Patent Publication Number: US-2023160133-A1

Title: Laundry appliance including a filtering agitator having an internal fluid pumping structure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/281,828, filed Nov. 22, 2021, entitled “LAUNDRY APPLIANCE INCLUDING A FILTERING AGITATOR HAVING AN INTERNAL FLUID PUMPING STRUCTURE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to laundry appliances, and more specifically, a laundry appliance that includes an agitator or an impeller that incorporates a filtration element and an interior structure that can be used for pumping washing fluid through the agitator or impeller during operation of the appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. A rotator selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate at least a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly positioned within the rotator. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. An agitator has a stem and a base and selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly is positioned within the stem of the agitator. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. An impeller has a base and a filter assembly that is positioned within a top aperture of the base. Selective rotation of the impeller relative to the drum generates a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly. 
     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 schematic perspective view of a laundry appliance including an aspect of the agitator within a rotating drum; 
         FIG.  2    is a top perspective view of a laundry appliance having an impeller that incorporates an aspect of the filtration element, the impeller shown within a rotating drum; 
         FIG.  3    is a side perspective view of an aspect of the agitator incorporating an aspect of a filtration element; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the removable filtration element of  FIG.  3    taken along line IV-IV; 
         FIG.  5    is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the agitator of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded perspective view of the agitator of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sealing engagement between the removable filtration element and the agitator of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the agitator of  FIG.  3    and showing movement of the wash fluid through the agitator and the filtration element; 
         FIG.  9    is a lateral cross sectional view of the agitator of  FIG.  3    and showing movement of the wash fluid into the flow channels of the agitator; 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom plan view of the agitator of  FIG.  6    showing placement of the structural ribs in relation to the flow channels of the agitator; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating movement of the toroidal flow of wash fluid throughout the rotating drum and the supplemental flow of wash fluid through the agitator of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a top plan view of the impeller of  FIG.  2    that incorporates an aspect of the filtration element and flow structures; 
         FIG.  13    is a bottom plan view of the impeller of  FIG.  12    and showing placement of the outlet channels; 
         FIG.  14    is a top plan view of the impeller of  FIG.  12    with the filtration element and outer circumferential panel removed; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an impeller that incorporates an aspect of the filtration element; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective cross sectional view of the impeller of  FIG.  15    taken along line XVI-XVI; and 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded perspective view of the impeller of  FIG.  15    showing separation of the filtration element and cover member from the body of the impeller. 
     
    
    
     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 filtering rotator in the form of an agitator or impeller that can be used to generate a toroidal flow of wash fluid within a rotating drum and also generate a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the rotator for filtering the wash fluid within the filtering rotator. 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 proceeded 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. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 17   , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a rotator that is positioned within a rotating drum  12  for an appliance  14 , typically a washing appliance or a combination washing and drying appliance, where the rotator  10  can take the form of an agitator  16  or an impeller  18  that provides additional washing and cleaning capability within the appliance  14 . According to various aspects of the device, the appliance  14  includes a tub  20  that is positioned within an outer cabinet  22 . A rotating drum  12  rotates within the tub  20 . A fluid flow path  24  directs wash fluid  28  through the tub  20  and the drum  12 . A rotator  10  is selectively positioned within the rotating drum  12  and, in certain aspects, can be installed and removed by the user as desired. Selective rotation of the rotator  10  relative to the drum  12  generates at least a toroidal flow  26  of the wash fluid  28  through the drum  12 . The rotator  10  also operates to generate a supplemental flow  30  of the wash fluid  28  through a filter assembly  32  that is positioned within the rotator  10 , as will be described more fully herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  3 - 11   , which correspond to the rotator  10  in the form of an agitator  16 , the agitator  16  includes a base  50  and an exterior wall  52  that extends upward from the base  50  to form a stem  54 . Within the stem  54 , a plurality of external vanes  56  are included to produce the toroidal flow  26  of the wash fluid  28  within the rotating drum  12 . Above the vanes  56  and typically between the vanes  56  are a plurality of fluid inlets  58  that provide for the movement of wash fluid  28  from the processing space  60  of the drum  12  and into the interior volume  62  of the stem  54  for the agitator  16 . A plurality of fluid outlets  64  are positioned on the agitator  16  for allowing the wash fluid  28  to leave the interior volume  62  of the stem  54  for the agitator  16  for reintroduction into the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  within the rotating drum  12 . 
     A plurality of structural ribs  66  are positioned within the base  50 , and typically within an underside  68  of the agitator  16  to form an interior set of structural ribs  66 . The interior set of structural ribs  66  operate to produce the supplemental flow  30  of wash fluid  28  that is directed through an interior flow path  70  of the agitator  16  between the fluid inlets  58  and the fluid outlets  64 . These structural ribs  66  operate below the agitator  16  to produce a suction  72  within and through the agitator  16 . This suction  72  produced by the rotating motion of the structural ribs  66  draws the wash fluid  28  from the rotating drum  12  and into the agitator  16  via the fluid inlets  58 . Particulate material from laundry articles being processed is also carried into the interior volume  62  of the agitator  16 . The suction  72  produced by the structural ribs  66  also draws the wash fluid  28 , including the particulate material, from the fluid inlets  58  and through a removable filtration element  74  of the filter assembly  32 . The removable filtration element  74  is positioned within the stem  54  of the agitator  16 . The suction  72  generated by the structural ribs  66  of the agitator  16  further draws the wash fluid  28  from the filter assembly  32  and toward the fluid outlets  64  positioned within and through the base  50  of the agitator  16 . As the wash fluid  28  is suctioned through the filtration element  74 , the particulate material is separated from the wash fluid  28 . The captured particulate material is held within a portion of the filtration element  74  for later disposal, as will be described more fully herein. 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  3   , the fluid outlets  64  can be positioned within the exterior wall  52  of the stem  54  such that the wash fluid  28  flows from the fluid inlets  58 , through the removable filtration element  74  of the filter assembly  32 , and then back into the drum  12  via the fluid outlets  64 . In this configuration, the supplemental flow  30  of the wash fluid  28  is contained within the stem  54  of the agitator  16 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  6 - 12   , the fluid outlets  64  can also be positioned within an underside  68  of the base  50  and within an area near the central structure  80  for the agitator  16 . In this configuration, the wash fluid  28  is directed from the fluid inlets  58 , through the removable filtration element  74  and then through the interior flow path  70  and out of the flow outlet  212 . The wash fluid  28  is then directed under the structural ribs  66  that form the underside  68  of the base  50  for the agitator  16  and back into the main section of the processing space  60  defined within the rotating drum  12 . As discussed herein, the operation of the agitator  16  causes the structural ribs  66  to rotate in a circular motion, and typically in a reciprocating or oscillating pattern, about a rotational axis  82  for the agitator  16 . This movement of the structural ribs  66  generates the suction  72  that draws the wash fluid  28  through the agitator  16  and through the interior flow path  70  for the agitator  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the removable filtration element  74  of the filter assembly  32  includes an upper cap member  90  that provides an interface for a user to grasp the removable filtration element  74  for inserting the filtration element  74  into, and removing the filtration element  74  from, the filtration chamber  92  for the agitator  16 . The filtration chamber  92  includes a seat  94  that receives a sealing rim  96  for the filtration element  74 . This engagement provides a blocking mechanism that prevents the wash fluid  28  from moving around the removable filtration element  74 . This ensures that the vast majority of the wash fluid  28  within the supplemental flow  30  that moves through the agitator  16  and is filtered to remove particulate material from the wash fluid  28 . 
     The particulate material that is filtered by the filter assembly  32  includes various materials that are expelled or otherwise removed from articles being processed within the drum  12 . Such particulate material can include, but is not limited to, fabric strands, lint and pet hair. The particulate material can also include foreign objects and other similar items that may be on the articles being processed or within pockets of articles being processed as well as other objects that are inadvertently placed within the drum  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the filtration element  74  can include a rigid filter member  98  having a plurality of perforations  100  that allow for the passage of wash fluid  28  therethrough. The perforations  100  are sized to remove and capture particulate material having a certain diameter or size. These perforations  100  provide for the separation of a majority of the particulate material that may be present within wash fluid  28 . The filter assembly  32  includes the filtration element  74  that can collect smaller particulate material. The filter assembly  32  also includes the fluid inlets  58  that are sized to block larger sized particulate material. The fluid inlets  58  are typically sized to block foreign objects such as coins, pens and pen caps, pieces of paper and other similar objects from entering into the interior volume  62  of the agitator  16 . Such objects could block a large portion of the perforations  100  of the filtration element  74 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the fluid inlets  58  that are positioned within the exterior wall  52  of the stem  54  for the agitator  16  typically have a configuration that matches filtration inlets  110  that are positioned within a structural wall  112  for the filtration element  74 . In this manner, the fluid inlets  58  can be defined by each of the wall for the agitator  16  and the structural wall  112  for the filtration element  74  to allow for the entry of wash fluid  28  to be filtered. In addition, the filtration element  74  can include a particular rotational position  120  within the stem  54  for the agitator  16  to align the various filtration inlets  110  to further define the fluid inlets  58  for the filter assembly  32  for the agitator  16 . To achieve the rotational position  120  of the filtration element  74 , the wall of the agitator  16  can include various locating mechanisms  114  at or near an upper edge  116  of the agitator  16 . These locating mechanisms  114  can be defined within a collar  118  of the agitator  16  and the upper cap member  90  for the removable filtration element  74 . These matching locating mechanisms  114  can be used to define a particular rotational position  120  of the removable filtration element  74  within the stem  54  of the agitator  16 . These locating mechanisms  114  can also be used to prevent movement, dislodging, sliding, or other unwanted displacement of the filtration element  74  with respect to the agitator  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the filter assembly  32  can include an access aperture  130  defined within the structural wall  112  for the filtration element  74 . This access aperture  130  can be used for accessing the rigid filter member  98  having the plurality of perforations  100 . In this manner, after separating the filtration element  74  from the agitator  16 , a user can reach through the side of the filtration element  74 , through the access aperture  130 , and into the filtration chamber  92  for the filtration element  74 . Using the side access aperture  130  the user can wipe, grasp, or otherwise remove captured particulate material from the removable filtration element  74 . Once the particulate material is removed, the filtration element  74  can be re-inserted into the agitator  16  for use in subsequent laundry cycles. 
     According to various aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the removable filtration element  74  of the filter assembly  32  is to be removed and cleaned after each laundry cycle. Certain aspects of the device may provide for less frequent cleaning, such as after every other cycle, every third cycle, or more intermittent cleaning. Various aspects of the device can include sensors or other mechanisms for determining when the perforations  100  included within the filtration element  74  are impacted with particulate material to a point where the flow of wash fluid  28  through the agitator  16  is impeded by the accumulation of particulate material. 
     It is also contemplated that the filtration element  74  can include more than one filtration member, such as multiple rigid filter members  98  or other similar filtering mechanisms. Each filtration member having perforations  100  of different sizes. In such a configuration, the various filtration members can separate gradually smaller sizes of particulate material. The access aperture  130  can be configured and sized to provide for manual access to each of the filtration members. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 - 11   , the agitator  16  can include a plurality of interior flow channels  140  that extend from the filtration element  74  to corresponding fluid outlets  64  that are positioned within the underside  68  of the agitator  16 . These interior flow channels  140  are typically configured to extend from a filtration chamber  92  that can be defined by the engagement between the agitator  16  and the rigid filter member  98  of the filtration element  74  having the perforations  100 . These interior flow channels  140  operate to direct the now-filtered wash fluid  28  through a lower portion  142  of the agitator  16  and to the underside  68  of the base  50  for the agitator  16 . These interior flow channels  140 , as discussed herein, exit the underside  68  of the agitator  16  within an area near the central structure  80  for the agitator  16 . 
     The placement of the fluid outlets  64  at this central location allows for the generation of suction  72  within areas of the base  50  outside of the fluid outlets  64 . The structural ribs  66  defined within the underside  68  of the base  50  for the agitator  16  operate in a generally circular motion during an agitating portion of the laundry cycle, as described herein. The structural ribs  66  are positioned toward outer areas  150  of the base  50  for the agitator  16  while the fluid outlets  64  are positioned near the central structure  80  for the agitator  16 . This motion of the structural ribs  66  operates to generate an outward motion of the wash fluid  28  away from the central structure  80 . This outward motion of the wash fluid  28 , in turn, draws the wash fluid  28  from within the interior flow channels  140  and from within the agitator  16 . This motion of the wash fluid  28  results in the generation of the suction  72  within an area below the base  50  for the agitator  16  and outside of the fluid outlets  64 . This suction  72  near the fluid outlets  64  is used to draw wash fluid  28  through the interior flow channels  140  as discussed herein. In certain aspects of the device, these interior flow channels  140  can be defined within the vanes  56  for the agitator  16 , such that these vanes  56  define an expanded portion of the agitator  16  through which the interior flow channels  140  can extend. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  8 - 11   , the suction  72  generated by the structural ribs  66  positioned along the underside  68  of the base  50  for the agitator  16  produce suction  72  that generates the supplemental flow  30  of wash fluid  28  through the agitator  16 . The external vanes  56  of the agitator  16  contemporaneously operate to produce the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  through the rotating drum  12 . The supplemental flow  30  of the wash fluid  28  through the agitator  16  is typically in the form of a separate flow of wash fluid  28  that operates independently of the toroidal flow  26 . Certain amounts of the wash fluid  28  moving in the toroidal flow  26  are typically drawn into the fluid inlets  58  of the agitator  16 . The amount of wash fluid  28  suctioned into the fluid inlets  58  of the agitator  16  does not typically or significantly impact the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  within the drum  12 . Similarly, the expulsion of wash fluid  28  away from the agitator  16  and toward an outer edge  160  of the agitator  16  is typically reintroduced into the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the agitator  16  can also include a plurality of auger blades  170  that are positioned within an upper portion  172  of the stem  54  for the agitator  16 . These auger blades  170  can extend from the external vanes  56  for the agitator  16  or can be separate members that extend from the exterior wall  52  for the agitator  16 . These auger blades  170  operate to enhance the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  through the rotating drum  12  by assisting at least in the vertical component of the toroidal flow  26  of the wash fluid  28  through the rotating drum  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  3 - 11   , the appliance  14  described herein can include a tub  20  positioned within the outer cabinet  22 . The rotating drum  12  rotates within the tub  20 . The fluid flow path  24  directs fluid through the tub  20  and the drum  12 . The agitator  16  includes the stem  54  and the base  50  that selectively rotate relative to the drum  12  to generate the toroidal flow  26  of the wash fluid  28  through the drum  12 . In addition, the agitator  16  operates to produce the supplemental flow  30  of the wash fluid  28  through the filter assembly  32  that is positioned within the stalk for the agitator  16 . 
     The fluid flow path  24  is typically in the form of a fluid delivery system that delivers water, laundry chemistries and other materials that make up the wash fluid  28 . Over the course of a particular laundry cycle, the wash fluid  28  can also accumulate particulate material from the articles being processed. Accordingly, at certain points in the laundry cycle, the wash fluid  28  includes the particulate material. This wash fluid  28  can be recycled through the fluid flow path  24  or directed to a fluid outlet  64  after a particular portion of a laundry cycle is completed. 
     According to various aspects of the device, the removable filtration element  74  for the filter assembly  32  includes the perforated rigid filter member  98  that is positioned at a lower end  180  of the filtration element  74 . This filtration element  74  can also include mesh filters, porous membranes, removable and disposable filters, combinations thereof, and other similar filtration mechanisms that can operate within the removable filtration element  74  for the agitator  16 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  6 - 10   , the interior flow path  70  can extend from the filtration chamber  92 , through the various interior flow channels  140  and through fluid outlets  64  that are positioned within the underside  68  of the base  50  for the agitator  16 . These apertures that define the fluid outlets  64  can be defined between adjacent structural ribs  66  for the agitator  16 , and can be aligned along the external vanes  56 , or can be spaced between the external vanes  56  for the agitator  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2  and  12 - 17   , the appliance  14  can include a rotator  10  in the form of an impeller  18  that is positioned within a lower portion  142  of the drum  12 . The impeller  18  typically operates in a fashion similar to that of the agitator  16  described herein to produce a rotational and oscillating motion within the rotating drum  12 . According to various aspects of the device, the appliance  14  includes the tub  20  that is positioned within the outer cabinet  22 . The rotating drum  12  rotates within the tub  20  and a fluid flow path  24  directs wash fluid  28  through the tub  20  and the drum  12 . The impeller  18  includes the base  50  and the filter assembly  32  that is positioned within a top aperture  210  of the base  50 . Selective rotation of the impeller  18  relative to the drum  12  generates a toroidal flow  26  of the wash fluid  28  through the drum  12 . In addition, a supplemental flow  30  of the wash fluid  28  is directed through the top aperture  210  of the base  50  and through the filter assembly  32  of the impeller  18 . Flow outlets  212  are positioned within the base  50  of the impeller  18  for directing the wash fluid  28  in an outward direction  214  to be reintroduced into the toroidal flow  26  of washing fluid within the drum  12 . The flow outlets  212  are typically positioned within a medial portion  78  of the base  50  between the central structure  80 , including the stem  54 , and the outer edge  160 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  12 - 17   , the impeller  18  includes a primary section or body  220  that includes the top aperture  210 , various external vanes  56 , and the flow outlets  212  that are positioned within the impeller  18 . An outer ring  222  includes various undulating features  224  that assist in providing cleaning action as the impeller  18  operates during performance of various laundry cycles for the appliance  14 . The outer ring  222  can be fixedly attached to the body  220  of the impeller  18  so that these components move in a unitary fashion about the rotational axis  82  of the impeller  18 . Structural ribs  66  of the impeller  18  are positioned within an underside  68  of the body  220  for the impeller  18 . The structural ribs  66  produce radiating flow channels  226  that extend outward from the central structure  80  and the rotational axis  82  of the impeller  18 . These structural ribs  66  define the flow of wash fluid  28  in the outward direction  214  from the centrally positioned top aperture  210  and to the flow outlets  212 . This suction, as described herein, produces the supplemental flow  30  of wash fluid  28  through the impeller  18 . The flow outlets  212  of the impeller  18  are defined within the surface of the impeller  18 , typically within the medial portion  78 , and include a stepped configuration  228  that defines a slot  230  through which the wash fluid  28  can leave the impeller  18  to be re-introduced into the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  within the drum  12 . Accordingly, the stepped configuration  228  of the impeller  18  at each of the flow outlets  212  includes an interior portion  232  of the step  234  that is elevated above an outer portion  236  of the step  234  with the slot  230  formed therebetween. The difference between the inner portion and the outer portion  236  of the step  234  within the body  220  produces the flow outlet  212  through which the wash fluid  28  is directed back into the toroidal flow  26  of washing fluid within the drum  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  12 - 17   , the structural ribs  66  extend outward from the rotational axis  82  of the impeller  18  and direct the wash fluid  28  toward each respective slot  230 . In addition, a continuous outer rib  250  can be defined around each of the flow outlets  212  and also between each set of radiating flow channels  226  that extends from the top aperture  210  of the impeller  18  to the flow outlets  212 . Accordingly, the flow of wash fluid  28  from the top aperture  210  and towards the flow outlets  212  can be defined within this outer rib  250  that outlines the various flow outlets  212  for the impeller  18  for directing wash fluid  28 . The flow outlets  212  are typically in the form of slots  230  that are defined within the impeller  18 . These flow outlets  212  can also be in the form of perforations  100 , individual apertures, channels, and other outlet configurations that allow wash fluid  28  to move away from the underside  68  of the impeller  18  and into the remainder of the drum  12  for the appliance  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  12 - 17   , the top aperture  210  can include a support structure  260  that supports a filter cup  262  that is positioned within the top aperture  210 . This filter cup  262  can include a mesh membrane, perforations  100 , or other filtering member that can be used to separate particulate material from the wash fluid  28  that moves through the filter assembly  32  for the impeller  18 . Positioned below the filter cup  262  is a flow directing ring  264  that is also positioned within the top aperture  210 . This flow directing ring  264  allows for the movement of wash fluid  28  in the lateral direction and outward toward the radiating flow channels  226  and to the various flow outlets  212  of the impeller  18 . The flow directing ring  264  can include a series of openings that direct the wash fluid  28  from the filtration chamber  92  defined within the filter cup  262  and outward to the various flow outlets  212 . Positioned above the filter cup  262  is a cover  266  that extends over the top aperture  210 . This cover  266  can include various perforations  100  that allow for the movement of wash fluid  28  into the top aperture  210 . At the same time, the cover  266  prevents clothing from entering into the filtration chamber  92  or otherwise interfering with the operation of the filter assembly  32  for the impeller  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  15 - 17   , the impeller  18  can include the plurality of internal radiating flow channels  226  that can be directed from the top aperture  210  and toward an outer portion  236  of the agitator  16 . In this manner, the structural ribs  66  positioned on the underside  68  of the impeller  18  can cooperate with the operation of the impeller  18  in a fashion similar to that of the structural ribs  66  exemplified in  FIGS.  4 - 11   . As discussed herein, the structural ribs  66  provide a suction  72  that draws wash fluid  28  from an area above the impeller  18  so that wash fluid  28  can be drawn in through the top aperture  210 , through the filter cup  262  of the filter assembly  32 , and then through the radiating fluid paths. The suction  72  generated by the structural ribs  66  then moves the wash fluid  28  in an outward direction  214  and past an outer edge  160  of the impeller  18  to be reintroduced into the toroidal flow  26  of washing fluid through the rotating drum  12 . 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the rotator  10  described herein can be in the form of an agitator  16  or an impeller  18  that can operate within the rotating drum  12 . Typically, the rotating drum  12  and the rotator  10  can operate independently of one another via operation of two separate rotors within the motor assembly  280  for the appliance  14 . The motor assembly  280  can also cooperate to rotate the rotator  10  and the drum  12  as a unit, such as during a spin cycle. During various cleaning or agitating portions of a wash cycle, it is typical that the rotating drum  12  and the rotator  10  operate cooperatively, but at different directions, distances and speeds with respect to one another. This cooperative but dissimilar operation between the rotating drum  12  and the rotator  10  operates to produce the toroidal flow  26  of wash fluid  28  through the drum  12  as well as the supplemental flow  30  of wash fluid  28  through the rotator  10  and through the filter assembly  32  of the rotator  10  that is positioned within the rotating drum  12 . According to various aspects of the device, the filter assembly  32  typically includes one or more filtration members that can be removed from the rotator  10  after each laundry cycle. In this manner, the filter assembly  32  can be a reusable component that can be cleaned and replaced after each cycle. Components of the removable filter assembly  32  can also be removed and disposed of or recycled between laundry cycles. 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the rotator  10  is used within a vertical axis laundry appliance  14 . It is contemplated, in certain aspects, that versions of the impeller  18  can be utilized within a horizontal axis laundry appliance  14 . It is also contemplated that variations of the rotator  10 , either in the form of the agitator  16  or the impeller  18 , can be utilized within other appliances  14  that require movement of process fluid through a processing space  60 . 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. A rotator selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate at least a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly positioned within the rotator. 
     According to another aspect, the rotator is an agitator that has a stem and a plurality of external vanes and an interior set of ribs. The external vanes and the interior set of ribs produce the toroidal flow of the wash fluid within the drum and the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the supplemental flow of the wash fluid is directed through an exterior wall of the stem and through the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly includes a rigid filter member that has a plurality of perforations. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly includes a side access aperture that provides access to the rigid filter member. The side access aperture is configured to allow for extraction of captured particulate material from the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the agitator includes a plurality of fluid outlets that are defined within a base of the agitator. The plurality of fluid outlets directs the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the base and to an underside of the agitator. 
     According to another aspect, the plurality of fluid outlets are aligned with the plurality of external vanes, respectively. 
     According to another aspect, rotation of the agitator causes the interior set of ribs to produce a suction that generates the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly and through the plurality of fluid outlets. 
     According to another aspect, the rotator is an impeller, wherein the supplemental flow of the wash fluid is directed through a top aperture of the impeller and through the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly includes a ring that has a side aperture and a cap member. 
     According to another aspect, the impeller includes a plurality of fluid outlets that are defined within a base of the impeller. The plurality of fluid outlets directs the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the base and a plurality of respective flow outlets. The flow outlets are positioned within a medial portion of the base between external vanes of the impeller. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly includes a mesh filter. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly is disposed within a filtration chamber. The filtration chamber extends to a plurality of flow channels that are positioned proximate a plurality of external vanes of the rotator. 
     According to another aspect, the filter assembly is selectively removable from the rotator via a top aperture of the rotator. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. An agitator has a stem and a base and selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly is positioned within the stem of the agitator. 
     According to another aspect, the agitator includes a plurality of external vanes and an interior set of ribs. The external vanes and the interior set of ribs produce the toroidal flow of the wash fluid within the drum and the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the agitator includes a plurality of fluid outlets that are defined within the base of the agitator. The plurality of fluid outlets directs the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the base and to an underside of the agitator. Rotation of the agitator causes an interior set of ribs to produce a suction that generates the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly and through the plurality of fluid outlets. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs wash fluid through the tub and the drum. An impeller has a base and a filter assembly that is positioned within a top aperture of the base. Selective rotation of the impeller relative to the drum generates a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the filter assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the impeller includes a plurality of fluid outlets that are defined within the base of the impeller. The plurality of fluid outlets directs the supplemental flow of the wash fluid through the base and the plurality of respective flow outlets. The flow outlets are positioned within a medial portion of the base between a plurality of external vanes of the impeller. 
     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.