DISHWASHING APPLIANCE WITH VARIABLE SPEED PUMP AND METHOD FOR OPERATION THEREOF

Description

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing appliances.

BACKGROUND

Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Multiple spray assemblies, such as upper and lower spray assemblies, can be positioned within the wash chamber for applying or directing wash fluid (e.g., water, detergent, etc.) towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. Dishwashing appliances are also typically equipped with one or more pumps, such as a circulation pump or a drain pump, for directing or motivating wash fluid from the wash chamber (e.g., to the spray assemblies or an area outside of the dishwashing appliance).

Conventional dishwashing appliances may utilize a diverter to direct wash fluid to one or another of the spray assemblies. Conventional dishwashing appliances may include a single-speed pump configured for ON/OFF operation. The single-speed pump switches ports at the diverter using ON/OFF actuation. An issue with using a variable-speed pump is an inability to actuate ON/OFF operation quickly enough to operate the diverter to switch ports to one or another of the spray assemblies.

Accordingly, dishwashing appliances and methods for operation that address one or more of the aforementioned issues would be beneficial and advantageous.

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.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a dishwashing appliance including a pump configured to urge wash fluid to a diverter. The diverter includes an inlet port formed to permit wash fluid to enter a diverter chamber. The diverter chamber extends between a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening. An articulatable member is positioned in the diverter chamber. The articulatable member is selectively translatable to the first and second outlet openings. A first supply conduit is fluidly coupled to the diverter at the first outlet opening. A gap is formed at the first outlet opening or diverter chamber to permit fluid flow to the first supply conduit. A second supply conduit is fluidly coupled to the diverter at the second outlet opening. A variable speed motor is operably coupled to the pump to selectively urge wash fluid through the inlet port to the diverter chamber. A controller is operably coupled to the motor. The controller stores instructions that, when executed, causes the motor to perform operations. The operations include operating the motor to a wash speed to flow wash fluid through the diverter chamber to the second supply conduit and generate a head pressure of wash fluid at the first supply conduit in fluid communication with the diverter chamber; adjusting operation of the motor to decrease speed from the wash speed to an outlet switch speed; and, after a period of time at the outlet switch speed, operating the motor to the wash speed to flow wash fluid through the diverter chamber to the first supply conduit.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for operating a dishwashing appliance. The method includes operating of a variable speed motor to a wash speed to flow wash fluid through a diverter chamber to a second supply conduit and generate a head pressure of wash fluid at a first supply conduit in fluid communication with the diverter chamber; adjusting operation of the motor to decrease speed from the wash speed to an outlet switch speed; and, after a period of time at the outlet switch speed, operating the motor to the wash speed to flow wash fluid through the diverter chamber to the first supply conduit.

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 an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a dishwashing appliance, including a diverter, pump, and motor, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a detailed cutaway perspective view of a portion of the diverter of FIG. 3 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of the dishwashing appliance, including the diverter in a nominal position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the portion of the dishwashing appliance of FIG. 5, including the diverter in a closed first outlet opening position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a detailed view of a portion of the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 6 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the portion of the dishwashing appliance of FIG. 5, including the diverter in a transition position between the first and second outlet openings, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the portion of the dishwashing appliance of FIG. 5, including the diverter in a closed second outlet opening position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 provides a flowchart outlining steps of a method for operating a dishwashing appliance in accordance with aspects 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 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.

As used herein, 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 instance, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a wash fluid (e.g., water, detergent, or wash additive). The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles that is typically made up of water and may include additives, such as detergent or other treatments (e.g., rinse aid). Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin of error. For instance, the 10% error includes +/−10% of a full scale error of a specified range.

Thresholds and limits provided herein above or below which certain actions may be triggered may include values equal to the threshold. For instance, “above a threshold” or “above a limit” may include “equal to or above”. Alternatively, “below a threshold” or “below a limit” may include “equal to or below”. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may determine whether to include “equal to or above” or “equal to or below” as desired without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure or undue experimentation. Additionally, or alternatively, detected values, such as detected pressures, may be understood to include averages, rolling averages, trends, or other values over a period of time. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that thresholds and limits provided herein, and detection of values relative thereto, may include time constraints as may be understood by one skilled in the art and without undue experimentation.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100) that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

Dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along the vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along the transverse direction T.

Tub 104 includes a front opening 114. In some embodiments, a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position, wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher 100. A door closure mechanism or assembly 118 may be provided to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

In exemplary embodiments, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. For instance, guide rails 120 may be mounted to side walls 110 for supporting a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, or an upper rack assembly 126. In some such embodiments, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V.

Generally, each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 may be adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. In some embodiments, movement is facilitated, for instance, by rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively.

Although guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

In some embodiments, some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle). According to additional or alternative embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) is removably attached to a rack assembly (e.g., lower rack assembly 122), for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the rack assembly.

Generally, dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash fluid) onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106.

In exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 (e.g., below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124). In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126.

In further additional or alternative embodiments, an upper spray assembly 142 is located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126.

In yet further additional or alternative embodiments, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144. As illustrated, integral spray manifold 144 may be directed upward, and thus generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

In still further additional or alternative embodiments, a filter clean spray assembly 145 is disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 (e.g., below lower spray arm assembly 134) and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to a filter assembly 210. For instance, filter clean spray assembly 145 may be directed downward to urge a flow of wash fluid across a portion of filter assembly 210 (e.g., first filter 212) or sump 138.

The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash fluid in tub 104. In certain embodiments, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash fluid in tub 104. Circulation pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104.

When assembled, circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) and sump 138. A water inlet valve 153 can be positioned between the external water supply line and circulation pump 152 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to circulation pump 152). Additionally or alternatively, water inlet valve 153 can be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 138). During use, water inlet valve 153 may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100. Further, fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. In exemplary embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, a supply conduit 154 (e.g., first supply conduit) extends from circulation pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106. In various embodiments, a supply conduit 153 (e.g., second supply conduit) extends from circulation pump 152 to lower spray arm assembly 134.

In some embodiments, supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 or upper spray assembly 142). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For instance, according to another exemplary embodiment, supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwashing appliance 100.

Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, filter clean assembly 145, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from circulation pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For instance, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc.

In some embodiments, an exemplary filter assembly 210 is provided. As shown, in exemplary embodiments, filter assembly 210 is located in the sump 138 (e.g., to filter fluid to circulation assembly 150). Generally, filter assembly 210 removes soiled particles from the fluid that is recirculated through the wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwashing appliance 100. In exemplary embodiments, filter assembly 210 includes both a first filter 212 (also referred to as a “coarse filter”) and a second filter 214 (also referred to as a “fine filter”).

In some embodiments, the first filter 212 is constructed as a grate having openings for filtering fluid received from wash chamber 106. The sump 138 includes a recessed portion upstream of circulation pump 152 or a drain pump 168 and over which the first filter 212 is removably received. In exemplary embodiments, the first filter 212 operates as a coarse filter having media openings in the range of about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches. The recessed portion may define a filtered volume wherein debris or particles have been filtered by the first filter 212 or the second filter 214.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the second filter 214 is provided upstream of circulation pump 152 or drain pump 168. Second filter 214 may be non-removable or, alternatively, may be provided as a removable cartridge positioned in a tub receptacle formed in sump 138.

During operation of some embodiments (e.g., during or as part of a wash cycle or rinse cycle), circulation pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 through filter assembly 210 (e.g., through first filter 212 or second filter 214). Thus, circulation pump 152 may be downstream of filter assembly 210.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, in various embodiments, circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash fluid (e.g., from filter assembly 210) to a diverter 156. In some embodiments, diverter 156 is positioned within sump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100). Diverter 156 may include an articulatable member 157 disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142, or other spray manifolds. In exemplary embodiments, diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to fluid supply conduits. In certain embodiments, diverter 156 includes a plurality of outlet ports (e.g., two or more outlet ports) for supplying wash fluid to a plurality of spray assemblies and manifolds. For instance, the diverter 156 may distribute wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for supplying wash fluid to filter clean assembly 145, a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supply mid-level or upper spray assemblies 140, 142 (e.g., supply conduit 154). In some embodiments, diverter 156 may include a plurality of outlet ports corresponding, at least in part, to first, second, third, fourth, etc. conduits.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-9, diverter chamber 158 includes a first outlet opening 159 in fluid communication with a first supply conduit (e.g., supply conduit 154), and a second outlet opening 169 in fluid communication with a second supply conduit (e.g., supply conduit 153). Articulatable member 157 may form a ball permitted to move through diverter chamber 158 toward the first and second outlet openings 159, 169. Diverter chamber 158 may form a position between outlet openings 159, 169 at which the articulatable member 157 may rest, e.g., position in a nominal position between outlet openings 159, 169. For instance, diverter chamber 158 may include a nadir or rest station 161 between outlet openings 159, 169 at which the articulatable member 157 may position, such as described further herein. In some embodiments, diverter chamber 158 may form a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped conduit forming a nadir or trough correlating to a rest or nominal position between first and second outlet openings 159, 169.

An inlet port 151 is formed to permit wash fluid to enter the diverter chamber 158. As further described herein, flow of wash fluid to the first outlet opening 159 or second outlet opening 169 is controlled, at least in part, by position of the articulatable member 157 in the diverter chamber 158.

Referring to FIG. 4, and further depicted in FIGS. 6-7, a channel or gap 155 is formed at the diverter chamber 158 to permit flow of fluid to the first supply conduit 154 while the articulatable member 157 is positioned at, or proximate to, the first outlet opening 159. For instance, as further described herein, articulatable member 157 positioned at or proximate to the first outlet opening 159 may substantially obstruct flow of wash fluid to the first supply conduit 154. However, a portion of wash fluid is permitted to flow from diverter chamber 158 to first supply conduit 154. Embodiments of the first outlet opening 159 may correspond to a geometry of the articulatable member 157, such that the articulatable member 157 may obstruct the first outlet opening 159 when positioned at the first outlet opening 159. Gap 155 extends from the first outlet opening 159 or diverter chamber 158 to permit flow (e.g., bypass) of wash fluid from diverter chamber 158 to first supply conduit 154 when the first outlet opening 159 is obstructed by the articulatable member 157.

In various embodiments, first supply conduit 154 is configured to generate a head pressure greater than the second supply conduit 153. For instance, the first supply conduit 154 includes a longer pipe length, a greater vertical height, or flowpath area, configured to generate a column of wash fluid at the first supply conduit 154 greater than the second supply conduit 153. The gap 155 may be formed at the diverter chamber 158 to provide fluid communication to the supply conduit configured to permit a greater head pressure.

In various embodiments, diverter 156 is configured as a two-outlet port diverter, such as including an inlet port (e.g., inlet port 151) and two outlet ports (e.g., first outlet opening 159 and second outlet opening 169). Referring to FIGS. 5-6 and FIGS. 8-9, in still various embodiments, circulation pump 152 is driven by a motor 149 to provide the flow of wash fluid to the diverter chamber 158 through inlet port 151. In certain embodiments, motor 149 is configured as a variable-speed brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Pump 152 may be configured as a BLDC inverter driven pump. Motor 149 configured as a variable-speed motor permits operation and a plurality of speeds, in contrast to single-speed ON/OFF operation. Embodiments of the dishwashing appliance 100 including the variable-speed motor may advantageously and desirably reduce noise, enhance operational flexibility, and facilitate utilization of two-outlet port diverters (e.g., in contrast to four-outlet port diverters). Utilization of two-outlet port diverters may further facilitate decreased cost of manufacture.

Drainage of soiled wash fluid within sump 138 may occur, for instance, through drain assembly 166 (e.g., during or as part of a drain cycle). In particular, wash fluid may exit sump 138 through a drain outlet 228 and may flow through a drain conduit 167. In some embodiments, a drain pump 168 downstream of sump 138 facilitates drainage of the soiled wash fluid by urging or pumping the wash fluid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100. Drain pump 168 may be downstream of first filter 212 or second filter 214. Additionally or alternatively, an unfiltered flow path may be defined through sump 138 to drain conduit 167 such that an unfiltered fluid flow may pass through sump 138 to drain conduit 167 without first passing through filtration media of either first filter 212 or second filter 214.

Although a separate circulation pump 152 and drain pump 168 are described herein, it is understood that other suitable pump configurations (e.g., using only a single pump for both recirculation and draining) may be provided.

In certain embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes a controller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (e.g., initiate one or more wash operations). Controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, or drain cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, 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 160 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).

Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In optional embodiments, controller 160 is located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, user interface 164 includes a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. In further additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. When assembled, user interface 164 may be in operative communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For instance, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart outlining steps of a method for operating a dishwashing appliance is provided (hereinafter, “method 1000”). One or more steps of method 1000 may be stored as instructions or commands, or executed as operations, at a controller (e.g., controller 160 or a remote device). Although steps of method 1000 will be described with regard to embodiments of dishwashing appliance 100 depicted and described herein (e.g., FIGS. 5-9), it should be appreciated that steps of method 1000 may be stored and executed at other embodiments of dishwashing appliance, such as other embodiments of dishwashing appliance including a variable-speed motor, two-outlet port diverter, and structure for generating a head pressure of wash fluid. However, in some embodiments, method 1000 may be executed at embodiments of appliance including diverters having more than two outlet ports.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the appliance 100 including the articulatable member 157 in a nominal or rest state is depicted. Method 1000 includes at 1010 flowing wash fluid through a diverter chamber to a second supply conduit and generating a head pressure of wash fluid at a first supply conduit in fluid communication with the diverter chamber based on operating a motor (e.g., motor 149) to a wash speed.

For instance, referring to FIGS. 5-7, method 1000 at 1010 includes commanding, from rest or nominal state (e.g., depicted in FIG. 5), operation of the motor 149 at a wash speed to operate the pump 152 to flow wash fluid through inlet port 151 to diverter chamber 158 (e.g., depicted in FIG. 6). Inlet port 151 is positioned to direct flow of wash fluid to second outlet opening 169, such as depicted schematically at arrow 201 in FIG. 6. At the wash speed, a portion of the flow of wash fluid pushes articulatable member 157 from the rest station 161 toward the first outlet opening 159, such as depicted schematically at arrow 202. As wash fluid flow 202 accumulates in diverter chamber 158 and pushes toward first outlet opening 159, a portion of wash fluid is permitted to egress from diverter chamber 158 through gap 155 to accumulate as a head pressure of wash fluid (depicted schematically as hash 206) at the first supply conduit 154. Wash fluid 106 accumulated at first supply conduit 154 may partially accumulate at first supply conduit 154, such as providing less than an amount of wash fluid for substantially operating one or more spray assemblies configured to receive wash fluid from the first supply conduit 154.

In various embodiments, method 1000 at 1010 includes operating the motor (e.g., motor 149) at a wash speed. For instance, flowing wash fluid through a diverter chamber to a second supply conduit includes operating the motor to target wash speed to flow wash fluid through the diverter chamber to the second supply conduit and generate the head pressure at the first supply conduit. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the wash speed is approximately 3600 revolutions per minute (RPM). However, it should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may adjust the wash speed based on motor, pump, flow area and volume of conduits and chambers, corresponding pressures and flow rates, diverter configuration, etc.

Method 1000 includes at 1020 adjusting operation of the motor to an outlet switch speed. In various embodiments, method 1000 at 1020 includes commanding a decrease in wash speed to an outlet switch speed. For instance, referring to FIG. 8, decreasing speed from the wash speed to the outlet switch speed (in which the outlet switch speed is greater than zero) decreases wash fluid flow and pressure to permit translation of articulatable member 157 from the first outlet opening 159 toward the second outlet opening 169. The accumulated head pressure of wash fluid 206 pushes the articulatable member 157 toward the second outlet opening 169, such as depicted schematically via arrows 203.

The switch speed includes a speed range at which wash fluid flow and pressure decreases to permit accumulated head pressure of wash fluid from the first supply conduit 154 to translate the articulatable member 157 toward the second outlet opening 169, without discontinuing operation of the motor (e.g., without turning OFF) or without discontinuing flow of wash fluid at the diverter chamber. In various embodiments, the switch speed is between approximately 300 RPM and approximately 1100 RPM.

Method 1000 includes at 1030 flowing wash fluid through the diverter chamber to the first supply conduit based on operating the motor to the wash speed. As inlet port 151 is positioned to direct flow of wash fluid to the second outlet opening 169, such as depicted schematically at arrow 204 in FIG. 9, a portion of the wash fluid pushes the articulatable member 157 to the second outlet opening 169 to substantially obstruct flow of wash fluid to the second supply conduit 153. Operating at the wash speed following operation at the switch speed for a period of time, a portion of the flow of wash fluid (arrow 204) pushes articulatable member 157 to the second outlet opening 169 and a substantial portion of wash fluid is permitted to flow through the first outlet opening 159 and through the first supply conduit 154, such as depicted schematically at arrow 205.

In various embodiments, the motor operates at the switch speed (or range thereof) for a period of time before operating at the wash speed (step 1030). In an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the period of time is approximately two (2) seconds. However, it should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may adjust the period of time based on motor, pump, flow area and volume of conduits and chambers, corresponding pressures and flow rates, diverter configuration, etc.

In various embodiments, method 1000 includes a serial arrangement of steps 1010, 1020, and 1030, such as may include operating the motor from rest or below the switch speed, such as to position the articulatable member 157 in rest or nominal (e.g., depicted in FIG. 5), to the wash speed, such as depicted in FIG. 6 and described regarding step 1010, to push the articulatable member 157 to obstruct the first outlet opening 159 and permit flow of wash fluid through the second outlet opening 169. From the wash speed at step 1010, the motor decreases speed to the switch speed (step 1020) to permit translation of the articulatable member 157 toward the second outlet opening 169 and from obstructing the first outlet opening 159, such as depicted in FIG. 8. From the switch speed, after a period of time to permit translation of the articulable member 157 toward the second outlet opening 169, the motor increases speed from the switch speed to the wash speed (step 1030) to generate flow and pressure of wash fluid to push the articulatable member 157 to obstruct the second outlet opening 169, such as depicted in FIG. 9, and permit flow of wash fluid through the first outlet opening 159.

Embodiments of the method 1000 and dishwashing appliance 100 provided herein may advantageously and beneficially include a variable-speed motor reducing noise, enhancing operational flexibility, and permitting utilization of two-outlet port diverters, and decreasing costs of manufacture for dishwashing appliances.

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.