SLIDING SPRAY ARM ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHING APPLIANCE

Abstract

A dishwashing appliance is provided having a spray arm assembly with one or more sliding spray arms. The spray arms can slide linearly, back and forth, along either a transverse or lateral direction of a wash chamber of the appliance. The spray arms are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. A variety of mechanisms are described for providing such linear, sliding movement through the wash chamber. Improved spraying and, therefore, cleaning of articles in the dishwasher can be achieved through the sliding movement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance and, more particularly, to a sliding spray arm assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub defining a wash chamber or compartment wherein one or more rack assemblies, into which various articles may be loaded for cleaning, are positioned. Each rack may include features such as, e.g., tines that hold and orient the articles to receive sprays of wash and rinse fluids during the cleaning process. The articles to be cleaned may include a variety of dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, and other items.

A dishwashing appliance is also typically provided with one or more spray assemblies that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. The spray assemblies can include a lower spray assembly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash compartment, a mid-level spray arm assembly mounted to an upper rack assembly, and a top spray assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash compartment.

Conventionally, such spray assemblies rotate relative to the wash chamber. More specifically, the spray assemblies typically include a one or more orifices or nozzles through which a fluid flows under pressure to provide a spray onto the articles during a wash or rinse cycle. The orientation of the nozzles combined with the action and reaction forces of the exiting fluid causes the spray arms of the spray assembly to rotate 360 degrees relative to the wash chamber so long as a sufficient amount of fluid under pressure is supplied to the spray arms. The rotation of the spray arms helps improve coverage of the fluid over the articles in the rack assemblies.

Depending upon e.g., the orientation and shape of articles placed in the rack assemblies, the fluid provided by such conventional rotating spray arms may not be able to impact all surfaces of the articles. As such, the effectiveness of the cleaning process can be impacted depending upon additional factors such as e.g., the level of debris including food particles present on the articles and the identity of such debris.

Accordingly, a spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance that can provide improved spraying of fluid onto articles in the wash chamber during the cleaning process would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dishwashing appliance having a spray arm assembly with one or more sliding spray arms. More particularly, the spray arms can slide linearly, back and forth, along either a transverse or lateral direction of a wash chamber of the appliance. The spray arms are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. A variety of mechanisms are described for providing such linear, sliding movement through the wash chamber. Improved spraying and, therefore, cleaning of articles in the dishwasher can be achieved. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwasher appliance that includes a cabinet having a wash chamber. The wash chamber defines lateral, transverse, and vertical directions and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. A spray arm assembly is located in the wash chamber. The spray arm assembly is configured for applying fluid onto articles in the wash chamber.

The spray arm assembly includes a main fluid supply for providing fluid into the wash chamber for washing and rinsing. A spray arm is configured for sliding movement through the wash chamber along either the lateral or transverse direction. The spray arm is precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. The spray arm contains a plurality of orifices for directing fluid onto articles in the wash chamber. A fluid supply conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably attached to the spray arm such that fluid supply conduit can rotate relative to the spray arm. The second end is attached to the main fluid supply and is configured to receive fluid from the main fluid supply. The fluid supply conduit is configured to provide fluid from the main fluid supply to the spray arm for spraying through the plurality of orifices.

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, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a wash tub forming a wash chamber in which an exemplary spray arm assembly is located.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a wash tub forming a wash chamber in which another exemplary embodiment of a spray arm assembly is located. FIG. 7 illustrates elements of a motor and related assembly for this exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a wash tub forming a wash chamber in which another exemplary embodiment of a spray arm assembly is located.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a wash tub forming a wash chamber in which another exemplary embodiment of a spray arm assembly is located.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate elements of a related assembly for this exemplary embodiment.

In the figures, dashed lines are used to help illustrate movement of the spray arm assembly. The use of the same reference numerals in different figures generally indicates the same or similar features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a dishwashing appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwashing appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 (which may include a chassis or frame) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash compartment or wash chamber 106. Appliance 100 also includes a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which wash chamber 106 is sealed shut, e.g., for washing operation, and an open configuration, e.g., for loading and unloading of articles from wash chamber 106 of dishwashing appliance 100. A latch 112 allows for locking door 120 in a closed position.

Dishwasher appliance 100 and wash chamber 106 define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. As may be seen in FIG. 1, dishwasher appliance 100 extends between a top 110 and a bottom 111 along vertical direction V and also extends between a first side 114 and a second side 115 along lateral direction L. As may be seen in FIG. 2, dishwashing appliance 100 also extends between a front 118 and a back 119 along transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal directional system.

Slide assemblies 124 are mounted on opposing tub side walls 160, 162 to support and provide for movement for upper rack 130. Lower guides 126 are all positioned in opposing manner of the sides of 160, 162 of chamber 106 and provide a ridge or shelf for roller assemblies 136 so as to support and provide for movement of lower rack 132. Racks 130 and 132 are configured for receipt of articles for cleaning by one or more wash and rinse cycles of appliance 100. Each of the upper and lower racks 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 and 135 that extend in lateral L, transverse T, and/or vertical V directions. Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is facilitated by slide assembly 124 and roller assemblies 136 that carry racks 130 and 132, respectively. In exemplary dishwashing appliance 100 provided by FIGS. 1 and 2, upper rack assembly 130 includes mounts 154 that connect upper rack 130 to slide assemblies 124. Mounts 154 allow for upper rack 130 to adjust to one or more different positions in vertical direction V. A silverware basket 150 may be removably attached to the lower rack 132 for placement of silverware, small utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower racks 130, 132.

Dishwashing appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 116 to regulate operation of dishwashing appliance 100. For example, a user can select operating cycles for appliance 100 using controls 151 on user interface panel 121. Controller 116 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor 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. Controller 116 may include multiple such memory and/or processing devices. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, controller 116 is positioned in the top of dishwashing appliance 100 above door 120. Other locations may be used as well.

It should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, a different means for adjusting upper rack 130 may be provided, different locations may be provided for a user interface panel 121, different configurations may be provided for racks 130, 132, and other differences may be applied as well.

As will be further described herein, dishwashing appliance 100 is equipped with a spray arm assembly 200 configured for applying a fluid F to articles placed into the wash chamber. Only portions of spray arm assembly 200 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2-with various exemplary embodiments of spray arm assembly 200 and their components shown in FIGS. 3 through 13. For example, spray arm assembly 200 can include an upper spray arm above rack 130, a mid-level spray arm positioned between rack 130 and rack 132, and/or a lower spray arm positioned below rack 132. Spray arm assembly 200 is connected with at least one pump 138 for providing fluid collected from sump portion 108 back into the wash chamber 106 of tub 104 through such spray arms. Portions of spray arm assembly 200 may be located in a machinery compartment 140 below sump portion 108 of tub 104.

FIGS. 3 through 5 and 7 through 11 depict exemplary embodiments of a spray arm assembly 200 located in wash chamber 106. Wash chamber 106 is formed in part by sump portion 108, opposing walls 160, 162, rear wall 164, and door 120 (when closed). For these exemplary embodiments, spray arm assembly 200 is shown with up to three spray arms 202 for positioning above, between, and below, respectively, the racks 130 and 132. However, in other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the spray arm assembly may include only one, two, or more than three such spray arms 202. Each spray arm 202 includes one or more nozzles or orifices 204 for providing a spray of fluid onto articles in racks 130 and 132 during a wash or rinse cycle.

In each exemplary embodiment depicted, spray arm 202 is configured for linear, sliding movement through wash chamber 106 along either i) the lateral direction L back and forth between first side 114 and second side 115 (FIGS. 3 and 4; FIGS. 10 and 11), or ii) along transverse direction T between front 118 and back 119 (FIGS. 5 and 6; FIGS. 8 and 9). As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, each spray arm assembly 200 in these exemplary embodiments can be configured with spray arms 202 having linear movement through wash chamber 106 along either the transverse direction T or lateral direction L. For example, the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 could be relocated 90 degrees within wash chamber 106 to provide spray arms 202 that slide linearly back and forth along transverse direction T rather than along lateral direction L as depicted. Similarly, the other exemplary embodiments can be relocated by 90 degrees as well.

For each exemplary embodiment of spray arm assembly 200, spray arms 202 move or slide linearly and are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber 106. More particularly, the longitudinal axis LA (FIG. 4) of each spray arm 202 is maintained parallel to either the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T as the spray arm 202 is moved along a slide path either laterally back and forth between opposing walls 160, 162 (FIGS. 3 and 4; FIGS. 10 and 11) or transversely back and forth between door 120 and rear wall 164 (FIGS. 5 and 6; FIGS. 8 and 9). Thus, unlike conventional rotating spray arms, spray arms 202 do not rotate e.g., 360 degrees to provide a fluid spray onto articles in wash chamber 106 and, instead, slide linearly while providing a fluid spray onto the articles. This linear, sliding movement can provide for more effective washing and rising in operation of dishwashing appliance 100.

For each exemplary embodiment, different patterns may be employed for the linear, sliding movement of spray arms 202. For example, spray arms 202 could move completely over their slide path from side 114 to side 115 or from front 118 to back 119 at a constant speed. Alternatively, spray arms 202 could be caused to slide more slowly over certain portions of racks 130 and 132 where e.g., more heavily soiled articles are expected and then slide relatively faster over other portions. By way of further example, spray arms 202 might repeat a portion (e.g., 25 percent) of their slide path over heavily soiled articles before travelling the full slide path between sides 114 to 115, or front 118 to back 119. Other patterns or cycles may be used as well. As will now be described, a variety of different mechanisms may be used to provide for the linear, sliding movement of non-rotating spray arms 202.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, for this exemplary embodiment, spray arm assembly 200 is equipped with spray arms 202 that slide along a lateral direction L between sides 114 and 115. For each spray arm 202, spray arm assembly 200 includes a fluid supply conduit 206 having a first end 208 and a second end 210. First end 208 is rotatably attached to spray arm 202 so that the fluid supply conduit 206 can rotate relative to spray arm 202 as it is slides back and forth along its slide path as indicated by arrow S in FIG. 4. Second end 210 is attached to a main fluid supply 212.

For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164 and is attached thereto by a plurality of holders or brackets 214. Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.

For each spray arm 202, a support bar 222 has a first end 224 that is rotatably attached to spray arm 202 meaning that support bar 222 can rotate relative to the spray arm 202 as it slides back and forth along lateral direction L. First end 224 is received within an opening 228 in spray arm 202. A second end 226 is rotatably attached at the rear wall 164 of wash chamber 106. For this exemplary embodiment, second end 226 is received into an opening 230 in bracket 214. As such, support bar 222 moves with spray arm 202 as it slides back and forth while also precluding spray arm 202 from rotating relative to wash chamber 106.

A motor 218 is connected at a top end 220 of main fluid supply 212. Motor 218 is configured for rotating spray arm assembly 200 back and forth as indicated by arrow S. FIG. 3 shows spray arms 202 on one side 114 of wash chamber 106 while FIG. 4 shows that spray arms 202 have moved or slid along lateral direction L to the other side 115. Motor 218 rotates main fluid supply 212 back and forth, which in turn moves each fluid supply conduit 206 and associated spray arm 202 back and forth laterally while support bars 222 prevent rotation of spray arms 202. This linear, sliding movement of spray arms 202 can provide more effective cleaning of articles placed in racks 130 and 132.

For this exemplary embodiment, a pair of switches 232, 234 are provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 232 is located along opposing wall 160 while switch 234 is located along opposing wall 162. Each switch 232 and 234 is placed at location along the wall where a spray arm 202 will make contact with a respective switch 232 or 234. Switches 232 and 234 are in communication with controller 116. As such, the activation of either switch 232 or 234 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can then cause motor 218 to reverse direction. Other patterns for the sliding movement of spray arms 202 may also be used. In addition, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, for this exemplary embodiment, spray arm assembly 200 is equipped with spray arms 202 that slide along a transverse direction T between front 118 and back 119 of wash chamber 106. For each spray arm 202, spray arm assembly 200 includes a fluid supply conduit 206 having a first end 208 and a second end 210. First end 208 is rotatably attached to spray arm 202 so that the fluid supply conduit 206 can rotate relative to spray arm 202 as it is slides back and forth along its slide path as indicated by arrow S in FIG. 6. Second end 210 is attached to a main fluid supply 212. Each spray arm 202 is formed from a first segment 236 and a second segment 238 hingedly connected by hinge 240 that allows segments 236 and 238 to be folded and unfolded relative to each other as spray arm 202 slides back and forth along transverse direction T.

For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164 and can be e.g., attached thereto by a plurality of holders or brackets (not shown). Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth along transverse direction T. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along spray arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.

For each spray arm 202, a support guide 242 extends along the transverse direction T from the rear wall 164 of the wash chamber 106. As shown, a distal end 252 is attached to rear wall 164. A threaded, rotatable shaft 244 extends in parallel to each support guide 242. Each spray arm 202 includes a first aperture 246 through which each support guide 242 extends. Spray arm 202 is slidable along support guide 242 while support guide 242 is fixed in position so as to prevent the rotation of spray arm 202 relative to wash chamber 106. Each spray arm 202 also includes a second aperture 248 that defines threads configured for complementary engagement with threads 250 on rotatable shaft 244. As shaft 244 is rotated, this complementary engagement of threads causes spray arms 202 to slide along the transverse direction either towards front 119 or back 120 of wash chamber 106 depending upon the direction of rotation of shaft 244.

A motor 218 is provided for causing shaft 244 to rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise so as to move spray arms 202 back and forth along transverse direction T. Motor 218 is connected with each of the threaded, rotatable shafts 244 by way of a belt drive system 254 as best shown in FIG. 7. System 254 includes a belt 256 driven by drive gears 258 mounted upon shafts 264, one of which extends from motor 218. As such, belt 256 transfers the rotation provided by motor 218 to the other shafts 264 and ensures that all three move in synchronization. A transfer gear 260 is mounted at a distal end 266 of each shaft 264 to transfer the rotation of shaft 264 into the rotation of threaded shaft 244 by acting upon shaft gear 262. As such, the direction of rotation of motor 218 can be used with belt drive system 254 to control the direction of sliding movement of spray arms 202 along the transverse direction T.

For this exemplary embodiment, a switch 268 is provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 268 is located along rear wall 164 and is placed at a location along the wall 164 where a spray arm 202 will make contact with switch 268. Switch 268 is in communication with controller 116. As such, the activation of switch 268 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can cause motor 218 to reverse direction and operate for a period of time sufficient to translate spray arms 202 from back 119 to front 118. Motor 218 can then reverse direction to slide spray arms 202 (arrow S) towards back 119 until switch 268 is activated and then the cycle can be repeated. Other patterns of sliding movement for spray arms 202 may be used as well. Also, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, for this exemplary embodiment, spray arm assembly 200 is equipped with spray arms 202 that slide along a transverse direction T between front 118 and back 119. For each spray arm 202, spray arm assembly 200 includes a fluid supply conduit 206 having a first end 208 and a second end 210. First end 208 is rotatably attached to spray arm 202 so that the fluid supply conduit 206 can rotate relative to spray arm 202 as it is slides back and forth along its slide path as indicated by arrow S in FIGS. 8 and 9. Second end 210 is attached to a main fluid supply 212. Fluid supply conduit 206 is constructed from a first segment 278 that is slidably received within second segment 280 so that first segment 278 can move in and out of second segment 280 as spray arms 202 slide back and forth.

For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along an opposing side wall 162 and is attached thereto by e.g., a plurality of holders or brackets (not shown). Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable relative to wall 162. As such, main fluid supply 212 can rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth along transverse direction T. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.

For each spray arm 202, a support guide 270 extends along a transverse direction T from rear wall 162. Support guide 270 is configured as a rod 270 having a distal end 272 attached or embedded in rear wall 162. Each spray arm 202 includes an aperture 274 through which support guide 270 extends. Spray arm 202 is slidable along support guide 270. At the same time, support guide 270 prevents each spray arm 202 from rotating relative to wash chamber 106 as the spray arms 202 slide along transverse direction T.

A motor 218 is connected at a top end 220 of main fluid supply 212. Motor 218 is configured for rotating spray arm assembly 200 back and forth so that spray arms 202 slide along transverse direction T as indicated by arrow S. FIG. 9 shows that spray arms 202 can slide to back 119 (arrow S_B) or front 118 (arrow S_F). In particular, motor 218 rotates main fluid supply 212 back and forth, which in turn moves each fluid supply conduit 206 and associated spray arm 202 back and forth transversely while support guide 270 prevents rotation of spray arms 202. As with previously described embodiments, such linear, sliding movement of spray arms 202 can provide more effective cleaning of articles placed in racks 130 and 132.

For this exemplary embodiment, a switch 276 is provided for delimiting the movement provided by motor 218. Switch 276 is located along rear wall 164 and is placed at location along the wall where a spray arm 202 will make contact with switch 276. Controller 116 is communication with motor 218 and switch 276. As such, the activation of switch 276 by contact with spray arm 202 sends a signal to controller 116. Controller 116, which is also in communication with motor 218, can cause motor 218 to reverse direction and operate for a period of time sufficient to slide spray arms 202 from back 119 to front 118 (arrow S_F). Motor 218 can then reverse direction to slide spray arms 202 (arrow S_B) towards back 119 until switch 276 is activated and then the cycle can be repeated. Other patterns of sliding movement for spray arms 202 may be used as well. Also, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13, for this exemplary embodiment, spray arm assembly 200 is equipped with spray arms 202 that slide along a lateral direction L between sides 114 and 115. For each spray arm 202, spray arm assembly 200 includes a fluid supply conduit 206 having a first end 208 and a second end 210. First end 208 is rotatably attached to spray arms 202 so that the fluid supply conduit 206 can rotate relative to spray arm 202 as it is slides back and forth along its slide path as indicated by arrow S in FIGS. 10 and 11. More specifically, for this exemplary embodiment, sprays arms 202 include a connecting riser 290 extending along vertical direction V to which conduit 206 is attached. Second end 210 of conduit 206 is rotatably attached to a main fluid supply 212.

For this exemplary embodiment, main fluid supply 212 extends vertically from sump portion 108 along rear wall 164. Main fluid supply 212 is rotatable or pivotable relative to wall 164. As such, main fluid supply 212 can pivot or rotate as spray arm 202 slides back and forth. Main fluid supply 212 is in fluid communication with pump 138 through a conduit 216. Accordingly, the second end 210 of the fluid supply conduit 206 receives fluid from the main fluid supply 212 for creating a spray T through the plurality of nozzles or orifices 204 along sprays arms 202. A flow F of pressurized fluid is provided to main fluid supply 212 from pump 138 through conduit 216.

Spray arms 202 are connected to a belt 292 driven by a pair of motors 294, 296. More particularly, vertical riser 290 includes a leg 302 connected with belt 292. Motors 294, 296 are configured for rotating causing belt 292 to move selectively along the directions of arrows U and D so as to slide spray arms 202 back and forth along lateral direction L. Belt 292 passes through wash chamber 106 through openings 300 in opposing side walls 160 and 162. Covers 298 are provided for belt 292 on each side of chamber 106 (FIG. 11). The operation of motors 294, 296 can be delimited by switches in a manner similar to previously described embodiments. Alternatively, controller 116 can cause the sliding movement of spray arms 202 by controlling the time of operation of motors 294, 296 for each direction of movement of spray arms 202. In addition, other configurations or methods may also be employed to control the movement of spray arm assembly 200.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, spray arms 202 are supported by a plurality of rollers 284 attached to riser 290 by a pair of U-shaped brackets 286. Rollers 284 move within a groove 288 of a track 282 as spray arms 202 are caused to move back and forth along lateral direction L. Other features may be used to support arms 202 as well.

In each of the depicted exemplary embodiments, spray arms 202 slide linearly as described above. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that a dishwashing appliance can also be equipped with a combination of one or more sliding spray arms of the present invention as well as a one or more rotating spray arms. For example, the mid-level spray arm positioned between rack 130 and rack 132 may be configured as a rotating spray arm while one or both of the upper and lower spray arms may be equipped as a sliding spray arm 202. Alternatively, the mid-level spray arm assembly may be equipped as a sliding spray arm 202 while one or both of the upper and lower spray arms are equipped as rotating spray arms. Other combinations of rotating and sliding spray arms may be used as well within the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

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.

Claims

1. A dishwasher appliance, comprising:

a cabinet including a wash chamber, the wash chamber defining lateral, transverse, and vertical directions, the wash chamber configured for receipt of articles for washing;

a spray arm assembly located in the wash chamber, the spray arm assembly configured for applying fluid onto articles in the wash chamber, the spray arm assembly comprising a main fluid supply for providing fluid into the wash chamber for washing and rinsing; a spray arm configured for sliding movement through the wash chamber along either the lateral or transverse direction, the spray arm precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber, the spray arm containing a plurality of orifices for directing fluid onto articles in the wash chamber; and a fluid supply conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably attached to the spray arm such that the fluid supply conduit can rotate relative to the spray arm, the second end attached to the main fluid supply and configured to receive fluid from the main fluid supply, wherein the fluid supply conduit is configured to provide fluid from the main fluid supply to the spray arm for spraying through the plurality of orifices.

2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the spray arm assembly further comprises:

a support bar having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably attached to the spray arm and a second end is rotatably attached at a wall of the wash chamber, the support bar configured for preventing rotation of the spray arm relative to the wash chamber.

3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 2, wherein the wash chamber includes a wall and a sump portion, and wherein the main fluid supply extends vertically from the sump portion along the wall and is rotatable with respect to the wall.

4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 3, further comprising:

a motor configured for rotating the main fluid supply and the spray arm assembly back and forth along either the lateral direction or the transverse direction.

5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the wash chamber comprises a pair of opposing side walls, and wherein the appliance further comprises:

a controller in communication with the motor and configured for controlling the operation of the motor; and

a pair of switches in communication with the controller, each switch positioned along one of the opposing side walls at location for making contact with the spray arm, each switch configured for providing a signal to the controller upon making contact with the spray arm so that the controller operates the motor to change a direction of movement of the spray arm.

6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a support guide extending along either the lateral or transverse direction from a wall of the wash chamber;

a threaded, rotatable shaft extending parallel to the support guide;

wherein the spray arm comprises a first aperture through which the support guide extends, the spray arm slidable along the support guide, the support guide configured for preventing the rotation of the spray arm relative to the wash chamber; and a second aperture through which the rotatable shaft extends, the second aperture defining threads configured to cause the spray arm to slide along the support guide as the rotatable shaft is rotated.

7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 6, wherein the fluid supply conduit comprises a first segment and a second segment that are hingedly connected to each other.

8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 7, wherein the wash chamber includes a sump portion, and wherein the main fluid supply extends vertically from the sump portion along the wall and is rotatable with respect to the wall.

9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 8, further comprising a motor configured for causing the rotatable shaft to rotate so as to move the spray arm back and forth along either the lateral direction or the transverse direction in the wash chamber.

10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, further comprising:

a controller in communication with the motor and configured for controlling the operation of the motor; and

a switch in communication with the controller, the switch positioned along the wall at location for making contact with the spray arm, the switch configured for providing a signal to the controller upon making contact with the spray arm so that the controller operates the motor to change a direction of movement of the spray arm.

11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a support guide extending along either the lateral or transverse direction from a first wall of the wash chamber;

wherein the spray arm comprises an aperture through which the support guide extends, the spray arm slidable along the support guide, the support guide configured for preventing rotation of the spray arm relative to the wash chamber; and

wherein the main fluid supply is located along a second wall of the wash chamber that is orthogonal to the first wall.

12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein the main fluid supply is rotatable relative to the second wall of the wash chamber.

13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, further comprising a motor configured for causing the main fluid supply to rotate so as to move the spray arm back and forth along either the lateral direction or the transverse direction in the wash chamber.

14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, further comprising:

a controller in communication with the motor and configured for controlling the operation of the motor; and

a switch in communication with the controller, the switch positioned along the wall at location for making contact with the spray arm, the switch configured for providing a signal to the controller upon making contact with the spray arm so that the controller operates the motor to change a direction of movement of the spray arm.

15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the fluid supply conduit comprises a first segment and a second segment, the first segment slidably received within the second segment.

16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a track extending along a wall of the wash chamber; and

a plurality of rollers connected to the spray arm, the rollers positioned on the track and configured for supporting the spray arm while rolling along the track as the spray arm moves back and forth within the wash chamber.

17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 16, further comprising:

a belt to which the spray arm is connected; and

a pair of motors configured for moving the belt so as to cause the spray arm to move back and forth within the wash chamber.

18. The dishwasher appliance of claim 17, further comprising:

a controller in communication with the pair of motors and configured for controlling the operation of the pair of motors; and

a switch in communication with the controller, the switch positioned along the wall at location for making contact with the spray arm, the switch configured for providing a signal to the controller upon making contact with the spray arm so that the controller operates the pair of motors to change a direction of movement of the spray arm.

19. The dishwasher appliance of claim 18, wherein the fluid supply conduit comprises a first segment and a second segment, the first segment slidably received within the second segment.