DIVERTER ASSEMBLY FOR A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, or more specifically, to dispensing assemblies of washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. During a spin or drain cycle, a drain pump assembly may operate to discharge water from within sump.

[0003]Certain conventional washing machine appliances include dispensing assemblies that are configured to dispense water, wash fluid, and/or other additives into the wash chamber at various stages of the operating cycle to facilitate the cleaning of articles located therein. These dispensing assemblies may include a detergent drawer that includes multiple reservoirs for holding different additives and a water supply that selectively supplies water into the one or more reservoirs to flush the additives into the wash tub at desired times in the wash cycle.

[0004]However, conventional dispensing assemblies utilize a large number of components to regulate the fluid flow, e.g., such as multiple water valves, hoses, clamps, etc. For example, conventional dispensing assemblies use a separate cold water valve for each detergent reservoir, plus at least one additional hot water valve. Other dispensing assemblies rely on complex, motor-driven water flow diverters to direct incoming water into different channels within the dispensing assembly. These components are costly, increase assembly time and complexity, and provide additional failure points where leaks or malfunctions may occur.

[0005]Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having a dispensing assembly with a minimal number of components would be desirable. More specifically, a dispensing assembly that reliably supplies wash additives with minimal cost and complexity would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006]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.

[0007]In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided including a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a wash chamber, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub for receiving a load of clothes, a dispensing assembly mounted within the cabinet for selectively adding wash fluid into the wash tub, the dispensing assembly defining a plurality of dispenser inlet, and a diverter assembly for selectively directing the wash fluid through one or more of the plurality of dispenser inlets. The diverter assembly includes a diverter manifold defining a diverter inlet and a plurality of diverter outlets, a diverter disk mounted to the diverter manifold, the diverter disk being rotatable to selectively couple the diverter inlet to one or more of the plurality of diverter outlets, and a hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism mechanically coupled to the diverter disk for selectively rotating the diverter disk.

[0008]In another exemplary embodiment, a diverter assembly for an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a dispensing assembly defining a plurality of dispenser inlets. The diverter assembly includes a diverter manifold defining a diverter inlet and a plurality of diverter outlets, a diverter disk mounted to the diverter manifold, the diverter disk being rotatable to selectively couple the diverter inlet to one or more of the plurality of diverter outlets, and a hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism mechanically coupled to the diverter disk for selectively rotating the diverter disk.

[0009]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

[0010]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.

[0011]FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012]FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with a door in the open position according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013]FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014]FIG. 4 provides a rear perspective view of a dispensing assembly of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015]FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a dispenser housing of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016]FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a diverter assembly of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0017]FIG. 7 provides a top view of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018]FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a top manifold of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019]FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a top manifold of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0020]FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a diverter disk of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0021]FIG. 11 provides a perspective, cross-sectional view of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0022]FIG. 12 provides a perspective, cross-sectional view of the example diverter assembly of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023]FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of the example diverter disk of FIG. 10 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0024]FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of the example diverter disk of FIG. 10 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0025]Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]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.

[0027]As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028]Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0029]The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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 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.

[0030]As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a fluid diverter designed for use in appliances such as laundry machines. This diverter may operate using hydraulic principles and may include indexed outlet ports for directing fluid flow. According to an example embodiment, the diverter is actuated hydraulically and employs a plunger-style actuator with a biasing element, which is driven by a water valve, typically the cold-water valve in a washer. The hydraulic pressure generated by the water flow may move the plunger to advance the diverter to the next indexed position. The diverter may serve the purpose of directing a secondary fluid, such as hot water in a washer, to the desired location once a specific position is selected. The diverter may maintain the selected path until changed by the driving fluid source. The indexing mechanism may ensure that the diverter moves precisely to the desired position for optimal fluid flow management. The actuator plunger may have a pin on its opposite end arranged to travel in an indexed path within the diverter. When the plunger is activated by the driving fluid, the pin may progress along the track path, rotating the diverter halfway to the next indexed position. A biasing element in the actuator can return the plunger to its initial position once the driving fluid flow ceases, completing the rotation to the next indexed position.

[0031]The diverter may be designed with multiple outlet ports, such as six outlet ports, and may rotate in the clockwise direction. Each burst of the driving fluid may cycle the diverter to the next indexed position, and to cycle through all six positions, six actuation bursts may be used. Ramped transitions in the track can prevent backtracking, ensuring smooth and efficient rotation of the diverter. In some cases, positional feedback on the diverter position may be desirable. This can be achieved through various means, such as limit switches activated by features in the diverter, indicating when it is in the home or first position, and subsequent positions can be counted from there.

[0032]The diverter may be integrated into a manifold top, featuring inlet and outlet ports aligned to selectively channel the fluid. The diverter manifold top may be attached to a base part that reorients the fluid coming out of the manifold top to the outlet ports. A sealed interface between these components may be used to prevent leakage. The diverter assembly may allow for the selective routing of fluid in appliances, with the most likely application being in the dispenser of a clothes washer. Integration of the diverter assembly into the dispenser housing simplifies operation.

[0033]Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, FIG. 2 is a front view of washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0034]Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

[0035]Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

[0036]Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 3, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 which defines a chamber opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over chamber opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to chamber opening 132 by being movable between an open position (FIG. 2) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.

[0037]A window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not labeled) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

[0038]Referring again to FIG. 3, wash basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140.

[0039]A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance 100. Drain pump assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146 which is in fluid communication with sump 142 and with an external drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, drain pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, through drain hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and urges it through drain hose 150 to external drain 148.

[0040]A spout (such as supply conduit 218) may be configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, supply conduit 218 may be in fluid communication with a water supply 154 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Supply conduit 218 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to supply conduit 218 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

[0041]As illustrated in FIG. 3, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash tub 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to supply conduit 218 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

[0042]In addition, a water supply valve 158 may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply 154) into detergent dispenser 156 (e.g., via diverter assembly 240, described below) and into wash tub 124. In this manner, water supply valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser 156 to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that water supply valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although water supply valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0043]A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users.

[0044]Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

[0045]Controller 166 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. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0046]During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through chamber opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via supply conduit 218 and or detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., water supply valve 158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

[0047]After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assembly 144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through chamber opening 132.

[0048]While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances.

[0049]Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 170 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between washing machine appliance 100 and one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of washing machine appliance 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 170 may be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances and/or improve user interaction with such devices.

[0050]For example, external communication system 170 permits controller 166 of washing machine appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to washing machine appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 172. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 174. In general, external device 172 may be any suitable device separate from washing machine appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 172 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0051]In addition, a remote server 176 may be in communication with washing machine appliance 100 and/or external device 172 through network 174. In this regard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 172 may communicate with a remote server 176 over network 174, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control washing machine appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 172 and remote server 176 may communicate with washing machine appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

[0052]In general, communication between washing machine appliance 100, external device 172, remote server 176, and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 172 may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 174. For example, network 174 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0053]External communication system 170 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 170 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0054]Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 5, a fluid circulation assembly 200 that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will be described according to example embodiments of the present subject matter. In general, fluid circulation assembly 200 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid (e.g., identified generally by reference numeral 202 in FIG. 3) throughout washing machine appliance 100. For example, the flow of wash fluid 202 may be water, detergent, additives, or some mixture thereof. According to example embodiments, fluid circulation assembly 200 may be configured to circulate the flow of wash fluid 202 within washing machine appliance 100 to facilitate cleaning of a load of articles or may be configured to discharge the flow of wash fluid 202 to an external drain 148. Although fluid circulation assembly 200 will be described below according to an example embodiment, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0055]According to the illustrated embodiment, fluid circulation assembly 200 may generally include a dispensing assembly 210 that is configured to receive and distribute the flow of wash fluid 202. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, dispensing assembly 210 may generally include a dispenser manifold or a dispenser housing 212 that is positioned within or recessed within cabinet 102, e.g., at a top corner of front panel 130. According to the illustrated embodiment, dispenser housing 212 may be an open reservoir positioned at a bottom of dispensing assembly 210 and may include angled collecting wall 214 for directing fluids within dispenser housing 212 toward a discharge port 216. As shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5, discharge port 216 may be fluidly coupled to a supply conduit 218 that is fluidly coupled to wash tub 124. In this manner, the flow of wash fluid 202 that is passed into dispenser housing 212 may be directed under the force of gravity into wash tub 124, e.g., to facilitate operation of washing machine appliance 100.

[0056]As illustrated FIG. 4, dispensing assembly 210 may further include a shower plate 220 and a top cover 222 that is positioned over the shower plate 220 to define a water supply reservoir 224. Dispensing assembly 210 may further include a plurality of dispenser inlets 226 that are positioned at a rear of shower plate 220 for providing flows of hot and/or cold water into water supply reservoir 224, e.g., from water supply 154. In general, shower plate 220 may include a plurality of water supply apertures or perforations (not shown) for discharging the freshwater from water supply reservoir 224 down into dispenser housing 212. In this manner, fresh water and/or additives may be showered or flooded within dispenser housing 212 where they may be mixed prior to passing into wash tub 124 through supply conduit 218 (e.g., as flow of wash fluid 202).

[0057]In addition, as described briefly above, dispensing assembly 210 may include a detergent drawer 156 that is slidably mounted within dispenser housing 212 for receiving one or more wash additives or detergents. In this regard, a user may slide detergent drawer 156 out from front 112 of cabinet 102 for supplying wash additives needed for a wash cycle. Detergent drawer 156 may then slide back into dispensing assembly 210 where water supply 154 may selectively dispense fresh water to flush out one or more compartments of detergent drawer 156 and to create the flow of wash fluid 202.

[0058]In addition, detergent drawer 156 may define one or more detergent chambers that are generally configured for storing one or more wash additives for use during a washing cycle, e.g., such as a pre-wash chamber, a bleach chamber, a fabric softener chamber, main wash chamber, etc. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, detergent drawer 156 may define other chambers for receiving other wash additives while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0059]Shower plate 220 may generally be positioned over detergent drawer 156 when detergent drawer 156 is inserted into dispenser housing 212. In addition, shower plate 220 may generally divide water supply reservoir 224 into a plurality of reservoirs associated with one or more detergent chambers (not shown) that are fluidly coupled to one or more dispenser inlets 226, e.g., defined on a back of shower plate. In this regard, by injecting water into selected dispenser inlets 226, the water may flood a respective one of the plurality of reservoirs defined by shower plate 220, passing through the water supply apertures into a respective detergent chamber. The water may then flush the detergent within the detergent chamber into dispenser housing 212 where it may be discharged into wash tub 124 through supply conduit 218 as a flow of wash fluid 202. It should be appreciated that the number of chambers, reservoirs, and the additives they store may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0060]Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6 through 14, dispensing assembly 200 may further include a diverter assembly 240 for selectively directing water (e.g., indicated by reference numeral 242) through one or more of the plurality of dispenser inlets 226 to facilitate mixing with one or more detergents and the generation of wash fluid 202 that may be passed into wash tub 124. Although an example diverter assembly 240 is described and illustrated below, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0061]In general, diverter assembly 240 may include a diverter manifold 244 defining at least one diverter inlet 246 and a plurality of diverter outlets 248. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, diverter manifold 244 has a single diverter inlet 246 and six diverter outlets 248. As will be described in more detail below, diverter assembly 240 may include features for regulating the flow of water passing through diverter inlet 246, i.e., directing the flow of water 242 to one or more of the plurality of diverter outlets 248. Continuing the example from above, each diverter outlet 248 may be fluidly coupled to one or more dispenser inlets 226 of water supply reservoir 224, such that regulation of diverter assembly 240 may be used to regulate which detergent or additive (if any) is added to the flow of wash fluid 202 within dispensing assembly 210. Although a single diverter inlet 246 and six diverter outlets 248 are illustrated, it should be appreciated that these numbers may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0062]According to the illustrated example embodiment, diverter manifold includes a first or bottom manifold portion 250 and a second or top manifold portion 252 that is joined to bottom manifold portion 250 to define a plurality of fluid flow paths 254. Specifically, six fluid flow paths 254 are defined, each of which is fluidly connected to one of the diverter outlets 248. According to alternative embodiments, fluid flow paths 254 may be connected to two or more diverter outlets 248, fewer or additional fluid flow paths 254 may be defined, or other manifold configurations may be used. In addition, it should be appreciated that diverter manifold 244 may alternatively be formed as a single, continuous piece.

[0063]According to an example embodiment, diverter inlet 246 is defined on a sidewall 256 of top manifold portion 252 and diverter outlets 248 are defined on a sidewall 258 of bottom manifold portion 250. Washing machine appliance 100 may further include a hot water supply conduit 260, e.g., coupled to a hot water supply valve for receiving hot water from a municipal supply or other heated supply source. Hot water supply conduit 260 may be fluidly coupled to diverter inlet 246, e.g., for flooding diverter manifold 244 with hot water. In this regard, diverter assembly 240 is described herein as being used to regulate the flow of hot water to one or more diverter outlets 248. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, cold water or a mixture of cold and hot water may be mixed and distributed using diverter assembly 240.

[0064]Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, top manifold portion 252 may define an upper flow plenum 262 fluidly coupled to diverter inlet 246 such that water supplied through hot water supply conduit 260 passes into upper flow plenum 262. In addition, top manifold portion 252 may define a plurality of transition paths 264 through which the flow of water 242 may exit upper flow plenum 262 if not otherwise blocked or impeded. In addition, referring now also to FIG. 9, bottom manifold portion 250 may define a plurality of redirecting paths 266 that are fluidly coupled to transition paths 264 and may be configured to redirect the flow of water 242 to one or more of the diverter outlets 248. Although specific flow configurations are described, it should be appreciated that these paths are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

[0065]Referring again generally to FIGS. 6 through 14, diverter assembly 240 may further include a diverter disk 270 that is mounted to diverter manifold 244. According to the illustrated embodiment, diverter disk 270 is rotatable to selectively couple diverter inlet 246 to one or more of diverter outlets 248, e.g., by blocking one or more transition paths 264. In this regard, diverter disk 270 may be a cylindrical disk that has a cylindrical wall 272 that slides along an interior of sidewall 256 of top manifold portion 252. In addition, a plurality of apertures 274 may be defined in cylindrical wall 272, such that alignment of apertures with diverter inlet 246 and one or more transition paths 264 will permit the flow of water 242 to exit upper flow plenum 262 and pass through transition paths 264 to one or more selected diverter outlets 248. Although diverter assembly 240 is described as having a diverter disk 270 that is rotatably within a diverter manifold 244 to selectively direct the flow of water 242, it should be appreciated that other mechanisms are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter, e.g., such as linear plunger style manifolds and diverting mechanisms.

[0066]According to an example embodiment, diverter assembly 240 may include a limit switch 276 that is configured for detecting a position of diverter disk 270 and thereby providing controller 166 with knowledge of which diverter outlets 248 are being supplied with the flow of water 242 through diverter assembly 240. According to an example embodiment, a protrusion 278 on diverter disk 270 may engage limit switch 276 at a home position. Controller 166 may be operably coupled to limit switch 276 to obtain knowledge as to the precise position of diverter disk 270. It should be appreciated that other configurations of limit switch 276 and triggering mechanisms are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated that limit switch 276 could alternatively be an encoder, a hall-effect sensor, an optical interrupter switch, or any other suitable device for detecting the position of diverter disk 270.

[0067]In addition, diverter assembly 240 may include a hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism 300 that is mechanically coupled to diverter disk 270 for selectively rotating diverter disk 270. In this manner, operation of hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism 300 may position diverter disk 270 as desired to supply the flow of water 242 through one or more diverter outlets 248. Although an example indexing mechanism is described below, other configurations of hydraulic actuators are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0068]As illustrated, hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism 300 includes a plunger housing 302 and a plunger 304 mounted within plunger housing 302 and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. More specifically, plunger housing 302 may define an inlet 306 and an outlet 308. As will be described in more detail below, a flow of actuating water 310 may be supplied through inlet 306 to force plunger 304 to the extended position, after which the flow of actuating water 310 may be ejected through outlet 308. In this regard, for example, plunger 304 may define a plunger head 312 that blocks outlet 308 until plunger 304 the extended position.

[0069]In addition, hydraulically actuated indexing mechanism 300 may include a biasing element 314 mechanically coupled to plunger 304 for urging plunger 304 toward the retracted position. For example, biasing element 314 may be a mechanical spring positioned around plunger 304 between plunger head 312 of plunger 304 and a distal end 316 of plunger housing 302. In this manner, for example, a cold water supply conduit 318 of dishwasher appliance 100 may be fluidly coupled to inlet 306 of plunger housing 302 for supplying the flow of actuating water 310. By applying a burst of the flow of actuating water 310, biasing element 314 may be compressed until outlet 308 is opened, after which the water pressure may be overcome by biasing element 314 to move plunger 304 toward the retracted position, i.e., performing single plunger extension which in turn indexes diverter disk 270, as described in more detail below.

[0070]For example, as illustrated, diverter disk 270 may define a track 330, e.g., in a top surface of diverter disk 270. Plunger 304 may extend out of plunger housing 302 and may engage track 330 to rotate diverter disk 270. For example, a distal end of plunger may define an actuating feature 332 operably engaged within track 330 such that moving plunger 304 between the retracted position and the extended positioned causes rotation of diverter disk 270 by a predetermined amount, e.g., referred to herein as “indexing” the diverter disk 270. In this regard, actuating feature 332 may be a plunger pin that extends down from a distal end of plunger 304 such that it is seated within and rides along track 330. According to the illustrated embodiment, track 330 is formed in a star pattern, such that extension of plunger 304 causes rotation of diverter disk through half of a single indexed rotation. After the flow of actuating water 310 is discharged through outlet 308, biasing element 314 moves plunger 304 and actuating feature 332 back toward the retracted position, thereby completing a single indexed rotation of diverter disk 270.

[0071]Notably, in order to prevent reverse rotation of diverter disk 270, track 330 may be defined such that actuating feature 332 is urged to move diverter disk 270 in only a single direction (e.g., clockwise when viewed from above). In this regard, the bottom wall of track 330 may be defined by a ramped surface 334. When plunger 304 reaches the fully extended or the fully retracted position, track 330 may define a drop-off 336 that acts as a blocking feature that prevents reverse movement of actuating feature 332 and diverter disk 270. It should be appreciated that other blocking features are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter, e.g., such as one-way pivoting brackets, directing protrusions, etc.

[0072]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.