U.S. patent application number 15/001407 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-20 for methods for operating dishwasher appliances having energy recovery features.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Shree Kumar, Ronald Scott Tarr.
Application Number | 20170202424 15/001407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59314238 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170202424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Shree ; et
al. |
July 20, 2017 |
Methods for Operating Dishwasher Appliances Having Energy Recovery
Features
Abstract
Dishwasher appliances and method for operating dishwasher
appliances are provided. A method includes executing a wet cycle,
wherein a heating unit and a fan of a desiccant assembly are active
during the wet cycle. The desiccant assembly includes the heating
unit, the fan, and a desiccant module and is in fluid communication
with a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The method further
includes executing a delay period, the delay period occurring for a
predetermined time period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are inactive during the delay
period. The method further includes draining liquid from the wash
chamber after the delay period, and executing a dry cycle, wherein
the fan is active and the heating unit is inactive during the dry
cycle.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Shree; (Bangalore,
IN) ; Tarr; Ronald Scott; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59314238 |
Appl. No.: |
15/001407 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/0042 20130101;
A47L 2501/12 20130101; A47L 15/4293 20130101; A47L 15/481
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/00 20060101
A47L015/00; A47L 15/23 20060101 A47L015/23; A47L 15/50 20060101
A47L015/50; A47L 15/48 20060101 A47L015/48; A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a dishwasher appliance, the method
comprising: executing a wet cycle, wherein a heating unit and a fan
of a desiccant assembly are active during the wet cycle, the
desiccant assembly comprising the heating unit, the fan, and a
desiccant module and in fluid communication with a wash chamber of
the dishwasher appliance; executing a delay period, the delay
period occurring for a predetermined time period between the wet
cycle and a dry cycle, wherein the heating unit and the fan are
inactive during the delay period; draining liquid from the wash
chamber after the delay period; and executing a dry cycle, wherein
the fan is active and the heating unit is inactive during the dry
cycle.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wet cycle comprises a prewash
cycle, a wash cycle and a rinse cycle, and wherein the heating unit
and the fan are continuously active during the entire prewash
cycle, the entire wash cycle and the entire rinse cycle.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the fan is continuously active
and the heating unit is continuously inactive during the entire dry
cycle.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period is
between 1 minute and 15 minutes.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein no liquid is drained from the
wash chamber after the wet cycle and before the delay period is
executed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating unit and the fan are
inactive during the step of draining liquid from the wash
chamber.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heating unit and the fan are
continuously inactive during the entire step of draining liquid
from the wash chamber.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a tub fan is active during the
delay period and active during the dry cycle, the tub fan
configured to actively flow air within the wash chamber.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the tub fan is inactive during
the wet cycle.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the tub fan is active during the
step of draining liquid from the wash chamber.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the desiccant module comprises a
granular desiccant.
12. A dishwasher appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining an
interior; a tub disposed within the interior and defining a wash
chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning; a tub fan, the
tub fan positioned within the interior and configured to actively
flow air within the wash chamber; a sump for collecting liquid from
the chamber; a drain conduit for draining liquid from the tub; a
fluid circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub; and a
closed-loop adsorption assembly in fluid communication with the
wash chamber, the closed-loop adsorption assembly comprising a
desiccant assembly, the desiccant assembly comprising a desiccant
module, a heating unit and a fan.
13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, further comprising a
controller, the controller in communication with the heating unit
and the fan and configured for: executing a wet cycle, wherein the
heating unit and the fan are active during the wet cycle; executing
a delay period, the delay period occurring for a predetermined time
period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle, wherein the heating
unit and the fan are inactive during the delay period; draining
liquid from the wash chamber after the delay period; and executing
a dry cycle, wherein the fan is active and the heating unit is
inactive during the dry cycle.
14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the wet cycle
comprises a prewash cycle, a wash cycle and a rinse cycle, and
wherein the heating unit and the fan are continuously active during
the entire prewash cycle, the entire wash cycle and the entire
rinse cycle.
15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the fan is
continuously active and the heating unit is continuously inactive
during the entire dry cycle.
16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the predetermined
time period is between 1 minute and 15 minutes.
17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the heating unit
and the fan are inactive during the step of draining liquid from
the wash chamber.
18. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the controller is
further in communication with the tub fan, and wherein the tub fan
is active during the delay period and active during the dry
cycle.
19. The dishwasher appliance of claim 18, wherein the tub fan is
inactive during the wet cycle.
20. The dishwasher appliance of claim 18, wherein the tub fan is
active during the step of draining liquid from the wash chamber.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods for
operating dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to methods
for operating dishwasher appliances which utilize desiccants to
recover energy during operation.
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.
Various cycles may be included as part of the overall cleaning
process. For example, a typical, user-selected cleaning option may
include a wash cycle and rinse cycle (referred to collectively as a
wet cycle), as well as a drying cycle. A pre-wash cycle may also be
included as part of the wet cycle, and may be automatic or an
option for particularly soiled dishes.
[0003] Presently, many known dishwasher appliances utilize venting
arrangements to vent moist air during the drying cycle, in order to
facilitate drying. New air is drawn into the dishwasher appliance
as the moist air is vented from the dishwasher appliance to the
exterior environment. Such approach, however, can be problematic.
For example, venting the moist air during the drying cycle can add
moisture and heat to the surrounding environment, such as the
kitchen or other room where the dishwasher appliance is located.
Additionally, the air drawn into the dishwasher appliance from the
surrounding environment can, in some cases, potentially be dirty or
include undesirable particles, etc.
[0004] More recently, attempts have been made to recirculate air
within the dishwasher appliances in order to reduce or avoid the
above discussed disadvantages, and to generally recover the
associated energy. For example, adsorbent assemblies have been
utilized in dishwasher appliances in attempts to remove moisture
during operation. However, known adsorbent assemblies and the
methods in which they are utilized have generally proved to be
relatively inefficient.
[0005] Accordingly, improved methods for operating dishwasher
appliances are desired in the art. In particular, methods which
provide improved air recirculation and energy recovery during
operation would be advantageous.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 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.
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The
method includes executing a wet cycle, wherein a heating unit and a
fan of a desiccant assembly are active during the wet cycle. The
desiccant assembly includes the heating unit, the fan, and a
desiccant module and is in fluid communication with a wash chamber
of the dishwasher appliance. The method further includes executing
a delay period, the delay period occurring for a predetermined time
period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle, wherein the heating
unit and the fan are active during the delay period. The method
further includes draining liquid from the wash chamber after the
delay period, and executing a dry cycle, wherein the fan is active
and the heating unit is inactive during the dry cycle.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method for operating a dishwasher appliance is
provided. The method includes executing a wet cycle, wherein a
heating unit and a fan of a desiccant assembly are active during
the wet cycle. The desiccant assembly includes the heating unit,
the fan, and a desiccant module and is in fluid communication with
a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The method further
includes executing a delay period, the delay period occurring for a
predetermined time period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are inactive during the delay
period. The method further includes draining liquid from the wash
chamber after the delay period, and executing a dry cycle, wherein
the fan is active and the heating unit is inactive during the dry
cycle.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher
appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior, a tub disposed
within the interior and defining a wash chamber for the receipt of
articles for cleaning, a sump for collecting liquid from the
chamber, a drain conduit for draining liquid from the tub, and a
fluid circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub. The
dishwasher appliance further includes a closed-loop adsorption
assembly in fluid communication with the wash chamber, the
closed-loop adsorption assembly including a desiccant assembly, the
desiccant assembly comprising a desiccant module, a heating unit
and a fan.
[0010] In some embodiments, the dishwasher appliance further
includes a tub fan, the tub fan positioned within the interior and
configured to actively flow air from the interior into the wash
chamber.
[0011] In some embodiments, the dishwasher appliance further
includes a controller, the controller in communication with the
heating unit and the fan and configured for executing a wet cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are active during the wet
cycle; executing a delay period, the delay period occurring for a
predetermined time period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are active during the delay
period; draining liquid from the wash chamber after the delay
period; and executing a dry cycle, wherein the fan is active and
the heating unit is inactive during the dry cycle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the dishwasher appliance further
includes a controller, the controller in communication with the
heating unit and the fan and configured for executing a wet cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are active during the wet
cycle; executing a delay period, the delay period occurring for a
predetermined time period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle,
wherein the heating unit and the fan are inactive during the delay
period; draining liquid from the wash chamber after the delay
period; and executing a dry cycle, wherein the fan is active and
the heating unit is inactive during the dry cycle.
[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is further in
communication with the tub fan.
[0014] 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
[0015] 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:
[0016] FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a dishwasher
appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of a dishwasher
appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of various components of a
dishwasher appliance, including a closed-loop adsorption assembly,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 provides a side cross-sectional view of components of
a closed-loop adsorption assembly in accordance with one embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 provides a side cross-sectional view of components of
a closed-loop adsorption assembly in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional profile view of a
desiccant assembly of a closed-loop adsorption assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional profile view of a
desiccant assembly of a closed-loop adsorption assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating operation of various
components of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating operation of various
components of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating operation of various
components of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher
appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of
the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1,
the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that defines an
interior 103. A tub 104 is disposed in the interior 103. Tub 104
defines a wash chamber 106. Chamber 106 is configured for the
receipt of articles for cleaning, such as dishes, cups, utensils,
etc. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door
120 hinged at or near its bottom side wall 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 appliance 100. Latch 123 is used to
lock and unlock door 120 for access to chamber 106.
[0028] 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 may be 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.
[0029] The dishwasher appliance 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.
[0030] The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and
the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation conduit
152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid (generally referred
to as liquid) in the tub 104. A first pump 154, which may for
example be located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the
bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, may flow liquid from sump
160 to and through the fluid circulation conduit 152. 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.
[0031] A drain conduit 170 may additionally be provided for
draining water and dishwasher fluid (generally referred to as
liquid) from the tub 104. A second pump 172, which may for example
be located in the machinery compartment 140, may flow liquid from
sump 160 to and through drain conduit 170. This liquid may be
flowed from the appliance 100 generally, such as to the plumbing of
a structure in which the appliance 100 is provided.
[0032] Dishwasher appliance 100 may further include a tub fan 180.
Tub fan 180 may facilitate air flow within the wash chamber 106 at
various times during operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. The
tub fan 180 may be positioned within the interior 103, and may in
some embodiments be positioned at least partially or entirely in
the wash chamber 106. For example, tub fan 180 may be disposed in
the wash chamber 106 proximate a wall of the tub 104, such as an
upper wall (along a vertical direction) as illustrated. The tub fan
180 may, when activated, actively flow air within the wash chamber
106 and over articles disposed therein.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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 side wall 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.
[0035] Controller 137 may further be in communication with various
component of the appliance 100, such as the first and second pumps
154, 172, tub fan 180 and a heating unit and a fan of a desiccant
assembly as discussed herein. Accordingly, controller 137 may send
signals to these various components to activate and deactivate the
components as required during operation of the dishwasher appliance
100 in a wash cycle.
[0036] In general, dishwasher appliance 100 may utilize a variety
of cycles to wash and, optionally, dry articles within chamber 106.
For example, a wet cycle is utilized to wash articles. The wet
cycle may include a main wash cycle and a rinse cycle, as well as
an optional pre-wash cycle. During each such cycle, water or
another suitable liquid may be utilized in chamber 106 to interact
with and clean articles therein. Such liquid may, for example, be
directed into chamber 106 from lower and mid-level spray-arm
assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150, such as via
fluid circulation conduit 152 and pump 154. The liquid may
additionally mix with, for example, detergent or other various
additives which are released into the chamber during various
sub-cycles of the wet cycle.
[0037] For example, during a wet cycle, a pre-wash cycle may
additionally be executed. In the pre-wash cycle, water is directed
into chamber 106, with no detergent (other than detergent remnants
in the chamber 106 from a previous wet cycle) being mixed with the
water. After the pre-wash cycle, a wash cycle may be executed. In
the wash cycle, water is directed into the chamber 106 and mixed
with detergent. After the wash cycle, a rinse cycle may be
executed. In the rinse cycle, water is directed into the chamber
106, with no additional detergent (other than detergent remaining
in the chamber 106 due to the wash cycle) being mixed with the
water. Notably, liquid within the wash chamber 106 may be drained
between the pre-wash cycle and the wash cycle, and between the wash
cycle and the rinse cycle. Drain conduit 170 and second pump 172
may be utilized for such drainage. Liquid within the wash chamber
106 may additionally be drained after the rinse cycle, such as via
drain conduit 170 and second pump 172. Such drainage may, as
discussed herein, occur after a delay period is executed as
discussed herein.
[0038] A dry cycle may be utilized to dry articles after washing in
the wet cycle. During a drying cycle, for example, moisture within
chamber 106 may be adsorbed as discussed herein to facilitate
drying of the articles within the chamber 106. In generally, no
liquid is sprayed or otherwise produced or directed into the wash
chamber 106 during the drying cycle.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 7, dishwasher appliances
100 according to the present disclosure may further include various
components which facilitate improved air recirculation and energy
recovery during operation of the appliance 100. In particular,
dishwasher appliances 100 may utilize desiccants to adsorb
moisture, in particular during the drying cycle, and desorb such
moisture during the wet cycle. Such adsorption and desorption may
reduce or eliminate the need to vent air from the dishwasher
appliance 100 during operation. Further, desorption may facilitate
fluid heating within the dishwasher appliance 100, thus providing
improved efficiency by causing the dishwasher appliance 100 to
require less heating. Notably, in exemplary embodiments, no heating
elements are required in the wash chamber 106, with the only
heating elements required being components of the adsorption
assembly which provides such advantages as discussed herein.
[0041] As illustrated, a dishwasher appliance 100 in accordance
with the present disclosure may include a closed-loop adsorption
assembly 200. The closed-loop adsorption assembly 200 is in fluid
communication with the wash chamber 106, such that fluid is
flowable to the adsorption assembly 200 from the wash chamber 106
and to the wash chamber 106 from the adsorption assembly 200.
Adsorption assembly 200 thus may include an inlet 202 defined in
the tub 104 and an outlet 204 defined in the tub 104. As discussed
herein, adorption and desorption of moisture may advantageously
occur within adsorption assembly 200.
[0042] In particular, adsorption assembly 200 may further include a
desiccant assembly 210 in which adsorption and desorption of
moisture may occur. Desiccant assembly 210 may be in fluid
communication with the inlet 202 and the outlet 204. For example,
in some embodiments, desiccant assembly 210 may be directly
connected to the inlet 202 and/or outlet 204. In other embodiments,
conduits may extend between the inlet 202 and/or outlet 204 and the
desiccant assembly 210. As shown, assembly 200 may further include
an inlet conduit 212 extending between the inlet 202 and the
desiccant assembly 210 for flowing fluid from the wash chamber 106
to the desiccant assembly 210 (such as to an inner passage thereof
as discussed herein). As further shown, assembly 200 may further
include an outlet conduit 214 extending between the desiccant
assembly 210 and the outlet 204 for flowing fluid from the
desiccant assembly 210 (such as an outer passage thereof as
discussed herein) to the wash chamber 106.
[0043] In exemplary embodiments as shown, the desiccant assembly
210, as well as inlet and outlet conduits 212, 214, may be disposed
in the interior 103 (but exterior to the tub 104).
[0044] Desiccant assembly 210 generally includes various passages
through which fluid may flow. As shown, desiccant assembly 200 may
include an inner passage 222, an intermediate passage 224, and an
outer passage 226. The inner passage 222 may receive fluid from the
wash chamber 106. Accordingly, inner passage 222 may be directly
connected to the inlet 202 or to the inlet conduit 212, such that
fluid flows from the inlet 202 and/or inlet conduit 212 into the
inner passage 222. Intermediate passage 224 may surround the inner
passage 222, and outer passage 226 may surround the intermediate
passage 226. Fluid received in the inner passage 224 may be
flowable through the intermediate passage 224 to the outer passage
226. Further, wash chamber 106 may receive fluid from the outer
passage 226. Accordingly, outer passage 226 may be directly
connected to the outer 204 or to the outlet conduit 214, such that
fluid flow from the outer passage 226 through the outlet conduit
214 and/or outlet 204.
[0045] In exemplary embodiments, desiccant assembly 210 may include
various conduits which define the various passages thereof. For
example, desiccant assembly 210 may further include an inner
conduit 232 which defines the inner passage 222, an intermediate
conduit 234 which surrounds the inner conduit 222 and defines the
intermediate passage 224, and an outer conduit 236 which surrounds
the intermediate conduit 234 and defines the outer passage 236. In
exemplary embodiments as shown, the inner conduit 232 and the
intermediate conduit 234 are perforated, and thus define
perforations 233, 235 respectively therethrough, through which
fluid can flow.
[0046] It should be noted that in some embodiments the inner
conduit 232 can be an integral extension of the inlet conduit 212
and/or the outer conduit 236 can be an integral extension of the
outlet conduit 214. In some alternative embodiments, the inner
conduit 232 can be a separate component that is coupled to the
inlet conduit 212 and/or the outer conduit 236 can be a separate
component that is coupled to the outlet conduit 214.
[0047] As shown, as desiccant module 240 is disposed in the
intermediate passage 224, such that the desiccant module 240
generally surrounds the inner passage 222. Thus, fluid flowing from
the inner passage 222 through the intermediate passage 224 to the
outer passage 226 flows through the desiccant module 240 while
flowing through the intermediate passage 224. This facilitates
adsorption and desorption of moisture by the desiccant module
240.
[0048] In exemplary embodiments, the desiccant module 240 may
include a granular desiccant 242, as shown. In exemplary
embodiments, the granular desiccant 242 may be zeolite.
Alternatively, however, the desiccant may be activated charcoal,
calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, or another suitable molecular
sieve, or any other suitable material, etc. In alternative
embodiments, the desiccant module 240 may include a plurality of
desiccant-coated plates (not shown). In exemplary embodiments, the
desiccant coating the plates may be zeolite. Alternatively,
however, the desiccant may be activated charcoal, calcium sulfate,
calcium chloride, or another suitable molecular sieve, or any other
suitable material, etc. The plates themselves may be formed from
any suitable material, such as a suitable metal, polymer, ceramic,
etc.
[0049] Adsorption assembly 200 may further include various
components to facilitate adsorption and desorption as required. For
example, adsorption assembly 200 may include a fan 250. The fan 250
may encourage fluid flow through the desiccant assembly 210 and
adsorption assembly 200 generally. In some embodiments as shown in
FIG. 4, fan 250 is disposed downstream of the desiccant assembly
210 (relative to the flow direction of fluid through the adsorption
assembly 200), such as within the outlet conduit 214. In other
embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, fan 250 is disposed upstream of the
desiccant assembly 210 (relative to the flow direction of fluid
through the adsorption assembly 200), such as within the inlet
conduit 212. In still other embodiments, fan 250 may be disposed
within the desiccant assembly 210, such as in inner passage
222.
[0050] Adsorption assembly 200 may further include a heating unit
255, which may be included in the desiccant assembly 210. The
heating unit 255 may include one or more heating elements 257, such
as two (as shown in FIG. 6), three, four (as shown in FIG. 7) or
more. In some embodiments, two or four heating elements 257 may be
desirable due to the rectangular cross-sectional profile of the
various passages 222, 224, 226, as discussed herein. In exemplary
embodiments, the heating unit 255, such as the heating elements 257
thereof, may be disposed within the inner passage 222. These
embodiments are particularly advantageous because a substantial
portion of the heat emitted by the heating unit 255 is trapped by
the desiccant module 240. Accordingly, these embodiments are
particularly energy efficient. In alternative embodiments, however,
the heating unit 255, such as the heating elements 257 thereof, may
for example be disposed within the outer passage 226.
[0051] Each heating element 257 may extend through the desiccant
assembly 210 between the inlet of the desiccant assembly 210 (on
the upstream side thereof) and the outlet of the desiccant assembly
210 (on the downstream side thereof). In some embodiments, the
heating elements 257 may have constant wattages therethrough
between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof. Alternatively,
however, the heating elements 257 may have variable wattages
therethrough between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof.
For example, the wattage of a heating element 257 may be greater at
the inlet side and may decrease from the inlet side to the outlet
side, to reduce or prevent temperature gradients in the desiccant
module 240 along the length thereof between the inlet side and the
outlet side.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the passages 222, 224, 226
of the desiccant assembly 210 may in exemplary embodiments each
have a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. In further
exemplary embodiments, the rectangle may be a square. Square
cross-sectional profiles are illustrated in FIG. 7, while other
rectangular cross-sectional profiles are illustrated in FIG. 6.
Such cross-sectional profiles may advantageously facilitate
efficient fluid flow through the passages 222, 224, 226, in
particular relative to oval or circular cross-sectional profiles.
For example, oval or circular cross-sectional profiles may
encourage generally helical flow patterns for fluid through the
passages 222, 224, 226, while rectangular cross-sectional profiles
encourage the patterns to be relatively less helical and more
axial. Accordingly the fluid flow using such rectangular
cross-sectional profiles can be relatively more efficient. It
should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not
limited to rectangular cross-sectional profiles. Rather, any
suitable profiles, including oval or circular cross-sectional
profiles, are within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the intermediate passage
224 (which houses the desiccant assembly 240) has a thickness 260
as illustrated. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness 260 is
relatively small, thus encouraging efficient fluid flow
therethrough and reducing restrictions caused by the desiccant
assembly 240. For example, in some embodiments, a maximum thickness
260 of the intermediate passage 224 is between approximately 15
millimeters and approximately 50 millimeters, such as between
approximately 20 millimeters and approximately 40 millimeters.
[0054] Intermediate passage 224 may further have a length 262. The
length 262 may in exemplary embodiments be sized relative to the
thickness 260 to ensure adequate adsorption and desorption
capabilities for the desiccant assembly 240 disposed in the
intermediate passage 224. For example, in some embodiments, a
maximum length 262 of the intermediate passage 224 is between
approximately 200 millimeters and approximately 400 millimeters,
such as between approximately 250 millimeters and approximately 350
millimeters.
[0055] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not
limited to the above-disclosed embodiments of adsorption assembly
200 and desiccant assembly 210. Rather, any suitable adsorption
assembly 200 which utilizes a desiccant assembly 210, and any
suitable desiccant assembly 210 which utilizes a desiccant module
240, a heating unit 255 and/or a fan 250 is within the scope and
spirit of the present disclosure.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, the present disclosure
is further directed to methods for operating dishwasher appliances
100. In exemplary embodiments, the various steps of methods as
discussed herein may be performed by controller 137. Methods in
accordance with the present disclosure facilitate efficient use of
the adsorption assembly 200 and desiccant assembly 210 to promote
improved heating of water during the wet cycle and improved drying
of articles during the dry cycle.
[0057] For example, a method 300 in accordance with the present
disclosure may include the step 310 of executing a wet cycle 312.
Wet cycle 312 may include, for example, one or more of a pre-wash
cycle 314, a wash cycle 316 and a rinse cycle 318. During the wet
cycle 312, the heating unit 255 and the fan 250 may be active. When
active, the heating unit 255 may generate heat and the fan 250 may
actively flow fluid therethrough. When inactive, the heating unit
255 may not generate heat and the fan 250 may not actively flow
fluid therethrough. Further, the tub fan 180 may be inactive during
the wet cycle 312. When active, the tub fan 180 may actively flow
fluid therethrough. When inactive, the tub fan 180 may not actively
flow fluid therethrough.
[0058] For example, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8
and 10, the heating unit 255 and the fan 250 may be continuously
active during the entire wash cycle 316 and the entire rinse cycle
318. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the heating
unit 255 and the fan 250 may be active during only a portion of the
wash cycle 316 and a portion of the rinse cycle 318. For example,
the heating unit 255 and fan 250 may be active during a first
portion 316' of the wash cycle 316, inactive during a second
portion 316'' of the wash cycle 316, inactive during a first
portion 318' of the rinse cycle 318, and active during a second
portion 318'' of the rinse cycle 318. While in some embodiments as
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 the heating unit 255 and the fan 250
may be continuously inactive during the prewash cycle 314, in other
embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 10 the heating unit 255 and the
fan 250 may be continuously active during the prewash cycle 314.
Accordingly, in some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 10, the
heating unit 255 and the fan 250 may be continuously active during
the entire wet cycle 312, while in other embodiments as illustrated
in FIGS. 8 and 9 the heating unit 255 and the fan 250 may be active
during only a portion of the wet cycle 312.
[0059] Notably, in exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 8
through 10, tub fan 180 may be continuously inactive during the
entire wet cycle. Alternatively, tub fan 180 may be inactive during
only a portion of the wet cycle.
[0060] Method 300 may further include, for example, the step 320 of
executing a delay period 322. The delay period 322 may occur after
the wet cycle 312 is executed in accordance with step 310 and
before fluid is drained from wash chamber 106 in accordance with a
step 330 as discussed herein, as well as before a dry cycle 342 is
executed in accordance with step 340 as discussed herein. Further,
in exemplary embodiments, no liquid may be drained from the wash
chamber 106 after the wet cycle 312 is executed and before the
delay period 322 is executed. Accordingly, liquid provided to wash
chamber 106 during the final sub-cycle of step 310, typically the
rinse cycle 318, may remain in the wash chamber 106 during the
delay period 322. Further, no additional liquid may be provided to
the wash chamber 106 during the step 320.
[0061] Delay period 322 may occur for a predetermined time period.
In exemplary embodiments, the predetermined time period may be
between 1 minute and 15 minutes, such as between 2 minutes and 10
minutes, such as between 3 minutes and 8 minutes, such as between 4
minutes and 7 minutes.
[0062] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the
heating unit 255 and fan 250 may be active during the delay period
322. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the heating unit 255
and the fan 250 may be continuously active during the entire delay
period 322. In alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10,
the heating unit 255 and fan 250 may be inactive during the delay
period 322. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the heating unit
255 and the fan 250 may be continuously inactive during the entire
delay period 322.
[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, in exemplary
embodiments, the tub fan 180 may be active during the delay period
322. For example, the tub fan 180 may be continuously active during
the entire delay period 322.
[0064] Method 300 may further include, for example, the step 330 of
draining liquid from the wash chamber 106. Such step 330 may occur
after the delay period 322 is executed in accordance with step 320.
Further, as discussed above, liquid provided to wash chamber 106
during the final sub-cycle of step 310, typically the rinse cycle
318, may remain in the wash chamber 106 during the delay period 322
and until it is drained in accordance with step 330. In exemplary
embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the heating unit
255 and the fan 250 may be inactive during the step 330 of draining
liquid from the wash chamber 106. For example, the heating unit 255
and the fan 250 may be continuously inactive during the entire step
330 of draining liquid from the wash chamber 106. Further, as
illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, in exemplary embodiments, the tub
fan 180 may be active during the step 330 of draining liquid from
the wash chamber 106. For example, the tub fan 180 may be
continuously active during the entire step 330 of draining liquid
from the wash chamber 106.
[0065] Method 300 may further include, for example, the step 340 of
executing a dry cycle 342. Dry cycle 342 may occur after execution
of the delay period 322 in accordance with step 320 and after
liquid has been drained from the wash chamber 106. In exemplary
embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the heating unit
255 may be inactive during the dry cycle 342. For example, the
heating unit 255 may be continuously inactive during the entire dry
cycle 342. Additionally, the fan 250 may be active during the dry
cycle 342. For example, the fan 250 may be continuously active
during the entire dry cycle 342. Further, the tub fan 180 may be
active during the dry cycle 342. For example, the tub fan 180 may
be continuously active during the entire dry cycle 342.
[0066] As discussed, in exemplary embodiments, controller 137 may
be in operable communication with various components of the
dishwasher appliance 100, such as the pumps 154, 172, the tub fan
180, the heating unit 255 and the fan 250. Controller 137 may
activate and deactivate such components as required and in
accordance with the various method steps as discussed herein. Such
operation may facilitate efficient and advantageous adsorption and
regeneration/desorption of the desiccant to provide improved
dishwasher appliance 100 operation. For example, when the heating
unit 255 is active, the relatively higher temperatures within the
desiccant assembly 210 may facilitate regeneration and desorption
of the desiccant. The released heated moisture/humidity may flow
from desiccant assembly 210 through outlet 204 into the wash
chamber 106, where it may mix with and heat fluid in the wash
chamber 106.
[0067] Additionally, heat generated by the heating unit 255 may
facilitate initial drying of articles during the delay period 322.
Such heat may be generated before the delay period 322 (with the
heating unit 255 inactive during the delay period 322) or during
the delay period 322 (with the heating unit 255 active during the
delay period 322), depending on the operations of the heating unit
255, fan 250 and/or tub fan 180 during other steps of a method 300
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0068] Further, when the heating unit 255 is inactive, relatively
moist/humid fluid from the wash chamber 106 may flow into the
desiccant assembly 210 through inlet 202, and this
moisture/humidity may be adsorbed by the desiccant, which may be at
relatively lower temperatures due to inactivity of the heating unit
255.
[0069] Accordingly, dishwasher appliances 100 and methods 300 in
accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously provide
improved, more efficient washing and drying of articles.
[0070] 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.
* * * * *