Abstract:
The present invention provides a dishwasher appliance and a diverter for a dishwasher appliance. The diverter uses a turbine powered by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwasher appliance, fluid from the pump that, e.g., supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and the different spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter or cycling of the pump to change the position of the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in energy usage, costs, and space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a diverter for an appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash compartment. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash compartment of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Spray assemblies within the wash compartment can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. Multiple spray assemblies can be provided including e.g., a lower spray arm assembly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash compartment, a mid-level spray arm assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies, and/or an upper spray assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash compartment. Other configurations may be used as well. 
     A dishwasher appliance is typically equipped with at least one pump for circulating fluid through the dishwasher appliance. Further, certain conventional dishwasher appliances use a device, referred to as a diverter, to control the flow of fluid in the dishwashing appliance. For example, the diverter can be used to selectively control which flow assemblies receive a flow of fluid. In one construction, the pump may be turned on and off to rotate an element of the diverter between different ports for fluid control. In another construction, the diverter uses an electrically powered motor to rotate the element between different ports for fluid control. 
     However, due to, e.g., wear on the pump and government regulations related to energy usage, it may not be desirable to repeatedly turn the pump on and off or provide a motor to control the diverter element. Moreover, the motor adds a significant expense to the overall manufacturing cost of the dishwashing appliance and must be separately controlled during cleaning operations so that the proper flow is occurring. Additionally, a dedicated motor for the diverter consumes that could otherwise be available in the dishwashing compartment for placement of dishes, glasses, silverware, and other items for cleaning. 
     Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance that can be configured to selectively control the flow through different spray assemblies or other fluid elements would be useful. Further, a diverter to control the flow through different spray assemblies or other fluid elements that does not require an electrically powered motor or cycling of the pump to operate would be beneficial. A diverter that allows constant changing of the flow through different spray assemblies or other fluid elements also would be advantageous. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a dishwasher appliance and a diverter for a dishwasher appliance. The diverter uses a turbine powered by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwasher appliance, fluid from the pump that, e.g., supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and the different spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter or cycling of the pump to change the position of the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in energy usage, costs, and space. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a fluid flow diverter for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The fluid flow diverter includes a housing defining an inlet for the ingress of a flow of fluid into a diverter chamber and an outlet for the egress of fluid from the diverter chamber; a distribution plate defining a plurality of outlet ports, each outlet port defining a fluid flow path; a diverter disc positioned adjacent the distribution plate, the diverter disc defining a diverter aperture; a turbine wheel positioned in the flow of fluid from the inlet such that the flow of fluid causes a rotational motion of the turbine wheel about an axis extending perpendicular to a flow direction; and a plurality of gears for transmitting the rotational motion of the turbine to the diverter disc to rotate the diverter disc about an axis extending along the flow direction. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing; a pump providing fluid flow for washing the articles; and a fluid flow diverter that receives a fluid flow from the pump. The fluid flow diverter includes a housing defining an inlet for the ingress of a flow of fluid into a diverter chamber and an outlet for the egress of fluid from the diverter chamber; a distribution plate defining a plurality of outlet ports, each outlet port defining a fluid flow path; a diverter disc positioned adjacent the distribution plate, the diverter disc defining a diverter aperture; a turbine wheel positioned in the flow of fluid from the inlet such that the flow of fluid causes a rotational motion of the turbine wheel about an axis extending perpendicular to a flow direction; and a plurality of gears for transmitting the rotational motion of the turbine to the diverter disc to rotate the diverter disc about an axis extending along the flow direction. 
     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 
       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, in which: 
         FIG. 1  provides a front elevation view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  provides a partial side section view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of an exemplary fluid flow diverter of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  provides a partial cross-section view of the exemplary fluid flow diverter of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  provides an exploded view of the exemplary fluid flow diverter of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  provides a back, perspective view of an exemplary diverter disc and distribution plate of the exemplary fluid flow diverter of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  provides a back, plan view of the exemplary distribution plate of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a dishwasher appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Dishwasher appliance  100  defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L ( FIG. 1 ) and a transverse direction T ( FIG. 2 ). The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions V, L, and T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  includes a chassis or cabinet  102  having a tub  104 . Tub  104  defines a wash chamber  106  and includes a front opening (not shown) and a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), wherein wash chamber  106  is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance  100 . A latch  114  is used to lock and unlock door  120  for access to chamber  106 . 
     Slide assemblies  124  are mounted on opposing tub sidewalls  128  to support and provide for movement of an upper rack assembly  130 . Lower guides  126  are positioned in opposing manner of the sides of chamber  106  and provide a ridge or shelf for roller assemblies  136  so as to support and provide for movement of a lower rack assembly  132 . Each of the upper and lower rack assemblies  130  and  132  is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members  134  and  135  that extend in lateral (L), transverse (T), and/or vertical (V) directions. Each rack assembly  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber  106 . This is facilitated by slide assemblies  124  and roller assemblies  136  that carry the upper and lower rack assemblies  130  and  132 , respectively. A silverware basket  150  may be removably attached to the lower rack assembly  132  for placement of silverware, small utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  also includes a lower spray assembly  144  that is rotatably mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash chamber  106  and above a tub sump portion  142  so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly  132 . A spray arm or mid-level spray assembly  148  is located in an upper region of the wash chamber  106  and may be located in close proximity to upper rack assembly  130 . Additionally, an upper spray assembly (not shown) may be located above the upper rack assembly  130  and mounted to an upper wall of tub  104 . Other spray assemblies, such as, e.g., a bottle blaster spray assembly or a silverware wash spray assembly, may also be used. 
     Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in upper and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132 , respectively. The arrangement of the discharge ports in at least the lower spray assembly  144  provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of lower spray assembly  144  provides coverage of dishes and other articles with a washing spray. 
     Lower and mid-level spray assemblies  144 ,  148  and the upper spray assembly are fed by a fluid circulation assembly for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly also includes a pump  154  that, along with other portions of the fluid circulation assembly, may be located in a machinery compartment  140  located below tub sump portion  142  of tub  104 , as generally recognized in the art. Pump  154  receives fluid from sump  142  and provides a flow to a fluid flow diverter  200  as more fully described below. 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  is further equipped with a controller  116  to regulate operation of dishwasher appliance  100 . Controller  116  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  116  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. 
     Controller  116  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, controller  116  may be located within a control panel area  110  of door  120  as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through bottom  122  of door  120 . Typically, the controller  116  includes a user interface panel  112  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance  100 . In one embodiment, user interface panel  112  may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. Further, user interface panel  112  may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. Additionally, user interface panel  112  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface panel  112  may be in communication with controller  116  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance. Thus, the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface  112 , different configurations may be provided for upper and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132  and/or lower and mid-level spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , and other differences may be applied as well. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fluid flow diverter  200 . As shown, fluid flow diverter  200  includes a housing  202 , which may be positioned adjacent, e.g., one of tub sidewalls  128  or any other appropriate component of dishwasher  100 . Alternatively, diverter  200  may be positioned below sump  142 . Housing  202  defines a diverter chamber  208  having an inlet  204  ( FIG. 4 ) for the ingress of a flow of fluid FF from pump  154  that is to be supplied to spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , and/or other fluid-using components of dishwasher appliance  100 . Housing  202  further defines an outlet  206  for the egress of fluid flow FF from housing  202 . 
     A distribution plate  210  positioned at outlet  206  defines a first outlet port  212 , a second outlet port  214 , a third outlet port  216 , and a fourth outlet port  218 . However, in other embodiments of the invention, two, three, or more than four outlet ports may be used with diverter  200  depending upon, e.g., the number of switchable ports desired for selectively placing pump  154  in fluid communication with different fluid-using elements of dishwasher  100 . Diverter  200  includes a rotatable diverter disc  220  ( FIGS. 4-6 ), more fully described below, that can be switched between ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  without using a separate motor or turning pump  154  on and off for such purpose. More particularly, disc  220  can be rotated so as to place its aperture  222  in fluid communication with any one of ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 . As such, diverter  200  can be used to provide fluid flow from pump  154  through outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  to switch the flow path of fluid from pump  154  to various fluid-using components of dishwasher  100 . 
     By way of example, first outlet port  212  can be fluidly connected with an upper spray assembly, second outlet port  214  can be fluidly connected with mid-level spray arm assembly  148 , and third and fourth outlet ports  216  and  218  might be fluidly connected with lower spray arm assembly  144 . Other connection configurations may be used as well. As such, the rotation of disc  220  in diverter  200  can be used to selectively place pump  154  in fluid communication with spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , or other fluid-using component by way of outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary fluid flow diverter  200 . As shown, diverter disc  220  is positioned within diverter chamber  208  adjacent distribution plate  210 . A turbine wheel  230  having a plurality of blades  232  is positioned within the flow of fluid FF entering diverter chamber  208  through inlet  204 . Fluid flow FF against blades  232  causes turbine wheel  230  to rotate in a direction R W  about an axis W. The rotation of turbine  230  is transmitted to diverter disc  220  to rotate disc  220  at a constant speed, as more fully described below. Thus, aperture  222  is displaced at a constant rate such that the egress of fluid flow FF from diverter chamber  208  is constantly changed between outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 . In this way, fluid flow FF may be diverted through successive outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  as aperture  222  is displaced and switches the available fluid flow path between outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of an exemplary fluid flow diverter  200  is shown. As illustrated, distribution plate  210  includes an inner surface  211  having embossments  219  thereon. Diverter disc  220  includes a first side  224  and a second side  226 , with second side  226  defining a ring gear  228 . In alternative embodiments, ring gear  228  may be rigidly affixed to disc  220 , or any other appropriate configuration of gear  228  may be used. When assembled within diverter chamber  208 , first side  224  of disc  220  is adjacent inner surface  211  of distribution plate  210 . Various support members  250  are provided to support and hold in place the components of diverter  200  within diverter chamber  208 . The number, position, and configuration of support members  250  may vary as needed based on the configuration of the components of diverter  200 . 
     Also as shown, fluid flow diverter  200  includes a plurality of gears to transmit the rotation of turbine wheel  230  to diverter disc  220 . Turbine wheel  230  includes a shaft  234  extending perpendicular to a flow direction F and defining a worm gear  236 . Alternatively, worm gear  236  may be rigidly affixed to shaft  234 , or any other appropriate configuration of gear  236  may be used. Fluid flow diverter  200  also includes a first helical gear  240  and a second helical gear  242  affixed to a gear shaft  244 . First helical gear  240  and second helical gear  242  are spaced apart along shaft  244 , which extends along the flow direction F and may be supported by a support member  250 . Additionally, shaft  244  may include a needle bearing  252  in contact with housing  202  and further supporting shaft  244 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , first helical gear  240  mates with worm gear  236 , and second helical gear  242  mates with ring gear  228  defined by disc  220 . Thus, through gears  228 ,  236 ,  240 ,  242 , the rotational motion of turbine wheel  230  is translated to diverter disc  220  to rotate disc  220  in a direction R D  about an axis D, which extends parallel to the flow direction F. The rotation of diverter disc  220  allows constant changing of the fluid flow path through diverter  200  by switching between outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  for the egress of the fluid from diverter chamber  208 . Accordingly, fluid flow may be alternately provided to various components of dishwasher appliance  100 , such as, e.g., spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , without turning pump  154  on and off and without using a separate motor for such purpose. 
     Gears  228 ,  236 ,  240 ,  242  are selected such that disc  220  rotates at a desired rate. That is, the rate at which fluid flow is switched between the fluid-using components of dishwasher  100  by successively blocking and unblocking outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  may be determined, and the size and configuration of gears  228 ,  236 ,  240 ,  242  selected to achieve the determined rate. In some embodiments, the fluid flow FF entering diverter chamber  208  may be such that turbine wheel  230  rotates much faster than the desired rate of rotation of diverter disc  220 . For example, turbine wheel  230  may rotate 200 times faster than diverter disc  220  and, thus, gears  228 ,  236 ,  240 ,  242  must be selected to reduce the rotational speed of wheel  230  such that disc  220  is rotated at the desired speed. Further, as shown, turbine wheel  230  rotates about axis W, which is perpendicular to a flow direction F, and diverter disc  220  rotates about axis D, which is parallel to flow direction F. As will readily be understood, other types, numbers, and configurations of gears with turbine wheel  230  and disc  220  also could be used to transmit the rotational motion of turbine wheel  230  to diverter disc  220  to change the fluid flow path between outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  at a desired rate. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of diverter disc  220  and distribution plate  210 . As shown, diverter aperture  222  has an elongated, noncircular shape such that at least a portion of an outlet port  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  remains open as diverter disc  220  rotates and aperture  222  is displaced between outlet ports. That is, aperture  222  is shaped such that fluid flow FF is not completely blocked from exiting diverter chamber  208 . Without fluid flow FF through fluid flow diverter  200 , turbine wheel  230  could not rotate and, thus, disc  220  could not rotate to switch the fluid flow path between outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 . Accordingly, diverter aperture  222  is shaped such that diverter disc  220  does not block fluid flow FF through diverter  200 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , inner surface  211  of distribution plate  210  defines embossments  219 . Embossments  219  decrease the contact area and increase the sealing force between distribution plate  210  and diverter disc  220 . Embossments  219  may be provided in a pattern, as shown in, e.g.,  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, embossments  219  may be provided in any other suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, embossments  219  may be provided on inner surface  211  only around the perimeter of outlet ports  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 . 
     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 language of the claims.