Patent Description:
Dishwashers are a ubiquitous household appliance, which serve a very useful function of washing dirty dishes, relieving the consumer of an undesirable household task. Most dishwashers have a heated drying phase where the treating chamber holding the dishes is heated to evaporate water remaining on the dishes. During the heated drying phase, warm, moisture-laden air is expelled from the treating chamber, and often has the appearance of steam, fog, water vapor, etc., which can be concerning to some consumers. Thus, the visual appearance to the consumer of the moisture-laden air is undesirable and dishwashers often process the moisture-laden air within the dishwasher or control its venting from the dishwasher to conceal or reduce the visual impact, or eliminate the moisture-laden air altogether by passing the moisture-laden air through condensers. Prior art document <CIT> discloses a dishwasher having a water tank installed separately from the washing tub, a blower connected to an upper portion of the water tank to discharge air, a drain pipe connected to the water tank and to a drain pipe of the dishwasher, and an air inflow pipe attached to the water tank to introduce outside air into the dishwasher.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating a dishwasher as a humidifier, the method comprising in response to an input indicating a humidifying cycle of operation, implementing the humidifying cycle of operation by generating moisture-laden air within a treating chamber of the dishwasher, and emitting the generated moisture-laden air to an exterior surrounding the dishwasher, without the simultaneous implementation of a dish treating cycle of operation.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a dishwasher for treating dishes according to a dish treating cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a door assembly for selectively closing the treating chamber, a water supply system fluidly coupling a household water supply to the treating chamber, a ventilation system for exhausting moisture-laden air from the treating chamber, a controller located within the dishwasher housing, wherein the controller includes information related to a humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle of operation, and a receiver located within the housing and in communication with the controller, wherein the receiver receives a humidity signal indicative of a humidity level of an environment exterior of the dishwasher, wherein the controller selectively operates the humidifying cycle of the dishwasher in response to the humidity signal received by the receiver and communicated to the controller.

<FIG> illustrates a household appliance as an automatic dishwasher <NUM> capable of implementing a dish treating cycle of operation or a humidifying cycle of operation. The dish treating cycle of operation and the humidifying cycle of operation can be automatic cycles performed by the dishwasher <NUM>. The humidifying cycle of operation can be implemented by a user selecting a corresponding cycle input, with the selection being local, such as selecting a cycle input on a user interface of the dishwasher, or it can be remotely selected, such as by the user selecting a cycle on an electronic device, such as a smart phone or table, which communicates, typically wirelessly, with the dishwasher. The humidifying cycle of operation can also be implemented by a sensor input to the dishwasher. The sensor can be part of the dishwasher or can be a remote sensor, which can remotely communicate with the dishwasher, such as by WI-FI, Bluetooth, etc. A possible remote sensor is a household HVAC controller having a humidity sensor.

As used in this description, the term "dish(es)" is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher <NUM>, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. As illustrated, the dishwasher <NUM> is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, for example.

The dishwasher <NUM> has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation of treating dishes or the automatic cycle of humidification. A chassis is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation of treating dishes or the automatic cycle of humidification. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis includes a frame in the form of a base <NUM> on which is supported an open-faced tub <NUM>, which at least partially defines a treating chamber <NUM>, having an open face <NUM>, for receiving the dishes. A closure in the form of a door assembly <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the base <NUM> for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. Thus, the door assembly <NUM> provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber <NUM> for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items. While illustrated as a single panel, multiple parts can together define the door assembly <NUM>.

An opening assembly <NUM> can be used to push or release the door assembly <NUM> into an at least partially open position. When at least partially open the treating chamber <NUM> is fluidly coupled to an exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. The opening assembly <NUM> can automatically open the door assembly <NUM>, maybe slightly ajar, during or at the conclusion of the dish treating cycle of operation or the humidifying cycle of operation.

The chassis, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher <NUM>, like the tub <NUM> and the door assembly <NUM>, in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base <NUM>, with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame to which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations, like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles.

The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, can include dish holding system <NUM>, spray system <NUM>, recirculation system <NUM>, drain system <NUM>, water supply system <NUM>, drying system <NUM>, water heating assembly <NUM>, filter system <NUM>, and venting system <NUM>. These systems are used to implement the dish treating cycle of operation.

The water supply system <NUM>, the water heating assembly <NUM>, and the venting system <NUM> can be collectively controlled to function as a humidifier assembly <NUM>.

The humidifying cycle of operation or the dish treating cycle of operation can include automatic cycles performed by the dishwasher <NUM>. The dish treating cycle of operation includes at least a basic traditional automatic wash cycle. The humidifying cycle of operation includes at least a basic automatic humidification cycle where the basic automatic humidification cycle can be implemented by a user selecting a cycle or by a sensor input provided to the dishwasher <NUM>.

A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The wash phases and rinse phases can include the heating of the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination.

The basic automatic humidification cycle includes generating moisture-laden air within the treating chamber <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. The moisture-laden air can be generated by heating liquid. Once generated, the moisture-laden air is vented to the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> via the venting system <NUM>, which optionally includes an automatic door opener. The humidifying cycle of operation can be any one of many humidifying cycles of operation. The humidifying cycles can differ, for example, in duration or volume of moisture-laden air exhausted to the exterior <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> can also be included in the dishwasher <NUM> and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher <NUM> to implement the cycle of operation. The controller <NUM> can be located within the door assembly <NUM> as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis. The controller <NUM> can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface <NUM> for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface <NUM> can include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a dish treating cycle of operation or humidification cycle of operation, to the controller <NUM> and receive information.

At least one local humidity sensor <NUM> can be coupled to the dishwasher <NUM>. While the location of the humidity system can vary, it is contemplated that it can be located at the base <NUM>, the tub <NUM>, or the door assembly <NUM>. The at least one local humidity sensor <NUM> can be used to sense one or both of the ambient air surrounding the dishwasher or the moisture-laden air emitted from the dishwasher, although most likely being used to sense the moisture of the ambient air. The at least one local humidity sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the controller <NUM> via a wired or wireless connection.

Additionally, or alternatively, at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> can be separate or remote from the dishwasher <NUM>. The at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the controller <NUM> via a wired or wireless connection, although most likely wireless. That is, the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> can communicate with the controller <NUM> using, for example, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), WiMax, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless signal, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), <NUM> wireless signal, <NUM> wireless signal, <NUM> wireless signal, Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal, Ethernet, or any combinations thereof. It will also be understood that the particular type or mode of wired or wireless communication is not critical to this invention, and later-developed wired or wireless networks or communications are certainly contemplated as within the scope of this invention.

The user interface <NUM> can include a humidity cycle selector <NUM>. While illustrated as a single input/output, the humidity cycle selector <NUM> can include any number of input and output portions at or adjacent the user interface <NUM>.

The dish holding system <NUM> can include any suitable structure for holding dishes within the treating chamber <NUM>. Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of upper dish racks <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM>, commonly referred to as "racks", which are located within or moveably received by the treating chamber <NUM>. The upper dish racks <NUM> and the lower dish rack <NUM> are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber <NUM> through the open face <NUM> for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer guides/slides/rails <NUM> are typically used to slidably mount the upper dish rack <NUM> to the tub <NUM>. The lower dish rack <NUM> typically has wheels or rollers <NUM> that roll along rails formed in sidewalls of the tub <NUM> and onto the door assembly <NUM>, when the door assembly <NUM> is in the opened position.

Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third level rack <NUM> located above the upper dish rack <NUM>. Like the upper dish rack <NUM>, the third level rack <NUM> is slidably mounted to the tub <NUM> with drawer guides/slides/rails <NUM> and movably received within the treating chamber <NUM>. The third level rack <NUM> is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third level rack <NUM> is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack, it can be washed in the third level rack <NUM>. The third level rack <NUM> generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>. Typically, the height of the third level rack is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack <NUM> and the third level rack <NUM> still slide into the treating chamber <NUM>.

Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks <NUM>, <NUM> or mounted to the door assembly <NUM>. The silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack <NUM>.

A dispenser assembly <NUM> is provided to dispense treating chemistry, e.g. detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber <NUM> during the dish treating cycle of operation. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can be mounted on an inner surface of the door assembly <NUM>, as shown, or can be located at other positions within the chassis. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can be a single-use dispenser or a bulk dispenser, or a combination of both.

The venting system <NUM> fluidly couples the treating chamber <NUM> and the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. As illustrated, by way of example, the venting system <NUM> can include an inlet <NUM> at the door assembly <NUM> that is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet illustrated as a vent <NUM>. One or more conduits <NUM> can couple the inlet <NUM> and the outlets or the vents <NUM>. It is also contemplated that within the conduit is an exhaust fan <NUM>. While illustrated in the conduit <NUM>, it is contemplated that the exhaust fan <NUM> can be any number of exhaust fans located in or fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM>.

While illustrated at a side portion of the door assembly <NUM>, it is contemplated that the vent <NUM> can be located at a front side <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the venting system <NUM> can include any number of inlet or outlet vents located at the door assembly <NUM> or other portion(s) of the base <NUM> or tub <NUM>. For example, since a substantial portion of the door assembly <NUM> tends to be hollow, the vent <NUM> can be located along all or portions of the bottom edge of the door assembly <NUM>, where the vent <NUM> is not seen by the user.

The inlet <NUM> or the vent <NUM> can be selectively opened, closed, or partially opened. The selection of opened, closed, or partially opened of the inlet <NUM> or the vent <NUM> can be independently controlled or align with the activation or deactivation of the fan <NUM>. Optionally, flow directors can be located at the inlet <NUM> or the vent <NUM>. The flow directors can be fixed or movable.

Optionally, the venting system <NUM> can include one or more conduits <NUM>. The one or more conduits <NUM> can fluidly couple the treating chamber <NUM> to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system <NUM>, a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), a heat exchanger, or other household or business duct work. That is, the one or more conduits <NUM> of the venting system <NUM> can fluidly couple the treating chamber <NUM> to the exterior <NUM> of dishwasher <NUM> via, for example, one or more registers <NUM> in the HVAC system <NUM>.

The venting system <NUM> can include any number of inlets <NUM>, outlets or vents <NUM>, flow directors, conduits, fans, impellers, heat exchangers, or valve systems to control or promote the ventilation of moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> to the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. Portions of the venting system <NUM>, such as the inlet <NUM>, outlet(s) or vent <NUM>, flow directors, conduits fans, impellers, heat exchangers, valve systems, can be located in the door assembly <NUM>, the tub <NUM>, the base <NUM>, or treating chamber <NUM>.

The venting system <NUM> can optionally include the opening assembly <NUM> that can automatically open the door assembly <NUM> to fluidly couple the treating chamber <NUM> and the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the spray system <NUM> is provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber <NUM> and can have multiple spray assemblies or sprayers, some of which can be dedicated to a particular one of the dish holders, to particular area of a dish holder, to a particular type of cleaning, or to a particular level of cleaning, etc. The sprayers can be fixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber <NUM> or dish holder. Six exemplary sprayers are illustrated and include, an upper spray arm <NUM>, a lower spray arm <NUM>, a third level sprayer <NUM>, a deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, and a spot sprayer <NUM>. The upper spray arm <NUM> and lower spray arm <NUM> are illustrated as rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish rack <NUM> and the lower dish rack <NUM>, respectively, and rotate about a generally centrally located and vertical axis. However, it is contemplated that the upper spray arm <NUM> or the lower spray arm <NUM> can be fixed. The third level sprayer <NUM> is located above the third level rack <NUM>. The third level sprayer <NUM> is illustrated as being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. In addition to the third level sprayer <NUM> or in place of the third level sprayer <NUM>, a sprayer <NUM>, illustrated as a stationary sprayer, can be located at least in part below a portion of the third level rack <NUM>. The sprayer <NUM> is illustrated as a having a fixed or stationary sprayer housing or tube, carried by the third level rack <NUM>, but the sprayer housing or tube could move, such as, but not limited to, rotating about a longitudinal axis.

The deep-clean sprayer <NUM> is a manifold extending along a rear wall of the tub <NUM> and has multiple nozzles <NUM>, with multiple apertures, generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upper spray arm <NUM>, the lower spray arm <NUM>, or the third level sprayer <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM> can be fixed or move, such as in rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer <NUM> defines a deep clean zone, which, as illustrated, would like along a rear side of the lower dish rack <NUM>. Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be located in the lower dish rack <NUM> to face the deep-clean sprayer <NUM>. The deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, while illustrated as only one unit on a rear wall of the tub <NUM> could comprises multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub <NUM>, and can be provide above, below or beside any of the dish holders with deep-cleaning is desired.

The spot sprayer <NUM>, like the deep-clean sprayer, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders. While the spot sprayer <NUM> is shown below the lower dish rack <NUM>, it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder or along any wall of the tub where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack <NUM>, the spot sprayer can be used independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm <NUM>. The spot sprayer <NUM> can be fixed or can move, such as in rotating.

These six sprayers are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers.

The recirculation system <NUM> recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber <NUM> by the sprayers of the spray system <NUM> back to the sprayers to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders. The recirculation system <NUM> can include a sump <NUM> and a pump assembly <NUM>. The sump <NUM> collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber <NUM> and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub <NUM>. The pump assembly <NUM> can include one or more pumps such as recirculation pump <NUM>. The sump <NUM> can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom wall and include the pump assembly <NUM>. The recirculation system <NUM> can be active during the dish treating cycles of operation. That is, the recirculation system <NUM> provides liquid sprayed into the treating chamber <NUM> by the sprayers of the spray system <NUM> back to the sprayers. However, during the humifying cycle(s) of operation, it is contemplated that portions the recirculation system <NUM> are inactive. That is, for example, while water is supplied to the sump <NUM> via a portion of the recirculation system <NUM> to maintain a proper fluid level for the humidifying cycle of operation, the liquid in the sump <NUM> is not returned to one or more portions of the spray system <NUM>. During the humidifying cycle of operation, since there is no need to treat dishes, there is no reason to run the recirculation system <NUM> and waste the consumed energy.

Multiple supply conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly couple the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. A recirculation valve <NUM> can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits <NUM>-<NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. While each sprayer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit <NUM>-<NUM> one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit for each sprayer. For example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm <NUM> and the third level sprayer <NUM>. Another example is that the sprayer <NUM> is supplied liquid by the conduit <NUM>, which also supplies the third level sprayer <NUM>.

The recirculation valve <NUM>, while illustrated as a single valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of the conduits can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM>, while one or more of the other conduits can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump with one or more valves.

The water heating assembly <NUM> can include an inline heater <NUM> or a heating element <NUM>. While illustrated as having both the inline heater <NUM> and the heating element <NUM>, it is contemplated that the water heating assembly <NUM> can include any number of heating or elements, including just one of the inline heater <NUM> or the heating element <NUM>.

The inline heater <NUM> is illustrated as downstream of the recirculation pump <NUM> and upstream of the recirculation valve <NUM>. The inline heater <NUM> can heat liquid flowing through the inline heater <NUM> to provide heated liquid to the treating chamber <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, for the humidifying cycle of operation, the flowrate of the liquid supplied to the inline heater <NUM> can be controlled such that in addition to hot water, the inline heater <NUM> can provide water vapor or steam in the form of moisture-laden air to the treating chamber <NUM>. It is contemplated that the inline heater <NUM> can be multiple heating assemblies located in one or more portions of the recirculation system <NUM> or the water supply system <NUM>.

There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the inline heater <NUM> and the recirculation system <NUM> or the spray system <NUM>. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.

The heating element <NUM> is illustrated as a submersible heater or immersion heater, that is illustrated, by example as located in the sump <NUM> of the treating chamber <NUM>. It is contemplated that the heating element <NUM> can be one or more heating elements located in the treating chamber <NUM>.

A drain system <NUM> drains liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>. The drain system <NUM> includes a drain pump <NUM> fluidly coupled the treating chamber <NUM> to a drain line <NUM>. As illustrated the drain pump <NUM> fluidly couples the sump <NUM> to the drain line <NUM>.

While separate recirculation and drain pumps <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions. Alternatively, the drain pump <NUM> can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump <NUM>. When both a recirculation pump <NUM> and drain pump <NUM> are used, the drain pump <NUM> is typically more robust than the recirculation pump <NUM> as the drain pump <NUM> tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump <NUM>, unlike the recirculation pump <NUM>, which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and soils filtered away to some extent.

A water supply system <NUM> is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher <NUM> from a household water supply via a household water valve <NUM>. The water supply system <NUM> includes a water supply unit <NUM> having a water supply conduit <NUM> with a siphon break <NUM>. While the water supply conduit <NUM> can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub <NUM> or any other portion of the dishwasher <NUM>, the water supply conduit is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank <NUM>, which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply tank <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the sump <NUM> by a supply line <NUM>, which can include a controllable valve <NUM> to control when water is released from the supply tank <NUM> to the sump <NUM>.

The supply tank <NUM> can be conveniently sized to store a predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the dish treating cycle of operation or humidifying cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a "charge" of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank <NUM> prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank <NUM> can be "treated" in some manner, such as softening or heating prior to use.

A water softener <NUM> is provided with the water supply system <NUM> to soften the fresh water. The water softener <NUM> is shown fluidly coupling the water supply conduit <NUM> to the supply tank <NUM> so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water softener <NUM> on the way to the supply tank <NUM>. However, the water softener <NUM> could directly supply the water to any other part of the dishwasher <NUM> than the supply tank <NUM>, including directly supplying the tub <NUM>. Alternatively, the water softener <NUM> can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank <NUM>, such as in-line with the supply line <NUM>. Wherever the water softener <NUM> is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the use of the water softener <NUM> is controllable and not mandatory.

A drying system <NUM> is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The drying system as illustrated includes a condensing assembly <NUM> having a condenser <NUM> formed of a serpentine conduit <NUM> with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub <NUM> and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub <NUM>, whereby moisture-laden air within the tub <NUM> is drawn from the upper portion of the tub <NUM>, passed through the serpentine conduit <NUM>, where liquid condenses out of the moisture-laden air and is returned to the treating chamber <NUM> where it ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump <NUM>. The serpentine conduit <NUM> can be operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration.

To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM> and the moisture-laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM> or the surrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank <NUM> is added to the condensing assembly <NUM>, with the serpentine conduit <NUM> being located within the cooling tank <NUM>. The cooling tank <NUM> is fluidly coupled to at least one of the spray system <NUM>, recirculation system <NUM>, drain system <NUM> or water supply system <NUM> such that liquid can be supplied to the cooling tank <NUM>. The liquid provided to the cooling tank <NUM> from any of the systems <NUM>-<NUM> can be selected by source and/or by phase of dish treating cycles of operation such that the liquid is at a lower temperature than the moisture-laden air or even lower than the ambient air.

As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank <NUM> by the drain system <NUM>. A valve <NUM> fluidly connects the drain line <NUM> to a supply conduit <NUM> fluidly coupled to the cooling tank <NUM>. A return conduit <NUM> fluidly connects the cooling tank <NUM> back to the treating chamber <NUM> via a return valve <NUM>. In this way a fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump <NUM>, drain line <NUM>, valve <NUM>, supply conduit <NUM>, cooling tank <NUM>, return valve <NUM> and return conduit <NUM> through which liquid can be supplied from the treating chamber <NUM>, to the cooling tank <NUM>, and back to the treating chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the supply conduit <NUM> could fluidly couple to the drain line <NUM> if re-use of the liquid is not desired.

To supply cold water from the household water supply via the household water valve <NUM> to the cooling tank <NUM>, the water supply system <NUM> would first supply cold water to the treating chamber <NUM>, then the drain system <NUM> would supply the cold water in the treating chamber <NUM> to the cooling tank <NUM>. It should be noted that the supply tank <NUM> and cooling tank <NUM> could be configured such that one tank performs both functions.

The drying system <NUM> can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM>. In such a configuration, a blower <NUM> is connected to the cooling tank <NUM> and can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank <NUM>. The cooling tank <NUM> can have a vented top <NUM> to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit <NUM>.

The cooling air from the blower <NUM> can be used in lieu of the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used when the cooling tank <NUM> is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selected on the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be used. Cost-effectiveness can also be considered or accounted for when selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower <NUM> can be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank <NUM> after the water has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature signals to the controller <NUM>, which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase of the dish treating cycle of operation.

The drying system <NUM> can be active during the dish treating cycles of operation. That is, the drying system <NUM> can remove the moisture from the air of the treating chamber <NUM> prior to returning the air to the treating chamber <NUM> during a cycle of operation for dishes. However, during the humifying cycle(s) of operation, it is contemplated that portions the drying system <NUM> are inactive. That is, for example, the moisture-laden air is not recirculated back to the treating chamber <NUM>, rather the moisture-laden air is vented. It is contemplated that portions of the drying system <NUM> can be used in the venting system <NUM>.

Optionally, a heating circuit <NUM> having a heat exchanger <NUM>, illustrated as a serpentine conduit <NUM>, can be located within the supply tank <NUM>, with a supply conduit <NUM> supplying liquid from the treating chamber <NUM> to the serpentine conduit <NUM>, and a return conduit <NUM> fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM>. The heating circuit <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM> either directly or via the recirculation valve <NUM> such that liquid that is heated as part of the dish treating cycle of operation or the humidifying cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger <NUM> to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in the supply tank <NUM>. As most wash phases use liquid that is heated by the inline heater <NUM> or the heating element <NUM> that can then be recirculated through the heating circuit <NUM> to transfer the heat to the charge of water in the supply tank <NUM>, which is typically used in the next phase of the dish treating cycle of operation or in future cycle such as a humidifying cycle of operation.

A filter system <NUM> is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from the liquid in the treating chamber <NUM>. The filter system <NUM> includes a coarse filter <NUM> and a fine filter <NUM>, which can be a removable basket <NUM> residing the sump <NUM>, with the coarse filter <NUM> being a screen <NUM> circumscribing the removable basket <NUM>. Additionally, the recirculation system <NUM> can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place of the either or both of the coarse filter <NUM> and fine filter <NUM>. Other filter arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration system.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an alternative user interface <NUM> located at the front side <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM>. The alternative user interface <NUM> is similar to the user interface <NUM> (<FIG>) illustrated at a top portion <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM>, where the alternative user interface <NUM> can be used instead of or with the user interface <NUM>. It is contemplated that the user interface <NUM> or the alternative user interface <NUM> or a portion of the user interface <NUM> or the alternative user interface <NUM> can be on the side of the door assembly <NUM> or projected on the floor adjacent the door assembly <NUM>.

The door assembly <NUM> can include a handle assembly <NUM> for selectively opening and closing the treating chamber <NUM>. A dish cycle selector <NUM> can be included as a portion of the alternative user interface <NUM>. The dish cycle selector <NUM> can include multiple selection or communication regions, illustrated as cycle selection 132a and options selection 132b. The cycle selection 132a can allow for a user to select from dish cycles that include heavy, normal, <NUM> hour wash, sensor/automatic, or custom. The options selection 132b can allow for a user to select complimentary feature to the selected dish cycle. By way of non-limiting example, a user, at the options selection 132b, can select one or more of sanitary rinse, heat dry, high temperature wash, or repeat.

A humidity cycle selector <NUM>, similar to the humidity cycle selector <NUM>, can be included in or adjacent the alternative user interface <NUM>. The humidity cycle selector <NUM> can include any number of screens, buttons, or other communication devices to communicate with the user. For example, the humidity cycle selector <NUM>, can include an on/off 126a where the user can select to turn on or turn off the automatic humidifying cycle of operation. It is also contemplated that, at the humidity cycle selector <NUM>, the user can select a humidity threshold 126b, wherein when a sensed humidity is below the selected humidity threshold, the automatic humidifying cycle of operation will be performed. It is further contemplated that a current humidity level 126c of the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> can be provided at the humidity cycle selector <NUM>. Time of operation 126d, delayed start for the humidifying cycle of operation, and other controls, selections, or displays are contemplated at the humidity cycle selector <NUM>.

Optionally, a vent <NUM>, similar to the vent <NUM>, can be more than one vent, illustrated as a first vent 216a and a second vent 216b. The first vent 216a and the second vent 216b are located, by way of example, at the front side <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM> adjacent the handle assembly <NUM>. It is contemplated that the first vent 216a and the second vent 216b can be used to exhaust air from the treating chamber <NUM> (<FIG>) during one or more of the humidifying cycle of operation or the dish treating cycle of operation.

As illustrated schematically in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can be coupled with components or subcomponents of the dishwasher <NUM>. Components that are coupled to the controller <NUM> can send and receive signals. Additionally, the controller <NUM> can sense, monitor, and control the electricity supplied to the coupled components. Further, if the component has subcomponents, for example a sensor and a motor, the subcomponents (motor and sensor) can independently communicate with the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is coupled to and can selectively activate the inline heater <NUM> or the heating element <NUM> based on the dish treating cycle of operation or the humidifying cycle of operation.

The controller <NUM> is coupled to the drain pump <NUM> for draining liquid from the treating chamber <NUM> during the dish treating cycle of operation.

The recirculation pump <NUM> can be coupled to the controller <NUM> for recirculating the wash liquid during the dish treating cycle of operation or for providing liquid to the treating chamber <NUM> during the humidifying cycle of operation.

The at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> or the at least one local humidity sensor can be coupled to the controller <NUM>. The communication between the humidity sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and the controller <NUM> can be direct or via a wireless communication device <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> can include at least a wireless receiver for receiving signals from the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> or the at least one local humidity sensor <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can also send signals or receive input from one or more sensors <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of sensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller <NUM> include, to name a few, ambient air temperature sensor, treating chamber air temperature sensor, treating chamber liquid temperature, liquid temperature in one or more portions of the recirculation system <NUM>, the water supply system <NUM>, door open/close sensor, and turbidity sensor. Optionally, the one or more sensors <NUM> can directly or wirelessly communicate with the controller <NUM>.

The opening assembly <NUM> can be actuated by the controller <NUM>. That is, based on the dish treating cycle of operation or the humidifying cycle of operation, the controller <NUM> can provide a signal to the opening assembly <NUM> to open the door assembly <NUM> by pushing or releasing the door assembly <NUM> away from the tub <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can also communicate with the recirculation valve <NUM>, the household water valve <NUM>, the controllable valve <NUM>, the return valve <NUM>, and the valve <NUM>.

A memory <NUM> and a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> can be included in or in communication with the controller <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> can be used for storing control software or lookup information used by the CPU <NUM>. The stored information can include completing any number of dish treating cycles of operation and humidifying cycles of operation cycle using the dishwasher <NUM> and any additional software. For example, the memory <NUM> can store one or more pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation for dish treating or humidifying that can be selected by a user and executed by the dishwasher <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is coupled to the user interface <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive input from a user at the user interface <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> can provide an output via the user interface <NUM> to provide information to the user.

Optionally, the controller <NUM> can include or communicate with a wireless communication device <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> can, for example, allow the user from a mobile device, to select automatic cycles of operation for dish treating or humidifying. Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless communication device <NUM> can be a receiver in communication with the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> or the one or more sensors <NUM>. That is, the wireless communication device <NUM> can receive a wirelessly transmitted signal from the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> or the one or more sensors <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> of operating the dishwasher <NUM> as a humidifier. At <NUM>, in response to an input indicating the humidifying cycle of operation, the humidifying cycle of operation is implemented. The implementation of humidifying cycle of operation does not permit the simultaneous implementation of the dish treating cycle of operation. The humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle of operation can operate serially. The term "serially" as used herein means one after the other, successive, and not concurrent or together. The humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle of operation do not run at the same time. That is, the dishwasher <NUM> implements the humidifying cycle without the simultaneous implementation of the dish treating cycle of operation.

The input indicating the humidifying cycle of operation can be a user selection on the user interface <NUM> or the humidity cycle selector <NUM>. The user selection can be made between at least one of the humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle of operation. For example, at the user interface <NUM> the user can provide input at the humidity cycle selector <NUM> to implement the humidifying cycle of operation. Alternatively, the user can implement the dish treating cycle of operation at the dish cycle selector <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the input indicating the humidifying cycle of operation can be an output from the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> or the at least one local humidity sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can receive a wirelessly transmitted input in the form of a signal generated from the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> spaced, distinct, or separate from the dishwasher <NUM>. By way of further non-limiting example, the controller <NUM> can receive a directly (wired) transmitted input in the form of a signal generated from the at least one local humidity sensor <NUM> coupled to or located at the dishwasher <NUM>. The signal or transmitted input can be a humidity signal received by the dishwasher <NUM>, where the humidity signal can be indicative of a humidity level of an environment. The environment can be an indoor home or business, illustrated as the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>.

The output or humidity signal transmitted from the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> can be received by the dishwasher <NUM> at <NUM> in communication with the controller <NUM>. Once received by the controller <NUM>, the dishwasher <NUM> can use the humidity signal to determine the humidity level. The humidity level can be compared to a humidity threshold. If the humidity level is below the humidity threshold and the dishwasher is not operating a dish treating cycle, the controller <NUM> can implement the humidifying cycle of operation.

The at least one local humidity sensor <NUM> or the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> can be prompted, by the controller <NUM> for example, to provide the humidity signal. Alternatively, the humidity signal can be continuously supplied to the controller <NUM> by the at least one local humidity sensor <NUM> or the at least one remote humidity sensor <NUM> located at or coupled to the dishwasher <NUM>.

At <NUM>, moisture-laden air is generated within the treating chamber <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the moisture-laden air can be generated by heating liquid within the dishwasher <NUM>. Liquid can be provided to the sump <NUM> via the water supply system <NUM> or the recirculation pump <NUM>. The liquid in the sump <NUM> can be heated by the heating element <NUM> in the form of a submersible heater. Additionally, or alternatively, the liquid can be heated by flowing liquid through the inline heater <NUM>.

The volume, number of heating element <NUM> elements activated, or other aspects of generating moisture-laden air portion of the humidifying cycle of operation can be adjusted by the controller <NUM> based on the determined humidity level of the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the generated moisture-laden air in the treating chamber <NUM> is exhausted to the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the moisture-laden air can be exhausted via venting the moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> to the exterior <NUM> surrounding the dishwasher <NUM> via one or more vents <NUM>. The venting of the moisture-laden air can include operating the exhaust fan <NUM>.

It is contemplated that venting the generated moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> can include at least partially opening the door assembly <NUM>. The opening assembly <NUM> can push or release the door assembly <NUM> from the tub <NUM> to allow the moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> to flow to the exterior <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>.

It is further contemplated that the exhausting of the moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> can be via the conduit <NUM> coupled to the HVAC system <NUM>, which is fluidly coupled to the exterior of the dishwasher <NUM>. That is, the moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> can flow to the exterior <NUM> via the HVAC system <NUM> or any other household or business duct system.

Optionally, after a predetermined amount of time, the implementing of the humidifying cycle of operation can terminated. Alternatively, the implementing of the humidifying cycle of operation can be terminated in response to an additional humidity signal received by the dishwasher <NUM>. That is, if the additional humidity signal received by the controller <NUM> determines the humidity level stratifies the predetermined threshold, the humidifying cycle of operation can initiate the end or termination portion of the humidifying cycle.

The humidifying cycle of operation provides the opportunity for a two in one dishwasher that can perform as a traditional dishwasher and a humidifier. While capable of implementing two operations; the humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle, the two operations differ and cannot be co-implemented.

During the implementation of the humidifying cycle of operation, the treating chemistry from the dispenser assembly <NUM> is not dispensed into the treating chamber <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that a humidifier additive that enhances the smell of the moisture-laden air or further purifies the liquid to be vaporized can be added during the implementation of the humidifying cycle of operation.

Optionally, during the implementation of the humidifying cycle of operation, liquid is provided to the treating chamber <NUM>, but is not recirculated in the treating chamber <NUM>, for example, from the sump <NUM> back to the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a steam dryer <NUM> for treating clothing items, the steam dryer of <FIG> forming an embodiment of the invention not covered by the claims. The steam dryer <NUM> is similar to the dishwasher <NUM>, therefore, similar functioning parts will be identified with like numerals increased by <NUM>, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the dishwasher <NUM> can apply to the steam dryer <NUM>.

The steam dryer <NUM> has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement an automatic cycle of operation of treating clothing items or an automatic cycle of humidification. The steam dryer <NUM> can include a tub <NUM>, which at least partially defines a treating chamber <NUM> that can receive clothing items. Optionally, a closure in the form of a door assembly <NUM> is mounted for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close an opening to the tub <NUM>.

The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, can include a drain system <NUM>, a water supply system <NUM>, a drying system <NUM>, a water heating assembly <NUM>, and venting system <NUM>. These systems are used to implement a clothing item or laundry treating cycle of operation.

The drain system <NUM> drains liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>. The drain system <NUM> can include a drain pump <NUM> fluidly coupling the treating chamber <NUM> to a drain line <NUM>. The drain line <NUM> can be connected to a household drain (not shown) exterior of the steam dryer <NUM>.

The water supply system <NUM> is provided for supplying fresh water to the steam dryer <NUM> from a household water supply <NUM> via one or more valves. The water supply system <NUM> includes a valve or water supply unit <NUM> that can directly fluidly couple the household water supply <NUM> to the tub <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the water supply unit <NUM> can fluidly couple the household water supply <NUM> to one or more components of the water heating assembly <NUM>, such as an inline heater or steam generator <NUM>. The steam generator <NUM> is then fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> via one or more valves or conduits and can provide moisture-laden air to the treating chamber <NUM>.

The water heating assembly <NUM> can include the steam generator <NUM> or a heating element <NUM>. While illustrated as having both the steam generator <NUM> and the heating element <NUM>, it is contemplated that the water heating assembly <NUM> can include any number of heating or elements, including just one of the steam generator <NUM> or the heating element <NUM>.

The heating element <NUM> is illustrated as a submersible heater or immersion heater, that is illustrated, by example as located in the treating chamber <NUM>. That is, the heating element <NUM> can be used to heat water in the treating chamber <NUM> to generate moisture-laden air. It is contemplated that the heating element <NUM> can be one or more heating elements located in or adjacent the treating chamber <NUM>.

The drying system <NUM> is provided to aid in the drying of the clothing items during the laundry treating cycle of operation. The drying system <NUM> can include one or more components of the water heating assembly <NUM> such as a heating element <NUM>, where the heating element <NUM> can be used to heat one or more portions or the interior of the tub <NUM>.

Optionally, the drying system <NUM> can include a drive system <NUM> for rotating or otherwise moving the tub <NUM> or the treating chamber <NUM>.

The venting system <NUM> fluidly couples the treating chamber <NUM> and the exterior <NUM> of the steam dryer <NUM>. As illustrated, by way of example, the venting system <NUM> can fluidly couple the treating chamber <NUM> to the exterior <NUM> via one or more conduits and at least one outlet illustrated as a vent <NUM>. It is also contemplated that within the one or more conduits is an exhaust fan <NUM>.

The venting system <NUM> can include any number of inlets, outlets or vents, flow directors, conduits, fans, impellers, heat exchangers, or valve systems to control or promote the ventilation of moisture-laden air from the treating chamber <NUM> to the exterior <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> can be located in the steam dryer <NUM>. Similar to the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can be coupled with components or subcomponents of the steam dryer <NUM> controlling the components or subcomponents according to the laundry treating cycle of operation or the humidifying cycle of operation.

The controller <NUM> is coupled to and can selectively activate valves for the household water supply <NUM> and the water supply unit <NUM>. Further the controller <NUM> is coupled to the steam generator <NUM> and the heating element <NUM>.

Optionally, the controller <NUM> is coupled to the user interface <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive input from a user at the user interface <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> can provide an output via the user interface <NUM> to provide information to the user.

The controller <NUM> can also be in communication with the drive system <NUM>, the fan <NUM>, and the drain pump <NUM>.

At least one humidity sensor <NUM> can be separate or coupled to the steam dryer <NUM>. The at least one humidity sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the controller <NUM> via a wired or wireless connection, although most likely wireless.

It is contemplated that the steam dryer <NUM> can be a laundry treating appliance such as a washer/dryer combo or washing machine having a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement an automatic cycle of operation of treating clothing items or an automatic cycle of humidification. It is also contemplated that the steam dryer <NUM> can be a cooking appliance having a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement an automatic cycle of operation of cooking a food item or an automatic cycle of humidification.

Benefits of aspects of the invention include a <NUM> in <NUM> household appliance where the dishwasher can operate as a humidifier where the user receives the benefits of both a dishwasher and a humidifier. Operating as a humidifier, the dishwasher can provide health benefits for the user (i.e. reduced virus transmission, sinus and respiratory benefits, and a reduction in cracked lips/dry skin).

Another benefit is that the dishwasher, operating as a humidifier, can also improve the heating efficiency of the home. Moist air can hold heat longer than dry air, creating fewer cycles of operation for the home heating apparatus.

Yet another benefit is a space savings. The dishwasher having the humidifying assembly reduces the need for additional home humidifiers.

Further, there is a cost savings, as the user does not need to buy both a dishwasher and a humidifier, rather the dishwasher can execute (at separate or distinct times) both the dish treating cycle of operation and the humidifying cycle of operation.

Further still, the dishwasher can receive information about the home or business humidity level from a remote device such as, but not limited to, a thermostat, mobile device, HVAC system, or other remote or local humidity senor.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the invention have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing invention and drawings without departing from the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

A dishwasher for treating dishes according to a dish treating cycle of operation forming an embodiment of the invention not covered by the claims comprises a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a door assembly for selectively closing the treating chamber, a water supply system fluidly coupling a household water supply to the treating chamber, a ventilation system for exhausting moisture-laden air from the treating chamber, a controller located within the dishwasher housing, wherein the controller includes information related to a humidifying cycle of operation and the dish treating cycle of operation, and a receiver located within the housing and in communication with the controller, wherein the receiver receives a humidity signal indicative of a humidity level of an environment exterior of the dishwasher, wherein the controller selectively operates the humidifying cycle of operating of the dishwasher in response to the humidity signal received by the receiver and communicated to the controller.

Advantageously, the receiver is a wireless receiver and receives the humidity signal from a humidity sensor remote of the dishwasher.

Advantageously, the dishwasher further comprises an inline heater upstream of the treating chamber or a submersible heater to heat liquid to generate the moisture-laden air within the treating chamber.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of operating a dishwasher (<NUM>) as a humidifier, the method (<NUM>) comprising:
in response to an input indicating a humidifying cycle of operation, implementing the humidifying cycle (<NUM>) of operation by generating moisture-laden air (<NUM>) within a treating chamber (<NUM>) of the dishwasher (<NUM>), and emitting the generated moisture-laden air (<NUM>) to an exterior surrounding the dishwasher (<NUM>), without the simultaneous implementation of a dish treating cycle of operation.