GB2552397A - Dishwasher spray arms - Google Patents
Dishwasher spray arms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2552397A GB2552397A GB1621355.5A GB201621355A GB2552397A GB 2552397 A GB2552397 A GB 2552397A GB 201621355 A GB201621355 A GB 201621355A GB 2552397 A GB2552397 A GB 2552397A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- spray arm
- dishwasher
- dishwasher spray
- parts
- interior
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
- A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
- A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4278—Nozzles
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- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
Abstract
A dishwasher spray arm comprises a first part 105 and a second part 110, wherein the first and second parts 105, 110 are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm such that liquid can flow from an inlet 115 of the dishwasher spray arm to one or more spray holes 120 of the dishwasher spray arm via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm, and wherein the first and second parts 105, 110 are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening 125 into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm. The opening 125 is preferably larger in size than the inlet 115 and any of the spray holes 120. The first and second parts 105, 110 are preferably fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration.
Description
(54) Title of the Invention: Dishwasher spray arms Abstract Title: Dishwasher spray arm (57) A dishwasher spray arm comprises a first part 105 and a second part 110, wherein the first and second parts 105, 110 are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm such that liquid can flow from an inlet 115 of the dishwasher spray arm to one or more spray holes 120 of the dishwasher spray arm via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm, and wherein the first and second parts 105, 110 are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening 125 into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm. The opening 125 is preferably larger in size than the inlet 115 and any of the spray holes 120. The first and second parts 105, 110 are preferably fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration.
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DISHWASHER SPRAY ARMS
FIELD
This disclosure relates to dishwasher spray arms.
BACKGROUND
Water can be forced through spray holes in a dishwasher spray arm (also known as a ‘wash arm’ or ‘spray arm’) by a pump in the dishwasher. In use, this may cause the dishwasher spray arm to spin and spray hot water and detergent onto dishes in the dishwasher. A dishwasher may comprise one or more spray arms.
The spray holes in a spray arm can, however, become fully or partly clogged or blocked, for example with mineral deposits (e.g. limescale), food items (e.g. rice, sweetcorn etc) and the like. This can lead to poor cleaning results because a less than optimal stream or jet is ejected from the dishwasher spray arm.
A blocked spray arm may be removed from the dishwasher for cleaning. For example, the spray arm may be cleaned in warm, soapy water and/or vinegar, using a toothbrush, scrubbing brush, tweezers, a toothpick, wire or the like.
Alternatively, a blocked spray arm can simply be discarded and replaced with a new spray arm.
SUMMARY
According to first embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher spray arm, comprising:
a first part; and a second part, wherein the first and second parts are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm such that liquid can flow from an inlet of the dishwasher spray arm to one or more spray holes of the dishwasher spray arm via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm, and wherein the first and second parts are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm.
According to second embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher spray arm comprising multiple parts that can be taken apart and put back together to facilitate access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm for cleaning purposes.
According to third embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher spray arm having a first part that is configurable relative to a second part of the dishwasher spray arm to adjust a measure of access available to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm.
According to fourth embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher spray arm that is configurable, by hand, between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein accessibility to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm is greater in the second configuration than in the first configuration.
According to fifth embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher spray arm that is made at least partly of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm.
According to sixth embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher dish rack in combination with such a dishwasher spray arm.
According to seventh embodiments, there is provided a dishwasher comprising such a dishwasher spray arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Various features will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a dishwasher spray arm in an operating configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the example dishwasher spray arm shown in Figure 1 in a cleaning configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in a cleaning in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in a cleaning configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in a cleaning configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in an operating configuration accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the example dishwasher spray arm shown in Figure 6 in a cleaning configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in an operating configuration in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the example dishwasher spray arm shown in Figure 8 in a cleaning configuration in accordance with an embodiment; and
Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a dishwasher spray arm in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Examples described herein relate to multi-part dishwasher spray arms.
The multi-part dishwasher spray arms can be taken apart to allow increased access to the interior of the dishwasher spray arms to facilitate cleaning. The multipart dishwasher spray arms can then be put back together (or ‘reassembled’) for operational use. Compared to known, one-part (or ‘unitary’ or ‘one-piece’) dishwasher spray arms, the example dishwasher spray arms described herein may be easier to clean, or at least may provide for an alternative cleaning approach.
While some known techniques for cleaning dishwasher spray arms can dislodge blockages from spray holes, such techniques may ultimately push blocking items back into the interior of the spray arm. While this may temporarily open the spray holes, the blocking items may return to blocking the spray holes when the spray arm is used subsequently. By facilitating access to the interior of the spray arm, blocking items can be pushed out of the spray holes or can be emptied out of the interior of the spray arm more easily.
Compared to discarding and replacing a blocked spray arm, the multi-part spray arms described herein may result in lower costs in maintaining the dishwasher in working order (as the dishwasher spray arm may be replaced less frequently) and may result in use of less material to maintain the dishwasher in working order (as replacement spray arms may not be used as frequently).
Further, examples herein relate to dishwasher sprays arms that are at least partly made of a material such that an interior of the dishwasher spray arm may be seen from an exterior of the spray arm. The materials may be transparent or translucent for example. Such dishwasher spray arms may also facilitate cleaning since blocking items within the dishwasher spray arm may more readily be identified and/or use of a cleaning implement (such as a wire) may be enhanced where the cleaning implement can be more readily seen within the dishwasher spray arm and guided to the blocking item.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is configured in an operating configuration.
In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a first part 105 and a second part 110. In this example, the first and second parts 105, 110 are upper and lower parts of the dishwasher spray arm 100 respectively. In this example, the first and second parts 105, 110 define respective interior volumes, which are substantially the same as each other. The first and second parts 105, 110 are components of the dishwasher spray arm 100. The dishwasher spray arm 100 may comprise one or more additional parts. Each of the first and second parts 105, 110 may be made of one or more materials. The first and second parts 105, 110 may be made of all, some or none of the same material(s) as each other. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics materials, glasses and metals.
In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises an inlet 115. The dishwasher spray arm 100 may comprise one or more inlets. The inlet 115 enables the dishwasher spray arm 100 to receive fluid from a dishwasher pump. In this specific example, the first part 105 comprises the inlet 115.
In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a plurality of spray holes 120. The dishwasher spray arm 100 may however comprise one or more spray holes. Where the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a plurality of spray holes 120, some, all or none of the spray holes 120 may be of the same size and/or shape and/or type as each other. The spray holes 120 enable the dishwasher spray arm 100 to spray jets of water onto dishes on dish racks in a dishwasher and are prone to becoming clogged. In this specific example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises six spray holes 120. In this specific example, the first part 105 comprises two of the six spray holes 120 and the second part 110 comprises four of the six spray holes 120. In some examples, the first part 105 may comprise some, all, or none of the one or more spray holes of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Similarly, in some examples, the second part 110 may comprise some, all, or none of the one or more spray holes of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
In the operating configuration, the first and second parts 105, 110 define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. The first and second parts 105, 110 may define the entire interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, such that no other part of the dishwasher spray arm 100 defines any other part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Alternatively, the first and second parts 105, 110 may define only part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, such that at least one other part of the dishwasher spray arm 100 defines part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
In the operating configuration, washing liquid flows from the inlet 115 to the spray holes 120 via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Where some or all of the spray holes 120 are clogged, the washing liquid may still flow to the clogged spray hole(s) 120 by may not be able to exit the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 via the clogged spray hole(s) 120. The washing liquid may therefore flow via one or more channels defined between an interior face of the first part 105 and an opposing interior face of the second part 110. In some examples, the interior face of the first part 105 faces an opposing interior face of the second part 110. The channel may comprise the entire interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 or only a part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
In some examples, when the dishwasher spray arm 100 is configured in the operating configuration and is used within a dishwasher, the first and second parts 105, 110 do not rotate or otherwise move with respect to each other, even where the dishwasher spray arm 100 rotates in the dishwasher. In other words, where the dishwasher arm 100 rotates within the dishwasher 100, during a dishwashing cycle, the first and second parts 105, 110 may rotate together, in unison with each other and not separately, relative to each other. As such, the dishwasher spray arm 100 may have exactly one degree of freedom of movement when installed within a dishwasher. Alternatively, a dishwasher spray arm may have multiple degrees of freedom.
As will now be described in more detail, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first part 105 is at least partly separable from the second part 110 and/or is at least partly reconfigurable relative to the second part 110 so as to define an opening into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 to facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100. The opening provides additional access into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, compared to access via the inlet 115 and/or the spray holes 120 to facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
Referring to Figure 2, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 shown in the operating configuration in Figure 1 is shown in a cleaning configuration. The cleaning configuration refers to the cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 itself and not to cleaning of dishes in the dishwasher.
In this example, the first and second parts 105, 110 are fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration such that none of the first part 105 is in contact with any of the second part 110 in the cleaning configuration. Fully separating the first and second parts 105, 110 may increase an ease of cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 since it may be easier to access all of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, but may also increase a likelihood of the first and second parts 105, 110 becoming undesirably separated from each other. The latter may result in one of the first and second parts 105, 110 being lost or at least being difficult to find. An opening 125, which is not present in the operating configuration, is thereby defined by the first and second parts 105, 110 in the cleaning configuration. The opening 125 provides increased access into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 to facilitate cleaning. In this example, the size of the opening 125 is larger than the size of the inlet 115. As such, although the inlet 115 provides some access to the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 110, the opening 125 provides additional access. In this example, the size of the opening 125 is also larger than the size of any of the spray holes 120. As such, although the spray holes 120 provide some access to the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 110, the opening 125 provides additional access. The opening 125 may enable an object larger in size than the inlet 115 to be removed from the dishwasher spray arm 100 and/or may enable an object larger in size than the spray holes 120 to be removed from the dishwasher spray arm 100.
In this example, the first and second parts 105, 110 can be separated from each other in this manner, for example to facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 outside of the dishwasher, and can be reattached to each other, for example to allow the dishwasher spray arm 100 to be used in the dishwasher. The first and second parts 105, 110 may be detached from and attached to each other multiple times. As such, the dishwasher spray arm 100 may be configurable in both the operating configuration and the cleaning configuration multiple times.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is shown in the cleaning configuration. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a temporary attachment mechanism in the form of a snap-fit arrangement. The first and second parts 105, 110 are attachable to and separable from each other via the temporary attachment mechanism. In this example, the first part 105 comprises a first element 130 of the snap-fit arrangement in the form of a ridge running around at least part of an inner face of the first part 105. In this example, the second part 110 comprises a second element 135 of the snap-fit arrangement in the form of a wall, and a ridge running around at least part of an outer face of the wall. The first and second elements 130, 135 of the snap-fit arrangement cooperate, in use, so as to temporarily attach the first part 105 to the second part 110, but also to enable the dishwasher spray arm 100 to be reversibly configured between the operating and cleaning configurations. In particular, the dishwasher spray arm 100 can be taken apart for cleaning and can then be reassembled for use in a dishwasher. The snap-fit arrangement, and other attachment mechanisms described herein may provide a sufficiently strong attachment that the dishwasher spray arm 100 remains in the operating configuration during normal use in the dishwasher. If the attachment is not sufficiently strong, the dishwasher spray arm 100 may come apart (or ‘open’) when being used inside the dishwasher. The dishwasher spray arm 100 may be configurable between the cleaning and operating configurations by hand in that a user may be able to detach the first and second parts 105, 110 from each other and reattach the first and second parts 105, 110 together again by hand.
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is shown in the cleaning configuration. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a temporary attachment mechanism in the form of a clip (or ‘catch’) arrangement. In this example, the first part 105 comprises a first element 140 of the clip arrangement. In this example, the second part 110 comprises a second element 145 of the clip arrangement. The first and second elements 140, 145 of the clip arrangement cooperate so as to temporarily attach the first part 105 to the second part 110 and enable the dishwasher spray arm 110 to be reversibly configured between the operating and cleaning configurations. A dishwasher spray arm may comprise multiple such clip arrangements, for example spaced around the periphery of the first and second parts 105, 110.
A dishwasher spray arm in accordance with examples described herein may comprise one or more different types of temporary attachment mechanism. For example such dishwasher spray arms may comprise one or more snap-fit arrangements and/or one or more clip arrangements.
Other types of temporary attachment mechanism are envisaged.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is shown in the cleaning configuration. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a permanent attachment mechanism in the form of a hinge arrangement 150. The hinge arrangement 150 permanently attaches the first part 105 to the second part 110 but still enables the dishwasher spray arm 100 to be reversibly configured between the operating and cleaning configurations. The hinge arrangement 150 is permanent in the sense that it is intended to maintain the attachment of the first and second parts 105, 110 as the first and second parts 105, 110 are reconfigured. It is possible that the permanent attachment mechanism will fail or degrade over time, resulting in the first and second parts 105, 110 becoming fully separable from each other. A dishwasher spray arm may comprise multiple such hinge arrangements 150.
Other types of permanent attachment mechanism, other than a hinge mechanism, are envisaged.
A dishwasher spray arm in accordance with examples described herein may comprise one or more temporary attachment mechanism and/or one or more permanent attachment mechanisms.
Referring to Figure 6, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is shown in an operating configuration. In this example, the first part 105 comprises the majority of the body of the dishwasher spray arm 105 and the second part 110 is in the form of a relatively small hatch (or ‘door’ or ‘access door’) located in a periphery of the dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 comprises a permanent attachment mechanism in the form of a hinge arrangement 155. The hinge arrangement 155 permanently attaches the first part 105 to the second part 110 but still enables the dishwasher spray arm 100 to be reversibly configured between the operating and cleaning configurations.
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 shown Figure 6 in the operating configuration is shown as being configured in the cleaning configuration in which the second part 110 has been partly separated from the first part 105 to define the opening 125, which facilitates access to the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 for cleaning.
The second part 110 may be sufficiently well secured to the first part 105 such that, in use in the dishwasher during a washing cycle, the second part 110 does not partly separate from the first part 105 as a result of liquid pressure within the dishwasher spray arm 100.
Further, although, in this example, the second part 110 is shown an opening outwards to define the opening 125, the dishwasher spray arm 125 may be configured such that he second part 110 opens inwards to define the opening.
Referring to Figure 8, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is shown in an operating configuration. In this example, the first part 105 comprises the majority of the body of the dishwasher spray arm 105 and the second part 110 is in the form of a relatively small region surrounding one of the spray holes 121. In this example, the spray hole 121 that is surrounded by the second part 110 is formed in the second part 110. In this example, the other spray hole 122 is formed in the first part 105. In this example, the second part 110 is deformable. Deforming the second part 110 facilitates access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 for cleaning purposes. The second part 110 may be resiliently deformable.
Referring to Figure 9, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 shown in the operating configuration in Figure 8 is shown in the cleaning configuration.
In this example, the deformable second part 110 has been pushed into the first part 105 and into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. This defines the opening 125. The opening 125 is larger in size than the spray hole 121. The opening
125 may facilitate access to the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 for cleaning, compared to accessing the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 via the spray hole 121. The second part 110 may be made of a material such that in normal use within a dishwasher, for example based on normal fluid force within the dishwasher spray arm 100, the second part 110 defines the spray hole 121, and such that on application of a different force (for example on application of a larger force and/or application of a force towards the interior of the spray arm), the second part 110 defines the larger opening 125.
As such, in examples, some or all of the first part 105 and/or some or all of the second part is deformable 110. Some or all of the first part 105 and/or some or all of the second part 110 may be resiliently deformable.
Referring to Figure 10, there is shown schematically an example of a dishwasher spray arm 100. In this example, the dishwasher spray arm 100 is made at least partly of a material through which at least part (e.g. some or all) of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. The dishwasher spray arm 100 may be a multi-part dishwasher spray arm, such as that described in examples herein, or a single-part dishwasher spray arm. By allowing a user to see the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 from the exterior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, the user may be able to readily determine the extent to which the dishwasher spray arm 100 should be cleaned, the nature of any blocking items in the dishwasher spray arm 100 and/or the location of any blocking items in the dishwasher spray arm 100. This facilitates cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 since the user has a better view of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Where the dishwasher spray arm 100 is a multi-part dishwasher spray arm, the user may decide whether or not to open up the dishwasher spray arm 100 to clean it. Where the dishwasher spray arm 100 is a single-part dishwasher spray arm, the user may be able to see whether any cleaning efforts have removed items from within the dishwasher spray arm 100, may be able to better direct a cleaning implement (such as a piece of wire) to a blocking item within the dishwasher spray arm 100 and/or whether any poor cleaning results may be as a result of a condition associated with the dishwasher other than the dishwasher spray arm 100.
As such, a dishwasher spray arm 100 is provided which comprises multiple parts 105, 110 that can be taken apart and put back together to facilitate access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 for cleaning purposes.
A dishwasher spray arm 100 is thereby provided which comprises a first part 105 and a second part 110. The first and second parts 105, 110 are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 such that liquid can flow from an inlet 115 of the dishwasher spray arm 100 to one or more spray holes 120, 121, 122 of the dishwasher spray arm 100 via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. The first and second parts 105, 110 are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts 105, 110 are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening 125 into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Such a multi-part dishwasher arm 100 may be easier to clean and maintain than a known, one-piece dishwasher spray arm. This, in turn, can improve performance and reduce maintenance efforts of a dishwasher comprising such a spray arm 100.
The opening 125 may be larger in size than the inlet 115 and/or may be larger in size than any of the spray holes 120, 121, 122. Blocking items that cannot be removed via the inlet 115 and/or spray holes 120, 121, 122, or at least present a difficulty in being removed via the inlet 115 and/or spray holes 120, 121, 122, by virtue of their size may thereby be more easily removed from the dishwasher spray arm 100. This facilitates cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 in terms of effectiveness, effort and/or cleaning time. This may also enhance cleaning performance of a dishwasher comprising such a dishwasher spray arm 100, compared to a known, one-piece dishwasher spray arm, in which a user may decide to leave, or may be unable to remove, a large blocking item from within the dishwasher spray arm.
The first and second parts 105, 110 may be fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration. This may provide increased access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 compared to the first and second parts 105, 110 being only partly separable from each other. This may also provide for replacement or repair of only one of the first and second parts 105, 110.
The first and second parts 105, 110 may be attachable to and separable from each other via a temporary attachment mechanism 130, 135, 140, 145. Using a temporary attachment mechanism 130, 135, 140, 145 may facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 where the first and second parts 105, 110 can be completely separated from each other for cleaning.
The temporary attachment mechanism 130, 135, 140, 145 may comprise a snap-fit arrangement 130, 135 and/or a clip arrangement 140, 145. Such arrangements may provide a reliable temporary attachment mechanism, which can be operated by hand.
The first and second parts 105, 110 may be only partly separated from each other in the cleaning configuration. Partial separation may facilitate access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 for cleaning purposes and also helps to maintain the first and second parts 105, 110 together when the dishwasher spray arm 100 is being cleaned, for example to reduce a risk of one or both of the first and second parts 105, 110 being misplaced and/or lost.
The first and second parts 105, 110 may be attached to each other via a permanent attachment mechanism 150, 155. Such an arrangement may facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 by retaining the first and second parts 105, 110 in contact with each other such that a likelihood of one or both of the first and second parts 105, 110 being misplaced and/or lost may be lowered.
The permanent attachment mechanism 150, 155 may comprise a hinge arrangement 150, 155. This may provide a relatively convenient to manufacture and use mechanism, which may also allow the dishwasher spray arm 100 to be configured into the operational and cleaning configurations multiple times without damaging the dishwasher spray arm 100.
The first part 105 may comprise the inlet 115. The first part 105 may comprise none, some or all of the one or more spray holes 120, 121, 122. The second part 110 may comprise none, some or all of the one or more spray holes 120, 121, 122. As such, different possible uses and types of dishwasher spray arm may be configured but may still provide enhanced cleaning compared to known-one part dishwasher spray arms. For example, a dishwasher spray arm 100 may be configured such that it is to be used in the base of a dishwasher, such that it is to be attached to a dish rack of the dishwasher or in another manner.
The dishwasher spray arm 100 may be configurable in both the operating configuration and the cleaning configuration multiple times. This enhances maintenance of the dishwasher spray arm 100 and a dishwasher comprising the dishwasher spray arm 100 as the dishwasher spray arm 100 can be opened and closed multiple times without damage to or destruction of the dishwasher spray arm 100, thereby facilitating re-use of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
Some or all of the first and/or second part 105, 110 may be made of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. This facilitates cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 and diagnosis of malfunctioning in a dishwasher comprising such a spray arm 100 since a user can see whether there are any blocking items within the dishwasher spray arm 100 and can take the dishwasher spray arm 100 apart and clean it accordingly if so. The user may be able to determine whether or not the dishwasher spray arm 100 should be cleaned, prior to opening it.
Some or all of the first part 105 and/or some or all of the second part 110 may be deformable. This may facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 by facilitating access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 and/or increasing the number of ways in which a blocking item may be dislodged and/or cleared from the dishwasher spray arm 100.
Some or all of the first part 105 and/or some or all of the second part 110 may be resiliently deformable. This may allow the user to clean the dishwasher spray arm 100 and have the dishwasher spray arm 100 default back to an operating configuration, or vice versa.
Further, a dishwasher spray arm 100 is provided, which has a first part 105 that is configurable relative to a second part 110 of the dishwasher spray arm 100 to adjust a measure (or ‘degree’, ‘level’, ‘amount’ or ‘extent’) of access available to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. Adjusting the measure of access available to the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 may facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100, whereby additional access can be provided, compared to a measure of access available during an operating configuration.
Further, a dishwasher spray arm 100 is provided that is configurable, by hand, between a first (e.g. operating) configuration and a second (e.g. cleaning) configuration and wherein accessibility to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 is greater in the second configuration than in the first configuration. This may facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 by a user, by allowing the user to readily take the dishwasher spray arm 100 apart, by hand, to clean it.
Further, a dishwasher spray arm 100 is provided that is made at least partly of a material through which at least part (e.g. some or all) of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. By allowing a user to see the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 from the exterior of the dishwasher spray arm 100, the user may be able to readily determine the extent to which the dishwasher spray arm 100 should be cleaned, the nature of any blocking items in the dishwasher spray arm 100 and/or the location of any blocking items in the dishwasher spray arm 100. This facilitates cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100 since the user has a better view of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
A dishwasher dish rack in combination with one or much dishwasher spray arms 100 as described herein is also provided. A dishwasher comprising one or more dishwasher spray arms 100 as described herein is also provided. Such a dishwasher dish rack and/or dishwasher may benefit from such a dishwasher spray arm 100 in that it may be easier to clean and maintain than a dishwasher dish rack and/or dishwasher that uses a known, one-piece dishwasher spray arm.
Various additional examples are envisaged.
Some or all of the first and/or second part 105, 110 of the dishwasher spray arm 100 may be made of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm. This may facilitate inspection of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100 without having to open the dishwasher spray arm 100, for example to facilitate determination of whether or not there is a blocking item within the dishwasher spray arm 100. The material may be transparent or translucent. As such, although examples described above related to multi-part dishwasher spray arms, examples are envisaged in which a dishwasher spray arm (whether one-part or multi-part) is made, at least partly, of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm. Where the dishwasher spray arm is a multi-part dishwasher spray arm, some or all of a first part and/or some or all of a second part of the multi-part dishwasher spray arm may be made of such material.
In examples described above, the opening 125 is defined to facilitate cleaning of the dishwasher spray arm 100, for example to facilitate removal of detritus from the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100. In examples, the opening may be defined for other purposes. For example, the opening may facilitate insertion of supplementary detergent or other cleaning agents into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm 100.
Various modifications and alternatives will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
Claims (17)
1. A dishwasher spray arm, comprising: a first part; and a second part, wherein the first and second parts are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm such that liquid can flow from an inlet of the dishwasher spray arm to one or more spray holes of the dishwasher spray arm via the interior of the dishwasher spray arm, and wherein the first and second parts are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm.
2. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 1, wherein the opening is larger in size than the inlet.
3. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is larger in size than any of the spray holes.
4. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second parts are fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration.
5. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 4, wherein the first and second parts are attachable to and separable from each other via a temporary attachment mechanism.
6. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 5, wherein the temporary attachment mechanism comprises a snap-fit arrangement and/or a clip arrangement.
7. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and second parts are only partly separated from each other in the cleaning configuration.
8. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 7, wherein the first and second parts are attached to each other via a permanent attachment mechanism.
9. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 8, wherein the permanent attachment mechanism comprises a hinge arrangement.
10. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first part comprises the inlet.
12. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first part comprises none, some or all of the one or more spray holes.
12. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second part comprises none, some or all of the one or more spray holes.
13. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 12, the dishwasher spray arm being configurable in both the operating configuration and the cleaning configuration multiple times.
14. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein some or all of the first and/or second part is made of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm.
15. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein some or all of the first part and/or some or all of the second part is deformable.
16. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein some or all of the first part and/or some or all of the second part is resiliently deformable.
17. A dishwasher comprising a dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 5 to 16.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1621355.5
17. A dishwasher spray arm comprising multiple parts that can be taken apart and put back together to facilitate access to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm for cleaning purposes.
18. A dishwasher spray arm having a first part that is configurable relative to a second part of the dishwasher spray arm to adjust a measure of access available to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm.
10 19. A dishwasher spray arm that is configurable, by hand, between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein accessibility to an interior of the dishwasher spray arm is greater in the second configuration than in the first configuration.
15 20. A dishwasher spray arm that is made at least partly of a material through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm.
21. A dishwasher dish rack in combination with a dishwasher spray arm according
20 to any of claims 1 to 20.
22. A dishwasher comprising a dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 1 to 20.
AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILLED AS FOLLOWS
1. A dishwasher spray arm that is made at least partly of a material through 5 which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm.
2. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 1, comprising: a first part; and
10 a second part, wherein the first and second parts are configurable in an operating configuration in which the first and second parts define at least part of an interior of the dishwasher spray arm such that liquid can flow from an inlet of the dishwasher spray arm to one or more spray holes of the dishwasher spray arm via the interior of
15 the dishwasher spray arm, wherein the first and second parts are further configurable in a cleaning configuration in which the first and second parts are at least partly separated from each other to define an opening into the interior of the dishwasher spray arm, and wherein some or all of the first and/or second part is made of a material 20 through which at least part of the interior of the dishwasher spray arm is visible from an exterior of the dishwasher spray arm.
3. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 2, wherein the opening is larger in size than the inlet.
4. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening is larger in size than any of the spray holes.
5. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first 30 and second parts are fully separated from each other in the cleaning configuration.
6. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 5, wherein the first and second parts are attachable to and separable from each other via a temporary attachment mechanism.
5 7. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 6, wherein the temporary attachment mechanism comprises a snap-fit arrangement and/or a clip arrangement.
8. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and second parts are only partly separated from each other in the cleaning
10 configuration.
9. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 5, wherein the first and second parts are attached to each other via a permanent attachment mechanism.
15 10. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 6, wherein the permanent attachment mechanism comprises a hinge arrangement.
11. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first part comprises the inlet.
12. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first part comprises none, some or all of the one or more spray holes.
13. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the 25 second part comprises none, some or all of the one or more spray holes.
14. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 13, wherein some or all of the first part and/or some or all of the second part is deformable.
30
15. A dishwasher spray arm according to any of claims 2 to 14, wherein some or all of the first part and/or some or all of the second part is resiliently deformable.
16. A dishwasher spray arm according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher spray arm is a one-part dishwasher spray arm.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1621355.5A GB2552397B (en) | 2016-12-15 | 2016-12-15 | Dishwasher spray arms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1621355.5A GB2552397B (en) | 2016-12-15 | 2016-12-15 | Dishwasher spray arms |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201621355D0 GB201621355D0 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
| GB2552397A true GB2552397A (en) | 2018-01-24 |
| GB2552397B GB2552397B (en) | 2018-10-10 |
Family
ID=58284614
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1621355.5A Expired - Fee Related GB2552397B (en) | 2016-12-15 | 2016-12-15 | Dishwasher spray arms |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2552397B (en) |
Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2905393A (en) * | 1958-03-14 | 1959-09-22 | George J Federighi | Rotary spray arm for a cleaning machine |
| GB929719A (en) * | 1961-11-14 | 1963-06-26 | G. Bauknecht G.M.B.H. | |
| US3444870A (en) * | 1966-12-12 | 1969-05-20 | Whirlpool Co | Article washing apparatus |
| US4145002A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1979-03-20 | Noren Tore H | Rotary spray manifold |
| WO2002100237A1 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2002-12-19 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Dishwashing machine with single-piece plastic door |
| KR20070062296A (en) * | 2005-12-12 | 2007-06-15 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A supplying nozzle structure of water of a dish washer |
| US20130255734A1 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-03 | Etimex Technical Components Gmbh | Spray arm for a dishwasher with two spray arm parts |
| US20150374200A1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2015-12-31 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door assembly for a dishwasher |
| WO2016086961A1 (en) * | 2014-12-02 | 2016-06-09 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Improved rotating spray arm and dishwasher having the same |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS6067763A (en) * | 1983-09-22 | 1985-04-18 | Yanmar Diesel Engine Co Ltd | Fuel injection pump |
-
2016
- 2016-12-15 GB GB1621355.5A patent/GB2552397B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2905393A (en) * | 1958-03-14 | 1959-09-22 | George J Federighi | Rotary spray arm for a cleaning machine |
| GB929719A (en) * | 1961-11-14 | 1963-06-26 | G. Bauknecht G.M.B.H. | |
| US3444870A (en) * | 1966-12-12 | 1969-05-20 | Whirlpool Co | Article washing apparatus |
| US4145002A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1979-03-20 | Noren Tore H | Rotary spray manifold |
| WO2002100237A1 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2002-12-19 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Dishwashing machine with single-piece plastic door |
| KR20070062296A (en) * | 2005-12-12 | 2007-06-15 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A supplying nozzle structure of water of a dish washer |
| US20130255734A1 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-03 | Etimex Technical Components Gmbh | Spray arm for a dishwasher with two spray arm parts |
| US20150374200A1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2015-12-31 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door assembly for a dishwasher |
| WO2016086961A1 (en) * | 2014-12-02 | 2016-06-09 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Improved rotating spray arm and dishwasher having the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201621355D0 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
| GB2552397B (en) | 2018-10-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20221215 |