Patent Publication Number: US-9420936-B2

Title: Dishwasher appliance and a spray assembly for the

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to dishwasher appliances and spray assemblies for the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. In particular, certain dishwasher assemblies include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, and/or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwasher appliance. 
     Certain dishwasher appliances include a spray arm for directing wash fluid onto articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwasher appliance. Spray arms are generally rotatably mounted with the wash chamber in order to improve wash fluid coverage of articles within the wash chamber. During rotation, spray arms generally define a circular spray area. However, wash chambers generally have a rectangular or square cross-section. Thus, it can be difficult to direct wash fluid towards corners of the wash chamber with rotating spray arms. 
     To improve wash fluid coverage within the wash chamber&#39;s corners, certain spray arms include outlets directed towards the wash chamber&#39;s corners. However, wash fluid directed out of such outlets can impact the dishwasher appliance&#39;s tub and generate unappealing or undesirable noise. Further, wash fluid directed in such a manner often provides poor or uneven coverage and can lead to inconsistent cleaning of articles located within the wash chamber&#39;s corners. 
     Accordingly, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for improving spray coverage within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance would be useful. In particular, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for improving spray coverage within corners of a wash chamber would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance and a spray assembly for the same. The spray assembly includes a spray body and features for moving the spray body within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. Wash fluid coverage within the wash chamber can be improved by moving the spray body within the wash chamber. 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. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber and a rack assembly slidably positioned within the wash chamber of the tub. The rack assembly is configured for receipt of articles for washing. A spray assembly is mounted within the wash chamber of the tub and is also configured for directing a spray of wash fluid towards the rack assembly. The spray assembly defines a lateral direction. The spray assembly includes a spray body and a pair of links. Each link of the pair of links is rotatably mounted to the tub and the spray body. A crank is configured for rotation about an axis of rotation. A coupler is rotatably mounted to one of the pair of links and the crank such that the coupler extends between and connects the crank and the one of the pair of links. The spray body moves along the lateral direction when the crank rotates about the axis of rotation. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The spray assembly defines a lateral direction and a transverse direction. The spray assembly includes a spray body having a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction. The spray body also has a first transverse side portion and a second transverse side portion spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction. A link is positioned proximate the second transverse side portion of the spray body and is rotatably mounted to the spray body at the second lateral side portion of the spray body. A rocker is positioned proximate the first transverse side portion of the spray body and is rotatably mounted to the spray body at the first lateral side portion of the spray body. A crank is configured for rotation about an axis of rotation. A coupler is rotatably mounted to the rocker and the crank such that the coupler extends between and connects the crank and the rocker. The spray body moves along the lateral direction when the crank rotates about the axis of rotation. 
     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 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  provides a side, partial section view of the dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 1  and reveals a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of a spray assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3  mounted within the wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 5-7  provide plan views of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3  with a spray body of the spray assembly shown in various positions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
       FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.  FIG. 2  provides a side, partial section view of dishwasher appliance  100  and reveals a wash chamber or compartment  106  of dishwasher appliance  100 . Dishwasher appliance  100  defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal directional system. It should be understood that the orientation of the lateral direction L and transverse direction T shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided by way of example only. Thus, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the transverse direction T and lateral direction L may be switch or inverted relative to each other. 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  includes a tub  104  that defines wash compartment  106 . In particular, tub  104  includes a top wall  107  that assists in defining wash compartment  106 . Tub  104  also includes a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which wash compartment  106  is sealed shut, e.g., for washing operation, and an open configuration, e.g., for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , guide rails  126  are mounted on tub side walls  128  and accommodate upper and lower roller-equipped rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . Each of the upper and lower racks assemblies  130 ,  132  is fabricated from lattice structures that include a plurality of wires or elongated members  134 . Each rack assembly  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack assembly is substantially positioned outside the wash compartment  106 , and a refracted position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the rack assembly is located inside the wash compartment  106 . 
     A silverware basket  160  is removably mounted to upper rack assembly  130 . However, silverware basket  160  may also be selectively attached to other portions of dishwasher appliance  100 , e.g., lower rack assembly  132  or door  120 . Silverware rack  160  is configured for receipt of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower racks assemblies  130 ,  132 . 
     The dishwasher appliance  100  further includes a lower spray assembly  144  that is mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash compartment  106  and above a tub sump portion  142  so as to be in relatively close proximity to the lower rack assembly  132 . A mid-level spray assembly  148  is located in an upper region of the wash compartment  106  and may be located in close proximity to upper rack assembly  130 . Additionally, an upper spray assembly  150  is located above the upper rack assembly  130  and mounted to top wall  107  of tub  104 . 
     The lower and mid-level spray assemblies  144 ,  148  and the upper spray assembly  150  are fed by a fluid circulation assembly (not shown) for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly may be located in a machinery compartment  140  located below the bottom sump portion  142  of the tub  104 , as generally recognized in the art. The fluid circulation assembly includes circulation piping  108  that directs water and/or wash fluid to upper spray assembly  150 . 
     Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid onto dishes or other articles located in the upper and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132  and silverware basket  160 . The lower, mid-level, and upper spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , and  150  may be rotatably mounted in wash compartment  106 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the discharge ports in at least the lower spray assembly  144  may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly  144  can provide coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. 
     The dishwasher appliance  100  is further equipped with a controller  137  to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance  100 . Controller  137  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. 
     Controller  137  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, controller  137  is located within a control panel  116  of door  120 . Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom  122  of door  120 . Typically, 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 appliance  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, user interface  136  represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In another exemplary embodiment, user interface  136  includes 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. User interface  136  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface  136  may be in communication with controller  137  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance and that dishwasher appliance  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, the present subject matter may be used in dishwasher appliances having other rack configurations. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a spray assembly  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.  FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of spray assembly  200  mounted within wash compartment  106  of dishwasher appliance  100 . In particular, spray assembly  200  is positioned at a top portion  170  of wash compartment  106 , e.g., such that spray assembly is positioned above upper rack assembly  130  ( FIG. 2 ) along the vertical direction V. However, it should be understood that spray assembly  200  may be utilized as mid-level spray assembly  148  and/or lower spray assembly  144  ( FIG. 2 ) in alternative exemplary embodiments. Further, spray assembly  200  may be utilized in any suitable dishwasher appliance in alternative exemplary embodiments. 
     Spray assembly  200  includes a spray body  210 . Spray body  210  is configured for moving, e.g., linearly, within wash compartment  106  of dishwasher appliance  100 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. In  FIGS. 3 and 4 , spray body  210  is in about the orientation shown in  FIG. 6 . However, it should be understood that spray body  210  can also adjust to the orientations shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7  during motion of spray body  210  within wash compartment  106 . Movement of spray body  210  is discussed in greater detail below. 
     Spray body  210  is configured for receipt of wash fluid and for directing such wash fluid, e.g., towards articles for washing within wash compartment  106 . In particular, spray body  210  defines a plurality of outlets  212  ( FIG. 5 ). Outlets  212  can direct wash fluid out of spray body  210 , e.g., towards upper rack assembly  130  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , spray body  210  has a width W S , e.g., between opposite, transverse sides of spray body  210 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , wash compartment  106  of tub  104  has a width W C , e.g., between opposite, transverse sides of wash compartment  106 . In various exemplary embodiments, width W S  may be about equal to width W C . For example, width W C  may be about ninety-five, ninety, eighty, or seventy-five percent of width W S . Thus, spray body  210  can span across wash compartment  106  of tub  104 , e.g., along the transverse direction T. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , spray body  210  includes a first spray arm  222  and a second spray arm  226 . First and second spray arms  222  and  226  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. First spray arm  222  defines a first set of outlets  224  ( FIG. 5 ). Similarly, second spray arm  226  defines a second set of outlets  228  ( FIG. 5 ). First and second set of outlets  224  and  228  are configured for directing wash fluid out of first and second spray arms  222  and  226 , respectively. 
     Spray assembly  200  also includes a pair of links  230 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , each link of links  230  is rotatably mounted to both tub  104  and spray body  210 . Links  230  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the transverse direction T, such that links  230  are positioned on opposite sides of wash compartment  106  within tub  104 . In particular, each link of links  230  extends between a first end portion  232  and a second end portion  234 . First end portions  232  of links  230  are rotatably mounted to tub  104  at opposite, transverse sides of wash compartment  106  of tub  104 . In addition, second end portions  234  of links  230  are rotatably mounted to spray body  210  at opposite, lateral side portions of spray body  210 . Thus, first end portions  232  of links  230  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the transverse direction T, and second end portions  234  of links  230  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. 
     Spray assembly  200  also includes a crank  270  that is configured for rotation about an axis of rotation R, e.g., that extends along the vertical direction V. In particular, a motor  272  is in mechanical communication with crank  270  and is configured for rotating crank  270  about the axis of rotation R. As an example, crank  270  may be directly mounted to a shaft of motor  272 . As another example, suitable gearing can couple motor  272  and crank  270 , e.g., such that rotational motion of motor  272  is transferred to crank  270 . Motor  272  can rotate crank  270  about the axis of rotation R at any suitable rate, e.g., at about six rotations per minute. 
     A connector or coupler  274  is rotatably mounted to one of links  230  and to crank  270 . Thus, coupler  274  extends between and connects crank  270  and the one of links  230 . Thus, motion of crank  270  can be transferred to the one of links  230  and, in turn, to spray body  210  via coupler  274 . In particular, spray body  210  moves, e.g., linearly, along the lateral direction L when crank  270  rotates about the axis of rotation R as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Wash spray coverage of spray body  210  within wash compartment  106  can be improved because spray body  210  moves along the lateral direction L. In particular, wash compartment  106  of tub  104  extends between a left side portion  166  and a right side portion  168 , e.g., along the lateral direction L, and spray body  210  may be mounted such that spray body  210  moves between left side portion  166  of wash compartment  106  and right side portion  168  of wash compartment  106 , e.g., along lateral direction L. By moving between, left and right side portions  166  and  168 , spray body  210  can apply wash fluid uniformly along the lateral direction L within wash compartment  106  and thereby improve wash fluid coverage within wash compartment  106 . 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, spray assembly  200  may be oriented in any suitable manner within wash compartment  106 . In particular, wash compartment  106  of tub  104  extends between a front portion  162  and a back portion  164 , e.g., along the transverse direction T, and spray body  210  may be mounted such that spray body  210  moves between front portion  162  of wash compartment  106  and back portion  164  of wash compartment  106 , e.g., along transverse direction T. However, as discussed above, the lateral direction L and transverse direction T may be switched or inverted relative to each other. Thus, spray body  210  can move between front and back portions  162  and  164  of wash compartment  106  along the lateral direction L. 
       FIGS. 5-7  provide plan views of spray assembly  200  with spray body  210  of spray assembly  200  shown in various positions. As may be seen in  FIGS. 5-7 , spray body  210  has a first lateral side portion  214  and a second lateral side portion  216 . First and second lateral side portions  214  and  216  are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. Spray body  210  has a length L S , e.g., between first lateral side portion  214  and second lateral side portion  216 . Length L S  can be any suitable distance. For example, length L S  can be greater than about four inches, greater than about five inches, greater than about six inches, or greater than about seven inches. Spray body  210  also has a first transverse side portion  218  and a second transverse side portion  220 . First and second transverse side portions  218  and  220  are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. 
     Links  230  include a water link  236  and a rocker  238 . Water link  236  is positioned proximate or at second transverse side portion  220  of spray body  210 . Further, water link  236  is rotatably mounted to spray body  210  at second lateral side portion  216  of spray body  210 . Conversely, rocker  238  is positioned proximate or at first transverse side portion  218  of spray body  210 , Further, rocker  238  is rotatably mounted to spray body  210  at first lateral side portion  214  of spray body  210 . 
     Water link  236  is configured for supplying wash fluid to spray body  210 . In particular, water link  236  defines a passage  237  therein. Passage  237  of water link  236  is configured for directing a flow of wash fluid into spray body  210 . In turn, outlets  212  of spray body  210  can direct the flow of wash fluid out of spray body  210 . 
     As discussed above, crank  270  is configured for rotation about the axis of rotation R ( FIG. 3 ). Coupler  274  is rotatably mounted to rocker  238  and crank  270  such that coupler  274  extends between and connects crank  270  and rocker  238 . Further, spray body  210  moves along the lateral direction L when crank  270  rotates about the axis of rotation R. 
     In particular, when crank  270  rotates about the axis of rotation R, spray body  210  can move between the various positions shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , For example, from the position shown in  FIG. 5 , motor  272  ( FIG. 3 ) can rotate crank  270 , Rotational motion of crank  270  can move coupler  274  that, in turn, pushes rocker  238  and spray body  210  towards the position shown in  FIG. 6 . Continued rotation of crank  270  can move spray body  210  from the position shown in  FIG. 6  to the position shown in  FIG. 7 . Further, as crank  270  continues to rotate, spray body  210  can return to the position shown in  FIG. 5  from the position shown in  FIG. 7 , Thus, rotation of crank  270  can shift spray body  210  from the position shown in  FIG. 5  to the position shown in  FIG. 7  and vice versa. Such movement of spray body  210  can improve wash fluid coverage within wash compartment  106  as discussed above. 
     Spray assembly  200  also includes a rail  276 , e.g., mounted to tub  104 . Rail  276  extends along the lateral direction L, and spray body  210  is slidably mounted to rail  276 . In particular, spray body  210  includes a carriage  278  that is slidably received within rail  276 . Rail  276  can assist within hindering downward movement of spray body  210 , e.g., along the vertical direction V ( FIG. 3 ), when spray body  210  is full of wash fluid and heavy. Thus, spray body  210  can hang from rail  276 . 
     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.