Patent Description:
Contemporary automatic dishwashers for use in a typical household include a cabinet with an access opening and a tub that can have an open front and at least partially defines a treating chamber into which dishes (e.g., kitchenware, glassware, silverware, utensils, and the like) can be placed to undergo a treating operation, such as washing. At least one dish rack or basket for supporting soiled dishes is provided within the tub. At least an upper rack and a lower rack for holding dishes to be cleaned are typically provided within the treating chamber. A silverware basket for holding utensils, silverware, cutlery, and the like, is also usually provided and normally removably mounts to the door or within the dish rack.

A spraying system can be provided for recirculating liquid throughout the tub to remove soils from the dishes during a cycle of operation. The spraying system can include various sprayers, including one or more rotatable sprayers. Various sprayers of the spraying system can be configured to spray toward the racks or silverware basket. One specific type of sprayer that can be included within the spraying system is a rotating spray arm.

The cycles of operation can include multiple phases such as a washing phase, rinsing phase, and a drying phase. The phases are sometimes referred to as cycles. Traditional drying phases utilize various methods for drying dishes, examples of which include closed loop drying methods, such as by the use of a condenser, fan-assisted drying methods, or drying methods that include the use of a door opener to partially open a door of the dishwasher, which can be implemented with or without the use of a heater.

Document <CIT> discloses a dishwasher including a washing tank and an injection arm disposed inside the washing tank, wherein the injection arm has a plurality of nozzles to selectively inject washing water and drying air to the dishes stored in the washing tank, wherein a partition wall partitions a washing water passage and a drying air passage within the injection arm and wherein a suction fan and a duct unit are provided to supply the drying air to the injection arm.

The invention is set out in the appended set of claims, being in particular as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an automatic dish treating appliance <NUM>, illustrated herein as a dishwasher <NUM>, capable of implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. 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, silverware, and other utensils. As illustrated, the dishwasher <NUM> is a built-in dishwasher <NUM> implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop or other work surface. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, multi-tub-type, drawer-type, or a sink-type, for example, as well as dishwashers having varying widths, sizes, and capacities. The dishwasher <NUM> shares many features of a conventional automatic dishwasher, which may not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of aspects of the invention.

The dishwasher <NUM> has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassis or cabinet is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation and can define an interior. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis or cabinet 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 access opening, illustrated herein as an open face <NUM>, for receiving the dishes. The open-faced tub <NUM> can have at least a pair of opposing side walls <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another, such as by being spaced apart by a bottom wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and/or a top wall <NUM>. The pair of opposing side walls <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, and the top wall <NUM> can further be thought of as at least partially defining the treating chamber <NUM>, and optionally also the open face <NUM> to serve as the access opening.

A closure in the form of a door assembly <NUM> can be hingedly or pivotally mounted to the base <NUM>, or to any other suitable portion of the cabinet or chassis or of the tub <NUM>, for movement relative to the tub <NUM> between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. In one example, the door assembly <NUM> is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis relative to the base <NUM>, the tub <NUM>, or the open face <NUM>. In the opened position, a user can access the treating chamber <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, while, in the closed position (not shown), the door assembly <NUM> covers or closes the open face <NUM> of the treating chamber <NUM>. Thus, the door assembly <NUM> provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber <NUM> for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items. A closure or latch assembly (not shown) can be provided to selectively retain the door assembly <NUM> in the closed position.

A door opening assembly <NUM>, illustrated herein as a door opener <NUM>, is provided with the dishwasher <NUM> to selectively bias the door assembly <NUM> toward the opened position. It is further contemplated that the door opener <NUM> can selectively bias and move the door assembly <NUM> into a partially open position (not shown) between the closed and opened positions. The partially open position can be defined by the angle of rotation of the door assembly <NUM> relative to the open face <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the door opener <NUM> can be selectively actuated to move the door assembly <NUM> into the partially open position wherein the door assembly <NUM> is rotated at least <NUM> degrees away from the open face <NUM>, further wherein the door assembly <NUM> is rotated at least <NUM> degrees away from the open face <NUM>, further yet wherein the door assembly <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees away from the open face <NUM>. The door opener <NUM> can be provided at any suitable location within the dishwasher <NUM>, such as coupled to or mounted to the tub <NUM> or to another portion of the chassis or cabinet or the dishwasher <NUM>. The door opener <NUM> comprises an actuating mechanism <NUM> that is operably coupled with an opening pin <NUM> to selectively actuate the opening pin <NUM> to move from a non-actuated or retracted position to an actuated or extended position wherein the opening pin <NUM> contacts and bears against the door assembly <NUM> to bias and to move the door assembly <NUM> toward and into the partially open position.

The chassis or cabinet, 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 by 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 a dish holding system <NUM>, spray system <NUM>, recirculation system <NUM>, drain system <NUM>, water supply system <NUM>, air supply system <NUM>, first drying system <NUM>, heating system <NUM>, filter system <NUM>, and second drying system <NUM>. These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.

A basic traditional automatic cycle of operation for the dishwasher <NUM> 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 amounts of water, treating chemistry, and/or rinse aid used during each of the multiple wash or rinse steps can be varied. 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, a non-heated drying step (so-called "air only"), heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination. These multiple phases or steps can also be performed by the dishwasher <NUM> in any desired combination.

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 cycles 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 provide an input and output function for the controller <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> can include operational controls such as one or more knobs, dials, lights, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller <NUM> and to receive information, for example about the selected cycle of operation. For example, the displays can include any suitable communication technology including that of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) array, or any suitable display that can convey a message to the user. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. Other communications paths and methods can also be included in the dishwasher <NUM> and can allow the controller <NUM> to communicate with the user in a variety of ways. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to send a text message to the user, send an electronic mail to the user, or provide audio information to the user either through the dishwasher <NUM> or utilizing another device such as a mobile phone.

The controller <NUM> can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the dishwasher <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller <NUM>. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control), can be used to control the various components.

The dish holding system <NUM> can include any suitable structure or structures for receiving or holding dishes within the treating chamber <NUM>. Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of an upper dish rack <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM>, commonly referred to as "racks", which are located within the treating chamber <NUM>. The upper dish rack <NUM> and the lower dish rack <NUM> each define an interior and 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. In one example, it is common for the upper dish rack <NUM> to be slidably mounted within and to the tub <NUM> by the use of a suitable drawer withdrawal assembly, such as by the use of drawer guides, slides, or rails <NUM>, while the lower dish rack <NUM> is instead typically provided with wheels or rollers <NUM> that can roll along a travel path <NUM> defined by at least a portion of the dishwasher <NUM>. For example, it is typical for the lower dish rack <NUM> to be slidable along the travel path <NUM> such that the lower dish rack <NUM> can roll along the travel path <NUM> and then continue to roll onto the door assembly <NUM>, when the door assembly <NUM> is in the opened position and allows for withdrawal of the dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>.

By way of further example, in such a case, it is also typical that the travel path <NUM> can include a type of rails <NUM>, but that rails <NUM> for the lower dish rack <NUM> may differ in structure from the rails <NUM> for the upper dish rack <NUM>, and in particular such that the rails <NUM> may be provided simply as a ledge or a surface formed by the tub <NUM>, such as formed or carried by the side walls <NUM> or the bottom wall <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. By providing the rails <NUM> for the lower dish rack <NUM> as a simpler support surface, such as a ledge, rather than a more restrictive or enclosing structure such as the rails <NUM>, the rails <NUM> are better able to accommodate movement or instability of the lower dish rack <NUM> as the lower dish rack <NUM> rolls onto the door assembly <NUM>, going from the static, stable tub <NUM> to the movable door assembly <NUM>. In this way, the rails <NUM> allow more tolerance for movement as the lower dish rack <NUM> rolls along the door assembly <NUM>.

In addition, 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>. 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM> is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack <NUM> and the third level rack <NUM> still be slid into the treating chamber <NUM>.

Another dedicated dish holder can be a utensil or silverware basket (not shown), which is typically located in the treating chamber <NUM> and 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>. More than one silverware basket can be provided with the dishwasher <NUM>.

A dispenser assembly <NUM> is provided to store and dispense treating chemistry, e.g. detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber <NUM>. 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 or treating chamber <NUM>, such that the dispenser assembly <NUM> is positioned to be accessed by the user for refilling of the dispenser assembly <NUM>, whether it is necessary to refill the dispenser assembly <NUM> before each cycle (i.e. for a single use dispenser) or only periodically (i.e. for a bulk dispenser). The dispenser assembly <NUM> can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can be a single-use dispenser, which holds a single dose of treating chemistry, or a bulk dispenser, which holds a bulk supply of treating chemistry and which is adapted to dispense a dose of treating chemistry from the bulk supply during the cycle of operation, or a combination of both a single use and bulk dispenser. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can further be configured to hold multiple different treating chemistries. For example, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can have multiple compartments defining different chambers in which treating chemistries can be held.

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 <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be fixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber <NUM> or dish holder. Exemplary sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> 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> can be rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish rack <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM>, respectively, and rotate about a generally centrally located and vertical axis. In one non-limiting example, at least one drive assembly, illustrated herein as at least one motor <NUM>, is operably coupled to one of or to each of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM> in order to control and drive rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM>. In place of or in addition to the at least one motor <NUM>, the drive assembly can be hydraulically driven, such that liquid emitted from one of or to each of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM> through nozzles can effect the rotation of the one of or each of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM>. While the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM> can thus be hydraulically driven, rather than motor-driven, it is also contemplated that the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM> can be both hydraulically and motor- driven, such as that the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM> can be hydraulically driven during a wash phase and motor-driven during a drying phase when liquid is not being emitted. 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> can be located at least in part below a portion of the third level rack <NUM>, though it will be understood that such a sprayer <NUM> can be provided adjacent any of the racks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The sprayer <NUM> is illustrated as a fixed tube, carried by the third level rack <NUM>, but could move, such as in 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 <NUM>, 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 can move, such as by way of rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer <NUM> defines a deep clean zone, which, as illustrated, would extend along a rear side of the lower dish rack <NUM>. Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be positioned 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 comprise multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub <NUM>, and can be provided above, below, or beside any of the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> wherein deep cleaning is desired.

The spot sprayer <NUM>, like the deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. While the spot sprayer <NUM> is shown below the lower dish rack <NUM>, it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or along any wall of the tub <NUM> where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack <NUM>, the spot sprayer <NUM> 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 sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, it will be understood that not all of the exemplary sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> need be included within the dishwasher <NUM>, and that less than all of the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described can be included in a suitable dishwasher <NUM>.

The recirculation system <NUM> recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber <NUM> by the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the spray system <NUM> back to the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. 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 the bottom wall <NUM> 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>.

Multiple supply conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly couple the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. A recirculation valve <NUM> can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. While each sprayer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for each sprayer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM>, while one or more of the other conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM> with one or more valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system <NUM> to the spray system <NUM>. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.

The drain system <NUM> drains liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>. The drain system <NUM> includes a drain pump <NUM> fluidly coupling 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 <NUM> and drain pumps <NUM> are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions, such as by configuring the single pump to rotate in opposite directions, or by providing a suitable valve system. 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 at least some extent.

A water supply system <NUM> is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher <NUM> from a water supply source, such as 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> or an air 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 <NUM> 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 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> can be 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.

An air supply system <NUM> is optionally provided to aid in the treating of the dishes during the cycle of operation by supplying air to at least a portion of the dishwasher <NUM>, a non-limiting example of which includes the treating chamber <NUM>. The air supply system <NUM> can include a variety of assemblies, pathways, and circuits for supplying air to different portions of the dishwasher <NUM> and for different purposes within the dishwasher <NUM>, such that the air supply system <NUM> can be thought of as comprising all of the air supplying or air circulating portions of the dishwasher <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the air supply system <NUM> comprises a first drying system <NUM> that is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The first drying system <NUM>, which can be thought of as a condensing drying system <NUM>, as illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, 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>, fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> and which can be thought of as an air outlet of the treating chamber <NUM>, and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub <NUM>, fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> and which can be thought of as an air inlet of the treating chamber <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 <NUM>, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration. A fan or blower <NUM> can be fluidly coupled with the serpentine conduit <NUM> to move air through the serpentine conduit <NUM>. It will also be understood that the serpentine conduit <NUM> is not limited to having a serpentine shape and can instead be provided with any suitable size and shape.

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>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be selected by source and/or by phase of cycle 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 water 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 condensing 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 based 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 taken into account 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 cycle of operation.

A heating system <NUM> is provided for heating water used in the cycle of operation. The heating system <NUM> includes a heating element, illustrated herein as a heater <NUM>, such as an immersion heater <NUM>, located in the treating chamber <NUM> at a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber <NUM>, such as within or near the sump <NUM>. However, it will also be understood that the heater <NUM> need not be an immersion heater <NUM>; it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than one heater <NUM>, including both an immersion heater <NUM> and an in-line heater. The heater <NUM> can also heat air contained in the treating chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, a separate heating element (not shown) can be provided for heating the air circulated through the treating chamber <NUM>.

The heating system <NUM> can also include a heating circuit <NUM>, which includes a heat exchanger <NUM>, illustrated as a serpentine conduit <NUM>, 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 a 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 heater <NUM>, this heated liquid 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 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.

Additionally, or alternatively, to the condensing drying system <NUM>, the dishwasher <NUM> can further optionally include a second drying system <NUM>, which can be a fan-assisted drying system <NUM>, that is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying cycle or phase by moving air through or within the treating chamber <NUM>, and which can be thought of as being provided in addition to or as part of the air supply system <NUM>. The drying system <NUM> as illustrated is provided with and carried by the door assembly <NUM>, though it will be understood that such position is not limiting and the drying system <NUM> can be provided in any suitable location, such as with a wall of the tub <NUM>. The drying system <NUM> includes an air conduit <NUM> extending within the door assembly <NUM> and having an inlet <NUM> provided on the door assembly <NUM>, fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> and which can be thought of as an air outlet of the treating chamber <NUM>, such as at an upper portion of the door assembly <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM> fluidly coupled to ambient air exterior of the dishwasher <NUM> at a lower portion of the door assembly <NUM>. A fan or blower <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the air conduit <NUM>, such as fluidly coupled with and located at the inlet <NUM>, to force air through the air conduit <NUM>. The drying system <NUM> is provided such that moisture laden air within the tub <NUM> is drawn by the blower <NUM> from the air outlet of the treating chamber <NUM> at the upper portion of the tub <NUM> to pass through the drying system inlet <NUM> and into the air conduit <NUM> to be ultimately exhausted or emitted into ambient air exterior of the dishwasher <NUM> via the outlet <NUM>. In this way, the outlet <NUM> fluidly couples the air outlet of the treating chamber <NUM> with the ambient air, and thus the drying system inlet <NUM>, which is thought of as the air outlet of the treating chamber <NUM>, fluidly couples the treating chamber <NUM> to ambient air. While the drying system <NUM> is illustrated herein as being operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, it is also contemplated that the drying system <NUM> can be operated in a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber <NUM>, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration.

Whether the drying system <NUM> is operated in the closed loop configuration, the open loop configuration, or a combination of both, the dishwasher <NUM> can further include an air inlet, illustrated herein as a vent <NUM>, that is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> and can be thought of as an air inlet to the treating chamber <NUM>. The vent <NUM> is further fluidly coupled to ambient air exterior of the dishwasher <NUM>, thus fluidly coupling the treating chamber <NUM> to ambient air, for allowing ambient air flow into the treating chamber <NUM>. While the vent <NUM> is illustrated herein as being positioned at a lower portion of the door assembly <NUM>, it will be understood that the vent <NUM> can be provided at any suitable location within the dishwasher <NUM>, such as at another location on the door assembly, or at a portion of the open face <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can be a passive vent <NUM>, or can be fluidly coupled with a fan or blower (not shown) to act as an active vent <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can be provided in an always-open configuration, or can be selectively opened and closed. While the vent <NUM> is illustrated herein as being provided in combination with the drying system <NUM>, it will be understood that the vent <NUM> can be provided to further improve drying performance by providing ambient air to the treating chamber <NUM> during a drying cycle, either in addition to the condensing drying system <NUM> and without the drying system <NUM>, in addition to both the condensing drying system <NUM> and the drying system <NUM>, or in addition to the drying system <NUM> and without the condensing drying system <NUM>, in the case that the drying system <NUM> is provided to replace the condensing drying system <NUM>.

Similarly, whether the drying system <NUM> is operated in the closed loop configuration, the open loop configuration, or a combination of both, the dishwasher <NUM> can further include an air outlet, illustrated herein as a vent <NUM>, that is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM> and can be thought of as an air outlet to the treating chamber <NUM>. The vent <NUM> is further fluidly coupled to ambient air exterior of the dishwasher <NUM>, thus fluidly coupling the treating chamber <NUM> to ambient air, for allowing air flow from the treating chamber <NUM> into the ambient air. While the vent <NUM> is illustrated herein as being positioned at an upper portion of the door assembly <NUM>, it will be understood that the vent <NUM> can be provided at any suitable location within the dishwasher <NUM>, such as at another location on the door assembly, or at a portion of the open face <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can be a passive vent <NUM>, or can be fluidly coupled with a fan or blower (not shown) to act as an active vent <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can be provided in an always-open configuration, or can be selectively opened and closed. While the vent <NUM> is illustrated herein as being provided in combination with the drying system <NUM>, it will be understood that the vent <NUM> can be provided to further improve drying performance by providing air from the treating chamber <NUM> to the ambient air during a drying cycle, either in addition to the condensing drying system <NUM> and without the drying system <NUM>, in addition to both the condensing drying system <NUM> and the drying system <NUM>, or in addition to the drying system <NUM> and without the condensing drying system <NUM>, in the case that the drying system <NUM> is provided to replace the condensing drying system <NUM>.

As illustrated schematically in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can be coupled with the heater <NUM> for heating the wash liquid or the air within the treating chamber <NUM> during a cycle of operation, the drain pump <NUM> for draining liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>, the recirculation pump <NUM> for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation, the user interface <NUM> for receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user, the dispenser assembly <NUM> for selectively dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber <NUM>, the at least one motor <NUM> for selectively actuating rotation of the upper spray arm <NUM> and/or the lower spray arm <NUM>, the blower <NUM> for providing air into the cooling tank <NUM>, the blower <NUM> for providing air through the serpentine conduit <NUM>, the actuating mechanism <NUM> for controlling the operation of and selectively actuating the door opener <NUM> to move the door assembly <NUM> to the partially open position, and the blower <NUM> for moving air through the treating chamber <NUM> and into the drying system <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> to selectively control the flow of liquid within the dishwasher <NUM>. Optionally, the controller <NUM> can include or communicate with a wireless communication device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can be provided with a memory <NUM> and a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU <NUM> in completing a cycle of operation using the dishwasher <NUM> and any additional software. For example, the memory <NUM> can store a set of executable instructions including one or more pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected by a user and executed by the dishwasher <NUM>. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, timed wash, dry, heavy duty dry, delicate dry, quick dry, or automatic dry, which can be selected at the user interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the dishwasher <NUM> that can be communicably coupled with the controller <NUM>. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control assembly or by user input.

The controller <NUM> can also receive input from one or more sensors <NUM> provided in one or more of the assemblies or systems of the dishwasher <NUM> to receive input from the sensors <NUM>, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors <NUM> that can be communicably coupled with the controller <NUM> include, to name a few, an ambient air temperature sensor, a treating chamber temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a water supply temperature sensor, a door open/close sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical sensor, and a turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the treating chamber <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, an example of a rotating arm assembly <NUM> that can be used within the spray system <NUM> is illustrated as being provided with the lower spray arm <NUM>, though it will be understood that the rotating arm assembly <NUM> can be provided with or at the position of any of the previously described sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, particularly with either or both of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM>, or at any other suitable position for a rotatable sprayer within the dishwasher <NUM>. The rotating arm assembly <NUM> can emit liquid and/or move air within the treating chamber <NUM> upon rotation. The rotating arm assembly <NUM> comprises the lower spray arm <NUM> for emitting liquid into the treating chamber <NUM> and an air mixing arm <NUM> which, upon rotation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, will effect a movement of the air to establish air flow within the treating chamber <NUM>, much like a fan blade. The position and orientation of air mixing arms <NUM> on one or more rotating arm assemblies <NUM> within or throughout the treating chamber <NUM> can be selected in order to effect a particular air flow and/or circulation pattern or path within the treating chamber <NUM>.

The rotating arm assembly <NUM> further comprises a rotatable hub <NUM> that carries both the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> and couples the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> to be stationary relative to one another and relative to the hub <NUM>, such that rotation of the hub <NUM> rotates both the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>. Therefore, the previously described rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM>, whether driven hydraulically by liquid emitted from the lower spray arm <NUM> or driven by the motor <NUM>, which can be thought of as a first motor <NUM>, in turn carries rotation of both the hub <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> along with the lower spray arm <NUM>. The rotating arm assembly <NUM> additionally comprises a motor <NUM>, which can be thought of as a second motor <NUM>, operably coupled to and rotationally driving the hub <NUM>, and therefore also the air mixing arm <NUM>, independently of the first motor <NUM>. The second motor <NUM> can be any suitable motor, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a direct current (DC) motor, which can be a 12V DC motor.

The second motor <NUM> is positioned outside of the treating chamber <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, such as located exterior of and below the sump <NUM>, and comprises an output shaft <NUM> that is operably coupled with and rotationally driven by the second motor <NUM>. The output shaft <NUM> extends upwardly from the second motor <NUM>, through the bottom wall <NUM> and into the tub <NUM> and the treating chamber <NUM> through the sump <NUM>. The output shaft <NUM> is further operably coupled to and rotationally drives a gear assembly <NUM>. The gear assembly <NUM> is further yet operably coupled to and rotationally drives the hub <NUM>, such that the gear assembly <NUM> operably couples the output shaft <NUM> with the hub <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can be coupled with the second motor <NUM> for selectively actuating rotation of the hub <NUM> and the rotating arm assembly <NUM>.

The coupling of the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> by the hub <NUM> positions the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> relative to one another such that the air mixing arm <NUM> is rotationally spaced or offset from the lower spray arm <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> are rotationally offset by <NUM> degrees, such that the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> are positioned generally orthogonally relative to one another. However, it will be understood that the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> can be rotationally offset by any suitable angle relative to one another. The lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> can be coupled with one another by the hub <NUM> generally at a midpoint or a central portion of the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>.

The air mixing arm <NUM> comprises a longitudinal body <NUM> defining multiple blades <NUM>, <NUM>, illustrated as a pair of spaced parallel blades <NUM>, <NUM>, though it will be understood that this example is not limiting and that the air mixing arm <NUM> can include any suitable number of blades <NUM>, <NUM>, which may or may not be parallel. The pair of blades <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated as a front blade <NUM> and a rear blade <NUM> defined in terms of a clockwise rotation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM> as seen from <FIG>. At least one cross-member <NUM>, illustrated as a plurality of crossmembers <NUM>, extends between and spaces apart the blades <NUM>, <NUM> and at least partially defines at least one air flow channel <NUM> between the blades <NUM>, <NUM>. The front blade <NUM> defines a leading surface <NUM> that extends forwardly from the front blade <NUM> moving from an upper portion of the front blade <NUM> to a lower portion of the front blade <NUM> to terminate at a leading edge <NUM> at a lowermost and forwardmost extent of the front blade <NUM>. The leading surface <NUM> is curved such that air that confronts the leading surface <NUM> as the air mixing arm <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction flows upwardly along the curved leading surface <NUM>. At least the rear blade <NUM> can also be shaped such that air that confronts the rear blade <NUM> as the air mixing arm <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction flows upwardly along the rear blade <NUM> through the at least one air flow channel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section of <FIG> with the sloped or recess portion of the bottom wall <NUM> forming the sump <NUM> removed to better show the mounting of the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, where it can be seen that the hub <NUM> further couples the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, and therefore also the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>, to the supply conduit <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the hub <NUM> can mount the rotating arm assembly <NUM> to the supply conduit <NUM>. The hub <NUM> has an opening, illustrated as a liquid conduit <NUM> that is fluidly coupled to both the lower spray arm <NUM> and to the supply conduit <NUM> to fluidly couple the supply conduit <NUM> to the lower spray arm <NUM> for supplying liquid from the supply conduit <NUM> to the lower spray arm <NUM> via the liquid conduit <NUM>. The lower spray arm <NUM> has an at least partially hollow interior defining a liquid passage <NUM> and at least one spray opening <NUM>, illustrated as a plurality of spray openings <NUM>. The liquid conduit <NUM> thus fluidly couples the supply conduit <NUM> specifically with the liquid passage <NUM> of the lower spray arm <NUM>. The spray openings <NUM> are fluidly coupled to the liquid passage <NUM> to emit liquid that is supplied from the supply conduit <NUM> to the liquid passage <NUM> into the treating chamber <NUM> via the spray openings <NUM>.

The gear assembly <NUM> comprises a set of gears, illustrated as a driving gear <NUM> and a driven gear <NUM>, operably coupling the output shaft <NUM> of the second motor <NUM> with the hub <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>. The driving gear <NUM> is coupled to and rotationally driven by the output shaft <NUM> and is at least partially received within a gear housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the driving gear <NUM>, such as a toothed outer surface <NUM> of the driving gear <NUM>, has at least a portion that extends or protrudes from the gear housing <NUM> for engagement of the toothed outer surface <NUM> with the driven gear <NUM>. The driven gear <NUM> likewise defines a toothed outer surface <NUM> that can mesh with the toothed outer surface <NUM> of the driving gear <NUM> such that rotation of the driving gear <NUM> rotationally drives the driven gear <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the driven gear <NUM> can be fixedly coupled with the hub <NUM>, such as by being fixed to a lower portion of the hub <NUM> or by circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the hub <NUM>, such that rotation of the driven gear <NUM> concurrently rotates the hub <NUM>. Alternatively, in another non-limiting example, the hub <NUM> itself can act as the driven gear <NUM>, such as by having at least a portion of an outer circumference of the hub <NUM> defining the toothed outer surface <NUM> that meshes with the driving gear <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the coupling of the lower spray arm <NUM> with the air mixing arm <NUM> at the hub <NUM> comprises at least a portion of the lower spray arm <NUM> being at least partially received within and at least partially surrounded by a spray arm receiving channel <NUM> that is formed by the hub <NUM> and the longitudinal body <NUM> of the air mixing arm <NUM>. The spray arm receiving channel <NUM> can further comprise at least one retaining flange <NUM>, illustrated as a pair of retaining flanges <NUM>, and configured to retain the lower spray arm <NUM> within the spray arm receiving channel <NUM>, such as by an interference fit or a snap fit. In one non-limiting example, the spray arm receiving channel <NUM> can be defined at a central portion of the longitudinal body <NUM>, such as at a midpoint of the longitudinal body <NUM>, and can receive a central portion of the lower spray arm <NUM>, such as at a midpoint of the lower spray arm <NUM>. In this way, the coupling of the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> positions the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> such that they can be thought of as bisecting one another.

<FIG> is a cross section of a portion of <FIG>, with the lower spray arm <NUM> removed to better show the hub <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>, where it can be seen that the longitudinal body <NUM> of the air mixing arm <NUM> extends outwardly from the hub <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the longitudinal body <NUM> of the air mixing arm <NUM> can be coupled to or formed with the hub <NUM>. The longitudinal body <NUM> can comprise first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> that are the same in shape and size and can collectively be thought of as forming the longitudinal body <NUM>. The first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced laterally apart from one another by the spray arm receiving channel <NUM>, such that the first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> extend outwardly from the hub <NUM> in opposite directions and from opposing sides of the hub <NUM>, which can also be thought of as extending from opposing sides of the spray arm receiving channel <NUM> that are positioned opposite from one another about the liquid conduit <NUM>. The retaining flanges <NUM> can be formed at the radially innermost ends of the first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> are also provided rotationally offset relative to one another, such as by being rotationally offset by <NUM> degrees, such that the leading surfaces <NUM> and leading edges <NUM> of both of the first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated forwardly as the air mixing arm <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction as seen from <FIG>.

The cross-sectional portion of <FIG> better shows that the leading surface <NUM> of the front blade <NUM> defines a curved cross section. However, while the leading surface <NUM> is illustrated as having a curved cross section, it will be understood that this shape is not limiting and that the leading surface <NUM> can have other shapes, such as having a flat and angled cross section, or by the curved leading surface <NUM> having a different degree of curvature than what is shown. Regardless of the shape or degree of curvature or angle of the leading surface <NUM>, the leading surface <NUM> can act as a ramp for air within the treating chamber <NUM> that is confronted by the leading edge <NUM> and leading surface <NUM>. In the example of the curved leading surface <NUM> as shown, the curved leading surface <NUM> directs air upwardly from the air mixing arm <NUM>, along an upward air flow path <NUM> as shown by the arrow <NUM>.

The rear blade <NUM> also defines a leading surface <NUM> that at least partially defines the at least one air flow channel <NUM> between the front and rear blades <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the at least one air flow channel <NUM> can be thought of as a slot provided in the air mixing arm <NUM> that helps to define the leading surface <NUM>. The leading surface <NUM> extends forwardly from the rear blade <NUM> moving from an upper portion of the rear blade <NUM> to a lower portion of the rear blade <NUM> to terminate at a leading edge <NUM> at a lowermost and forwardmost extent of the rear blade <NUM>. The leading surface <NUM> is angled between the leading edge <NUM> and the rear blade <NUM> such that air that confronts the leading surface <NUM> as the air mixing arm <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction flows upwardly along the angled leading surface <NUM> through the at least one air flow channel <NUM>. However, while the leading surface <NUM> is illustrated as being angled, it will be understood that the leading surface <NUM> could alternatively be provided as a curved leading surface <NUM>, having a shape similar to the curved leading surface <NUM>, and which can have a degree of curvature that is the same as or different from the degree of curvature of the curved leading surface <NUM>. The leading surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can be the same or different in cross-sectional shape. Regardless of the shape or degree of curvature or angle of the leading surface <NUM>, the leading surface <NUM> can act as a ramp for air within the treating chamber <NUM> that is confronted by the leading edge <NUM> and leading surface <NUM>. In the example of the angled leading surface <NUM> as shown, the angled leading surface <NUM> directs air upwardly from the air mixing arm <NUM>, along an upward air flow path <NUM> as shown by the arrow <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the dishwasher <NUM> with a cross section of a portion of the air mixing arm <NUM>, and with the lower spray arm <NUM> removed to better show the air mixing arm <NUM> and the upward air flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>. Turning now to the operation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can operate the second motor <NUM> to rotate the hub <NUM> and the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, via the output shaft <NUM> and the gear assembly <NUM>, such as in the clockwise direction as illustrated by the arrow <NUM>. In one example, when the second motor <NUM> rotates the hub <NUM> and the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, and thus also the air mixing arm <NUM>, in the clockwise direction <NUM>, the leading surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> exert a confronting force against the air in the treating chamber <NUM> as the air mixing arm <NUM> rotates and act as ramps, causing the air to be directed to move upwardly along the leading surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and further upwardly from the air mixing arm <NUM>, along the upward air flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>. Such air flow along the upward air flow paths <NUM>, <NUM> establishes an upward air flow through the treating chamber <NUM> along the extent of the longitudinal body <NUM>. Thus, depending on the pattern of movement of air within the treating chamber <NUM> that is desired, the shape and angle or curvature of the leading surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can be selected to produce the desired direction or angle for air movement within the treating chamber <NUM>, allowing for improved drying performance by ensuring more evenly distributed air flow throughout the treating chamber <NUM>, as compared to drying phases within which drying performance may be impaired due to air not being circulated evenly throughout the treating chamber <NUM>, and by reducing or eliminating air flow dead zones with little or no air circulation that may exist without the air mixing arm <NUM>. Since the leading surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can differ from one another in cross-sectional shape, angle, or curvature, etc., the single air mixing arm <NUM> having the front and rear blades <NUM>, <NUM> allows for the air mixing arm <NUM> to move air in more than one direction or pattern.

Such improvement in the air movement and the distribution of air flow throughout the treating chamber <NUM> can be further improved and customized by the relative positioning of the treating chamber air inlet, the treating chamber air outlet, and the rotating arm assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the rotating arm assembly <NUM> is positioned within the tub <NUM>, above the bottom wall <NUM> and below at least one of the dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, shown herein as being below the lower dish rack <NUM>. The treating chamber air inlet, comprising at least one of the outlet of the serpentine conduit <NUM> at the lower portion of the tub <NUM> or the vent <NUM>, is positioned below at least one of the dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as, by way of non-limiting example, below the lower dish rack <NUM> and below the rotating arm assembly <NUM>. The treating chamber air outlet, comprising at least one of the inlet of the serpentine conduit <NUM> at the upper portion of the tub <NUM> or the inlet <NUM> of the drying system <NUM>, is positioned above at least one of the dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as above at least the lower dish rack <NUM>.

Such positioning of the treating chamber air inlet at the lower portion of the tub <NUM>, the treating chamber air outlet at the upper portion of the tub <NUM>, and the rotating arm assembly <NUM> located between the air inlet and the air outlet, but still at the lower portion of the tub <NUM>, further ensures improved air movement and air distribution throughout the treating chamber <NUM>. For example, air that is drawn into the treating chamber <NUM> through the air inlet can then be moved within the treating chamber <NUM>, such as by being quickly drawn to the air mixing arm <NUM> by the negative pressure or temporary low pressure created by rotation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, which serves to direct the air flow both upwardly from the air mixing arm <NUM>, as well as drawing the air flow to spread out laterally within the treating chamber <NUM>, along both the first and second halves <NUM>, <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM>. With the treating chamber air outlet located at the upper portion of the tub <NUM>, the upward air flow within the treating chamber <NUM> continues along the height of the treating chamber <NUM> before being drawn to or driven to the treating chamber air outlet to be expelled out the air outlet, thus establishing air flow and improved distribution throughout the treating chamber <NUM>.

The negative pressure or temporary low pressure created by rotation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM> can also result in additional air being drawn into the treating chamber <NUM> through the treating chamber air inlet, thus increasing the rate of air flow through the treating chamber <NUM> over that of the dishwasher <NUM> without the air mixing arm <NUM> included, further improving drying performance due to the increased air flow through the treating chamber <NUM> to take up more moisture from the dish items. The rotation of the rotating arm assembly <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM> also provides a greater increase in air flow rate through the treating chamber <NUM> than rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM> would without the inclusion of the rotating arm assembly <NUM>, because the second motor <NUM> drives rotation of the air mixing arm <NUM> at speeds greater than the first motor <NUM> drives rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM>. While rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM> by the first motor <NUM> does, in turn, drive rotation of the air mixing arm <NUM>, due to the air mixing arm <NUM> being carried with the lower spray arm <NUM> at the hub <NUM>, the first motor <NUM> generally drives rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM> at about <NUM>-<NUM> revolutions per minute (RPM). However, the second motor <NUM> drives rotation of the hub <NUM>, and thus also the lower spray arm <NUM> and the air mixing arm <NUM>, at higher speeds, such as, by way of non-limiting example, at least <NUM> RPM, further at least <NUM> RPM, and further yet at about <NUM> RPM. Thus, rotation of the air mixing arm <NUM> at the higher speeds of the second motor <NUM> will result in a greater increase of air flow rate through the treating chamber <NUM> than if the rotation were driven by the first motor <NUM> via the lower spray arm <NUM>, thus producing a larger improvement in drying performance due to the increased air flow rate.

The aspects described herein set forth a rotating arm assembly including an air mixing arm for use within a dish treating appliance that can aid in moving air throughout the treating chamber, in increasing air flow rate through the treating chamber, and in more evenly distributing air flow throughout the treating chamber to avoid dead zones and to improve drying performance. Such an air mixing arm can be provided within a variety of dishwashers utilizing a variety of different drying systems, including open loop or closed loop condensing drying systems, open loop or closed loop fan-assisted drying systems, active vent drying systems, and drying systems including a door opener to partially open the dishwasher door during or at the end of a drying cycle. Further, the air mixing arm can be provided about an existing spray arm, thus allowing the air mixing arm to be installed even in dishwashers that were not originally manufactured to include such an air mixing arm. The air mixing arm includes parallel blades, such that the number, position, shape, size, or angle of the blades and their leading surfaces can be varied and provided to result in the specific air movement patterns and distributions that are desired within the treating chamber. Further yet, the speed of rotation achievable by the air mixing arm provides additional opportunity to add to and to customize the direction and flow rate of air movement within the treating chamber. These various aspects allow for improved control of the air flow within the treating chamber of the dishwasher to improve the efficiency of the drying phase or to otherwise improve a cycle of operation.

Although the present invention is described for use with a dishwasher having a door assembly pivotable about a horizontal axis, it will be recognized that the spray arm can be employed with dishwashers having various constructions, including dishwashers with door assemblies pivotable about a vertical axis and/or drawer-style dishwashers.

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 is not 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 invention.

Claim 1:
A dishwasher (<NUM>) for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, the dishwasher (<NUM>) comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) at least partially defining a treating chamber (<NUM>) with an access opening (<NUM>),
a door (<NUM>) selectively closing the access opening (<NUM>),
at least one dish rack (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) located within the treating chamber (<NUM>),
an air inlet (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the treating chamber (<NUM>),
an air outlet (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the treating chamber (<NUM>) and
a rotating arm assembly (<NUM>) located within the tub (<NUM>) below the at least one dish rack (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the rotating arm assembly (<NUM>) includes a rotatable hub (<NUM>) with a liquid conduit (<NUM>), a spray arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) carried by the hub (<NUM>) and fluidly coupled to the liquid conduit (<NUM>), and an air mixing arm (<NUM>) carried by the hub (<NUM>) and rotationally spaced from the spray arm (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the air mixing arm (<NUM>) is configured, upon rotation of the hub (<NUM>), to move air within the treating chamber (<NUM>), whereby air is drawn in through the inlet (<NUM>) and is expelled out the outlet (<NUM>) to establish air flow through the treating chamber (<NUM>),
characterised in that the dishwasher (<NUM>) further comprises a first motor (<NUM>) rotationally driving the spray arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second motor (<NUM>) rotationally driving the air mixing arm (<NUM>), independently of the first motor (<NUM>).