Granule collecting assembly, granule dishwasher and method of operating the granule dishwasher

Abstract

A granule collecting assembly for a granule dishwasher (100), comprising a tiltable open top granule collecting basket (120) for collecting granules (136) and a hinged lid (121), wherein the basket (120) is arranged to be tilted between an upright closed position, wherein the hinged lid (121) is arranged to cover the open top granule collecting basket (120); an open emptying position, wherein the basket (120) is tilted in a first direction in relation to the upright closed position for emptying the basket (121) of granules (136); and a collecting position, in which the basket (121) is tilted in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the hinged lid (121) is partly open for collecting granules (136).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a granule collecting assembly for a granule dishwasher, a granule dishwasher and a method of operating a granule dishwasher.Background

[0002] Commercial dishwashers for heavily soiled articles to be washed, for example dishwashers for pots and pans, use liquid that is sprayed under high pressure towards the articles to be washed. In order to increase the field of application of the dishwashers, liquid may be circulated alternatively with and without granules. Thereby, the dishwashers may be used for washing both heavily soiled articles with granules and fragile / easily damaged dishware, such as china, cutlery, and glasses, without the granules.

[0003] Since delicate dishware can be damaged if struck by granules, and because it is not predetermined what the next dishwasher program will be, the granules must be separated from the dishwater each time the dishwasher has completed a wash program with granules. After several washing cycles, food residues mix with the granules and it is necessary to remove the granules from the dishwasher for cleaning of the granules as well as cleaning of the interior of the dishwasher.

[0004] In prior art granule dishwashers, the collection and separation of granules are two different functions performed in various ways. A collection basket is used for the collection of the granules. The collection basket is put into the dishwasher and a collection program is run for 5-10 minutes depending on the machine and configuration. Collection is achieved during the collection program by granules ending up in the collection basket. Since the surface area of the collection basket is usually small compared to the entire washing surface within the dishwasher, the collection process takes a long time and largely depends on the probability of granules eventually ending up in the collection basket. Afterwards, the basket with granules is removed from the dishwasher, and the granules are rinsed outside the dishwasher.

[0005] However, a problem with these prior art granule collectors of dishwashers is that some granules still remain in the wash tank and wash chamber even at the end of the separation cycle.

[0006] The next time the dishwasher is used, the granules are poured into the wash tank. Usually, this should be done once a day in connection with shutdown and cleaning. However, the risk associated with this is that granules may spill and end up outside the machine.

[0007] Prior art dishwashers separate granules from liquid in various ways. US5468175 describes a heavy-duty dishwasher for washing with granules comprising a washing chamber, in which the dishes to be washed can be placed. Beneath the washing chamber there is a tank with a bottom outlet. The tank has a dividing wall, which defines an upwardly open tank chamber. The dividing wall has a pivoting gate, which can be rotated between closed and open positions. In the open position, the granules are mixed into the liquid sucked in by a pump and sprayed together with the liquid against the dishes. After finished washing with the granules, the dishes must be rinsed with liquid alone in order to wash off the granules, which may have stuck to the dishes or to the walls of the washing chamber. To do this the lower end of the tank chamber is closed by turning the gate to the closed position. The granules mixed with the liquid at the lower portion of the tank will accompany the liquid sucked into the pump, while the granules, which are mixed with the liquid in the chamber, will sink by gravity to the bottom of said chamber. The drawbacks associated with this are that the gate needs to be sealed and wear on the gate allows granules to pass through. Moreover, a significant portion of the washing area is not covered by the filtered region, meaning granules can bounce into the restricted area in the tank and circulate again, thus prolonging the separation time. Another disadvantage is that the granules lie unprotected at the bottom of the tank. When the operator wants to use fine wash programs, a lot of dirt ends up in the granules, limiting the number of consecutive fine wash programs that can be performed.

[0008] EP1832218 describes a machine for washing objects by means of a washing substance preferably consisting of water with added detergent material and granular elements. The washing chamber comprises a first compartment able to contain the liquid, and a second compartment able to contain the granular elements and the liquid. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by means of a holed wall, for example made of sheet metal. The holed wall is provided with transverse holes having a size such as to prevent the granular elements from passing from the second compartment to the first compartment, but such as to allow the passage of the liquid between the two compartments. The washing substance, obtained from the mixture of liquid and granular elements, is thrown under pressure against the objects to be washed. The washing substance then falls back into the second compartment, where the granular elements are stopped by the holed wall, whereas the liquid continues towards the first compartment. Hence, the granule elements lie unprotected at the bottom of the second compartment; when the operator wants to use fine wash programs, a lot of dirt ends up in the granules, limiting the number of consecutive fine wash programs that can be performed before the granules has to be collected and removed from the dishwasher for being cleaned.

[0009] US2002031989 describes a granule dishwashing apparatus with removable granule collectors and method of use. The dishwashing apparatus consists primarily of a treatment chamber, a tank, one or more granule collectors and one or more pumping devices. Soiled articles are placed in the treatment chamber to be washed with a mixture consisting of liquid and granules that is sprayed at the articles under high pressure. The mixture falls toward the tank after impacting the articles, passing through the granule collector. Liquid is separated from the mixture at some point using the granule collector so that the articles can be rinsed. At any point following a cleaning cycle, the granule collector can be removed from the dishwasher to add more granules and to enable cleaning of the apparatus. In a multiple collector system, the granule collectors are connected to actuators so that the collectors can be placed in a release mode or a collect mode depending on the function desired. Since the surface area of the granule collectors is small compared to the entire washing surface within the dishwasher, the collection process takes a long time and largely depends on the probability of granules eventually ending up in the collection basket.

[0010] The shape and construction of prior art granule collectors and the position of the granule collector in the tank prevent an efficient addition of granules when desired as well as collection of granules when they are to be removed from the washing chamber or tank. A normal separation period requires circulation of the total tank volume many times for collecting most of the granules. Granules may also easily fall into the conduit or the tank when the granule collector is removed from the tank. If the next dishwasher program is for delicate dishware, granules remaining in the dishwasher may damage the delicate dishware and the pump may be clogged.Summary

[0011] It is an object of the teachings of this application to obviate at least some of the above disadvantages and to provide an improved granule collecting assembly for a granule dishwashing apparatus, providing efficient and fast addition, separation and collection of granules.

[0012] According to a first aspect, this is achieved by a granule collecting assembly for a granule dishwasher, comprising a tiltable open top granule collecting basket for collecting granules and a hinged lid, wherein the basket is arranged to be tilted between an upright closed position, wherein the hinged lid is arranged to cover the open top granule collecting basket; an open emptying position, wherein the basket is tilted in a first direction in relation to the upright closed position for emptying the basket of granules; and a collecting position, in which the basket is tilted in an a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the hinged lid is partly open for collecting granules.

[0013] In some embodiments, the granule collecting basket is a removable rectangular open top basket having perforated side portions and a bottom with recesses or holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the granule collecting basket is a removable rectangular open top basket having perforated side portions and a bottom with recesses or holes allowing the passage of liquid and preventing the passage of granules.

[0015] In some embodiments, the granule collecting basket is a removable rectangular open top basket having perforated side portions and a bottom with recesses or holes sufficiently wide to allow the passage of liquid but small enough to prevent the passage of granules.

[0016] In some embodiments, the perforated side portions of the open top granule collecting basket has an open top side, two long sides, and two short sides, wherein each short side is provided with a U-shaped shaft holder arranged to receive and rest on a shaft on each short side when the granule colleting basket is arranged in a dishwasher.

[0017] In some embodiments, the granule collecting basket is provided with a handle arranged for insertion and removal of the granule collecting basket by hand to / from the dishwasher.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hinged lid has a rectangular shape for covering at least the open top side of the granule collecting basket, wherein the short sides of the lid is provided with raised borders partly projecting from the back edge of the hinged lid with through holes for receiving hinge shafts when the lid is arranged in the dishwasher.

[0019] In some embodiments the granule collecting, assembly comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the granule collecting basket to the collecting position by means of a drive shaft of the electric motor, wherein the hinged lid is partly open for collecting granules, the upright closed position for holding the granules, and / or the open emptying position for emptying the granule collecting basket of granules.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electric motor is configured to rotate the granule collecting basket between the collecting position in the second direction of rotation from the upright closed position and a granule self-cleaning position in the first direction of rotation from the upright closed position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electric motor is configured to rotate the granule collecting basket between the collecting position in the second direction of rotation from the upright closed position and the granule self-cleaning position about 10-30°, or preferably 20°, from the upright closed position.

[0022] According to a second aspect, a granule dishwasher for washing articles with a mixture of liquid and granules is provided, comprising the granule collecting assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dishwasher comprises a dishwashing chamber for the articles to be washed, a washing tank arranged below the dishwashing chamber, a conduit system connecting the washing tank with washing tubes arranged in the dishwashing chamber, a liquid pump connected to the conduit system and arranged to pump water and a mixture of water and granules from the dishwashing chamber via the conduit system through nozzles of the washing tubes, and a sink forming the bottom of the dishwashing chamber, wherein the granule collecting basket is removably arranged in the washing tank, which is accessible via an opening in the bottom of the sink.

[0024] In some embodiments, a first portion of the opening in the bottom of the sink corresponding to at least the area of the open top side of the granule collecting basket is covered by the hinged lid, and a second portion of the opening in the bottom of the sink is uncovered forming an aperture between the dishwashing chamber and the washing tank when the granule collecting basket is returned to the upright position.

[0025] In some embodiments, a gap is formed between the hinged lid and the bottom of the sink when the granule collecting basket is tilted in the collecting position, wherein the granules of the mixture of liquid and granules is guided to pass from the dishwashing chamber under the hinged lid into the granule collecting basket and the liquid to pass above the hinged lid into the washing chamber via the aperture between the dishwashing chamber and the washing tank.

[0026] In some embodiments, the hinged lid rests on a longitudinal top edge of the granule collecting basket forming a raised cam, wherein the gap between the hinged lid and the bottom of the sink is about 5 to 25 mm, or preferably 10-15 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the granule dishwasher comprises a suction nozzle connected to the conduit system and comprises an angle iron arranged along at least part of a bottom corner of an inner wall of the washing tank, thereby forming a narrow opening or gap for efficient suction of the water and granules by means of the liquid pump.

[0028] In some embodiments, the granule dishwasher comprises an electric cabinet containing circuitry and / or a program-controlled device configured with one or more selectable washing programs, comprising instructions which, when a selected washing program is executed by the program-controlled device, cause the dishwasher to function according to the selected washing program.

[0029] In some embodiments, the circuitry and / or the program-controlled device is configured to control the electric motor to tilt the granule collecting basket between the upright closed position; the open emptying position; and the collecting position, according to the instructions of the selected washing program.

[0030] In some embodiments, the circuitry and / or the program-controlled device is configured to control the electric motor to tilt the granule collecting basket repeatedly between the collecting position and the granule self-cleaning position for cleaning the granules by means of water from the nozzles flushing through the perforated side portions of the granule collecting basket according to the instructions of the selected granule dishwashing program.

[0031] According to a third aspect, a method for operating the granule dishwasher is provided, wherein the method comprises: starting a granule washing cycle in response to a selected washing program; tilting the granule collecting basket in the first direction to an emptying position for adding granules to the liquid in the washing tank; dishwashing with liquid and granules; tilting the granule collecting basket in the second direction to a collecting position, wherein the hinged lid of the granule collecting basket is raised; and collecting the granules in the granule collecting basket.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method for operating the granule dishwasher comprises: self-cleaning the granules, wherein the granule collecting basket is tilted repeatedly back and forth between the collecting position in the second direction and a self-cleaning position in the first direction, and water from the nozzles is flushed through the perforated side portions of the granule collecting basket.

[0033] An efficient and fast addition of granules when desired as well as a fast separation and collection of granules is provided.

[0034] Other aspects and features of the invention and its embodiments are further explained in the detailed description and the drawings, and are defined by the appended claims.

[0035] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] Further objects, features and advantages will appear from the following detailed description of embodiments, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly in section, of a granule dishwasher according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of a portion of the granule dishwasher of FIG. 1, with a granule collecting assembly arranged in a washing tank; FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view of a portion of the granule dishwasher of FIG. 1, with the granule collecting assembly and fluid circulation system; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the granule colleting assembly with a granule collecting basket in an upright position; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the granule colleting assembly with a granule collecting basket in an upright position; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the granule colleting assembly with a granule collecting basket in an upright position; FIG. 7 is a perspective cutaway view of a portion of the granule dishwasher of FIG. 1 with a granule collecting basket lift out from the washing tank; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the granule colleting assembly with the granule collecting basket in an emptying position; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the granule colleting assembly with the granule collecting basket in a collecting position; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the granule colleting assembly with the granule collecting basket in a tilted self-cleaning position; FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a dishwashing method according to an embodiment; and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a dishwashing method according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0037] Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to FIGs. 1-12, which illustrate schematically an example arrangement to some embodiments. The same reference signs are used for corresponding features in different figures. The terminology used in the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

[0038] The following description describes embodiments applicable to the field of dishwashers and dishwashing apparatuses for equipment surface treatment, such as dishwashers, including but not limited to dishwashers for small, medium, and large sized commercial kitchens, such as pot washers. The dishwashing apparatuses may be, but is not limited to, granule dishwashers for heavily soiled articles to be washed, for example dishwashers for pots and pans or other coarse articles to be washed. However, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to this application but may be applied to many other technical fields wherein a tray, basket or the like holding articles, including pots, pans, cauldrons, underwater equipment, such as a scuba diving equipment, working clothes, different kinds of tools or other industrial equipment etc, to be washed.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a dishwasher 100 for heavily soiled articles to be washed, for example pots, pans, ovenware, canteens etc., wherein the dishwasher may be arranged to add granules with liquid, including but not limited to water, or water and detergent, or any other suitable liquid for dishwashing that is sprayed under pressure towards the articles to be washed. In some embodiments the dishwasher may be arranged to circulate liquid alternatively with and without granules and / or with and without detergent. Thereby, the dishwashers may be arranged and used for washing more sensitive ware, such as crockery, china, cutlery and glasses, without the granules. The granules may be, but is not limited to, biodegradable granules in the shape of essentially circular or cylindrical pellets or granules of a certain size, for example but not limited to, 2.5-3.5 mm, and preferably 2.8 - 3.2 mm. The biodegradable granules may be made from for example calcium salt, rapeseed oil and a combination of biodegradable polyester, hard enough to remove even baked-on food, but soft enough not to harm cook ware, or plastic granules, hard enough to remove stuck on food effectively, but soft enough not to damage the goods or the interior of the dishwasher.

[0040] Referring to FIGs. 1-3, the granule dishwasher 100 according to some embodiments comprises a stand 101, a dishwashing chamber 102 for containing goods to be washed, a washing tank 103 for containing washing liquid, i.e water or water and detergent located below the dishwashing chamber 102 and arranged on the stand 101, and a conduit system comprising a washing liquid conduit system 104. The washing liquid conduit system 104 connects the washing tank 103 to the dishwashing chamber 102. A back wall 105 of the stand 101, a sink 106 and a hood 107 may form the chamber 102. The hood 107 is movably arranged to the back wall 105 of the stand. The hood 107 may be moved between an open position as shown in FIG. 1, in which goods / dishes may be put into the dishwashing chamber 102, preferably on a washing rack or ware holder, or removed from the dishwashing chamber, and a closed position when the dishwasher is ready for operation.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dishwasher may include a rinse tank for containing rinsing water and a rinse liquid conduit system connecting the rinse tank to the dishwashing chamber.

[0042] Further, the dishwasher 100 comprises a liquid or water pump 109a arranged in the lower part of the stand 101 and connected to the conduit system 104. The water pump 109a may be arranged to operate to provide sufficient high liquid pressure and flow of liquid and dishwater via the conduit system 104 with granules through washing nozzles 110a, 110b of one or more washing tubes 111a, 111b arranged in the chamber 102.

[0043] The speed of the water pump 109a and the resulting liquid pressure through the washing tubes 111a, 111b and nozzles 110a, 110b may be adjusted to the specific machine and what type of dishware that is to be cleaned with granules.

[0044] In this embodiment, a second liquid pump or water pump 109b is arranged in the lower part of the stand 101 and connected to the conduit system 104. The second water pump is arranged to operate at low speed, thereby generating a lower water pressure for washing up crockery, cutlery and glasses. The speed of the second water pump 109b and the resulting liquid pressure should be adjusted to the specific dishwasher and the type of dishware that is to be washed up.

[0045] In this embodiment, the washing tubes 111a are arranged for providing water and granules at high pressure through the nozzles 1 10a, and the washing tubes 111b are arranged for providing water at low pressure through the nozzles 110b. However, in other embodiments, the washing tubes 111a and / or washing tubes 111b may provide water and granules at high pressure or only water at low pressure.

[0046] Moreover, an electric cabinet 114 is arranged in the lower part of the stand 101 configured for main connection and power supply of the liquid pumps 109a, 109b, heaters in the washing tank, and a draining pump 109c. The electric cabinet 114 may contain circuitry and / or a program-control device configured to run one or more different washing programs for operating the dishwasher in response to user input via a user interface, such as a control panel 116, arranged on and accessible from the exterior of the dishwasher and operatively connected to the circuitry.

[0047] In another embodiment, the dishwasher comprises a single liquid / water pump, which may be controlled by a speed regulator, such as a frequency changer or a variable-frequency drive leading to different water pressures and flows. A low speed is used for washing up crockery, cutlery, china and glasses and a higher speed is used for pot washing, with or without granules. Hence, this gives more flexibility and the pump may operate at several different speeds and liquid flows with and with granules.

[0048] With reference to FIGs. 2-3, the granule dishwasher 100 comprises a granule collecting assembly, including a tiltable open top granule collecting basket 120 and a hinged lid 121. While the sink 106 forms the bottom of the dishwashing chamber 102, the granule collecting basket 120 is removably arranged in the washing tank 103, which is accessible via an opening in the bottom of the sink 106.

[0049] The granule collecting basket 120 is arranged to tilt between an upright closed position as shown in FIG. 4; an open emptying position as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the basket is tilted an angle α between 90°-180°, or preferably about 140°, from the upright closed position; and a collecting position as shown in FIG. 9, in which the basket is tilted with the lid 121 partly open.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the granule collecting basket 120 is a removable rectangular open top basket having perforated side portions 122a-d and bottom 123 with recesses or holes 124, wherein the recesses or holes are sufficiently wide to allow the passage of liquid / water but small enough to prevent the passage of granules. The granule collecting basket 120 comprises an open top side 125, two long sides 122c, 122d, and two short sides 122a, 122b.

[0051] In this embodiment of the granule collecting assembly, the hinged lid 121 has a rectangular shape for covering at least the open top side 125 of the granule collecting basket 120. The short sides of the rectangular hinged lid 121 is provided with rising borders 126a, 126b partly projecting from a back edge 127 of the lid with through holes 128a, 128b for receiving hinge shafts 129a, 129b when the lid is arranged in the granule dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the through holes 128a, 128b are in, but is not limited to, the shape of keyholes for facilitating the arrangement of lid 121 on the hinge shafts 129a, 129b.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows the granule colleting assembly with a cross-sectional front view of the granule basket 120 arranged in the upright closed position in the washing tank 103, wherein a first portion 130 (see FIG. 7) of the opening in the bottom of the sink 106 corresponding to at least the area of the open top side 125 of the granule basket 120 is covered by the hinged lid 121, and a second portion 131 of the opening in the bottom of the sink 106 is uncovered forming an aperture between the dishwashing chamber 102 and the washing tank 103 when the granule basket is turned to the upright closed position.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the granule dishwasher 100 illustrating the granule colleting assembly in the upright closed position, wherein the short side 122a of the granule basket 120 is provided with an U-shaped shaft holder or recess bracket 132a arranged to receive and rest on a drive shaft 133a of an electric motor 134 when the granule colleting basket is arranged in a dishwasher 100.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the granule dishwasher 100 illustrating the granule colleting assembly in the upright closed position, wherein the short side 122b of the granule basket 120 is provided with an essentially U-shaped shaft holder 132b or recess bracket having a partly open circular recess arranged to receive and rest on a carrying shaft 133b when the granule colleting basket is arranged in a dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the carrying shaft 133b has a rectangular sectional area with two opposite straight sides and two opposite rounded out sides. Hence, the shape of the carrying shaft 133b is arranged to fit into the circular recess of the U-shaped shaft holder 132b. Thereby, the U-shaped shaft holder 132b may be unhooked or released from the carrying shaft 133b, when the granules basket is located in the upright closed position.

[0055] However, when the granule basket is tilted to the open emptying position, the carrying shaft 133b is locked in the U-shaped shaft bolder 132b preventing the granule basket from detaching from the carrying shaft. Moreover, a stop pin 145 extending from a side wall inside the washing tank 103 is arranged to prevent the U-shaped shaft holder from detaching from the drive shaft 133a of the electric motor 134.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the granule dishwasher 100 with the open lid 121 and the granule collecting basket lift out from the washing tank 103. In this embodiment, the granule collecting basket 120 is provided with a handle 135 for insertion and removal of the granule collecting basket 120 by hand to / from the dishwasher 100.

[0057] Additionally, the granule collecting assembly of the granule dishwasher 100 comprises the electric motor 134, which is operatively connected to the granule collecting basket 120 and configured to rotate the granule collecting basket 120 to by means of the drive shaft 133a to different positions, including at least the collecting position, wherein the lid is partly open for collecting granules, the upright closed position for holding the granules, and the open emptying position for emptying the granule collecting basket of granules.

[0058] In this embodiment, the electric motor is, but is not limited to, a 24VDC motor. In other embodiments, the electric motor may be for example a 12 VDC, 24VDC, or 32VDC, a stepping motor, servo-motor, AC motor, or linear motor depending on the size and configuration of the granule collecting assembly and dishwasher. In other embodiments, an hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or mechanical actuator (screw jack) may be arranged to rotate the granule collecting basket 120 instead of an electric motor.

[0059] The position of the granule collecting basket 120 defines the function of the basket. When the granule collecting basket 120 is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 4, which is the normal position, the lid 121 is closed and thereby covers the top end 125 of the granule collecting basket 120. In this position, the granules are either kept in the basket without being able to get out, or the lid ensures that the granules cannot enter the collecting basket when the granules and water are circulating in the dishwasher. However, the second portion of the opening in the bottom of the sink 106 is still uncovered forming an aperture 131 between the dishwashing chamber 102 and the washing tank 103 allowing water or a mixture of water and granules to pass from the dishwashing chamber 102 along the top side of the lid 121 into the washing tank 103.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 8, the granule collecting basket of the granule colleting assembly has been rotated clockwise wherein the basket is tilted between 90°-180°, and preferably 140°, from the upright closed position by means of the electric motor 134 and thereby tilted to the emptying position. In this position, the basket is emptied, wherein granules 136 are added to the washing water in the washing tank 103 for circulation during a granule washing cycle. During the washing cycle, water and granules are sucked by the water pump 109a from the washing tank 103 by means of a suction nozzle 137 and pumped via the conduit system 104 through the washing tubes 111 and washing nozzles 110. In this embodiment, the suction nozzle 137 comprises an angle iron arranged along at least part of a bottom corner of an inner wall 138 of the washing tank 103, thereby forming a narrow opening or collecting gap 139 for efficient suction of the water and particularly granules.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows the granule colleting assembly with the granule collecting basket 121 in the granule collecting position. In this position, the granule collecting basket 120 has been rotated counter-clockwise wherein the basket is tilted an angle β between about 5°-25°, wherein the lid 121 is raised and exposes the collecting basket to granules 136 of the flow of the mixture of dishwater and granules via a gap 140 of about 5-25 mm, or preferably 10-15 mm, between the lid 121 and the bottom of the sink 106.

[0062] In this embodiment, the granule collecting basket 120 has been provided with small wheels 141 on each top corner for facilitating the raising of the lid when the granule collecting basket is tilted and the wheels rotate against the underside of the lid 121. However, in another embodiment the hinged lid rests on a longitudinal top edge of the granule basket 120 forming a raised cam, thereby forming the gap 140 between the hinged lid and the sink of about 5 to 25 mm, or preferably 10-15 mm.

[0063] FIG. 10 shows the granule colleting assembly with the granule collecting basket 121 in the self-cleaning position. In this position, the granule collecting basket 121 has been rotated clockwise, wherein the basket is tilted an angle γ between about 10°-30°, preferably about 20°, wherein the lid 121 is raised and exposes the collecting basket to the liquid / dishwater. The flow of dishwater will pass through the recesses / holes 124 of the basket 120 and thereby cleaning the granules within the basket. Since the granules are mainly exposed to water flowing through the recesses / holes 124, the granules will stay in the basket 120.

[0064] During the self-cleaning phase of a dishwashing program, the granule collecting basket 120 may be tilted between the collection position, i.e counter-clockwise from the upright close position, and the self-cleaning position about 20° clockwise from the normal position. Then the flow through the perforated side portions 122a-d of the granule collecting basket 120 changes and granules are flushed by water efficiently. Advantageously, this can be performed with a small amount of clean water in the washing tank 103, about 20-30 liters in this embodiment.

[0065] As mentioned above, the dishwasher is configured to operate according to one or more different washing programs. Initially, liquid / water may be heated before it is sprayed into the washing chamber to fill up the washing tank 103. As described above, the liquid may include but is not limited to water, or water and detergent, or any other suitable liquid for dishwashing, which is used for several dishwashing cycles before the liquid in the washing tank need to be exchanged.

[0066] FIG 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a dishwashing apparatus according to one embodiment. As described above, the electric cabinet 114 may contain circuitry and / or a program-control device configured to run one or more different washing programs for operating the dishwashing apparatus to run a washing cycle in response to user input via the user interface 116.

[0067] The method includes, but is not limited to, at least one washing cycle including dishwashing and rinsing according to a dishwashing program. Before starting the dishwashing program a tray with articles to be washed may be inserted into the chamber 102 and the hood 107 is closed. A user may close the hood and select a dishwashing program via the user interface of the control panel 116. In response to the user activation, the selected dishwashing program starts a washing cycle by means of the circuitry and / or a program-control device of the electric cabinet 114 in step 200. Fresh water or other suitable liquid, which may be warmed up by a heater for each washing cycle. The fresh liquid may be supplied from an external fresh water supply or another external liquid reservoir that may be connected to the dishwasher. The liquid may be supplied to the washing tank 103 via the washing liquid conduit system 104 or via a separate conduit in connection with the tank.

[0068] A detector or sensor may be arranged within the washing chamber 102 for detecting what type of ware holder that has been placed in the chamber.

[0069] In response to that a ware holder or tray adapted for pot-washing is detected in by means of sensors in the dishwashing chamber 103, the liquid pump 109 is controlled to provide high water pressure through washing tubes 111 and washing nozzles 110 as described above. After a few seconds, the granules 136 are added to the liquid in the dishwasher in step 201, wherein the electric motor 134 is operated to rotate the granule collecting basket 120 in a first direction, clockwise in this embodiment, wherein the basket is tilted upside down or about 140° from the upright closed position to the emptying position as illustrated in FIG.8. In this position, the granule collecting 120 basket is emptied, wherein the granules 136 are added to the washing water in the washing tank 103 for circulation. During dishwashing, water and granules are circulated in the dishwasher, wherein water and granules are sucked by the water pump 109a from the washing tank 103 by means of the suction nozzle 137 and pumped via the conduit system 104 through the washing tubes 111 and washing nozzles 110 under pressure towards the articles to be washed in the dishwashing chamber 102 in step 202. Preferably, the granule collecting 120 basket is kept in the emptying position during the washing cycle with granules.

[0070] Although, the liquid in the washing tank has been pre-heated in the rinse tank, maintenance heating of the liquid may be provided by the heater in the washing tank for improved washing result.

[0071] At the end of the dishwashing with granules the electric motor 134 is operated to rotate the granule collecting basket 120 in a second direction, counter-clockwise in this embodiment, to the collecting position in step 203 as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0072] In the collecting position, the granule collecting basket 121 has been rotated counter-clockwise wherein the basket is tilted an angle β between about 5°-25°, wherein the lid 121 is raised and exposes the collecting basket to granules 136 of the flow of the mixture of dishwater and granules via the collecting gap 140 of about 5-25 mm, or preferably 10-15 mm, between the lid 121 and the bottom of the sink 106. The combination of the basket being tilted forming the collecting gap of 10-15 mm, the granules 136, which are heavier than water, advantageously tends to sink and follow the bottom of the sink 106 through the collecting gap for efficient and fast collection of the granules 136 in the granule collecting basket 120. Although, the granules will be collected almost immediately in the granule collecting basket, the dishwashing cycle continues for a short while, typically a few seconds to secure that all of the granules are collected in the granule collecting basket 120 in step 204. 80-90% of the granules are collected after about 10s and almost all granules are collected after about 30-45s.The dishwashing program may end when the granules have been collected. In this case, the electric motor 134 is operated to rotate the granule collecting basket 120 clockwise to the upright position in step 205 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this upright position, the lid may be opened and the granule collecting basket 120 may be lift out by hand from the washing tank 103 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0073] The dishwashing program continues with rinsing 206 with clean water pumped on to the articles in the tray within the washing chamber 102. When the rinsing ends the dishwashing program may be finished, and the user may open the hood 107 to remove the tray with the clean dish.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a dishwashing apparatus according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the dishwashing program operates the dishwashing program according to the steps 200-206 in the same way as the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 11. However, after the step of collecting 204 the granules in the granule collecting basket 120, the method continues to a phase of self-cleaning 204a of the granules, wherein the granule collecting basket 120 is tilted repeatedly back and forth between the collection position, i.e counter-clockwise from the upright close position, in the second direction and the self-cleaning position about 20° clockwise from the normal position in the first direction. Then the flow through the collector changes and granules are flushed efficiently. Advantageously, this can be performed with a small amount of clean water in the washing tank 103.

[0075] After the self-cleaning 204a, the granule collecting basket 120 is returned to the upright position in step 205 and the dishwashing program continues with rinsing 206 with clean water pumped from the rinse tank via the conduit system, washing tubes 111 through the nozzles 110 on to the articles in the tray within the washing chamber 102. When the rinsing ends the dishwashing program may be finished, and the user may open the hood 107 to remove the tray with the clean dish.

[0076] If a ware holder for standard washing is inserted instead of a ware holder for pots and pans, the granule collecting basket is kept in the upright closed position and the second liquid pump 109b is controlled to provide low water pressure during the dishwashing cycle.

[0077] Embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to dishwashing programs. It will be understood that washing programs may be implemented in the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects including computer program instructions to control the dishwasher. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a computing device, a program-controlled device, a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus of the dishwasher to produce a machine, such that the program instructions when executed create means for implementing the specified functions / acts of the washing programs to operate the dishwasher accordingly.

[0078] The features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the scope of the technology.

[0079] In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A granule collecting assembly for a granule dishwasher (100), comprising a tiltable open top granule collecting basket (120) for collecting granules (136) and a hinged lid (121), wherein the basket (120) is arranged to be tilted between an upright closed position, wherein the hinged lid (121) is arranged to cover the open top granule collecting basket (120); an open emptying position, wherein the basket (120) is tilted in a first direction in relation to the upright closed position for emptying the basket (120) of granules (136); and a collecting position, in which the basket (120) is tilted in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the hinged lid (121) is partly open for collecting granules (136).

2. The granule collecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the granule collecting basket (120) is a removable rectangular open top basket having perforated side portions (122a-d) and a bottom (123) with recesses or holes (124) sufficiently wide to allow the passage of liquid but small enough to prevent the passage of granules (136).

3. The granule collecting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the perforated side portions (122a-d) of the open top granule collecting basket (120) has an open top side (125), two long sides (122c, 122d), and two short sides (122a, 122b), wherein each short side is provided with an U-shaped shaft holder (132a, 132b) arranged to receive and rest on a shaft on each short side (122a, 122b) when the granule colleting basket is arranged in a dishwasher (100).

4. The granule collecting assembly according to claim 3, wherein the granule collecting basket (120) is provided with a handle (135) arranged for insertion and removal of the granule collecting basket (120) by hand to / from the dishwasher (100).

5. The granule collecting assembly according to any of the claims 3-4, wherein the hinged lid (121) has a rectangular shape for covering at least the open top side (125) of the granule collecting basket (120), wherein the short sides of the lid (121) is provided with raised borders (126a,126b) partly projecting from the back edge of the hinged lid (121) with through holes (128a, 128b) for receiving hinge shafts (129a, 129b) when the lid (121) is arranged in the dishwasher (100).

6. The granule collecting assembly according to any of the claims 1-5, comprising an electric motor (134) configured to rotate the granule collecting basket (120) to the collecting position by means of a drive shaft of the electric motor (134), wherein the hinged lid (121) is partly open for collecting granules (136), the upright closed position for holding the granules (136), and / or the open emptying position for emptying the granule collecting basket (120) of granules (136).

7. The granule collecting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the electric motor (134) is configured to rotate the granule collecting basket (120) between the collecting position in the second direction of rotation from the upright closed position and a granule self-cleaning position in the first direction of rotation from the upright closed position.

8. The granule collecting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the electric motor (134) is configured to rotate the granule collecting basket (120) between the collecting position in the second direction of rotation from the upright closed position and the granule self-cleaning position about 10-30°, or preferably 20°, from the upright closed position.

9. A granule dishwasher (100) for washing articles with a mixture of liquid and granules (136), comprising a granule collecting assembly according to any of the claims 1-8.

10. The granule dishwasher according to claim 9, comprising a dishwashing chamber (102) for the articles to be washed, a washing tank (103) arranged below the dishwashing chamber (102), a conduit system (104) connecting the washing tank (103) with washing tubes (111) arranged in the dishwashing chamber (102), a liquid pump (109a) connected to the conduit system (104) and arranged to pump water and a mixture of water and granules from the dishwashing chamber (102) via the conduit system through nozzles (110) of the washing tubes (111), and a sink (106) forming the bottom of the dishwashing chamber (102), wherein the granule collecting basket (120) is removably arranged in the washing tank (103), which is accessible via an opening in the bottom of the sink (106).

11. The granule dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein a first portion (130) of the opening in the bottom of the sink (106) corresponding to at least the area of the open top side (125) of the granule collecting basket (120) is covered by the hinged lid (121), and a second portion (131) of the opening in the bottom of the sink (106) is uncovered forming an aperture between the dishwashing chamber (102) and the washing tank (103) when the granule collecting basket (120) is returned to the upright position.

12. The granule dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein a gap (140) is formed between the hinged lid (121) and the bottom of the sink (106) when the granule collecting basket (120) is tilted in the collecting position, wherein the granules (136) of the mixture of liquid and granules (136) is guided to pass from the dishwashing chamber (102) under the hinged lid (121) into the granule collecting basket (120) and the liquid to pass above the hinged lid (121) into the washing chamber (102) via the aperture between the dishwashing chamber (102) and the washing tank (103).

13. The granule dishwasher according to claim 12, wherein the hinged lid (121) rests on a longitudinal top edge of the granule collecting basket (120) forming a raised cam, wherein the gap (140) between the hinged lid (121) and the bottom of the sink (106) is about 5 to 25 mm, or preferably 10-15 mm.

14. The granule dishwasher according to any of the claims 9-13, comprising a suction nozzle (137) connected to the conduit system (104) and comprising an angle iron arranged along at least part of a bottom corner of an inner wall (138) of the washing tank (103), thereby forming a narrow opening or gap (139) for efficient suction of the water and granules by means of the liquid pump (109a).

15. The granule dishwasher according to any of the claims 9-14, comprising an electric cabinet (114) containing circuitry and / or a program-controlled device configured with one or more selectable washing programs, comprising instructions which, when a selected washing program is executed by the program-controlled device, cause the dishwasher (100) to function according to the selected washing program.

16. The granule dishwasher according to claim 15, wherein the circuitry and / or the program-controlled device is configured to control the electric motor (134) to tilt the granule collecting basket (120) between the upright closed position; the open emptying position; and the collecting position, according to the instructions of the selected washing program.

17. The granule dishwasher of claim 15 or 16, wherein the circuitry and / or the program-controlled device is configured to control the electric motor to tilt the granule collecting basket (121) repeatedly between the collecting position and the granule self-cleaning position for cleaning the granules (136) by means of water from the nozzles (110) being flushed through the perforated side portions (122a-d) of the granule collecting basket (120) according to the instructions of the selected granule dishwashing program.

18. A method for operating a granule dishwasher as claimed in at least one of the claims 9-17, comprising: starting (200) a granule washing cycle in response to a selected washing program; tilting (201) the granule collecting basket (120) in the first direction to an emptying position for adding granules (136) to the dishwater in the washing tank (103); dishwashing (202) with liquid and granules (136); tilting (203) the granule collecting basket (120) in the second direction to a collecting position, wherein the hinged lid (121) of the granule collecting basket (120) is raised; and collecting (204) the granules (136) in the granule collecting basket (120).

19. A method for operating a granule dishwasher according to claim 18, comprising: self-cleaning (204a) the granules, wherein the granule collecting basket is tilted repeatedly back and forth between the collecting position in the second direction and a self-cleaning position in the first direction and water from the nozzles (110) is flushed through the perforated side portions (122a-d) of the granule collecting basket (120).

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