Mounting arrangement for a washing- and rinsing arm

The mounting arrangement for dishwasher arms facilitates easy detachment and reattachment, addressing clogging and leakage issues by ensuring stable engagement and separate fluid conduits, enhancing washing performance and reducing maintenance.

EP4652913A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-11-26ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL SPA
View PDF 6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024177693
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-23
Publication Date
2025-11-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In dishwashers, spraying arms can become clogged with debris, leading to poor washing performance and potential fluid leaks due to improper reattachment, which is difficult to diagnose and results in unnecessary service calls.

Method used

A mounting arrangement for rotating washing- and rinsing arms that allows easy detachment and reattachment, featuring a fixed part with a flange and a gripping means on the mounting part, ensuring stable engagement and preventing fluid obstruction, with separate conduits for washing and rinsing fluids.

Benefits of technology

Ensures reliable washing performance by preventing fluid leaks and maintaining pressure, allowing users to clean the arms easily, reducing downtime and service needs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IMGAF001_ABST
    Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a mounting arrangement (100) for a rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) in a washing cavity (310) of a dishwasher (300), the mounting arrangement (100) comprising a fixed part (110) arranged in the washing cavity (310) and configured to receive at least one fluid (C, D) from a supply in the dishwasher (300), a mounting part (120) arranged on the washing- and rinsing arm (200) and configured to rotatably engage with the fixed part (110), the mounting part (120) comprising at least one gripping means (121). The fixed part (110) comprises a first tube portion (111) with a flange (112) protruding from a periphery thereof, and configured to engage with the at least one gripping means (121) arranged on the mounting part (120), and the mounting arrangement (100) is configured to convey the at least one fluid (C, D) from the fixed part (110) through the mounting part (120) towards at least one nozzle (210) in the washing-and rinsing arm (200).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention generally relates to dishwashers and, more specifically, to a mounting arrangement for a washing- and rinsing arm in a dishwasher.Background

[0002] In dishwashers, the dishware is cleaned by distributing one or more fluids around a washing cavity where the dishware is placed, the fluids for example being a washing fluid and a rinsing fluid. The fluids are distributed by one or more spray arms located in the washing cavity. Depending on if the dishwasher is used in a professional environment or in a domestic environment, the spray arms may be separated into separate manifolds, each equipped with a plurality of nozzles. For example, in a professional setting, a spray arm with two manifolds may be used. The first manifold may be connected to a clean water supply, and the second manifold may be connected to a wash water supply, where clean water is mixed with some sort of detergent.

[0003] As the wash water is collected in a tank in the bottom of the washing cavity, to be able to be reused a number of times, the nozzles may be clogged from time to time with small pieces of food or debris from the dishware, which may build up and lead to poor washing results if not fixed. In most cases, the spraying arms need to be removed from the washing cavity in order to be properly cleaned.

[0004] An example of a spraying arm which can be removed is seen in EP3991627A which discloses a device for transmitting torque with a drivable shaft for a dishwasher and rinsing arm for a dishwasher.

[0005] However, this operation gives rise to a further problem - if the spraying arms are not properly inserted into the washing cavity after cleaning again, the washing fluids may leak from the coupling between the spraying arms and the conduit supplying the fluids. This leads to that the fluid pressure is lowered, why the nozzles may not effectively distribute the fluids and reach all dishware, ultimately resulting in poor washing results.

[0006] In order to avoid the need to call for service personnel each time the spraying arms need to be cleaned or exchanged, the design of dishwashers as well as their included components can be optimized.Summary

[0007] A dishwasher cleans dishware by spraying water and / or a mix of water and a detergent onto the dishware, which is typically loaded on a rack and arranged in a washing cavity. The dishwasher is further connected to a clean water supply and possibly also a wash water supply, for supplying water into the washing cavity. The wash water may for example be clean water mixed with a detergent. In order to distribute the clean water and / or wash water onto the dishware in the washing cavity, the clean water supply and the wash water supply may be coupled to one or more spraying arms located in the washing cavity. The spraying arms may be provided with a plurality of nozzles for distributing the fluids, and are in some examples separated such that there is one spraying arm for distribution of the clean water and one spraying arm for distribution of the wash water.

[0008] The nozzles may have small openings in comparison to the flow rate of clean water and / or wash water, thereby causing a pressure increase at the nozzles, which results in the water and / or wash water being sprayed out from the nozzles into the washing cavity at a high speed. By doing so, the entire cavity may be reached by the water and / or wash water, ensuring that all dishware loaded in the cavity is cleaned. However, a drawback with having small nozzles is that they may easily get clogged with debris, especially if the wash water is reused during multiple cleaning cycles.

[0009] It is therefore realized as a part of the present disclosure that in order to avoid a loss of washing performance, an operator or user of the dishwasher should be able to easily remove and clean the spraying arm(s) to remove the clogging debris. The spraying arm(s) may in some examples require removal in order to allow for proper cleaning to take place. In those examples, the spraying arm(s) may be designed to be detachable from an attachment portion in the washing cavity, cleaned, and then attached to the attachment portion again.

[0010] It is therefore further realized as part of the present disclosure that a loss of washing performance may occur if the spraying arm(s) are poorly attached to the attachment portion, causing a leakage of water and / or wash water from the attachment between the spraying arm(s) and the attachment portion as a result. The leakage may cause the pressure in the flow of water and / or wash water at the nozzles to decrease, meaning that the nozzles will not be able to spread the water and / or wash water with the same speed into the cavity. This ultimately increases the risk of the water and / or wash water not being able to reach all dishware loaded in the cavity, causing a loss of washing performance.

[0011] It may be difficult to establish the source of the loss of washing performance since the poor attachment of the spraying arm(s) may not be apparent to the user, and therefore the user may instead report the error to a service agent, causing unnecessary downtime.

[0012] In light of the above, it is desired to provide alternate solutions for spraying arms in dishwashers. These and other objects are achieved by providing a mounting arrangement for a rotating washing- and rinsing arm having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting arrangement for a rotating washing- and rinsing arm, hereinafter also referred to as "arm", in a washing cavity of a dishwasher, the mounting arrangement comprising a fixed part arranged in the washing cavity and configured to receive at least one fluid from a supply in the dishwasher. The mounting arrangement further comprises a mounting part arranged on the washing- and rinsing arm and configured to rotatably engage with the fixed part, the mounting part comprising at least one gripping means. Moreover, the fixed part comprises a first tube portion with a flange protruding from a periphery thereof, and configured to engage with the at least one gripping means arranged on the mounting part, and the mounting arrangement is configured to convey the at least one fluid from the fixed part through the mounting part towards at least one nozzle in the washing-and rinsing arm.

[0014] The mounting arrangement enables the rotating washing- and rinsing arm, hereinafter also referred to as 'arm', to be attached and detached to the fixed part in the washing cavity, while preventing the flow of the at least one fluid from being obstructed. Thereby, the arm may be detached and cleaned by a user, and thereafter attached to the fixed part again, in an easy, intuitive way. The mounting arrangement thus facilitates the detachment and attachment of the arm in the cavity. Ultimately, the risk of poor attachment of the arm is decreased, leading to a more reliable washing performance.

[0015] The rotating washing- and rinsing arm may correspond to a spraying arm in the dishwasher. In an embodiment, the rotating washing- and rinsing arm are two separate rotating arms arranged in the dishwasher, where one arm functions as an arm for spraying a washing fluid in the washing cavity, and another arm functions as an arm for spraying a rinsing fluid in the washing cavity. In another, preferred, embodiment, the rotating washing- and rinsing arm comprises one arm which functions as a combination of a washing arm and a rinsing arm. According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating washing- and rinsing arm comprises a plurality of nozzles for distributing the at least one fluid. For example, the rotating washing- and rising arm may have a plurality of nozzles, where one set of nozzles are configured to spray the washing fluid out in the washing cavity, and another, separate set of nozzles are configured to spray the rinsing fluid out in the washing cavity. The rotating washing- and rinsing arm may thereby be connected to both a supply for rinsing fluid and a supply for washing fluid.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher, comprising a washing cavity configured to receive a rack with dishware, a fluid supply configured to provide at least one fluid into the washing cavity, a drain pipe arranged in the washing cavity and configured to drain the at least one fluid, a rotating washing- and rinsing arm arranged in the washing cavity and configured to distribute the at least one fluid to the dishware, and a mounting arrangement for the rotating washing-and rinsing arm according to the first aspect of the invention, configured to mount the rotating washing- and rinsing arm to a fixed part in the washing cavity.

[0017] In an embodiment, the fixed part is arranged on a bottom side of the washing cavity. The washing cavity may have a substantially rectangular shape, with four walls, a bottom side and a top side. One of the four walls may be comprised by a door configured to be openable to allow access into the washing cavity, in order for a user to be able to load and / or unload a rack with dishware. Further, when the door is closed it may ensure that the washing cavity is sealed, such that no fluid is leaked from the washing cavity during a washing operation. Further, the washing cavity comprises a drain pipe for draining the at least one fluid from the washing cavity. In an embodiment, the drain pipe is arranged on a bottom side of the washing cavity. The drain pipe may therefore be arranged on the same side of the washing cavity as the fixed part. the drain pipe may have an opening facing the bottom side of the washing cavity, such that fluid gathered on the bottom side of the washing cavity may be drained through the opening in the drain pipe arranged therein. The drain pipe may be a conventional drain pipe for use in dishwashers. Further, the opening in the drain pipe may be covered by some type of grid, strainer or similar, to prevent debris from entering the drain pipe and risk clogging it.

[0018] In an embodiment, the fixed part is connected to the at least one fluid supply. The fixed part comprises a first tube portion, which may protrude from the bottom of the washing cavity towards an inside of the washing cavity. The first tube portion is configured to receive the at least one fluid from the fluid supply. Further, the first tube portion may convey the at least one fluid from the fluid supply to the washing cavity, through the mounting arrangement. In one example, the fixed part arranged in the washing cavity may form an integral part of the washing cavity. In another example, the fixed part may be a separate part fixedly attached to the bottom side of the washing cavity.

[0019] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one fluid is a washing fluid and a rinsing fluid. The fluid supply may therefore be two fluid supplies, one for the washing fluid and one for the rinsing fluid. The rinsing fluid may for example be clean water from a clean water supply, and the washing fluid may be clean water mixed with a detergent for cleaning the dishware, from a washing fluid supply. In one example, the clean water supply functions as fluid supply for both the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid, and the detergent may therefore be added to produce the washing water in a position downstream the fluid supply between the fluid supply and the fixed part. This may be the case in domestic dishwashers, where the fluid supply is the household faucet plumbing system.

[0020] In another example, the fluid supply are two separate fluid supplies, where one fluid supply is a clean water supply or a clean water supply mixed with a rinsing-aid agent, and another fluid supply is a supply of premixed washing fluid which is collected in a tank to be reused for many washing cycles. This may be the case in professional environments, where there is space to hold a separate tank with washing water for example. The two fluid supplies may be conveyed to the fixed part separately and thus received by the fixed part from separate conduits. According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed part comprises two separate conduits, a first conduit configured to convey a washing fluid, and a second conduit configured to convey a rinsing fluid. The washing fluid and the rinsing fluid are conveyed through the two separate conduits to the tube portion and the mounting part. Therefore, the rinsing fluid and the washing fluid may be maintained in separate conduits after being received in the fixed part from the fluid supplies. The fixed part may therefore advantageously separate the washing fluid from the rinsing fluid, preventing them from being mixed with each other. If the rinsing fluid is mixed with the washing fluid, the dishware may not be rinsed properly, but have remainders of detergent on them when the cleaning operation is finished. Detergents may contain chemicals or other substances that are unhealthy or dangerous to ingest. Further, if the washing fluid is mixed with the rinsing fluid, the intended concentration of detergent in the washing fluid may get diluted, resulting in a loss of washing performance.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tube portion of the fixed part comprises a flange arranged around a periphery of the first tube portion. The first tube portion may have a substantially cylindrical shape, with a substantially circular cross section. The flange may protrude from the periphery of the first tube portion. The flange may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the first tube portion, i.e., circular in the example where the first tube portion has a circular cross section. The flange may function as a support for a hook to engage with, or a means for grabbing onto by a mounting part, for example. The flange may be arranged at a distance from a first end of the first tube portion, in a length direction of the first tube portion. The first end of the first tube portion may be the free end of the first tube portion protruding into the washing cavity of the dishwasher. The length direction may be along a central axis of the first tube portion, in the example where the tube portion has a substantially cylindrical shape. The flange may, in another example, be arranged around the edge of the free end of the first tube portion. In one embodiment, the flange may further comprise a plurality of flanges, arranged at different distances from the first end of the first tube portion. The flange on the first tube portion may advantageously provide a way for the mounting part to be engaged and / or attached to the fixed part of the mounting arrangement, to thereby secure the rotating washing- and rinsing arm in the washing cavity. As previously mentioned, the mounting part comprises at least one gripping means for engaging with the flange. The mounting part is arranged on the rotating washing- and rinsing arm, either by being attached to the arm, or by forming an integral part of the arm. The mounting part is therefore a moving part, rotating together with the arm. The mounting part may be attached to the arm via fastening means, by welding, or an adhesive, for example.

[0022] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tube portion and the mounting part are coaxially arranged around an axis A, axis A being the rotational axis for the rotating washing- and rinsing arm. The mounting part and the first tube portion may be coaxially arranged in the position when they are connected to each other, via the gripping means being engaged to the flange. Therefore, the rotating washing- and rinsing arm and the mounting part may rotate around axis A.

[0023] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting part comprises a second tube portion, and wherein the at least one gripping means at least partially engages with the second tube portion. The second tube portion of the mounting part may have a substantially cylindrical shape, corresponding to the substantially cylindrical shape of the first tube portion of the fixed part. The at least one gripping means may be arranged in contact with the second tube. The second tube portion may therefore have a rotationally symmetric shape, which is advantageous in that it provides a smooth and balanced rotation. A skewed or non-balanced rotation of the arm may lead to fatigue and / or a loss of washing performance.

[0024] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the tube portion of the fixed part has a first diameter, and the second tube portion of the mounting part has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The second tube portion with the at least one gripping means may therefore be arranged around the first tube portion. Thereby, the at least one gripping means may grip around the flange on the first tube portion, to engage the mounting portion and the fixed portion. This configuration is advantageous in that the mounting part may not interfere with the one or more conduits conveying one or more fluids from the fixed part. Since the mounting part is arranged around and / or "over" the fixed part, there is no part of the mounting part that may obstruct the flow of fluid from the fixed part and through the mounting part towards the rotating washing-and rinsing arm. For example, if the mounting part should be mounted inside the fixed part to thereby attach the arm in the washing cavity, a part of the mounting part inside the fixed part may obstruct the flow of fluid passing therethrough, ultimately leading to a loss of washing performance. If, on top of the previous, the arm is poorly attached to the fixed part in the washing cavity, the risk of an obstructed flow of fluid(s) is further increased.

[0025] This risk may be advantageously prevented by arranging the mounting part around the fixed part, to avoid interfering with the flow of fluid(s) inside the fixed part.

[0026] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting part at least partially forms a sleeve around the fixed part. As mentioned, the flange may be arranged with a distance to the first end of the first tube portion. The at least one gripping means may engage with the flange to form a connection between the fixed part and the mounting part. Therefore, the second tube portion with the at least one gripping means may be arranged around and form a sleeve over the first tube portion in order for the at least one gripping means to engage with the flange. By the second tube portion forming a sleeve over the first tube portion, a stable engagement may be provided, which is advantageous since there are rotating parts, i.e., the mounting part and the arm, where a stable engagement is required for the arrangement to work properly. Moreover, a stable arrangement may reduce the risk of the mounting part and the fixed part detaching from each other due to outer circumstances, such as bumps or other types of impacts. Even further, the by the second tube portion forming a sleeve over the first tube portion, the mounting arrangement may form a sealed flow path for the washing fluid and / or rinsing fluid from the fluid supplies to the arm.

[0027] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gripping means comprises a lug portion configured to be resiliently supported around the flange portion. The at least one gripping means may have a body portion following the shape of the second tube portion, and a lug portion arranged in one end of the body portion, preferably a free end that is not attached to the rotating washing- and rinsing arm. The at least one gripping means may therefore function as a hook, hooking onto the flange on the first tube portion. Moreover, the at least one gripping means may be a plurality of gripping means distributed around the second tube portion. The at least one gripping means is resiliently supported around the flange portion, meaning that the at least one gripping means may maintain in their intended position around the flange portion. The at least one gripping means advantageously provides a resilient grip around the flange, preventing the mounting part from detaching from the fixed part. The at least one gripping means may be made from a resilient material, such as a plastic or a metal. Via the resilience of the at least one gripping means, the rotating washing- and rinsing arm may be attached and detached to the fixed part in the cavity of the dishwasher.

[0028] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gripping means further comprises at least one actuator configured to releasably engage the at least one gripping means with the fixed part. The at least one actuator may be the component that resiliently supports the lug portion around the flange portion. Via the actuator, the lug portion may be attached or detached from the fixed part in the mounting arrangement. Therefore, a user may easily attach or detach the rotating washing- and rinsing arm by actuating the actuator, and thereby either detach the lug portion from the flange, or engage the lug portion and the flange.

[0029] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one actuator is configurable between a compressed state and a released state. In the released state, the at least one gripping means is engaged with the flange portion of the fixed support, thereby engaging the rotating washing- and rinsing arm with the fixed part, and in the compressed state, the at least one gripping means is released from the flange portion of the fixed part, thereby releasing the rotating washing- and rinsing arm from the fixed portion. Since the actuator is in a compressed state to release the gripping means from the flange, the user needs to actuate and compress the actuator in order to detach the at least one gripping means from the flange. This means that in the released state of the actuator, the flange is engaged with the at least one gripping means. A released state requires less energy than a compressed state, why the actuator may always try to be in the released state. Furthermore, the compressed state requires an external force to maintain in the compressed state, the external force for example being an action from a user. Therefore, the default state of the actuator may be the released state. This is advantageous in that the engaged position of the flange and the at least one gripping means is the default position, and the at least one gripping means may not move from the engaged state to the detached state spontaneously and / or without the external interference from a user. The risk of the mounting part detaching from the fixed part during the washing operation or during another undesired occasion is advantageously prevented.

[0030] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one actuator comprises a spring. The spring may advantageously provide the desired characteristics of the actuator. In the present example, the spring may be compressed in the previously mentioned compressed state of the actuator, and relaxed in the previously mentioned released state of the actuator. The spring may be arranged on the mounting part, or on the at least one gripping means, for example. Depending on the placement of the actuator, the actuator may be at least partially sandwiched between the second tube portion and the at least one gripping means.

[0031] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the spring is configured to pivot the at least one gripping means around an axis B, transverse to a rotational axis A of the rotating washing and rinsing arm. In one example, the spring may be a torsion spring, and more specifically a helical torsion spring. The spring may have a helix wherein the two ends of the helix form two legs extending from the periphery of the helix. The two legs may extend in the same direction, for example from the left side or from the right side of the helix. Moreover, the helix may have a centerline through its center, around which the helical spring is twisted during compression or relaxation. The centerline of the helix may be transverse to the rotational axis of the rotating washing- and rinsing arm, i.e., the axis on which the fixed part and the mounting part are coaxially arranged. The legs of the helical torsion spring may be arranged such that one leg lay against the at least one gripping means and the other leg lay against the second tube portion. In the example where the at least one gripping means is more than one gripping means, there may be one spring for each gripping means.

[0032] Therefore, the spring may bias the at least one gripping means in the engaged position, i.e., when the at least one gripping means is engaged with the flange. Upon detaching the at least one gripping means from the fixed part, a user presses the at least one gripping means, which twists the helical torsion spring around the centerline, pressing the legs towards each other, and thereby releasing the at least one gripping means from the flange. When the user releases the at least one gripping means, the legs of the helical torsion spring will return to their relaxed position away from each other, why the spring will twist around the centerline in the opposite direction from when the user pressed the at least one gripping means.

[0033] In one exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gripping means may comprise a push button and / or a support for a user to place their finger or fingers. The push button may indicate to a user that the at least one gripping means should be actuated, for example by pushing or releasing the push button, in order for the rotating washing- and rinsing arm to be detached from the fixed part in the washing cavity. Therefore, the push button on the at least one gripping means may further be used as a visual indicator for the user to understand how to detach and / or attach the rotating washing- and rinsing arm to the fixed part in the washing cavity. The push button advantageously provides an intuitive way for the user to use the mounting arrangement, without the need of any further instructions or training.

[0034] According to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting part further comprises a stopper configured to prevent the at least one gripping means from abutting an outer wall of the tube portion of the fixed part. The stopper may comprise a groove arranged in the second tube portion, and a protruding ring portion arranged on the at least one gripping means. The protruding ring portion on the at least one gripping means may be configured to match the position of the groove in the second tube portion in the engaged position. The lug portion of the at least one gripping means may extend across the flange on the fixed part. Therefore, there may be a risk of the lug portion extending along the entirety of the length of the flange, and reaching the wall of the first tube portion. The length of the flange may be defined as the distance between the wall of the first tube portion from which it extends, and the edge of the flange. Since the mounting part, with the at least one gripping means, rotates together with the rotating washing- and rinsing arm, a frictional force will be present at the contact surface of the at least one gripping means, i.e., the flange. If the lug portion further abuts the wall of the first tube portion, an additional frictional force will arise between those surfaces. As is widely known, friction between parts introduce wear, and may therefore be undesired if possible to avoid. The stopper prevents the lug portion from coming into contact with the wall of the first tube portion, meaning that the frictional force between the mounting part and the fixed part is reduced. The protruding ring portion may therefore prevent the lug portion from coming into contact with the wall of the first tube portion simply by providing a physical constraint for the at least one gripping means to move beyond a certain distance.Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described in more detail, with reference to the following appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a dishwasher according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting arrangement and a rotating washing- and rising arm according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 3a-3b illustrates cross-sectional views of a mounting arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting arrangement and a rotating washing- and rising arm according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting arrangement in a disengaged state according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0036] As illustrated in the figures, the size of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0037] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 1, a schematic view of a dishwasher 300 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The dishwasher 300 comprises a door 301 which is shown in an open state, revealing a washing cavity 310 behind it. The door 301 may also be in a closed state, covering the washing cavity 310. The door 301 may be a door 301 closeable with hinges, or another type of closure, for example a type of curtain. In the open state, the door 301 allows access into a washing cavity 310 where a rack 311 with dishware 312 is inserted. In the closed state, the door 301 restricts access to the washing cavity 310. The washing cavity 310 as illustrated in fig. 1 has a substantially rectangular shape with four walls, a bottom side 302 and a top side 303, wherein the door 301 forms one of the walls. The washing cavity 310 is configured to receive and store one or more racks 311 loaded with dishware 312. A washing operation is performed inside the washing cavity 310 to clean the dishware 312 loaded in the rack 311. There may be more than one racks 311 inserted into the washing cavity 310, for example two racks 311 arranged at different levels inside the washing cavity 310. The dishware 312 shown in the figure is a mixture of plates, glasses and mugs, however, it will be appreciated that other types of dishware are also possible, such as pots, pans, utensils, bowls, etc. The number of racks 311 and type of dishware 312 inside the dishwasher 300 is outside the scope of the present disclosure, and will not be discussed further.

[0039] The dishwasher 300 further comprises a rotating washing- and rinsing arm, or 'arm' 200. The arm 200 is arranged inside the washing cavity 310, and is configured to distribute one or more fluids inside the washing cavity 310 to clean the dishware 312 loaded in the rack 311. The arm 200 is arranged in the bottom side 302 of the washing cavity 310, on a mounting arrangement 100. The mounting arrangement 100 is configured to rotatably arrange the arm 200 in the washing cavity 310, while providing the arm 200 with the fluids necessary to clean the dishware 312.

[0040] The dishwasher 300 further comprises a washing fluid supply C and a rinsing fluid supply D, connected to the washing cavity 310. The washing fluid supply C and the rinsing fluid supply D are indicated in fig. 1 by a respective box and arrow, to illustrate that each of the fluid supplies C, D are connected to the washing cavity 310, and more specifically, to the rotating washing- and rinsing arm 200 therein. In one example, the washing fluid C and the rinsing fluid D originates from the same fluid supply (not shown). The washing fluid C and the rinsing fluid D may be coupled to an existing faucet plumbing system (not shown) in the facility where the dishwasher 300 is installed. For example, a household faucet plumbing system in a domestic kitchen or in a professional kitchen. The washing fluid C and the rinsing fluid D are coupled to the mounting arrangement 100 arranged in the bottom side 302 of the washing cavity 310. The mounting arrangement 100 may convey the washing fluid C and the rinsing fluid D through two conduits (not shown) towards the arm 200. The arm 200 further comprises a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for distributing the washing fluid C and the rinsing fluid D inside the washing cavity 310 during a washing operation.

[0041] Furthermore, the washing cavity 310 comprises a drain with a drain pipe 330 arranged in the bottom side 302 of the washing cavity 310. The drain pipe 330 allows fluids inside the washing cavity 310 to be collected and recirculated in the washing cavity 310 or drained out from the washing cavity 310.

[0042] The mounting arrangement 100 allows the arm 200 to be detached from the washing cavity 310, allowing a user to clean the arm 200, replace the arm 200, or performing other types of services on the arm 200. The arm 200 is thus detachable and attachable from the mounting arrangement 100. The functionality of the mounting arrangement 100 will be explained in more detail with reference to the subsequent figures.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 2, an exploded view of a mounting arrangement 100 and a rotating washing- and rising arm 200 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The arm 200 comprises a top part 201 with a first set of a plurality of nozzles 210a arranged thereon. The arm 200 further comprises a shell part 202 with a second set of a plurality of nozzles 210b arranged thereon. The arm 200 further has a bottom part 203, such that the bottom part 203 and the top part 201 sandwiches the shell part 202. The arm 200 is rotatable around a rotational axis A. Further, the arm 200 has an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the rotational axis A, wherein the rotational axis A extends through a centre of the arm 200 in the longitudinal direction. The arm 200 may rotate as a result of a reaction force generated by the flow of washing and / or rinsing fluid being sprayed out from the nozzles 21 0a, 210b with a high pressure, or by means of a motor. The arm 200 may be is coupled to a motor (not shown) wherein the torque from the motor is transferred to the centre of the arm 200 into a rotational movement of the arm 200. The motor may be arranged in the fixed part 110, or underneath the fixed part 100 in a space below the washing cavity 310, for example. The details of the motor and the transferring of torque to the arm 200 are outside the scope of the present disclosure, and will not be discussed further herein.

[0044] Turning now to the top part 201 and the shell part 202 of the arm 200. The first set of a plurality of nozzles 210a on the top part 201 and the second set of a plurality of nozzles 210b on the shell part 202 are configured to distribute one of the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid each. For example, the first set of a plurality of nozzles 210a on the top part 201 may be configured to distribute the rinsing fluid. The second set of a plurality of nozzles 210b on the shell part 202 may in the same example be configured to distribute the washing fluid. In this way, the arm 200 functions as a combined washing- and rinsing arm 200. Further, since the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid are distributed through different sets of nozzles, both fluids may be separated from each other. The fluids are thus advantageously prevented from being mixed with each other. Further, since the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid are conveyed through separate conduits 115,114 through the fixed part 110, they may be continued to be kept separate while being conveyed through the mounting part 120 and the arm 200.

[0045] The bottom part 203 of the arm 200 in the present embodiment comprises the mounting part 120 of the mounting arrangement 100. The mounting part 120 is arranged around the rotational axis A, and comprises at least one gripping means 121 and a second tube portion 122. The at least one gripping means 121 in the present embodiment are two gripping means 121. The gripping means 121 are distributed around the periphery of the second tube portion 122, on opposite sides thereof. For example, the second tube portion 122 may have a circular cross-section, and the two gripping means 121 may then be distributed 180 degrees apart. The second tube portion 122 forms an integral part of the bottom part 203 of the arm 200. The second tube portion 122 protrudes in a direction along axis A from a bottom side of the bottom part 203, in a direction opposite to the direction along A where the shell part 202 and top part 201 are arranged. The second tube portion 122 has two recesses (not shown) formed where the gripping means 121 are arranged. The gripping means 121 are partly arranged to fill the two recesses, and therefore the gripping means 121 partly forms part of the second tube portion 122. The two recess allow the gripping means 121 to pivot around an axis (not shown) transverse to the rotational axis A. The gripping means 121 may therefore pivot towards and away from the rotational axis A, by actuation from an actuator (not shown), in this embodiment a torsion spring. The actuator and the gripping means 121 thereby allows the gripping means 121 to grip around and to be released from a first tube portion 111 on the fixed portion 110.

[0046] The fixed portion 110 is a fixed part arranged in the washing cavity 310, and is thus fixed while the arm 200 is rotating, together with the mounting portion 120. The fixed part 110 comprises a first tube portion 111, protruding in a direction along the rotational axis A towards the inside of the washing cavity 310. The first tube portion 111 comprises a flange 112 protruding radially from a periphery thereof. The first tube portion 111 has a first diameter d1 (not shown), and the second tube portion 122 has a second diameter d2 (not shown), wherein the second diameter d2 is greater than the first diameter d1. The second tube portion 122 may therefore be put on the first tube portion 111. The fixed portion 110 further comprises two conduits 114, 115 for conveying the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid. The two conduits 114, 115 are led to the first tube portion 111, through which the washing fluid and rinsing fluid are conveyed to the mounting part 120 and the first set of a plurality of nozzles 210a and the second set of plurality of nozzles 210b.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 3a, a cross-sectional view of a mounting arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this view, the mounting part 120 is engaged to the fixed part 110 via the gripping means 121. The gripping means 121 grips around the flange 112 via a lug portion 124 on the gripping means 121. The lug portion 124 functions as a hook around the flange 112. Moreover, the first conduit 114 and the second conduit 115 are seen, separated from each other. Arrows indicate the flow paths for the washing fluid through the first conduit 114, and the rinsing fluid through the second conduit 115. The washing fluid flows to the second set of a plurality of nozzles 210b in the arm 200, and the rinsing fluid flows to the first set of a plurality of nozzles 210a in the arm 200.

[0048] It is clearly seen that the mounting part 120 is arranged over the fixed part 110, and thereby forms a sleeve over the fixed part 110. This is advantageous in that the mounting part 120 has no interference with the flow of washing fluid or rinsing fluid flowing through the conduits 114, 115 to the arm. Thus, the flow of washing fluid and rinsing fluid is not obstructed by the mounting arrangement 100. Moreover, the gripping means 121 are actuated by an actuator 125, arranged in the mounting part 120, between the second tube portion 122 and the gripping means 121. The actuator 125 is a torsion spring, twisted around an axis B, transverse to the rotational axis A. The gripping means 121 further comprises a push button 126 arranged on each of the two gripping means 121. The push button 126 is arranged to provide a support for a user pushing or ' pinching' the gripping means 121 to release the arm 200 from the fixed part 110. The legs of the torsion spring 125 are arranged with one leg abutting a wall of the mounting part 120, and one leg abutting the gripping means 121 on the side where the push button 126 is arranged. A user pushing or pinching the two gripping means 121 towards each other, will then actuate the torsion spring to twist around axis B to thereby release the lug portion 124 from the flange 112. The mounting part 120 further comprises a stopper, shown in the detailed view in figure 3b enclosed by a circle.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 3b, the engagement between the flange 112 and the mounting gripping means 121 with the stopper 123 are shown in detail. The mounting part 120 comprises a stopper 123, which is a ring protruding from the gripping means 121. The second tube portion 122 comprises a corresponding groove 122'. The stopper 123 prevents the gripping means 121 from abutting a wall 111' of the first tube portion 111. By preventing the gripping means 121 to abut the wall 111', the friction emerging between the flange 112 and the lug portion 124 during rotation of the arm 200 will be limited to a friction only in one direction, in the present figure shown as a horizontal direction, between the contact surface between the flange 112 and the lug portion 124.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 4, a perspective view of a mounting arrangement 100 and a rotating washing- and rising arm 200 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The arm 200 is shown in the engaged state, i.e., when the arm 200 is attached to the fixed part 110 in the washing cavity 310. Arrows indicate the direction in which a user pushes or pinches the push buttons 126 on the gripping means 121 to release or disengage the arm 200 from the fixed part 110.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 5, a perspective view of a mounting arrangement 100 and a rotating washing- and rising arm 200 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The arm 200 is shown in with the gripping means 121 in a pushed, or pinched position, indicated by arrows. The torsion spring 125 is twisted around axis B, thereby twisting the gripping means 121 such that the lug portion 124 is disengaged from around the flange 112, in a direction indicated by the arrows. In the position shown in fig. 5, the user may simply lift off the arm 200 from the fixed part 110 to release the arm 200 from the washing cavity 310, to perform cleaning or any other type of necessary maintenance.

[0052] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0053] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A mounting arrangement (100) for a rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) in a washing cavity (310) of a dishwasher (300), the mounting arrangement (100) comprising: a fixed part (110) arranged in the washing cavity (310) and configured to receive at least one fluid (321) from a supply (320) in the dishwasher (300); a mounting part (120) arranged on the washing- and rinsing arm (200) and configured to rotatably engage with the fixed part (110), the mounting part (120) comprising at least one gripping means (121); wherein the fixed part (110) comprises a first tube portion (111) with a flange (112) protruding from a periphery thereof, and configured to engage with the at least one gripping means (121) arranged on the mounting part (120), and wherein the mounting arrangement (100) is configured to convey the at least one fluid (C, D) from the fixed part (110) through the mounting part (120) towards at least one nozzle (210) in the washing-and rinsing arm (200).

2. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tube portion (111) and the mounting part (120) are coaxially arranged around an axis A, axis A being the rotational axis for the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200).

3. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting part (120) comprises a second tube portion (122), and wherein the at least one gripping means (121) is at least partially arranged to contact the second tube portion (122), and wherein the mounting part (120) further comprises a stopper (123) configured to prevent the at least one gripping means (121) from abutting an outer wall (111') of the first tube portion (111) of the fixed part (110).

4. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first tube portion (111) of the fixed part (110) has a first diameter (d1), and the second tube portion (122) of the mounting part (120) has a second diameter (d2), wherein the second diameter (d2) is greater than the first diameter (d1).

5. Mounting arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting part (120) at least partially forms a sleeve around the fixed part (110).

6. Mounting arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one gripping means (121) comprises a lug portion (124) configured to be resiliently supported around the flange (112).

7. Mounting arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one gripping means (121) further comprises at least one actuator (125) configured to releasably engage the at least one gripping means (121) with the fixed part (110).

8. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one actuator (125) is configurable between a compressed state and a released state, wherein in the released state, the at least one gripping means (121) is engaged with the flange (112) of the fixed part (110), thereby engaging the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) with the fixed part (110), and in the compressed state, the at least one gripping means (121) is released from the flange (112) of the fixed part (110), thereby releasing the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) from the fixed part (110).

9. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one actuator (125) comprises a spring.

10. Mounting arrangement (100) according to claim 9, wherein the spring (125) is configured to pivot the at least one gripping means (121) around an axis B, transverse to a rotational axis A of the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200).

11. Mounting arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (110) comprises two separate conduits (114, 115), a first conduit (114) configured to convey a washing fluid, and a second conduit (115) configured to convey a rinsing fluid, wherein the washing fluid (C) and the rinsing fluid (D) are conveyed through the two separate conduits (114, 115) to the first tube portion (111) and the mounting part (120).

12. A dishwasher (300), comprising: a washing cavity (310) configured to receive a rack (311) with dishware (312); a fluid supply (320) configured to provide at least one fluid (C, D) into the washing cavity (310); a drain pipe (330) arranged in the washing cavity (310) and configured to drain the at least one fluid (C, D); a rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) arranged in the washing cavity (310) and configured to distribute the at least one fluid (C, D) to the dishware (312); a mounting arrangement (100) for the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) according to claim 1, configured to mount the rotating washing- and rinsing (200) arm to a fixed part (110) in the washing cavity (310).

13. Dishwasher (300) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one fluid (C, D) is a washing fluid (C) and a rinsing fluid (D).

14. Dishwasher (300) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the rotating washing- and rinsing arm (200) comprises a plurality of nozzles (210) for distributing the at least one fluid (C, D).

15. Dishwasher (300) according to claim 13, wherein the fixed part (110) comprises two separate conduits (114, 115), a first conduit (114) configured to convey the washing fluid, and a second conduit (115) configured to convey the rinsing fluid.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Device for transmitting torque with a drivable shaft for a dishwasher and rinsing arm for a dishwasher

    EP3991627A1

  • Gushing arm assembly and washing appliance

    CN108814513A

  • Dishwasher with rotatable spray arm changes quantity of rinsing liquid delivered by spray arm between larger and smaller value at least once per revolution

    DE19840291A1

  • Spray arm assembly of a dishwasher

    EP2556781A1

  • Washing device

    JP2023156592A