Patent Publication Number: US-2023160134-A1

Title: Deflector assembly for laundry appliance

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a deflector assembly, and more specifically, to a deflector assembly for a laundry appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining an access opening, a tub disposed within an interior of the cabinet, a bellows extending between the cabinet and the tub, a drum disposed within the tub, and a deflector assembly coupled to the front panel. The deflector assembly includes a deflector having a rim extending about at least a portion of a perimeter of the access opening and a chute extending from the rim, over the bellows, and toward the drum. A lighting unit includes light sources coupled to the deflector. The light sources selectively direct light into the drum. The light includes an edge lighting effect along an interior edge of the deflector. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance deflector assembly includes a panel defining an opening and a deflector coupled to the panel. The deflector includes a rim coupled to a surface of the panel and extending about at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening and a chute coupled to the rim and extending through the opening. A lighting unit is coupled to the deflector. The lighting unit includes light sources arranged along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening. The deflector defines a light guide to generate a lighting effect along an edge of the deflector. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a deflector assembly for an appliance includes a deflector having a rim forming a geometric shape and configured to engage a panel and a chute extending from a portion of the rim. The chute includes an upper surface that extends at an oblique angle from the rim. A lighting unit has a light source. The light source is disposed proximate to a junction between the rim and the chute. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a laundry appliance including a deflector assembly, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the laundry appliance of  FIG.  1   , taken along line II-II; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded side perspective view of a deflector assembly and a front panel of an appliance cabinet, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a side perspective view of a deflector assembly including a deflector and a lighting unit, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial cross-sectional view of the deflector assembly of  FIG.  4   , taken along line V-V; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial side perspective view of a deflector assembly including a deflector with an integrated lighting unit, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a partial exploded rear perspective view of a deflector assembly including a deflector defining a recess to selectively receive a lighting unit, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a partial cross-sectional view of a deflector assembly with a lighting unit generating lighting effects, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a side perspective view of a deflector assembly with a textured region defined in a chute of a deflector, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a partial cross-sectional view of a deflector assembly with a lighting unit generating lighting effects, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a partial front elevational view of a laundry appliance with a deflector assembly having an electrical connector that engages an interior wiring harness, according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  12    is a partial exploded cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance with a deflector assembly having an electrical connector configured to extend through a panel of a cabinet to engage a wiring harness, according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a deflector assembly for a laundry appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 12   , reference numeral  10  generally designates a laundry appliance that includes a cabinet  12  having a front panel  14  defining an access opening  16 . A tub  18  is disposed within an interior  20  of the cabinet  12 . A bellows  22  extends between the cabinet  12  and the tub  18 . A drum  24  is disposed within the tub  18 . A deflector assembly  26  is coupled to the front panel  14 . The deflector assembly  26  includes a deflector  28  having a rim  30  extending about at least a portion of a perimeter  32  of the access opening  16  and a chute  34  extending from the rim  30 , over the bellows  22 , and toward the drum  24 . The deflector assembly  26  also includes a lighting unit  36  including light sources  38  coupled to the deflector  28 . The light sources  38  direct light  40  into the drum  24 . The light  40  includes an edge lighting effect  42  along an interior edge  44  of the deflector  28 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the laundry appliance  10  includes the cabinet  12 , which defines the access opening  16  in the front panel  14  thereof. The tub  18  is disposed within the interior  20  of the cabinet  12  and defines a front opening  60 , which is generally aligned with the access opening  16  of the cabinet  12 . The drum  24  is disposed within the tub  18  and includes a drum opening  62  that is generally substantially concentrically aligned with the front opening  60  of the tub  18 . In certain aspects, the drum opening  62  can be offset from the access opening  16  of the cabinet  12 . In such examples, the drum opening  62  is typically at least partially positioned below the access opening  16  of the cabinet  12 . Additionally, when the access opening  16  is offset, the tub  18  and the drum  24  are generally positioned at an angle within the cabinet  12  of the laundry appliance  10 . 
     In various examples, the bellows  22  is disposed adjacent to the access opening  16  of the cabinet  12 . The bellows  22  is typically coupled to the cabinet  12  about the perimeter  32  of the access opening  16  and is also coupled to the tub  18  about a perimeter of the front opening  60 . The bellows  22  extends between the cabinet  12  and the tub  18 . The bellows  22  is typically configured as a flexible gasket permitting the tub  18  to move substantially independently of the cabinet  12 . In examples where the tub  18  and the drum  24  are positioned at an angle within the cabinet  12 , the bellows  22  can be an obliquely oriented bellows  22 . The bellows  22  can be configured to form an oblique cylinder or frusto-conical shape that defines a downward angle between the access opening  16  and the front opening  60  of the offset tub  18 . The bellows  22  may be advantageous for retaining items (e.g., laundry) within the tub  18  during a laundry cycle. In such configurations, the bellows  22  can form a sloped surface to direct fluid (e.g., water, laundry chemistry, etc.) into the drum  24  or the tub  18 . 
     The laundry appliance  10  is illustrated in  FIG.  1    as a horizontal axis washer. The laundry appliance  10  may be a vertical axis washer. In addition, the laundry appliance  10  can be a dryer, a combination washer/dryer, or another laundry appliance  10 . It is also contemplated that the deflector assembly  26  may be utilized with other household or commercial appliances. 
     The laundry appliance  10  includes a door  70  coupled to the cabinet  12  for selectively allowing access to the drum  24 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  1   , the door  70  is a swing, hinged door  70  rotatably coupled to the cabinet  12  and configured to rotate about a vertical axis between an opened position and a closed position. The door  70  may also be configured to rotate about an angled or horizontal axis. In various examples, the door  70  may be a flat panel door  70 , or alternatively, a fishbowl-style door  70 . In additional or alternative examples, the door  70  can be a sliding door  70 , which is configured to move horizontally or vertically between the opened and closed positions without departing from the teachings herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the laundry appliance  10  includes the deflector assembly  26  coupled to the front panel  14  of the cabinet  12 . The deflector  28  is coupled to an outer surface  76  of the front panel  14  and can extend about the perimeter  32  of the access opening  16 . In the illustrated configuration, the rim  30  extends around the entirety of the perimeter  32  of the access opening  16 ; however, it is contemplated that the rim  30  may extend about a portion of the perimeter  32  without departing from the teachings herein. The rim  30  forms or defines a geometric shape, which is typically a circular or oblong shape. The rim  30  defines a central aperture  78 , which aligns with the access opening  16  of the front panel  14  to allow access to the drum  24 . 
     The rim  30  is coupled to the front panel  14  via multiple attachment points  80  with coupling members. The coupling members may be screws, bolts, rivets, or other coupling features to mechanically fasten the deflector assembly  26  to the front panel  14 . The rim  30  of the deflector  28  is configured to be substantially concealed by the door  70  when the door  70  is in the closed position, which substantially conceals the attachment points  80 . 
     In the illustrated configuration of  FIG.  1   , the door  70  includes a perimeter portion  86 , which is set back from a central viewing portion  88 . The central viewing portion  88  may be a window, a transparent section, or a partially translucent section. When the door  70  is in the closed position, the rim  30  of the deflector  28  may abut the perimeter portion  86  while the central viewing portion  88  extends at least partially through the central aperture  78  defined by the rim  30 . It is contemplated that the perimeter portion  86  may be flush or co-planar with the central viewing portion  88  without departing from the teachings herein. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , as well as  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the rim  30  includes an engaging portion  100 , which is configured to abut the front panel  14 , and an insertion portion  102 , which is configured to extend at least partially through the access opening  16  of the cabinet  12 . The deflector  28  includes the chute  34  extending from the rim  30 . The insertion portion  102  and the chute  34  each extend in a same direction from the engaging portion  100 . The chute  34  extends a greater distance from the engaging portion  100  compared to the insertion portion  102  of the rim  30 . In the illustrated configuration of  FIG.  2   , the chute  34  extends from a lower portion  106  of the rim  30 , through the access opening  16  of the front panel  14 , and over the bellows  22 . The chute  34  may also extend at least partially into the drum  24 . 
     The chute  34  may extend from up to approximately 180° of the perimeter of the access opening  16 . The chute  34  defines an arcuate body with an upper surface  108  that extends an oblique angle Θ from the rim  30 . The deflector  28  may define a drip edge  110  which may be thickened and/or extend from the chute  34 . The drip edge  110  can be advantageous to control fluid flow within the laundry appliance  10 . For example, the drip edge  110  allows fluid on the deflector  28  to drip from the deflector  28  into the drum  24 . 
     The chute  34  slopes downward and is figured as an obliquely oriented cylindrical section. The deflector  28  may be pliable, elastically deformable, rigid, and/or a combination thereof. The configurations where the bellows  22  are obliquely oriented may be advantageous to allow the deflector  28  to be oriented at a selected or desired angle, such that the deflector  28  can guide items away from the bellows  22  and toward the drum  24 . The deflector  28  typically operates to prevent laundry or items from contacting the bellows  22 . The deflector  28  is advantageous to protect the bellows  22 , as well as to assist a consumer with loading items into the drum  24  for a laundry cycle. It is contemplated that the size and/or shape of the deflector  28  may be adjusted in response to the size and/or shape of the access opening  16  and the configuration of the laundry appliance  10 . 
     With reference still to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the deflector assembly  26  includes the lighting unit  36 , which is configured as a light ring  120 . The light ring  120  is configured to abut an outer surface  122  of the rim  30  and extend around the central aperture  78  of the deflector  28 . A trim cover  124  may also be coupled to the deflector assembly  26  and/or the front panel  14 . The trim cover  124  may be advantageous for concealing the light ring  120  from view. Additionally, the trim cover  124  may be utilized to conceal the attachment points  80  ( FIG.  1   ) between the deflector  28  and the front panel  14 . The trim cover  124  generally defines the same geometric shape as the rim  30  to fit over the rim  30 . The trim cover  124  is concentrically aligned with the rim  30  to allow access to the drum  24 . The trim cover  124  may be configured to be disposed over a portion of or the entirety of the engaging portion  100  of the rim  30 . In this way, the consumer may see a portion of the rim  30  of the deflector  28  against the front panel  14 , or alternatively, may not see the engaging portion  100  of the deflector  28 . 
     With reference again to  FIGS.  2  and  4   , as well as  FIG.  5   , the lighting unit  36  is configured as the light ring  120 . The light ring  120  is configured to abut the rim  30  with the light source  38  being oriented to emit light  40  toward the interior  20  of the drum  24 . The light ring  120  is positioned to not substantially impede the central aperture  78  of the deflector  28 . In certain aspects, the central aperture  78  is free of the light ring  120 . In the illustrated example, the light ring  120  includes the light sources  38  arranged 360° around the central aperture  78  of the deflector  28 . The light source  38  may be arranged at intervals, in a pattern, etc. It is contemplated that the light ring  120  includes the light source  38  extending about a portion of the central aperture  78 , for example between approximately 90° and approximately 180° about the lower portion  106  of the rim  30 . In such examples, the light ring  120  may extend entirely around the central aperture  78  without the light sources  38  in certain locations, or the lighting unit  36  may be configured as an arcuate band that extends about a portion of the rim  30 . 
     In certain aspects, the rim  30  may define an annular groove configured to receive the light ring  120 . In such examples, the light ring  120  may be substantially flush or coplanar with the outer surface  122  of the rim  30  of the deflector  28 . Such configuration may be advantageous for fitting the deflector assembly  26  with the door  70  ( FIG.  1   ). The light ring  120  may be mechanically fastened, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the deflector  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , the lighting unit  36  may be integrally formed or integrated with the deflector  28 . In the example illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the light sources  38  are arranged proximate to or along a junction  128  between the chute  34  and the rim  30 . During the manufacturing process, the deflector  28  may be formed around the lighting unit  36 , such that the light sources  38  are embedded or encapsulated in the deflector  28 . It is contemplated that the light sources  38  may be disposed along the lower portion  106  of the rim  30 , or entirely along the entire rim  30  around the central aperture  78 . Embedding the lighting unit  36  in the deflector  28  can be a cost-effective solution. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , in an additional or alternative configuration, the lighting unit  36  may be configured as a lighting insert  130 , which is selectively received by the deflector  28 . In such examples, the lighting insert  130  may form a linear or arcuate body having the light source  38 . The deflector  28  defines a recess  132 , typically along or proximate to the junction  128  between the rim  30  and the chute  34 . It may be advantageous for the recess  132  to be defined in a bottom  134  of the deflector  28 , under the chute  34 , to provide additional protection from fluid and wet items. The deflector  28  may be utilized with the lighting insert  130 , or without the lighting insert  130 . Prior to the installation into the laundry appliance  10  ( FIG.  1   ), the lighting insert  130  may be positioned within the recess  132  of the deflector  28 . The deflector  28  may include snap features, a cover, or another component to secure the lighting unit  36  to the deflector  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the lighting unit  36  includes an electrical connector  140  coupled with each light source  38 . The electrical connectors  140  are configured to provide power and control commands to the light sources  38 . The electrical connectors  140  generally extend along or through the rim  30  of the deflector  28  between the light source  38 . Additionally, the electrical connectors  140  include an engagement end  142 , which extends away from the deflector  28 . In examples where the lighting unit  36  is embedded within the deflector  28 , the electrical connectors  140  extend through the deflector  28  to the light source  38  and out of the deflector  28  to allow access to the engagement end  142 . The electrical connectors  140  are configured to be substantially concealed by the deflector  28  or the trim cover  124  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , as well as  FIGS.  2  and  4 - 7   , the deflector  28  is typically constructed of a clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or at least partially translucent material, such as, for example, a plastic, a resin, an acrylic, etc. The clear, transparent, or translucent construction of the deflector  28  allows the deflector  28  to define a light guide for diffusing, directing, and guiding the light  40  emitted from the light source  38  in various directions. The light sources  38  are configured to generate at least two different lighting effects. For example, the light sources  38  direct light  40  into the interior  20  of the drum  24  to illuminate the interior  20  of the drum  24  (e.g., an illumination lighting effect  148 ), as indicated by arrows A. This allows for general interior lighting without additional lighting components being installed in the bellows  22  or the cabinet  12 . 
     Additionally, the deflector  28  guides the light  40  emitted by the light sources  38  through the deflector  28 , operating as the light guide. The light sources  38  direct light  40  into or towards the drum  24 , and the light  40  includes the edge lighting effect  42 . The light  40  travels through the deflector  28  and produces the edge lighting effect  42  along the interior edge  44  of the deflector  28 , as indicated by arrows B. The interior edge  44  along the rim  30  and the chute  34  appears to glow from the edge lighting effect  42 . 
     The light source  38  can include any form of light source. For example, fluorescent lighting, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), laser diodes, quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), solid-state lighting, hybrid, and/or any other similar device. Any other form of lighting may be utilized within the deflector assembly  26  without departing from the teachings herein. 
     Further, various types of LEDs are suitable for use in the deflector assembly  26 , including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs and side-emitting LEDs. Moreover, according to various examples, multicolored light source  38  such as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blue LED packaging can be used to generate various desired colors of light  40  output from a single light source  38 , according to known light color mixing techniques. The light sources  38  may emit any color lighting or any practicable wavelength of lighting, typically within the white or visible light wavelength spectrum (e.g.,  ˜ 400-700 nm). 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , the chute  34  may have a textured region  150 . The textured region  150  may be defined within the chute  34 , on the upper surface  108  of the chute  34 , or a combination thereof. The textured region  150  provides a different texture or consistency to the chute  34 . In the illustrated example, the textured region  150  defines a design or pattern on the chute  34 . The textured region  150  may define a word, a letter, a logo, a design, a pattern, an image, etc. configured to be illuminated by diffusion of the light  40  being directed through the chute  34 . The textured region  150  may be formed during the manufacturing process, for example, as part of a molding process. Additionally or alternatively, the textured region  150  may be embossed or etched into the chute  34 . The deflector  28  may include a single textured region  150 , multiple textured regions  150  on discrete portions of the deflector  28 , multiple types of textures, etc. 
     With reference to  FIG.  9   , as well as  FIG.  10   , the textured region  150  may be less visible when the light sources  38  are activated compared to when the light sources  38  are activated. The textured region  150  disrupts the material of the chute  34 , which consequently adjusts, diffuses, or otherwise redirects the light guide effect of the chute  34 . The light sources  38  are configured to produce a third lighting effect in the deflector  28  having the textured region  150 , which is a textured lighting effect  152  (also indicated by arrows C). The textured region  150  disrupts the direction of the light  40  being guided through the chute  34 . The light  40  is diffused by the textured region  150  to illuminate the texture. The deflector assembly  26  having the textured region  150  illuminates the interior  20  of the drum  24 , generates the edge lighting effect  42  along the interior edge  44  of the deflector  28 , and generated the textured lighting effect  152  to illuminate the textured region  150  when the light sources  38  are activated. Accordingly, the light  40  selectively directed toward the drum  24  by the light sources  38  includes the illumination lighting effect  148 , the edge lighting effect  42 , and the textured lighting effect  152 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , as well as to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the lighting unit  36  is coupled to the deflector  28  and includes the electrical connectors  140 , which is configured to engage a wiring harness  154  of the laundry appliance  10 . The wiring harness  154  is in electrical communication with each lighting aspect of the laundry appliance  10 . The electrical connectors  140  are configured to extend from the light source  38  and along the rim  30  of the deflector  28  toward a connecting aperture  156  defined in the front panel  14 . 
     The connecting aperture  156  is defined proximate to the access opening  16 , typically in a position adjacent to or covered by the rim  30  of the deflector  28 . The connecting aperture  156  connects an area proximate to the outer surface  76  of the front panel  14  with the interior  20  of the cabinet  12 . The electrical connectors  140  are configured to extend through the connecting aperture  156  into the interior  20  of the cabinet  12 . The engagement end  142  of the electrical connectors  140  are configured to couple to the wiring harness  154  inside the cabinet  12 . 
     The electrical connectors  140  are configured to extend around the bellows  22 . In many conventional washers, electrical components extend through a bellows assembly such that the bellows assembly has a hole to accommodate the electrical components. The disclosed configuration of the deflector assembly  26  allows the electrical connectors  140  to engage the wiring harness  154  without extending through the bellows  22 . This may be advantageous for positioning the electrical aspects of the deflector assembly  26  further away from wet areas, such as the bellows  22 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 12   , the deflector assembly  26  is communicatively coupled with a controller  160  of the laundry appliance  10 . The controller  160  is configured to selectively and independently control each light source  38  of the lighting unit  36  to selectively direct light  40  toward the drum  24 . The controller  160  is configured to activate the light sources  38  to produce the selected lighting effects, such as the edge lighting effect  42 , the textured lighting effect  152 , and the illumination of the interior  20  of the drum  24  (e.g., the illumination lighting effect  148 ). Further, the deflector  28  defines the light guide to generate the selected light effects. 
     The controller  160  may also control the light source  38  to convey a message or a visual notification to the consumer or user. The laundry appliance  10  may include multiple programmed lighting patterns to convey information to the consumer. For example, when the laundry appliance  10  is turned to an on or activated state and the light source  38  are arranged in the light ring  120 , the controller  160  may activate the light sources  38  to produce a moving circular lighting effect around the access opening  16 . In another non-limiting example, when the light sources  38  are disposed at the junction  128  between the rim  30  and the chute  34 , the light sources  38  may be selectively activated in a directional pattern (e.g., from left to right) to indicate a status of a laundry cycle (e.g., a lighting pattern synced to the laundry cycle). Additional or alternative lighting patterns are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. 
     Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the deflector  28  may be utilized to protect the bellows  22  and deflect items toward the interior  20  of the drum  24 . Additionally, the lighting unit  36  within the deflector assembly  26  may be utilized to provide multiple lighting effects. The lighting unit  36  may illuminate the interior  20  of the drum  24 , which assists the user in loading or unloading items as well as viewing the interior  20  of the drum  24 . Additionally, the deflector  28  is constructed of a clear, transparent or translucent material, such that the deflector  28  operates as a light guide to direct the light  40  from the lighting unit  36  to produce the various lighting effects. The lighting unit  36  may be utilized to produce the edge lighting effect  42  as the light  40  travels through the deflector  28  to cause a glowing effect along the interior edge  44  of the deflector  28 . Further, the lighting unit  36  may be utilized to produce the textured lighting effect  152  to illuminate the textured region  150 . Further, the lighting unit  36  may also provide interior lighting within the drum  24 . Moreover, the electrical connectors  140  from the lighting unit  36  extend through the front panel  14  to engage the wiring harness  154 . In this way, the electrical connectors  140  extend around, and not through, the bellows  22 . Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved. 
     The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining an access opening, a tub disposed within an interior of the cabinet, a bellows extending between the cabinet and the tub, a drum disposed within the tub, and a deflector assembly coupled to the front panel. The deflector assembly includes a deflector having a rim extending about at least a portion of a perimeter of the access opening and a chute extending from the rim, over the bellows, and toward the drum. A lighting unit includes light sources coupled to the deflector. The light sources direct light into the drum. The light includes edge lighting effect along an interior edge of the deflector. 
     According to another aspect, a wiring harness is disposed within a cabinet. A lighting unit of a deflector assembly includes an electrical connector coupled with each light source. The electrical connector is configured to couple with the wiring harness within an interior of the cabinet. 
     According to yet another aspect, an electrical connector extends from a deflector, through a connecting aperture defined by a front panel, and around a bellows to engage a wiring harness. 
     According to another aspect, a rim is coupled to an outer surface of a front panel and a chute extends through an access opening. 
     According to yet another aspect, a trim cover is coupled to a front panel of a cabinet. The trim cover extends at least partially over a rim of a deflector. 
     According to another aspect, a rim extends around an entirety of a perimeter of an access opening and a lighting unit forms a light ring around the access opening. 
     According to yet another aspect, a controller is communicatively coupled to a lighting unit. The controller is configured to selectively and independently control each light source to provide a visual notification. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance deflector assembly includes a panel defining an opening and a deflector coupled to the panel. The deflector includes a rim coupled to a surface of the panel and extending about at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening and a chute coupled to the rim and extending through the opening. A lighting unit is coupled to the deflector. The lighting unit includes light sources arranged about at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening. The deflector defines a light guide to generate a lighting effect along an edge of the deflector. 
     According to another aspect, a lighting unit is embedded in a deflector. 
     According to yet another aspect, a deflector defines a recess. A lighting unit is selectively positioned in the recess. 
     According to another aspect, a chute defines a textured region configured to diffuse light being directed through a chute to generate a textured lighting effect. 
     According to yet another aspect, a textured region defines at least one of a logo, a word, a letter, a design, and an image configured to be illuminated by a textured lighting effect. 
     According to another aspect, a lighting unit is configured as a light ring disposed adjacent to and extending along a rim. 
     According to yet another aspect, a trim cover is coupled to a panel over a rim and configured to conceal attachment points between a rim and a panel. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a deflector assembly for an appliance includes a deflector having a rim forming a geometric shape and configured to engage a panel and a chute extending from a portion of the rim. The chute includes an upper surface that extends at an oblique angle from the rim. A lighting unit has a light source. The light source is disposed proximate to a junction between the rim and the chute. 
     According to another aspect, a deflector defines a recess for selectively receiving a lighting unit. 
     According to yet another aspect, a rim and the chute are constructed of at least one of a transparent material and a translucent material configured to operate as a light guide for light emitted by a light source to produce a lighting effect along an edge of a deflector. 
     According to another aspect, a chute defines a textured region configured to diffuse light emitted from a light source. 
     According to yet another aspect, a rim forms a circular shape. A chute extends about the portion of the rim to define an arcuate body. 
     According to another aspect, a rim includes an engaging portion configured to engage a panel and an insertion portion extending in a same direction from the engaging portion as a chute. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.