Patent Publication Number: US-11035072-B2

Title: Washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to nozzle assemblies for washing machine appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, or other wash additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. 
     During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash or rinse articles within the wash chamber. More specifically, a predetermined volume of wash fluid is typically provided through a stationary nozzle positioned at the center of the back wall of the washing machine appliance. However, in certain situations, a user may wish to have greater control over the wash fluid dispensed into the tub. For instance, a user may wish to direct the flow of wash fluid onto a particular garment or within a specific region of the wash tub (e.g., to perform a pretreating operation, to saturate a particular article of clothing). However, this ability may be limited by the increased complexity and wiring required to relocate existing stationary nozzles. Moreover, difficulties may arise with providing water at a desired temperature. Under certain circumstances, a slug of relatively cold water may form over time within the washing machine appliance (or at any other location between a hot water source and a nozzle of the washing machine appliance). Even when relatively warm or hot wire is desired, the slug of cold water may be dispensed. The ability to adjust the amount of water or wash fluid and its dispensing location is a commercially desirable feature and increases the user&#39;s positive perception of the wash process generally. 
     Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that provides a user with more control over the dispensing of wash fluid is desirable. In particular, a nozzle assembly that enables the dispensing of water at a desired temperature while preventing or reducing the effects of a cold water slug would be particularly beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket, and a nozzle assembly. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub and may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The nozzle assembly may be mounted within the cabinet and configured to provide wash fluid to the tub. The nozzle assembly may include an extendable nozzle, a valve assembly, a retractable fluid supply conduit, a supplemental heater, and a temperature sensor. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable nozzle may define a fluid path extending in fluid communication between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The valve assembly may be configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The retractable fluid supply conduit may extend in fluid communication between the valve assembly and the nozzle inlet extendable nozzle to direct the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The supplemental heater may be positioned in thermal communication with the flow of wash fluid between the valve assembly and the nozzle outlet. The temperature sensor may be positioned in thermal communication with the flow of wash fluid downstream from the valve assembly to detect a temperature of the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket, and a nozzle assembly. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub and may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The nozzle assembly may be mounted within the cabinet and configured to provide wash fluid to the tub. The nozzle assembly may include an extendable nozzle, a valve assembly, a retractable fluid supply conduit, a supplemental heater, and a temperature sensor. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable nozzle may define a fluid path extending in fluid communication between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The valve assembly may be configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The retractable fluid supply conduit may extend in fluid communication between the valve assembly and the nozzle inlet of the extendable nozzle to direct the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The supplemental heater may be positioned in thermal communication with the flow of wash fluid between the valve assembly and the nozzle outlet. The temperature sensor may be positioned in thermal communication with the flow of wash fluid between the valve assembly and the supplemental heater to detect a temperature of the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  shown in a retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  provides a schematic side, cross-sectional view of the exemplary nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3  shown in an extended position. 
         FIG. 5  provides a schematic view of the exemplary nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3  shown in both the extended position (in phantom) and the retracted position. 
         FIG. 6  provides a schematic view of a nozzle assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  shown in a retracted position according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  provides a schematic view of the exemplary nozzle assembly of  FIG. 6  shown in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8  provides a schematic side, cross-sectional view of an extendable nozzle according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a washing machine appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present invention. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary washing machine appliance  100 . In particular appliance  100  is shown as a vertical axis washing machine. In  FIG. 1 , a lid or door  130  is shown in a closed position. In  FIG. 2 , door  130  is shown in an open position. Washing machine appliance  100  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 
     While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 , using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that washing machine appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well (e.g., horizontal axis washing machines). Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other consumer or commercial appliance where it is desirable to control the dispensing of water or another fluid. 
     As shown, washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  that extends between a top portion  103  and a bottom portion  104  along the vertical direction V. A wash basket  120  is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation cycle or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Wash basket  120  is received within a wash tub or wash chamber  121  and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub  121  holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket  120  within wash tub  121 . An agitator or impeller (not shown) may extend into wash basket  120  while remaining in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller generally assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket  120  and may rotate or oscillate during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . 
     Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  generally includes a top panel  140 . Top panel  140  defines an opening  105  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits user access to wash basket  120  of wash tub  121 . In some embodiments, door  130  is rotatably mounted to top panel  140  and permits selective access to opening  105 . In particular, door  130  selectively rotates between the closed position shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, door  130  inhibits access to wash basket  120 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket  120 . In some embodiments, a window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash basket  120  when door  130  is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  100 ). Door  130  may also include a handle  132  that, for example, a user may pull or lift when opening and closing door  130 . Further, although door  130  is illustrated as mounted to top panel  140 , alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to another portion of cabinet  102 , as well as any other suitable support. 
     In certain embodiments, a control panel  110  with at least one input selector  112  extends from top panel  140 . Control panel  110  and input selector  112  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display (e.g., electronic indicator display  114 ) of control panel  110  indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is generally controlled by a controller or processing device  108  that is attached to cabinet  102  (e.g., at control panel  110 ) and operatively coupled (e.g., electrically coupled via one or more conductive signal lines, wirelessly coupled via one or more wireless communications bands, etc.) to portions of control panel  110  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  110 , controller  108  receives one or more signals (e.g., user-input signals) and operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
     Controller  108  may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive storage media) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  108  may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel  110  and other components of washing machine appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  108  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     During operation of washing machine appliance  100 , laundry items are generally loaded into wash basket  120  through opening  105 , and a washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . Wash basket  120  is filled with a fluid, such as water and detergent or other fluid additives (e.g., via a nozzle assembly  200 —described in detail below). One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance  100  to provide for filling wash basket  120  to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, for a washing cycle, once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket  120  can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed above) for washing laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
     After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  120  depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash basket  120 . One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket  120  is rotated at relatively high speeds. After laundry items or articles disposed in wash basket  120  are cleaned or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket  120  (e.g., by reaching into wash basket  120  through opening  105 ). 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 2 through 7 , nozzle assembly  200  will be described in more detail according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the discussion below refers to nozzle assembly  200 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other fluid supply assemblies in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, nozzle assembly  200  may be positioned in another location within cabinet  102 , may have a different fluid supply conduit configuration, or may dispense any suitable wash fluid or fluids (e.g., water, detergent, other additives, or mixtures thereof). Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As illustrated, nozzle assembly  200  generally includes an extendable nozzle  202  mounted to a retractable fluid supply conduit  204 . More specifically, retractable fluid supply conduit  204  provides fluid communication between extendable nozzle  202  and a valve assembly  206 . In addition, valve assembly  206  is coupled to a supply of water or wash fluid and selectively provides a flow of wash fluid to extendable nozzle  202  so that a user may selectively dispense the wash fluid within wash tub  121 . For example, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , valve assembly  206  (and thus extendable nozzle  202 ) is directly coupled to a primary hot and cold water supply  207 . In some such embodiments, retractable fluid supply conduit  204  is movable for positioning extendable nozzle  202  in a retracted position and an extended position, as described in more detail below. In this manner, extendable nozzle  202  may function as a primary fill nozzle in the retracted position and a spot treatment wand in the extended position. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 8 , a schematic side, cross-sectional view of extendable nozzle  202  is provided according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, extendable nozzle  202  defines a vertical direction V′, which is understood to be parallel to corresponding vertical direction V, shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , for example, when extendable nozzle  202  is in the retracted position. As shown, extendable nozzle  202  includes a nozzle body  310  defining a nozzle inlet  312  and a nozzle outlet  314 . Nozzle inlet  312  is generally connected to fluid supply conduit  204  ( FIG. 3 ) (e.g., in fluid communication with fluid supply conduit  204 ). Nozzle outlet  314  may include one or more spray ports or apertures and provides an output or exhaust for wash fluid from extendable nozzle  202 . Within extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., within nozzle body  310 ), a fluid path  316  is defined between nozzle inlet  312  and nozzle outlet  314 . For instance, one or more conduits or defined channels may be provided within extendable nozzle  202  to direct the flow of wash fluid. Thus, water or wash fluid entering extendable nozzle  202  at nozzle inlet  312  may flow along fluid path  316  before exiting extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., into the tub  121 — FIG. 2 ) at nozzle outlet  314 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 2 through 7 , nozzle assembly  200  and its various components may be stored or mounted within cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100 . In some embodiments, nozzle assembly  200  is mounted directly under top panel  140  along the vertical direction V such that nozzle assembly  200  is positioned between wash tub  121  and top panel  140 . In this regard, washing machine appliance  100  may include a nozzle housing  208  defining a receiving chamber  209  within which fluid supply conduit  204  or extendable nozzle  202  are at least partially positioned. For example, when extendable nozzle  202  is in the retracted position, extendable nozzle  202  may be positioned within receiving chamber  209 . In some such embodiments, extendable nozzle  202  remains visible to the user in the retracted position. However, when extendable nozzle  202  is pulled out toward the extended position, extendable nozzle  202  and at least a portion of fluid supply conduit  204  are positioned outside the receiving chamber  209  of nozzle housing  208  (e.g., above wash tub  121  along the vertical direction V). Notably, maintaining the position of extendable nozzle  202  above the wash tub  121  ensures that wash fluid from within the wash tub  121  cannot be drawn back through extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., into the water supply or leaked elsewhere within washing machine appliance  100 ). 
     Although the positioning and movement of nozzle assembly  200  is described herein according to exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications to the operation of nozzle assembly  200  may be made while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates nozzle housing  208  and extendable nozzle  202  as being positioned along a back wall  210  and at a center of cabinet  102  along the transverse direction T. By contrast, according to the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , nozzle housing  208  and extendable nozzle  202  are illustrated as being positioned along a front wall  211  of cabinet  102  at a corner  212  or lateral side along the lateral direction L. However, either embodiment may be positioned at any other suitable location or locations within washing machine appliance  100 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , retractable fluid supply conduit  204  includes a flexible hose  220  having a first end  222  fluidly coupled to valve assembly  206  and a second end  224  fluidly coupled to extendable nozzle  202 . Flexible hose  220  may be any size sufficient to provide wash fluid at the desired flow rate and may be any length suitable for providing a user with flexibility in directing wash fluid to desired portions of wash tub  121  (or otherwise performing a pretreating operation for articles in or near wash tub  121 ). For example, flexible hose  220  may extend along the entire depth of washing machine appliance  100  along the transverse direction T. Alternatively, according to the illustrated embodiments, flexible hose  220  may only extend about half way into wash tub  121  within a vertical plane when in the extended position (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In this manner, the likelihood of extendable nozzle  202  spraying wash fluid outside of wash tub  121  is reduced. Optionally, one or more retraction mechanisms (not pictured), such as a weighted loop on (e.g., directly or indirectly on) flexible tube or a mechanical spring that extends from nozzle housing  208  to extendable nozzle  202 , may be provided to urge or bias extendable nozzle  202  toward the retracted position (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, retractable fluid supply conduit  204  is a telescoping arm  240 . As illustrated, telescoping arm  240  includes two or more telescoping sections  242  that are concentric to each other and may slide relative to each other as extendable nozzle  202  is moved between the extended position (see  FIG. 7 ) and the retracted position (see  FIG. 6 ). According to the illustrated embodiment, telescoping sections  242  of telescoping arm  240  actually function as the fluid conduit for providing a flow of wash fluid to extendable nozzle  202 . However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, a flexible tube or conduit may be positioned within and supported by telescoping arm  240 . 
     In some embodiments, telescoping sections  242  engage each other such that telescoping arm  240  and extendable nozzle  202  extends only in a single vertical plane above wash tub  121 . In this manner, the risk of dropping extendable nozzle  202  into wash tub  121  may be reduced or eliminated. In addition, a user may move extendable nozzle  202  to the extended position and then be free to use two hands underneath extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., to, scrub, work, or otherwise clean an article of clothing). In order to further facilitate easy cleaning of articles of clothing, according to exemplary embodiments, extendable nozzle  202  may include one or more lights, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), positioned on (e.g., directly or indirectly on) extendable nozzle  202  and configured for illuminating when extendable nozzle  202  is moved toward the extended position. 
     According to the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , telescoping arm  240  includes three sections  242  and extends from a corner  212  of cabinet  102 . In this manner, more space is provided to accommodate telescoping arm  240  and nozzle assembly  200  between wash tub  121  and cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that the size, position, number and size of sections  242 , and general configuration of telescoping arm  240  may vary according to alternative embodiments. For example, telescoping arm  240  could extend from the back center of cabinet  102 . Alternatively, retractable fluid supply conduit  204  could be a fixed length arm that is connected in back corner  212  of cabinet  102  and pivots (e.g., pivots 45 degrees between a first position where extendable nozzle  202  is positioned at a back center of cabinet  102  to a second position where extendable nozzle  202  is positioned over a center of wash tub  121 ) within a vertical plane. Moreover, other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a user may wish to add additional water to wash tub  121  or add a particular wash fluid for a pretreat operation. For example, a user may wish to prewash one or more articles of clothing or may perceive that more water is needed to effectively wash a load. In order to provide a user with control over the flow of wash fluid being dispensed through extendable nozzle  202 , nozzle assembly  200  may further include one or more user input buttons  270  for adding a wash fluid to wash tub  121 . User input buttons  270  may be operably coupled with controller  108  and/or valve assembly  206  for controlling the flow of wash fluid. According to the illustrated embodiment, user input button  270  is located on extendable nozzle  202  for easy access by an operator. However, according to alternative embodiments, user input button  270  may be positioned at any other suitable location or locations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , valve assembly  206  generally includes a plurality of valves  272  configured to supply, for example, hot water, cold water, warm water, a mixture of water and detergent, other wash additives, etc. According to exemplary embodiments, user input buttons  270  are configured for controlling one or more of the plurality of valves  272  that can be turned on/off independently or together in any combination. Valves  272  may be, for example, solenoid valves that are electrically connected to controller  108 . However, any other suitable water valve may be used to control the flow of water or wash fluid. Controller  108  may selectively open and close water valves  272  to allow water or wash fluid to flow from hot water inlet, cold water inlet, detergent inlet, softener inlet, or any other suitable fluid through a respective valve seat. Valve assembly  206  or nozzle housing  208  may further include a one or more detergent storage compartments, mixing chambers, or other features within which a fluid additive (e.g., powdered or liquid detergent) can mix with hot or cold water prior to being dispensed out of the extendable nozzle  202 . 
     User input button  270  may be any button or switch suitable for providing an indication to controller  108  that a particular action should be initiated. For example, buttons  270  may be push button switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, or any other suitable tactile switch, such as capacitive touch buttons. According to the illustrated embodiments, buttons  270  are momentary switches (sometimes referred to as mom-off-mom switches). In this regard, buttons  270  are biased switches that return to their unlatched or unpressed state when released (e.g., by spring force). 
     It should be appreciated that the amount of water or wash fluid added to wash tub  121  upon pressing buttons  270  may vary depending on the application or wash cycle. Similarly, the amount of water delivered may be preset such that pressing buttons  270  delivers the predetermined amount of water. Alternatively, valves  272  may be configured to remain open at all times when corresponding buttons  270  are depressed. In this manner, a user may precisely control the amount of water added to wash tub  121 . 
     In some embodiments, a supplemental heater  370  is included within washing machine appliance  100  to selectively heat water or wash fluid therein. For example, supplemental heater  370  may be positioned in thermal communication with the flow of water or wash fluid to extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., downstream from valve assembly  206 ). Moreover, supplemental heater  370  may be in operable communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) controller  108 . Generally, supplemental heater  370  may be or include any suitable heating element for selectively heating water or wash fluid within nozzle assembly  200 . For instance, in exemplary embodiments, supplemental heater  370  includes a resistive heating element. Optionally, the resistive heating element of supplemental heater  370  may be positioned along the flow path of water or wash fluid between valve assembly  206  and nozzle outlet  314  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     In certain embodiments, supplemental heater  370  is positioned on (e.g., in direct or indirect conductive thermal communication or contact with) retractable fluid supply conduit  204 . In additional or alternative embodiments, supplemental heater  370  is positioned above tub  121 , notably supplying heat proximal to nozzle outlet  314  ( FIG. 8 ). As illustrated, supplemental heater  370  is upstream from extendable nozzle  202  (e.g., upstream from nozzle inlet  312 — FIG. 8 ). Thus, when activated, supplemental may direct heat to (e.g., raise the temperature of) water or wash fluid flowing to (and subsequently from) extendable nozzle  202 . 
     As shown, for example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one or more temperature sensors (e.g., a first temperature sensor  372  and a second temperature sensor  374 ) are included with nozzle assembly  200 . Temperature sensor(s)  372 ,  374  may be provided as any suitable temperature-detecting element (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple, etc.). Moreover, temperature sensor(s)  372 ,  374  may be in operable communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) controller  108 . Generally, temperature sensor(s)  372  and  374  are positioned in thermal communication with water or wash fluid within nozzle assembly  200 . In particular, temperature sensor(s)  372 ,  374  is/are positioned within washing machine appliance  100  upstream from nozzle outlet  314  ( FIG. 8 ). Thus, temperature sensor(s)  372 ,  374  may detect the temperature of water or wash fluid within nozzle assembly  200 . Moreover, signals relating to the detected temperature may be communicated with controller  108 . 
     In certain embodiments, a first temperature sensor  372  is positioned downstream from the valve assembly  206 . First temperature sensor  372  may thus detect the temperature (e.g., directly or indirectly) of water or wash fluid downstream from valve assembly  206 . Additionally or alternatively, first temperature sensor  372  may be positioned upstream from supplemental heater  370 , such that first temperature sensor  372  can detect the temperature of water or wash fluid upstream from supplemental heater  370 . For instance, first temperature sensor  372  may be positioned on or along fluid conduit  204 . As an example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5 , first temperature sensor  372  may be in attached engagement (e.g., direct or indirect contact) with flexible hose  220  (e.g., proximal to first end  222  and distal to second end  224 ). As another example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , temperature sensor  372  may be in attached engagement (e.g., direct or indirect contact) with telescoping arm  240  (e.g., proximal to valve assembly  206  and distal to extendable nozzle  202 ). 
     In optional embodiments, a second temperature sensor  374  is positioned downstream from the valve assembly  206 , as well as supplemental heater  370 , while remaining upstream from nozzle outlet  314  ( FIG. 8 ). Second temperature sensor  374  may thus detect the temperature (e.g., directly or indirectly) of water or wash fluid downstream from supplemental heater  370  (e.g., before such water or wash fluid is flowed to tub  121 ). For instance, second temperature sensor  374  may be positioned on or along fluid conduit  204 . As an example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5 , temperature sensor  374  may be in attached engagement (e.g., direct or indirect contact) with flexible hose  220  (e.g., proximal to second end  224  and distal to first end  222 ). As another example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , temperature sensor  374  may be in attached engagement (e.g., direct or indirect contact) with telescoping arm  240  (e.g., proximal to extendable nozzle  202  and distal to valve assembly  206 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a flow chart illustrating exemplary methods that may be provided for use with washing machine appliances (e.g., washing machine appliance  100 — FIG. 2 ) in accordance with the present disclosure. In general, the various steps of methods as disclosed herein may, in exemplary embodiments, be performed by the controller  108  as part of a flow operation that the controller  108  is configured to direct or initiate. During such methods, controller  108  may receive inputs and transmit outputs from various other components of the washing machine appliance  100 . For example, controller  108  may send signals to and receive signals from control panel  110 , display  114 , nozzle assembly  200 , valve assembly  206 , and supplemental heater  370 , as well as one or more temperature sensors  372 ,  374 . Such methods advantageously facilitate improved temperature control for water or wash fluid discharged from nozzle assembly  200 . Moreover, the dispensing of cold water slugs within nozzle assembly  200  may be mitigated or prevented. 
     At  910 , the method  900  includes receiving a first temperature signal from the first temperature sensor. As noted above, the first temperature sensor may be positioned along the flow path of water or wash fluid between the nozzle assembly and the supplemental heater. Thus, the signal received at  910  may correspond to or otherwise indicate the temperature of water or wash fluid downstream from the nozzle assembly and upstream from the supplemental heater. 
     Prior or subsequent to  910 , the method  900  may include directing a flow of water or wash fluid from valve assembly. The flow may be generally directed at a targeted temperature (i.e., a desired or suitable temperature for water or wash fluid flowing from the extendable nozzle). Thus, the method  900  may include controlling or directing valve assembly to flow water (e.g., a volume of water) from the cold water source or hot water source, depending on the target temperature. 
     At  920 , the method  900  includes comparing the first temperature signal to a predetermined temperature value. Generally, the predetermined temperature value may correspond to a minimum suitable temperature based on the desired water or wash flow temperature from the extendable nozzle. For example, the predetermined temperature value may be equal to the target temperature. Thus, the predetermined temperature value may be selected according to one or more user inputs. Moreover, the predetermined temperature value may correspond to the temperature below which a cold water slug may be considered present. 
     If the first temperature signal indicates a temperature value that is greater than the predetermined temperature value, the method  900  may repeat or continue receiving temperature signals from the first temperature sensor, as at  910 . Optionally, the supplemental heater may maintained in an inactive or deactivated state such that no heat is generated at the supplemental heater when the first temperature signal is greater than the predetermined temperature value. 
     In optional embodiments,  920  further includes initiating a visual signal (e.g., at the electronic indicator display) in response to the first temperature signal being greater than the predetermined temperature value. A separate or unique visual signal may be initiated (e.g., at the electronic indicator display) in response to the first temperature signal being less than or equal to the predetermined temperature value. 
     If the first temperature signal indicates a temperature value that is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature value, the method  900  may proceed to  930 . 
     At  930 , the method  900  includes increasing heat output of the supplemental heater. For instance,  930  may include activating the supplemental heater in response to the first temperature signal being less than or equal to the predetermined temperature value. Activation of the supplemental heater will generally cause heat or thermal energy to be generated and output by the supplemental heater. That output heat will be received, at least in part, by water or wash fluid within the nozzle assembly (e.g., upstream from the extendable nozzle). 
     At  940 , the method  900  includes receiving a second temperature signal from the first temperature sensor (e.g., subsequent to receiving the first temperature signal at  910 ). The received second temperature signal may thus provide an indication of the change in water or wash fluid temperature from the valve assembly over a set period of time. 
     At  950 , the method  900  includes comparing the second temperature signal to the predetermined temperature value. If the second temperature signal indicates a temperature value that is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature value, the method  900  may repeat or continue receiving temperature signals from the first temperature sensor, as at  940 . The supplemental heater may remain active, directing heat to the water or wash fluid within nozzle assembly. Moreover, new temperature signals may be continuously received (e.g., from the first temperature sensor). If the water or wash fluid within the nozzle assembly is never determined to exceed the predetermined temperature value, the supplemental heater may remain active for the entire flow operation (e.g., until a user ends the flow operation entirely). In optional embodiments,  950  further includes initiating or continuing the visual signal (e.g., at the electronic indicator display), thus indicating that the temperature value is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature value. If the first temperature signal indicates a temperature value that is greater than the predetermined temperature value, the method  900  may proceed to  960 . 
     At  960 , the method  900  includes reducing a heat output of the supplemental heater in response to the second temperature signal being greater than the predetermined temperature value. For instance, the supplemental heater may be deactivated such that no further heat is generated from the supplemental heater. Alternatively, the supplemental heater may be placed in a reduced heat output setting, thereby lowering the amount of heat generated and directed to water or wash fluid within the nozzle assembly. 
     Optionally, one or more supplementary temperature signals may be received from the second temperature sensor (e.g., simultaneously or subsequently to  940 ). Such supplementary temperature signals may be similarly compared to a temperature value (e.g., the predetermined temperature value). If it is determined that a supplementary temperature signal is greater than, for example, the predetermined temperature value, the method  900  may include reducing the heat output of the supplemental heater, regardless of the comparison at  950 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.