Patent Publication Number: US-2020283944-A1

Title: Washing machine appliance having a selective ventilation damper

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to washing machine appliances having selective ventilation features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water, detergent, bleach, or other wash additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the wash 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 wash 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. 
     Some existing washing machine appliances, such as horizontal axis washing machines, are provided with one or more ventilation features. Such features may allow washing machine appliance to exchange air between the wash tub and the ambient environment. The exchange of air may be necessary to prevent moisture from accumulating within the tub. For example, if the tub is not ventilated, mold or mildew may form within the washing machine. In turn, undesirable odors may be generated. 
     Although ventilation features may ensure that moisture does not accumulate within the washing machine appliance while the washing machine appliance is not in use, such features may provide certain disadvantages. For example, while the washing machine appliance is in use (e.g., during a wash cycle) ventilation features may provide a path through which noise is conveyed or amplified. Generally, noise generated by a washing machine appliance during use is undesirable. 
     As a result, it would be desirable to provide a washing machine appliance or methods of operation that address one or more of the above identified issues. In particular, it would be useful to vary airflow or minimize noise that is audible to a user outside of the washing machine appliance during certain operations. 
     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, a wash basket, a front ventilation line, and a vent damper. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may define an opening and a cabinet aperture spaced apart from the opening. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The front ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. The front ventilation line may define an air path from an inlet at the cabinet aperture to an outlet in fluid communication with the tub. The vent damper may be positioned along the front ventilation line in fluid communication therewith. The vent damper may be selectively movable between a first position restricting airflow through the front ventilation line and a second position permitting airflow through the front ventilation line. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a wash basket, a front baffle, a front ventilation line, a vent damper, and a rear ventilation line. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may define an opening and a cabinet aperture spaced apart from the opening. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The front baffle may extend between the tub and the front panel. The front ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. The front ventilation line may define an intake air path from an inlet at the cabinet aperture to an outlet defined through the baffle in fluid communication with the tub. The vent damper may be positioned along the front ventilation line in fluid communication therewith. The vent damper may be selectively movable between a first position restricting airflow through the front ventilation line and a second position permitting airflow through the front ventilation line. The rear ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. The rear ventilation line may define an output air path from a ventilation inlet within the cabinet and to a ventilation outlet above the ventilation inlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment outside of the cabinet. 
     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 exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  provides a front view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 , wherein the door has been removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 4  provides a magnified, cross-sectional, side view of a portion the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of a damper assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary damper assembly of  FIG. 5  in a closed first position. 
         FIG. 7  provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary damper assembly of  FIG. 5  in an open second position. 
         FIG. 8  provides a partial perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  provides a partial perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  provides a partial perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  provides a partial perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  provides a flow chart of 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. 
     Within the present disclosure, 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 element from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual elements. 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. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary washing machine appliance  100 .  FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance  100 .  FIG. 3  provides a front view of washing machine appliance  100 , wherein a door  134  ( FIG. 2 ) has been removed for clarity. As illustrated, 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 defined. Washing machine appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  that extends between a top  104  and a bottom  106  along the vertical direction V, between a left side  108  and a right side  110  along the lateral direction L, and between a front  112  and a rear  114  along the transverse direction T. 
     A wash tub  124  is positioned within cabinet  102  and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub  124  is substantially fixed relative to cabinet  102  such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet  102 . 
     A wash basket  120  is received within wash tub  124  and defines a wash chamber  126  that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket  120  is rotatably mounted within wash tub  124  such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiments, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel (e.g., within 30°) relative to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance  100  is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance  100 . However, it is noted that the illustrated embodiments are provided merely as non-limiting examples and the present disclosure may be applicable to any other suitable washing machine appliance configuration. 
     Wash basket  120  may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber  126  to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber  126  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of ribs  128  extends from basket  120  into wash chamber  126 . In this manner, for example, ribs  128  may lift articles disposed in wash basket  120  during rotation of wash basket  120 . 
     Washing machine appliance  100  includes a motor assembly  122  that is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). According to the illustrated embodiments, motor assembly  122  is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket  120  according to alternative embodiments. 
     Cabinet  102  also includes a front panel  130  that defines an opening  132 , which generally permits user access to wash basket  120  of wash tub  124 . More specifically, washing machine appliance  100  includes a door  134  that is selectively positioned over opening  132  and is rotatably mounted to front panel  130  (e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door  134  permits selective access to opening  132  by being movable between an open position (see e.g.,  FIG. 8 ) facilitating access to a wash tub  124  and a closed position (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) prohibiting access to wash tub  124 . In exemplary embodiments, a lock assembly  182  is fixed to cabinet  102  to selectively lock or hold a free end of the door  134  to cabinet  102  when door  134  is in the closed position (e.g., during certain operations or wash cycles). 
     In some embodiments, a central body  136  of door  134  is provide on a perimeter rim  135  that extends about (e.g., radially about) at least a portion of central body  136 . In optional embodiments, central body  136  is provided as a window and permits viewing of wash basket  120  when door  134  is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  100 ). Generally, door  134  defines a footprint  170  on a front portion of cabinet  102  (e.g., in a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). For instance, when door  134  is in the closed position, central body  136  and perimeter rim  135  may extend across footprint  170  and thus cover the area of the front panel  130  within footprint  170  (e.g., when viewed along the transverse direction T directly in front of washing machine appliance  100 ). As shown, particularly in  FIG. 3 , footprint  170  may extend radially outward from opening  132 . Thus, footprint  170  may encompass and define a larger width (e.g., diameter) than opening  132 . In some such embodiments, central body  136  extends across and, optionally, within opening  132 . Perimeter rim  135  may extend radially outward from opening  132  and define the radial extrema of footprint  170 . 
     In certain embodiments, central body  136  is provided as a non-permeable body, which blocks or prevents wash fluid or air from passing therethrough. In alternative embodiments, central body  136  defines one or more air aperture therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, door  134  may also include a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening  132  and closing door  134 . Further, although door  134  is illustrated as mounted to front panel  130 , it should be appreciated that door  134  may be mounted to another side of cabinet  102  or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. 
     A front gasket or baffle  138  may extend between tub  124  and the front panel  130  about the opening  132  covered by door  134 , further sealing tub  124  from cabinet  102 . For example, when door  134  is in the closed position, baffle  138  may contact central body  136  in sealing engagement therewith and within footprint  170 . 
     As shown, wash basket  120  defines a plurality of perforations  140  in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket  120  and wash tub  124 . A sump  142  is defined by wash tub  124  at a bottom of wash tub  124  along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump  142  is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . For example, during operation of washing machine appliance  100 , wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket  120  to sump  142  through plurality of perforations  140 . A pump assembly  144  is located beneath wash tub  124  for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub  124  (e.g., via a drain  146 ). Pump assembly  144  may also be configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub  124 . 
     In some embodiments, washing machine appliance  100  includes an additive dispenser or spout  150 . For example, spout  150  may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub  124 . Spout  150  may also be in fluid communication with the sump  142 . For example, pump assembly  144  may direct wash fluid disposed in sump  142  to spout  150  in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub  124 . 
     As illustrated, a detergent drawer  152  may be slidably mounted within front panel  130 . Detergent drawer  152  receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber  126  during certain operations or wash cycle phases of washing machine appliance  100 . According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer  152  may also be fluidly coupled to spout  150  to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive. 
     In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir  154  is disposed within cabinet  102 . Bulk reservoir  154  may be configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . Moreover, bulk reservoir  154  may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance  100  (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir  154 . Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir  154  with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance  100  for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir  154  with fluid additive. A reservoir pump  156  is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir  154  to wash tub  124 . 
     In some embodiments, a control panel  160  including a plurality of input selectors  162  is coupled to front panel  130 . Control panel  160  and input selectors  162  may collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a display  164  indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users. 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is generally controlled by a controller or processing device  166 . In some embodiments, controller  166  is in operative communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to) control panel  160  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  160 , controller  166  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
     Controller  166  may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. 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  166  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  160  and other components of washing machine appliance  100 , such as motor assembly  122 , a fan  198 , and a vent damper  210 , may be in operative communication with controller  166  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Additionally or alternatively, other features, such as an electronic lock assembly  182  for door  134  may be in operative communication with controller  166  via one or more other signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance  100 , laundry items are loaded into wash basket  120  through opening  132 , and a wash cycle is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  162 . For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub  124  is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via additive dispenser  150  during a fill phase). One or more valves (not shown) 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, once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket  120  can be agitated (e.g., with ribs  128 ) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket  120 . During the agitation phase, the basket  120  may be motivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., first speed or tumble speed). As the basket  120  is rotated, articles within the basket  120  may be lifted and permitted to drop therein. 
     After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash cycle is completed, wash tub  124  can be drained (e.g., through a drain phase). Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse phase) by again adding fluid to wash tub  124 , depending on the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. Ribs  128  may again provide agitation within wash basket  120 . One or more spin phases may also be used. In particular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin phase, basket  120  is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket  120  may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., second speed or pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., third speed or plaster speed). As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket  120  increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket  120 . 
     After articles disposed in wash basket  120  are cleaned (or the wash cycle otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket  120  (e.g., by opening door  134  and reaching into wash basket  120  through opening  132 ). 
     In some embodiments, a rear ventilation line  190  is provided within washing machine appliance  100 . In particular, rear ventilation line  190  may be enclosed within cabinet  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , exemplary embodiments include rear ventilation line  190  at a position in fluid communication between tub  124  and the surrounding region (e.g., the ambient environment outside of or immediately surrounding cabinet  102 , the enclosed volume of cabinet  102  surrounding tub  124 , etc.). Generally, it is understood that rear ventilation line  190  may be provided as any suitable pipe or conduit (e.g., having non-permeable wall) for directing air therethrough. When assembled, rear ventilation line  190  defines an air path (e.g., an output air path  192 ) from tub  124  and within or through cabinet  102  (e.g., to the ambient environment outside of cabinet  102 ). Specifically, output air path  192  extends from a ventilation inlet  194 , through cabinet  102 , and to a ventilation outlet  196 . In some embodiments, ventilation inlet  194  is defined through a top portion of wash tub  124  and ventilation outlet  196  is defined through an upper portion of cabinet  102 . Thus, output air path  192  may extend from the top portion of tub  124  to an upper portion of cabinet  102 . Optionally, ventilation inlet  194  may be positioned below ventilation outlet  196  along a vertical direction V. Advantageously, a convective airflow may be naturally motivated from wash tub  124 , through output air path  192 , and to the ambient environment. Additionally or alternatively, splashing of wash fluid and the collection of moisture within output air path  192  may be prevented. However, any other suitable configuration may be provided to facilitate the flow of air from tub  124  and, for example, to the ambient environment. 
     Although a convective airflow may be facilitated, optional embodiments further include a fan or blower  198  (indicated in phantom lines). Specifically, fan  198  may be provided in fluid communication with rear ventilation line  190  to motivate an active airflow therethrough. For instance, fan  198  may be mounted within rear ventilation line  190  to selectively rotate and draw air from wash tub  124 , through ventilation inlet  194 , and to ventilation outlet  196  (e.g., to output an airflow from tub  124  to the ambient environment). 
     In certain embodiments, a front ventilation line  200 , separate and spaced apart from rear ventilation line  190 , is provided in fluid communication with wash tub  124 . For instance, front ventilation line  200  may be any suitable pipe or conduit in fluid communication (e.g., upstream fluid communication) with wash tub  124  and rear ventilation line  190 . As shown, in exemplary embodiments, front ventilation line  200  extends from front panel  130  to wash tub  124 . When assembled, front ventilation line  200  defines an air path (e.g., intake air path  208 ) from front panel  130  to wash tub  124  (e.g., upstream of output air path  192 ). Specifically, intake air path  208  extends from an intake inlet  202 , through cabinet  102 , and to an intake outlet  206 . In some embodiments, A cabinet aperture  204  may be defined through front panel  130  as intake inlet  202 . Thus, intake air path  208  may extend from front panel  130  to, for example, a top portion of tub  124 . Optionally, intake inlet  202  may be positioned above intake outlet  206  along a vertical direction V. 
     Turning especially in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 , in some embodiments, cabinet aperture  204  is defined within the footprint  170  of door  134 . Thus, when door  134  is in the closed position, cabinet aperture  204  may be generally covered and hidden from view. As shown, even though door  134  is in the closed position, a gap  254  may be defined between at least a portion of door  134  and cabinet aperture  204  to permit an ambient airflow  230  from the ambient environment to cabinet aperture  204 . In other words, one portion of door  134  (e.g., perimeter rim  135 ) may be spaced apart from cabinet aperture  204  while another portion of door  134  (e.g., central body  136 ) blocks opening  132  and contacts baffle  138 . 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more secondary apertures  256  ( FIG. 1 —shown in phantom lines) may be defined through door  134  (e.g., through perimeter rim  135  along the transverse direction T) and in alignment with cabinet aperture  204 . In such embodiments, air may pass between secondary aperture  256  and cabinet aperture  204  (e.g., from the ambient environment) when door  134  is in the closed position. 
     Although exemplary embodiments may provide cabinet aperture  204  and intake inlet  202  within the footprint  170  of door  134  above opening  132 , it is noted that alternative embodiments may include cabinet aperture  204  and intake inlet  202  at another suitable location. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 9 , other exemplary embodiments may provide one or more intake inlets  202  even with or laterally adjacent to the mid-point of opening  132  (e.g., along the lateral direction L). Optionally, two intake inlets  202  may be provided on opposite lateral sides of opening  132 . An ambient airflow  230  may thus flow from an area beside opening  132  (or footprint  170 ) before entering tub  124  at intake outlet  206 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , further exemplary embodiments may provide one or more intake inlets  202  above opening  132  and footprint  170 . An ambient airflow  230  may thus flow from an area fully above door  134 , before entering tub  124  at intake outlet  206 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , still further exemplary embodiments may provide one or more intake inlets  202  below opening  132  or footprint  170 . An ambient airflow  230  may thus flow from an area below door  134 , before entering tub  124  at intake outlet  206 . 
     Notably, in the disclosed embodiments, air (e.g., an ambient airflow  230 ) may flow between tub  124  and the ambient environment through cabinet aperture  204  even while door  134  remains closed. For instance, air may be motivated through the air paths  192 ,  208  and tub  124  by convective airflow or by fan  198  in fluid communication with the ventilation lines  190 ,  200 . 
     Turning especially to  FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 , a vent damper  210  is provided to selectively control an airflow between tub  124  and, for example, the ambient environment. Generally, vent damper  210  is in communication with wash tub  124  (e.g., in fluid communication with the air paths  192 ,  200 ). In certain embodiments, vent damper  210  is enclosed, at least in part, within cabinet  102 . For instance, vent damper may be positioned along front ventilation line  200 . As will be described in detail below, vent damper  210  may be selectively controlled or operated to limit the flow of air through front ventilation line  200  (e.g., and thereby through rear ventilation line  190 , output air path  192 , or intake air path  208 ) during certain operations, phases, or cycles. Thus, vent damper  210  may selectively limit airflow between tub  124  and the ambient environment. 
     When front ventilation line  200  is unobstructed (e.g., when vent damper  210  is in an open second position), air may flow to/from tub  124  between front ventilation line  200  and rear ventilation line  190 . In other words, an airflow circuit with the ambient environment may be formed by the lines  190 ,  200  and tub  124 . Moreover, when one line (e.g., front ventilation line  200  or rear ventilation line  190 ) is obstructed, the other line (e.g., rear ventilation line  190  or front ventilation line  200 ) may permit pressure within tub  124  to equalize relative to the ambient environment. 
     Turning especially to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , various views are provided of a damper assembly (e.g., vent damper  210 ) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, vent damper  210  may include a rigid, non-permeable housing or chute  212 . Chute  212  may define an opening  214  to selectively permit air therethrough and communicate with rear ventilation line  190  (e.g., via front ventilation line  200 — FIG. 5 ). Thus, chute  212  may extend about opening  214 , and opening  214  may extend through chute  212 . In certain embodiments, an interior lip  216  extends radially inward from chute  212  toward opening  214  (e.g., coaxial or concentric with opening  214 ), thus defining a perimeter (or perimeter portion) of opening  214 . 
     In certain embodiments, restrictor plate  218  is configured to move between a discrete first position and second position. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the first position generally restricts airflow through opening  214  (e.g., and thereby through front ventilation line  200  or rear ventilation line  190 ). In the first position, restrictor plate  218  may extend across opening  214 . By contrast, and as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the second position may generally permit airflow through opening  214  (e.g., and thereby through front ventilation line  200  or rear ventilation line  190 ). In the second position, restrictor plate  218  may be moved away from opening  214 . 
     In certain embodiments, a resilient foam layer  220  is provided on restrictor plate  218 . For instance, resilient foam layer  220  may be fixed to a surface of restrictor plate  218  between opening  214  and restrictor plate  218  (e.g., relative to or along front ventilation line  200 ). When restrictor plate  218  is in the first position, resilient foam layer  220  may contact at least a portion of chute  212 . For instance, resilient foam layer  220  may be positioned in contact with interior lip  216 . Optionally, resilient foam layer  220  may be at least partially compressed against chute  212 , sealing front ventilation line  200  to prevent air from passing through opening  214 . It is understood that resilient foam layer  220  may be provided as any suitable resilient or elastic foam material that can be compressed before returning to its uncompressed state or shape. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a motor  222  is mechanically coupled to non-permeable restrictor plate  218 . Motor  222  may be attached at any suitable location on or near chute  212  to move restrictor plate  218  relative to opening  214 . For instance, motor  222  may be configured to selectively rotate restrictor plate  218  about the pivot access P. Moreover, motor  222  may be provided as any suitable electromechanical device (e.g., gear assembly, solenoid, actuator, etc.) for moving restrictor plate  218  or holding restrictor plate  218  in a directed position. In certain embodiments, motor  222  is in operative communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to) controller  166 . Controller  166  may be configured to direct motor  222  to move or hold restrictor plate  218  in a selected position (e.g., according to a selected wash cycle or phase). In other words, controller  166  may be configured to move or rotate vent damper  210  between the first position and the second position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , various methods may be provided for use with washing machine appliances 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  166  ( FIG. 1 ), which may receive inputs and transmit outputs from various other components of the appliance  100  ( FIG. 1 ). In particular, the present disclosure is further directed to methods, as indicated by reference number  600 , for operating a washing machine appliance  100 , as described above. Such methods advantageously facilitate selectively limiting the audible noise transmitted outside of washing machine appliance (e.g., outside of cabinet  102  in the surrounding ambient environment) during a wash cycle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , at  610 , the method  600  includes receiving a user input at the washing machine appliance. For instance, the controller may receive a signal in response to user command provided at the user interface (e.g., to activate the washing machine appliance from a sleep state, select a wash cycle, etc.). Optionally, a wash cycle may be initiated, as discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, the door the washing machine appliance may be locked or unlocked (e.g., at the lock assembly) depending on the received user input. 
     At  620 , the method  600  includes determining a noise state of the washing machine appliance following receiving the user input (i.e., following  610 ). Moreover,  620  may be based on (or otherwise contingent upon) the user input at  610 . 
     As an example, the noise state may generally correspond to the initiation or completion of a wash cycle. In some such embodiments,  620  includes determining initiation of a wash cycle (i.e., when a wash cycle has begun or is otherwise imminent) such that significant noise can be expected from within the washing machine appliance. In additional or alternative embodiments,  620  includes determining completion of a wash cycle (i.e., when a wash cycle has ended) such that significant noise is no longer being generated by the basket motor, water valves, or basket within the washing machine appliance. Optionally, the method  600  may include multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noise state determination may be made upon determining initiation of a wash cycle, while another noise state determination may be made upon determining completion of the wash cycle. 
     As another example, the noise state may generally correspond to one or more sub-portions or phases of a wash cycle during which significant noise is expected. In some such embodiments,  620  includes determining initiation of an audible phase of the wash cycle (i.e., when an audible phase has begun, is beginning, or is otherwise imminent). In additional or alternative embodiments,  620  includes determining completion of an audible phase of a wash cycle (i.e., when an audible phase has ended) such that significant noise is no longer being generated by the basket motor, water valves, or basket within the washing machine appliance. The audible phase may include one or more of the fill phase, agitation phase, or spin phase, as discussed above. Optionally, the method  600  may include multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noise state determination may be made upon determining initiation of an audible phase of a wash cycle, while another noise state determination may be made upon determining completion of the audible phase of the wash cycle. 
     As yet another example, the noise state may generally correspond to a standby condition or a wake condition. Generally, the standby condition may be provided as a low-power state wherein at least a portion of washing machine appliance (e.g., the user interface or the display) is inactive, such as after a predetermined amount of time during which no user input is received and no wash cycle is being performed. The wake condition may be provided as a condition that prompts the washing machine appliance out of a standby condition (e.g., engagement of a predetermined user input at the input selectors). In some such embodiments,  620  includes determining a wake condition is met. For instance, determining the wake condition is met may include determining that the washing machine appliance has received a user input prompting the washing machine appliance to activate one or more elements that were rendered inactive during a standby condition. In additional or alternative embodiments,  620  includes determining a standby condition is met. For instance, determining that the standby condition is met may include determining that the washing machine appliance has deactivated one or more elements in response to a predetermined time period of non-use. Optionally, the method  600  may include multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noise state determination may be made upon determining a wake condition is met, while another noise state determination may be made upon determining a standby condition is met. 
     As still another example, the noise state may generally correspond to a lock condition or unlock condition for the door of the appliance (e.g., at the lock assembly). Generally, the lock condition may hold door in the closed position as the lock assembly secures the door to the cabinet. The unlock condition may permit the door to move between a closed position and an open position as the lock assembly releases a free end of the door from the cabinet. In some such embodiments,  620  includes determining a lock condition is met. For instance, determining the lock condition is met may include determining that the lock assembly has been or is actively being directed to hold the door of washing machine appliance closed (e.g., against the cabinet). In additional or alternative embodiments,  620  includes determining an unlock condition is met. For instance, determining that the unlock condition is met may include determining that the lock assembly has been or is actively being directed to release the free end of the door from the cabinet. Optionally, the method  600  may include multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noise state determination may be made upon determining a lock condition is met, while another noise state determination may be made upon determining an unlock condition is met. 
     At  630 , the method  600  includes directing the vent damper between a first position and a second position based on the determined noise state, as described above. 
     As an example, if the noise state corresponds to the wash cycle, the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) in response to initiation of the wash cycle. In additional or alternative embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in response to completion of the wash cycle. 
     As another example, if the noise state corresponds to the audible phase, the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) in response to initiation of the audible phase. In additional or alternative embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in response to completion of the audible phase. 
     As yet another example, if the noise state corresponds to the wake condition or standby condition, the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) in response to the wake condition being met. In additional or alternative embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., m moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in response to the standby condition being met. 
     As still another example, if the noise state corresponds to the door lock condition or door unlock condition, the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) in response to the door lock condition being met. In additional or alternative embodiments,  630  includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in response to the door unlock condition being met. 
     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.