Pump assembly for cleaning dispenser in washing machine appliance

Abstract

A washing machine appliance (100), comprising: a tub (124), which is positioned within a housing (102) and defines a washing chamber (126); a basket (120), which is rotatably mounted in the tub (124) and configured to receive a load of laundry; a dispensing assembly (210), which is mounted within the housing (102) and configured to selectively add a washing fluid into the tub (124); and a pump assembly (144), which is in fluid communication with a sump (142) of the tub (124). The pump assembly (144) comprises: a recirculation conduit (230), which is fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly (210); and a recirculation pump (236), which is configured to selectively enable the washing fluid to flow through the recirculation conduit (230).

Description

Pump assembly for cleaning dispenser in washing machine equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to laundry washing appliances, or more particularly, to a dispensing assembly for a laundry washing appliance. Background Art

[0002] Washing machine devices typically include a tub for holding water or a washing fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and / or other washing additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receiving items to be washed. During normal operation of such a washing machine device, washing fluid is directed into the tub and onto items within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or agitating element can rotate at various speeds to agitate the items within the wash chamber, wring the washing fluid from the items within the wash chamber, and the like. During a spin or drain cycle, a drain pump assembly is operable to drain water from the sump.

[0003] Some conventional washing machine devices include a dispensing assembly that is configured to dispense water, washing fluid, and / or other additives into a washing chamber at various stages of the operating cycle to facilitate cleaning of the items located therein. However, it is noteworthy that various dirt, dust, soil, and additives may accumulate within the dispensing assembly. Furthermore, due to residual water and additives remaining in the dispensing assembly after the operating cycle, mold and mildew may easily form. This buildup tends to reduce the efficiency of the operating cycle, produce odors in the device and on the items cleaned therein, and generally leads to consumer dissatisfaction and the need for repair services. Conventional methods for dealing with this buildup include using the washing machine's water inlet valve to clean the dispensing assembly, but these methods use additional water and rely on highly variable water inlet pressure.

[0004] Therefore, what is desired is a washing machine appliance having features that facilitate improved cleaning of the dispensing assembly. More specifically, a system for cleaning the dispensing assembly with constant water pressure and minimal water usage would be particularly beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine apparatus is provided, comprising: a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a washing chamber; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub for receiving a load of laundry; a dispensing assembly mounted within the cabinet for selectively adding washing fluid to the wash tub; and a pump assembly in fluid communication with a sump of the wash tub. The pump assembly includes a recirculation conduit fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly and a recirculation pump for selectively urging a flow of washing fluid through the recirculation conduit.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a pump assembly for a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a dispensing assembly mounted within a housing for selectively adding washing fluid to a wash tub. The pump assembly includes a recirculation conduit fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly and a bidirectional pump for selectively urging the washing fluid through the recirculation conduit.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be 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 present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is described in the specification as a complete and feasible disclosure including the best mode thereof for one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] 2 provides a front view of the exemplary washing machine apparatus of FIG. 1 with the door in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary laundry machine apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] 4 provides a schematic diagram of fluid circulation components of the exemplary laundry machine apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] 5 provides another schematic diagram of the example fluid circulation assembly of FIG. 4 , illustrating a recirculation conduit according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] 6 provides a rear perspective view of the dispensing assembly of the exemplary fluid circulation assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] 7 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0017] 8 provides a perspective view of a distributor manifold of the exemplary distribution assembly of FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] 9 provides a close-up perspective view of the inlet port of the exemplary distributor manifold of FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019] 10 provides a schematic diagram of various inlet ports that may be used with the example distributor manifold of FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0020] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided to explain the present invention, not to limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover these modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "include" and "comprising" 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"). As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative representation that can be permitted to vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may mean within 10%.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, FIG1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine device 100, FIG2 is a front view of the washing machine device 100, and FIG3 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine device 100. As shown, the washing machine device 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is perpendicular to each other so as to generally define an orthogonal coordinate system. The washing machine device 100 includes a housing 102 extending along the vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, along the lateral direction between a left side 108 and a right side 110, and along the transverse direction T between a front portion 112 and a rear portion 114.

[0024] 2 and 3 , a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within the housing 102 so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122 (e.g., a flat motor) is mechanically connected to the wash basket 120 to selectively rotate the wash basket 120 (e.g., during agitation or rinsing cycles of the washing machine device 100). The wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 configured to receive items to be washed. The wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluid for agitation in the wash basket 120 within the wash tub 124. As used herein, "washing fluid" may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable washing additive or combination thereof. In fact, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular "washing fluid."

[0025] Wash basket 120 can define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to help agitate and clean items disposed in wash chamber 126 during operation of laundry machine appliance 100. For example, as shown in FIG3 , a plurality of ribs 128 extend from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, ribs 128 can lift items disposed in wash basket 120, for example, during rotation of wash basket 120.

[0026] 1-3 , the cabinet 102 further includes a front panel 130 defining a chamber opening 132 that allows a user to access the wash basket 120 of the wash tub 124. More specifically, the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a door 134 positioned above the chamber opening 132 and rotatably mounted to the front panel 130. In this manner, the door 134 allows selective access to the chamber opening 132 by moving between an open position ( FIG. 2 ) that facilitates access to the wash tub 124 and a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) that prohibits access to the wash tub 124.

[0027] When the door 134 is in the closed position, such as during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, a window 136 in the door 134 allows viewing of the wash basket 120. The door 134 also includes a handle (not labeled), such as that a user may pull when opening and closing the door 134. Furthermore, while the door 134 is shown as being mounted to the front panel 130, it should be understood that according to alternative embodiments, the door 134 may be mounted to another side of the cabinet 102 or to any other suitable support.

[0028] 3 , wash basket 120 further defines a plurality of perforations 140 to facilitate fluid communication between the interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at the bottom of wash tub 124 along a vertical direction V. Accordingly, sump 142 is configured to receive and generally collect wash fluid during operation of washing machine apparatus 100. For example, during operation of washing machine apparatus 100, wash fluid may be drawn from basket 120 through plurality of perforations 140 to sump 142 by gravity.

[0029] A drain pump assembly 144 is located below the wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with the sump 142 for periodically draining dirty wash fluid from the washing machine apparatus 100. The drain pump assembly 144 can generally include a drain pump 146 in fluid communication with the sump 142 and an external drain 148 via a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, the drain pump 146 facilitates the flow of wash fluid from the sump 142 through the drain hose 150 to the external drain 148. More specifically, the drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) that is energized during the drain cycle, causing the drain pump 146 to draw wash fluid from the sump 142 and push it through the drain hose 150 to the external drain 148.

[0030] A nozzle, such as supply conduit 218, can be configured to direct a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, supply conduit 218 can be in fluid communication with water source 154 ( FIG. 2 ) to direct a fluid (e.g., cleaning water or washing fluid) into wash tub 124. Supply conduit 218 can also be in fluid communication with sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 can direct washing fluid disposed in sump 142 to supply conduit 218 to circulate the washing fluid within wash tub 124.

[0031] 3 , a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within the front panel 130. The detergent drawer 156 receives wash additives (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additives to the wash tub 124 during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, the detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to the supply conduit 218 to facilitate complete and accurate dispensing of the wash additives.

[0032] In addition, the water supply valve 158 can provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as the municipal water supply 154) to the detergent dispenser 156 and the wash tub 124. In this manner, the water supply valve 158 is generally operable to supply water to the detergent dispenser 156 to produce, for example, a wash fluid for a wash cycle, or a fresh water flow for a rinse cycle, for example. It should be understood that the water supply valve 158 can be located at any other suitable location within the cabinet 102. Furthermore, although the water supply valve 158 is described herein as regulating a flow of "wash fluid," it should be understood that this term includes water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0033] A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to the front panel 130. The control panel 160 and the input selectors 162 together form a user interface input for an operator to select machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, countdown timers, and / or other items of interest to the machine user.

[0034] The operation of the washing machine apparatus 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 ( FIG. 1 ), which is operably coupled to a control panel 160 for user operation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of the control panel 160, the controller 166 operates the various components of the washing machine apparatus 100 to perform the selected machine cycles and features.

[0035] Controller 166 can include memory and microprocessor, such as general or special microprocessor that can be operated to execute the programming instruction relevant to the cleaning cycle or microcontrol code.Memory can represent random access memory, such as DRAM, or read-only memory, such as ROM or FLASH.In one embodiment, the processor executes the programming instruction stored in the memory.Memory can be a component separated from the processor, or can be included in the processor.Alternatively, controller 166 is constructed to have no microprocessor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog and / or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, triggers, AND gates, etc.) to perform control functions without relying on software.The control panel 160 and other components of washing machine device 100 can be communicated with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication buses.

[0036] During the operation of washing machine device 100, washing articles are loaded into wash basket 120 through chamber opening 132, and washing operation is started by operator manipulation input selector 162. Washing tub 124 is filled with water, detergent and / or other fluid additives, for example, via supply conduit 218 and / or detergent drawer 156. Washing machine device 100 can control one or more valves (for example, water supply valve 158) to fill wash basket 120 to the appropriate level of the amount of articles to be washed and / or rinsed. For example, for washing mode, once wash basket 120 is suitably filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (for example, by ribs 128) to wash the washing articles in wash basket 120.

[0037] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, the wash tub 124 can be drained. Then, according to the specific circumstances of the cleaning cycle selected by the user, the washed items can be rinsed by adding fluid to the wash tub 124 again. The ribs 128 can provide agitation in the wash basket 120 again. One or more dehydration cycles can also be used. In particular, a dehydration cycle can be applied after the wash cycle and / or after the rinse cycle to wring out the washing fluid from the washed items. During the final dehydration cycle, the basket 120 rotates at a relatively high speed, and the drain pump assembly 144 can discharge the washing fluid from the sump 142. After the items arranged in the wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed and / or rinsed, the user can, for example, remove the items from the wash basket 120 by opening the door 134 and entering the wash basket 120 through the chamber opening 132.

[0038] Although the teachings disclosed herein are described in the context of a specific embodiment of a horizontal axis washing machine 100, it should be understood that the horizontal axis washing machine 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine devices having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also be used with the present subject matter, such as vertical axis washing machine devices.

[0039] Still referring to FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of external communication system 170 will be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Generally, external communication system 170 is configured to allow for interaction, data transfer, and other communications between washing machine device 100 and one or more external devices. For example, such communications may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information to enhance the performance of washing machine device 100. Furthermore, it should be understood that external communication system 170 may be used to transmit data or other information to enhance the performance of one or more external devices or appliances and / or enhance user interaction with such devices.

[0040] For example, the external communication system 170 allows the controller 166 of the washing machine device 100 to communicate with an independent device external to the washing machine device 100 (generally referred to herein as an external device 172). As described in more detail below, these communications can be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection (such as via a network 174). Generally, the external device 172 can be any suitable device separate from the washing machine device 100 that is configured to provide and / or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, the external device 172 can be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0041] Furthermore, the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine 100 and / or the external device 172 via the network 174. In this regard, for example, the remote server 176 can be a cloud-based server 176 and, therefore, be located at a remote location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the external device 172 can communicate with the remote server 176 via the network 174 (e.g., the Internet) to send / receive data or information, provide user input, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control the washing machine 100, etc. Furthermore, the external device 172 and the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine 100 to transfer similar information.

[0042] In general, communications between the washing machine device 100, the external device 172, the remote server 176, and / or other user devices or devices can be carried out 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, the external device 172 can communicate directly or indirectly with the washing machine device 100 via any suitable wired or wireless communication connection or interface (such as network 174). For example, the network 174 can 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-range or long-range wireless network, etc. In addition, any suitable communication means or protocol can be used to convey communications, such as via Bluetooth, Wireless Personal Area Network Radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communications can use various 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).

[0043] The external communication system 170 is described herein according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. However, it should be understood that the exemplary functionality and configuration of the external communication system 170 provided herein are provided merely as examples to facilitate describing various aspects of the present subject matter. The system configuration may vary, other communication means may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated devices, other communication protocols and procedures may be implemented, and the like. Such variations and modifications are considered within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0044] Referring now generally to FIG. 4 through FIG. 10 , a fluid circulation assembly 200 that can be used with a washing machine apparatus 100 will be described in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Generally speaking, the fluid circulation assembly 200 can be configured to propel a flow of wash fluid (e.g., generally identified by reference numeral 202) through the washing machine apparatus 100. For example, the wash fluid flow 202 can be water, detergent, additives, or some mixture thereof. According to exemplary embodiments, the fluid circulation assembly 200 can be configured to circulate the wash fluid flow 202 within the washing machine apparatus 100 to facilitate cleaning a batch of items, or can be configured to discharge the wash fluid flow 202 to an external drain 148. While the fluid circulation assembly 200 will be described below in accordance with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid circulation assembly 200 may generally include a distribution assembly 210 configured to receive and distribute a flow of wash fluid 202. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the distribution assembly 210 may generally include a distributor manifold or distributor housing 212 located within or recessed within the cabinet 102, such as at a top corner of the front panel 130. According to the illustrated embodiment, the distributor housing 212 may be an open reservoir positioned at the bottom of the distribution assembly 210 and may include an inclined collection wall 214 for directing fluid within the distributor housing 212 toward a drain port 216. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drain port 216 may be fluidly coupled to a supply conduit 218 that is fluidly coupled to the wash tub 124. In this manner, the flow of wash fluid 202 entering the distributor housing 212 may be gravity-directed to the wash tub 124, for example, thereby facilitating operation of the washing machine apparatus 100.

[0046] As best shown in Figures 4-7, the dispensing assembly 210 can further include a spray plate 220 and a top cover 222 positioned above the spray plate 220 to define a water source reservoir 224. The dispensing assembly 210 can further include a plurality of fresh water supply inlets 226 positioned at the rear of the spray plate 220 for providing a flow of hot and / or cold water, such as from the water source 154, into the water source reservoir 224. Typically, the spray plate 220 can include a plurality of holes or perforations for discharging fresh water from the water source reservoir 224 downwardly into the dispenser housing 212. In this manner, fresh water and / or additives can be showered or flooded within the dispenser housing 212, where they can be mixed before passing through the supply conduit 218 into the wash tub 124.

[0047] In addition, as briefly described above, the dispensing assembly 210 may include a detergent drawer 156 slidably mounted within the dispenser housing 212 for receiving one or more washing additives or detergents. In this regard, the user may slide the detergent drawer 156 out of the front 112 of the housing 102 to supply the desired washing additives for the wash cycle. The detergent drawer 156 may then be slid back into the dispensing assembly 210, where the water source 154 may selectively dispense clean water to rinse one or more compartments of the detergent drawer 156 and generate the wash fluid stream 202.

[0048] It is noteworthy that, as briefly explained above, since the distribution assembly 210 is frequently exposed to the washing fluid stream 202, detergent and other additives, the distribution assembly may tend to collect residues, dirt or other deposits. Over time, this residue may cause the accumulation of mildew or mold, thereby producing a musty smell, causing consumer dissatisfaction and / or repeated maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, it may be necessary to regularly rinse the distribution assembly 210 with water to clean these dirt and deposits. The traditional method of rinsing and cleaning the distribution assembly 210 can include supplying clean water from the water source 154. However, using clean water to clean in this way may reduce the water efficiency of the device. In addition, the change in water supply pressure may cause cleaning inconsistency. Therefore, the various aspects of this theme can be directed to the improved system and method for rinsing and cleaning the distribution assembly 210.

[0049] For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid circulation assembly 200 can further include a recirculation conduit 230 fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly 210. In this regard, for example, the recirculation conduit 230 can provide fluid communication between the sump 142 and an inlet port 232 defined on a rear wall 234 of the dispenser housing 212. However, it should be understood that the inlet port 232 can also be positioned at other locations, such as on a side wall or a front wall of the dispenser housing 212. Furthermore, the fluid circulation assembly 200 can include a recirculation pump 236 for selectively pushing the wash fluid flow 202 from the sump 142 through the recirculation conduit 230 and into the dispenser housing 212 through the inlet port 232.

[0050] 7 , the detergent drawer 156 can further include a filter chamber 238 configured to receive a filter element 240. Typically, the filter element 240 can be a pleated filter, a screen, a carbon filter, a sponge filter, or any other suitable filter element for extracting undesirable particles or other matter from the wash fluid stream 202. In this manner, the wash fluid stream 202 entering the dispenser housing 212 can be cleaned or filtered prior to flushing the dispensing assembly 210.

[0051] In general, the recirculation pump 236 can be any suitable type and configuration of fluid pump for propelling the washing fluid flow 202. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the recirculation pump 236 can be a bidirectional direct current (DC) pump. According to such an embodiment, the fluid circulation assembly 200 can further include a drain conduit fluidically coupled to an external drain (e.g., such as a drain hose 150 coupled to the external drain 148). According to such an embodiment, the recirculation pump 236 can be fluidically coupled to the recirculation conduit 230 and the drain hose 150 for selectively propelling the washing fluid flow 202 through one or both of the drain hose 150 and the recirculation conduit 230. For example, the recirculation pump 236 can be operated in one direction to discharge the washing fluid 202 to the external drain 148 through the drain hose 150, and can be operated in another direction to recirculate the washing fluid flow 202 through the recirculation conduit 230. It should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, a dedicated drain pump can be used to drain the washing fluid 202, independent of the recirculation pump 236.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, the distribution assembly 210 can include additional features for improving the flow and distribution of the washing fluid 202 to facilitate improved cleaning of the distributor housing 212 and the distribution assembly 210. For example, the inlet port 232 can be generally scalloped or can increase in width from the recirculation conduit 230 to improve the distribution of the washing fluid flow 202 flowing out of the inlet port 232.

[0053] In addition, as shown in FIG10 , for example, the inlet port 232 can include various fluidic oscillator circuits 244 designed to randomize the washing fluid stream 202 exiting the inlet port 232. Examples of such fluidic oscillator circuits 244 are shown in FIG10 , but these illustrations are not intended to be limiting. Generally speaking, the fluidic oscillator circuits 244 operate by passing the washing fluid stream 202 through various supply lines and mixing chambers to agitate or generate oscillations within the washing fluid stream 202 exiting the inlet port 232. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other fluidic oscillator circuits 244 are feasible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0054] In addition, now specifically with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the distribution assembly 210 can further include one or more dispersion fins 250, which extend from the distributor housing 212 adjacent to the inlet port 232 for guiding the washing fluid stream 202. For example, the dispersion fins 250 can include a single flat plate positioned above the inlet port 232 for preventing the washing fluid stream 202 from flowing upward when leaving the inlet end 232. According to other embodiments, the dispersion fins 250 can be tilted downward to guide the washing fluid stream 202 onto the inclined collection wall 214 and improve the flushing of the distribution assembly 210. It should be understood that the number, size, shape and configuration of the dispersion fins 250 can vary while remaining within the scope of this theme. For example, the dispersion fins 250 can have an arcuate profile and can include additional fins or water guide features, etc.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the distributor housing 212 can further define one or more distribution ribs 252 extending from the distributor housing 212 for directing the flow of washing fluid through the distributor housing 212. For example, the distribution ribs 252 can be aligned along the inclined collection wall 214 to direct the flow of washing fluid 202 to areas where dirt accumulation is common or areas that require frequent cleaning. It should be understood that the distributor housing 212 can include additional features and geometries to facilitate improved cleaning of the distribution assembly 210.

[0056] It should be understood that the various features of the distribution assembly 210 can be formed by any suitable rigid material. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the distributor housing 212, the shower plate 220 and the top cover 222 can be formed by injection molding, for example, using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene or any other suitable polymer mixture. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, these components can be compression molded, for example, using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermosetting plastics or other thermoplastics. According to other embodiments, parts of the distribution assembly 210 can be formed by any other suitable rigid material. In addition, it should be understood that one or more features of the distributor housing 212 can be integrally molded into a single component (for example, such as dispersion fins 250, distribution ribs 252, etc.).

[0057] As explained herein, various aspects of the present subject matter generally relate to a washing machine having a DC drain pump that can operate in both forward and reverse directions, thereby directing water flow from a wash tub to an external drain when the pump is operating in forward direction, or directing water from the wash tub to a port on a dispenser assembly when the pump is operating in reverse. When water reaches the dispenser assembly, it may flow through the fan-shaped ports and collide with the inner surfaces and components of the dispenser assembly. The fan-shaped portion may include fins and may further help direct the water flow within the dispenser assembly to effectively clean the inner surfaces and components of the dispenser. Single or multiple ribs may be used above the ports to obstruct the upward flow of water. These ribs may be tilted to redirect the water downward and may be integrated into the dispenser assembly or attached separately using methods such as snaps or screws.

[0058] The present subject matter offers several advantages over existing dispensing assembly designs. For example, the system described herein does not interrupt the flow of water from the water valve through the spray plate into the dispenser. Instead, the system allows for the optimization of these geometries and flow rates to deliver the detergent additive to the wash tub, with the added feature of being able to subsequently clean any remaining residue. The system utilizes water already in the washing machine's hydraulic circuit and does not require the addition of additional water to the cycle, thereby minimizing the impact on water efficiency (e.g., integrated water coefficient, water efficiency ratio, etc.). Furthermore, the system provides high-pressure water to the internal portion of the dispenser and does not rely on household water pressure, which can be very low and / or unstable.

[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a washing tub disposed within the housing and defining a washing chamber; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub for receiving a batch of laundry; a dispensing assembly mounted within the housing for selectively adding washing fluid to the wash tub; and a pump assembly in fluid communication with the sump of the wash tub, the pump assembly comprising: a recirculation conduit fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly; and A recirculation pump for selectively driving the flow of washing fluid through the recirculation conduit.

2. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The dispensing assembly comprises: A distributor housing defines an inlet port, wherein the recirculation conduit is fluidly coupled to the inlet port.

3. The washing machine device according to claim 2, wherein: The inlet port is defined on a rear wall of the dispenser housing.

4. The washing machine device according to claim 2, wherein: The inlet port defines a fan-shaped geometry to diffuse the wash fluid flow.

5. The washing machine device according to claim 2, wherein: The dispensing assembly further comprises: One or more dispersion fins extend from the distributor housing adjacent the inlet port for directing the flow of washing fluid.

6. The washing machine device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more dispersion fins are positioned vertically above the inlet port.

7. The washing machine device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more dispersion fins are inclined downwardly in a vertical direction to direct the flow of washing fluid downwardly.

8. The washing machine device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more dispersion fins are integrally formed with the dispenser housing.

9. The washing machine device according to claim 2, wherein: The inlet port can include a fluid oscillator for oscillating or agitating the flow of washing fluid entering the dispenser housing.

10. The washing machine device according to claim 2, wherein: The dispensing assembly further comprises: One or more distribution ribs extend from the distributor housing for directing the flow of washing fluid through the distributor manifold.

11. The washing machine device according to claim 1, further comprising: A drain conduit is fluidly coupled to an external drain, wherein the recirculation pump is a bi-directional pump fluidly coupled to the drain conduit for selectively forcing a flow of wash fluid through the drain conduit to an external drain.

12. The washing machine device according to claim 11, wherein: The bidirectional pump is a direct current (DC) pump.

13. A pump assembly for a washing machine appliance including a dispensing assembly mounted within a housing for selectively adding washing fluid to a wash tub, the pump assembly comprising: a recirculation conduit fluidly coupled to the dispensing assembly; and A bi-directional pump for selectively driving the flow of washing fluid through the recirculation conduit.

14. The pump assembly of claim 13, wherein: The dispensing assembly comprises: A distributor housing defines an inlet port, wherein the recirculation conduit is fluidly coupled to the inlet port.

15. The pump assembly of claim 14, wherein: The inlet port is defined on a rear wall of the dispenser housing.

16. The pump assembly of claim 14, wherein: The inlet port defines a fan-shaped geometry to diffuse the wash fluid flow.

17. The pump assembly of claim 14, wherein: The dispensing assembly further comprises: One or more dispersion fins extend from the distributor housing adjacent the inlet port for directing the flow of washing fluid.

18. The pump assembly of claim 17, wherein: The one or more dispersion fins are positioned vertically above the inlet port.

19. The pump assembly of claim 17, wherein: The one or more dispersion fins are inclined downwardly in a vertical direction to direct the flow of washing fluid downwardly.

20. The pump assembly of claim 14, wherein: The inlet port can include a fluid oscillator for oscillating or agitating the flow of washing fluid entering the dispenser housing.

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