Dishwasher having valved third-level sprayer

[0001] The present invention relates to dishwashers, and in particular to dishwashers having a large number of wash liquids, controlled independently by means of a valve.

Background [0002] Modern dishwashers include a container and an upper and lower rack or basket for supporting soiled dishes in the container. A pump is provided for circulating the washing liquid in the tank to remove dirt from the dishes. Usually, larger dishes, such as heat-resistant dishes, which tend to get dirty heavily, are placed in the lower rack, and lighter dirty dishes, such as cups and glasses, are placed in the upper rack. These racks are generally shaped to move into or out of a container for loading or unloading.

[0003] One of the problems associated with a typical modern dishwasher is that the inserted dishes are subjected in some sense to the same washing regardless of their position in the rack of the dishwasher. For example, in a typical dishwasher, the lower washing arm rotates about a vertical axis and is located under the lower rack for cleaning dishes on the lower rack, and the upper washing arm is under the upper rack for cleaning dishes on the upper rack. The dishes in the upper rack are subjected in some sense to the same washing process and the dishes in the lower rack are subjected in some sense to the same washing process. Therefore, lightly soiled dishes in both dish rack are subjected to the same washing process as heavily soiled dishes in the same washing rack, which can lead to poorer washing performance for heavily soiled dishes. As a result, it would be beneficial to provide a dishwasher with a second or intensive washing zone for washing larger dishes, such as heat-resistant dishes, which are more exposed to heavy soiling.

[0004] Another problem associated with a modern dishwasher is that in order to obtain optimal washing performance for heavily soiled, larger dishes, it may be necessary to load the dishes with the surface to be washed facing downwards. This approach, in which this surface is facing downwards, allows the lower spray arm to reach a heavily soiled surface. Accordingly, it would be beneficial if the dishwasher was equipped with a second washing zone that would allow loading of heavily soiled dishes in an upright position, which optimizes the number of dishes that can be loaded into the dishwasher in any given cycle. Finally, it would also be beneficial if the dishwasher enabled the washing cycle option according to customer requirements which would optimize the use of the second washing zone.

[0005] In addition, in the case of variable load sizes, the type of dishes to be washed (e.g. dinner plates or saucepans for cooking), and the arrangement of dishes, modern dishwashers using a shower assembly with two or three arms, can supply washing liquid to the empty zones of the dishwasher, can lead unsuitable washing liquid to the loaded zones, and do not provide adequate control of the supply of washing liquid to specific zones or components in order to optimize the cleaning of dishes. If the dishwasher is provided with an increased number of spray washing systems, it is desirable to have a plurality of washing liquid valves that can be adjusted independently to selectively supply washing liquid to predetermined zones or components.

[0006] WO 00/22973 A discloses an automatic dishwasher according to the preamble of the attached claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] An automatic dishwasher comprises a reservoir defining a chamber for inserting the dishes to be washed and having an open front surface through which access to the washing chamber is provided, doors movable selectively between open and closed positions, for selective closing the open front surface when the door is in the closed position and the washing liquid supply system comprising the first, second and third wash liquids that supply wash liquid to the wash chamber wherein the supply of wash liquid to the third wash liquid supply is selectively independent of the wash liquid supply for the first and second wash liquid supplies. The first and second supplies of washing liquid may be in fluid communication with each other. The wash liquid supply system may further include a valve for selectively controlling the supply of wash liquid to the third wash liquid supply.

[0008] The washing tank may be divided into three washing zones, with each first, second and third wash liquid supply supplying the wash liquid to another wash zone. Washing zones can be vertically separated. A third wash liquid supply can supply the wash liquid to the highest wash zone.

[0009] The automatic dishwasher may further comprise an upper and a lower basket for holding dishes, in which the highest washing zone supplies the washing liquid to the upper part of the upper basket.

[0010] A third wash liquid supply may include an arm spray assembly for directing a spray of wash liquid into the wash chamber. The third wash liquid supply may further include an auxiliary arm spray assembly in which the valve selectively regulates the flow of wash liquid to the arm spray assembly and the auxiliary arm spray assembly. The spray arm assembly may be located near the upper surface of the washing chamber, or near the front of the washing chamber.

[0011] The third wash liquid supply may further include an auxiliary washing aid dispenser in which the valve selectively regulates the flow of washing liquid to the spray arm assembly and the auxiliary washing aid dispenser. The auxiliary washing aid dispenser may be removable from the third washing liquid supply to allow filling of the auxiliary washing aid dispenser and may include a supply pipe that is in fluid communication with one of the first and second washing liquid supplies for dispensing therefrom. washing aid. [0012] One of the first and second wash liquid inlets may include at least one wall mounted spray manifold and a feed tube of an auxiliary washing aid dispenser that is in fluid communication with at least one spray manifold such that the wash liquid from the washing aid dispenser is dispensed through the spray manifold. The operation of the valve may cut off the third wash liquid supply from the first and second wash liquid supplies.

[0013] The first wash liquid supply may include a spray arm assembly located at the bottom of the washing chamber, the second wash liquid supply may include a second spray arm assembly located in the middle of the wash chamber, and the third wash liquid supply may include a third spray arm assembly located at the top of the wash chamber and the wash liquid supply to the third spray arm assembly may be selectively controlled independently of the first and second spray arm units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, [0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher having an interior with a plurality of washing zones in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in Figure 1 showing the tank mounted dish racks, upper and lower spray arm assembly, shower manifold and third level shower assembly having a control valve such as contemplated in the present invention .

[0016] Figure 3 is a plan view of the spray manifold in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4A is a schematic view of a first position of the valve for selectively diverting the wash liquid to the supply pipe, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4B is a schematic view of a second position of the valve for selectively diverting the wash liquid to the spray manifold in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a valve and actuator device as contemplated by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the internal components of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1, including a third level control valve.

[0021] Figure 7A is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a third level sprayer assembly controlled by a valve, including an auxiliary shower unit, with the valve in position for supplying wash liquid to the third level shower assembly.

[0022] Figure 7B is a schematic view identical to Figure 7A, except that the valve is in the position for supplying wash liquid to the auxiliary spray assembly.

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment showing an auxiliary spray assembly located near the front of the washing chamber.

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the internal components of a dishwasher with a third embodiment of a third level spray assembly controlled by a valve comprising an auxiliary detergent dispenser for supply to the spray manifold.

[0025] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the auxiliary detergent dispenser and parts of its fluid connection to the spray manifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION [0026] Referring now to drawings in which similar numbers indicate similar elements in views, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher 10 with multiple washing zones according to the present invention. In the embodiment generally shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dishwasher 10 comprises several elements located in a conventional dishwasher together with an internal tank 12 having an upper wall 13, a bottom wall 14, two side walls 15, 16, front wall 17 and a rear wall 18 that forms the interior of the washing chamber or the space for washing dishes. The front wall 17 can be replaced with an opening 11 that can be selectively closed with a door 20 that can be pivotally attached to the dishwasher 10, providing access to the space for washing dishes for loading and unloading of dishes or other items suitable for washing. Although the present invention is described in terms of a conventional dishwashing machine as illustrated in Figure 1, it can also be implemented in other types of dishwashing devices, such as built-in dishwashers or drawer dishwashers.

[0027] The bottom wall 14 of the dishwasher may be inclined to define the bottom area of ​​the tank or the sump 20 of the tank 12. A pumping assembly 21 may be arranged in or around the bottom part of the bottom wall 14, and in fluid communication with the sump 20 in to pump the washing liquid out of the sump 20 and to pump the liquid to at least the lower spray arm assembly 22. If the dishwasher has a middle level arm spray assembly 23 and / or an upper arm spray assembly 24, the liquid may be selectively pumped to assemblies 22-24 for selective washing through a fluid-connected lower supply pipe 25 and upper supply pipe 58.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the lower supply pipe 25 generally extends backwards from the pumping assembly 21 to the rear wall 18 of the tank and upwards to supply wash liquid to the middle level arm spray assembly 23. The upper feed pipe 58 extends generally upward from the lower feed pipe 25 to supply wash liquid to the upper spray arm assembly 24. The upper spray arm assembly 24 is in fluid communication with the upper supply pipe 58 through the upper wall spray pipe 60, which extends generally along and parallel to the upper wall 13.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, the lower arm spray assembly 22 is positioned below the lower dish rack 26, the middle level arm spray assembly 23 is positioned between the upper dish rack 27 and the lower dish rack 26 and the upper arm assembly shower 24 is positioned above the upper rack 27. As is usually the case in a conventional dishwasher, the lower spray arm assembly 22 is configured to rotate in the tank 12 and spray the wash liquid generally upwards over a portion of the interior of the tank 12. The spray from the lower spray arm assembly 22 is usually directed to ensure washing for dishes placed in the lower dish rack 26. Like the lower arm spray assembly 22, the middle level arm spray assembly 23 may also be configured to rotate in the dishwasher 10 and spray the wash liquid generally upwardly over the portion of the interior of the tank 12. In this case, spraying from the middle tier arm spray assembly 23 is directed to the vessels in the upper vessel rack 27. Typically, the upper spray arm assembly 24 generally directs the wash water stream generally downward and helps wash the dishes in both dish racks 26, 27.

[0030] The spraying of the washing liquid from the lower spray arm assembly 22 defines a first "washing zone" 50 which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, extends generally upward from the lower spray arm assembly 22 to an area extending slightly above the lower rack 26 for dishes. Spraying the washing liquid from the middle level arm spray assembly 23 defines a second "washing zone" 52, which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, extends generally upward from the middle level arm spray assembly 23 to an area of ​​generally equal reach with the upper rack 27 for dishes. Spraying the washing liquid from the upper spray arm assembly 24 defines a third "washing zone" 54 which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, extends generally downward from the upper spray arm assembly 24 to an area of ​​equal reach with the upper rack 27 for dishes.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the conventional spray arm washing units described above, the present invention further includes a fourth "wash zone", or more specifically, an intensive wash zone 28. Although in the exemplary embodiment, the intensive wash zone 28 is located adjacent lower rack 27 towards the rear of tank 12, it could be located virtually anywhere within the interior of tank 12. The intensive washing zone 28 has been constructed to allow washing with a traditional spray arm as well as additional concentrated washing for heavily soiled dishes, such as heat-resistant dishes. Thus, a dishwasher having such a zone will not only provide better washing performance for heavily soiled dishes, but will provide an overall improvement in washing efficiency.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 3, the intensive washing zone 28 is obtained by selectively deflecting the washing liquid from the upper spray arm assemblies (23, 24) towards an upright spray manifold 29 located on the rear wall 18 of the inner tank 12 adjacent to the lower rack 26 for dishes. In this way, the washing liquid stream is directed from the collector 29 towards the lower dish rack 26, thus defining the intensive washing zone 28. As can be understood by a person skilled in the art, the spray collector 29 is not limited to this configuration; the shower manifold 29 may instead be located in virtually any part of the interior of the tank 12. For example, the collector 29 could be moved vertically up along any portion of the wash liquid supply pipe 25 such as a location adjacent to the upper dish rack 27. Alternatively, the collector 29 may be located under the lower dish rack 26 adjacent to or below the lower arm washing assembly 22. The illustrated configuration of the spray manifold 29 allows loading of heat-resistant dishes in an upright position to maximize or optimize the number of dishes that can be loaded in any given cycle.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, the spray manifold 29 is in fluid communication with the wash liquid supply pipe 25 so that the wash liquid can be selectively fed to the collector 29. The collector 29 is configured to have two symmetrically opposite halves (31, 32) located on opposite sides of the supply pipe 25, each half being configured to selectively receive washing liquid pumped through the supply pipe 25. Each half (31, 32) of the collector 29 has a plurality of openings 30 configured to spray wash liquid into the washing zone 28. In addition, each collector half 29 is configured to have one or more channels 33 for supplying wash liquid from the pipe supply 25 to holes 30. As one skilled in the art can realize, the washing liquid pumped through the supply pipe 25 will be under pressure when passing through the channel 33 and the outlet openings 30, thereby creating an intensive washing zone 28.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, each half (31, 32) of the spray manifold 29 includes two substantially circular nozzles (34, 35) having a plurality of openings 30, arranged in a substantially circular arrangement. Each opening 30 has a substantially oval shape and can be selectively set at a predetermined angle relative to the nozzle or to the spray manifold 29. The shower manifold 29 can also extend across almost any width of the interior of the washing tank 12, or it can be limited to extending from one side of the supply pipe 25. In addition, the number of nozzles (34, 35) can be selectively changed, as well as the height and the location of each nozzle. In addition, the shape, size, angle, arrangement and number of openings 30 in the collector 29 can be changed to provide a more concentrated wash zone. For example, the collector 29 can be configured not only to provide water flow to a particular zone, but the collector can also be configured to provide a higher water flow.

[0035] As shown generally in Figure 3, and especially in Figures 4a and 4b, a valve 40 may be provided for selectively diverting the washing liquid from the upper assemblies (23, 24) of the spray arm to the spray manifold 29. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve 40 is a magnetically operated distributor valve located in the supply pipe 25 and is configured to direct the wash liquid stream either through the supply pipe 25 so that it can flow to the upper spray arm assemblies or through the spray manifold so that he can reach the intensive washing zone 28. As one skilled in the art can understand, this valve could also be designed to selectively divert water from the lower spray arm.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, the valve 40 includes a housing 43 and two redirection objects, such as magnetic balls 41, 42, preferably having a ferrite core disposed within the housing and configured to be magnetically moved between the first position shown in Figure 4a and the second position shown in Figure 4b. In the first position, the redirection objects 41, 42 are magnetically positioned so that they essentially block the channel 33 connected to both spray collector halves 31, 32. In this way, the washing liquid is prevented from entering the collector and is forced out through the supply pipe 25 towards the middle level and the upper spray arm assemblies. In the second position, the diversion objects 41, 42 are magnetically positioned such that they substantially block the supply pipe 25, thereby allowing the washing liquid to enter both collector halves through the channel 33. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates a distribution valve using a plurality of magnetic objects, such as magnetic balls, to divert wash water between the upper spray arms and the manifold 29, while a person skilled in the art will recognize that a flap valve arrangement, wedges or other can also be used known mechanisms for redirecting water.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the actuation device 44 is located outside the housing 43 and behind the tank 12 to magnetically move objects from the first position to the second position and vice versa. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator 44 includes a magnet with sufficient force to magnetically maneuver objects (41, 42) to be diverted. It should be assumed that the magnet could be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet or any other type of magnet configured to move objects for diversion. The actuator 44 can be configured to be mounted on the outside 46 of the tank 12 in various configurations and can be configured to be connected to the control panel of the dishwasher (not shown) and controlled by it or by means of cooperating washing programs with dishwasher 10. It should be assumed that in order to take advantage of the intensive washing zone, the dishwasher could be configured with customer-specific washing cycle options that ensure the zone is started at optimal cycle intervals.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, a second, independently controllable valve 56 fluidly connects the upper wall supply pipe 60 to the upper spray arm 24 for regulating the flow of wash liquid in the upper wall pipe 60 to the upper spray arm 24. The valve 56 may be a valve of any suitable type, including, for example, a ball valve configured and controlled as described previously, or a suitable arrangement of flap valves, wedges or solenoid valves. The type of valve used is not important to the invention.

[0039] Although the upper wall supply pipe 60 may have any suitable shape, as illustrated in Figures 6-8, but it has a relatively thin cross section and is divided into two different fluid supply pipes 57, 59 that feed the opposite spray orifice assemblies 61, 63, respectively, in the upper spray arm assembly 24.

[0040] In the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the valve is capable of operating between the open position and the closed position. In the open position, the washing liquid flows freely from the upper wall supply pipe 60 to the upper spray arm assembly 24, and flows out of the opposite hole assemblies 61, 63. Preferably, the operation of the valve 56 is controlled by a dishwasher regulator to allow selective spraying of the washing liquid through the upper spray arm assembly 24.

[0041] Interrupting the flow to the upper arm spray assembly 24 by closing the valve 56 will usually result in increasing the pressure of the washing liquid flowing to the lower arm spray assembly 22 and the middle level arm spray assembly 23.

[0042] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a second embodiment of an upper spray arm adjustable by means of a valve, which includes an auxiliary spray arm 64 connected to the valve 56 by an auxiliary supply pipe. The valve 56 operates between the first position in which the washing liquid flows to the upper spray arm assembly 24 (Figure 7A) and the second position in which the washing liquid is diverted from the upper spray arm assembly 24 to the auxiliary supply pipe 62 to the auxiliary spray assembly 64 (Figure 7B) located, for illustrative purposes, in the front of the washing chamber 19 adjacent to the opening 11 (Figure 8).

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, this spray assembly 64 can be adapted to intensively clean heavily soiled dishes adjacent to the door 20 in the upper rack. Alternatively, spray assembly 64 may be disposed adjacent to the cutlery container to intensify washing of the cutlery (not shown) or adjacent to the detergent dispenser or rinse aid to intensify the detergent or rinse aid dispensing (not shown). Spray assembly 64 may be adapted to direct the spray of washing liquid into a specific zone in the washing chamber 19 to intensify the performance of the dishwasher 10 with respect to that zone.

[0044] In the third embodiment, illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the valve 56 fluidly connects the supply pipe 60 in the upper wall either to the upper spray arm assembly 24 or to the auxiliary dispenser 70. This configuration can divert washing liquid from the upper spray arm assembly 24 to an auxiliary dispenser 70, which is intended to store an auxiliary washing agent, such as, for example, a detergent. When the auxiliary dispenser 70 contains detergent, the diversion of the washing liquid through the auxiliary dispenser may provide an additional concentration of detergent during the pre-selected washing cycle for the appropriate zone in the washing chamber 19 or to increase the concentration of detergent in the washing liquid for heavily soiled dishes or during selected washing cycle.

[0045] As illustrated, the valve 56 can operate in that it supplies a wash liquid to the dispenser 70. Then, the wash liquid having an increased concentration of detergent can be directed to a pre-selected location. For example, the valve 56 may divert the wash liquid from the upper spray arm assembly 24 through the secondary wash liquid supply pipe 72 to the spray manifold 29, as illustrated in Figure 9. The outflow of liquid from the spray manifold 29 will create a washing zone with concentrated washing liquid. Alternatively, the wash liquid auxiliary pipe 72 could be coupled to any other general or specialized spray arm assembly, or one or more spray collectors may be arranged to direct spray of wash liquid to any suitable wash zone.

[0046] The auxiliary dispenser 70 is located near the front of the washing chamber and removably mounted so that the user can easily access the auxiliary dispenser 70 to fill it, if necessary, with the washing aid. It is believed that the sub-dispenser 70 will be slidably mounted on the open ends of the high-wall feed pipe 60 and the sub-pipe 72.

[0047] Depending on the use of the deflected washing water, the valve 56 may be controlled as a regular two-position valve or a valve that is controlled to supply wash water to the upper spray arm assembly 24 during the first pre-selected cycle and to the position an alternative, such as the auxiliary detergent dispenser 70, during the second pre-selected cycle, again providing wash water to the upper spray arm assembly 24 during a third pre-selected cycle, such as a rinse cycle.

[0048] The above detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. His intention is not to exhaust all possibilities or limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations have been discussed above, and others will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above description.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Proxy:

33P25814PL00

EP 1 676 520 B1