VENTURI DRYING EXHAUST DUCT

Abstract

An exhaust duct includes a nozzle duct and a cone duct. The nozzle duct includes a first wall forming a first aperture and including a reducing section and an expanding section. The reducing section includes a first edge and a second edge. The expanding section is mounted to the reducing section and includes a third edge and a fourth edge. The reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge. The second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section. The expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge. The cone duct includes a second wall forming a second aperture. The nozzle duct is mounted within the second aperture. An air gap is provided between an interior of the second wall and an exterior of the nozzle duct.

Description

BACKGROUND

Dishwashers are provided with an interior wash chamber or tub into which one or more racks or baskets are designed to hold dishware within the interior of the tub during operation of the dishwasher to wash the dishware. Dishwashers include a drying cycle after the washing cycle that expels hot humid drying air. The prevention of condensation on outer door panels, cabinet panels, and floors is an important consideration when designing the exhaust system so that the surrounding elements are not damaged.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, an exhaust duct is provided. The exhaust duct includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle duct and a cone duct. The nozzle duct includes, but is not limited to, a first wall that forms a first aperture. The first wall includes, but is not limited to, a reducing section and an expanding section. The reducing section includes, but is not limited to, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The expanding section is mounted to the reducing section and includes, but is not limited to, a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge. The reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge. The second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section. The expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge. The cone duct includes, but is not limited to, a second wall that forms a second aperture. The nozzle duct is mounted within at least a portion of the second aperture. An air gap is provided between at least a portion of an interior of the second wall and at least a portion of an exterior of the nozzle duct to allow air to enter the second aperture.

In another example embodiment, an exhaust system for a dishwasher is provided. The exhaust system includes, but is not limited to, an exhaust blower and the exhaust duct. The exhaust blower includes, but is not limited to, an exhaust channel and an exhaust fan mounted within the exhaust channel to move received air into the exhaust channel when the exhaust fan is on. The exhaust duct is mounted to the exhaust channel.

In yet another example embodiment, a dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes, but is not limited to, a body, a conduit system, and an exhaust system. The conduit system is configured to provide washing fluid to an interior of the body. The exhaust system is mounted to the body. The exhaust system includes, but is not limited to, an intake conduit connected to receive air from the interior of the body during a drying cycle of the dishwasher, an exhaust blower, and the exhaust duct. The exhaust blower includes, but is not limited to, an exhaust channel, and an exhaust fan mounted within the exhaust channel to receive the air received into the intake conduit and to move the received air into the exhaust channel when the exhaust fan is on. The exhaust duct is mounted to the exhaust channel.

Other principal features of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a dishwasher in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 without a door or dishware racks in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3A depicts a front view of the dishwasher tub of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3B depicts a zoomed front perspective view of a bottom of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 without the door and a kickplate in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3C depicts a zoomed right-side perspective view of the bottom of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 with portions of an exhaust system removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4A depicts a front view of the exhaust system of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4B depicts a front view of the exhaust system of FIG. 4A with an outer exhaust wall removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4C depicts a left perspective view of the exhaust system of FIG. 4B in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4D depicts a top, back perspective view of the exhaust system of FIG. 4B in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4E depicts a right-side, back perspective view of the exhaust system of FIG. 4B in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4F depicts a bottom, back perspective view of the exhaust system of FIG. 4B in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5A depicts a front perspective view of an exhaust blower of the exhaust system of FIG. 4D in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5B depicts a front perspective view of the exhaust blower of FIG. 5A with a blower cover plate removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5C depicts a front perspective view of the exhaust blower of FIG. 5A with a blower motor removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5D depicts a back perspective view of the exhaust blower of FIG. 5A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5E depicts a right-side, back perspective view of the exhaust blower of FIG. 5A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a front perspective view of the exhaust blower body of FIG. 5A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7A depicts a front perspective view of an exhaust duct of the exhaust blower of FIG. 5A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7B depicts a back perspective view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7C depicts a left-side perspective view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7D depicts a second left-side perspective view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 8A depicts a front perspective view of a nozzle duct of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 8B depicts a top perspective view of the nozzle duct of FIG. 8A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 9A depicts a back cross-sectional view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 9B depicts a left cross-sectional view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 9C depicts a second left cross-sectional view of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a back cross-sectional view of the nozzle duct of FIG. 8 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a back cross-sectional view of a cone duct of the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an air flow velocity through the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a water vapor fraction in the exhaust duct of FIG. 7A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a dishwasher 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Dishwasher 100 may include a door 102 and a body 104. In the illustrative embodiment, body 104 includes a plurality of walls that, in combination with door 102, form an enclosed space or wash tub 200 (shown with reference to FIG. 2). The plurality of walls of body 104 may include a top wall 106, a right-side wall 108, a left-side wall 110, a back wall 112, and a bottom wall 114. Top wall 106, right-side wall 108, left-side wall 110, back wall 112, and a tub bottom wall 202 (shown with reference to FIG. 2) define wash tub 200. Bottom wall 114 may not cover the entire area between right-side wall 108, left-side wall 110, and back wall 112. A wall may include a plurality of walls such as an interior wall that is distinct from an exterior wall but together provide a barrier between wash tub 200 and the exterior of dishwasher 100. Items such as insulation, wires, piping, electronics, one or more pumps, a heating element, etc. may be mounted within one or more of the walls. A kickplate 132 may be positioned near a bottom edge of door 102 to hide the items mounted below tub bottom wall 202 from view.

Door 102 rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position as understood by a person of skill in the art though door 102 may rotate in other directions in alternative embodiments. A plurality of hinges such as a right hinge 122 pivotally mount door 102 to body 104 proximate a lower edge of door 102. In the illustrative embodiment, door 102 rotates downward to provide access to wash tub 200. In an alternative embodiment, dishwasher 100 may be implemented as a drawer type dishwasher in which door 102 slides out from body 104.

Wash tub 200 may include one or more racks on which dishware or other items are placed for washing and/or rinsing. For example, dishwasher 100 includes a top dishware rack 116 and a bottom dishware rack 118. Dishwasher 100 may include one or more additional racks above and/or below top dishware rack 116 and/or bottom dishware rack 118. For example, a third rack 312 (shown referring to FIG. 3A) may be positioned above top dishware rack 116. As understood by a person of skill in the art, top dishware rack 116, bottom dishware rack 118 and third rack 312 may be slid into and out of wash tub 200 using a variety of mounting methods. A height of top dishware rack 116 and/or bottom dishware rack 118 within body 104 and relative to tub bottom wall 202 may be adjustable.

Wash tub 200 may include one or more spray arms that spray a washing fluid on the dishware loaded on the one or more racks. For example, dishwasher 100 may include a lower spray arm 204, an upper spray arm 300 (shown referring to FIG. 3A), and a middle spray arm 302 (shown referring to FIG. 3A) mounted at different heights above tub bottom wall 202. A top spray arm conduit 120 may mount upper spray arm 300 to a wash pump 304 (shown with reference to FIG. 3A). Upper spray arm 300 may be mounted to extend down from an inner surface of top wall 106 and may be configured to spray the washing fluid upward and/or downward as understood by a person of skill in the art. Lower spray arm 204 may be mounted to extend up from tub bottom wall 202 and may be configured to spray the washing fluid upward and/or downward as understood by a person of skill in the art. Middle spray arm 302 may be mounted to a bottom of top dishware rack 116 and may be configured to spray the washing fluid upward and/or downward as understood by a person of skill in the art. Though not shown, various conduits may connect wash pump 304 to lower spray arm 204 and to middle spray arm 302. For example, a middle spray arm nozzle 206 (shown with reference to FIG. 2) may provide fluid from wash pump 304 to middle spray arm 302. Dishwasher 100 may include a fewer or a greater number of spray arms.

Dishwasher 100 further may include an exhaust system 124 that processes hot humid air used as part of a drying cycle of dishwasher 100 before releasing the air exterior of dishwasher 100. In the illustrative embodiment, exhaust system 124 is mounted to top wall 106, to right-side wall 108, and between bottom wall 114 and tub bottom wall 202. In alternative embodiments, exhaust system 124 can be mounted to other walls of dishwasher 100. Exhaust system 124 may include air intake head 126, an intake conduit 130, an outer exhaust wall 128, an inner exhaust wall 402 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), a track 404 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), a drain 406 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), a first air intake aperture wall 408 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), a second air intake aperture wall 410 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), an ambient air track 412 (shown referring to FIG. 4B), a blower fan 318 (shown referring to FIG. 3C) of an exhaust blower 416 (shown referring to FIG. 4C), and an exhaust duct 314 (shown referring to FIG. 3A).

Use of directional terms, such as top, bottom, right, left, front, back, upper, lower, etc. are merely intended to facilitate reference to the various surfaces of the described structures relative to the orientations shown in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, when referring to the dishwasher, front is with reference to a front of dishwasher 100 as defined by a location of door 102.

As used in this disclosure, the term “mount” is intended to define a structural connection between two or more elements and includes mold, join, unite, connect, couple, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, glue, adhere, form over, layer, and other similar terms. The phrases “mounted on” and “mounted to” include any interior or exterior portion of the elements referenced. These phrases also encompass direct mounting (in which the referenced elements are in direct contact) and indirect mounting (in which the referenced elements are not in direct contact). Elements referenced as mounted to each other herein may further be integrally formed together, for example, using a molding process as understood by a person of skill in the art. As a result, elements described herein as being mounted to each other need not be discrete structural elements. The elements may be mounted permanently, removably, or releasably to each other unless specified otherwise.

Dishwasher 100 may include a greater or a fewer number of components than those illustrated. The one or more components of dishwasher 100 may be formed of one or more materials, such as various metals, glass, elastomeric material, and/or plastics having a sufficient strength, rigidity, and/or flexibility to support the described application.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of dishwasher 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment without door 102, top dishware rack 116, and bottom dishware rack 118. Tub bottom wall 202 is mounted within body 104 between right-side wall 108, left-side wall 110, and back wall 112 and above bottom wall 114. A sump screen 206 is mounted to tub bottom wall 202 above a sump 310 (shown with reference to FIG. 3A) and is configured to allow fluid to flow downward out of wash tub 200.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a front view of body 104 of dishwasher 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3B, a zoomed front perspective view is shown of a bottom of dishwasher 100 without door 102 and kickplate 132 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3C, a zoomed right-side perspective view is shown of the bottom of dishwasher 100 with outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 of exhaust system 124 removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

In the illustrative embodiment, top dishware rack 116 can be slid in and out of dishwasher 100 using a right-side rail 306 mounted to an interior of right-side wall 108 and a left-side rail 308 mounted to an interior of left-side wall 110. Additionally, a height of top dishware rack 116 within body 104 and relative to tub bottom wall 202 is adjustable. Thus, top dishware rack 116 may be moved up and down along back wall 112 with middle spray arm nozzle 206. As understood by a person of skill in the art, the fluid that is sprayed out of lower spray arm 204, upper spray arm 300, and/or middle spray arm 302 may be collected in sump 310 that forms a reservoir at a bottom of tub bottom wall 202 and, if desired, may be filtered and recirculated by a fluid supply system using pump 304. Controls for selection of and operation of a cleaning cycle may be mounted to or within door 102 and/or distributed in other locations of dishwasher 100. Top dishware rack 116, bottom dishware rack 118, and third rack 312 may be moved in and out of body 104 relative to wash tub 200 using a variety of structural sliding mechanisms such as wheels, brackets, rails, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a front view of exhaust system 124 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the illustrative embodiment, exhaust system 124 is mounted to right-side wall 108. For simplicity, when referring to exhaust system 124, front is with reference to an exterior of right-side wall 108. Referring to FIG. 4B, a front view of exhaust system 124 with outer exhaust wall 128 removed is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4C, a left perspective view of exhaust system 124 with outer exhaust wall 128 removed is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4D, a top, back perspective view of exhaust system 124 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4E, a right-side, back perspective view of exhaust system 124 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4F, a bottom, back perspective view of exhaust system 124 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 are mounted to each other to form a sealed space there between. Outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 are further mounted to right-side wall 108 in the illustrative embodiment. For example, various fasteners may be used to mount outer exhaust wall 128 to inner exhaust wall 402. Air intake head 126 is mounted through top wall 106 to receive drying air from within wash tub 200 that is generated when a drying cycle is entered under control of a controller (not shown) of dishwasher 100.

Intake conduit 130 is mounted between air intake head 126 and the sealed space defined between outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 so that the drying air received through air intake head 126 is received into the sealed space. Track 404 defines walls formed between outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 to guide the flow of the received air within the sealed space including any liquid that is formed. Track 404 is shaped to guide the flow of any liquid that is formed to drain 406 and to guide the flow of the received air to a blower aperture wall 400.

Blower aperture wall 400 is formed through inner exhaust wall 402 and aligned with blower fan 318 so that the drying air received into the sealed space is received into blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416. A second blower aperture wall 316 (shown referring to FIG. 3) is formed through right-side wall 108 and also aligned with blower fan 318 so that the drying air received into the sealed space is received into blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416 through right-side wall 108.

First air intake aperture wall 408 and second air intake aperture wall 410 are formed through inner exhaust wall 402. First air intake aperture wall 408 is formed within a portion of track 404 above blower aperture wall 400 to allow first ambient air to enter exhaust system 124 before entry into blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416. Second air intake aperture wall 410 is formed within ambient air track 412 to allow second ambient air to enter exhaust system 124 before entry into blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416. First air intake aperture wall 408 and/or second air intake aperture wall 410 provide a source of ambient air that can be received into the sealed space between outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402 to reduce a humidity level of the drying exhaust air before entry into exhaust blower 416.

In the illustrative embodiment, exhaust blower 416 is mounted to inner exhaust wall 402 interior of right-side wall 108 below tub bottom wall 202 and above bottom wall 114. In the illustrative embodiment, exhaust blower 416 is mounted to inner exhaust wall 402 using fasteners 418 inserted within standoffs 420. Again, blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416 is aligned with blower aperture wall 400 that is formed through inner exhaust wall 402 adjacent a lower edge of inner exhaust wall 402 so that the air flows downward from air intake head 126 through the sealed space and into blower fan 318 of exhaust blower 416.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a front perspective view of exhaust blower 416 of exhaust system 124 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. For simplicity, when referring to exhaust blower 416, front is with reference to an interior of right-side wall 108. Referring to FIG. 5B, a front perspective view of exhaust blower 416 with a blower cover plate 500 removed is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5C, a front perspective view of exhaust blower 416 with a blower motor housing 504 removed is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5D, a back perspective view of exhaust blower 416 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5E, a right-side, back perspective view of exhaust blower 416 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Exhaust blower 416 may include blower fan 318, blower cover plate 500, an exhaust blower body 502, and blower motor housing 504. Blower cover plate 500 is mounted to exhaust blower body 502. In the illustrative embodiment, blower cover plate 500 is mounted to exhaust blower body 502 using a snap-hook feature though other mounting devices and/or methods may be used in alternative embodiments. A pair of mounting bars 510 extend from blower cover plate 500. A corresponding pair of mounting hooks 512 extend from exhaust blower body 502. When blower cover plate 500 is mounted to exhaust blower body 502, the pair of mounting hooks 512 are inserted within a respective mounting bar of the pair of mounting bars 510.

Blower cover plate 500 and exhaust blower body 502 form an enclosed space within which the drying air received into blower fan 318 from the sealed space is routed to exhaust duct 314 under control of blower fan 318 that is operated by a motor (not shown) housed within blower motor housing 504. A shaft 320 (shown referring to FIG. 3C) is mounted to the motor and rotated by operation of the motor when the controller of the dishwasher turns blower fan 318 on as part of the drying cycle.

Blower fan 318 includes a plurality of fan blades 516 distributed circumferentially around a fan body 514. Fan body 514 is mounted to rotate with shaft 320 thereby rotating the plurality of fan blades 516 to direct the air received into blower fan 318 circumferentially within exhaust blower body 502 toward exhaust duct 314.

Exhaust blower body 502 includes a bottom wall 520, an outer sidewall 522, a fan aperture wall 524, the pair of mounting hooks 512 that extend outward from outer sidewall 522, a first channel wall 600 (shown referring to FIG. 6), and a second channel wall 602 (shown referring to FIG. 6). Referring to FIG. 6, a front perspective view of exhaust blower body 502 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fan aperture wall 524 is formed through bottom wall 520 and is sized and shaped to accommodate fan body 514. Outer sidewall 522 is mounted to extend approximately perpendicularly from an outer edge of bottom wall 520 to define a channel. The channel surrounds fan body 514 and the plurality of fan blades 516 and is bounded by outer sidewall 522. Outer sidewall 522 includes a circular portion and a straight portion. The straight portion of outer sidewall 522 includes a first exit channel wall 600 and a second exit channel wall 602. Blower cover plate 500 has a similar shape to mount to outer sidewall 522 and form the enclosed space.

Rotation of the plurality of fan blades 516 pulls the air from the sealed space into blower fan 318 around the channel defined by outer sidewall 522 and into exhaust duct 314. Exhaust duct 314 may include a nozzle duct 506 and a cone duct 508. Nozzle duct 506 is mounted to first exit channel wall 600 and second exit channel wall 602 and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520 to receive the air received into the enclosed space through blower fan 318.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a front perspective view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7B, a back perspective view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7C, a left-side perspective view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7D, a second left-side perspective view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Cone duct 508 may include a cone section 712, a center section 714, and a spout section 716 that form a first duct wall that forms a first duct aperture that mounts to nozzle duct 506 to form a continuous duct. The first duct aperture varies in shape and circumference lengthwise within the first duct aperture. Cone section 712, center section 714, and spout section 716 may form a single wall, for example, using a molding process though cone duct 508 may include a fewer or a greater number of sections and may be formed using one or more distinct parts. For illustration, cone duct 508 may be formed of a plastic material though other materials may be used in alternative embodiments.

Center section 714 extends between cone section 712 and spout section 716. Cone section 712 has a funnel shape that decreases in circumference toward center section 714. The funnel shape of cone section 712 may have linear or curved walls. Center section 714 has a funnel shape that increases in circumference toward spout section 716. The funnel shape of center section 714 may have linear or curved walls. Center section 714 has a circular cross-section where it joins with cone section 712 and a square cross-section where it joins with spout section 716 to provide a transition wall section between cone section 712 and spout section 716. Spout section 716 forms a spout in a lengthwise direction with a bottom wall 726 that extends further from center section 714 than a top wall 728 of spout section 716 when viewed from the front or the back. In alternative embodiments, cone section 712, center section 714, and spout section 716 may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular, elliptical, or other polygons.

A plurality of fin slits 718 are formed in an edge of cone section 712 to extend toward center section 714. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of fin slits 718 includes two slits located at 180-degree intervals around cone section 712. When a longer edge of spout section 716 is down, the plurality of fin slits 718 are located on a front and a back of cone section 712.

A plurality of snap fit slits 720 is formed in an edge of cone section 712 to extend toward center section 714. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of snap fit slits 720 includes two slits located at 180-degree intervals around cone section 712. When a longer edge of spout section 716 is down, the plurality of snap fit slits 720 are located on a top and a bottom of cone section 712 so that they are separated from the plurality of fin slits 718 by 90-degrees. Each snap fit slit of the plurality of snap fit slits 720 is aligned with a respective snap aperture wall of a plurality of snap aperture walls 722 to extend toward center section 714. Each snap aperture wall of a plurality of snap aperture walls 722 is formed through a portion of cone section 712.

A plurality of blades 724 extend outward and lengthwise between cone section 712 and center section 714. A blade of the plurality of blades 724 is aligned with either a fin slit of the plurality of fin slits 718 or a snap fit slit of the plurality of snap fit slits 720 such that there are four blades separated from each other by 90-degrees though this is not required. In alternative embodiments, cone duct 508 may include a greater or a fewer number of the plurality of fin slits 718, of the plurality of snap fit slits 720, of the plurality of snap aperture walls 722, and/or of the plurality of blades 724. For example, the plurality of blades 724 may be included to stiffen cone duct 508 if cone duct 508 is formed using blow molding. If cone duct 508 is formed using injection molding, the plurality of blades 724 may not be included.

Nozzle duct 506 may include a mounting head section 700, a tapered body section 702, a reducing body section 704, and an expanding body section 800 (shown referring to FIG. 8) that form a second duct wall that forms a second duct aperture. The second duct aperture varies in shape and circumference lengthwise and in some cases circumferentially. The second duct wall of nozzle duct 506 is shaped to create a venturi effect on the air received into exhaust duct 314 from the channel. The venturi effect creates a low-pressure zone by reducing a cross-section along the exhaust air flow path and then expanding the cross-section.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a front perspective view of nozzle duct 506 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8B, a top perspective view of nozzle duct 506 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Mounting head section 700, tapered body section 702, reducing body section 704, and expanding body section 800 form a single wall. Mounting head section 700, tapered body section 702, reducing body section 704, and expanding body section 800 may be formed, for example, using a molding process though nozzle duct 506 may include a fewer or a greater number of sections and may be formed using one or more distinct parts. For illustration, nozzle duct 506 may be formed of a plastic material though other materials may be used in alternative embodiments.

Mounting head section 700 is mounted to exhaust blower 416 to receive the air from the enclosed space that surrounds blower fan 318. In the illustrative embodiment, mounting head section 700 is mounted to first exit channel wall 600, second exit channel wall 602, and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520 of exhaust blower 416 using a friction fit though other mounting devices and/or methods may be used in alternative embodiments. In the illustrative embodiment, mounting head section 700 is sized and shaped to fit over first exit channel wall 600, second exit channel wall 602, and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520 of exhaust blower 416. Slits 710 formed in sidewalls of mounting head section 700 provide a flexible fit.

In the illustrative embodiment, the channel formed by first exit channel wall 600 and second exit channel wall 602 and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520 has a square or rectangular cross-section though the channel may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular, elliptical, or other polygons. Mounting head section 700 also has a square or rectangular cross-section that fits over the channel though mounting head section 700 may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular, elliptical, or other polygons. In the illustrative embodiment, mounting head section 700 fits over an exterior of first exit channel wall 600 and second exit channel wall 602 and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520 though in an alternative embodiment, mounting head section 700 may fit within an interior of first exit channel wall 600 and second exit channel wall 602 and the corresponding portions of blower cover plate 500 and bottom wall 520.

Tapered body section 702 extends between mounting head section 700 and reducing body section 704. Tapered body section 702 has a square cross-section where it joins with mounting head section 700 and a circular cross-section where it joins with reducing body section 704 to provide a transition wall section between mounting head section 700 and reducing body section 704. Reducing body section 704 has a funnel shape with curved walls that decrease in circumference toward expanding body section 800. The funnel shape of reducing body section 704 may have linear or curved walls. Expanding body section 800 has a funnel shape that increases in circumference from where expanding body section 800 joins with reducing body section 704 to form a venturi tube portion of nozzle duct 506. The funnel shape of expanding body section 800 may have linear or curved walls. In alternative embodiments, mounting head section 700, tapered body section 702, reducing body section 704, and expanding body section 800 may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular, elliptical, or other polygons.

A plurality of snap fit fins 706 and a plurality of fins 708 are mounted to extend outward from an exterior surface of reducing body section 704. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of snap fit fins 706 includes two snap fit fins located at 180-degree intervals around reducing body section 704. Each snap fit fin has a notch 707 in an exterior surface of the fin. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of fins 709 includes two fins located at 180-degree intervals around reducing body section 704. The plurality of snap fit fins 706 are separated from the plurality of fins 708 by 90-degrees. In alternative embodiments, nozzle duct 506 may include a greater or a fewer number of the plurality of snap fit fins 706 and/or the plurality of fins 708.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a back cross-sectional view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9B, a left cross-sectional view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9C, a second left cross-sectional view of exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, a back cross-sectional view of nozzle duct 506 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, a back cross-sectional view of cone duct 508 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Cone duct 508 is mounted to nozzle duct 506 by sliding cone section 712 over expanding body section 800 and reducing body section 704 with a fin of the plurality of fins 708 aligned with a fin slit of the plurality of fin slits 718 and with a snap fit fin of the plurality of snap fit fins 706 aligned with a snap fit slit of the plurality of snap fit slits 720. Cone duct 508 is slid over nozzle duct 506 until a wall portion of reducing body section 712 between a snap ft slit of the plurality of snap fit slits 720 and a respective snap aperture wall of the plurality of snap aperture walls 722 reaches notch 707 of a respective snap fit fin of the plurality of snap fit fins 706. Other mounting devices and/or methods may be used in alternative embodiments.

In the illustrative embodiment, cone section 712 is sized to fit over reducing body section 704 while leaving an air gap between the first duct wall of cone duct 508 and the second duct wall of nozzle duct 506. The mating of the snap fit features ensures a proper alignment to form the air gap and limits a distance that nozzle duct 506 is inserted into cone duct 508. In the illustrative embodiment, nozzle duct 506 and cone duct 508 are formed of two distinct objects that are mounted to each other. In alternative embodiments, nozzle duct 506 and cone duct 508 could form exhaust duct 314 with a greater or a fewer number of distinct elements.

The air gap varies in width between an interior surface of cone section 712 and an exterior surface of expanding body section 800 and reducing body section 704. For example, referring to FIG. 9B, a first air gap width 900 is shown between the exterior surface of expanding body section 800 and the interior surface of cone section 712. Referring to FIG. 9C, a second air gap width 902 is shown between the exterior surface of reducing body section 704 and the interior surface of cone section 712. The air gap supports entry of ambient air between the interior surface of cone section 712 and the exterior surface of expanding body section 800 and reducing body section 704. The ambient air is exterior of the enclosed space that receives the drying exhaust air.

Exhaust system 124 pulls hot humid air from wash tub 200 into air intake head 126 where it travels through intake conduit 130 and into the sealed space between outer exhaust wall 128 and inner exhaust wall 402. Track 404 guides liquid toward drain 406 and air toward blower fan 318. Ambient air may be added to the sealed space through first air intake aperture wall 408 and second air intake aperture wall 410. The drying exhaust air received into blower fan 318 is received into mounting head section 700 and/or tapered body section 702 of nozzle duct 506. The pressure change that results from the venturi effect of nozzle duct 506 pulls warmer dryer ambient air into cone section 712 from a base structure of dishwasher 100 below tub bottom wall 202 and above bottom wall 114 as shown in FIG. 3B. The warmer dryer ambient air mixes with the hot humid drying exhaust air to lower the humidity and temperature of the drying exhaust air that exits spout section 716 of cone duct 508 eliminating condensation on kickplate 132, door 102, the floor in front of dishwasher 100, and any surrounding surfaces such as cabinetry.

Exhaust duct 314 lowers a humidity of drying exhaust air by using the venturi effect to draw in and mix ambient air with the hot humid drying air from an interior of dishwasher 100 during the drying cycle. Exhaust duct 314 lowers the humidity of drying exhaust air without using any additional fans or moving parts. Use of exhaust duct 314 may further increase a drying speed by allowing exhaust system 124 to pull higher relative humidity air from wash tub 200 while providing less ambient air on an inlet side of exhaust system 124 (prior to entry into blower fan 318) thereby providing a greater volume flow rate through the entire system and reducing an amount of time for the drying cycle. For example, exhaust duct 314 may reduce or eliminate the need for ambient air being pulled through first air intake aperture wall 408 and/or second air intake aperture wall 410 and into the sealed space.

Referring to FIG. 12, an air flow velocity through exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, a water vapor fraction in exhaust duct 314 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The air flow velocity and water vapor fraction were computed using computational fluid dynamics of the illustrative exhaust duct 314. The structural dimensions of the illustrative exhaust duct 314 were selected using computational fluid dynamics. Nozzle duct 506 creates a venturi tube effect that increases the velocity of the air as it flows through exhaust duct 314. In comparison with an existing exhaust duct, exhaust duct 314 reduced the relative humidity of the exhaust air by ˜15%. Testing of dishwasher 100 with exhaust duct 314 mounted in a variety of environments including with a long outer door panel and a high kickplate 132 showed no condensation on the outer door panel, floor, or adjacent cabinetry at any point during the drying cycle.

In designing exhaust duct 314, the inlet air velocity may be established either as a predefined parameter or as part of a complete drying system design. The cross-section for the inlet of ambient air may be a uniform circular cross-sectional area. An efficient inner contour of reducing body section 704 may be created to increase the velocity of the air passing into expanding body section 800 without introducing disturbances or creating a significant pressure drop. A length of the transition area can be adjusted along with an internal radii and cross-sectional area to achieve this goal. An outlet of expanding body section 800 may be defined to maintain a velocity past the annular opening formed by cone section 712 and expanding body section 800 to create a pressure differential required to draw in the drier ambient air. A ratio of the area between the outlet of cone section 712 and of expanding body section 800 may be adjusted to maximize the velocity of the drier ambient air. An annular gap formed between cone section 712 and tapered body section 702 may be adjusted to ensure sufficient area exists to prevent unwanted pressure drop at this opening. Due to the contour of tapered body section 702, a length of cone section 712 can be altered to adjust this gap. A smooth transition in center section 714 may be defined to complete the mixing of the humid and drier air. The shape of spout section 716 is unimportant if the mixing is complete before entering that region.

The components of exhaust system 124 may be formed of one or more materials, such as metal, glass, and/or plastic having a sufficient strength and rigidity to provide the illustrated and/or described function of exhausting drying exhaust air for numerous drying cycles.

The word “illustrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more”. Still further, in the detailed description, the use of “and” or “or” is intended to include “and/or” unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter and as practical applications of the disclosed subject matter to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosed subject matter in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An exhaust duct comprising:

a nozzle duct comprising a first wall that forms a first aperture, wherein the first wall includes a reducing section comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; and an expanding section mounted to the reducing section, the expanding section comprising a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge, wherein the reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section, wherein the expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge; and

a cone duct, the cone duct comprising a second wall that forms a second aperture, wherein the nozzle duct is mounted within at least a portion of the second aperture,

wherein an air gap is provided between at least a portion of an interior of the second wall and at least a portion of an exterior of the nozzle duct to allow air to enter the second aperture.

2. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the cone duct has a circumference that decreases from a fifth edge to a sixth edge that is opposite the fifth edge, wherein the nozzle duct is inserted within the fifth edge.

3. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the cone duct comprises a cone section with a circumference that decreases from a fifth edge to a sixth edge that is opposite the fifth edge, wherein the nozzle duct is inserted within the fifth edge.

4. The exhaust duct of claim 3, wherein the cone duct further comprises a spout section comprising a bottom wall portion, a top wall portion, and sidewall portions mounted between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion, wherein the spout section extends from the sixth edge of the cone section.

5. The exhaust duct of claim 4, wherein the bottom wall portion extends further from the sixth edge than the top wall portion.

6. The exhaust duct of claim 3, wherein the cone duct further comprises:

a spout section comprising a bottom wall portion, a top wall portion, and sidewall portions, a seventh edge that comprises an edge of the bottom wall portion, the top wall portion, and the sidewall portions and an eighth edge opposite the seventh edge; and

a center section comprising a ninth edge and a tenth edge opposite the ninth edge, wherein the ninth edge of the center section is mounted to the sixth edge of the cone section and the tenth edge of the center section is mounted to the seventh edge of the spout section,

wherein the bottom wall portion of the spout section extends further from the tenth edge than the top wall portion.

7. The exhaust duct of claim 6, wherein the center section has a funnel shape.

8. The exhaust duct of claim 7, wherein the center section has a circumference that increases from the ninth edge to the tenth edge.

9. The exhaust duct of claim 8, wherein the ninth edge of the center section has a circular shaped circumference, and the tenth edge of the center section has a polygonal shaped circumference.

10. The exhaust duct of claim 3, wherein the cone section has a funnel shape.

11. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the expanding section has a funnel shape.

12. The exhaust duct of claim 11, wherein the funnel has linearly sloped walls.

13. The exhaust duct of claim 11, wherein the funnel has curved walls.

14. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the reducing section has a funnel shape.

15. The exhaust duct of claim 14, wherein the funnel has linearly sloped walls.

16. The exhaust duct of claim 14, wherein the funnel has curved walls.

17. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the nozzle duct is configured to mount to an exhaust channel of an exhaust blower closer to the first edge of the reducing section than to the second edge of the reducing section.

18. The exhaust duct of claim 1, wherein the nozzle duct and the cone duct are individual ducts that are fastened to each other.

19. An exhaust system comprising:

an exhaust blower comprising an exhaust channel; and an exhaust fan mounted within the exhaust channel to move received air into the exhaust channel when the exhaust fan is on; and

an exhaust duct comprising a nozzle duct comprising a first wall that forms a first aperture, wherein the first wall includes a reducing section comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; and an expanding section mounted to the reducing section, the expanding section comprising a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge, wherein the reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section, wherein the expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge, wherein the nozzle duct is mounted to the exhaust channel of the exhaust blower with the first edge of the reducing section closer to the exhaust channel than the second edge of the reducing section; and a cone duct, the cone duct comprising a second wall that forms a second aperture, wherein the nozzle duct is mounted within at least a portion of the second aperture, wherein an air gap is provided between at least a portion of an interior of the second wall and at least a portion of an exterior of the nozzle duct to allow air to enter the second aperture.

20. A dishwasher comprising:

a body;

a conduit system configured to provide washing fluid to an interior of the body; and

an exhaust system mounted to the body, the exhaust system comprising an intake conduit connected to receive air from the interior of the body during a drying cycle of the dishwasher; an exhaust blower, the exhaust blower comprising an exhaust channel; and an exhaust fan mounted within the exhaust channel to receive the air received into the intake conduit and to move the received air into the exhaust channel when the exhaust fan is on; and an exhaust duct comprising a nozzle duct comprising a first wall that forms a first aperture, wherein the first wall includes a reducing section comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; and an expanding section mounted to the reducing section, the expanding section comprising a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge, wherein the reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section, wherein the expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge, wherein the nozzle duct is mounted to the exhaust channel of the exhaust blower with the first edge of the reducing section closer to the exhaust channel than the second edge of the reducing section; and a cone duct, the cone duct comprising a second wall that forms a second aperture, wherein the nozzle duct is mounted within at least a portion of the second aperture, wherein an air gap is provided between at least a portion of an interior of the second wall and at least a portion of an exterior of the nozzle duct to allow air to enter the second aperture.