DISHWASHER WITH CONTROLLED ROTATION OF LOWER SPRAY ARM
First Claim
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1. An automatic dishwasher for washing dishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising:
- a wash tub at least partially defining a wash chamber for receiving the dishes for washing;
a first sprayer mounted within the wash chamber for movement within the wash chamber;
a second sprayer located within the wash chamber;
a liquid flow path fluidly coupling the wash chamber to the first sprayer and the second sprayer;
a diverter valve located within the liquid flow path and having a valve element rotatable about a first axis of rotation between first and second positions to selectively divert liquid flowing from the wash chamber between the first and second sprayers, respectively; and
a drive system moving the first sprayer in the wash chamber and having a first drive shaft rotatable about a second axis of rotation and operably coupled to the first sprayer to effect movement of the first sprayer;
wherein the first axis and second axis are coaxial to partially integrate the diverter valve and the drive system to provide a compact configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic dishwasher having first and second sprayers located within a washtub, a diverter valve to selectively divert liquid flowing from the wash chamber between the first and second sprayers, and a drive system moving the first sprayer in the wash chamber.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An automatic dishwasher for washing dishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising:
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a wash tub at least partially defining a wash chamber for receiving the dishes for washing; a first sprayer mounted within the wash chamber for movement within the wash chamber; a second sprayer located within the wash chamber; a liquid flow path fluidly coupling the wash chamber to the first sprayer and the second sprayer; a diverter valve located within the liquid flow path and having a valve element rotatable about a first axis of rotation between first and second positions to selectively divert liquid flowing from the wash chamber between the first and second sprayers, respectively; and a drive system moving the first sprayer in the wash chamber and having a first drive shaft rotatable about a second axis of rotation and operably coupled to the first sprayer to effect movement of the first sprayer; wherein the first axis and second axis are coaxial to partially integrate the diverter valve and the drive system to provide a compact configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An automatic dishwasher having a wash chamber in which dishes are washed according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising:
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a wash tub having a bottom wall and defining a portion of the wash chamber; a first sprayer mounted within the wash chamber for movement within the wash chamber; a second sprayer located within the wash chamber; a recess formed in the bottom wall and defining a sump; a liquid recirculation system comprising; a diversion header having an inlet conduit fluidly coupled to the sump; a first branch conduit fluidly coupled to the first sprayer; a second branch conduit fluidly coupled to the second sprayer; and a valve element rotatably located within the diversion header and rotatable about a first axis of rotation between first and second positions to selectively divert liquid flowing from the sump to the first and second sprayers, respectively; and a drive system comprising a common drive shaft operably coupled to the first sprayer and the valve element; wherein selective actuation of the drive shaft independently moves the first sprayer within the wash chamber and rotates the valve element between the first and second positions to selectively control a flow of liquid from the sump to the first sprayer and the second sprayer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification