Improved rotating spray arm and dishwasher having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotating spray arm for use in a dishwasher. The rotating spray arm comprises a main body, an inlet port for receiving wash liquor, a channel inside the main body for conducting the wash liquor, an outlet port for discharging the wash liquor, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port open both into the channel and a mounting means for rotatably and releasably mounting the main body into the tub of the dishwasher.

1 . A rotating spray arm for use in a dishwasher comprising a tub, the rotating spray arm comprising a main body, an inlet port for receiving wash liquor, a channel inside the main body for conducting the wash liquor, an outlet port for discharging the wash liquor, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port open both into the channel and a mounting means for rotatably and releasably mounting the main body into the tub, characterized in that
 an openable/closable aperture for flushing out the channel and said ports with tap water, wherein the aperture opens into the channel and   an opening/closing means for manually and leak-tightly opening/closing the aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the opening/closing means comprising a releasable closure cap for leak-tightly opening/closing the aperture, wherein the closure cap has a bayonet connector, and the aperture has a counterpart bayonet connector which locks with or unlocks from the bayonet connector upon rotation. 
     
     
         3 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 2 , characterized in that the bayonet connector comprising two diametrically opposed projections which are disposed on the closure cap, and the counterpart bayonet connector has two diametrically opposed matching recesses which are disposed in the periphery of the aperture, wherein the projections respectively fit through the recesses in the unlocked state. and the catch from below the periphery of the aperture in the locked state. 
     
     
         4 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 2 , characterized in that the closure cap has a flange for seating around the periphery of the aperture and a plug for fitting into the aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 2 , characterized in that the closure cap has grip for holding with the fingers. 
     
     
         6 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 5 , characterized in that the grip has a semicircular shape. 
     
     
         7 . The rotating spray arm according to any one of  claim 2 , characterized in that the closure cap is moulded as a single piece. 
     
     
         8 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 2 , characterized in that a gasket disposed between the closure cap and the periphery of the aperture. 
     
     
         9 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the aperture is disposed in close proximity to the tip of the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the main body has an upper side and a lower side, wherein the inlet port and the aperture are disposed onto the upper side. 
     
     
         11 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the main body has a hub, wherein the mounting means and the inlet port are disposed onto the hub. 
     
     
         12 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the main body extends in diametrically opposed radial directions. 
     
     
         13 . The rotating spray arm according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet port has one or more than one nozzles. 
     
     
         14 . A dishwasher comprising a tub, characterized in that one or more than one rotating spray arm as defined in  claim 1 , wherein each rotating spray arm is rotatably mounted into the tub.