Whirlpool Corporation

Michelle L Oakes

Ryan Kevin Roth

Julio C Moreira

Brooke L Lau

Andrew James Retsema

Brian W May

Marc R Pendergrass

Angela J Robbins

A steam purge method for a dishwasher includes a washing cycle, a steam purge cycle and a rinse cycle. During the steam purge cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid to a level below a heating element in a wash chamber, heated and at least partially converted to steam in the wash chamber. After the steam purge cycle, the dishwasher is drained and the rinse cycle commences. Optionally, a heated drying cycle may be performed upon termination of the rinse cycle. A single heating element arranged in the wash chamber is utilized for heating washing fluid during each of washing, purging and steam generation cycles, as well as for the heated drying cycle.

Dishwasher steam purge method

A dishwasher includes a door assembly that has an outer door panel with a vent. At the end of a wash cycle, the outer door panel tips outwardly to expose the vent. Steam is evacuated from the dishwasher through the vent via a duct extending through the door assembly.

Vented door assembly for a dishwasher

An overall dishwasher operation cycle includes a washing cycle and a final rinse cycle including steam generation. During the final rinse cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid, heated and utilized to rinse dishware within the dishwasher. After partially draining the tub, a heating element is actuated so as to transform fluid in the tub into steam for cleansing dishware within the dishwasher. After the steam cycle, the final rinse cycle is completed, with the dishwasher being drained. Optionally, when a heated dry cycle is actuated, the heating element continues to operate to provide drying heat to dishware for a period of time before being deactivated. With this arrangement, a single heating element is utilized for heating washing fluid for washing, rinsing and steam generation, as well as for the heated dry cycle.

Dishwasher final steam rinse method

A modular exhaust vent for use in venting a wash chamber of a dishwasher, such as during a dry cycle, comprises a housing that forms an exhaust flow path from the wash chamber to the exterior of the dishwasher and a valve operable for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between an opened and closed position for selectively closing the exhaust flow path. An actuator for moving the valve is connected to the valve by a link such that activation of the actuator effects movement of the link to pivot the valve to either the opened or closed position. Further, the valve selectively closes the exhaust flow path at an inlet to impede introduction of sound into the exhaust flow path.

Growing community of inventors

Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America

Michelle L Oakes