TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a structure capable of reconfiguring a spray of liquid of a stationary spray arrangement in a washing chamber.

BACKGROUND

A dishwasher intended for household use normally washes dishes in a batch-wise fashion. Such dishwasher comprises a washing chamber for receiving the dishes, and a number of baskets located within the washing chamber. The dishwasher typically comprises one or arms arranged below respective baskets and are provided with means to spray wash water towards the baskets. Such arms are brought into rotation to evenly distribute the wash water.

The dishes can be soiled to various degrees, i.e. , certain dishes such as pans and pots can require a longer time in order for all of the dirt to be removed. For this purpose, there are special pot programs with a higher number of washing cycles or a higher temperature than that which is used for, for example, delicate dishes. This is energy and time consuming, meaning that even dishes which are lightly soiled will be exposed to the same treatment, i.e., unnecessarily long dishwashing or an unnecessarily high temperature which causes unnecessary wear of the dishes.

W02004019747A1 presents a dishwasher with a container area for dishes, where the container area comprises an intensive zone for particularly soiled dishes. The dishwasher further comprises an intensive flushing nozzle arranged to direct a local beam towards the intensive zone and its corresponding storage area. The intensive flushing nozzle is fixed and attached to a stiff non-attached flushing arm which both mechanically and regarding a washing liquid is attached to a circulation system.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide improved dishwashers, and in particular to provide dishwashers with improved stationary spray arrangements. This object is obtained at least in part by a dishwasher for washing dishes. The dishwasher comprises a washing chamber for receiving the dishes, and a spray arrangement arranged stationary in the washing chamber, where the spray arrangement is configured to generate a spray of liquid, and where the spray arrangement comprises a conduit for supplying liquid. The spray arrangement comprises a movable arrangement provided with at least a first and a second nozzle member arranged to provide different patterns of the spray of liquid. Each nozzle member comprises a nozzle outlet and a nozzle inlet for fluid communication with an outlet of the conduit. The movable arrangement is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit so that the movable arrangement is movable between a first and a second position. The nozzle inlet of the first nozzle member is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit in the first position, and the nozzle inlet of the second nozzle member is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit in the second position.

The spray of liquid provides directed spraying in a predetermined zone of the dishwasher, where, e.g., highly soiled dishes can be placed, or dishes with particular shapes benefiting from a stationary directed spray, such as a bottle. The disclosed spray arrangement enables a lower energy consumption of the dishwasher since the stationary directed spray may require less liquid compared to more general purpose spaying means such as rotating arms with nozzles. The disclosed spay arrangement can be in an existing dishwasher with minimal modifications.

Being able two switch between at least two different patterns of the spray of liquid of the stationary spray arrangement makes it possible to select a preferred beam depending on the scenario. For example, if the first nozzle member is configured to provide a wide spray of liquid and the second nozzle member is arranged to provide a narrow spray of liquid, the movable arrangement may be set into the first position when dishing a pot, and may be set into the second position when dishing a bottle. The movable arrangement therefore enables more efficient washing of dishes, which can conserve energy, as more general purpose spaying may require longer time to wash the dishes and/or higher temperatures of the liquid and/or of the inside of the washing chamber.

According to aspects, the movable arrangement is rotatable, where the movable arrangement is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit so that the movable arrangement is rotatable between the first and the second positions. This provides a convenient way of moving the movable arrangement between the first and the second positions, especially when moved by hand. The movable arrangement has in this case preferably a circular shape, such as a disc or cylinder. Furthermore, the first and second nozzle members may be circumferentially distributed on the movable member around a first rotation axis of the movable arrangement. This provides a secure connection between the outlet of the conduit and the nozzle inlet of the nozzle member in fluid communication with the conduit, i.e. , a secure connection with minimal leakage. In addition, the rotation movement and the circumferentially distributed nozzle members guides an operator to easily switch between the first and the second positions. According to aspects, the first and second positions are fixed in place relative to the conduit by a snap fit mechanism. This securely connects the outlet of the conduit and the nozzle inlet of nozzle. The snap fit mechanism makes each position distinguishable to an operator. In addition, the snap fit mechanism, especially when combined with the rotation movement of the movable arrangement and the circumferentially distributed nozzle members, guides an operator to easily switch between the first and the second positions.

According to aspects, the spray arrangement is arranged at a bottom surface of the washing chamber and is configured to generate the spray of liquid towards a top surface of washing chamber, where the top surface is opposite the bottom surface. This way, the spray of liquid can be directed towards a side of the dishes facing the bottom of the washing chamber, which is advantageous since the liquid is less likely to accumulate in the dishes.

According to aspects, the movable arrangement is further arranged to provide a closing position arranged to block the supply of liquid from the outlet of the conduit, wherein the movable arrangement is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit so that the movable arrangement is movable between the first position, the second position, and the closing position. This way, the spray arrangement can effectively be turned off if it is not needed, e.g., if there are no particularly soiled dishes. This can reduce the required pressure in the circulation system in the dishwasher, which in turn can reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher.

According to aspects, the different patterns of the spray of liquid have different conical shapes. This provides different patterns suitable for different types of dishes and for different levels of soiling of the dishes. Preferably, one pattern has a wide spray and the other has a narrow spray. Furthermore, at least one pattern of the spray of liquid may be a rotating pattern, which can be suitable for different types of dishes and for different levels of soiling of the dishes.

According to aspects, comprising one or more rotatable arms arranged rotatable about a second rotation axis in the washing chamber, where each rotatable arm comprises means for spraying liquid. In that case, at least one rotatable arm may be arranged in connection to the spray arrangement to periodically interrupt the spray of liquid of the spray arrangement when the at least one rotatable arm is rotating. The periodically interrupted spray may be suitable for different types of dishes and for different levels of soiling of the dishes.

According to aspects, the dishwasher comprises a support arrangement provided in the washing chamber, where the support arrangement is configured to support the one or more rotatable arms, and where the spray arrangement is fixedly connected to the support arrangement. This provides a convenient way of arranging the spray arrangement with minimal modifications on existing dishwashers. According to aspects, the first nozzle member has a different internal geometry of a through hole connecting its nozzle outlet and nozzle inlet from a corresponding internal geometry of the second nozzle member. This provides different spray patterns, velocities of the flow, pressure of the spray, and/or direction of the spray from the respective nozzle members when in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. , unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure cited as examples. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a dishwasher,

Figures 2-4 show schematic illustrations of a spray arrangement, and

Figures 5-9 show different views of a spray arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a disclosed dishwasher 100 for washing dishes. The dishwasher comprises a washing chamber 110 for receiving the dishes. The washing chamber is an enclosure in which the dishes can be stored. The washing chamber may comprise an open face providing access to the washing chamber, and a door for closing and opening the open face. The dishwasher may further comprise one or more baskets 151 , 152, distributed across respective layers, in which the dishes can be arranged. These baskets can be moved into and out of a washing chamber 110 through the opened door. The baskets normally comprises a mesh structure so that the dishes can be sprayed with a liquid such as wash water, i.e. , water mixed with a detergent.

The dishwasher may be connected to a pressurized liquid system via a chamber intake and may comprise a chamber outlet for emptying the washing chamber 110 of liquid. During a wash cycle, the liquid may be circulated in the washing chamber in a closed circulation system. Such circulation system may comprise a fluid basin formed by a lower container part of the washing chamber for collecting liquid for recirculation. The circulation system may further comprise a circulation pump arranged to, during wash steps of the wash cycle, circulate the liquid under pressure. The circulation pump may be controlled control unit for the various process steps of the dishwasher. The circulation pump is normally arranged to circulate liquid such that spraying means inside the washing chamber sprays the dishes with the liquid.

As mentioned, if the dishes comprise some particularly soiled dishes, it may be desired to directly spray these particularly soiled dishes more intensely compared to the rest of the dishes. Therefore, the dishwasher 100 disclosed herein comprises a spray arrangement 120 arranged stationary in the washing chamber 110, where the spray arrangement is configured to generate a spray of liquid 122, and where the spray arrangement comprises a conduit 123 for supplying liquid. The spray arrangement 120 may be arranged to direct the spray o liquid towards a basket 151 in which dishes are arranged. For example, the spray arrangement 120 may be arranged at a bottom surface of the washing chamber 110 and be configured to generate the spray of liquid 122 towards a top surface of washing chamber 110, where the top surface is opposite the bottom surface. In that case, the basket may be arranged between spray arrangement and the top surface of the washing chamber. For example, a pot or pan can be stored in the basket with a surface to be washed facing downwards. The spray arrangement is then preferably arranged at a distance from a bottom of the basket, where the spray of liquid 122 is directed towards the surface to be washed. The spray arrangement 120 may, however, be placed on any surface of the washing chamber or, more generally, at any location in the washing chamber. The spray arrangement 120 can, via the conduit, be fluidly connected to the circulation system mentioned above for receiving liquid. The spray of liquid 122 may be directed towards zone for storing particularly soiled dishes. The influence of the spray of liquid 122 is in that case limited to a smaller volume compared to the entire washing chamber. For example, the zone may comprise a portion of a bottom surface of a basket.

The conduit may be designed in a stiff material, i.e. , the conduit 123 may be rigid. The conduit may, e.g., comprise a plastic pipe or metal pipe. A rigid conduit can freely support the spray arrangement at a distance from the bottom or the side walls of the washing chamber without requiring any additional mechanical attachments. The spray arrangement is normally arranged to provide a single spray of liquid during operation. In other words, the spray arrangement does not normally exhibit nozzles distributed across the length of the conduit.

In the schematic example of Figure 1 , the dishwasher comprises a single spray arrangement. However, the dishwasher may comprise a plurality of spray arrangements. For example, it may comprise four spray arrangements distributed across four different quadrants of a rectangular bottom of the washing chamber.

The spray arrangement 120 of the disclosed dishwasher 100 further comprises a movable arrangement 121. Figures 2-4 show schematic illustrations of a movable arrangement. In particular, Figure 2 illustrates an angled view, Figure 3 illustrates a top view, and Figure 4 illustrates a side view. The movable arrangement 121 is provided with at least a first and a second nozzle member 124, 125 arranged to provide different patterns of the spray of liquid 122. Each nozzle member comprises a nozzle outlet 127, 128 and nozzle inlet 411 , 412, where the nozzle inlet is suitable for fluid communication with an outlet of the conduit 123. The movable arrangement 121 is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit 123 so that the movable arrangement is movable between a first and a second position. The nozzle inlet 411 of the first nozzle member 124 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 123 in the first position, and the nozzle inlet 412 of the second nozzle member 125 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit in the second position.

Preferably, the movable arrangement 121 is movably attached to the conduit 123. The movable arrangement can be moved, e.g., by sliding or rotating, between the first and the second positions, or more generally between a predetermined number of positions.

A nozzle member is an arrangement that can be connected to an outlet of a conduit to configure the flow of liquid exiting that outlet. The nozzle member comprises a through hole and has a nozzle inlet for connecting to the outlet of the conduit. The nozzle member further comprises a nozzle outlet through which the spray of liquid may emerge. The nozzle member is arranged to provide a desired pattern of the spray of liquid, i.e., a particular shape. The nozzle member may change the velocity of the flow of liquid, compared to flow in the conduit, as the flow of liquid enters or exits the nozzle member. The nozzle member may additionally, or alternatively, change direction of flow and/or the pressure of the spray that emerges from the nozzle member. The nozzle member can comprise a tube or pipe with a cross-sectional area that varies along the tube or pipe.

The first and the second nozzle members provide different patterns of the spray of liquid of the spray arrangement 120. Here, a pattern of the spray means the shape of the flow of liquid exiting the nozzle outlet. Thus, the first nozzle member 124 may have a different internal geometry of a through hole connecting its nozzle outlet 127 and nozzle inlet 411 from a corresponding internal geometry of the second nozzle member 125. The internal geometry of a nozzle member may, e.g., comprise a conical shape. In other words, the first and the second nozzle members are arranged to provide respective sprays of liquid with different characteristics. In addition to pattern, the different characteristics can be velocity, pressure, and/or direction of flow.

A nozzle members may be designed so that is can emit a stream of liquid which diverges as it exits the nozzle outlet. The amount of divergence may be selected so that dishes positioned directly in front of the spray, e.g., at a distance of a few centimeters, is hit over a large part of a surface facing the spray. The angle of spread, and thus to a certain extent the amount of flow, typically influences the intensity of the spray. If the spray is conical, the angle of spread is uniform around the apex of the cone. Furthermore, the different patterns of the spray of liquid 122 may have different conical shapes, i.e. , the first and the second nozzle members may be configured to provide sprays of liquid with different conical shapes. The shape of the spray of liquid may have other shapes as well, e.g., a triangle with a thickness. In that case, the angle of spread can be measured across the widest part of the apex. The angle of spread may, e.g., be any number between close to 0° and 135°. According to aspects, the first and the second nozzle members are configured to provide sprays of liquid with different angles of spread. The preferred angle, or more generally preferred shape, of the spray of liquid depends on the size and type of dishes about to be cleaned by the spray of liquid, and on the distance between the spray arrangement and the dishes about to be cleaned. Furthermore, one pattern may have a conical shape and another pattern may have the shape of a narrow jet. According to further aspects, at least one pattern of the spray of liquid 122 may be a rotating pattern, which can be suitable for different types of dishes and for different levels of soiling of the dishes.

Being able two switch between at least two different patterns of the spray of liquid of the stationary spray arrangement makes it possible to select a preferred beam depending on the scenario. For example, if the first nozzle members is configured to provide a wide spray of liquid and the second nozzle member is arranged to provide a narrow spray of liquid, the movable arrangement may be set into the first position when dishing a pot, and may be set into the second position when dishing a bottle.

Each nozzle member comprises a nozzle outlet 127, 128 and a nozzle inlet 411 , 412 for fluid communication with an outlet of the conduit 123. When the movable arrangement is set into the first position, the nozzle inlet 411 of the first nozzle member 124 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 123. In the first position, the second nozzle member is not in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 123. This means that, in the first position, the flow of liquid from the outlet of the conduit flows into the nozzle inlet 411 of the first nozzle member, and the spray of liquid 122 from the spray arrangement emerges from the outlet of the first nozzle member. This provides a first shape of the spray of liquid. When the movable arrangement is set into the second position, the nozzle inlet 411 of the second nozzle member 125 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 123. In the second position, the first nozzle member is not in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 123. This means that, in the second position, the flow of liquid from the outlet of the conduit flows into the nozzle inlet 412 of the second nozzle member, and the spray of liquid 122 from the spray arrangement emerges from the outlet of the second nozzle member. This provides a second shape of the spray of liquid.

The movable arrangement 121 may be provided with three or more nozzle members arranged to provide respective different patterns of the spray of liquid 122. In that case, the movable arrangement 121 is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit 123 so that the movable arrangement is movable between respective positions for each nozzle member. In each position, the nozzle inlet of the respective nozzle member is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit.

The movable arrangement 121 can advantageously comprise plastic to be cost-effective to produce. In that case, the nozzle members may be through holes arranged in the movable arrangement. However, a nozzle member may comprise metal, such as a metal insert tube inserted into a plastic disc. For example, a nozzle member may be provided with a metal pipe screwed plastic part of the movable arrangement.

The movable arrangement 121 may have a disc shape. Preferably, the size of the movable arrangement is adapted to be easily moved by hand. For example, if the movable arrangement has a disc shape, its radius may be 2-10 cm. This way, an operator can easily move the movable arrangement between the first and second positions to change the pattern of the spray of liquid.

The movable arrangement 121 may be rotatable. In that case, the movable arrangement may be arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit 123 so that the movable arrangement is rotatable between the first and the second positions. This provides a convenient way of moving the movable arrangement between the first and the second positions, especially when moved by hand. The movable arrangement is in this case preferably circularly shaped, such as a disc or cylinder. Furthermore, the first and second nozzle members 124, 125 may be circumferentially distributed on the movable member 121 around a first rotation axis A1 of the movable arrangement 121. This provides a good connection between the outlet of the conduit and the nozzle inlet of nozzle member in fluid communication with the conduit, i.e. , a secure connection with minimal leakage. In addition, the rotation movement and the circumferentially distributed nozzle members guides an operator to easily switch between the first and the second positions.

Alternatively, the movable arrangement may be slidable in a linear direction. In that case, the movable arrangement may be arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit 123 so that the movable arrangement is displaced between the first and the second positions in a linear direction.

The movable arrangement 121 may further be arranged to provide a closing position 126 arranged to block the supply of liquid from the outlet of the conduit 123. In that case, the movable arrangement 121 is arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit so that the movable arrangement is movable between the first position, the second position, and the closing position. The closing position is arranged to seal the outlet of the conduit shut such that no liquid can flow through the outlet of the conduit. This way, the spray arrangement can effectively be turned off if it is not needed, e.g., if there are no particularly soiled dishes. This can reduce the required pressure in the circulation system in the dishwasher, which in turn can reduce the energy consumption. Alternatively, liquid can then be directed to other spraying means of the dishwasher with higher pressure, which may improve their function and may be desired in some scenarios.

Alternatively, or in combination of, the dishwasher can be provided with an alternating valve which, for example, is arranged in connection to an inlet of the conduit, and which is electrically controlled to open and close the conduit. Such valve may alternate between an open and closed position cyclically. The alternation can be given a relatively high frequency, such as 10 Hz or more, to achieve a pulsating effect of the spray of liquid.

The movable arrangement 121 may comprise a sealing means operating between the movable arrangement and the outlet of the conduit. These sealing means may, e.g., comprise a rubber gasket. The sealing means may be solidly connected to the outlet of the conduit. Alternatively, the sealing means may be solidly connected to the movable arrangement, e.g., by arranging respective gaskets around the nozzle inlets of the nozzle members. Figures 2-4 show a cylindrical movable arrangement 121 arranged rotatable around the first rotation axis A1. In the figures, the movable arrangement is set in the second position and the nozzle inlet 128 of the second nozzle member 125 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit 122. The movable arrangement may be rotated around the first rotation axis A1 to instead fluidly connect the nozzle inlet 127 of the first nozzle member 124. The movable arrangement may alternatively be rotated around the first rotation axis A1 to be set in the closing position 126.

The moveable arrangement may comprise two parts: a first part fixedly connected to the conduit and a second part movably connected to the first part. The first part may comprise a through hole in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit. The nozzle members may be arranged in the second part. The sealing means may be arranged between the first part and the second part. The first and the second positions of the moveable arrangement may be fixed in place relative to the conduit by a snap fit mechanism. Such snap fit may be arranged between the first and second parts. Such snap fit mechanism may comprise a plurality of indentations arranged to be snap fitted with a protrusion.

Figures 5-9 show different views of an example spray arrangement, where Figure 7 is an exploded view. In these figures, the first part 620 comprises an arm fixedly connected to the conduit 123, and the second part 630 is a rotatable disc. As is shown in Figure 7, the second part 630 comprises two subcomponents 732, 733. The two subcomponents are fixedly attached to each other, by, e.g., an adhesive. The second part 630 is rotatably attached to the first part 620 by a snap fit arrangement in a first aperture 722, and is rotatable around an extension direction of that first aperture. The first part is fixedly attached to the conduit 123 via a screw or bolt 621. The first part 620 comprises a second aperture 723, which is a through hole fluidly connected to the outlet of the conduit. The second part 630 is thus arranged in relation to the outlet of the conduit and first part 620 so that the second part is rotatable between the first position, the second position, and the closing position.

Furthermore, in the example spray arrangement of Figures 5-9, the second part 630 of the movable arrangement 121 , i.e., the rotatable disc, comprises a plurality of indentations 631 arranged to be snap fitted with a protrusion 721 on the first part 620, i.e., the arm. The arm comprises a single protrusion and the rotatable disc comprises respective indentations for the first position, the second position, and the closing position.

The dishwasher 100 may further comprise one or more rotatable arms 130, 132 arranged rotatable about a second rotation axis A2 in the washing chamber 110, where each rotatable arm comprises means 131 , 133 for spraying liquid. The example dishwasher in Figure 1 comprises a two rotatable arms: a lower arm 130 and an upper arm 132. The rotatable arms may comprise a plurality of oblique nozzles configured rotate the rotatable arms. The oblique nozzles can be directed upwards and or downwards to spray the dishes in the baskets 151 , 152.

At least one rotatable arm 130, 132 may be arranged in connection to the spray arrangement 120 to periodically interrupt the spray of liquid 122 of the spray arrangement when the at least one rotatable arm is rotating. In other words, the rotatable arm is arranged such that it blocks a path of the spray of liquid during at least one occasion during a rotation cycle of the rotatable arm. The spray of liquid 122 from the spray arrangement 120 is thus momentarily and recurrently interrupted and deflected. The resulting periodically interrupted spray may provide a desired washing effect in some scenarios. In this configuration, the rotatable arm does not necessarily block the spray of liquid completely. For example, it the spray of liquid has the shape of a cone, the arm may block half a cross-sectional area of the cone.

The dishwasher 100 may further comprise a support arrangement 140 provided in the washing chamber 110, where the support arrangement is configured to support the one or more rotatable arms 130, and where the spray arrangement 120 is fixedly connected to the support arrangement. The support arrangement may comprise a central canal fluidly connected to the circulation system for distributing liquid to the rotatable arms and to the spray arrangement 120. The spray arrangement 120 may be attached to the support arrangement via the conduit 123.