U.S. patent application number 13/110993 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for spray tines for a dishwasher rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Joel Charles Boyer, Satish Kumar Raju Buddharaju, Jonathan Charles Crosby, Eric B. Devins, Errin Gnadinger.
Application Number | 20120291827 13/110993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47174016 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120291827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buddharaju; Satish Kumar Raju ;
et al. |
November 22, 2012 |
SPRAY TINES FOR A DISHWASHER RACK
Abstract
Tines that can provide a spray into the interior of containers
placed onto a rack of a dishwasher are provided. More particularly,
hollow tines or tines having an internal fluid path for feeding
washing fluid to one or more openings at or near an upper end of
the tines are described. As a fluid is sprayed or ejected from the
opening(s), it provides for the cleaning of the interior of
glasses, containers, and other dishes placed over the tines.
Inventors: |
Buddharaju; Satish Kumar Raju;
(Louisville, KY) ; Boyer; Joel Charles;
(Louisville, KY) ; Gnadinger; Errin; (Louisville,
KY) ; Crosby; Jonathan Charles; (Louisville, KY)
; Devins; Eric B.; (Louisville, KY) |
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
47174016 |
Appl. No.: |
13/110993 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/428 20130101;
A47L 15/508 20130101; A47L 15/50 20130101; A47L 15/4278
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/198 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher rack assembly, comprising: a plurality of elongated
members defining a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of opposing side
walls, and a bottom wall; and, a plurality of spray tines, each
said tine comprising a fluid channel extending between a lower end
of said tine and an upper end of said tine, the fluid channel
configured for delivering a fluid to the upper end of said tine so
as to provide a spray of the fluid.
2. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of spray tips, each said tip positioned at the upper end
of one of said spray tines, each said spray tip defining at least
one orifice for delivering a spray of fluid supplied from the fluid
channel of a said spray tine.
3. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 2, further comprising a
fluid supply conduit, wherein the lower end of each of said
plurality of tines is connected to said fluid supply conduit.
4. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 3, wherein said fluid
supply conduit extends along the bottom wall defined by said
plurality of elongated members.
5. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 3, wherein said fluid
supply conduit is configured with a connecting end for mating
connection with a docking port along a wall of a dishwasher so as
to provide a fluid to said fluid supply conduit.
6. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 2, wherein each said
spray tip comprises a cap that is attached onto the upper end of
one of said spray tines.
7. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 2, wherein each said
spray tip defines a plurality of orifices for delivering the spray
of fluid from the fluid channel of a said spray tine.
8. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 7, wherein the plurality
of orifices of at least one of said spray tips is positioned so as
to provide an omni-directional spray of fluid from the at least one
said spray tip.
9. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 2, wherein the spray tip
of at least one of said plurality of spray tines is rotatable such
that the direction of fluid flowing from said spray tip may be
adjusted by a user of the dishwasher rack assembly.
10. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 2, wherein said
dishwasher rack assembly further comprises: a spray arm assembly
attached to the bottom wall of the rack assembly; and, a manifold
for supplying fluid to said spray arm assembly and said plurality
of spray tines; wherein the lower end of each of said plurality of
tines is connected to a fluid supply conduit, and wherein said
fluid supply conduit is connected with said manifold.
11. A dishwasher having a wash chamber for the receipt of dishes,
the dishwasher defining vertical and horizontal directions, the
dishwasher comprising: a dishwasher rack assembly movably received
into the wash chamber, the dishwasher rack assembly comprising: a
plurality of hollow tines extending upwardly from the rack
assembly, each said hollow tine defining an interior channel and
having a lower end and an upper end; and, at least one orifice
positioned along the upper end of each of said hollow tines, each
said orifice in fluid communication with the channel of a
respective said hollow tine.
12. A dishwasher as in claim 11, further comprising: a hollow,
elongated fluid supply member extending along said dishwasher rack
assembly; wherein the lower end of each of said plurality of hollow
tines is connected to said elongated fluid supply member.
13. A dishwasher as in claim 12, wherein said elongated fluid
supply member is connected with a source of fresh water.
14. A dishwasher as in claim 12, further comprising: a port located
on a rear wall of said dishwasher; and, a connector positioned
along one end of said elongated fluid supply member, said connector
configured for mating receipt with said port so as to provide for a
supply of fluid to said plurality of hollow tines.
15. A dishwasher as in claim 12, further comprising: a fluid supply
manifold attached to a bottom wall of said dishwasher rack
assembly; and, a spray arm assembly located below said dishwasher
rack assembly and connected with said fluid supply manifold such
that fluid may be provided to said spray arm assembly; wherein said
plurality of hollow tines are also connected with said fluid supply
manifold such that fluid may also be provided to said plurality of
hollow tines.
16. A dishwasher as in claim 12, wherein said at least one orifice
positioned along the upper end of each of said hollow tines
comprises a plurality of orifices providing an omni-directional
spray pattern.
17. A dishwasher as in claim 12, wherein said at least one orifice
positioned along the upper end of each of said hollow tines
comprises a plurality of orifices, wherein said orifices may be
oriented to provide a spray pattern as selected by a user of the
dishwasher.
18. A dishwasher as in claim 17, wherein said plurality of orifices
are configured to provide a spray pattern selected from the group
comprising cone jet, hollow cone jet, pencil jet, or fan jet.
19. A dishwasher as in claim 12, wherein said at least one orifice
positioned along the upper end of each of said hollow tines is
defined by a cap positioned along the upper end.
20. A dishwasher as in claim 19, wherein said cap is rotatable
about the upper end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to tines for the rack of
dishwasher appliance that can provide a spray for cleaning dishes,
particularly the interior of containers such as glasses, cups,
bowls, and others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where
e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or
other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Often
an upper rack assembly is disposed close to the top of the washing
chamber and is used to hold glasses, cups, and other small items.
Typically, a lower rack assembly is positioned near the bottom of
the chamber and a considerable distance below the upper rack. This
provides vertical clearance to place dishes and platters on edge
(i.e. a vertical orientation) and to place food preparation bowls
and pots up-side-down on the lower rack for washing.
[0003] Each rack normally is supplied with an array of spaced
apart, generally vertical tines or members, which support and
separate the individual items. Preferably, these vertical members
support and fix the position of various articles during the washing
process. More specifically, it is desirable to position an article,
such as a dish, so that water and detergent can access all surfaces
during cleaning while also preventing movement of the dish that
could lead to breaking, chipping, or other damage.
[0004] Conventionally, water containing detergent, rinse water,
and/or other fluids are sprayed onto the dishes by rotating spray
arms positioned proximate to the racks. Water is fed to the spray
arms from the rear of the dishwasher and the flow of water exiting
the arms also provides for the rotation of the arms. As such, the
spray arms do not necessarily apply a continuous spray at any one
location in the rack and, instead, provide an intermittent spray at
a given location as the spray arm rotates proximate to the
rack.
[0005] For items having an interior cavity such as tall glasses or
other containers, challenges are encountered in effectively
cleaning the interior surfaces of the cavity and particularly the
bottom of the cavity. Glass and other containers are typically
placed upside down on the tines of the rack. As such, fluids are
typically only sprayed directly into the interior as a spray arm
passes. Depending upon the level of soiling on the interior of the
container, such intermittent spraying may not consistently clean
all of the interior surfaces. Increasing the wash cycle time may
provide improved performance but at additional costs in operating
the appliance.
[0006] Accordingly, an apparatus that can provide improved cleaning
capability for a dishwasher would be useful. More particularly, a
dishwasher having one or more features that can provide a spray,
including a continuous spray, into the interior of various
containers would be beneficial. The ability to provide options for
an omni-directional or focused spray from such features would also
be very useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides
a dishwasher rack assembly that includes a plurality of elongated
members defining a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side
walls, and a bottom wall. A plurality of spray tines is provided.
Each tine includes a fluid channel extending between a lower end of
the tine and an upper end of the tine. The fluid channel is
configured for delivering a fluid to the upper end of the tine so
as to provide for a spray of the fluid from the tine.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a dishwasher having a wash chamber for the receipt of
dishes. The dishwasher defines vertical and horizontal directions.
The dishwasher includes a dishwasher rack assembly movably received
into the wash chamber. The dishwasher rack includes a plurality of
hollow tines extending upwardly from the rack assembly, each hollow
tine defining an interior channel and having a lower end and an
upper end. At least one orifice is positioned along the upper end
of each of the hollow tines. Each orifice is in fluid communication
with the channel of a respective hollow tine.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary
dishwashing appliance of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary rack assembly
of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4-6 provide perspective views of exemplary spray tines
and spray tips of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides tines that can provide a
spray into the interior of containers placed onto a rack of a
dishwasher. More particularly, the present invention provides
hollow tines or tines having an internal fluid path for feeding
washing fluid to an opening at or near an upper end of the tine. As
the fluid is sprayed or ejected from the opening, it provides for
cleaning the interior of glasses, containers, and other dishes
placed over the tines. Reference now will be made in detail to
embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are
illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of
explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In
fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For
instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher 100
that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1, the dishwasher
100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a
wash chamber 106. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown)
and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a
normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein
the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a
horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from
the dishwasher. Latch 123 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for
access to chamber 106.
[0018] Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side
walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and
132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into
lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134
(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up
assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is
adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not
shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the
wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is
facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks
130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be
removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of
silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to
be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.
[0019] The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm
assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of
the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to
rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A
mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of
the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper
rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located
above the upper rack 130.
[0020] The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and
the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation
assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub
104. The fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a pump 154
located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the bottom
sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the
art. Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of
discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto
dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132.
The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144,
148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing
through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower
spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other
dishwasher contents with a washing spray.
[0021] The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137
to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may
include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special
purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions
or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory
may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only
memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor
executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may
be a separate component from the processor or may be included
onboard within the processor.
[0022] The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of
locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment,
the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121
of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output ("I/O")
signals may be routed between the control system and various
operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses
that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically,
the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through
which a user may select various operational features and modes and
monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user
interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device
or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may
include input components, such as one or more of a variety of
electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices
including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user
interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or
analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a
user. The user interface 136 may be in communication with the
controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0023] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited
to any particular style, model, or other configuration of
dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks
130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may be of a known
configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet
and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of
articles. Other configurations may be used as well.
[0024] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a rack assembly 132
with more details for elongated members 134 than is illustrated in
FIG. 2. More specifically, rack assembly 132 includes a plurality
of elongated members 134 that define a front wall 114, a rear wall
116, a pair of opposing side walls 118, and a bottom wall 119. Rack
assembly 132 is provided by way of example only; other
constructions may be used with the present invention as well.
[0025] Rack assembly 132 includes a plurality of tines 156, each
equipped with a spray tip 158. As shown in FIG. 4, each tine 156 is
hollow and defines a fluid channel 160 extending between a lower
end 163 and an upper end 164 of each tine 156. As such, the fluid
channel 160 provides for the flow of a wash or rinse fluid from a
supply conduit 162, to which the lower end 163 of each tine 156 is
attached. As such, tine 156 can provide a constant spray of fluid
against the interior of a glass or other container into which tine
156 is placed.
[0026] Supply conduit 162 includes a connecting end 166 configured
for mating connection with a docking port 168 (FIG. 2) located at
the rear of dishwasher 100. Port 168 is connected with fluid
circulation assembly 152 such the wash and/or rinse fluids may be
supplied to tines 156.
[0027] Supply conduit 162 can be provided as a separate element
that is positioned near the bottom wall 119 of rack assembly 132 as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. However, other constructions may be used as
well. For example, supply conduit 162 could be constructed to
appear as one of the elongated elements 134 that creates walls 118
or 119 of rack assembly 132.
[0028] Continuing with FIGS. 4 and 5, each spray tip 158 defines a
plurality of orifices 170 that help create a spray of fluid. A
variety of patterns may be used for orifices 170. As shown in FIG.
5, orifices 170 may be uniformly positioned about spray tip 158 to
provide an omni-directional spray of fluid. Alternatively, as shown
in FIG. 6, spray tip 158 may be provided with an angled face 172 to
provide a spray substantially along a direction selected by e.g.,
the user. For additional flexibility, spray tip 158 may be
configured for rotation (arrows R in FIG. 6) whereby e.g., the used
may select a desired direction of the spray from tip 158. A variety
of other configurations for providing various patterns and
adjustability from spray tips 158 may be used as well. For example,
spray patterns may include cone jet, hollow cone jet, pencil jet,
fan jet, and others as well.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, spray tips 158 are provided as caps
that are positioned onto tines 156. However, other constructions
may also be employed. For example, spray tips 158 may be molded
integrally with tines 156 or provided with connectors for
attachment to tines 156. Alternatively, in another embodiment of
the invention, spray tips 158 may be avoided altogether by
equipping tines 156 with one or more orifices positioned at or near
the upper end 164 of tine 156. As such, a fluid provided by channel
160 may be sprayed directly from such orifice(s) in tine 156. Tips
158 may also be constructed in a variety of shapes and are not
limited to the shapes shown in the figures.
[0030] As described above, fluid supply conduit 162 is provided
with fluid by direction connection to fluid circulation assembly
152. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, fluid
supply conduit 162 may connected to e.g., a manifold 112 supplying
fluid to spray arm assembly 148. As such, the connecting end of
supply conduit 166 and port 168 would be eliminated and a tube or
other conduit would be used to connect with manifold 112 with is in
turn connected to fluid circulation assembly 152.
[0031] Fluid circulation assembly 152 is used to recirculate wash
or rinse fluids through dishwasher 100 for a predetermined period
of time in order to effectively wash or rinse the dishes. Tines 156
provide for the placement of a spray of such fluid into the
interior of containers that have been placed onto rack assembly 132
in order to provide more effective cleaning and rinsing than may
occur through use of spray arm 148 alone. In still another
embodiment of the invention, fluid supply conduit 162 can be
supplied with a source of fresh water rather than with fluids
recirculated through assembly 152. For example, a valve (not shown)
can be used to control the flow of fresh water or other
non-recirculated fluid into fluid supply conduit 162. Such an
option might be desirable during the initial filling of chamber 106
in preparation for washing--thereby simultaneously serving to help
clean the interior of various containers and other dishes.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to introduce fresh water in such
fashion during part of a rinse cycle. Other variations may be used
as well.
[0032] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *