Patent Description:
Dishwashers are often arranged under a countertop and within or adjacent to cabinetry, walls, etc. Upon opening a dishwasher door after a wash or dry cycle, warm and/or humid air may escape the dishwasher, exposing the countertop or cabinetry to high temperature and high humidity air. Such exposure may cause damage to the countertop or cabinetry, as well as the user interface arranged on the dishwasher door assembly.

<CIT> discloses a dishwasher system according to the preamble of appended claim <NUM>. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a dishwasher system provided with an airstream causing the wet steam in the washing tub to flow to the front of the main body, when the door is opened. No suction within a nozzle occurs.

A dishwasher system for cleaning dishes includes a dishwasher tub configured to house dishes therein and run a dishwasher cycle, a door assembly configured to selectively seal the dishwasher tub, the door assembly including an inlet nozzle arranged on the inside of the door assembly, the inlet nozzle extending across the width of the door at the top of the door assembly to receive hot and moist air post wash from the dishwasher tub, and a duct fluidly connected to the inlet nozzle and configured to transfer the air through the door assembly and out an outlet nozzle during a drying phase of the dishwasher cycle prior to the door assembly being opened post-cycle.

In another embodiment, the inlet nozzle extends at least partially over the sides of the door assembly forming a U-shaoed nozzle.

In another example, the inlet nozzle includes a plurality of inlet nozzles including a pair of side nozzles arranged along at least a portion of the sides of the door assembly to receive moist and hot air.

In a further embodiment, wherein the duct extends from the top of the door assembly to the bottom of the door assembly.

In another embodiment, the outlet nozzle is arranged at the bottom of the door assembly and is configured to transfer the air from the duct out to an area external to the dishwasher system.

In another example, the outlet nozzle is arranged at the bottom of the door assembly facing the tub and is configured to transfer the air from the duct to the dishwasher tub.

In a further embodiment, a is fan arranged within the dishwasher tub and configured to move hot and moist air towards the bottom of the tub, and to move cooler air towards the top of the tub.

In another embodiment, a diffuser is arranged at the bottom of the tub and configured to mix cool air from the door assembly with hot air delivered by the fan from the inside of the tub during door open cooling.

In another example, the fan is arranged at the top of the tub.

In a further embodiment, the outlet nozzle extends across width of the door assembly.

According to the invention, the inlet nozzle is configured to receive the hot and moist air from the tub upon door opening of the door assembly to prevent the hot and moist air from coming into contact with surrounding cabinetry.

In another example, the outlet nozzle collects condensation upon cooling the air and releases the condensation upon cycle completion.

Dishwashers are often arranged under a countertop and within or adjacent to cabinetry, walls, etc. Upon opening a dishwasher door after a wash or dry cycle, warm and/or humid air may escape the dishwasher, exposing the countertop or cabinetry to high temperature and high humidity air. Such exposure may cause damage to the countertop or cabinetry. Some users leave the door open after the dry cycle to further dry the dishes. Over time, exposure to the high temperature high humidity air may damage the adjacent cabinetry due to droplets of condensation that may form. In addition to damage to the surrounding cabinetry, the user interface on the dishwasher may also be overly exposed to hot and moist air. This exposure may cause unwanted steering inputs that may disturb the cycle of the dishwasher.

Door opening drying systems may open the door of the dishwasher after the rinse phase and let the hot and moist air from the dishwasher vent out of the dishwasher. This may expedite the drying process, but can also cause the issues described above. In order to mitigate moisture build up around the cabinetry, some dishwasher systems deactivate the ability to open the dishwasher door during hot dry cycles. Some other solutions include a dedicated barrier, such as a protective foil, to be installed under the kitchen worktop. However, once a dishwasher is installed it may be difficult to add a barrier. Further, user satisfaction may be decreased with the inability to open the door during hot dry cycles.

Disclosed herein is an air circulation system configured to protect the cabinetry around the dishwasher as well as the user interface panel form moisture when a door opening system (DOS) is used. The air circulation system may also decrease the overall cycle time and allow for door opening following the dry phase sooner than other systems that do not include an air circulation system. The system improves moisture management both before and after the door is opened by the DOS system. The system creates an air suction barrier that protects the cabinetry and user interface from moisture. This allows for DOS activation at a higher temperature than <NUM> degrees Celsius and thus reduces the amount of time needed for the machine to cool down prior to DOS activation. This in turn reduces cycle time and also improves dry performance by increasing the evaporation rate of moisture on the dish load, especially on items that are normally hard to dry, such as plastics.

The system may also be active prior to the door opening, acting as a closed loop condensing dry system. The system may start drying dishes and increase total dry performance of the dishwasher, especially for consumers that open the door immediately after the cycle ends. When activated before door opening, the system can effectively dry, but also cool down the interior of the tub and the desired temperature for DOS activation may be achieved quicker, reducing cycle time.

In some examples, the entire circulation system may be arranged within the dishwasher door. Further, in some examples, the air temperature of the interior of the dishwasher may be decreased prior to opening of the door. Specifically, hot and dry air may be received from the cabinet opening into the dishwasher's fan arranged in the door cavity of the dishwasher. A diffuser arranged adjacent the fan and the interior tub air may be cooled down by mixing with the door cavity air in the diffuser. The mixed air may then be exhausted through the bottom of the door. When the tub air temperature has been lowered to a predefined threshold temperature, the door is opened. This allows air exiting the dishwasher to be cooled prior to the door opening, protecting the cabinetry from being exposed to hot and humid air.

The air circulation system includes an inlet nozzle arranged on the inside of the dishwasher door and extending the width of the door. The interior tub air may be received at this inlet nozzle and routed towards the fan. In some examples, the inlet nozzle may extend along a portion of the side panels of the door as well. Alternatively, a duct may be connected to the inlet nozzle and configured to transfer the hot hair through the door and out at an outlet nozzle.

The embodiments of the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG> illustrates an example transparent side view of a dishwasher <NUM> in accordance with one example embodiment. The dishwasher <NUM> may be an automated appliance configured to clean kitchen equipment placed within the dishwasher <NUM>. The kitchen equipment may include tableware such as dishes, glassware, cutlery and other utensils, and well as food preparation equipment such as pots and pans, slicers, presses, and peelers. To perform the cleaning, the kitchen equipment is placed on racks (not shown) inside a tub <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>. A door assembly <NUM> is closed to form a watertight seal around the tub <NUM>. Washing liquid and rinsing liquid is propelled from jets onto the kitchen equipment to clean dirt, grease, and other contaminants off the kitchen equipment. Though the examples described herein are generally related to in-home and personal use dishwashers, the same concepts may be applicable to commercial dishwashers as well.

The dishwasher <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> defining the exterior of the dishwasher <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be configured to interface with components exterior to the dishwasher <NUM> for installation, such as cabinets, countertops, floors, etc. The frame <NUM> may include a top, left side, right side, back, and bottom.

The tub <NUM> may define a hollow cavity or interior of the dishwasher for washing dishes. The tub <NUM> may define an open-face, or access opening with walls at the top, left side, right side, back and bottom. A chassis (not individually labeled) may be arranged between the frame <NUM> and the tub <NUM> to maintain the tub <NUM> within the frame. The chassis may support the tub <NUM> and allow for maintaining space between the frame <NUM> and the tub <NUM>.

The door assembly <NUM> may be arranged at a front of the dishwasher <NUM>. The door assembly <NUM> may be attached to the dishwasher at the bottom front edge of the frame <NUM> and may be hinged thereat to move between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the door assembly <NUM> may seal the tub <NUM> at the access opening. In the open position, the cavity may be accessible via the access opening. In another example, the door assembly <NUM> may operate as a drawer that can be slidably extended outward from the front of the dishwasher <NUM> to move into the open position, and slidably retracted back into the dishwasher <NUM> to the closed position to seal the tub <NUM>.

The dishwasher <NUM> may be arranged near or within cabinetry such as kitchen cabinets and surfaces, including countertops. Certain moisture areas <NUM> may be arranged at or near the top of the dishwasher door assembly <NUM> and be susceptible of being exposed to hot and humid air from the dishwasher upon door opening. This may include a first moisture area 130a where a user interface may be arranged. A second moister area 130b may abut the cabinetry surrounding the dishwasher <NUM>.

The dishwasher <NUM> may include a spray system for spraying liquid within the tub <NUM> during a cleaning cycle. In an example cycle, washing liquid including soap may first be sprayed onto the kitchen equipment, and then once washed, rinsing liquid without soap may then be sprayed onto the kitchen equipment. The spray system may include various jets for providing the liquid onto the surfaces of dishes during the automated washing and rinsing operations. The dishwasher <NUM> may also include a heating system or heating element for heating the tub <NUM> for drying during a drying phase of the cycle. In combination with the moisture provide by the spray system, the tub <NUM> may be configured to house hot and humid air therein during at least the wash and dry cycles. In some systems, current door opening temperatures are set at a predefined threshold, such as <NUM> degrees Celsius. That is, the interior air of the dishwasher <NUM> should first cool to this temperature prior to door opening. Some machines, such as New Energy Label B-class machines may achieve high peak temperatures of around <NUM> degrees. Cooling time to reach <NUM> degrees from this high peak temperature may take upwards of <NUM> minutes, thus adding to the cycle time. Some intensive cycles reach peak temperatures of <NUM> degrees, which may take upwards of <NUM> minutes to cool down to <NUM> degrees.

In order to obviate this lengthy cool time, the dishwasher <NUM> may include an air circulation system <NUM> configured to dry and cool the air within the tub <NUM>. The system <NUM> may include at least one inlet nozzle <NUM> arranged on the inside of the dishwasher door assembly <NUM>. The inlet nozzle <NUM> may be configured to receive hot and moist air from the dishwasher tub <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the inlet nozzle <NUM> may be arranged at the top of the door assembly <NUM>. The inlet nozzle <NUM> may extend across the entire width of the door assembly <NUM>. For example, the inlet nozzle <NUM> may be arranged on the inside of the door assembly <NUM> such that when the door assembly <NUM> is in a closed position, the inlet nozzle 142is facing inwards towards the tub <NUM>.

The inlet nozzle <NUM> may be configured to receive hot and moist air from within the tub <NUM> along a first airflow path A1. The inlet nozzle <NUM> may be connected to a duct <NUM> within the door assembly <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may be a hollow tube or channel created within the door assembly <NUM>. An outlet nozzle <NUM> is arranged at the end of the duct <NUM>. Air may flow into the inlet nozzle <NUM>, through the duct <NUM> along a second airflow path A2 and out of the outlet nozzle <NUM> along a third airflow path A3. As air is transferred through the duct <NUM> along the second airflow path A2, the air may condense and cool prior to the air being released back into the tub <NUM> through the outlet nozzle <NUM>. Condensation may accumulate as the air cools and moisture is collected. This condensation may be collected at the outlet nozzle <NUM>. This fluid or water may be released by the outlet nozzle <NUM> and drained after completion of the dishwasher cycle.

While the door assembly <NUM> is shown in a partially open arrangement, the above process may be carried out during the dishwashing cycle, as well or post cycle. The cycles and phases of the cycle are discussed in more detail below with respect to <FIG>. The inlet nozzle <NUM> may suck the hot and moist air into the duct <NUM> and as the air travels down the duct <NUM>, the air may cool and be re-released into the tub <NUM> without the additional moisture. During a drying phase of the cycle, this may be of particular advantage.

In one embodiment, and although not shown in the figures, the inlet nozzle <NUM> may include a gate mechanism. The gate mechanism may selectively open and close the inlet nozzle <NUM>. The gate mechanism may be controlled based on the dishwashing cycle. For example, the gate mechanism may be closed during the wash portion of the cycle, but opened during the dry to help product dry and cool air back into the tub <NUM>.

The inlet nozzle <NUM> may also receive the hot and moist air along the first airflow path A1 upon door opening as well as during the drying portion of the cycle. While cooling the air and thus removing moisture from the air during the drying phase may aid in more quickly drying the dishes and cooling the air inside the tub <NUM>, some hot and moist air may still escape from the tub upon door opening. In order to protect the first moisture area 130a and second moister area 130b further, the inlet nozzle <NUM> may further continue to receive at least a portion of the hot and moist air that may initially escape from the tub <NUM> when the door assembly <NUM> is first opened.

While the outlet nozzle <NUM> is shown as being arranged at the base or bottom of the door assembly <NUM>, the outlet nozzle <NUM> may be arranged at other locations along the door assembly <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may also have varying configurations. In one example, the duct <NUM> may form a U-shape and the outlet nozzle <NUM> is arranged at the top of the door assembly <NUM> near the user interface. In this configuration, air is received at the inlet nozzle <NUM> and cool and dry air is released near the user interface after cooling down through the duct <NUM>. The outlet nozzle <NUM> may also be arranged at the side of the door assembly <NUM> to vent cool air out one or both sides of the door assembly <NUM>.

The dishwasher <NUM> may include a controller to control the components herein such as motors, gears, sensors, water flow, sprayers, heating elements, fans, gate mechanisms, door assemblies, etc. The controller may include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the dishwasher <NUM>. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller. 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 implement the control software.

The controller may also include or be coupled to a memory configured to include instructions and databases to carry out the systems and processes disclosed herein. The controller may also be part of the general dishwasher control system that controls wash cycles and other systems. The controller may receive data and commands from the system components and may also have an antenna for wireless communication with the devices within the dishwasher <NUM>, as well as device remote from the dishwasher <NUM>. In one example, the controller may receive commands from the user interface on the dishwasher <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may receive commands from a mobile application on device remote from the dishwasher <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side transparent view of another dishwasher <NUM> not part of the present invention with the door assembly <NUM> being partially open. Similar to the example in <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> may be arranged near or within cabinetry such as kitchen cabinets and surfaces, including countertops. Certain moisture areas (not shown in <FIG>) may be arranged at or near the top of the dishwasher door assembly <NUM> and be susceptible of being exposed to hot and humid air from the dishwasher upon door opening. To reduce the cooling time before opening the door, as well as prevent damage to the nearby cabinetry, the dishwasher <NUM> may include another example air circulation system <NUM>.

The air circulation system <NUM> may include a fan <NUM> arranged within the dishwasher tub <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be arranged at or near the top of the tub <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may include a fan assembly as part of a vent assembly of the dishwasher. The fan <NUM> may also be a standalone fan powered by a fan motor and powered by the dishwasher's electrical system. The fan <NUM> may be an addition to the fan and vent combination traditionally installed in a dishwasher. The fan <NUM> may operate to cool the air within the tub <NUM> and transfer the warmer air downward toward the bottom of the tub <NUM>. For example, the fan <NUM> may receive warm air Aw. By circulating the warm air Aw, the fan may produce cooler air Ac. The cooler air Ac may be transferred upward in the tub <NUM> and to provide the cooler air Ac near the top of the dishwasher <NUM>. This allows cooler air flow around the cabinetry, thus reducing condensation build up at the countertop there above. The remaining warmer air may be pushed downward along the first airflow path A1.

In the example of <FIG>, the inlet nozzle <NUM> may be arranged at the base of the door assembly <NUM> towards its hinge and at the bottom of the tub <NUM>. However, this is embodiment is not encompassed by claim <NUM> of the present invention. The inlet nozzle <NUM> may receive air from the first airflow path A1. The outlet nozzle <NUM> may receive the air from the inlet nozzle <NUM> and output the air to the exterior of the dishwasher <NUM> at the bottom of the door assembly <NUM>, as illustrated by the third airflow path A3. By exuding the air out of the dishwasher <NUM> at the bottom of the door assembly <NUM>, hot moist air is prevented from being concentrated at the first moisture area 130a and second moister area 130b upon door opening. Further, the fan <NUM> aids in cooling the tub <NUM> quicker, allowing for shorter cycle times.

<FIG> illustrates a front transparent view of another dishwasher <NUM> with the door assembly <NUM> partially open having another example air circulation system <NUM>. When the door assembly <NUM> is opened, cool air from the exterior of the dishwasher <NUM> may enter the tub <NUM>. Concurrently, however, warm and moist air may exit the dishwasher <NUM>, typically at the top of the dishwasher <NUM> when the door assembly <NUM> is first opened. Similar to the dishwasher <NUM> in <FIG>, the air circulation system <NUM> may include the fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may cool air within the tub <NUM> pushing the cooler air Ac upwards and warmer air downwards.

The system <NUM> may include a diffuser <NUM> arranged at the bottom of the tub <NUM>. The diffuser <NUM> may be configured to receive the warmer air from the fan <NUM> and mix the cooler air coming from the open door assembly <NUM>. This may decrease the exhausted air temperature and humidity, thus protecting the surrounding cabinetry.

<FIG> illustrates front views of the dishwasher <NUM> of <FIG> with the door assembly <NUM> partially open. The inlet nozzle <NUM> is illustrated as being arranged at the upper portion of the door assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the inlet nozzle <NUM> extends across the top of the door assembly <NUM>. This may allow the inlet nozzle <NUM> to receive as much of the hot and moist air as possible, further protecting the cabinetry and aiding in the fast cooling of the tub <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example where the inlet nozzle <NUM> includes a plurality of nozzles, each arranged along the door assembly <NUM>. In this example, a first inlet nozzle 142a is arranged across the top of the door assembly <NUM>, similar to the example in <FIG>. A second inlet nozzle 142b may be arranged at the side of the door assembly <NUM>. A third inlet nozzle 142c may be arranged at the other side of the door assembly <NUM>. Having these additional inlet nozzles may facilitate an increase in air volume to be received at the inlet nozzles <NUM>. While the second inlet nozzle 142b and the third inlet nozzle 142c are shown as partially extending down the sides of the door assembly <NUM>, the second inlet nozzle 142b and the third inlet nozzle 142c may each extend the full length of the sides of the door assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example where the inlet nozzle <NUM> forms a U-shaped configuration configured to extend across the top of the door assembly <NUM> and partially down each side. This is similar to the configuration shown in <FIG> with the inlet nozzle <NUM> forming a cohesive and single inlet nozzle <NUM>.

The inlet nozzle <NUM> configurations in <FIG> may be in fluid communication with the duct <NUM> of <FIG>, allowing for air to be transferred from the inlet nozzle <NUM>, cooled through the duct <NUM>, and then forced out at the outlet nozzle <NUM>. With the addition of the nozzles at the sides of the door assembly <NUM>, hot and moist air may be further vented away from cabinetry arranged on the sides of the dishwasher <NUM>, in addition to the worktop above and the user interface.

<FIG> illustrates an example chart of interior dishwasher temperature over time of a dishwasher cycle. Each cycle may include a plurality of phases. <FIG> illustrates a first cycle <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates a second cycle <NUM> that includes the air circulation systems <NUM> as described above. Both cycles may start with a pre-wash phase. In this phase the dishes may be rinsed, the water and spray may be concurrently or subsequently warmed to prepare for the main wash phase. During the main wash phase, the temperature of the dishwasher tub <NUM> may increase due to the heat of the water being used to wash the dishes. At an initiation of a final rinse phase, the temperature may drop slightly, but continue to increase due to the heat of the water, as well as the heating element. At the end of the final rinse phase, the temperature of the tub <NUM> may be up to <NUM> degrees Celsius.

For the pre-wash, main wash, and final rinse phases, the first cycle <NUM> and second cycle <NUM> are the same. The second cycle <NUM> may deviate from the first cycle <NUM> during the static drying phase. In this phase, the first cycle <NUM> may dry the dishes by activating the heating element. The heating element may stay activated for a predetermined amount of time to dry the dishes. For the first cycle <NUM>, the static drying phase may take approximately <NUM> minutes, depending on the type of wash cycle (e.g., light wash, heavy wash, etc.). At the end of a typical static drying phase, the tub temperature may be approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius.

Once the tub temperature reaches approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius, the door assembly <NUM> may be opened and door open drying may commence during the door open system phase. However, the second cycle <NUM> may implement the one of the air circulation systems <NUM>, <NUM> during the static drying phase. During this time, hot and moist air may be received at the inlet nozzle <NUM> and cooled. The cool air may be vented back into the tub <NUM>, or the cool air may be vented outside of the dishwasher <NUM>. Regardless, additional hot and moist air is removed from the tub <NUM>, thus allowing the tub <NUM> to cool at a faster rate than that of the first cycle <NUM>. Thus, the tub temperature may reach the threshold temperature for door opening sooner by decreasing the static drying phase time. For example, dishwashers that include the air circulation system <NUM> may cool to the predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees Celsius) in approximately <NUM> minutes.

The air circulation system <NUM> may initiate immediately after draining of the water in the final rinse phase. This water may have a temp of <NUM> degrees Celsius. Thus, the air circulation system <NUM> can initiate even prior to the DOS drying phase and start cooling the tub temperature during the static drying phase to lower the total cycle time.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in <FIG>. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following claims.

Claim 1:
A dishwasher system (<NUM>) for cleaning dishes, comprising:
a dishwasher tub (<NUM>) configured to house dishes therein and run a dishwasher cycle;
a door assembly (<NUM>) configured to selectively seal the dishwasher tub (<NUM>), the door assembly (<NUM>) including an inlet nozzle (<NUM>) arranged on the inside of the door assembly (<NUM>), the inlet nozzle (<NUM>) extending across the width of the door assembly (<NUM>) at the top of the door assembly (<NUM>) to receive hot and moist air post wash from the dishwasher tub (<NUM>); and
a duct (<NUM>) fluidly connected to the inlet nozzle (<NUM>) and configured to transfer the air through the door assembly (<NUM>) and out an outlet nozzle (<NUM>) during a drying phase of the dishwasher cycle prior to the door assembly (<NUM>) being opened post-cycle,
characterized in that the inlet nozzle (<NUM>) is configured to receive the hot and moist air from the tub upon door opening of the door assembly (<NUM>) to prevent the hot and moist air from coming into contact with surrounding cabinetry, creating an air suction barrier that protects the cabinetry and a user interface from moisture.