Patent Description:
Dishwashers having a cutlery rack are generally known from the prior art, especially from <CIT>. These dishwashers comprise amongst others a cutlery rack having a fluid supply channel with nozzles and an upper spray assembly, wherein the upper spray assembly is arranged within the wash chamber and serves to spray wash fluid to the cutlery rack from above, wherein the nozzles arranged within the cutlery rack serve to spray fluid from the cutlery rack.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose cutlery baskets for vertical placement of cutlery.

<CIT> discloses an impact nozzle which is arranged at the top of a rinsing chamber of a dishwasher.

<CIT> discloses a rack assembly with a bottle washer assembly.

<CIT> discloses a deflector which is attached to a sidewall of a dishwasher next to a nozzle.

<CIT> discloses a static sprayer for use in a dishwasher.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cutlery rack, which enables a simple and effective cleaning of cutlery.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a cutlery rack having the features set out in claim <NUM>. According to the present invention it was recognized that the cutlery racks and their respective nozzles and dedicated spray assemblies known from the prior art are complicated in their installation and therefore do not provide a simple and effective way to wash cutlery. It was found that a cutlery rack comprising a spraying device having deflector for deflecting the fluid after being ejected out of the nozzle can replace the function of an additional spray assembly exclusively designed and used for the cutlery rack. Therefore, with the cutlery rack according to the invention the need of an additional spray assembly mounted within the wash chamber exclusively for the cutlery rack is not given. The cutlery rack has the advantage, that the spraying device is fully incorporated within the cutlery rack.

Preferably, the cutlery rack comprises a docking port. The docking port can be arranged at the support structure. Preferably, the docking port is arranged at one end of the fluid supply channel.

The support structure defines a receiving space for receiving the cutlery. Preferably the support structure is designed as a frame structure having a rectangular shape defining the outer structure of the cutlery rack. Advantageously the support structure comprises two first frame elements having a first length L<NUM> and two second frame elements having a second length L<NUM> defining the rectangular shape of the cutlery rack.

Preferably, the support structure also comprises a middle frame element being attached to the two first frame elements. This middle frame element increases the stability and therefore enhances the sturdiness of the support structure. The respective middle frame element is preferably arranged between the first frame elements, especially at a point mid-way of their respective length Li. With such an arranged middle frame element the support structure is divided into two separate support segments, each having the same area and both defining a separate receiving space. It is also possible that the support structure comprises several of said middle frame elements, wherein the support structure is divided into several separate support segments, each having the same area and each defining a separate receiving space.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure further comprises a cutlery insert which serves to receive the cutlery to be washed. Preferably the cutlery insert is a grid structure defining a framework, in which the cutlery is placed horizontally, whereby the cutlery is located within the cutlery insert and thus located within the receiving space of the support structure and does not project from them. Preferably the cutlery insert is detachably connected to the frame structure.

In case that the support structure comprises a respective middle frame element dividing the support structure into two separate support segments, the support structure can comprise two cutlery inserts. Advantageously the amount of separate support segments and the amount of cutlery inserts are the same.

Advantageously the cutlery insert has respective sidewalls and a bottom side and an open top side. The open top side enables the placement of cutlery within the cutlery insert. The bottom side of the cutlery insert defines the lower limitation of the receiving space, wherein the sidewalls define the lateral limitation of the receiving space and the open top side defines the upper limitations of the receiving space. The open top side further defines a spray area on which the fluid is deflected on to wash the cutlery. In other words, the spray area can also be seen as the upper limitation of the receiving space. Preferably, the cutlery inserted into the cutlery inserts and therefore into the receiving space are not placed on the nozzle.

Preferably, the cutlery insert is attached to the frame elements. Preferably the cutlery insert is removable attached to said frame elements. In a preferred embodiment, the frame elements comprise a groove, wherein the cutlery insert comprises a tongue, so that the cutlery insert is attachable to the frame elements via said groove and tongue connection. Preferably, the tongue is attached to the sidewalls of the cutlery insert where the sidewalls and the open top side converge.

However, it is also possible to use any other form-locked connection or force-fit connection to attach the cutlery insert at the frame elements. In another a preferred embodiment, the frame elements comprise at least one resting element, wherein the cutlery insert comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one resting element, so that the cutlery insert is attachable to the frame elements.

Preferably, the fluid supply channel and the nozzle are in direct fluid connection, so that the provided fluid is ejected out of the nozzle. The fluid ejected out of the nozzle is ejected in a first spray direction S<NUM>. Preferably, the first spray direction S<NUM> extends in a vertical direction origination from the spray area away from the nozzle. To ensure a simple and efficient deflection of the fluid ejected out of the nozzle in the first spray direction S<NUM>, the deflector is arranged directly within the path of the spray direction S<NUM> and therefore directly above the nozzle and the ejected fluid. The deflector deflects the fluid in at least one spray direction which is different to the spray direction S<NUM>.

Preferably, the deflector element deflects the fluid via the deflector surface in a second spray direction S<NUM> in the direction of the spray area, wherein the first spray direction S<NUM> and the second spray direction S<NUM> enclose a deflector angle α, wherein <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>°, especially <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>°, preferably <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>°, in particular α = <NUM>°.

In case the cutlery rack comprises several separate support segments, the deflector element is preferably designed to deflect the fluid in several spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn, wherein n designates the number of spray directions. Preferably, the deflector element is designed in such a way, that it deflects the fluid in said several spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn simultaneously. This enables a very efficient washing of the cutlery.

In a preferred embodiment, the deflector is integrally formed with the support structure, especially with the middle frame element. In this case, the deflector is preferably positioned at the middle frame element in such a way, that it is positioned directly above the nozzle, so that the fluid ejected out of the nozzle in the first spray direction S<NUM> is deflected.

Preferably, the deflector element is arranged in a distance d originating from the spray area in direction of the first spray direction S<NUM>, wherein <NUM> ≤ d ≤ <NUM>, especially <NUM> ≤ d ≤ <NUM>, in particular d = <NUM>.

Since the spray area is the upper limitation of the receiving space, the fluid is deflected onto the cutlery from above.

Advantageously, the deflector element deflects the ejected fluid in different sectors of deflector angle α onto the cutlery and therefore onto the spray area from above. Preferably, for a first sector applies <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>°, wherein for a second sector applies <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>°.

For example, a sector serves to deflect the fluid in the direction of a region of the spray area extending from the beginning of the spray area adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the fluid supply channel to the thought centre line of the spray area being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid supply channel. A further sector serves to deflect the fluid in the direction of a region of the spray area, which extends on the thought centre line of the spray area being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid supply channel away from the longitudinal axis of the fluid supply channel.

In a further embodiment, the deflector element deflects the fluid in a third sector of deflector angle α, wherein the third sector serves to deflect the fluid in the direction of a region of the spray area being positioned within the regions of a first and a second sector of the deflector angle α dividing the spray area in three regions, whereby <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>° for the first sector, <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>° for the second sector and <NUM>° ≤ α ≤ <NUM>° for the third sector.

These different sectors of the deflector angle α enable a selective and specific cleaning of the cutlery by deflecting the ejected fluid onto the cutlery from above, since the fluid is systematically directed to defined regions of the spray area. Besides the deflection of deflector angle α in different sectors the distance and the fanning and therefore the systematically direction of the fluid to defined regions of the spray area depends on the revolutions per minute (rpm) of a used pump.

Preferably, the diffusor is attached to the deflector element via a bearing pin, wherein said bearing pin comprises at least one clipping element. Preferably, the bearing pin comprises two clipping elements, which serve to attach the diffusor to the deflector element. Therefore, each of the clipping elements is preferably bendable and comprises a hook which encompasses a mounting hole at the deflector element to attach the diffusor. Preferably, the diffusor and the deflector element are made in one part. However, a diffusor base body can be a separate element attachable and detachable to the deflector element via said bearing pin.

Advantageously, the diffusor comprises a cavity which serves to receive the deflector element in its entirety, especially in such a way, that a plain and flat deflector surface is formed between the deflector element and the diffusor when the deflector element is placed within the cavity. This enables a very effective deflection of the ejected fluid.

However, it is also possible to attach the diffusor to the deflector element via said bearing pin, wherein the deflector element and the diffusor comprise a slot-protrusion-connection to form a form-locked connection between the diffusor and the deflector element. Preferably, the diffusor comprises a slot and the deflector element comprises a protrusion. It is understood that it is also possible, that the diffusor can comprise the protrusion, wherein the deflector element comprises the slot to attach the deflector to the diffusor. In particular, the protrusion as well as the slot are formed integrally as well as circumferentially with the respective component, namely the deflector element and/or the diffusor. Advantageously, the slot is arranged at sidewall of the cavity of the diffusor. The slot-protrusion-connection serves to connect the diffusor to the deflector in a detachable manner via form-lock. However, it is also possible to provide any other kind of form-locked connection or force-fit connection to attach the diffusor to the deflector.

Preferably, the fluid is diffused after the fluid is deflected and redirected via the deflector element. To diffuse the deflected fluid, the diffusor interferes with at least one path of at least one spray direction S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. In other words, the diffusor is advantageously arranged such that it comes in contact with the deflected fluid. Therefore, the diffusor extends at least partially into the paths of the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. This means, in cross sectional view the diffusor has a larger minimum width Wmin than a maximum width Wmax of the deflector element in cross sectional view. Preferably, the diffusion element diffuses the deflected fluid into a diffusion area, wherein the diffusion area is in particular parallel to the spray area and the angular range of the diffusion area is defined by diffusion angle β, wherein <NUM>° ≤ β ≤ <NUM>°, especially <NUM>° ≤ β ≤ <NUM>°, preferably <NUM>° ≤ β ≤ <NUM>°, in particular <NUM>° ≤ β ≤ <NUM>°.

The rotation of the diffusor enables a selective diffusion of the deflected fluid. Because of the rotation of the diffusor, the deflected fluid is not diffused at all times, since the fluid deflected merely becomes diffused by the diffusor when the diffusor element is rotated through the paths of the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn or in other words through the deflected fluid. If a gap between adjacent diffusor elements rotates through the deflected fluid or in other words through the respective paths of the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn, the deflected fluid is not diffused. Preferably, the diffusor is rotated by the force of the deflected fluid impacting the diffusor surface. In case of the preferred embodiment, wherein the deflector element and the diffusor comprise a slot-protrusion-connection to form a form-locked connection between the diffusor and the deflector, the slot as well as the protrusion are designed such that they enable a rotation of the diffusor.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a simple and effective cleaning of cutlery. Preferably, the deflector is attached to corresponding mounting areas via the mount. These mounting areas can either be arranged at the fluid supply channel or at the support structure. In any case, the deflector is preferably attached directly above the nozzle, so that the fluid ejected out of the nozzle in the first spray direction Si is deflected. Therefore, the corresponding mounting areas are preferably arranged around the nozzle. The mount can be a separate element attachable and detachable to the deflector. However, it is also possible, that the deflector and the mount are made in one part. Preferably, the mount comprises two clipping elements, which serve to attach the mount to the corresponding mounting areas. Each of the clipping elements is preferably bendable and comprises a hook which encompasses the fluid supply channel at the mounting areas to mount the deflector directly above the nozzle. Because of said clipping elements, the deflector is attached detachable to the mounting areas. It is also possible, that the mount is attached to the mounting areas in non-detachable manner.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables an effective cleaning of cutlery. The deflector element is designed as a deflector plate to deflect the ejected fluid. The deflector plate defines a level and/or plain deflector surface for deflecting the ejected fluid, wherein said deflector surface is parallel to the spray area. Other designs of the deflector surface, especially rounded or angled deflector surfaces, are also possible.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables an effective cleaning of cutlery. Preferably, the mount and the deflector element are made in one part connected via at least one connection element. However, the mount can be a separate element attachable and detachable to the deflector element via said at least one connection element. Advantageously, the at least one connection element connecting the mount and the deflector element is arranged such that it does not interfere with the paths of the several spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn of the deflected fluid. In other words, the at least one connection element is advantageously arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fluid supply channel, thus not coming in contact with the deflected fluid.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a very simple and effective cleaning of cutlery. Preferably, a diffusor base body and the diffusor element are made in one part. Advantageously, merely the diffusor element extends at least partially into the paths of the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. Preferably, the diffusor comprises several, especially <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular <NUM> diffusor elements, wherein the several diffusor elements are preferably evenly spaced apart circumferentially along the diffusor base body leaving open gaps along the circumference where no diffusor element is arranged. Advantageously, the amount of diffusor elements equals the amount of deflected fluid spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. Preferably, the diffusor element comprises a diffusor surface, which extends at least partially into the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn and contacts the deflected fluid to diffuse said deflected fluid. In other words, the deflected fluid sprayed in the spray directions S<NUM>, S<NUM>,. , Sn impacts the diffusor surface to be diffused. The diffusor enables a comprehensive distribution of the fluid to the spray area and therefore a comprehensive distribution of the fluid to the cutlery.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a simple cleaning of cutlery. Due to the fact, that the fluid supply channel is formed integrally with the support structure, the need to provide an additional element defining the fluid supply channel is not given. The fluid supply channel is defined by a channel integrated within the support structure.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a very simple cleaning of cutlery. With the fluid supply channel being a separate component, the fluid supply channel is defined by a separate fluid supply tube. The fluid supply tube can be attached, in particular be removable attached to the support structure and its respective frame elements. This enables an easy detachment of the fluid supply tube and therefore of the fluid supply channel. The support structure may preferably comprise a recess for receiving the fluid supply tube and therefore the fluid supply channel. In a preferred embodiment, the recess is formed within the middle frame element of the support structure. Preferably, the recess within the support structure is designed in such a way, that the fluid supply tube is fully incorporated within the recess, wherein the nozzle and the deflector are positioned above the recess and therefore above the support frame and therefore are not incorporated within the recess. However, it is also possible that the recess merely incorporates a part of the fluid supply tube. It is also possible that the cutlery rack comprises a plurality of fluid supply channels and that the support structure comprises a plurality of recesses, wherein the amount of fluid supply channels and recesses are the same. Advantageously, the nozzle is embedded within the fluid supply tube establishing a direct fluid communication between the nozzle and the fluid supply channel.

In a preferred embodiment, where the recess of the support structure merely incorporates a part of the separate fluid supply tube, the fluid supply tube can comprise the at least one resting element at its laid open part, which serves to position the cutlery insert and to arrange the cutlery insert at the fluid supply tube and respectively at the support structure.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a very effective cleaning of cutlery. Preferably the spraying device comprises <NUM> to <NUM> nozzles, in particular <NUM> to <NUM> nozzles, especially <NUM> to <NUM> nozzles. In addition to that, the spraying device comprises <NUM> to <NUM> deflectors, in particular <NUM> to <NUM> deflectors, especially <NUM> to <NUM> deflectors.

Advantageously the amount of nozzles and the amount of deflectors are the same, wherein each deflector is dedicated to a nozzle and is positioned directly above this corresponding nozzle. The plurality of nozzles and deflectors are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the fluid supply channel. Advantageously, the nozzles and deflectors are spaced evenly apart from each other. This enables a very effective cleaning of the cutlery. In addition to that, a foremost nozzle and a furthermost nozzle along the axis of the fluid supply channel and their respective deflectors can advantageously serve to distribute fluid to the corners of the receiving space enabling a distribution of the fluid to the receiving space to the full extent.

A cutlery rack as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a very simple and effective cleaning of cutlery. Advantageously, the support structure, especially the middle frame element and/or a separate component, especially a fluid supply tube, comprises at least one protector for protecting the deflector and/or the diffusor, e.g. when placing the cutlery within the receiving space. Preferably, the at least one protector comprises at its highest point in direction of spray direction Si a protection element, whose upper surface is placed in the same horizontal plane as an upper side of the deflector and/or the diffusor, wherein in particular said horizontal plane is parallel to the spray area. It is also possible, that the protection element and therefore its upper surface is placed in a higher horizontal plane in direction of spray direction Si than the upper side of the deflector and/or the diffusor. In this case, the upper surface of the protection element projects above the upper side of the deflector and/or the diffusor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide dishwasher, which enables a simple and effective cleaning of cutlery.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a dishwasher having the features set out in claim <NUM>. In particular, the dishwasher according to the invention can also be further improved with the features of claims <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the dishwasher further comprises, a sump which is arranged on the bottom of the wash tub and a fluid supply device for providing the wash tub with fluid. Preferably, the fluid is a wash fluid and/or air for drying. In addition to the cutlery rack, the dishwasher can comprise at least one dish rack for carrying dishes. Preferably, below the at least one dish rack a respective spraying arm for spraying fluid at the dishes is positioned. The fluid supply device is arranged for conveying fluid to the spraying arm of the at least one dish rack and to the fluid supply channel of the cutlery rack. Preferably, the spraying arm of the at least one dish rack and the fluid supply channel of the cutlery rack are supplied through different conveyor channels. In other words, the fluid supply device comprises a separate conveyor channel for the fluid supply channel and a separate conveyor channel for the spraying arms of the dish racks. This results in a selective fluid supply enabling independent fluid supply to the dish racks and the cutlery rack. Preferably, the at least one dish rack and the cutlery rack are adapted for a movement between an extended loading position, in which the racks are substantially positioned outside the wash chamber and a retracted position, in which the racks are located inside the wash chamber. The position change is advantageously facilitated by a sliding mechanism. A dishwasher with a cutlery rack according to the present invention does not have the disadvantages of a dishwasher known to the prior art, since an additional spray assembly exclusively for the respective cutlery rack is obsolete. Therefore a dishwasher according to the present invention has a simpler structure and is therefore easier to produce and to maintain.

A dishwasher as claimed in claim <NUM> enables a simple and effective cleaning of cutlery. The wash chamber comprises a docking station to seat the docking port of the cutlery rack. Preferably the docking station is attached to the end of the conveyor channel conveying fluid to the fluid supply channel of the dish rack. Preferably, the docking port and the docking station enable a direct fluid communication between the fluid supply channel of the cutlery rack and the conveyor channel of the fluid supply device when the cutlery rack is positioned in the retracted position within the wash chamber.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method, which enables a simple and effective cleaning of cutlery.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a method comprising the steps set out in claim <NUM>. In particular, the method according to the invention can also be further improved with the features of claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Further features, advantages and details of the invention merge from the ensuing description of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:.

The dishwasher <NUM> as shown in <FIG> comprises a wash tub <NUM> defining a wash chamber <NUM>, a sump <NUM> that is arranged on the bottom of the wash tub <NUM> and a fluid supply device <NUM> for providing the wash tub <NUM> with fluid via a pump <NUM>, namely wash fluid and/or drying air.

In the wash chamber <NUM> two dish racks <NUM> for carrying dishes and a cutlery rack <NUM> for carrying cutlery are arranged. Below each of the dish racks <NUM> a spraying arm <NUM> for dispensing fluid to the dishes within the dish racks <NUM> is positioned. The fluid supply device <NUM> serves to convey fluid to the spraying arms <NUM> and the cutlery rack <NUM> via the conveyor channels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>". A distribution device <NUM> arranged between the pump <NUM> and the conveyor channels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" serves to convey fluid to each of the conveyor channels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" individually.

The dish racks <NUM> and the cutlery rack <NUM> are adapted for a movement between an extended loading position, in which the racks are substantially positioned outside the wash chamber <NUM> and a retracted position, in which the racks are located inside the wash chamber <NUM>. The position change is facilitated by sliding mechanisms <NUM>. At one end of the conveyor channel <NUM> supplying the cutlery rack <NUM> and at a rear wall <NUM> of the wash chamber <NUM> a docking station <NUM> is arranged.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the cutlery rack <NUM> according to a first embodiment. The cutlery rack <NUM> comprises a support structure <NUM> and a spraying device <NUM> configured to spray a fluid at the cutlery.

The support structure <NUM> is designed as a frame <NUM> having a rectangular shape defining the outer structure of the cutlery rack <NUM>. For defining the rectangular shape, the frame <NUM> comprises two longer frame elements <NUM> having a same first length L<NUM> and two shorter frame elements <NUM> having a same second length L<NUM>. The frame <NUM> further comprises a middle frame element <NUM> supporting the frame structure by connecting the two longer frame elements <NUM> with each other. According to the shown embodiment, the middle frame element <NUM> is attached at the two longer frame elements <NUM> on a point M mid-way of the length L<NUM> of the longer frame elements <NUM> and therefore dividing the support structure <NUM> into two equally spaced support segments <NUM>. The longer frame elements <NUM>, the shorter frame elements <NUM> and the middle frame element <NUM> are formed from one piece. The middle frame element <NUM> serves to increase the stability and the sturdiness of the support structure <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> further comprises two cutlery inserts <NUM> which serve to receive the cutlery to be washed. The cutlery inserts <NUM> are a grid structure defining a framework, in which the cutlery is placed horizontally. Each insert <NUM> is defined by respective sidewalls <NUM> and a bottom <NUM> and an open top <NUM>. The bottom <NUM> of each insert <NUM> defines the lower limitation of the receiving space <NUM>, wherein the sidewalls <NUM> define the lateral limitation of the receiving space <NUM> and the open top <NUM> defines the upper limitation of the receiving space <NUM>. The cutlery inserts <NUM> are designed in such a way, that these inserts <NUM> each fit into one of the two support segments <NUM> defining two separate receiving spaces <NUM>.

The cutlery inserts <NUM> are arranged at the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The inner sides of the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> comprise a groove <NUM>, wherein the cutlery inserts <NUM> comprise a tongue <NUM>, so that the cutlery inserts <NUM> can be arranged at the frame <NUM> via said groove and tongue connection. The tongue <NUM> is attached to the sidewalls <NUM>. This groove tongue connection can especially be seen in <FIG>.

The spraying device <NUM> serves to spray fluid at the cutlery. For supplying wash fluid from the fluid supply device <NUM> to the cutlery rack <NUM>, the spraying device <NUM> comprises a fluid supply channel <NUM> for providing the fluid. According to the shown embodiment, the fluid supply channel <NUM> is defined by a separate fluid supply tube <NUM>. The middle frame element <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> for receiving the fluid supply tube <NUM> and therefore the fluid supply channel <NUM>. The fluid supply tube <NUM> is attached to the support structure <NUM>, e.g. via corresponding fasteners. The recess <NUM> is designed in such a way, that the fluid supply tube <NUM> and therefore the fluid supply channel <NUM> is fully incorporated within the recess <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the spraying device comprising the fluid supply tube <NUM> defining the fluid supply channel <NUM> and several nozzles <NUM> and several deflectors <NUM>. The fluid supply channel <NUM> comprises a docking port <NUM>. As it can be seen from the shown embodiment, the spraying device <NUM> comprises five nozzles <NUM> and five deflectors <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM> are arranged at the fluid supply tube <NUM> in such a way, that the nozzles <NUM> spray the fluid in a first spray direction S<NUM> vertical to the top side <NUM> of the inserts <NUM>. The deflectors <NUM> are arranged directly above the respective nozzles <NUM> within the path of the spray direction S<NUM>. The nozzles <NUM> serve to eject the provided fluid. The nozzles <NUM> and therefore the deflectors <NUM> are equally spaced apart from each other along the length of the fluid supply channel <NUM> and therefore of the fluid supply tube <NUM> to ensure that all cutlery placed within the inserts <NUM> can be sprayed with fluid.

Each deflector <NUM> comprises a mount <NUM> for mounting the deflector <NUM> to the fluid supply tube <NUM>. Therefore, the fluid supply tube <NUM> comprises mounting areas <NUM> to which the mounts <NUM> can be attached to, wherein the amount of mounting areas <NUM> and the deflectors <NUM> and therefore the nozzles <NUM> are the same. As it can be seen in the shown embodiment, the mounting areas <NUM> are formed at the fluid supply tube <NUM> next to each nozzle <NUM>, so that each deflector <NUM> can be attached to the fluid supply tube <NUM> directly above a corresponding nozzle <NUM>.

According to the shown embodiment each mount <NUM> comprises two clipping elements <NUM>, which serve to attach the mounts <NUM> to the mounting areas <NUM> of the fluid supply tube <NUM>. Each of the clipping elements <NUM> is bendable and comprises a hook <NUM> which encompasses the fluid supply tube <NUM> at the respective mounting areas <NUM> to secure the respective mount <NUM> and therefore the respective deflector <NUM> to the fluid supply tube <NUM> directly above the respective nozzle <NUM>. Because of said clipping elements <NUM>, the deflectors <NUM> are attached detachable to the mounting areas <NUM>.

As it can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, each deflector <NUM> comprises a deflector element <NUM> to deflect the ejected fluid. According to the shown embodiment, the mount <NUM> and the deflector element <NUM> are made as one piece. This means, that the mount <NUM> and the deflector element <NUM> are inseparable.

In the shown embodiment, the deflector element <NUM> is designed as a deflector plate. This means, that the deflector plate defines a level and plain deflector surface <NUM> for deflecting the ejected fluid in a deflector angle α, wherein α ≈ <NUM>°, wherein the deflector angle α is the angle between the first spray direction S<NUM> and the second spray direction S<NUM> as well as the first spray direction S<NUM> and the third spray direction S<NUM>. Further, the paths of said second spray direction S<NUM> and said third spray direction S<NUM> are parallel to the top <NUM> of the inserts <NUM> and therefore to spray areas <NUM> covering the upper limitations of each of the receiving spaces <NUM>. In other words, via the deflector element <NUM>, the ejected fluid is redirected from the first spray direction S<NUM> to a second spray direction S<NUM> and simultaneously to a third spray direction S<NUM> each redirections having a deflector angle α, wherein α ≈ <NUM>°.

The deflector element <NUM> and the mount <NUM> are connected to each other via two connection elements <NUM>. The two connection elements <NUM> define two fluid outlets <NUM> out of which the deflected fluid is sprayed after its deflection along the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM>. The connection elements <NUM> are attached to the mount <NUM> and the deflector element <NUM> in such a way that the fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged above the clipping elements <NUM> of the mount <NUM>. Therefore, the deflected and redirected fluid is sprayed out of the fluid outlets <NUM> along the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM> in direction of the spray areas <NUM> and therefore on the cutlery placed within the receiving spaces <NUM>.

The deflector element <NUM> is arranged in a distance d originating from the spray areas <NUM> in direction of the first spray direction S<NUM>, wherein d = <NUM>. Since the deflector element <NUM> is arranged at distance d from the spray areas <NUM>, the ejected fluid is deflected onto the spray areas <NUM> and therefore onto the cutlery from above.

As it can especially be seen in <FIG>, the spraying device <NUM> comprises a diffusor <NUM> for diffusing the fluid after being sprayed out of the outlets <NUM>. According to the shown embodiment, the diffusor <NUM> is rotatably attached to the deflector element <NUM> via a bearing pin <NUM>, wherein said bearing pin <NUM> comprises two clipping elements <NUM>', which serve to attach the diffusor <NUM> to the deflector element <NUM>. Each of the clipping elements <NUM>' is bendable and comprises a hook <NUM>' which encompasses a mounting hole <NUM> at the deflector element <NUM> to attach the diffusor <NUM>. The diffusor <NUM> traverses the deflector element <NUM> and the mount <NUM>. In other words, in cross sectional view, the diffuser <NUM> has a larger minimum width Wmin than a maximum width Wmax of the deflector element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the diffusor of <FIG>. For diffusing the fluid after it is sprayed out of the fluid outlets <NUM> and before being sprayed on the spray areas <NUM>, the diffusor <NUM> comprises four diffusor elements <NUM> arranged on a diffusor base body <NUM>'. Each diffusor element <NUM> has a diffusor surface <NUM> for diffusing the fluid. The diffusor elements <NUM> extend from the diffusor base body <NUM>' parallel to spraying direction S<NUM> in direction of the spray areas <NUM> so that the diffusor elements <NUM> intersect with deflected fluid sprayed in spray direction S<NUM>. The diffusor surface <NUM> also serves to rotate the diffusor <NUM> via the impact force of the fluid.

The diffusor <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> which serves to receive the deflector element <NUM> in its entirety.

The diffusor elements <NUM> diffuse the deflected fluid into diffusion areas <NUM>, wherein the diffusion area <NUM> is parallel to the spray area <NUM> and defined by a diffusion angle β, wherein in the shown embodiment <NUM>° ≤ β ≤ <NUM>°. The diffusion area <NUM> as well as the diffusion angle β can be seen in <FIG>, wherein for the sake of clarity merely one diffusion area <NUM> and one respective diffusion angle β are shown.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of a middle frame element <NUM> of a support structure <NUM> and a fluid supply channel <NUM> according to a second embodiment, wherein the fluid supply channel <NUM> is formed integrally with the support structure <NUM>. Constructively identical components have the same reference number as in the previous <FIG>. For reasons of clarity, <FIG> does not show a respective deflector <NUM> and its components.

The method for washing cutlery with a cutlery rack <NUM> according to the invention and a dishwasher <NUM> according to the invention is as follows:
First cutlery is positioned horizontally within the receiving spaces <NUM> of cutlery inserts <NUM>. In doing so, the cutlery rack <NUM> is in an extended loading position, in which the cutlery rack <NUM> is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber <NUM>. After positioning of the cutlery, the cutlery rack <NUM> is retracted into a retracted position, in which the cutlery rack <NUM> is positioned within the wash chamber <NUM>. In this retracted position, the docking port <NUM> establishes a fluid communication between the fluid supply channel <NUM> and a fluid supply device <NUM> via connecting to the docking station <NUM> at the rear wall <NUM> of the wash chamber <NUM>.

After establishing a fluid connection, the fluid supply device <NUM> supplies fluid to the fluid supply channel <NUM> and therefore to the nozzles <NUM>. The fluid is ejected out of the nozzles <NUM> in spray direction S<NUM>. After being ejected out of the nozzles <NUM> the fluid is deflected via the deflection elements <NUM> at a deflector angle α, wherein α ≈ <NUM>° out of the fluid outlets <NUM> along the paths of the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM>. After being sprayed out of the spray outlets <NUM>, the deflected fluid is diffused via the diffusors <NUM>.

To diffuse the deflected fluid, the diffusor <NUM> interferes with the paths of the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM> by the diffusor elements <NUM>, which extend into the paths of the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM>. Therefore, the diffusor elements <NUM> are evenly spaced apart circumferentially along the diffusor <NUM> leaving open gaps along the circumference where no diffusor element <NUM> is arranged. Each diffusor element <NUM> has a diffusor surface <NUM>, which contacts the deflected fluid to diffuse said deflected fluid. In other words, the deflected fluid sprayed in the spray directions S<NUM> and S<NUM> impacts the diffusor surface <NUM> to be diffused. Thus, the diffusor <NUM> enables a comprehensive distribution of the fluid to the spray areas <NUM> and therefore a comprehensive distribution of the fluid to wash the cutlery.

<FIG> show a perspective view of a middle frame <NUM> element and a fluid supply tube <NUM> according to a third embodiment. Constructively identical components have the same reference number as in the previous <FIG>. According to this third embodiment, the fluid supply channel <NUM> is at least partially formed by the fluid supply tube <NUM> in combination with the middle frame element <NUM>, when the fluid supply tube <NUM> is attached at the middle frame element. Therefore, the middle frame element <NUM> comprises a notch <NUM>. The entire fluid supply channel <NUM> is formed via attaching the fluid supply tube <NUM> to the middle frame element <NUM> via corresponding fastening elements. Said notch <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>. To form the entire fluid supply channel <NUM>, the fluid supply tube <NUM> comprises an upper surface <NUM> serving as a cover for the notch <NUM> of the middle frame element.

Furthermore, the fluid supply tube <NUM> comprises resting elements <NUM> to attach a cutlery insert <NUM>, wherein the cutlery insert <NUM> comprises corresponding recesses <NUM> for receiving the resting elements <NUM>. This can be seen in <FIG>. Furthermore, the deflectors <NUM> are integrally formed with the middle frame element <NUM>. In addition to that, the middle frame element <NUM> comprises several protectors <NUM> for protecting the diffusors <NUM> and especially its diffusor base body <NUM>', e.g. when placing the cutlery within the receiving space <NUM>. Each protector <NUM> comprises at its highest point in direction of spray direction S<NUM> a protection surface <NUM>, which is placed in the same horizontal plane as an upper side of the diffusor base body <NUM>'.

<FIG> shows a sectional front view of a deflector <NUM> with an attached diffusor <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment. Constructively identical components have the same reference number as in the previous <FIG>. The deflector <NUM> comprises a deflector element <NUM> to deflect the ejected fluid. The diffusor <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> which serves to receive the deflector element <NUM> in its entirety, especially in such a way, that a plain and flat deflector surface <NUM> is formed between the deflector element <NUM> and the diffusor <NUM> when the deflector element <NUM> is placed within the cavity <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cutlery rack (<NUM>) for washing cutlery comprising
- a support structure (<NUM>) with a cutlery insert (<NUM>) defining a receiving space (<NUM>) for receiving the cutlery, wherein the cutlery insert (<NUM>) is a grid structure defining a framework for horizontal placement of the cutlery, and
- a spraying device (<NUM>) configured to spray a fluid at the cutlery comprising
- a fluid supply channel (<NUM>) for providing the fluid,
- a nozzle (<NUM>) for ejecting the provided fluid,
characterized in that
the spraying device (<NUM>) comprises
- a deflector (<NUM>) with a deflector element (<NUM>) for deflecting the fluid after being ejected out of the nozzle (<NUM>), wherein the deflector element (<NUM>) is positioned such that the ejected fluid is deflected onto the cutlery from above, and
- a diffusor (<NUM>) for diffusing the deflected fluid, wherein the diffusor (<NUM>) is rotatable attached to the deflector element (<NUM>).