Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided which comprises: a housing having a first washing compartment and a second washing compartment spatially separated from each other by a partition wall; first spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the first compartment; second spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the second compartment, the first and the second spray means operable independently of one another to permit selective washing of the dishes accommodated in the first and the second compartments; a drainpipe for allowing the washing water to be drained therethrough at the termination of an washing operation; and a multi-way valve, responsive to the particular mode of operation of the dishwashing machine for selectively coupling the pressurized washing water to the first spray means, the second spray means and the drain pipe.

Abstract: A novel multi-way valve is provided comprising an upper casing and a lower casing combined with the upper casing to form a fluid chamber therebetween, the lower casing having at least three outlet ports arranged in a predetermined angular spacing. A lower valve body is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the lower casing. The lower valve body has at least three passage holes coinciding with the corresponding outlet ports of the lower casing. An upper valve body comes into a fluid-tight, frictional contact with the lower valve body for rotational movement with respect thereto, the upper valve body having an arcuate slot which is selectively aligned with one or more of the passage holes of the lower valve body.