A dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher comprising: a tub; a rack which is disposed into the tub for holding kitchenware and dishes to be cleaned; and a hydraulic circuit for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid through the tub. The hydraulic circuit comprises: distribution means for distributing the liquid on the kitchenware and dishes placed on the rack comprising a spray arm configured to spray the liquid towards the rack; and at least one flexible spray element; collecting means placed on the bottom of the tub for collecting the distributed liquid; and conveying means for conveying to the distribution means the collected liquid or liquid coming from an external source.

1 . A dishwasher comprising:
 a tub;   a rack which is disposed into the tub for holding kitchenware and dishes to be cleaned; and   a hydraulic circuit for circulating the washing/rinsing liquid through the tub and comprising:   distribution means for distributing the liquid on the kitchenware and dishes placed on the rack comprising a spray arm configured to spray the liquid towards the rack;   collecting means placed on the bottom of the tub for collecting the distributed liquid; and   conveying means for conveying to the distribution means the collected liquid or liquid coming from an external source;   
       characterized in that the distribution means further comprises at least one flexible spray element having a first end hydraulically connectable to the conveying means for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it and a second end which is free and comprises at least one outlet, the position of the second end of the flexible spray element being arrangeable in the rack according to a user's preference. 
     
     
         2 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one flexible spray element is manually bendable in order to arrange the position of its second end in the rack according to the user's preference. 
     
     
         3 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying means comprises a first duct to which the spray arm is connected and to which the first end of the at least one flexible spray element is hydraulically connectable for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it. 
     
     
         4 . The dishwasher according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the first duct comprises at least one connection port to which the at least one flexible spray element is removably connectable. 
     
     
         5 . The dishwasher according to  claim 4 , characterized in that the conveying means comprises a shutting element, for preventing the liquid from flowing through the connection port when the dishwasher is operated with the at least one flexible spray element removed. 
     
     
         6 . The dishwasher according to  claim 5 , characterized in that the shutting element comprises a valve placed in the first duct for controlling the conveying of liquid to the at least one flexible spray element and/or to the spray arm. 
     
     
         7 . The dishwasher according to  claim 5 , characterized in that the shutting element comprises an automatic flow stopper. 
     
     
         8 . The dishwasher according to  claim 5 , characterized in that the shutting element comprises a cap for closing the connection port. 
     
     
         9 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying means comprises a second duct to which the first end of the at least one flexible spray element is hydraulically connected for receiving washing/rinsing liquid from it. 
     
     
         10 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one flexible spray element is extensible. 
     
     
         11 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one flexible spray element extends for at least half of the height of the rack. 
     
     
         12 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one flexible spray element comprises a plurality of outlets at its second end and, preferably, at least partially along its length. 
     
     
         13 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one flexible spray element comprises at its second end UV lighting means for enhancing the cleaning of the kitchenware or dishes irradiated by it. 
     
     
         14 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a control unit which is configured to control the conveying of washing/rinsing liquid to the tub and through which the flow parameters of the liquid supplied by the flexible spray element are controllable by the user. 
     
     
         15 . The dishwasher according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a single rack.