DISHWASHER WITH SPRAY SYSTEM

• US 20130074888A1
• Filed: 08/09/2012
• Published: 03/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: FEDDEMA, MARK S.
• Granted Patent: US 9,492,055 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/178
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/23 moved by means of the sprays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4282 Arrangements to change or modify spray pattern or direction

Abstract

A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and an outlet extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage. A valve body controls fluid to the outlet.

Claims

1. A dishwasher for treating utensils according to an automatic cycle of operation, comprising:

a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation;

a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber and having a sprayer with at least one liquid passage, a first outlet extending to an exterior of the sprayer and in fluid communication with the liquid passage;

a valve body having a first opening in fluid communication with the liquid passage; and

a fluid coupling selectively providing fluid communication between the first opening and the first outlet to provide for a passage of liquid from the liquid passage to the first outlet;

wherein the valve body and the sprayer are coupled for relative movement and the fluid coupling is configured such that a duration of the fluid communication between the first opening and first outlet is greater than a time it takes for an outlet and an opening of a same size as the an outlet to transit each other during the relative movement.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1 wherein the fluid coupling comprises the first opening having a larger cross-sectional area than the first outlet.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2 wherein the first opening has a first portion that is at least twice a second portion of the first outlet.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, further comprising at least two spaced outlets.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4 wherein the opening has a first portion that is less than an edge to edge spacing of the at least two spaced outlets.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5 wherein the valve body moves along a predetermined path that passes over the at least two spaced outlets.

7. The dishwasher of claim 6 wherein a relative size of the first portion and the edge to edge spacing is such that the opening is at least temporarily not fluidly coupled to either of the at least two spaced outlets as the valve body moves along the predetermined path.

8. The dishwasher of claim 4 wherein the first opening has a first portion that is greater than an edge to edge spacing of the at least two spaced outlets.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8 wherein a relative size of the first portion and the edge to edge spacing is such that the first opening is at least temporarily fluidly coupled to both of the at least two spaced outlets as the valve body moves along the predetermined path.

10. The dishwasher of claim 1 wherein the fluid coupling comprises a seal surrounding one of the first outlet and the first opening, with the seal providing a seal between the valve body and the sprayer.

11. The dishwasher of claim 1 wherein the sprayer defines an interior in which the liquid passage is provided, with the first outlet extending from the exterior to the interior.

12. The dishwasher of claim 11 wherein the valve body comprises a moveable element located within the interior and having a portion conforming to a shape of the sprayer.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12 wherein the sprayer comprises a rotating spray arm.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13 wherein the valve body comprises a plate.

15. The dishwasher of claim 14 wherein the plate is rigid.

16. The dishwasher of claim 15 wherein the plate is reciprocally moveable within the interior.

17. The dishwasher of claim 1 wherein the fluid coupling comprises a seal surrounding the first outlet and fluidly sealing the first outlet relative to the valve body.

18. The dishwasher of claim 17 wherein the valve body further comprises a second opening in fluid communication with the liquid passage.

19. The dishwasher of claim 18 wherein the fluid coupling is configured such that the duration of the fluid communication between the first opening and the first outlet in combination with the fluid communication between the second opening and the first outlet is greater than the time it takes for the an outlet and the an opening to transit each other during the relative movement.

20. The dishwasher of claim 17 wherein the seal creates a larger effective outlet for the first outlet and allows for a longer fluid communication between the first outlet and the first opening.