movement of the spray arm 10 is blocked, since the locking device 129 is pivoted into the path of movement that can be described by the spray arm 10. The wing 18 of the spray arm 10 rests against the locking device 129, as shown in Fig. 29 shown, which blocks a twisting movement of the spray arm 10, which is caused by the in Fig. 24 is indicated by the crossed-out arrow 156.

[0126] The rotatability of the lever 128 allows the spray arm 10 to be moved alternately back and forth in a blocked position, as a summary of the Figs. 30 to 34 This can be seen. Figs. 31 to 34Taken together, the figures show that the lever 128 can be moved back and forth between its second end position 44 and an intermediate position 160, corresponding to arrow 161. In both the second end position 44 and the intermediate position 160, the locking device 129 provided by the lever 128 is folded up, i.e., in its blocking position, as is particularly evident from the Figs. 33 and 34 This can be seen. In this locked position of the locking element 129, rotation of the spray arm 10 is prohibited, as rotation of the spray arm 10 past the locking element 129 is not permitted. With the locking element 129 folded up, the lever 128 can be moved back and forth by an electric motor, as already explained above. Figs. 31 and 32 This can be seen. Moving the lever 128 back and forth causes the spray arm 10 to assume two different positions, as shown in Fig. 30Positions I and II are indicated. Position I corresponds to the intermediate position 160 of the lever 128, and position II corresponds to the second end position 44 of the lever 128. By pivoting the spray arm 10 back and forth, an enlarged intensive rinsing zone is created in the superimposed position, as shown by the exemplary spray circles I and II of the satellite arm 21. Reference sign

[0127] 1 Dishwasher 2 Housing 3 Wash tub 4 Wash chamber 5 Loading opening 6 Appliance door 7 Spray unit 8 Spray arm 9 Spray arm 10 Spray arm 11 Height direction 12 Cutlery drawer 13 Upper basket 14 Lower basket 15 Spigot 16 Locking ring 17 Wing 18 Wing 19 Nozzle 20 Nozzle 21 Satellite arm 22 Wing 23 Wing 24 Brake and holding device 25 Housing 26 Base body 27 Lid 28 Lever 29 Magnet body 30 Drive 31 Gearbox 32 Coupling 33 Connection spigot 34 Recess 35 Screw point 36 Flange area 37 Inlet pipe 38 Stop 39 Stop 40 Coupling part 41 Coupling part 42 Spring 43 First end position 44 Second end position 45 Pivot axis 46 Circular track 47 Circular track 48 Counterpart 49 Counterpart 50 Third end position 51 Fourth end position 124 Brake and holding device 128 Lever 129 Locking device 146 Pin 147 Receptacle 148 Counterpart 149 Counterpart 150 Seal 151 Bearing pin 152 Joint extension 153 Recess 154 Spring 155 Arrow 156 Arrow 157 Compartment 158 ​​Roof element 159 Slot 160 Intermediate shelf 161 Arrow

Claims

1. Dishwasher having a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4) for accommodating washware to be cleaned, and a spray device (7), arranged inside the washing container (3), for applying washing solution to the washware to be cleaned, the spray device (7) having a rotatably mounted spray arm (8, 9, 10) which is driven passively, i.e. solely by the pressurised application of washing solution to the spray arm, characterised by a braking and holding device (24, 124) which is arranged inside the washing container (3), mechanically interacts with the spray arm (8, 9, 10) and is designed to brake the rotational movement of the spray arm (8, 9, 10) and to hold the spray arm (8, 9, 10) in its position in a braked state.

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24, 124) interacts magnetically with the spray arm (8, 9, 10).

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) has a magnetic body (29) which is movably arranged in relation to the spray arm (8, 9, 10).

4. Dishwasher according to claim 3, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) has an electromotive drive (30) which interacts with the magnetic body (29).

5. Dishwasher according to either of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the spray arm (8, 9, 10) has a plurality of wings (17, 18), at least one wing (17, 18) having a counterpart (48, 49) which interacts with the magnetic body (29) of the braking and holding device (24).

6. Dishwasher according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that the magnetic body (29) is designed to be transferable from a first end position (43) to a second end position (44), and vice versa, by means of the electromotive drive (30).

7. Dishwasher according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterised in that the magnetic body (29) is provided by a rotatably mounted lever (28).

8. Dishwasher according to claim 7, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) provides stops (38, 39) for the lever (28).

9. Dishwasher according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the lever (28) interacts with the electromotive drive (30) via the intermediary of a slip clutch (32).

10. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the lever (28) is movable on a time-controlled basis.

11. Dishwasher according to any of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) has a second movable magnetic body and a second electromotive drive which interacts with the magnetic body.

12. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims 5 to 11, characterised in that a further wing (17, 18) of the spray arm (8, 9, 10) has a counterpart (49) which interacts with the magnetic body (29) of the braking and holding device (24).

13. Dishwasher according to any of claims 3 to 12, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) has a housing (25) which accommodates the magnetic body (29) and the electromechanical drive (30) which interacts with the magnetic body in a watertight manner.

14. Dishwasher according to claim 13, characterised in that the housing (25) has a connection flange (33) for cable entry.

15. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the braking and holding device (24) has a lever (128) which is movably arranged in relation to the spray arm (10), is pivotable and supports a locking means (129) which is arranged thereon and is pivotable, in relation to the lever (128), into a path of movement which can be defined by the spray arm (10).

Images