DISPENSER FOR A LAUNDRY TREATING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE HAVING A FLOAT DIVERTER

A treating chemistry dispenser for a household appliance includes at least first and second treating chemistry reservoirs and a distributor selectively supplying liquid to the first and second reservoirs. The distributor includes a liquid supply circuit having a first branch fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir and a second branch fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir. A first float diverter is located within the supply circuit.

BACKGROUND

Laundry treating household appliances, such as washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating. The laundry treating household appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation having one or more operating parameters. Hot water, cold water, or a mixture thereof, along with various treating chemistries, can be supplied to the treating chamber in accordance with the cycle of operation. The laundry treating household appliance can have a dispenser for loading of treating chemistries into the appliance by the user and for supplying various treating chemistries to the treating chamber.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to a treating chemistry dispenser for a household appliance including at least first and second treating chemistry reservoirs and a distributor selectively supplying liquid to the first and second reservoirs. The distributor includes a liquid supply circuit having a first branch fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir and a second branch fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir. A first float diverter is located within the supply circuit and operable between a first position, where the liquid is supplied to the first branch, and a second position where liquid is supplied to the second branch.

In another aspect, illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to a method of supplying liquid between first and second branches of a supply circuit in a dispenser for a household appliance. The method includes floating a float diverter from a non-floating to a floating position to block flow to one of the first or second branches while permitting flow to the other of the first or second branches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Laundry treating household appliances can be provided with treating chemistry dispensers. Such treating chemistry dispensers can have a plurality of reservoirs for containing different types of treating chemistries, non-limiting examples of which include a detergent, a fabric softener, or a bleaching agent. Providing the structures and mechanisms for selectively providing liquid to each reservoir individually can require the use of additional space within the treating chemistry dispenser, as well as additional manufacturing costs. The use of a distributor with at least one float diverter in accordance with the present disclosure enables efficient use of space within the treating chemistry dispenser and eliminates the need for additional actuators to selectively provide liquid to a desired reservoir of the treating chemistry dispenser. In one aspect, this is achieved by providing first and second float diverters being shaped such that liquid is selectively directed to flow in a straight flow path or a diverted flow path.

FIG. 1is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The laundry treating household appliance can be any appliance which performs an automatic cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal or vertical axis clothes washer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine.

The laundry treating household appliance ofFIG. 1is illustrated as a horizontal axis washing machine10, which can include a structural support system comprising a cabinet12which defines a housing within which a laundry holding system resides. The cabinet12can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame, to which decorative panels can or cannot be mounted, defining an interior enclosing components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.

The laundry holding system comprises a tub14dynamically suspended within the structural support system of the cabinet12by a suitable suspension system28and a drum16provided within the tub14, the drum16defining at least a portion of a laundry treating chamber18. The drum16can include a plurality of perforations20such that liquid can flow between the tub14and the drum16through the perforations20. A plurality of baffles22can be disposed on an inner surface of the drum16to lift the laundry load received in the treating chamber18while the drum16rotates. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry holding system to comprise only one receptacle with the receptacle defining the laundry treating chamber for receiving the load to be treated.

The laundry holding system can further include a door24which can be movably mounted to the cabinet12to selectively close both the tub14and the drum16. A bellows26can couple an open face of the tub14with the cabinet12, with the door24sealing against the bellows26when the door24closes the tub14.

The washing machine10can further include a liquid supply system for supplying water to the washing machine10for use in treating laundry during a cycle of operation. The liquid supply system can include a source of water, such as a household water supply40, which can include separate valves42and44for controlling the flow of hot and cold water, respectively. Water can be supplied through an inlet conduit46directly to the tub14by controlling first and second diverter mechanisms48and50, respectively. The diverter mechanisms48,50can be a diverter valve having two outlets such that the diverter mechanisms48,50can selectively direct a flow of liquid to one or both of two flow paths. Water from the household water supply40can flow through the inlet conduit46to the first diverter mechanism48which can direct the flow of liquid to a supply conduit52. The second diverter mechanism50on the supply conduit52can direct the flow of liquid to a tub outlet conduit54which can be provided with a spray nozzle56configured to spray the flow of liquid into the tub14. In this manner, water from the household water supply40can be supplied directly to the tub14. While the valves42,44and the conduit46are illustrated exteriorly of the cabinet12, it will be understood that these components can be internal to the cabinet12.

The washing machine10can also be provided with a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber18for use in treating the laundry according to a cycle of operation. The dispensing system can include a treating chemistry dispenser62which can be a single dose dispenser, a bulk dispenser, or an integrated single dose and bulk dispenser and is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber18. The treating chemistry dispenser62can be configured to dispense a treating chemistry directly to the tub14or mixed with water from the liquid supply system through a dispensing outlet conduit64. The dispensing outlet conduit64can include a dispensing nozzle66configured to dispense the treating chemistry into the tub14in a desired pattern and under a desired amount of pressure. For example, the dispensing nozzle66can be configured to dispense a flow or stream of treating chemistry into the tub14by gravity, i.e. a non-pressurized stream. Water can be supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser62from the supply conduit52by directing the diverter mechanism50to direct the flow of water to a dispensing supply conduit68.

The treating chemistry dispenser62can include multiple chambers or reservoirs for receiving doses of different treating chemistries. The treating chemistry dispenser62can be implemented as a dispensing drawer that is slidably received within the cabinet12, or within a separate dispenser housing106(FIG. 3), which can be provided in the cabinet12. The treating chemistry dispenser62can be moveable between a fill position, where the treating chemistry dispenser62is exterior to the cabinet12and can be filled with treating chemistry, and a dispense position, where the treating chemistry dispenser62are interior of the cabinet12. Although the dispensing system described herein includes the treating chemistry dispenser62and the separate dispenser housing106, it will be understood that the treating chemistry dispenser62and dispenser housing106could be integrated together.

Non-limiting examples of treating chemistries that can be dispensed by the dispensing system during a cycle of operation include one or more of the following: water, enzymes, fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinkle releasers/reducers, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellants, water repellants, energy reduction/extraction aids, antibacterial agents, medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers, shrinkage inhibitors, and color fidelity agents, and combinations thereof.

The washing machine10can also include a recirculation and drain system for recirculating liquid within the laundry holding system and draining liquid from the washing machine10. Liquid supplied to the tub14through tub outlet conduit54and/or the dispensing supply conduit68typically enters a space between the tub14and the drum16and can flow by gravity to a sump70formed in part by a lower portion of the tub14. The sump70can also be formed by a sump conduit72that can fluidly couple the lower portion of the tub14to a pump74. The pump74can direct liquid to a drain conduit76, which can drain the liquid from the washing machine10, or to a recirculation conduit78, which can terminate at a recirculation inlet80. The recirculation inlet80can direct the liquid from the recirculation conduit78into the drum16. The recirculation inlet80can introduce the liquid into the drum16in any suitable manner, such as by spraying, dripping, or providing a steady flow of liquid. In this manner, liquid provided to the tub14, with or without treating chemistry can be recirculated into the treating chamber18for treating the laundry within.

The liquid supply and/or recirculation and drain system can be provided with a heating system which can include one or more devices for heating laundry and/or liquid supplied to the tub14, such as a steam generator82and/or a sump heater84. Liquid from the household water supply40can be provided to the steam generator82through the inlet conduit46by controlling the first diverter mechanism48to direct the flow of liquid to a steam supply conduit86. Steam generated by the steam generator82can be supplied to the tub14through a steam outlet conduit87. The steam generator82can be any suitable type of steam generator such as a flow through steam generator or a tank-type steam generator. Alternatively, the sump heater84can be used to generate steam in place of or in addition to the steam generator82. In addition or alternatively to generating steam, the steam generator82and/or sump heater84can be used to heat the laundry and/or liquid within the tub14as part of a cycle of operation.

It is noted that the illustrated suspension system, liquid supply system, recirculation and drain system, and dispensing system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply, dispensing, and recirculation and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown inFIG. 1, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machine10and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.

The washing machine10also includes a drive system for rotating the drum16within the tub14. The drive system can include a motor88, which can be directly coupled with the drum16through a drive shaft90to rotate the drum16about a rotational axis during a cycle of operation. The motor88can be a brushless permanent magnet (BPM) motor having a stator92and a rotor94. Alternately, the motor88can be coupled to the drum16through a belt and a drive shaft to rotate the drum16, as is known in the art. Other motors, such as an induction motor or a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor, can also be used. The motor88can rotate the drum16at various speeds in either rotational direction.

The washing machine10also includes a control system for controlling the operation of the washing machine10to implement one or more cycles of operation. The control system can include a controller96located within the cabinet12and a user interface98that is operably coupled with the controller96. The user interface98can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.

The controller96can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine10. For example, the controller96can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller96. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control), can be used to control the various components.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the controller96can be provided with a memory100and a central processing unit (CPU)102. The memory100can be used for storing the control software that is executed by the CPU102in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine10and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash. The memory100can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the washing machine10that can be communicably coupled with the controller96. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.

The controller96can be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine10for communicating with and controlling the operation of the component to complete a cycle of operation. For example, the controller96can be operably coupled with the motor88, the pump74, the treating chemistry dispenser62, the steam generator82and the sump heater84to control the operation of these and other components to implement one or more of the cycles of operation.

The controller96can also be coupled with one or more sensors104provided in one or more of the systems of the washing machine10to receive input from the sensors, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors104that can be communicably coupled with the controller96include: a treating chamber temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a weight sensor, a chemical sensor, a position sensor and a motor torque sensor, which can be used to determine a variety of system and laundry characteristics, such as laundry load inertia or mass.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an exploded view of the treating chemistry dispenser62is shown. The treating chemistry dispenser62can be received within and defined by the dispenser housing106. A top cover108is provided to engage with the dispenser housing106to create a sealed receptacle for receiving the dispenser drawer body110of the treating chemistry dispenser62. The dispenser drawer body110can be slidably received within the dispenser housing106. The dispenser drawer body110defines a first treating chemistry reservoir112. The first treating chemistry reservoir112has a fill opening113provided at the front portion that can receive a first treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a pre-wash agent. A reservoir body114is nested within the dispenser drawer body110, beginning behind the fill opening113. The reservoir body114defines a second treating chemistry reservoir116. The second treating chemistry reservoir116can receive a second treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a detergent or wash agent. The reservoir body114further defines a third treating chemistry reservoir118within which a softener plate120can be received. The third treating chemistry reservoir118can receive a third treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a fabric softening agent or bleach. The third treating chemistry reservoir118of the reservoir body114includes a siphon tube122. The softener plate120defines both a softener fill opening124, as well as a siphon cap126. The siphon cap126is positioned such that it can receive the siphon tube122of the third treating chemistry reservoir118.

A distributor128is positioned above the nested dispenser drawer body110, reservoir body114, and softener plate120. The distributor128includes a first float chamber130and a second float chamber132that protrude from the lower surface134of the distributor128. The first float chamber130and second float chamber132protrude downwardly from the lower surface134of the distributor128into the second treating chemistry reservoir116. The upper surface136of the distributor128defines a liquid supply circuit for selectively supplying liquid to the first, second, or third treating chemistry reservoirs112,116,118. The distributor128defines a first branch138that is fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir112. The distributor128further defines a second branch140that is fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir116. The distributor128yet further defines a third branch142that is fluidly coupled to the third treating chemistry reservoir118. A first float diverter144is received within the first float chamber130to selectively supply liquid to either the first branch138or the second branch140. A second float diverter146is received within the second float chamber132, upstream of the first float diverter144, to selectively supply liquid to either the first float diverter144, and thus to at least one of the first branch138or the second branch140, or the third branch142. The upper surface136of the distributor128is designed with patterns or mazes to prevent leaking between the first branch138, the second branch140, and the third branch142.

FIG. 4Ais a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser62with the top cover108removed for clarity. Both the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146are shown in a first, or non-floating, position inFIG. 4A, such that liquid supplied to the distributor128follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow148. The arrow148shows that the flow path extends straight through a top flow control channel154of the second float diverter146and also straight through a top flow control channel156of the first float diverter144to the first branch138and into the first treating chemistry reservoir112.

FIG. 4Bis a cross-sectional view along line IV B ofFIG. 4A. The first float diverter144is shown in the first, or non-floating, position. In the non-floating position, a plug portion150of the first float diverter144is received within a drain opening152of the first float chamber130. The top flow control channel156is vertically aligned with the distributor128such that liquid provided to the distributor128is directed through the top flow control channel156.

FIG. 5Ais a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser62, with the top cover108removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter144is shown in a second, floating position, while the second float diverter146remains in the first, non-floating position as shown inFIG. 4A. When the first float diverter144occupies the floating position and the second float diverter146occupies the non-floating position, liquid supplied to the distributor128follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow160. The arrow160shows that the flow path extends straight through the top flow control channel154of the second float diverter146and angles through the side flow control channel158of the first float diverter144into the second branch140and then into the second treating chemistry reservoir116.

FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view along line V B ofFIG. 5A. The first float diverter144is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the first float diverter144is raised upwards at least partially out of the first float chamber130. The plug portion150of the first float diverter144is removed from the drain opening152of the first float chamber130. When the first float diverter144is raised up in the floating position, the side flow control channel158is vertically aligned with the distributor128such that liquid provided to the distributor128is directed through the side flow control channel158to the second branch140.

FIG. 6Ais a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser62, with the top cover108removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter144is shown in the first, non-floating position, while the second float diverter146is shown in a second, floating position. When the second float diverter146occupies the floating position, liquid supplied to the distributor128follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow164. The arrow164shows that the flow path extends at an angle through the side flow control channel162of the second float diverter146, into the third branch142, and then into the third treating chemistry reservoir118.

FIG. 6Bis a cross-sectional view along line VI B ofFIG. 6A. The second float diverter146is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the second float diverter146is raised upwards at least partially out of the second float chamber132. A plug portion166is removed from a drain opening168of the second float chamber132. When the second float diverter146is raised up in the floating position, the side flow control channel162is vertically aligned with the distributor128such that liquid provided to the distributor128is directed through the side flow control channel162to the third branch142.

FIG. 7Ais a top perspective view of the first float diverter144. While the subsequent discussion (FIGS. 7A-7C) will refer to the first float diverter144, it will be understood that the same description also applies to the structure of the second float diverter146, as both the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146can have identical shape. It will also be understood that, while the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146can have identical shape, it is also within the scope of the disclosure that the first and second float diverters144,146can vary from one another in scale and/or diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the second float diverter146can have a larger diameter than the first float diverter144.

The first float diverter144has a generally cylindrical shape, but can also be provided with a flat surface170on at least one side of the first float diverter144. The first float chamber130can be provided with a corresponding flat surface (not shown), wherein, together with the flat surface170of the first float diverter144, the structural features can cooperatively act as an index to fix the position of the first float diverter144within the first float chamber130and prevent rotation of the first float diverter144within the first float chamber130. In an exemplary embodiment, the flat surface170of the first float diverter144ensures that the first float diverter144does not rotate more than, by way of non-limiting example, 3 degrees within the first float chamber130. It will be understood, however, that any suitable degree of rotation of the float diverter144can be permitted. While the first float diverter144is illustrated herein as having a generally cylindrical shape, it will be understood that the first float diverter144can have any suitable shape, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rectangular, trapezoidal, or oval. The shape of the first float diverter144, including the flat surface170, can be designed to create an optimal amount of surface tension between the first float diverter144and the first float chamber130by reducing the contact surface between the two as necessary. This ensures that the buoyance of the first float diverter144is not undesirably counteracted by friction and/or surface tension.

The top flow control channel156of the first float diverter144defines a flow path such that liquid flows straight through the top flow control channel156. The side flow control channel158is provided vertically downward from the top flow control channel156such that liquid flows through only one or the other of the top flow control channel156or the side flow control channel158depending on the vertical position of the first float diverter144.

FIG. 7Bis a sectional view of the first float diverter144along the line VII C ofFIG. 7A. The profile of the side flow control channel158can be viewed herein. The side flow control channel158directs liquid flow along an angled path such that the flow path of liquid is diverted from a straight directional flow.

FIG. 7Cis a bottom view of the first float diverter144. The first float diverter144can be provided with a plurality of cavities172in its lower surface. The cavities172are provided such that they can act as an air trap so the first float diverter144can achieve a desired density and buoyancy. While the first float diverter144is illustrated as having four cavities172, it will be understood that any suitable number of cavities172can be provided, including only a single cavity172. The cavities172can also have any suitable shape.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional side view of the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146, both in the first, non-floating position. In the non-floating position, the top flow control channel156of the first float diverter144is vertically aligned with the distributor128. A backflow portion174is provided within the surface of the distributor128. The backflow portion174angles downwardly towards the first float chamber130and is fluidly coupled to the first float chamber130. The top flow control channel154of the second float diverter146is vertically aligned with the distributor128. A backflow reservoir176is provided in the surface of the distributor128and positioned between the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146. The distributor128also includes a second backflow portion178adjacent the second float diverter146. The second backflow portion178angles downwardly towards the second float chamber132from the backflow reservoir176and is fluidly coupled with the second float chamber132.

Turning now to the operation of the treating chemistry dispenser62and referring initially toFIGS. 4A and 4B, when the washing machine has been turned off and no liquid is flowing into the treating chemistry dispenser62, both the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146are in the first, non-floating position. When liquid is initially provided to the treating chemistry dispenser62, liquid flows straight through the top flow control channels154,156and is supplied to the first branch138and into the first treating chemistry reservoir112. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant, liquid continues to flow to the first branch138.

When the liquid supply rate is reduced or stopped, such that liquid is no longer being supplied, liquid that remains in the distributor128downstream of the first float diverter144backflows down the backflow portion174and into the first float chamber130. The liquid filling the first float chamber130causes the first float diverter144to be floated upward into the second, floating position. As the first float diverter144is floated to the second, floating position, liquid is free to flow out of the first float chamber130through the drain opening152. The drain opening152is sized such that the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening152is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber130. By way of non-limiting example, the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening152can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber130. In this way, the position of the first float diverter144is selectively controlled by both the status of liquid being supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser62, as well as the liquid supply rate. It will also be understood that the position of the first float diverter144can be selectively controlled by the sequence of the liquid supply being provided or not provided, by the duration of time the liquid supply is provided or not provided, and/or by the spacing between bursts of liquid that are supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser62. By way of example, when the liquid supply has been stopped and the first float diverter144is in the floating position, the liquid supply must be resumed before the liquid is able to drain out of the first float chamber130in order for the first float diverter144to remain in the floating position and direct the liquid supply accordingly.

Concurrently, liquid that remains in the distributor128between the second float diverter146and the first float diverter144flows into the backflow reservoir176(best seen inFIG. 8) provided in the distributor128. Because this liquid is retained in the backflow reservoir176, rather than proceeding down the second backflow portion178and into the second float chamber132, the second float diverter146remains in the first, non-floating position. It will be understood that some of the liquid remaining in the distributor128between the second float diverter146and the first float diverter144, particularly any liquid which may be present on the second backflow portion178, can flow into the second float chamber132, rather than into the backflow reservoir176. In this case, because of the increased diameter and volume of the second float chamber132, the amount of liquid that can be present in the second float chamber132under these circumstances is insufficient for the second float chamber132to fill enough that the second float diverter146would be floated upward to the floating position.

When the first float diverter144is in the second, floating position and the liquid supply to the treating chemistry dispenser62resumes, liquid will flow straight through the top flow control channel154of the second float diverter146as before, as the second float diverter146remains in the first, non-floating position. When the liquid that has flowed through the top flow control channel154of the second float diverter146reaches the first float diverter144, the liquid will confront the side flow control channel158and will be diverted at an angle to the second branch140, and then into the second treating chemistry reservoir116. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant in this configuration, liquid will continue to flow to the second branch140.

When the liquid supply rate is again reduced or stopped, such that liquid is no longer being supplied, liquid that remains in the distributor128between the second float diverter146and the first float diverter144will flow back towards the backflow reservoir176. As the backflow reservoir176will already be filled with liquid from the backflow at the previous cease in liquid supply, the liquid will flow over the backflow reservoir176, along the second backflow portion178, and into the second float chamber132. The amount of liquid filling the second float chamber132at this point is sufficient for the second float chamber132to fill enough to cause the second float diverter146to be floated upward into the second, floating position. As the second float diverter146is floated to the second, floating position, liquid is free to flow out of the second float chamber132through the drain opening168. The drain opening168is sized such that the liquid drain rate through the drain opening168is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber132. By way of non-limiting example, the liquid drain rate through the drain opening168can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber132. In this way, the liquid supply being provided or not provided, as well as the duration of the liquid supply being provided or not provided and/or the liquid supply rate, serve to selectively control the position of the second float diverter146in the same way as was discussed previously relating to the first float diverter144.

When the second float diverter146is in the second, floating position and the liquid supply to the treating chemistry dispenser62resumes, liquid that reaches the second float diverter146will confront the side flow control channel162and will be diverted at an angle to the third branch142, and then into the third treating chemistry reservoir118. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant in this configuration, liquid will continue to flow to the third branch142. When the liquid supply rate is reduced to zero and no further liquid is supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser62, the liquid present in both the first float chamber130and the second float chamber132will eventually flow out through the drain openings152,168, allowing both the first float diverter144and the second float diverter146to return to the first, non-floating position.

The embodiments disclosed herein provide a treating chemistry dispenser for a laundry treating household appliance that can selectively provide liquid to each of a plurality of reservoirs individually using no additional machinery or parts beyond floating diverters that are actuated to change position when the supply flow of liquid is reduced or stopped. One advantage that can be realized in the above embodiments is that the above described embodiments are configured to provide a treating chemistry dispenser that eliminates the need for multiple water supply points, and the valves and conduits that would be required therewith. This results in decreased manufacturing requirements and decreased cost. In addition, the float mechanism provides a simple and robust solution. By employing the embodiments disclosed herein, ease of operation is improved, as well as simplification of the manufacturing of only a single water supply point for the plurality of reservoirs within the treating chemistry dispenser.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.