Dishwasher having rotating zone wash sprayer

• US 20050150529A1
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Published: 07/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Vanderroest, Chad T., Chen, David Hung Chi, Landsiedel, Jay, Rappette, Antony M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,523,758 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/135
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/16 with rigidly-mounted spraying devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/23 moved by means of the sprays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4221 Arrangements for redirection of washing water, e.g. water diverters to selectively supply the spray arms A47L15/0078 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/428 Rotary nozzles

Abstract

A dishwasher has multiple wash zones which are each supplied by a wash liquid supply. An interior tub configured to provide an interior wash chamber for washing dishes is divisible into a plurality of wash zones supplied by separate wash liquid supplies. One of the wash zones is supplied by a spray manifold having rotating spray heads. The spray heads are provided with internal vanes which urge the spray heads to rotate and direct wash liquid to outlets in the spray heads.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:

a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils for washing;

a first spray arm assembly configured to rotate within the tub and spray a first flow of wash liquid into the wash chamber thereby providing a first wash zone; and

a manifold located within the wash chamber and comprising at least one rotating spray head comprising at least one outlet for providing a circulating spray of wash liquid into the wash chamber to provide a second wash zone.

2. A dishwasher according to claim 1, and further comprising an upper rack located in an upper portion of the wash chamber and a lower rack located in a lower portion of the wash chamber, for supporting utensils therein.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the second wash zone is located adjacent the lower rack.

4. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the manifold is mounted to the tub.

5. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the velocity of the wash liquid exiting the at least one outlet is greater than for a similarly configured non-rotating spray head.

6. A dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the area covered by the circulating spray is greater than a similarly configured non-rotating spray head.

7. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises spaced front and back plates to define a chamber therebetween that is fluidly connected to the manifold for the transfer of wash liquid from the manifold and into the chamber.

8. A dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises a plurality of outlets distributed adjacent to and away from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotating spray head.

9. A dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein the outlets are arranged on the spray head such that wash liquid exiting the outlets causes the rotating spray head to rotate about the axis of rotation.

10. A dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein the front plate has a rear surface facing the chamber and at least one vane extends from the rear surface such that wash liquid entering the chamber and contacting the vane will effect the rotation of the spray head.

11. A dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein the at least one vane directs the wash liquid to at least one of the outlets.

12. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises a plurality of outlets distributed adjacent to and away from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotating spray head.

13. A dishwasher according to claim 12, wherein the manifold has a plurality of wash liquid conduits for supplying a plurality of spray heads.

22. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises a plurality of outlets distributed adjacent to and away from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotating spray head.

23. A dishwasher according to claim 22, wherein the outlets are arranged on the spray head such that wash liquid exiting the outlets causes the rotating spray head to rotate about the axis of rotation.

24. A dishwasher according to claim 23, wherein the manifold has a plurality of wash liquid conduits for supplying a plurality of spray heads.

14. A dishwasher comprising:

a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils for washing; and

a manifold located within the wash chamber and comprising at least one rotating spray head comprising at least one outlet for providing a circulating flow of wash liquid into the wash chamber to provide a wash zone.

15. A dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the manifold is mounted to the tub.

16. A dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the velocity of the wash liquid exiting the at least one outlet is greater than for a similarly configured non-rotating spray head.

17. A dishwasher according to claim 16, wherein the area covered by the circulating spray is greater than a similarly configured non-rotating spray head.

18. A dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises spaced front and back plates to define a chamber therebetween that is fluidly connected to the manifold for the transfer of wash liquid from the manifold and into the chamber.

19. A dishwasher according to claim 18, wherein the at least one rotating spray head comprises a plurality of outlets distributed adjacent to and away from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotating spray head.

20. A dishwasher according to claim 19, wherein the outlets are arranged on the spray head such that wash liquid exiting the outlets causes the rotating spray head to rotate about the axis of rotation.

21. A dishwasher according to claim 18, wherein the front plate has a rear surface facing the chamber and at least one vane extends from the rear surface such that wash liquid entering the chamber and contacting the vane will effect the rotation of the spray head.