Patent Application
20160220093
The present subject matter relates generally to washing appliances, such as dishwashing appliances and, more particularly, to a layered heating assembly that can be embedded within and/or integrated into a fluid circulation component of a washing appliance.
Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. In addition, spray-arm assemblies within the wash chamber may be used to apply or direct fluid towards the articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. As is generally understood, dishwashing appliances may often include multiple spray-arm assemblies, such as 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, and/or an upper spray-arm assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash chamber.
Moreover, dishwashing appliances are typically equipped with a fluid circulation system including a plurality of fluid circulation components for directing fluid to the spray-arm assemblies. Specifically, a pump is typically housed within a machine compartment of the dishwasher that is configured to pump fluid along a circulation flow path for subsequent delivery to the spray-arm assemblies. For example, the fluid discharged from the pump may be routed through a diverter assembly and/or one or more fluid conduits disposed along the circulation flow path prior to being delivered to the spray-arm assemblies.
To provide for desired cleaning performance, the fluid directed through the fluid circulation system is often heated. Conventionally, such heating of the fluid has been accomplished by adding separate heating devices along the circulation flow path through which the fluid is passed. Unfortunately, such separate heating devices add significant costs and also occupy valuable space within the dishwashing appliance. To address these issues, manufacturers have attempted to integrate heating rods and film resistors into the components of the fluid circulation system, such as by integrating such heating components into the dishwasher pump. However, the integration of such components typically results in unnecessarily high manufacturing costs and/or requires the use of complex manufacturing processes for sealing the heating component within the fluid circulation component.
Accordingly, an improved heating assembly for a washing appliance that addresses one or more of the issues highlighted above in the prior art would be welcomed in the technology.
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 aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a fluid circulation component for a washing appliance. The fluid circulation component may generally include a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and defining a passageway therethrough for transporting fluid through the substrate. The fluid circulation component may also include a layered heating assembly formed directly onto the inner surface of the substrate. The layered heating assembly may generally include a heat insulating layer disposed directly on the inner surface of the substrate, a heat conducting layer disposed radially inwardly from the heat insulating layer so as to form an outer wall of the passageway, first and second electrically insulating layers disposed between the heat insulating and conducting layers and a resistive heating layer positioned between the first and second electrically insulating layers. Additionally, when current is directed through the resistive heating layer, heat may be generated that is transmitted through the layered heating assembly to the heat conducting layer so as to increase a temperature of the fluid being transported through the passageway.
In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a fluid circulation component for a washing appliance. The fluid circulation component may generally include a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and defining a passageway therethrough for transporting fluid through the substrate. The fluid circulation component may also include a layered heating assembly formed directly onto the inner surface of the substrate. The layered heating assembly may generally include a first electrically insulating layer disposed directly on the inner surface of the substrate, a second electrically insulating layer disposed radially inwardly from the first electrically insulating layer so as to form an outer wall of the passageway and a resistive heating layer positioned between the first and second electrically insulating layers. Additionally, when current is directed through the resistive heating layer, heat may be generated that is transmitted through the layered heating assembly to the heat conducting layer so as to increase a temperature of the fluid being transported through the passageway.
In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a dishwashing appliance. The dishwashing appliance may generally include a tub defining a wash chamber, at least one spray-arm assembly positioned within the wash chamber and a fluid circulation system configured to deliver fluid to the spray-arm assembly(ies). The fluid circulation system may comprise a fluid circulation component that includes a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface. The substrate may also define a passageway therethrough for transporting fluid through the fluid circulation component. The dishwashing appliance may also include a layered heating assembly formed directly onto the inner surface of the substrate. The layered heating assembly may generally include a heat insulating layer disposed directly on the inner surface of the substrate, a heat conducting layer disposed radially inwardly from the heat insulating layer so as to form an outer wall of the passageway, first and second electrically insulating layers disposed between the heat insulating and conducting layers and a resistive heating layer positioned between the first and second electrically insulating layers. Additionally, when current is directed through the resistive heating layer, heat may be generated that is transmitted through the layered heating assembly to the heat conducting layer so as to increase a temperature of the fluid being transported through the passageway.
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.
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, in which:
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
In general, the present subject matter is directed to a layered heating assembly for use within a fluid circulation component of a washing appliance, such as a dishwashing appliance. Specifically, in several embodiments, the layered heating assembly may include a plurality of different layers configured to be embedded within and/or integrated into the interior of a fluid circulation component for heating the fluid transported therethrough. For example, as will be described below, the layered heating assembly may include a heat insulating layer, a heat conducting layer, one or more electrically insulating layers, a resistive heating layer and/or any other suitable combination of such layers
In general, the disclosed layered heating assembly may be manufactured or formed using any suitable process. However, in accordance with several aspects of the present subject matter, the layered heating assembly may be formed using an additive-manufacturing process, such as a 3-D printing process. The use of such a process may allow the layered heating assembly to be formed as an integral surface of any suitable fluid circulation component of a washing appliance. In particular, the manufacturing process may allow the layered heating assembly to be formed integrally with both flat and curved surfaces.
It should be appreciated that the present subject matter will generally be described with reference to the layered heating assembly being utilized within a dishwashing appliance. However, in other embodiments, the layered heating assembly may be utilized within any other suitable washing appliance. For instance, the disclosed layered heating assembly may also be embedded within and/or integrated into the interior of any suitable fluid circulation component(s) used within a washing machine.
Referring now to the drawings,
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
As particularly shown in
Additionally, the dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a lower spray-arm assembly 130 that is configured to be rotatably mounted within a lower region 132 of the 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
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 system 140 for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub 104. As shown in
Moreover, 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 washing spray.
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
As indicated above, the fluid recirculation system 140 may also include a diverter assembly 180 in fluid communication with the pump 142. In general, the diverter assembly 180 may be configured to divert fluid between one or more of the spray-arm assemblies 130, 136, 138. For example, in one embodiment, the diverter assembly 180 may include a first outlet (not shown) for directing fluid received from the pump 142 to the lower spray-arm assembly 130 and a second outlet (not shown) for directing the fluid received from the pump 142 to the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies 136, 138 (e.g., via the conduit 174). In such an embodiment, the diverter assembly 180 may also include a diverter valve (not shown) for diverting the flow of fluid through the assembly 180 to either its first outlet or its second outlet.
It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiment depicted in
As indicated above, the present subject matter is generally directed to a layered heating assembly for heating fluid transported through a fluid circulation component of a washing appliance. In this regard,
For example,
Additionally, as shown in
As will be described below, due to the configuration of the disclosed layered heating assembly 300, the assembly 300 may be embedded within or integrated into a surface of a fluid circulation component having any suitable geometry, including a flat or straight surface and a curved surface. For example, as shown in
It should be appreciated that, although not shown, the pump 200A may include any other suitable components, including various components typically included within a conventional pump. For example, the pump 200A may include an impeller positioned concentric with the inlet 202A that is configured to be rotationally driven so as to accelerate the flow of fluid through the pump 200A as the fluid is flung radially outwardly due to rotation of the impeller.
As indicated above, a further example of a suitable fluid circulation component 200B within which the layered heating assembly may be embedded or integrated is illustrated in
Additionally, as shown in
Referring now to
In several embodiments, the fluid circulation component 200A, 200B containing the disclosed layered heating assembly 300 may generally include an outer substrate 210 configured to at least partially define a passageway 206A, 206B along which fluid is directed through the fluid circulation component 200A, 200B. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
To provide for such insulation, the heat insulating layer 302 may generally be formed from a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity. For example, suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium and titanium alloys, ceramics and/or the like. Similarly, in one embodiment, suitable materials for the heat insulating layer 302 may have a thermal conductivity value in watts per meter Kelvin (W/(m*K)) of less than about 50 W/(m*K), such as less than about 35 W/(m*K) or less than about 25 W/(m*K) or less than about 10 W/(m*K).
Additionally, as shown in
To provide for such conduction, the heat conducting layer 304 may generally be formed from a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity. For example, suitable materials may include aluminum, copper, silver, tungsten and/or the like. Similarly, in one embodiment, suitable materials for the heat conducting layer 304 may have a thermal conductivity value in watts per meter Kelvin (W/(m*K)) of greater than about 100 W/(m*K), such as greater than about 125 W/(m*K) or greater than about 150 W/(m*K) or greater than about 200 W/(m*K).
Moreover, as shown in
In several embodiments, the electrically insulating layers 306, 208 may be formed from a dielectric material that is capable of withstanding the operating temperatures associated with the heat generated by the layered heating assembly 300. For example, dielectric materials suitable for use as the electrically insulating layers 306, 308 include, but are not limited to, magnesium oxide, quartz, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, silica, beryllium oxide and/or any other suitable dielectric materials.
As indicated above, the resistive heating layer 310 may be sandwiched between the electrically insulating layers 306, 308 within the layered heating assembly 300. In general, the resistive heating layer 310 may correspond to a layer of any suitable resistive material that generates heat energy when an electrical current is transmitted therethrough. For example, suitable resistive heating materials may include, but are not limited to, certain ceramic materials (e.g., aluminum oxide and chromium oxide), aluminum, copper, carbon, steel alloys and/or the like.
As shown in
During use of the layered heating assembly 300, a suitable current may be supplied from the power source 314 through the resistive heating layer 310. Due to its resistive properties, the resistive heating layer 310 may generate heat energy as the current passes therethrough. The heat generated by the resistive heating layer 310 may then be transferred radially through the layered heating assembly 300. In this regard, at least a portion of the heat transferred radially outwardly through the layered heating assembly 300 may be prevented from being transmitted to the substrate 210 of the fluid circulation component 200A, 200B due to the heat insulating layer 302. In contrast, all or a significant portion of the heat transferred radially inwardly through the layered heating assembly 300 may be conducted through the heat conducting layer 304 and transmitted to the fluid flowing through the passageway 206A, 206B (indicated by arrow 316), thereby allowing for the layered heating assembly 300 to increase the temperature of the fluid 316 passing through the fluid circulation component 200A, 200B.
Referring now to
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the electrically insulating layers 306, 308 and the resistive heating layer 310 shown in
It should be appreciated that the layered heating assemblies 300 shown in
It should also be appreciated that, although the present subject matter has been generally described with reference to layered heating assemblies 300 being formed within the interior of a fluid circulation component, the layered heating assemblies 300 may generally be formed on any other suitable surface to provide for desired heating. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the disclosed layered heating assemblies 300 may be formed onto the interior of one of the walls of the dishwasher tub 104, such as the top wall 160, the bottom wall 162 and/or one or more of the sidewalls 164 of the tub 104.
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.
