AIR KNIFE ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an air knife assembly, and more specifically, to an automatic air knife for a dishwashing appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes a tub having a top wall and opposing sidewalls that at least partially define a washing chamber. A dish rack operably coupled to the tub and extending between the opposing sidewalls, and a guide assembly operably coupled to the tub. The guide assembly includes a housing operably coupled to the top wall of the tub, a motor disposed in the housing, and a lead screw operably coupled to the motor. The lead screw extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub. At least one support member is operably coupled to the housing and extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub parallel to the lead screw. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw and at least one support member. The air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife defining at least one inlet and an outlet and a first blower and a second blower operably coupled to the air knife. The first and second blowers are configured to direct air through the outlet of the air knife to generate an air curtain along a length of the dish rack when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a tub having opposing sidewalls that at least partially define a washing chamber. A housing is operably coupled to a top portion of the tub. A lead screw is operably coupled to the housing and extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub. A first support member and a second support member are coupled to the housing and extend between the opposing sidewalls, where the lead screw is positioned between the first and second support members. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw, where the air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife operably coupled to the lead screw, the first support member, and the second support member. The air knife includes an inlet and an outlet. At least one blower is operably coupled to the air knife, where the at least one blower is configured to direct air through the outlet of the air knife to generate an air curtain when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying assembly for an appliance includes a tub defining a washing chamber, a lead screw extending along a length of the washing chamber, and a support member extending through the washing chamber proximate to the lead screw. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw and the support member, where the air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife defining an elongated body, a first blower coupled to a first portion of the elongated body, and a second blower coupled to a second portion of the elongated body. The first blower and the second blower are configured to generate an air curtain when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an air knife drying assembly within a washing chamber of a dishwashing appliance, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, side perspective view of an external portion of a housing of a drying assembly coupled to a tub of a dishwashing appliance, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an internal portion of a housing of a drying assembly including first and second receiving plates, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an air knife assembly in a stowed state abutting receiving plates, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a mounting bracket supporting a lead screw and first and second support members for a dishwashing appliance, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an air knife assembly in a stowed state, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an air knife assembly for a dishwashing appliance, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an air knife including a lip defining a gap to form an outlet, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of an air knife including a rounded distal end and a raised end for an outlet, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of an air knife of an air knife assembly having rounded ends, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a side elevational view of an air knife with a first blower and a second blower disposed in a first blower housing and a second blower housing, respectively, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a blower housing and an internal airflow passageway of an air knife, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of as air knife of an air knife assembly having rounded distal ends, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of an air knife having rounded ends and with a first blower and a second blower disposed in a first blower housing and a second blower housing, respectively, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of an airflow channel of an air knife, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of an air knife assembly with a first and second blower coupled to an air knife of the air knife assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a first blower and a second blower of an air knife assembly abutting an interior surface of a first receiving plate and a second receiving plate, respectively, when the air knife assembly is in the stowed state, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an air knife assembly operably coupled to a lead screw and first and second support members with a tub of the dishwashing appliance removed, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of an air knife assembly in a stowed state and illustrating the air knife assembly in phantom in a deployed state, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a dishwashing appliance with an air knife assembly, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method of operating an air knife assembly of a dishwashing appliance, according to the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an air knife assembly for a dishwasher. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-17 reference numeral 10 generally designates a dishwashing appliance or a dishwasher 10. The dishwasher 10 includes a tub 12 having a top wall 14 and opposing sidewalls 16, 18 that at least partially define a washing chamber 20. A housing 22 is coupled to a top portion of the tub 12, and typically is coupled to the top wall 14 of the tub 12. A motor 24 is contained in the housing 22. A lead screw 26 is operably coupled to the housing 22 and extends across the washing chamber 20 between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 of the tub 12. At least one support member 28 is operably coupled to the housing 22 and extends across the washing chamber 20 between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 of the tub 12. The support member 28 is generally parallel to the lead screw 26. An air knife assembly 30 is operably coupled to the lead screw 26 and the support member 28. The air knife assembly 30 is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state.

The air knife assembly 30 includes an air knife 32, which may be configured as a first air knife 32a or a second air knife 32b which may be collectively referred to herein as the air knife 32. The air knife 32 has at least one inlet 34, generally forming separate first and second inlets 34a, 34b, and an outlet 36. The air knife assembly 30 further includes at least one blower 38, 40, and typically a first blower 38 and a second blower 40 operably coupled to the air knife 32. The first and second blowers 38, 40 are configured to direct air through the outlet 36 of the air knife 32 to generate an air curtain when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dishwasher 10 includes the tub 12, which defines the washing chamber 20 in which items such as dishes 48 can be placed to be washed and dried. The tub 12 defines a front opening 50 for accessing the washing chamber 20. Additionally, the tub 12 includes the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 and a rear wall 52, where the rear wall 52 extends between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 and opposite the front opening 50. The top wall 14 of the tub 12 connects the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 and the rear wall 52 to at least partially define the washing chamber 20. Guide members 54a, 54b are coupled to the opposing sidewalls 16, 18, respectively, to support an upper dish rack 56a and a lower dish rack 56b that are disposed within the washing chamber 20. In this way, the dishwasher 10 includes a set of upper guide members 54a to support the upper dish rack 56a, and a set of lower guide members 54b to support the lower dish rack 56b. The dish racks 56a, 56b are movable along the guide members 54a, 54b to be positioned in the washing chamber 20 and for extending out of the washing chamber 20.

A door 58 is rotatably coupled to the tub 12. The door 58 is operable between an opened position to access the washing chamber 20 via the front opening 50 of the tub 12 and a closed position to enclose the washing chamber 20. In certain aspects, the door 58 may be manually adjusted by a user between the opened and closed positions. When the door 58 is in the opened position, the user may move and adjust the upper and lower dish racks 56a, 56b to extend beyond the front opening 50 of the tub 12 of the dishwasher 10.

During operation, the dishwasher 10 proceeds through various cycles to clean and dry the dishes 48 including at least one wash cycle and at least one dry cycle. The dishwasher 10 generally includes a first spray bar 60 disposed proximate to the top wall 14 of the tub 12 in the washing chamber 20 (see FIGS. 7 and 14). The first spray bar 60 directs water downward through a plurality of nozzles onto the dishes 48. In certain aspects, the first spray bar 60 is configured to continuously rotate for a predetermined length of time during the wash cycle to maximize an area where the first spray bar 60 directs washing fluid. The first spray bar 60 generally provides water coverage for the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a.

Additionally, or alternatively, a second spray bar may be included proximate to the lower dish rack 56b to direct water upward through a plurality of nozzles onto the dishes 48 on the lower dish rack 56b. The use of the first spray bar 60 and the second spray bar can assist with maximizing the area where the washing fluid is sprayed over the dishes 48. The dishwasher 10 may include additional spray bars without departing from the teachings herein. Further, additional components may be included in the dishwasher 10 to generate or direct washing fluids in the dishwasher 10, where the washing fluid can include water and/or cleaning solution.

Heating elements may be located in one or more locations throughout the tub 12 of the dishwasher 10 to provide heat to assist in the removal of excess water remaining on the dishes 48 after completion of the wash cycle. In certain aspects, the heating elements may include a heating element that can heat the water, which may be referred to as an integrated heater. Additionally, or alternatively, the heating element can heat both the water and the air within the washing chamber 20, which may be referred to as a calrod heater. Further, the dishwasher 10 can include pumps for removing water, fluid, and/or moisture from the tub 12 during a dry cycle. Moreover, the dishwasher 10 may include a fan to assist the drying process.

As previously noted, the dishwasher 10 may perform one or more cycles to clean and dry the dishes 48, including, but not limited to, a pre-wash fill cycle, a main wash cycle, one or more rinse cycles, a drying assembly translation cycle, and a drying cycle. Detergent is dispensed or otherwise introduced into the tub 12 during the main wash cycle and circulated by the first spray bar 60 and/or the second spray bar to wash the dishes 48 in the upper and lower dish racks 56a, 56b. The transitions between and order of the dishwashing cycles are generally controlled electronically at certain points of the various cycles based on set programs and/or feedback from a sensor 62 via a control system of the dishwasher 10 including a controller 64 (see FIG. 16).

A user interface 66 including a display 68 (see FIG. 16), or other interactive components, is disposed on the dishwasher 10, such as on the door 58. The user interface 66 provides the user with various options, including selecting and initiating an automatic dishwashing process. Additionally, the user may initiate any of the various wash and dry cycles in isolation by engaging with the user interface 66. Generally, the air knife assembly 30 undergoes an automatic translation cycle upon completion of the various wash cycles and prior to the drying cycle as described herein. In other words, the controller 64 may automatically activate the air knife assembly 30 and the motor 24 upon, or in response to, completion of the wash cycle(s). However, the translation cycle may be manually selected by the user via the user interface 66. Further, the translation cycle may be performed in isolation or at other times relative to other cycles of the dishwasher 10 without departing from the teaching herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the top portion, such as the top wall 14 of the tub 12 defines an opening. As illustrated, the opening is proximate to or at a corner of the top wall 14 with the sidewall 16. Further, the opening is generally defined in a central location relative to a depth (i.e., front-to-back) of the washing chamber 20. The opening provides fluid communication between the washing chamber 20 and an area exterior to the tub 12.

A guide assembly for the air knife assembly 30 is generally supported by the tub 12. The guide assembly may include one or more of the housing 22, the motor 24, the lead screw 26, and the at least one support member 28. The guide assembly may be configured to support the air knife assembly 30, as well as assisting in moving the air knife assembly 30 during the drying assembly cycle. The guide assembly and the air knife assembly 30 may be collectively referred to as a drying assembly.

The housing 22 is disposed in the opening of the tub 12 and generally fills the opening. The housing 22 extends through the top wall 14 of the tub 12 and into the washing chamber 20. Accordingly, the housing 22 includes an external portion 76 outside of the washing chamber 20 and an internal portion 78 within the washing chamber 20. The external portion 76 of the housing 22, located outside of the washing chamber 20, includes a cover 86. The cover 86 overlays the external portion 76 of the housing 22 to protect the motor 24 from damage or debris. Additionally, the cover 86 allows for more efficient heat dissipation when the motor 24 is activated. A seal extends along a perimeter of the housing 22 to reduce or prevent water leakage outside of the washing chamber 20 during the various wash cycles, as well as reduce or prevent materials from entering the washing chamber 20 via the opening. Additionally, the internal portion 78 of the housing 22 includes projections 94a, 94b, 94c that define recesses 96a, 96b, 96c for receiving the lead screw 26 and the at least one support member 28, as described further herein.

The motor 24 is disposed in the external portion 76 of the housing 22. The motor 24 includes a driveshaft 98 that engages the lead screw 26. The driveshaft 98 of the motor 24 is positioned in the internal portion 78 of the housing 22 and is disposed within or extends into the projection 94b of the housing 22. The motor 24 is electrically powered and controlled by the controller 64 to activate, deactivate, and control rotation of the lead screw 26 at select times during operation of the dishwasher 10.

A first receiving plate 100a and a second receiving plate 100b are coupled to the top portion of the tub 12. The receiving plates 100a, 100b can be coupled to the sidewall 16 and/or the top wall 14 proximate to the housing 22. The housing 22 is positioned in a central location relative to the sidewall 16 with the first receiving plate 100a and second receiving plate 100b positioned on either side of the housing 22. In certain aspects, the receiving plates 100a, 100b may be lower than the housing 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3, or alternatively, the receiving plates 100a, 100b and the housing 22 may be in a linear arrangement depending on the configuration of the air knife assembly 30. Each of the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b includes an interior surface 102 surrounded by a raised perimeter 104. The interior surfaces 102 and the raised perimeters 104 of the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b assist in providing a seal for the at least one inlet 34 of the air knife assembly 30 during the wash cycle, as is further described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the lead screw 26 is operably coupled to the driveshaft 98 of the motor 24 and extends horizontally across the full width of the washing chamber 20 between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 of the tub 12. A first end 105a of the lead screw 26 is disposed within the recess 96b of the projection 94b of the internal portion 78 of the housing 22 to engage the driveshaft 98 of the motor 24. A second end 105b of the lead screw 26, opposite the first end 105a, is coupled to a mounting bracket 106 coupled with the top portion of the tub 12. In certain aspects, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned on the top wall 14 of the tub 12 proximate to the opposing sidewall 18 of the tub 12 on a same plane as the housing 22 to provide a horizontal alignment for the lead screw 22. The lead screw 26 may be threaded and configured to engage with corresponding threads of a lead nut 108 that may be coupled to the air knife assembly 30 for driving movement of the air knife assembly 30. Activation of the motor 24 drives rotation of the lead screw 26 allowing for linear translation of the air knife assembly 30 across the full width of the top wall 14 of the tub 12, as is further described herein.

The dishwasher 10 also includes at least one support member 28 for supporting and/or increasing stability of the air knife 32 along with the lead screw 26. In certain aspects, the at least one support member 28 can include a first support member 112 and a second support member 114 (which may collectively be referred to as support members 28). The first support member 112 may be disposed in the recess 96a of the first projection 94a, and the second support member 114 may be disposed in the recess 96c of the third projection 94c of the housing 22.

Generally, the first and second support members 112, 114 are on opposing sides of the lead screw 26 and are typically equally spaced from the lead screw 26. The first and second support members 112, 114 extend horizontally across the full width of the washing chamber 20 between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18. The first and second support members 112, 114 are generally spaced apart from each other and the lead screw 26. The first and second support members 112, 114 run parallel to each other and the lead screw 26 with the lead screw 26 positioned between the first and second support members 112, 114 to assist in guiding movement of the air knife assembly 30. Depending on the configuration of the air knife assembly 30, the support members 112, 114 and the lead screw 26 may be disposed in a linear arrangement (e.g., generally on a same plane) or the lead screw 26 may be offset (e.g., above or below) the support members 112, 114.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-5, the first and second support members 112, 114 each form an elongated rigid bar or rail. First ends 116a, 116b of the support members 112, 114 are disposed within the recesses 96a, 96c of the projections 94a, 94c, respectively. Second ends 118a, 118b, opposite the first ends 116a, 116b, of the support members 112, 114 are coupled to the mounting bracket 106 on the opposite side of the tub 12. The first and second support members 112, 114 provide a linear guiding feature along a longitudinal length of each of the first and second support members 112, 114 to support and/or stabilize the air knife assembly 30 when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state. The first and second support members 112, 114 provide a linear guiding feature along a longitudinal length of each of the first and second support members 112, 114 to support and/or stabilize the air knife assembly 30 when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting bracket 106 couples the lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114 to the tub 12. The mounting bracket 106 is coupled to the top wall 14 of the tub 12 proximate the sidewall 18, often via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting bracket 106 includes a body 128 defining recesses or apertures 132a, 132b, 132c. The second end 105b of the lead screw 26 is received by the central aperture 132b, and the second ends 118a, 118b of the first and second support members 112, 114 are received by the outer or front and rear apertures 132a, 132c, respectively. The mounting bracket 106 may allow the lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114 to be held in a more precise and consistent horizontal orientation across the width of the tub 12 to provide movement and structural support to the air knife assembly 30. Further, the configuration of the central apertures 132b allows for rotation of the lead screw 22. Additionally, the mounting bracket 106 is generally positioned at a height and depth equivalent to the internal portion 78 of the housing 22 to provide for a straight/flat orientation (i.e., not diagonal) for the lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114 in the tub 12 and, consequently, a straight/flat movement path for the air knife 32.

The lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114 are supported by the housing 22 and the mounting bracket 106. The housing 22 and the mounting bracket 106 generally have curved shapes, following the shapes of the corners between the top wall 14 and the opposing sidewalls 16, 18, respectively. The curved shape reduces the distance the housing 22 and the mounting bracket 106 extends into the washing chamber 20 to reduce any potential impingement on the various functions and operations of the dishwasher 10.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the dishwasher 10 includes the drying assembly or drying system including the air knife assembly 30 that is operably coupled to the lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114. The air knife assembly 30 is operable between the stowed state and the deployed state. In the stowed state, the air knife assembly 30 abuts or is disposed adjacent to the housing 22. Additionally, in the stowed state, the air knife assembly 30 abuts or is positioned in a space defined by a first receiving plate 100a and a second receiving plate 100b, as is further described herein.

In the deployed state, activation of the motor 24 drives rotation of the lead screw 26, which engages the lead nut 108 on the air knife assembly 30. This engagement drives movement of the air knife assembly 30 linearly along the lead screw 26 and the first and second support members 112, 114 across substantially the full width of the top wall 14 of the tub 12 and between opposing sidewalls 16, 18. The air knife assembly 30 is moved to the deployed state when spaced from the housing 22 moving across the tub 12 upon completion of the various wash cycles and generally prior to the drying cycle of the dishwasher 10.

The air knife assembly 30 includes the air knife 32 that is configured to direct the air curtain toward the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a, and consequently, the lower dish rack 56b. The air knife 32 includes an elongated body 136 that extends between the rear wall 52 of the tub 12 and the front opening 50 of the dishwasher 10. In this way, the air knife 32 extends along a substantial portion of a depth of the top wall 14 and the tub 12. The elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 also includes a first opening 140a and a second opening 140b in fluid communication with the first blower 38 and the second blower 40, respectively, and a slit 144 forming the outlet 36 of the air knife 32.

Referring still to FIGS. 6 and 7, as well as FIGS. 8 and 9, the elongated body 136 generally has a narrow “teardrop” cross-sectional geometry and includes rounded distal ends 148a, 148b that enclose an interior channel 150 of the air knife 32. The “teardrop” geometry of the elongated body 136 assists in transferring the air from the interior channel 150, with a reduction of internal turbulence, into the pressurized flow of air provided by the air curtain in a downward direction toward the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state.

The slit 144 forming the outlet 36 extends between the rounded ends 148a, 148b of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32. Accordingly, the slit 144 is elongated, extending a substantial depth of the tub 12. The slit 144 is a generally elongated, narrow, nozzle-like opening with a width less than about 2 mm, for example between about 1.3 mm and about 1.7 mm, that enables the air within the interior channel 150 of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 to form a more uniform, pressurized air curtain. Further, the slit 144 allows the air curtain to be fan-shaped along the depth of the tub 12. Accordingly, the nozzle-like design of the slit 144 facilitates directed air flow to produce a high-velocity, fan-shaped air curtain capable of removing excess water and moisture on the dishes 48 disposed in at least the upper dish rack 56a when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state.

The air curtain creates a flat sheet-like air jet profile extending across the length and width of the slit 144 defining the outlet 36 in a fore-aft direction along the depth of the tub 12. The air curtain transfers pressurized air to residual pools of water or excess moisture on the dishes 48 via fluid shearing actions, thereby displacing moisture on the dishes 48 under optimized laminar flow conditions inside the air knife 32. The outlet 36 of the air knife 32 is generally position between about 200 mm and about 250 mm from the dishes 48 of the upper dish rack 56a providing for efficient water and excess moisture removal while reducing movement of or damage to the dishes 48 due to excessive pressurized airflow.

Referring still to FIGS. 6-9, the slit 144 may be formed by a lip 152 defined by the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32. The lip 152 of the air knife 32 is a generally elongated, flat portion with a height H measuring between about 5 mm and about 8 mm extending from a bottom of the “teardrop” shape of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32. The lip 152 forms and provides for a narrow profile of the outlet 36 of the air knife 32 to assist in the maintenance of a uniform, pressurized air jet stream. The height H of the lip 152 of the air knife 32 further assists in maximizing coverage of the air curtain at a consistent and pressurized velocity. Additionally, the lip 152 of the air knife 32 defines a gap G that forms the outlet 36. The gap G has a width of less than 2 mm, for example between about 1.2 mm and about 1.5 mm. The gap G assists the air knife 32 in directing the air curtain in a downward direction toward the dishes 48 at a velocity of between approximately 5 m/s to approximately 10 m/s. The gap G further provides for a uniform, high velocity air curtain to maximize coverage of the drying airflow to the dishes 48.

The elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 also includes raised ends 156 that are defined at opposing ends of the lip 152. The raised ends 156 are generally tapered or sloped upward towards the top wall 14 of the tub 12, defining an angle α. The raised ends 156 extend beyond the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 to allow the air curtain to extend along the depth of the upper dish rack 56a to create the uniform, continuous pressurized airstream for removing the excess water from recesses of the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a at maximum coverage levels. Additionally, the raised ends 156 of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 expands or widens the fan shape of the air curtain to assist in maximizing coverage along the depth of the upper dish rack 56a.

The elongated body 136 defines the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b, and the position of the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b relative to the elongated body 136 provides an entry of the air into the interior channel 150 of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 at two locations. The air is directed by the elongated body 136 along the length of the elongated body 136 toward a center and to the rounded ends 148a, 148b. In other words, the position of the first and second openings 140a, 140b assist with more evenly directing air along the full length/depth of the air knife 32 and, consequently, along the depth of the upper dish rack 56a. The rounded ends 148a, 148b of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 provide more efficient coverage of airflow over a substantial or full depth and width of the upper dish rack 56a during translation of the air knife assembly 30 when in the deployed state and assists in reducing turbulence within the interior channel 150. As air is directed through the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32, the air is dynamically compressed through the smoothly tapered inner profile of the elongated body 136 (e.g., the rounded ends 148a, 148b, the “teardrop”shape, etc.) to achieve the air curtain.

Referring still to FIGS. 6-9, the air knife assembly 30 also includes a first blower housing 160a and a second blower housing 160b that are in fluid communication with the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b of the elongated body 136. Accordingly, the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b are coupled to and extend from the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32. The first and second blower housings 160a, 160b define the first inlet 34a and the second inlet 34b (collectively forming the at least one inlet 34). The first and second blower housings 160a, 160b are generally cubed or cuboid shape, however, other shapes and dimensions may be alternatively utilized for the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b without departing from the teachings herein. The first and second blower housings 160a, 160b are positioned between the elongated body 136 and the tub 12, including the top wall 14 and/or the sidewall 16. Accordingly, the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 is spaced from the housing 22 by the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b when the air knife assembly 30 is in the stowed state.

The first blower 38 and the second blower 40 of the air knife 32 are disposed within the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b, respectively. The first and second blowers 38, 40 of the air knife assembly 30 include a proximal end 164 proximate to the first and second openings 140a, 140b, respectively, and a distal end 166 proximate to the first and second inlets 34a, 34b. When in the stowed state, the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b mate with or are disposed within the raised perimeters 104 of the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b, thereby generally enclosing the first and second blowers 38, 40 and protecting the interior of the air knife assembly 30 from moisture exposure during the various wash cycles of the dishwasher 10. In certain aspects, the distal ends 166 of the first and second blowers 38, 40 abut the interior surfaces 102 in the stowed state.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, the air knife 32 of the air knife assembly 30 may include the first air knife 32a that may be utilized to assist in directing air in a downward direction when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state. The first air knife 32a may be a generally single-zone air knife 32a. The first air knife 32a may include the elongated body 136 defining an internal airflow passageway 186 (e.g., the internal channel 150) that fluidly couples the first and second openings 140a, 140b with the slit 144 for forming an airflow path through the first air knife 32a. The internal airflow passageway 186 is a generally elongated, continuous internal channel 150 extending from the first rounded end 148a to the second rounded end 148b. In other words, the rounded ends 148a, 148b of the elongated body 136 of the first air knife 32a enclose the internal airflow passageway 186. The internal airflow passageway 186 extends between the rounded ends 148a, 148b of the first air knife 32a to define the continuous channels that directs a singular and consistent stream of air through the outlet 36 to form the air curtain. Accordingly, the position of the first and second openings 140a, 140b relative to the elongated body 136 of the first air knife 32a provides an entry of air into the internal airflow passageway 186.

The blowers 38, 40 draw the air into the first and second inlets 34a, 34b, through the openings 140a, 140b, and into the internal airflow passageway 186, along the length of the elongated body 136 toward the center and to the rounded ends 148a, 148b, and through the outlet 36. The blowers 38, 40 are configured to generate separate airflows through the air knife 32a that combine in the internal airflow passageway 186 to form the continuous air curtain. Accordingly, the first blower 38 forms a first airflow that is directed through the first opening 140a and then is directed in opposing directions through the internal airflow passageway 186, toward the center of the elongated body 136, and toward the first rounded end 148a. Similarly, the second blower 40 forms a second airflow that is directed through the second opening 140b and then is directed in opposing directions through the internal airflow passageway 186, toward the center of the elongated body 136 and toward the second rounded end 148b. The airflows may meet at the center of the elongated body 136 to form a single continuous air curtain.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, the air knife assembly 30 may include the second air knife 32b, which may be a generally dual-zone air knife 32b. The second air knife 32b may include the elongated body 136 having a first portion 208 and a second portion 210 extending in opposing directions from a center location 212 of the elongated body 136 of the second air knife 32b. The first portion 208 of the second air knife 32b defines a first airflow channel 220 extending between one of the rounded ends 148a and the center location 212 of the elongated body 136 of the second air knife 32b. The second portion 210 of the second air knife 32b defines a second airflow channel 224 extending between the opposing rounded end 148b and the center location 212 of the elongated body 136 of the second air knife 32b. The first and second airflow channels 220, 224 collectively form separate sections of the internal channel 150. The first and second airflow channels 220, 224 may be separated by an internal divider or structure that generally reduces or prevents fluid communication between the first and second airflow channels 220, 224 within the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32b.

The first and second portions 208, 210 independently direct air through the outlet 36 of the elongated body 136 of the second air knife 32b to generate two airflow or air curtain portion that combine outside of the elongated body 136 to collectively form a singular, pressurized air curtain when the air knife assembly 30 is the deployed state. In other words, the first portion 208 of the second air knife 32b defines a first zone 226 generating one of the airflow portions and the second portion 210 of the second air knife 32b defines a second zone 228 generating the other airflow portions to form the singular, pressurized air curtain. In operation, the first portion 208 directs air through the first airflow channel 220 and the outlet 36 to form the first zone 226 of airflow. Simultaneously, the second portion 210 directs air through the second airflow channel 224 and the outlet 36 to form the second zone 228 of airflow. The first and second airflow portions may combine within the slit 144, at the outlet 36, or entirely outside of the elongated body 136 without departing from the teachings herein.

When the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state, the first zone 226 of the second air knife 32b provides localized airflow coverage corresponding to a first portion of the upper dish rack 56a. The second zone 228 of the second air knife 32b provides localized airflow coverage corresponding to a second portion of the upper dish rack 56a proximate the first portion of the upper dish rack 56a, to cover substantial portion or an entirety of the upper dish rack 56a. In other words, the first zone 226 forms a first air curtain portion and the second zone 228 forms a second air curtain portion. Accordingly, the first and second zones 226, 228 of the second air knife 32b assist in providing broader airflow coverage along the depth of the upper dish rack 56a and an increase in the velocity of the air curtain at a central location of the outlet 36 of the elongated body 136 to maximize drying of the dishes 48 in the dishwasher 10. In this regard, the separate first and second zones 226, 228 may assist in providing more consistent air velocity along the air knife 32a compared to a single zone. Moreover, the outlet 36 may be a single opening or multiple openings, such as two openings that correlate with the two zones 226, 228.

A top 246 of the elongated body 136 of the first and second air knife 32a, 32b, respectively, includes at least one attachment feature 250a (such as illustrated with the first air knife 32a) or attachment feature 250b (such as illustrated with the second air knife 32b) defining a plurality of apertures 252a, 252b, 252c. The lead screw 26 may be received in the central aperture 252b. More particularly, the lead nut 108 may be nested within aperture 252b and the lead screw 26 may be threadably received by the lead nut 108 to mate with and secure the lead screw 26 to the air knife assembly 30.

The first and second support members 112, 114 are disposed within or extend through the outer apertures 252a, 252c of the respective attachment feature 250a, 250b. In particular, a first bearing 256 is disposed in the aperture 252a, and a second bearing 258 is disposed in the aperture 252c. The first and second bearings 256, 258 receive the first and second support members 112, 114 to secure the first and second support members 112, 114 in place and allow the bearings 256, 258 to move with the air knife 32 along the support members 112, 114. The first and second bearings 256, 258 are positioned within the outer apertures 252a, 252c of the attachment feature 250a, 250b to reduce friction of the first and second support members 112, 114 within the apertures 252a, 252c and promote more precise movement of the air knife assembly 30 along the length of the first and second support members 112, 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, the air knife assembly 30 is configured to move through the washing chamber 20 for the drying assembly translation cycle, moving the air curtain across the tub 12. During the translation cycle of the dishwashing process, air from the washing chamber 20 of the tub 12 is drawn into the first and second inlets 34a, 34b of the air knife 32 by the first and second blowers 38, 40, respectively. Blades of the first and second blowers 38, 40 direct the air through the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b, through the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b, and into the interior of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state. The activation of the motor 24 causes the lead screw 26 to rotate or move, which moves the air knife 32 away from the housing 22 and, consequently, the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b away from the interior surfaces 102 of the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b, allowing the air from the washing chamber 20 to be drawn into the air knife 32. The air is directed through the air knife 32 and is then directed in a downward direction through the slit 144 to form the air curtain. The motor 24 and the blowers 38, 40 are generally deactivated when the air knife assembly 30 is in the stowed state. This retains the air knife assembly 30 adjacent to the housing 22 with the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b abutting the receiving plates 100a, 100b, sealing the inlets 34a, 34b.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the dishwasher 10 includes the controller 64 having a processor 290, a memory 292, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines 294 are stored in the memory 292 and executable by the processor 290. The routines 294 can generally relate to operation of the dishwasher 10 (e.g., washing systems, drying systems, draining systems), as well as operation of the guide assembly and the air knife assembly 30 (e.g., the drying assembly). For example, the controller 64 may be configured to automatically start the translation cycle for the air knife assembly 30 between the wash cycles and the dry cycles.

Upon completion of the final wash cycle, the translation cycle of the air knife assembly 30 can be automatically activated. In this way, the air knife assembly 30 is configured to automatically adjust from the stowed state to the deployed state in response to a signal from the controller 64. The controller 64 of the dishwasher 10 is communicatively coupled with the motor 24 to activate the motor 24. Accordingly, the controller 64 electronically sends an activation signal to the motor 24 to activate the motor 24 to drive rotation of the lead screw 26 and, consequently, start linear translation of the air knife assembly 30 in preparation for the final drying cycle of the dishwashing process. The timing of the translation cycle before the drying cycle generally allows for more rapid drying of the dishes 48 disposed in the dishwasher 10. Alternatively, the controller 64 may send the activation signal to the motor 24 to start linear translation of the air knife assembly 30 upon completion of the final drying cycle of the dishwashing process.

In various examples, the controller 64 is configured to signal the motor 24 to activate and rotatably drive the lead screw 26 prior to the initiation of the drying cycle. As the lead screw 26 rotates, the lead nut 108 engages with the lead screw 26 and is moved along the length of the lead screw 26, which, consequently, drives movement of the air knife assembly 30 across the width of the top wall 14 of the tub 12. The air knife assembly 30 is guided by the first and second support members 112, 114 concurrently with the lead screw 26. The controller 64 may be configured to monitor a position of the air knife assembly 30 to determine that the air knife assembly 30 reaches the opposing sidewall 18, however, it may be contemplated that the position of the air knife assembly 30 may be adjusted based on a predetermined or stored time interval for the air knife 32 to travel the full width of the tub 12. In certain aspects, the full translation cycle of the air knife assembly 30 from the stowed state to the opposing sidewall 18 and back to the stowed state can take between approximately 150 seconds and approximately 180 seconds. The translation cycle of the air knife assembly 30 may include one, or more than one, full movement cycles from proximate the sidewall 16, to proximate the opposing sidewall 18, and back to the sidewall 16.

As the air knife assembly 30 is deployed, the first and second blowers 38, 40 utilize air drawn internally from within the washing chamber 20 and direct the air through the first and second inlets 34a, 34b of the air knife 32. The distal ends 166 of the first and second blowers 38, 40 are exposed to the washing chamber 20 when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state and draws in the internal air as the air knife assembly 30 moves between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18 of the tub 12. The air directed by the first and second blowers 38, 40 provides a high-pressure, high-velocity air supply that is forced through the outlet 36 of the air knife 32. As the air knife assembly 30 translates along the lead screw 26 across the width of the tub 12, the first and second blowers 38, 40 continuously draw air into the first and second inlets 34a, 34b and direct the air inside the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 and, consequently, through the outlet 36 to provide the continuous, moving air curtain.

Referring again to FIGS. 12-15, the pressurized air supply generated by the first and second blowers 38, 40 is directed through the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b of the air knife 32. The forced air enters the internal channel 150 (including the internal airflow passageway 186 or the first and second zones 226, 228) of the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 and is accelerated through the slit 144 defining the outlet 36 of the air knife 32. As the air knife assembly 30 translates across the tub 12, the first and second blowers 38, 40 direct the air through the outlet 36 of the air knife 32 in a downward direction to form the air curtain that extends from proximate a front to proximate a back of the upper dish rack 56a towards the dishes 48 to provide coverage along a substantial depth of the dish rack. The air from the air curtain is directed along a full length/depth of the air knife 32 and is evenly distributed along the air knife 32 due to the location of the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b and the shape of the rounded ends 148a, 148b.

Accordingly, the high velocity of the air from the air curtain assists in the efficient removal of pools of water and moisture that are generally common on dishes 48, especially those with deep recesses, after the wash cycle. The air velocity at which the air curtain directs air toward the dishes 48 is greater than about 5 m/s, such as between approximately 5 m/s and approximately 12 m/s, to provide for effective removal of the excess water or moisture from the dishes 48. In certain non-limiting aspects, the air velocity may be between approximately 8 m/s and approximately 10 m/s to maximize efficiency of the removal of the excess liquid or moisture from the dishes 48.

The outlet 36 of the air knife 32 is generally positioned between about 200 mm and about 250 mm from the dishes 48 of the upper dish rack 56a, and forms an air curtain that directs air toward the dishes 48 at a velocity between approximately 5 m/s and approximately 12 m/s. The selected or desired air velocity of between about 5 m/s and approximately 12 m/s. The selected or desired air velocity of between about 5 m/s and about 12 m/s can be maintained up to a distance of between approximately 200 mm and approximately 250 mm from the outlet 36 (i.e., the nozzle) for effective removal of the excess liquid or moisture from the dishes 48. Accordingly, the air forming the air curtain moves at a velocity between about 5 m/s and 12 m/s at the outlet 36 and a distance of between at least about 200 mm and about 250 mm from the outlet 36. In this way, the air velocity may be maintained from the outlet 36 to the dishes 48 and/or the upper dish rack 56a up to approximately 250 mm, or farther, for providing an efficient air curtain to achieve liquid reduction or removal from the dishes 48.

With reference to FIG. 17, as well as FIGS. 12-16, a method 300 of operating the air knife assembly 30 of the dishwasher 10 includes step 310, where the controller 64 of the dishwasher 10 receives an activation signal, such as from the user via the user interface 66, to initiate one or more dishwashing processes or cycles. In step 320, the controller 64 is configured to activate the motor 24 in response to the signal from the sensor 62 or in response to completion of the wash cycle (e.g., based on routines 294 relate to the wash cycle) to begin driving rotation of the lead screw 26. In certain aspects, the motor 24 may drive rotation of the lead screw 26 in a clockwise direction.

In step 330, the rotation of the lead screw 26 causes the air knife assembly 30 to linearly translate along and proximate to the top wall 14 of the washing chamber 20 of the tub 12 from one sidewall 16 to the opposing sidewall 18. The lead screw 26 engages the lead nut 108, which drives the movement of the air knife assembly 30 along the lead screw 26. In step 340, the controller 64 is configured to activate the first blower 38 and the second blower 40. The first and second blowers 38, 40 direct air from the first and second inlets 34a, 34b, respectively, through the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32, generating forced air that is directed through the outlet 36 as the air curtain. The air curtain forms a moving, fan-shaped sheet of air that is moved along the width of the tub 12 and, consequently, the width of the upper dish rack 56a as the air knife assembly 30 moves, thereby reducing or removing excess water and moisture on the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a. The air knife assembly 30 travels from proximate one sidewall 16 to proximate the opposing sidewall 18 over a time between about 75 seconds and about 90 seconds.

In step 350, the controller 64 receives a predetermined return signal that activates or adjusts the motor 24 to begin driving rotation of the lead screw 26 in an opposing direction, such as a counterclockwise direction. The return signal may be based on a sensed position of the first or second air knife 32a, 32b, movement time stored in the controller 64, etc. The opposing rotation of the lead screw 26 engages the lead nut 108 to move the lead nut 108 along the lead screw 26 back toward the housing 22.

In step 360, the counterclockwise rotation of the lead screw 26 assists the air knife assembly 30 in linearly translating along and proximate to the top wall 14 of the washing chamber 20 of the tub 12 from the sidewall 18 to the sidewall 16 towards the housing 22 directing the air curtain while maintaining the downward direction toward the dishes 48 disposed on the dish rack. Accordingly, one full translation from the housing 22, to the mounting bracket 106, and back to the housing 22 results in the air curtain moving across the dishes 48 twice. The translation cycle of the air knife assembly 30 may utilize two full translations or four passes of the first or second air knife 32a, 32b over the dishes 48.

In step 370, the first and second blower housings 160a, 160b of the air knife assembly 30 are moved to be positioned in the receiving plates 100a, 100b in the stowed state. In this way, the first inlet 34a and the second inlet 34b are sealed by the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b to reduce or prevent water and moisture from the washing chamber 20 from entering the air knife assembly 30, which can cause damage to the operational components within the air knife assembly 30 during the various cycles of the dishwasher 10. When the air knife assembly 30 is set or secured in the stowed state, the controller 64 is configured to initiate the final drying cycle and completes the overall dishwashing process that then prompts the user that the dishes 48 are clean. In other words, the controller 64 is configured to start the dry cycle after the air knife assembly 30 is moved from the deployed state to the stowed state after completion of the translation cycle.

The final dry cycle may be more efficient due to the removal of water and moisture by the air knife assembly 30. While the air knife assembly 30 is described as reducing water and moisture on dishes 48 in the upper dish rack 56a, the air may flow through the dishes 48 on the upper dish rack 56a, or the translation cycle may be performed with few or new dishes 48 in the upper dish rack 56a. In such examples, the air may assist in reducing or removing water and moisture from dishes 48 in the lower dish rack 56b. The steps 310-370 of the method 300 may be performed in any order concurrently in sequence, repeated, omitted, etc. without departing from the teachings herein.

The use of the present appliance and assembly may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the air knife 32 of the air knife assembly 30 may provide a uniform, pressurized fan-shaped jet of air in the form of the air curtain from the outlet 36. The second air knife 32b of the air knife assembly 30 may provide for the first zone 226 and the second zone 228, providing individual, pressurized fan-shaped jets of air in the form of the air curtain. Additionally, the first and second blowers 38, 40 assist in providing a more consistent velocity across the air curtain generated from the first or second air knife 32a, 32b. Further, the first and second blowers 38, 40 allow for a maximization of coverage along a depth of the upper dish rack 56a when the air knife assembly 30 is in the deployed state. Accordingly, when air knife assembly 30 is in the stowed state, the first and second blowers 38, 40 abut the interior surfaces 102 of the first and second receiving plates 100a, 100b assisting in maintaining a distance of the air knife assembly 30 proximate to the opposing sidewall 16 of the tub 12.

Further, the distance of the air knife assembly 30 proximate to the opposing sidewall 16 of the tub 12 allows for the outlet 36 of the first or second air knife 32a, 32b to be aligned with an end of the upper dish rack 56a to assist the air curtain in maximally covering the entirety of the upper dish rack 56a. The maximization of coverage of the air curtain via the placement of the air knife assembly 30 allows for the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a to be dried more effectively. Additionally, the lip 152 of the first and second air knife 32a, 32b include the height H of between about 5 mm and about 8 mm, that provides for a narrow profile of the outlet 36 to assist in the maintenance of a uniform, pressurized air jet stream. The lip 152 of the first and second air knife 32a, 32b further assists in maximizing coverage of the air curtain at a consistent and pressurized velocity.

Further, the lip 152 of the first and second air knives 32a, 32b include the raised ends 156 that are tapered or sloped upward towards the top of the tub 12. The raised ends 156 extend beyond the elongated body 136 of the air knife 32 to allow the air curtain to extend farther along the depth of the upper dish rack 56a to create the uniform, continuous pressurized airstream for removing the excess water from recesses of the dishes 48 disposed in the upper dish rack 56a at maximum coverage levels. Additionally, the air knife assembly 30 includes the first and second support members 112, 114 that extend horizontally across the full width of the washing chamber 20 between the opposing sidewalls 16, 18. The first and second support members 112, 114 are generally spaced apart from each other and the lead screw 26. The first and second support members 112, 114 run parallel to each other and the lead screw 26 with the lead screw 26 positioned between the first and second support members 112, 114 to assist in guiding movement of the air knife assembly 30. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all various aspects described herein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes a tub having a top wall and opposing sidewalls that at least partially define a washing chamber. A dish rack operably coupled to the tub and extending between the opposing sidewalls, and a guide assembly operably coupled to the tub. The guide assembly includes a housing operably coupled to the top wall of the tub, a motor disposed in the housing, and a lead screw operably coupled to the motor. The lead screw extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub. At least one support member is operably coupled to the housing and extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub parallel to the lead screw. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw and the at least one support member. The air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife defining at least one inlet and an outlet and a first blower and a second blower operably coupled to the air knife. The first and second blowers are configured to direct air through the outlet of the air knife to generate an air curtain along a length of the dish rack when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to another aspect, a first blower housing and a second blower housing are operably coupled to an air knife, where at least one inlet includes a first inlet defined by the first blower housing and a second inlet defined by the second blower housing, and where the first blower housing is spaced from the second blower housing.

According to yet another aspect, a first blower housing and a second blower housing extend between one of an opposing sidewalls of a tub and an air knife.

According to yet another aspect, a first receiving plate and a second receiving plate are coupled with a tub proximate a housing, where a first blower housing abuts the first receiving plate, and a second blower housing abuts a second receiving plate when an air knife assembly is in a stowed state.

According to yet another aspect, a first blower is disposed in a first blower housing and a second blower is disposed in a second blower housing, where a portion of the first blower is positioned proximate to a first receiving plate and a portion of the second blower is positioned proximate to a second receiving plate when an air knife assembly is in a stowed state.

According to yet another aspect, at least one support member includes a first support member parallel to a second support member, where a lead screw is positioned between the first support member and the second support member.

According to yet another aspect, a motor drives rotation of a lead screw to linearly translate an air knife assembly along the lead screw and a first and second support member.

According to yet another aspect, an air knife includes an elongated body defining a first portion and a second portion, where a first blower housing is coupled to the elongated body and a second blower housing is coupled to the elongated body.

According to yet another aspect, a first blower housing is centrally located along a first portion and a second blower housing is centrally located along a second portion of an elongated body of an air knife.

According to yet another aspect, a first portion of an elongated body defines a first zone and a second portion defines a second zone, where the first zone forms a first air curtain portion and the second zone forms a second air curtain portion, and where the first and second air curtains combine to form an air curtain.

According to yet another aspect, an elongated body of an air knife defines an internal airflow passageway between opposing ends of the air knife, where a first and second blower are configured to direct air from the internal airflow passageway and through an outlet to form an air curtain when an air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, an elongated body includes a lip defining a gap forming an outlet of an air knife, and where a height of the lip is configured to guide a continuous stream of an air curtain when an air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, an appliance includes a tub having opposing sidewalls that at least partially define a washing chamber. A housing is operably coupled to a top portion of the tub. A lead screw is operably coupled to the housing and extends between the opposing sidewalls of the tub. A first support member and a second support member are coupled to the housing and extend between the opposing sidewalls, where the lead screw is positioned between the first and second support members. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw, where the air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife operably coupled to the lead screw, the first support member, and the second support member. The air knife includes an inlet and an outlet. At least one blower is operably coupled to the air knife, where the at least one blower is configured to direct air through the outlet of the air knife to generate an air curtain when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, a first dish rack positioned above a second dish rack within a tub, each of the first and second dish racks are operably coupled to the tub and extend along a width of a washing chamber, where an air knife assembly is configured to direct an air curtain in a downward direction towards the first dish rack and the second dish rack when in a deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, at least one blower includes a first blower and a second blower, where the first blower is configured to generate a first airflow through an air knife and the second blower is configured to generate a second airflow through the air knife, and where the first and second airflows combine to form an air curtain when an air knife assembly is in a deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, an air knife defines an elongated slit forming an outlet to direct an air curtain in a downward direction, where the elongated slit defines opposing raised ends configured to assist in directing the air curtain when an air knife assembly is in a deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, at least one blower generates an air curtain as a sheet of air extending along a length of an elongated slit of an air knife to maximize removal of excess water on dishes disposed in first and second dish racks.

According to yet another aspect, a drying assembly for an appliance includes a tub defining a washing chamber, a lead screw extending along a length of the washing chamber, and a support member extending through the washing chamber proximate to the lead screw. An air knife assembly is operably coupled to the lead screw and the support member, where the air knife assembly is operable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The air knife assembly includes an air knife defining an elongated body, a first blower coupled to a first portion of the elongated body, and a second blower coupled to a second portion of the elongated body. The first blower and the second blower are configured to generate an air curtain when the air knife assembly is in the deployed state.

According to yet another aspect, an air knife includes an attachment feature coupled to a top of the air knife and defining a plurality of apertures to receive a lead screw and a support member.

According to yet another aspect, a mounting bracket operably coupled to an opposing sidewall of a tub opposite an air knife assembly, where a lead screw and a support member are coupled to the mounting bracket.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.