Global Patent Index - EP 0761157 A1

EP 0761157 A1 19970312 - Power increase of PTC heating element via spray jet

Title (en)

Power increase of PTC heating element via spray jet

Title (de)

Leistungssteigerung eines PTC Heizelementes durch ein Sprühstrahl

Title (fr)

Augmentation de puissance d'un élément de chauffage PTC grâce à un jet d'arrosage

Publication

EP 0761157 A1 19970312 (EN)

Application

EP 96111705 A 19960719

Priority

US 52433195 A 19950906

Abstract (en)

An apparatus for increasing the power draw of a positive temperature coefficient heating element (400) in a washer (10) when the heating element is not submerged in fluid. The washer includes the heating element (400), a tub (20) with a sump (28), a hub (40), a pump (80) and a spray arm (100). The pump circulates the fluid from the sump throughout the tub. Disposed around the sump is the heating element. Projecting upward from the sump is the hub which has a passage for conveying fluid from the pump to the top of the hub. The spray arm is substantially hollow and is rotatably mounted to the top of the hub. The spray arm receives fluid from the passage in the hub and projects sprays of fluid into the tub, causing the spray arm to rotate. At least one of the sprays (340,380) is directed downward onto the heating element (400) during the rotational travel of the spray arm so as to substantially wet the heating element when the heating element is not submerged in fluid, thereby cooling the heating element and increasing its power draw. <IMAGE>

IPC 1-7

A47L 15/42; A47L 15/23

IPC 8 full level

A47L 15/23 (2006.01); A47L 15/42 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

A47L 15/23 (2013.01); A47L 15/4285 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 0761157 A1 19970312; CA 2180064 A1 19970307

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 96111705 A 19960719; CA 2180064 A 19960627