U.S. patent application number 12/428164 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for wash fluid distribution system for a dishwasher.
Invention is credited to Steve B. Froelicher, Ronald Scott Tarr, Derek Lee Watkins.
Application Number | 20100269866 12/428164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991030 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100269866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Froelicher; Steve B. ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
WASH FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A DISHWASHER
Abstract
A wash fluid distribution system for dishwashers includes a
spray arm mounted in one of four quadrants of a chamber floor. The
spray arms can have lengths that maintain full rotation within
their respective quadrant. Spray arms can also have lengths that
impinge or overlap into an adjacent quadrant during full rotation
of the spray arms. Each spray arm operates with a corresponding,
independently controlled wash pump system. Adjacent spray arms can
rotate at a same speed in opposing clockwise or counter-clockwise
directions. Spray arms can also rotate in different rotation
planes. A slanted surface on the chamber floor terminates at a
shared particle collection area, which is centered on the chamber
floor.
Inventors: |
Froelicher; Steve B.;
(Shepherdsville, KY) ; Watkins; Derek Lee;
(Elizabethtown, KY) ; Tarr; Ronald Scott;
(Louisville, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY SHARPE LLP
1228 Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor, The Halle Building
Cleveland
OH
44115
US
|
Family ID: |
42991030 |
Appl. No.: |
12/428164 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/104.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/23 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/104.4 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/00 20060101
A47L015/00 |
Claims
1. A wash fluid distribution system for dishwashers having a
chamber having a chamber floor having a width equal to or greater
than a depth, said fluid distribution system comprises: a plurality
of spray arms; a particle collection area shared by said plurality
of spray arms; wherein the chamber floor comprises four quadrants,
one of each of said spray arms is mounted in an associated one of
said four quadrants of said chamber floor.
2. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
depth is about 24-inches and said width is greater than
24-inches.
3. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 2, wherein said
width is about 30-inches.
4. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein each of
said plurality of spray arms comprises a length that is no greater
than one-half of said width of the dishwasher chamber floor.
5. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein a
clearance between a distal end of each of said spray arms and an
adjacent dishwasher sidewall is a maximum of two-inches.
6. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 4, wherein each of
said spray arms comprises a length such that a distal end of each
of said spray arms remains within its associated quadrant
throughout a full rotation.
7. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 4, wherein each of
said four spray arms comprises a length that causes the spray arms
to protrude into an adjacent quadrant during a full rotation of
said spray arm.
8. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
spray arms each run by a corresponding wash pump system
independently controlled to provide flexible duty cycles.
9. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
spray arms are each mounted to a respective tower each of which is
fixed to said chamber floor.
10. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
spray arms each rotates in a clockwise direction.
11. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
spray arms each rotates in a counter-clockwise direction.
12. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein at least
one of said spray arms rotates in a clockwise direction and at
least one of said spray arms rotates in a counter-clockwise
direction, and wherein said spray arms rotating in opposite
directions are mounted on a same side of said chamber floor.
13. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1 further
comprising a slanted surface in said chamber floor, said slanted
surface is oriented towards and terminates at said particle
collection chamber.
14. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 13, further
comprising a conical section area that surrounds said particle
collection chamber, said conical section area partially formed by
said slanted surface, wherein wash fluid that falls into said
conical collection area is directed into said particle collection
chamber.
15. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
particle collection chamber is centrally positioned on said chamber
floor adjacent to where innermost corners of said quadrants
abut.
16. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 7, wherein said
spray arms are vertically offset in at least two rotation planes to
avoid collision with each other.
17. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
spray arms rotate at a same speed.
18. The wash fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein said
plurality of said spray arms comprises four spray arms.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a dishwasher
fluid distribution system and, more specifically, to a system that
includes a plurality of spray arms repositioned towards opposing
chamber corners to accommodate greater appliance widths.
[0002] Modem, built-in dishwashers have been included as standard
kitchen fixtures since the 1970s. While a great number of
improvements have been made to their construction over time, their
dimensions have remained essentially unchanged; hence, features may
vary from dishwasher to dishwasher, but sizes are relatively
standard. Conventional dishwashers are 24-inches wide by 24-inches
deep; they are conveniently received in pre-fabricated cabinet
spaces. Taller dishwashers generally provide for greater loading
capacities.
[0003] Single and double drawer dishwashers are the most recent
designs which accommodate user lifestyles. Two 24-inch drawers
stack to measure a height equal to that of a conventional
dishwasher; alternatively, one or two 24-inch drawers install in
different regions of a kitchen space. One drawer is oftentimes too
small and two drawers are oftentimes two much. Contemporary
kitchens move away from traditional trends; they adopt cabinet
spaces that design around fashionable, yet practicable, appliances.
The present disclosure is directed towards a 30-inch dishwasher
drawer which rests immediately below a counter space, and it is
directed towards a fluid distribution subsystem which sprays water
in the chamber. This drawer includes at least one rack having a
greater width so that a user is provided with at least
144-square-inches of additional rack space.
[0004] A 30-inch drawer requires a custom fluid distribution system
to realize efficient chamber coverage. Existing dishwashers which
have multiple spray arms assign one arm per rack: a first spray arm
placed proximate to a lower rack; and, a second spray arm placed
proximate to a mounted, upper rack. Conventional spray arms
(hereinafter referred to as "primary spray arms") have diameters
that travel most of the width and depth of a rack, so the
corresponding jet spray tower is mounted at a center of the
dishwasher. The tower delivers wash fluid to the spray arms, which
then direct the fluid through the chamber in a specific spray
pattern.
[0005] The primary spray arm is not efficient for wider dishwasher
drawers because the chamber's width is unequal to its depth. The
diameter of a primary spray arm can only approximate the depth of
the dishwasher. The primary spray arm cannot be lengthened to cover
any additional span because the chamber's shorter depth precludes
the arm's travel. A longer primary spray arm will essentially
collide with the front and rear chamber walls if it aims to
complete a full rotation. The spray pattern of a shortened or
standard-sized, primary spray arm will essentially fail to deliver
water to dishes on the outermost regions of the longer rack.
[0006] A second disadvantage to the primary spray arm system occurs
when a dish inadvertently blocks the sprayer. This results in the
sprayer's entire range of motion being compromised, so no dishes in
the load are cleaned and the wash cycle must be repeated. This
results in inefficiencies in time and energy. Accordingly, there
exists a need for a fluid distribution system that includes a
plurality of shorter, regionally spaced spray arms that each
directs a wash fluid spray pattern to the dishes supported in its
corresponding region.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] A wash fluid distribution system for dishwashers includes
four spray arms mounted proximate opposing corners of a chamber
floor. A spray arm mounts to a corresponding tower in each quadrant
of the chamber floor. The multiple spray arm system accommodates
dishwashers having unequal width-by-depth dimensions. A 30-inch
wide by 24-inch deep dishwasher includes shortened spray arms, each
having lengths no greater than 15-inches less a maximum two-inch
clearance. The clearance is measured between distal ends of the
four spray arms and a nearest dishwasher sidewall.
[0008] One aspect of the disclosure includes spray arms having
approximately 8 to 11-inch lengths that maintain full rotations
within their respective quadrants. A second embodiment includes
spray arms having approximately 11 to 13-inch lengths that impinge
a neighboring quadrant during full rotation. There are several
methods to avoid collision of spray arms: (1) rotate the spray arms
at a same speed in opposing clockwise and counter-clockwise
directions; or, (2) rotate the spray arms in at least two different
rotation planes.
[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure is at least one slanted
surface on the chamber floor. The slanted surface sloped in a same
direction for at least an entire length of the spray arm supported
above it. The slanted surface orients towards and terminates at a
shared particle collection chamber, which is centered on the
chamber floor where innermost corners of the quadrants meet.
[0010] Each spray arm runs by a corresponding, independently
controlled wash pump system. The wash pump systems pump wash fluid
though the towers to the spray arms, which then directs the wash
fluid towards the rack spaces within their respective regions. The
wash fluid drops either to the slanted surface, where it is
directed to the closest wash pump for recirculation, or to a
conical section area surrounding the particle collection chamber,
where it is directed therein for draining of soil particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a dishwasher chamber floor
utilizing a fluid distribution system according to one aspect of
the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a dishwasher chamber floor
utilizing a fluid distribution system according to a second aspect
of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a chamber body shown
in FIG. 1; and,
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a chamber body shown
in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0015] The present disclosure is directed to a wash fluid
distribution system (hereinafter synonymously referred to as the
"fluid distribution system", the "spray arm system", and the "spray
arm subsystem") for a dishwasher drawer. Specifically, the
disclosure is directed to a thirty-inch (30-inch) dishwasher
drawer. The spray arm system is mainly designed for purposes of
even, efficient, and complete wash fluid coverage in extended
dishwashers. For purposes of the present disclosure, an extended
width dishwasher is an automatic dishwashing appliance having a
conventional 24-inch depth, but one having an extended width
greater than 24-inches. The spray arm system is designed for any
dishwasher having a rectangular footprint. The fluid distribution
system can be adapted for use with dual rack dishwashers having
standard 35-inch height dimensions, or they can be utilized with
single drawers. The present disclosure is directed to a spray arm
system for use with one rack; however, dual rack dishwashers are
also contemplated by this disclosure.
[0016] The chamber floor of a conventional dishwasher is
square-shaped with a width equaling its depth. A primary wash arm
approximates 20-inches in length; it extends across a majority
portion of the chamber's diameter. The wash arm has a tower usually
positioned centrally on the floor. The chamber floor of the present
disclosure is rectangular-shaped because its width is greater than
its depth; hence, it requires a customized spray arm system.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, the fluid distribution system 10
disclosed herein includes a chamber floor 19 and a plurality of
spray arms 12 and associated pump mechanisms to be used with a main
rack, an upper rack, or a lower rack. Each of the spray arms is
shorter in length than the primary arms used in conventional
dishwashers; namely, their lengths that are no greater than
one-half the width of the dishwasher. The lengths are shorter
because each spray arm 12 is associated with a region or quadrant
of the rack as opposed to an entire rack. Each of the spray arms 12
is spaced apart towards opposing walls, opposing ends, or opposing
corners of the dishwasher compartment. FIGS. 1 and 2 are top plan
views of chamber floor 19, wherein various embodiments of spatial
relationships of the spray arms are shown. Both figures show a
dishwasher chamber floor utilizing a fluid distribution system
having at least four spray arms 12 mounted proximate opposing
chamber corners.
[0018] The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes four spray arms 12 that
surround a central, shared particle collection area 14. The
collection area 14 is placed proximate to a centerpoint of the
chamber floor 10. The floor 10 is divided into four quadrants 11,
13, 15, 17, each of which is about 15 inches by 12 inches in size.
One spray arm 12 is placed in each of the quadrants 11, 13, 15, 17.
In FIG. 1, the spray arms 12 are spaced apart such that opposite
halves of the floor 10 substantially mirror each other.
[0019] In conventional dishwashers, an approximately two-inch
clearance exists between the distal ends of a primary spray arm and
the chamber inner sidewalls. A clearance dimension (shown as
reference numeral "20") for the present disclosure is no greater
than a maximum two-inch clearance. Furthermore, no spray arm 12 in
this first embodiment impinges or overlaps onto a neighboring
quadrant 11, 13, 15, 17. For example, a spray arm in quadrant 11
would not overlap into quadrants 13 and 17. It is therefore
anticipated that a length of a spray arm is no greater than about
11-inches for a one-inch clearance 20, and the length of the spray
arm is no greater than 10-inches for a two-inch clearance 20. There
also exists an inside clearance dimension or distance (shown as
reference numeral "24") between the radius swept by the distal end
16 of each spray arm 12 and an inner dimension 25 of each of the
quadrants 11, 13, 15, 17. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a
clearance 20 of about two inches, a distance 24 of about two inches
from the inside edges, and a spray arm length of about ten
inches.
[0020] The spray arms 12 in the first embodiment are shown
installed or mounted at substantially symmetrical spacing, but
other spacings are contemplated by the disclosure. An associated
tower 30 for each spray arm 12 mounts below the spray arm in its
respective quadrant 11, 13, 15, 17 where the following locations
intersect: one half the clearance 20 plus the spray arm's radius 32
inward of the quadrant's outermost short edge; and, one half the
clearance 24 plus the spray arm's radius inward the quadrant's
outermost long edge. The clearances 20, the distances 24, and the
radii 32 may vary for each of the four spray arms 12 in the first
embodiment, but no spray arm ever extends beyond central axes 34,
36 (which are perpendicular to each other) of the chamber floor.
More specifically, a full rotation (shown in dotted lines in FIG.
1) of each spray arm 12 is fully maintained within its respective
quadrant 11, 13, 15, 17. The diameters of spray arms 12 are
dependent upon the lengths of quadrant short edges if each spray
arm is to maintain complete rotation within its own respective
quadrant.
[0021] A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 to include spray arms
42 having a length 39 which sweeps a circular area having a radii
49 dependent upon the quadrant's long edge; hence, some overlap
(shown as "50") is anticipated into neighboring quadrants. Lengths
38 of spray arms 12 in the first embodiment are no greater than the
quadrant's short edge length minus the combined clearance 20 and
distance 24. These lengths are anticipated to fall within a range
of between about 8 and 11 inches. Lengths 39 of the spray arms 42
in this second embodiment are no greater than the quadrant's long
edge length minus twice the outside clearance 48. It is anticipated
that a clearance 20 is between one and two inches from the chamber
sidewalls 18; hence, the length 39 of each spray arm 42 is between
about 11 and 13 inches. FIG. 2 shows spray arms 42 having a 13-inch
length 39. One-inch clearances 48 exist between the distal ends 46
of those spray arms 42 and the chamber sidewalls 18. The rotational
sweep of distal ends 46 (shown in dotted lines) of each spray arm
42 encroach upon or overlap into the quadrant (41, 43, 45, 47)
adjacent to its own quadrant's inside long edge 51. The 13-inch
long spray arms provide an approximately three-inch overlap 50. A
tower 52, 53 for each spray arm 42 mounts in its respective
quadrant 41, 43, 45, 47 at the intersection of the following lines:
the clearance 48 plus the spray arm radius inward the outside
quadrant short edge 54; and, the clearance plus the spray arm
radius inward the outside quadrant short edge.
[0022] Each of spray arms 12, 42 of each embodiment can be run
either by a shared pump system or by independent pump systems. An
independent pump system utilizes a plurality of pumps equal to the
number of spray arms; a corresponding pump works in conjunction
with one spray arm. Each of the pumps is independently controlled
to provide flexible duty cycles. There are inherent advantages to
flexible duty cycles: a reduction in energy consumption; a
reduction in noise pollution; a decrease in water usage; an
increase in target wash options; and, an availability of partial
load washings.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of a dishwasher
chamber 100 for the fluid distribution embodiments shown in FIG. 1.
The front spray arms 102, 104 and rear spray arms (not shown) are
in alignment, so a view of the latter pair of arms is obstructed.
The front spray arms 102, 104 mount to towers 30 spaced a distance
from sidewalls 106, 108. The towers 30 support the spray arms 102,
104 at a height slightly above the chamber floor 112. At least one
rack (not shown) is supported above the spray arms 102, 104 in the
chamber space 100. For dishwashers utilizing at least a second,
upper rack, additional spray arms are fixed to at least one
manifold proximate to the upper rack.
[0024] Each spray arm 102, 104 utilizes its own wash pump 114, 116
that forces a jet of wash fluid (hereinafter synonymously referred
to as "water") through the tower and outwards at least one nozzle
118 at or past its distal end. Certain jet system embodiments
utilize a conduit that delivers water to a plurality of nozzles 118
spaced along the length of each spray arm 102, 104. The spray arms
102, 104 rotate (shown as outlined arrows) as the wash fluid is
delivered through the tower 30 to force water to travel in patterns
(shown as single-lined arrows) that cover the entire chamber 100.
The spray arms 102, 104 in FIG. 3 are shown to rotate in a
clockwise direction, but counter-clockwise rotation is also
contemplated by the disclosure. At least one spray arm 102 or 104
can travel or rotate in the clockwise direction while the other
spray arm 102 or 104 can travel or rotate in the counter-clockwise
direction. The direction of rotation of the spray arms may be
established by the direction of the jet system in a manner well
known in the art.
[0025] The wash fluid performs certain functions dependent on the
wash cycle: it rinses dishes and removes soils in a pre-wash; it
also circulates detergent and removes stuck on food or particles in
the main wash; and, it rinses all detergent and remaining soil in
the rinse period. The spray arms 102, 104 direct wash fluid at the
dishes supported on the racks. Between ten to twenty percent of
water drops onto a conical section area 120 that delivers it to a
sump 122 as part of the particle collection area 14. The remaining
water drops to a slanted surface 126 in the floor 112 for
recirculation.
[0026] Primary wash arms in conventional dishwashers utilize pump
systems that downwardly slope towards sump portions that exist
underneath the spray arm's travel circumference; hence, the lowest
point of the collection chamber is typically beneath the primary
spray arm on the chamber floor. Essentially, the chamber floor
slopes downwards from the outside chamber walls towards the chamber
center. The slope stops at the collection chamber. The present
fluid distribution system relocates the sump 122 (FIGS. 3 and 4) to
a central area or region removed from underneath the spray arms 12,
42 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and 102, 104 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Slanted surface
126 terminates past the distal end 124 of the spray arms 102,
104.
[0027] Each slanted surface 126 causes fallen water to travel to
the closest of the plurality of wash pumps 114. The water becomes
coarse because it carries soil and detergent, so eighty to ninety
percent of the water is filtered through coarse filter 115 before
it is returned to the respective wash pumps 114. The wash pumps 114
re-circulate the water during the next wash period in the sequence
selected.
[0028] The sump 122 is located at a central area of the rectangular
chamber floor 112 at the innermost quadrant corners so all the
spray arms 102, 104 share the same sump. The bottom wall of the
sump 122 rests on the lowest point of the dishwasher chamber floor
112. The top wall of the sump 122 rests at a height below the plane
in which the spray arms 102, 104 rest. The conical collection area
120 surrounds the sump 122. Ten to twenty percent of the water
drops in the conical collection area 120 and is directed to the
sump 122 and settles into the chamber. While the sump 122 prevents
a re-entry of the particles collected by the sump into the
dishwasher chamber 100, clean water is displaced out of the sump
for recirculation. A check valve 128 in communication with the sump
122 evacuates both the particle collection area 14 and the rest of
the system. It activates a drain pump to empty the particle and
soil contents from the sump 122.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate dishwasher chamber
100 for the fluid distribution embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The
spray arms are offset in different horizontal or rotational planes
to avoid contacting each other. Thus, a height of a tower 52
associated with a front spray arm 102, 104 is not equal to that of
a tower 53 associated with the rear arm 130, 132 behind it; hence,
a first pair of towers 52 is shorter or taller than a second pair
of towers 53. There is no limitation to which pair of towers share
heights: both front towers may be of equal height and shorter than
the rear tower; or both front towers may be of equal height and
taller than the rear towers; or, a first pair of towers at opposite
corners (i.e., a front and an opposing rear tower) can be a first
height while the remaining pair of towers at the other opposite
corners is of a second height, where the first and second heights
are different from each other.
[0030] The towers are oriented to avoid collisions in both
embodiments by the lateral spatial relationship in the first
embodiment; and, the vertical spatial or planar relationship in the
second embodiment. The towers 52, 53 for the second embodiment,
however, can be equal in height if the spray arms 102, 104, 130,
132 run in certain sequences which avoid their contacting one
another. Rotational direction can also lessen chances of spray arm
collision. For example, front spray arms 102, 104 can rotate in the
clockwise direction while the rear spray arms rotate in the counter
clock-wise direction. A central control maintains that the speed of
rotation for each spray arm is identical for all spray arm systems.
The spray arms 102, 104, 130, 132 are timed to not collide.
[0031] The present spray arm 102, 104, 132, 134 is not limited to
only the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4; rather, a routine spray
pattern can be achieved with many different spray arm designs. The
spray arm can have any of a plurality of sizes, shapes, and
dimensions, s.a., e.g., planar, angled, curved, straight, bent,
rounded, tapered, winged, oval, and petal-shaped, etc.
[0032] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
* * * * *