U.S. patent application number 17/202653 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for washing machine appliance with wash drum cleaning system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sasikumar Durairaj, Thomas Holzen.
Application Number | 20220298710 17/202653 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005521026 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220298710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holzen; Thomas ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE WITH WASH DRUM CLEANING SYSTEM
Abstract
A washing machine appliance with a wash drum cleaning system. A
nozzle located in the cabinet and outside of the wash drum directs
fluid at an exterior surface of the wash drum for cleaning. The
exterior surface of the wash drum is cleaned as it rotates within
the wash tub. The nozzle is positioned to clean a portion of the
exterior surface where contaminants may accumulate.
Inventors: |
Holzen; Thomas; (Louisville,
KY) ; Durairaj; Sasikumar; (Hyderabad, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005521026 |
Appl. No.: |
17/202653 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 33/43 20200201;
D06F 37/24 20130101; D06F 39/06 20130101; D06F 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/06 20060101
D06F039/06; D06F 37/24 20060101 D06F037/24; D06F 33/43 20060101
D06F033/43; D06F 23/04 20060101 D06F023/04 |
Claims
1. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber; a wash drum
rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for
receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior
surface; and a nozzle located in the cabinet and outside the wash
drum, the nozzle positioned to direct a jet of fluid onto the
exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.
2. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub defines
an opening, and wherein the nozzle is attached to the wash tub at
the opening.
3. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash drum defines
a top portion, and wherein the nozzle is positioned adjacent to the
top portion of the wash drum.
4. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub defines
an opening, and wherein the nozzle is rotatably attached to the
wash tub at the opening.
5. The washing appliance of claim 4, further comprising a pair of
opposing fingers positioned at the opening of the wash tub, each
finger defining a slot, wherein the nozzle defines a pair of
opposing tabs configured to be rotatably received into the slots of
the pair of opposing fingers.
6. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the nozzle defines
converging walls creating a fluid flow path having an
elliptically-shaped cross-section to shape the jet of fluid
directed onto the exterior surface of the wash drum.
7. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is
connected with a fresh water supply.
8. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through
the nozzle during a cleaning cycle of the appliance.
9. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through
the nozzle during a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance.
10. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub
comprising a main body and a tub cover attached to the main body; a
wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured
for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an
exterior surface; and a nozzle located in the cabinet and attached
to the tub cover, the nozzle positioned to direct a stream of fluid
onto the exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash
tub.
11. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub cover
defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is attached to the tub
cover at the opening.
12. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash drum
defines a top portion, and wherein the nozzle is positioned
adjacent to the top portion of the wash drum.
13. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub cover
defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is rotatably attached to
the wash tub at the opening.
14. The washing appliance of claim 13, further comprising a pair of
opposing fingers positioned at the opening of the wash tub cover,
each finger defining a slot, wherein the nozzle defines a pair of
opposing tabs configured to be rotatably received into the slots of
the opposing fingers.
15. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the nozzle defines
converging walls creating a fluid flow path having an
elliptically-shaped cross-section to shape the jet of fluid
directed onto the exterior surface of the wash drum.
16. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the nozzle is
connected with a fresh water supply.
17. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through
the nozzle during a cleaning cycle of the appliance.
18. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through
the nozzle during a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance.
19. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a balance
ring assembly attached to the wash drum, wherein the nozzle is
positioned to direct a flow of fluid onto the balance ring assembly
and the exterior surface of the wash drum.
20. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through
the nozzle during a rinse cycle or spin cycle of the appliance.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates
generally to a cleaning system for a washing machine appliance and
more particularly to a cleaning system for the basket of a washing
machine appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing appliances (also referred to as "washing machines")
typically include a drum or basket for receipt of articles to be
washed. This drum is placed within a wash bin or wash tub that
serves as a container for various fluids applied to the articles
during a cleaning cycle. The drum typically includes small openings
or holes for the passage of fluid in and out of the basket during
the cleaning cycle.
[0003] The fluids used during a cleaning cycle typically include
water that may be combined with e.g., detergent, fabric softener,
bleach, and combinations thereof. Depending upon the origin of
water supplied to the appliance, various minerals, particulates,
and other materials may also be present in the fluids used during a
cleaning cycle. Other substances including e.g., dirt, dyes, and
textile particulates may also be released into the fluids from the
laundry articles during the cleaning process.
[0004] In a typical cleaning cycle, fluids are added and later
removed from the wash bin during various stages or modes of washing
and rinsing. As these fluids come into contact with the wash drum,
materials may be deposited onto the wash drum. Such materials may
form a film or residue--particularly on the exterior of the wash
drum where direct contact with the laundry articles does not occur.
The residue may be removed by e.g., contact with fluid during the
same or a subsequent cleaning cycle.
[0005] However, the residue can also dry and/or remain in place on
the drum--particularly during periods of non-use between cycles. If
the residue is deposited above the average fluid level placed into
the wash bin or the fluid level used during a self-cleaning cycle,
the chances of such being removed by fluid during a cleaning cycle
is significantly diminished. As the appliance is used repeatedly
over various cleaning cycles, such residue may accumulate.
[0006] Although largely not visible to a user of the appliance
during normal operation, residue on the exterior of the wash drum
is undesirable and may contribute to an unpleasant odor. Further, a
typical user will not be able to access the exterior of the drum to
wash the residue away. The residue may also not be removed by a
self-cleaning cycle of the appliance--particularly if the residue
is located higher on the wash drum than the fluid level typically
used during such a cycle.
[0007] Accordingly, a washer appliance having features to clean the
exterior of the wash basket or wash drum would be beneficial. Such
a washer appliance having features that help to prevent and/or
remove the formation or accumulation of material deposits,
residues, or films on the exterior of the wash drum would also be
useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent
from the description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides
a washing appliance that includes a cabinet and a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber. A wash drum
is rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for
receiving articles for washing. The wash drum has an exterior
surface. A nozzle is located in the cabinet and outside the wash
drum. The nozzle is positioned to direct a jet of fluid onto the
exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a cabinet and a wash tub positioned in the cabinet. The
wash tub defines a wash chamber. The wash tub includes a main body
and a tub cover attached to the main body. A wash drum is rotatably
mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for receiving
articles for washing. The wash drum has an exterior surface. A
nozzle is located in the cabinet and attached to the tub cover. The
nozzle is positioned to direct a stream of fluid onto the exterior
surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a partial perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary
washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 provides a partial cross-sectional view of the top
portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the cross-section of
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary nozzle as may be used
with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is another side view of the exemplary nozzle of FIG.
5 as seen from an angle orthogonal to that shown in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the exemplary nozzle of FIGS. 5 and
6 whereas FIG. 8 is a bottom view thereof.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of the exemplary nozzle of FIGS. 5, 6,
7, and 8 along with a portion of an exemplary wash tub of the
washing appliance in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to illustrate attachment
of the exemplary nozzle.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary nozzle of
FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 along with a portion of an exemplary wash tub
of the washing appliance in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to illustrate
attachment of the exemplary nozzle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
vertical axis washing appliance 100 of the present invention, which
is also sometimes referred to as a top loading or vertical axis
washing machine. In FIG. 1, a door 102 (shown in FIG. 2) has been
removed for purposes of illustrating other features of the
invention. Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 104 that
extends between a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 along
the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) 110 and a
second side (right) 112 along the lateral direction L, and between
a front 114 and a rear 116 along the transverse direction T.
[0024] As best shown in FIG. 2, a wash tub 118 is positioned within
cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 120, and is generally
configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. A
wash drum 122 is rotatably mounted within wash chamber 120 of wash
tub 118. For this exemplary embodiment, wash tub 118 includes a
main body portion 170 and a cover 168 attached thereto (FIGS. 2 and
3).
[0025] Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a dispenser
124 for dispensing wash fluid (arrows D) into wash tub 118.
Appliance 100 may include one or more additional dispensers for
directing fluid into wash tub 118 and each dispenser may be
separately controlled by one or more valves controlling flow to
each dispenser independently of the others. The term "cleaning
fluid" refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles
during an operating cycle and may include water alone or any
combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other
wash additives or treatments. As used herein, the term "cleaning
cycle" includes a wash cycle, rinse cycle, spin cycle, or
combinations thereof.
[0026] Wash drum 122 and cabinet 104 generally define an opening
126 (accessible through door 102) for receipt of articles for
washing. Wash basket 122 rotates about an axis of rotation A (FIG.
2) powered by motor assembly 128. According to the illustrated
embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the
vertical direction V. As used herein, terms of approximation, such
as "approximately," "substantially," or "about," refer to being
within a ten percent margin of error.
[0027] As illustrated, cabinet 104 of washing machine appliance 100
has a top panel 130. Top panel 130 defines opening 126 (FIG. 1)
that coincides with opening 126 of wash basket 118 to permit a user
access to wash drum 122. Door 102 is rotatably mounted to top panel
130 to permit selective access to opening 126. In particular, door
102 selectively rotates between a closed position and an open
position. In the closed position, door 102 inhibits access to wash
drum 122. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash
drum 122. Although door 102 is illustrated as mounted to top panel
130, door 102 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 104 or any
other suitable support.
[0028] As best shown in FIG. 2, wash drum 122 further defines a
plurality of perforations 132 to facilitate fluid communication
between an interior of wash drum 122 and wash tub 118. In this
regard, wash drum 122 is spaced apart from wash tub 118 to define a
space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber 120. During a spin
cycle, wash fluid within articles being washed (e.g., clothing) and
within wash chamber 120 is urged through perforations 132 wherein
it may collect in a sump 134 defined by wash tub 118. Washing
machine appliance 100 further includes a pump assembly 148 (FIG. 2)
that is located beneath wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 for gravity
assisted flow when draining wash tub 118. Pump assembly 148 can,
for example, provide for the flow of cleaning fluid D into wash bin
118 and for the removal of spent cleaning fluid from appliance
100.
[0029] An impeller 136 is rotatably mounted within wash drum 122 to
impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash drum
122. More specifically, impeller 136 extends into wash drum 122 and
assists agitation of articles disposed within wash drum 122 during
operation of washing appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved
cleaning. In different embodiments, impeller 136 includes a single
action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element
(oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the
other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus
single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at
the other end). Impeller 136 and wash drum 122 are oriented to
rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to
vertical direction V). For this exemplary embodiment, impeller 136
is equipped with radial vanes 150 that assist in imparting movement
to articles during operation of appliance 100. Other features, such
as a vane agitator, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some
combination thereof, may also be used to impart motion to the
articles during washing.
[0030] As stated, washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor
assembly 128 in mechanical communication with wash drum 122 to
selectively rotate wash drum 122 (e.g., during a wash cycle or a
rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, motor
assembly 128 may also be in mechanical communication with impeller
136. In this manner, motor assembly 128 may be configured for
selectively and independently rotating or oscillating wash drum 122
and/or impeller 136 during various operating cycles of washing
machine appliance 100.
[0031] A balancing ring assembly 154 is positioned at a top portion
166 of wash drum 122. During cycles where wash drum 122 is revolved
or spun at high speeds to wring fluid from the wash articles,
balancing ring assembly 154 helps maintain the balance of weight in
wash drum 122, particularly when the load from articles being
washed is not uniformly distributed. Typically, the level of fluid
placed in wash tub 118 may reach top portion 166 of wash drum 122
but does not rise vertically to the level of balancing ring
assembly 154.
[0032] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control panel 138 with
at least one input selector 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends from top
panel 130. Control panel 138 and input selector 140 collectively
form a user interface input for operator selection of machine
cycles and features of washing appliance 100. A display 142 of
control panel 138 indicates selected features, operation mode, a
countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users
regarding operation.
[0033] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
at least one controller or processing device 146 that is
operatively coupled to control panel 138 for user manipulation to
select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user
manipulation of control panel 138, controller 146 operates the
various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute
selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary
embodiment, controller 146 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 methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 146 may be
constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a
combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such
as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND
gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of
relying upon software. Control panel 138 and other components of
washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with
controller 146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0034] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry
items are loaded into wash drum 122 through opening 126, and
washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of
input selector 140. Water, detergent and/or other fluid additives
can be added to wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 through dispenser
124 and/or other dispensers as well. Controller 146 can operate one
or more valves of washing appliance 100 to provide for filling wash
tub 118 and wash drum 122 to the appropriate level for the amount
of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a
wash mode, once wash drum 122 is properly filled with fluid, the
contents of wash drum 122 can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 136
as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash drum
122. The specific operation of wash appliance 100 by controller 146
will depend on various inputs including the cycle and other
settings that may be selected by the user, the amount of article
placed in wash chamber 120, and other variables as will be
understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed
herein.
[0035] By way of continuing example, after wash tub 118 is filled
and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub
118 and drum 122 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 148.
Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding cleaning fluid
to wash drum 122 and tub 118 again depending on the specifics of
the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation
element 136 may also provide agitation within wash drum 122. One or
more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process.
In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle
and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the
articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash drum 122 is
rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the
laundry articles through perforations 132. After articles disposed
in wash drum 122 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the
articles from wash drum 122, e.g., by reaching into wash drum 122
through opening 126.
[0036] As previously discussed, during normal operations of washing
appliance 100, various materials may be deposited onto the exterior
surface 152 of wash drum 122, which ultimately can leave a film or
residue. Without undesirable disassembly of the washing appliance
100, a user cannot access exterior surface 152 for purposes of
cleaning. In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a
cleaning system for directing a stream of fluid onto exterior
surface 152 to provide cleaning thereof.
[0037] More particularly, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, washing
appliance 100 includes a device, nozzle 160 for this exemplary
embodiment, that directs a stream, jet, or spray S of fluid onto
exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122. As shown for this exemplary
embodiment, nozzle 160 is located in cabinet 104 and outside of
wash drum 122. Nozzle 160 is attached to tub cover 168 at an
opening 198 of wash tub 118 and is positioned and oriented so as to
direct fluid (e.g., water) onto exterior surface 152.
[0038] For this embodiment, nozzle 160 is positioned adjacent to
the balancing ring assembly 154 along lateral direction L and
slightly above the top portion 166 of wash drum 122 along vertical
direction V. In this way, nozzle 160 is able to direct fluid along
the uppermost portion of exterior surface 152. As previously
indicated, the top portion 166 may not normally be submerged
vertically below the level of cleaning fluid used during various
cleaning cycles of the appliance. For example, the top portion 166
of exterior surface 152 may only be submerged during the largest
loads of articles or may only be intermittently exposed to fluids
such as from splashing during various cleaning cycles. Accordingly,
for this exemplary embodiment, nozzle 160 is positioned to direct
fluid at the top portion 166 of wash drum 122 and even at least
part of balancing ring assembly 154 to provide for cleaning
thereof. Other positions and/or orientations for nozzle 160 may
also be utilized.
[0039] Nozzle 160 can be connected with a tube or hose 164 to
provide a flow of fluid F as determined by controller 146
manipulating one or more valves of washing appliance 100. In one
exemplary embodiment, controller 146 provides a supply of fresh
water (i.e. water previously used in a cleaning cycle of the
appliance 100) by opening one or more valves to cause a flow F of
such water through hose 164 and nozzle 160. This flow F could be
part of a special self-cleaning cycle of the appliance 100 or could
be a regular part of one or more cleaning cycles used for washing
articles. In another embodiment, the flow of fluid F may be fluid
recirculated from wash tub 118 during wash or rinse cycles.
Controller 146 can cause wash drum 122 to rotate as the fluid is
directed by nozzle 160 at exterior surface 152 so that the entire
circumference of drum 122 is presented for cleaning. In still
another exemplary embodiment, flow of fluid F could be supplied to
nozzle 160 while fluid is also supplied to another part of the
appliance 100 such as a spray rinse nozzle that provides a rinse to
articles in wash drum 122. Alternatively, a diverter or other
valving could be used to directed a flow of fluid F between nozzle
160 and other portions of the appliance 100 during a cleaning
cycle. Other techniques may be used as well.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, nozzle 160 is
specially shaped to create a jet of water S (FIG. 4) having a
sufficient amount of kinetic energy to remove contamination from
exterior surface 152. More particularly, along the direction of
flow F, fluid passes into an inlet 162 of nozzle 160 followed by a
straight portion 172. This is in turn followed by a non-straight
portion 174 having specially shaped opposing walls 180 and 182. As
shown in FIG. 6, walls 180 and 182 converge along the direction of
flow F and create a fluid flow path 184 therein having an
elliptical cross-section 183 (FIGS. 7 and 8) through which the
fluid flows to exit through outlet 200. The convergent elliptical
cross-section 183 created by walls 180 and 182 creates a stream or
jet of fluid S that is substantially flat in shape and can be
oriented relative to wash drum 122 to increase the width of contact
with exterior surface 152. For example, as best seen in FIG. 4,
nozzle 160 is oriented so that the converging walls 180 and 182 are
opposite from each other along horizontal direction H. This will
provide a substantially vertical stream of fluid so as to increase
the amount of coverage along the vertical direction as exterior
surface 152 rotates past nozzle 160 for cleaning. Other
orientations may be used as well. Additionally, for this exemplary
embodiment, center line C/L of nozzle 160 (FIGS. 4 and 6) forms an
acute angle .alpha. in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees from
vertical direction V. In still another embodiment, center line C/L
of nozzle 160 forms an acute angle .alpha. of about 45 degrees from
vertical direction V. Other angles may be used as well.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, several features are
provided for attaching and orienting nozzle 160 at opening 198 on
wash tub 122. Wash tub cover 168 includes a pair of opposing
fingers 190 and 192 (FIGS. 9 and 10) positioned on opposite sides
of opening 198. Each finger 190 and 192 defines a slot 194 and 196,
respectively, between the finger and cover 168. Nozzle 160 defines
a pair of opposing tabs 176 and 178 position on opposite sides of
nozzle outlet 200.
[0042] As such, nozzle 160 can be rotatably attached to wash tub
122 by positioning nozzle 160 at opening 198 and rotating as
indicated by arrow R in FIG. 9. This movements allows tabs 176 and
178 to slide into slots 194 and 196 and under fingers 190 and 192.
Each tab 176 and 178 has opposing ribs 186 and 188, respectively,
located thereon. As tabs 176 and 178 rotate into position, ribs 186
and 188 are removably received into notches 202 and 204 located on
the underside of fingers 190 and 192 and facing slots 194 and 196
so as to provide a snap fit that releasably locks nozzle 160 into
place. Reversing the direction of rotational movement as indicated
by arrow D allows nozzle 160 to be removed. Other features for the
attachment of nozzle 160 to wash bin 118 may be provided as
well.
[0043] The nozzle illustrated in the figures is provided by way of
example. Other nozzle types and configurations for nozzle 160 may
be employed. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
nozzle that includes fluidic oscillation may be utilized. Such
nozzles, also referred to as fluidic oscillators, create a
self-induced oscillation of the fluid stream (e.g., sweeping or
pulsing) that can cover a larger portion of exterior surface 152
and/or provide a higher velocity fluid stream to the exterior
surface 152.
[0044] 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.
* * * * *