Dispensing assembly for washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine, comprising: a washing tub positioned within a housing and defining a washing chamber; a washing basket rotatably mounted in the washing tub and used for receiving one batch of laundry; and a dispensing assembly mounted within the housing and used for selectively adding a washing fluid to the washing tub. The dispensing assembly comprises: a dispenser housing fluidly connected to the washing tub by means of a discharge port; a spray plate positioned above the dispenser housing and defining a plurality of water supply holes and one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a main washing reservoir; a detergent drawer slidably mounted below the spray plate, the detergent drawer defining one or more detergent chambers; and a first cold water valve, a second cold water valve and a hot water valve, configured to supply cold water or hot water to the main washing reservoir.

Description

Dispensing assembly for 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 washing machine devices, the washing fluid is directed into the tub and onto the 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 appliances include a dispensing assembly configured to dispense water, washing fluid, and / or other additives into a wash chamber at various stages of an operating cycle to facilitate cleaning of items located therein. These dispensing assemblies may include a detergent drawer comprising a plurality of reservoirs for holding different additives, and a water source that selectively supplies water to one or more reservoirs to flush the additives into the wash tub at desired times during the wash cycle.

[0004] However, conventional dispenser assemblies utilize numerous components to regulate fluid flow, such as multiple water valves, hoses, and clamps. For example, conventional dispenser assemblies utilize a separate cold water valve for each detergent reservoir, plus at least one additional hot water valve. Other dispenser assemblies rely on flow diverters to direct incoming water to different channels within the dispenser assembly. These components are costly, increase assembly time and complexity, and provide additional points of failure for potential leaks or malfunctions.

[0005] Therefore, a washing machine appliance having a dispensing assembly with a minimum number of components would be desirable. More specifically, a dispensing assembly that reliably supplies wash additive with minimal cost and complexity would be particularly beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine apparatus is provided, comprising: 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 laundry; and a dispensing assembly mounted within the cabinet for selectively adding washing fluid to the wash tub. The dispensing assembly comprises: a dispenser housing fluidly coupled to the wash tub via a discharge port; a spray plate positioned above the dispenser housing and defining a plurality of water supply holes and one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a main wash reservoir; a detergent drawer slidably mounted below the spray plate, the detergent drawer defining one or more detergent chambers; and a first cold water valve, a second cold water valve, and a hot water valve configured to supply cold water or hot water to the main wash reservoir.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a dispensing assembly for providing a flow of washing fluid to a washing tub of a washing machine appliance is provided. The dispensing assembly includes: a dispenser housing fluidly coupled to the washing tub via a discharge port; a spray plate positioned above the dispenser housing and defining a plurality of water supply holes and one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a main wash reservoir; a detergent drawer slidably mounted below the spray plate, the detergent drawer defining one or more detergent chambers; and a first cold water valve, a second cold water valve, and a hot water valve configured to supply cold water or hot water to the main wash reservoir.

[0009] 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

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth in the specification to one of ordinary skill in the art.

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

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 4 provides a rear perspective view of a dispensing assembly of the exemplary laundry machine apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

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

[0016] 6 provides a perspective view of the detergent drawer of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0017] 7 provides another perspective view of the exemplary detergent drawer of FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] 8 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing cold water to a pre-wash reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019] 9 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing cold water to a main wash reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0020] 10 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing hot water to a main wash reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0021] 11 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing warm water to a bleach reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0022] 12 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing cold water to a fabric softener reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023] 13 provides a top view of the spray plate of the exemplary dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 providing warm water to a main wash reservoir, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] As used herein, the term "comprising" is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including." 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%.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG1 is a perspective view of a 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.

[0028] 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 an agitation or rinse cycle of the washing machine device 100). The wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is 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."

[0029] Wash basket 120 can define one or more agitator features extending into wash chamber 126 to help agitate and clean items disposed in wash chamber 126 during operation of laundry 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.

[0030] 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 over 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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. Thus, 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.

[0033] 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 an external drain 148 and the sump 142 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 activated 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.

[0034] 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 supply 154 ( FIG. 2 ) to direct 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 way, 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 positioned at any other suitable location within the cabinet 102. Furthermore, although the water supply valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of "wash fluid," it should be understood that this term includes water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0037] 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 collectively 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.

[0038] The operation of 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 manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates various components of washing machine apparatus 100 to perform the selected machine cycles and features.

[0039] Controller 166 can include memory and microprocessor, such as general or special microprocessor that can be operated to execute programming instructions or micro-control code relevant to cleaning cycle.Memory can 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.Memory can be a component separate from the processor, or can be included in the processor in an onboard manner.Alternatively, controller 166 can be constructed without using a 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 instead of 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.

[0040] During operation of the washing machine device 100, laundry items are loaded into the wash basket 120 through the chamber opening 132, and the washing operation is started by the operator manipulating the input selector 162. The wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and / or other fluid additives, for example, via the supply conduit 218 and / or the detergent drawer 156. The washing machine device 100 can control one or more valves (e.g., the water supply valve 158) to fill the wash basket 120 to a level suitable for the amount of items to be washed and / or rinsed. For example, for the wash mode, once the wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of the wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., by the ribs 128) to wash the laundry items in the wash basket 120.

[0041] 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 laundry 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 spin cycles can also be used. In particular, a spin 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 spin 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 remove the items from the wash basket 120, for example, by opening the door 134 and entering the wash basket 120 through the chamber opening 132.

[0042] 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 machines having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also employ the present subject matter, such as vertical-axis washing machines.

[0043] 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.

[0044] For example, the external communication system 170 allows the controller 166 of the washing machine device 100 to communicate with a separate 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.

[0045] Furthermore, the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine device 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 in 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 over 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 device 100, etc. Furthermore, the external device 172 and the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine device 100 to transfer similar information.

[0046] 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 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] Referring now generally to FIG3 through FIG13 , a fluid circulation assembly 200 that may 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 washing fluid (e.g., generally indicated by reference numeral 202 in FIG3 ) through the washing machine apparatus 100. For example, the flow of washing fluid 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 flow of washing fluid 202 within the washing machine apparatus 100 to facilitate cleaning a batch of items, or can be configured to discharge the flow of washing fluid 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.

[0049] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid circulation assembly 200 may generally include a distribution assembly 210 configured to receive and distribute a flow 202 of wash fluid. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the distribution assembly 210 may generally include a distributor manifold or distributor housing 212 positioned 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 3-5, the drain port 216 may be fluidly coupled to a supply conduit 218, which is fluidly coupled to the wash tub 124. In this manner, the flow 202 of wash fluid entering the distributor housing 212 may be gravity-directed into the wash tub 124, for example, thereby facilitating operation of the washing machine apparatus 100.

[0050] As best shown in Figures 4 and 8 through 13, 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 water supply holes 228 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 submerged within the dispenser housing 212, where they can be mixed (e.g., as a flow 202 of wash fluid) before entering the wash tub 124 through the supply conduit 218.

[0051] 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 fresh water to rinse one or more compartments of the detergent drawer 156 and generate a flow 202 of washing fluid.

[0052] As briefly described above, the detergent drawer 156 can be slidably mounted in the dispenser housing 212 below the spray plate 220. In addition, the detergent drawer 156 can define one or more detergent chambers (e.g., generally identified herein by reference numeral 240). The detergent chamber 240 can generally be configured to store one or more detergent additives for use during a wash cycle. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the detergent drawer 156 defines a pre-wash chamber 242, a bleach chamber 244, a fabric softener chamber 246, and a main wash chamber 248. It should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the detergent drawer 156 can define other chambers for receiving other detergent additives while remaining within the scope of this theme.

[0053] When the detergent drawer 156 is inserted into the dispenser housing 212, the spray plate 220 can generally be positioned above the detergent drawer 156. Furthermore, the spray plate 220 can generally divide the water source reservoir 224 into a plurality of reservoirs associated with one or more detergent chambers 240. In this regard, by submerging or injecting water into one of the plurality of reservoirs defined by the spray plate 220, the water can enter the corresponding detergent chamber 240 through the water supply holes 228. The water can then flush the detergent within the detergent chamber 240 into the dispenser housing 212, where it can be discharged as a flow rate 202 of wash fluid through the supply conduit 218 into the wash tub 124.

[0054] According to the illustrated embodiment, the spray plate 220 can define four reservoirs corresponding to the pre-wash chamber 242, the bleach chamber 244, the fabric softener chamber 246, and the main wash chamber 248. Specifically, the spray plate 220 can define a pre-wash reservoir 252, a bleach reservoir 254, a fabric softener reservoir 256, and a main wash reservoir 258. Thus, submerging these reservoirs of the spray plate 220 can allow corresponding additives, such as pre-wash, bleach, fabric softener, or main detergent, to be dispensed into the wash tub 124. Although an exemplary configuration of chambers 242-248 and reservoirs 252-258 is shown and described herein, it should be understood that these chambers and reservoirs can be interchanged or receive alternative additives while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0055] In general, the dispensing assembly 210 can include a plurality of valves (e.g., water supply valves 158) that are fluidly coupled to a water source (e.g., water source 154) for providing a flow of water into the water source reservoir 224. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 210 can include a first cold water valve 260, a second cold water valve 262, and a hot water valve 264. As shown, the water valves 260-264 can be fluidly coupled to the inlet port 226 defined on the rear wall 268 of the spray plate 220. As explained in more detail below, by selectively operating the water valves 260-264, water can be selectively supplied to the water source reservoir 224 for dispensing each wash additive at a desired time and at a desired fluid temperature during the wash cycle.

[0056] It is noteworthy that, as mentioned above, conventional distribution components need to be equipped with a dedicated water valve for each detergent chamber, as well as a separate hot water valve. In addition, conventional distribution components cannot provide flexibility in terms of distributing hot water, cold water or warm water (e.g., a mixture of cold water and hot water) to the corresponding chambers. In contrast, the spray plate of the present disclosure defines a plurality of junctions 270, which are carefully designed to converge the flow of cold water and hot water at a desired position, thereby providing improved versatility for the water flow. In addition, this variable water flow can be achieved with a minimum number of valves (e.g., three valves) and does not require other complex diversions or flow guiding devices.

[0057] For example, referring briefly now to FIG8 , the second cold water valve 262 can be opened to supply a flow of cold water directly to the pre-wash reservoir 252. As shown in FIG9 , opening the first cold water valve 260 and the second cold water valve 262 can direct the flow of cold water to the main wash reservoir 258 (e.g., by combining the two flows of cold water at a confluence point 270). As shown in FIG10 , opening the hot water valve 264 can direct the flow of hot water to the main wash reservoir 258. Additionally, as shown in FIG13 , opening the first cold water valve 260, the second cold water valve 262, and the hot water valve 264 can direct the flow of warm water to the main wash reservoir 258 (e.g., by combining the flows of cold water and hot water at different confluence points 270). As shown in FIG11 , opening the first cold water valve 260 and the hot water valve 264 can direct the flow of warm water to the bleach reservoir 254. Additionally, as shown in FIG12 , opening the first cold water valve 260 can supply a flow of cold water to the fabric softener reservoir 256. It should be understood that other flow paths, junctions, and other fluid supply configurations may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0058] As explained herein, various aspects of the present subject matter generally relate to a washing machine including a dispensing assembly (e.g., including a spray plate assembly, a diffuser, a dispenser drawer, etc.) in which water flows converge at multiple zones to redirect the water flow. The dispenser can include four zones: a pre-wash reservoir located in the left rear area of ​​the dispenser drawer; a main wash reservoir located in the left front area of ​​the drawer; a bleach reservoir located in the right rear area; and a fabric softener reservoir located in the right front area of ​​the drawer. The dispenser system can operate using only three water valves (e.g., two cold water valves and one hot water valve). During pre-wash and fabric softener dispensing, only one valve can be actuated: the cold water valve "Cold 2" can be actuated to direct water to the pre-wash reservoir, and the cold water valve "Cold 1" can be actuated to direct water to the fabric softener reservoir. During the main wash, the water flows from the two different water valves ("Cold 1" and "Cold 2") can converge to direct the flow of water through a channel leading to the main wash reservoir. In addition, the flow of hot water to the main wash reservoir can be achieved by actuating only the hot water valve. During the dispensing of fabric softener, the water flows from two different valves can be merged ("Cold 1" and "Hot"), and the water can then flow through the channel leading to the fabric softener reservoir. The dispensing assembly described herein reduces the number of water valves required to dispense a given amount of wash system additive. By reducing the number of water valves, the number of hoses and clamps connecting the water valves to the dispenser assembly is also reduced. This reduces the cost of purchasing materials and the labor required to assemble the water valves, hoses and clamps.

[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 do not include structural elements that differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that are insubstantially 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 wash tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash 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, the dispensing assembly comprising: a dispenser housing fluidly coupled to the wash tub through a discharge port; a spray plate positioned above the dispenser housing and defining a plurality of water supply apertures and one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a main wash reservoir; a detergent drawer slidably mounted below the spray plate, the detergent drawer defining one or more detergent chambers; and A first cold water valve, a second cold water valve, and a hot water valve are configured to supply cold water or hot water to the main wash reservoir.

2. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more reservoirs include four reservoirs.

3. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: Inlet ports of the first cold water valve, the second cold water valve, and the hot water valve are defined on a rear wall of the shower plate.

4. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more reservoirs include a pre-wash reservoir, a bleach reservoir, a fabric softener reservoir, and a main wash reservoir.

5. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The second cold water valve is opened to supply a flow rate of cold water to the pre-wash reservoir.

6. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The first and second cold water valves are opened to supply a flow rate of cold water to the main wash reservoir.

7. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The hot water valve is opened to supply a flow of hot water to the main wash reservoir.

8. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The first cold water valve, the second cold water valve, and the hot water valve are opened to supply a flow rate of warm water to the main washing reservoir.

9. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The first cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened to supply a flow rate of warm water to the bleach reservoir.

10. The washing machine device according to claim 4, wherein: The first cold water valve is opened to supply a flow of cold water to the fabric softener reservoir.

11. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The washing machine appliance is a front loading washing machine appliance.

12. A dispensing assembly for providing a flow rate of washing fluid into a washing tub of a washing machine apparatus, the dispensing assembly comprising: a dispenser housing fluidly coupled to the wash tub through a discharge port; a spray plate positioned above the dispenser housing and defining a plurality of water supply apertures and one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a main wash reservoir; a detergent drawer slidably mounted below the spray plate, the detergent drawer defining one or more detergent chambers; and A first cold water valve, a second cold water valve, and a hot water valve are configured to supply cold water or hot water to the main wash reservoir.

13. The dispensing assembly of claim 12, wherein: The one or more reservoirs include four reservoirs.

14. The dispensing assembly of claim 12, wherein: The one or more reservoirs include a pre-wash reservoir, a bleach reservoir, a fabric softener reservoir, and a main wash reservoir.

15. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The second cold water valve is opened to supply a flow rate of cold water to the pre-wash reservoir.

16. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The first and second cold water valves are opened to supply a flow rate of cold water to the main wash reservoir.

17. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The hot water valve is opened to supply a flow of hot water to the main wash reservoir.

18. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The first cold water valve, the second cold water valve, and the hot water valve are opened to supply a flow rate of warm water to the main washing reservoir.

19. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The first cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened to supply a flow rate of warm water to the bleach reservoir.

20. The dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein: The first cold water valve is opened to supply a flow of cold water to the fabric softener reservoir.

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