DISHWASHING APPLIANCE HAVING AN AIR-DRYING DEHUMIDIFICATION ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washer appliances, and more particularly to dishwashing appliances having an assembly for circulating drying air therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Certain dishwasher assemblies also include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwashing appliance. Spray assemblies within the wash chamber can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. Multiple spray assemblies can be provided, including, for example, a lower spray arm assembly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash chamber; a mid-level spray arm assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies; or an upper spray assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash chamber. Other configurations may be used as well.

After the spray assemblies have washed or sprayed articles on the rack assemblies, typical dishwashing appliances provide one or more features to circulate air and remove moisture from (i.e., dry) the articles. Commonly, such features are provided as part of a closed loop or an open loop system. Closed loop systems often draw air from the wash chamber through a small inlet in one corner of the door before returning that same air to the wash chamber (e.g., after being heated or dried). Open loop systems generally motivate air from the ambient environment to the wash chamber, such as through a small vent within the door.

These existing systems present a number of drawbacks. For instance, existing appliances often have difficulty managing the moisture or humidity within the air being circulated. In existing appliances with a closed loop system, an appliance may have difficulty removing moisture from air or may have a limited absorption capacity. Attempts to incorporate moisture-absorbing or moisture-adsorbing materials have thus far has required configurations that are slow to remove moisture and can only be dried between washing operations after multiple loads. In existing appliances with an open loop system, performance may be uneven or undesirably influenced by humidity in the ambient air. Moreover, any energy used to heat air within the wash chamber is generally lost to the ambient environment.

There is, thus, a need for an improved dishwashing appliance. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a dishwashing appliance with one or more features to efficiently dry air within the wash chamber (e.g., in a manner repeatable over multiple loads).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a pump, a spray assembly, a fluid recirculation duct a sorption segment, and an electric heating assembly. The tub may be housed within the cabinet and define a wash chamber. The tub may include a sump defining a bottom portion of the wash chamber. The pump may be configured to deliver a wash fluid to the wash chamber. The spray assembly may be housed within the wash chamber of the tub in fluid communication with the pump to receive wash fluid therefrom. The fluid recirculation duct may define a duct path extending from a path inlet to a path outlet to recirculate air within the wash chamber. The path inlet may be defined in fluid communication between the wash chamber and the path outlet. The path outlet may be defined in fluid communication between the path inlet and the wash chamber downstream from the path inlet. The sorption segment may be disposed along the duct path and include a reversibly dehydratable material. The electric heating assembly may be disposed outside of the wash chamber in thermal communication with the sorption segment to selectively heat the sorption segment.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a dishwashing appliance is provided. The method may include holding a wash chamber of the dishwashing appliance in a stagnant condition during a dry cycle. The method may also include activating a tub fan to circulate air within the wash chamber and motivate moisture adsorption in a sorption segment of the dishwashing appliance during the dry cycle following holding the wash chamber in the stagnant condition. The method may further include activating an electric heating assembly outside of the wash chamber to motivate moisture desorption at the sorption segment during the dry cycle.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front elevation view of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side, sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides another schematic view of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a dishwashing appliance according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a domestic dishwashing appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein defining a wash chamber 106. The tub 104 may generally include a front opening and a door 108 hinged at its bottom 110 for rotatable movement between a closed or vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation and access to wash chamber 106 is restricted, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwashing appliance 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a latch 112 may be used to lock and unlock the door 108 for access to the chamber 106.

Generally, cabinet 102 may define a discrete vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular such that vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system. Cabinet 102 is generally configured for containing or supporting various components of appliance 100 and which may also define one or more internal chambers or compartments of appliance 100. In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance 100 (e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof.) It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance 100. By contrast, cabinet 102 may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

As is understood, the tub 104 may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tub 104 may include a top wall 160 and a bottom wall 162 spaced apart from one another along a vertical direction V of the dishwashing appliance 100. Additionally, the tub 104 may include a plurality of sidewalls 164 (e.g., three sidewalls) extending between the top and bottom walls 160, 162. It should be appreciated that the tub 104 may generally be formed from any suitable material. However, in optional embodiments, the tub 104 may be formed from a ferritic material, such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material.

As particularly shown in FIG. 2, upper and lower guide rails 114, 116 may be mounted on opposing sidewalls 164 of the tub 104 and may be configured to accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 120 and 122. Each of the rack assemblies 120, 122 may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 124 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies 120 and 122 are shown in FIG. 2). Additionally, each rack 120, 122 may be adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack 120, 122 is substantially positioned outside wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack 120, 122 is located inside wash chamber 106. This may be facilitated by rollers 126 and 128, for example, mounted onto racks 120 and 122, respectively.

In some embodiments, a silverware basket 170 is removably mounted to lower rack assembly 122. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the silverware basket 170 may also be selectively attached to other portions of dishwashing appliance 100 (e.g., door 108) or absent therefrom. The silverware basket 170 defines one or more storage chambers and is generally configured to receive of silverware, flatware, utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower rack assemblies 120, 122. The silverware basket 170 may be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., metal or plastic) and define a plurality of fluid slots for permitting wash fluid therethrough.

The dishwashing appliance 100 includes one or more spray assemblies housed within wash chamber 106. For instance, the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a lower spray-arm assembly 130 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 132 of wash chamber 106 directly above the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the rack assembly 122. As shown in FIG. 2, a mid-level spray-arm assembly 136 may be located in an upper region of wash chamber 106, such as by being located in close proximity to the upper rack 120. Moreover, an upper spray assembly 138 may be located above the upper rack 120.

As is generally understood, the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper spray assembly 138 may generally form part of a fluid circulation assembly 140 for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid circulation assembly 140 may also include a pump 142 located in a machinery compartment 144 located below the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104. One or all of the spray assemblies 130, 136, 138 may be in fluid communication with the pump 142 (e.g., to receive a pressurized wash fluid therefrom). Additionally, each spray-arm assembly 130, 136 may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 120 and 122, which may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 130 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a spray (e.g., a spray of washing fluid).

It should be appreciated that, although the dishwashing appliance 100 will generally be described herein as including three spray assemblies 130, 136, 138, the dishwashing appliance may, in alternative embodiments, include any other number of spray assemblies, including two spray assemblies, four spray assemblies or five or more spray assemblies. For instance, in addition to the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper spray assembly 138 (or as an alternative thereto), the dishwashing appliance 100 may include one or more other spray assemblies or wash zones for distributing fluid within wash chamber 106.

The dishwashing appliance 100 may be further equipped with a controller 146 configured to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 146 may generally include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as one or more general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller 146 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwashing appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 146 is located within a control panel area 148 of the door 108, as shown in FIG. 1. In some such embodiments, input/output (“I/O”) signals are routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwashing appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 110 of the door 108. Typically, the controller 146 includes a user interface panel/controls 150 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 150 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. Additionally, the user interface 150 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 150 may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 150 may be in communication with the controller 146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 may be configured as a tub 104 sump portion 152 that is configured to accommodate one or more components of the fluid recirculation assembly 140 (e.g., a filter assembly or other components). It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 may be formed as a single, unitary component such that the tub 104 sump portion 152 as well as the surrounding portions of the bottom wall 162 are formed integrally with one another. Alternatively, the tub 104 sump portion 152 may be configured as a separate component configured to be attached to the remaining portion(s) of the bottom wall 162.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the fluid recirculation assembly 140 may also include a diverter assembly 184 in fluid communication with the pump 142 for diverting fluid between one or more of the spray-arm assemblies 130, 136, 138. For example, the diverter assembly 184 may, in several embodiments, include an inlet 192 coupled to the pump 142 (e.g., via pump conduit 180 shown in FIG. 2) for directing fluid into the diverter assembly 184 and first and second outlets 186, 188 for directing the fluid received from the pump 142 to the lower spray-arm assembly 130 or the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies 136, 138, respectively. In some such embodiments, the first outlet 186 may be configured to be directly coupled to the lower spray-arm assembly 130 and the second outlet 188 may be coupled to a suitable fluid conduit 182 of the fluid recirculation assembly 140 for directing fluid to the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies 136, 138. Additionally, the diverter assembly 184 may also include a diverter valve 194 to selectively divert the flow of fluid through the assembly 184 to the first outlet 186, the second outlet 188, or the third outlet 190.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a heater 260 (e.g., electric heating element) is mounted within wash chamber 106. Generally, heater 260 may include or be provided as any suitable air heating element, such as a resistive heat element, radiant heat element, etc. When assembled, heater 260 may be positioned on or above a bottom wall of tub 104. Moreover, heater 260 may be in operative (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller 146. Controller 146 may thus selectively activate heater 260 to operate or otherwise generate heat within wash chamber 106.

It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are simply provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for the user interface 150, different configurations may be provided for the racks 120, 122, and other differences may be applied as well.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 through 4, various views are provided that illustrate a dehumidification assembly 200 included with dishwashing appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIGS. 3 provides separate schematic views of dehumidification assembly 200 in relation to wash chamber 106.

As shown, a fluid path 210 is provided to selectively circulate air or vapor through dishwashing appliance 100 (e.g., as part of a drying or dry cycle). As will be described in greater detail below, during use, air path 210 (e.g., defined by fluid recirculation duct 220) may generally permit the recirculation of air through wash chamber 106.

In the illustrated embodiments, a fluid recirculation duct 220 defines air path 210 (i.e., as a duct path 210). For instance, fluid recirculation duct 220 extends from a path inlet 214 to a path outlet 216. Path inlet 214 may be defined (e.g., at an intake port 224) in fluid communication between wash chamber 106 and path outlet 216. Path outlet 216 may be defined (e.g., at an output port 226) downstream from path inlet 214 in fluid communication between path inlet 214 and wash chamber 106. For instance, path outlet 216 may be defined above path inlet 214. During use, air or vapor may exit wash chamber 106 and enter air path 210 through path inlet 214. From path inlet 214, at least a portion of the received air or vapor may flow through air path 210 before returning to wash chamber 106 through path outlet 216.

Generally, fluid recirculation duct 220 may be provided at any suitable location on or within cabinet 102. For instance, fluid recirculation duct may be mounted to one of the sidewalls 164. In turn, intake port 224 may be held on or extend through one wall while output port is held on or extends through the same or, alternatively, a different wall between top wall and bottom wall 162. Turning briefly to FIG. 5, alternative embodiments may provide fluid recirculation duct 220 fully within door 108 (e.g., such that path inlet 214 and path outlet 216 are both defined through an interior panel or surface of door 108). Returning generally to FIGS. 2 through 5, during use, fluid recirculation duct 220 may direct air out of and around at least a portion of wash chamber 106 before returning it to wash chamber 106 at another location relative to tub 104.

As shown, a sorption segment 262 is disposed along duct path 210 between path inlet 214 and path outlet 216. In particular, sorption segment 262 is mounted on or formed with fluid recirculation duct 220 downstream of path inlet 214 and upstream of path outlet 216. Relative to the vertical direction V, sorption segment 262 may further be disposed between the path inlet 214 and path outlet 216. For instance, sorption segment 262 may be mounted at a vertical height that is above the sump 152 (e.g., fully above such that no portion of sorption segment 262 coincides with or is vertically lower than sump 152). Additionally or alternatively, sorption segment 262 may be disposed below the top wall of chamber 106.

Within sorption segment 262 (e.g., a frame or duct portion thereof), a reversibly dehydratable material 264 may be included. At least a portion of air along duct path 210 may thus be required to flow through or along the reversibly dehydratable material 264. Generally, the reversibly dehydratable material 264 may be formed from any suitable desiccant or sorption material, such as zeolite ZEO. Moreover, one or more suitable permeable frames or grates may be included within sorption segment 262 to hold the reversibly dehydratable material 264 in place while forcing air thereacross as it flows through sorption segment 262. Except as otherwise indicated, the reversibly dehydratable material 264 may be formed according to any suitable shape or form, such as a bed of loose sorption material grains. Optionally, the grain size of the sorption material may be required to be less than 10 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, reversibly dehydratable material 264 may include or be provided as a layer or coating applied to an interior surface of duct 220.

As shown, a tub fan or blower 218 may be provided to motivate air or vapor from path inlet 214 to path outlet 216. Generally, tub fan 218 may include or be provided as any suitable air handler, such as an axial fan, tangential fan, etc. In some embodiments, tub fan 218 is mounted along air path 210 (e.g., within fluid recirculation duct 220). Tub fan 218 may be positioned between the path inlet 214 and path outlet 216 (i.e., downstream from path inlet 214 or upstream from path outlet 216). Additionally or alternatively, tub fan 218 may be mounted downstream from the path inlet 214 in upstream fluid communication with the wash chamber 106. Further additionally or alternatively, tub fan 218 may be mounted in fluid communication between the nozzle 234 and path outlet 216 (i.e., downstream from the nozzle 234 and upstream from the path outlet 216 along path 210).

When assembled, tub fan 218 may be in operative (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller 146. Controller 146 may thus selectively direct tub fan 218 to rotate or otherwise motivate air through air path 210. In some embodiments, tub fan 218 is provided as a variable-speed fan and is thus configured to vary the speed of its rotation (i.e., the rotation of a blade or impeller of tub fan 218). For instance, tub fan 218 may be configured to rotate at a plurality of discrete speeds. As would be understood, varying the speed of rotation of tub fan 218 may in turn vary the airspeed (e.g., the volumetric flow rate of air) of a variable airflow through air path 210.

In certain embodiments, airspeed or rotation speed at tub fan 218 generally increases relative to the detected air temperature (e.g., linearly or, alternatively, non-linearly according to a predetermined relationship). Thus, a larger detected air temperature may generally prompt the controller 146 to direct the tub fan 218 to a larger directed airspeed or rotation speed. In additional or alternative embodiments, airspeed or rotation speed at tub fan 218 generally decreases relative to the detected humidity (e.g., linearly or, alternatively, non-linearly according to a predetermined relationship). Thus, a larger detected humidity may generally prompt the controller 146 to direct the tub fan 218 to a smaller directed airspeed or rotation speed.

In certain embodiments, fluid recirculation duct 220 defines a collection outlet 228 through which liquid (e.g., condensed water) may flow from air path 210 or sorption segment 262. When assembled, collection outlet 228 may be downstream from path inlet 214 and upstream from path outlet 216. For instance, collection outlet 228 may be defined at a bottom end of fluid recirculation duct 220. As the water is released from sorption segment 262, the condensed water may collect (e.g., as motivated by gravity or tub fan 218) and flow from sorption segment 262 through collection outlet 228 (e.g., to sump 152) without passing through path outlet 216.

In optional embodiments, an electric heating assembly 261 (e.g., heating element) is mounted along fluid recirculation duct 220 to selectively direct heat to air within air path 210. As shown, an electric heating assembly 261 is generally disposed outside of wash chamber 106 in thermal communication with sorption segment 262 (e.g., to selectively heat sorption segment 262 and the reversibly dehydratable material 264 therein. In some embodiments, electric heating assembly 261 is mounted on or along fluid recirculation duct 220 (e.g., at sorption segment 262) downstream from path inlet 214 and upstream from path outlet 216 or collection outlet 228. Generally, electric heating assembly 261 may include any suitable heating element to be selectively activated (e.g., as directed by controller 146). For instance, electric heating assembly 261 may include a resistive heating element, halogen heating element, radiant heating element, etc.

As would be understood in light of the present disclosure, controller 146 may be configured to initiate or direct a dry cycle (e.g., following a drain, rinse, or wash cycle). Such a dry cycle may include activating heater 260 or directing the heater 260 to an active state (e.g., according to a predetermined heat output or duty cycle), and thereby heat air within the wash chamber 106. Additionally or alternatively, controller 146 may further activate the tub fan 218 (i.e., direct tub fan 218 to rotate) and, thus, motivate air through air path 210 (e.g., while heater 260 is active). As the tub fan 218 rotates, the sorption segment 262 may collect water or moisture. Subsequently, tub fan 218 may be deactivated (e.g., for a set delay period). During the same dry cycle, the controller 146 may activate the electric heating assembly 261 (e.g., during or as part of a first desorption portion of the dry cycle) to heat the sorption segment 262. For instance, electric heating assembly 261 may be directed to an active state according to a predetermined heat output or duty cycle for the first desorption portion. The tub fan 218 may be deactivated (e.g., directed to and held in an inactive state) during the first desorption portion. From the heat generated by electric heating assembly 261, moisture within sorption segment 262 may be released as water (e.g., to the collection outlet 228). Subsequently, the electric heating assembly 261 may be deactivated (e.g., during or as part of a first recovery portion of the dry cycle) to permit cooling of the sorption segment 262 as water is collected therefrom.

If it is subsequently determined the dry cycle has not yet expired (e.g., a set dry time of the dry cycle has not elapsed), one or more steps may be repeated. For instance, following the desorption portion, controller 148 may deactivate the electric heating assembly 261 (e.g., during or as part of an active-flow portion of the dry cycle) and activate the tub fan 218 (e.g., reactivate or again direct the tub fan 218 to an active state) for the active-flow portion (e.g., having a set time interval) of the dry cycle. Following or in response to expiration of the active-flow portion, a new or second desorption portion of the dry cycle may be directed to continue the cycle until expiration of the dry cycle, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, such dry cycles may quickly and efficiently remove vaporized moisture within air path 210 (e.g., from wash chamber 106) before such air is returned to wash chamber 106, thereby improving drying times for the dishwasher appliance 100. Notably, such dry cycles may be self-contained to remove collected water from sorption segment 262 and would not require separate desorption operations that might take extensive time or knowledge of the system, or which might otherwise stop a user from initiating a new washing operation.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, flow charts are provided of methods 600 and 700 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, the methods 600 and 700 each provide a method of operating a dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100, as described above). The methods 600 and 700 can be performed, for instance, by the controller 146 (FIG. 1).

It is noted that the illustrated methods 600 and 700 are not mutually exclusive. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein can be modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure (except as otherwise described).

Turning especially to FIG. 6, at 610, the method 600 includes halting water circulation of a washing operation (e.g., for a single load of dishes or articles). For instance, at 610, a previously initiated wash cycle or rinse cycle in which water is circulated through at least a portion of the wash chamber (e.g., via one or more pumps or spray assemblies) may be halted, as would be understood. Optionally, a drain cycle may be performed, such as by activating a drain pump to motivate water from the sump (e.g., for a set period of time or until a set condition is met), as would be understood. Moreover, a dry cycle may be initiated (e.g., in which a heater is activated to heat air within the wash chamber while water circulation is prevented, such as by holding the circulation pump in an inactive state).

At 620, the method 600 includes activating a fan (e.g., tub fan) to circulate air and motivate adsorption (e.g., following or in response to 610, such as in response to expiration of a first delay interval following the start of 610). For instance, the tub fan may be activated during the dry cycle. As described above, activation of the tub fan may motivate air through duct path, including the sorption segment. Within the sorption segment, moisture or vapor may be collected (e.g., absorbed or adsorbed by the reversibly dehydratable material). In turn, moisture-laden air entering the path inlet may be returned to the wash chamber through the path outlet (e.g., above the sump) as relatively dry air. Optionally, 620 may continue for a set period of time (e.g., active-flow interval) or until another set condition is met. As the tub fan is activated for 620 (e.g., as an active-flow portion of the dry cycle), the electric heating assembly on or in thermal communication with the sorption segment may be held in an inactive state.

At 630, the method 600 includes deactivating the fan following 620. For instance, in response to determining 620 has expired or otherwise ended, such as by expiration of the active-flow interval or active-flow portion, the tub fan may be directed to an inactive state such that air is not actively motivated through the duct path. Air within the wash chamber may remain generally stagnant. Optionally, a set delay interval (e.g., second delay interval) may be measured following the start of 630 or fan deactivation generally.

At 640, the method 600 includes activating an electric heating assembly to motivate desorption (e.g., following or in response to 630, such as in response to expiration of a second delay interval following the start of 630). For instance, the electric heating assembly may be activated during the same dry cycle. As described above, activation of the electric heating assembly may generate heat that is transferred to and received by the reversibly dehydratable material within the sorption segment (e.g., as a desorption portion of the dry cycle). Within the sorption segment, such heat may cause the dehydratable material to release collected moisture as condensed water. From the sorption segment, the released water may collect within the duct path. Additionally or alternatively, the released water may flow to the collection outlet. Optionally, 640 may continue for a set period of time (e.g., desorption interval) or until another set condition is met. As the electric heating assembly is activated for 640, the tub fan may remain or otherwise be held in an inactive state.

At 650, the method 600 includes deactivating the electric heating assembly following 640. For instance, in response to determining 640 has expired or otherwise ended, such as by expiration of the desorption interval or desorption portion, the electric heating assembly may be directed to an inactive state such that the reversibly dehydratable material is not actively heated within sorption segment. In turn, the reversibly dehydratable material may generally cool or otherwise release heat.

Optionally, if the dry cycle is determined not to have expired following deactivation of the heating assembly, the method 600 may return to an earlier step, such as 620 to repeat one or more of the above-described steps.

At 660, the method 600 includes determining a dry cycle expiration. For instance, following 650, a counter or timer measurement of the duration of the dry cycle thus far may be compared to a dry-time threshold. If the timer measurement is determined to meet or exceed the dry-time threshold, the dry cycle may be determined to have expired, thereby ending the dry cycle or washing operation generally.

Turning now to FIG. 7, at 710, the method 700 includes directing a circulation cycle. In particular, the circulation cycle may be a wash cycle or rinse cycle including activating the circulation pump to motivate water or wash fluid through one or more spray assemblies, such as is described above. As would be understood, the circulation cycle until a set condition (e.g., circulation time interval or sensor-based condition) is met such that the circulation cycle expires.

In response to expiration of the circulation cycle, the circulation pump may be deactivated to halt the flow of water or wash fluid through the spray assemblies. Optionally, a drain cycle may be performed, such as by activating a drain pump to motivate water from the sump (e.g., for a set period of time or until a set condition is met), as would be understood. Moreover, a dry cycle may be initiated (e.g., in which a heater is activated to heat air within the wash chamber while water circulation is prevented, such as by holding the circulation pump in an inactive state).

At 720, the method 700 includes directing a delay period following 710. The delay period at 720 may be based on or in response to 710 (e.g., expiration of the circulation cycle or drain cycle). During the delay period, 720 may include deactivating (or otherwise holding in an inactive state) fluid-motivating members, such as the circulation pump or tub fan. Air within the wash chamber may remain generally stagnant. Moreover, a set delay interval (e.g., first delay interval) may be measured following the start of 720.

At 730, the method 700 includes activating a fan (e.g., tub fan) to circulate air and motivate adsorption. In particular, following expiration of the delay period at 720, 730 includes directing the tub fan to an active state from an inactive state. For instance, the tub fan may be activated during the dry cycle. As described above, activation of the tub fan may motivate air through duct path, including the sorption segment. Within the sorption segment, moisture or vapor may be collected (e.g., absorbed or adsorbed by the reversibly dehydratable material). In turn, moisture-laden air entering the path inlet may be returned to the wash chamber through the path outlet (e.g., above the sump) as relatively dry air. Optionally, 730 may continue for a set period of time (e.g., active-flow interval) or until another set condition is met. As the tub fan is activated for 730 (e.g., as an active-flow portion of the dry cycle), the electric heating assembly on or in thermal communication with the sorption segment may be held in an inactive state.

At 740, the method 700 includes deactivating the fan following 730. For instance, in response to determining 730 has expired or otherwise ended, such as by expiration of the active-flow interval or active-flow portion, the tub fan may be directed to an inactive state such that air is not actively motivated through the duct path. Air within the wash chamber may remain generally stagnant.

At 750, the method 700 includes directing a (e.g., second) delay period following 740. The delay period at 750 may be based on or in response to 730 (e.g., expiration of the active-flow interval or active-flow portion). During the delay period, 750 may include deactivating (or otherwise holding in an inactive state) fluid-motivating members, such as the circulation pump or tub fan. The electric heating assembly may further remain in an inactive state. Air within the wash chamber may remain generally stagnant. Moreover, a set delay interval (e.g., second delay interval) may be measured following the start of 750.

At 760, the method 700 includes activating an electric heating assembly to motivate desorption following 750. For instance, the electric heating assembly may be activated during the same dry cycle as 710 through 750. As described above, activation of the electric heating assembly may generate heat that is transferred to and received by the reversibly dehydratable material within the sorption segment (e.g., as a desorption portion of the dry cycle). Within the sorption segment, such heat may cause the dehydratable material to release collected moisture as condensed water. From the sorption segment, the released water may collect within the duct path. Additionally or alternatively, the released water may flow to the collection outlet. Optionally, 760 may continue for a set period of time (e.g., desorption interval) or until another set condition is met. As the electric heating assembly is activated for 760, the tub fan may remain or otherwise be held in an inactive state.

At 770, the method 700 includes deactivating the electric heating assembly following 760. For instance, in response to determining 760 has expired or otherwise ended, such as by expiration of the desorption interval or desorption portion, the electric heating assembly may be directed to an inactive state such that the reversibly dehydratable material is not actively heated within sorption segment. In turn, the reversibly dehydratable material may generally cool or otherwise release heat.

At 780, the method 700 includes directing released water drain. For instance, water may continue to flow from the sorption segment as it cools, the released water may collect within the duct path. The cooled or collected water may be guided or motivated to the sump or another suitable drain. Optionally, the drain pump may be activated (e.g., for a set micro-drain interval) to further motivate the collected water from the sorption segment.

At 790, the method 700 includes evaluating a dry condition. In particular, it may be determined if a dry condition is met. The dry condition may, for instance, include or be provided as a predetermined dry-time threshold for the dry cycle as a whole. For instance, a counter or timer measurement of the duration of the dry cycle thus far may be compared to the dry-time threshold.

If the dry condition is determined not to have been met, the method 700 may return to 720. By contrast, if the dry condition is determined to have been met (e.g., the timer measurement is determined to meet or exceed the dry-time threshold), the dry cycle may be determined to have expired, thereby ending the dry cycle or washing operation generally.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

DISHWASHING APPLIANCE HAVING AN AIR-DRYING DEHUMIDIFICATION ASSEMBLY

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