Dispenser For A Laundry Treating Household Appliance Having A Float Diverter

Abstract

A treating chemistry dispenser for a household appliance includes at least first and second treating chemistry reservoirs and a distributor selectively supplying liquid to the first and second reservoirs. The distributor includes a liquid supply circuit having a first branch fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir and a second branch fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir. A first float diverter is located within the supply circuit.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Laundry treating household appliances, such as washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating. The laundry treating household appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation having one or more operating parameters. Hot water, cold water, or a mixture thereof, along with various treating chemistries, can be supplied to the treating chamber in accordance with the cycle of operation. The laundry treating household appliance can have a dispenser for loading of treating chemistries into the appliance by the user and for supplying various treating chemistries to the treating chamber.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] In one aspect, illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to a treating chemistry dispenser for a household appliance including at least first and second treating chemistry reservoirs and a distributor selectively supplying liquid to the first and second reservoirs. The distributor includes a liquid supply circuit having a first branch fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir and a second branch fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir. A first float diverter is located within the supply circuit and operable between a first position, where the liquid is supplied to the first branch, and a second position where liquid is supplied to the second branch.

[0003] In another aspect, illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to a method of supplying liquid between first and second branches of a supply circuit in a dispenser for a household appliance. The method includes floating a float diverter from a non-floating to a floating position to block flow to one of the first or second branches while permitting flow to the other of the first or second branches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] In the drawings:

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating household appliance in the form of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of a control system of the laundry treating household appliance of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a treating chemistry dispenser that can be included in the laundry treating household appliance of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 3 with first and second float diverters in non-floating positions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 4A along line IV B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 3 with the first float diverter in a floating position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 5A along line V B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 3 with the second float diverter in a floating position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the treating chemistry dispenser of FIG. 6A along line VI B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of the first or second float diverter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional view along line VII C of the float diverter of FIG. 7A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the float diverter of FIG. 7A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first and second float diverters in non-floating positions as in FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Laundry treating household appliances can be provided with treating chemistry dispensers. Such treating chemistry dispensers can have a plurality of reservoirs for containing different types of treating chemistries, non-limiting examples of which include a detergent, a fabric softener, or a bleaching agent. Providing the structures and mechanisms for selectively providing liquid to each reservoir individually can require the use of additional space within the treating chemistry dispenser, as well as additional manufacturing costs. The use of a distributor with at least one float diverter in accordance with the present disclosure enables efficient use of space within the treating chemistry dispenser and eliminates the need for additional actuators to selectively provide liquid to a desired reservoir of the treating chemistry dispenser. In one aspect, this is achieved by providing first and second float diverters being shaped such that liquid is selectively directed to flow in a straight flow path or a diverted flow path.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The laundry treating household appliance can be any appliance which performs an automatic cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal or vertical axis clothes washer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine.

[0020] The laundry treating household appliance of FIG. 1 is illustrated as a horizontal axis washing machine 10, which can include a structural support system comprising a cabinet 12 which defines a housing within which a laundry holding system resides. The cabinet 12 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame, to which decorative panels can or cannot be mounted, defining an interior enclosing components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.

[0021] The laundry holding system comprises a tub 14 dynamically suspended within the structural support system of the cabinet 12 by a suitable suspension system 28 and a drum 16 provided within the tub 14, the drum 16 defining at least a portion of a laundry treating chamber 18. The drum 16 can include a plurality of perforations 20 such that liquid can flow between the tub 14 and the drum 16 through the perforations 20. A plurality of baffles 22 can be disposed on an inner surface of the drum 16 to lift the laundry load received in the treating chamber 18 while the drum 16 rotates. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry holding system to comprise only one receptacle with the receptacle defining the laundry treating chamber for receiving the load to be treated.

[0022] The laundry holding system can further include a door 24 which can be movably mounted to the cabinet 12 to selectively close both the tub 14 and the drum 16. A bellows 26 can couple an open face of the tub 14 with the cabinet 12, with the door 24 sealing against the bellows 26 when the door 24 closes the tub 14.

[0023] The washing machine 10 can further include a liquid supply system for supplying water to the washing machine 10 for use in treating laundry during a cycle of operation. The liquid supply system can include a source of water, such as a household water supply 40, which can include separate valves 42 and 44 for controlling the flow of hot and cold water, respectively. Water can be supplied through an inlet conduit 46 directly to the tub 14 by controlling first and second diverter mechanisms 48 and 50, respectively. The diverter mechanisms 48, 50 can be a diverter valve having two outlets such that the diverter mechanisms 48, 50 can selectively direct a flow of liquid to one or both of two flow paths. Water from the household water supply 40 can flow through the inlet conduit 46 to the first diverter mechanism 48 which can direct the flow of liquid to a supply conduit 52. The second diverter mechanism 50 on the supply conduit 52 can direct the flow of liquid to a tub outlet conduit 54 which can be provided with a spray nozzle 56 configured to spray the flow of liquid into the tub 14. In this manner, water from the household water supply 40 can be supplied directly to the tub 14. While the valves 42, 44 and the conduit 46 are illustrated exteriorly of the cabinet 12, it will be understood that these components can be internal to the cabinet 12.

[0024] The washing machine 10 can also be provided with a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber 18 for use in treating the laundry according to a cycle of operation. The dispensing system can include a treating chemistry dispenser 62 which can be a single dose dispenser, a bulk dispenser, or an integrated single dose and bulk dispenser and is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 18. The treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be configured to dispense a treating chemistry directly to the tub 14 or mixed with water from the liquid supply system through a dispensing outlet conduit 64. The dispensing outlet conduit 64 can include a dispensing nozzle 66 configured to dispense the treating chemistry into the tub 14 in a desired pattern and under a desired amount of pressure. For example, the dispensing nozzle 66 can be configured to dispense a flow or stream of treating chemistry into the tub 14 by gravity, i.e. a non-pressurized stream. Water can be supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62 from the supply conduit 52 by directing the diverter mechanism 50 to direct the flow of water to a dispensing supply conduit 68.

[0025] The treating chemistry dispenser 62 can include multiple chambers or reservoirs for receiving doses of different treating chemistries. The treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be implemented as a dispensing drawer that is slidably received within the cabinet 12, or within a separate dispenser housing 106 (FIG. 3), which can be provided in the cabinet 12. The treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be moveable between a fill position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 62 is exterior to the cabinet 12 and can be filled with treating chemistry, and a dispense position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 62 are interior of the cabinet 12. Although the dispensing system described herein includes the treating chemistry dispenser 62 and the separate dispenser housing 106, it will be understood that the treating chemistry dispenser 62 and dispenser housing 106 could be integrated together.

[0026] Non-limiting examples of treating chemistries that can be dispensed by the dispensing system during a cycle of operation include one or more of the following: water, enzymes, fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinkle releasers/reducers, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellants, water repellants, energy reduction/extraction aids, antibacterial agents, medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers, shrinkage inhibitors, and color fidelity agents, and combinations thereof.

[0027] The washing machine 10 can also include a recirculation and drain system for recirculating liquid within the laundry holding system and draining liquid from the washing machine 10. Liquid supplied to the tub 14 through tub outlet conduit 54 and/or the dispensing supply conduit 68 typically enters a space between the tub 14 and the drum 16 and can flow by gravity to a sump 70 formed in part by a lower portion of the tub 14. The sump 70 can also be formed by a sump conduit 72 that can fluidly couple the lower portion of the tub 14 to a pump 74. The pump 74 can direct liquid to a drain conduit 76, which can drain the liquid from the washing machine 10, or to a recirculation conduit 78, which can terminate at a recirculation inlet 80. The recirculation inlet 80 can direct the liquid from the recirculation conduit 78 into the drum 16. The recirculation inlet 80 can introduce the liquid into the drum 16 in any suitable manner, such as by spraying, dripping, or providing a steady flow of liquid. In this manner, liquid provided to the tub 14, with or without treating chemistry can be recirculated into the treating chamber 18 for treating the laundry within.

[0028] The liquid supply and/or recirculation and drain system can be provided with a heating system which can include one or more devices for heating laundry and/or liquid supplied to the tub 14, such as a steam generator 82 and/or a sump heater 84. Liquid from the household water supply 40 can be provided to the steam generator 82 through the inlet conduit 46 by controlling the first diverter mechanism 48 to direct the flow of liquid to a steam supply conduit 86. Steam generated by the steam generator 82 can be supplied to the tub 14 through a steam outlet conduit 87. The steam generator 82 can be any suitable type of steam generator such as a flow through steam generator or a tank-type steam generator. Alternatively, the sump heater 84 can be used to generate steam in place of or in addition to the steam generator 82. In addition or alternatively to generating steam, the steam generator 82 and/or sump heater 84 can be used to heat the laundry and/or liquid within the tub 14 as part of a cycle of operation.

[0029] It is noted that the illustrated suspension system, liquid supply system, recirculation and drain system, and dispensing system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply, dispensing, and recirculation and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 1, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.

[0030] The washing machine 10 also includes a drive system for rotating the drum 16 within the tub 14. The drive system can include a motor 88, which can be directly coupled with the drum 16 through a drive shaft 90 to rotate the drum 16 about a rotational axis during a cycle of operation. The motor 88 can be a brushless permanent magnet (BPM) motor having a stator 92 and a rotor 94. Alternately, the motor 88 can be coupled to the drum 16 through a belt and a drive shaft to rotate the drum 16, as is known in the art. Other motors, such as an induction motor or a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor, can also be used. The motor 88 can rotate the drum 16 at various speeds in either rotational direction.

[0031] The washing machine 10 also includes a control system for controlling the operation of the washing machine 10 to implement one or more cycles of operation. The control system can include a controller 96 located within the cabinet 12 and a user interface 98 that is operably coupled with the controller 96. The user interface 98 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.

[0032] The controller 96 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine 10. For example, the controller 96 can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 96. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control), can be used to control the various components.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 96 can be provided with a memory 100 and a central processing unit (CPU) 102. The memory 100 can be used for storing the control software that is executed by the CPU 102 in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash. The memory 100 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the washing machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 96. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.

[0034] The controller 96 can be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine 10 for communicating with and controlling the operation of the component to complete a cycle of operation. For example, the controller 96 can be operably coupled with the motor 88, the pump 74, the treating chemistry dispenser 62, the steam generator 82 and the sump heater 84 to control the operation of these and other components to implement one or more of the cycles of operation.

[0035] The controller 96 can also be coupled with one or more sensors 104 provided in one or more of the systems of the washing machine 10 to receive input from the sensors, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors 104 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 96 include: a treating chamber temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a weight sensor, a chemical sensor, a position sensor and a motor torque sensor, which can be used to determine a variety of system and laundry characteristics, such as laundry load inertia or mass.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62 is shown. The treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be received within and defined by the dispenser housing 106. A top cover 108 is provided to engage with the dispenser housing 106 to create a sealed receptacle for receiving the dispenser drawer body 110 of the treating chemistry dispenser 62. The dispenser drawer body 110 can be slidably received within the dispenser housing 106. The dispenser drawer body 110 defines a first treating chemistry reservoir 112. The first treating chemistry reservoir 112 has a fill opening 113 provided at the front portion that can receive a first treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a pre-wash agent. A reservoir body 114 is nested within the dispenser drawer body 110, beginning behind the fill opening 113. The reservoir body 114 defines a second treating chemistry reservoir 116. The second treating chemistry reservoir 116 can receive a second treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a detergent or wash agent. The reservoir body 114 further defines a third treating chemistry reservoir 118 within which a softener plate 120 can be received. The third treating chemistry reservoir 118 can receive a third treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a fabric softening agent or bleach. The third treating chemistry reservoir 118 of the reservoir body 114 includes a siphon tube 122. The softener plate 120 defines both a softener fill opening 124, as well as a siphon cap 126. The siphon cap 126 is positioned such that it can receive the siphon tube 122 of the third treating chemistry reservoir 118.

[0037] A distributor 128 is positioned above the nested dispenser drawer body 110, reservoir body 114, and softener plate 120. The distributor 128 includes a first float chamber 130 and a second float chamber 132 that protrude from the lower surface 134 of the distributor 128. The first float chamber 130 and second float chamber 132 protrude downwardly from the lower surface 134 of the distributor 128 into the second treating chemistry reservoir 116. The upper surface 136 of the distributor 128 defines a liquid supply circuit for selectively supplying liquid to the first, second, or third treating chemistry reservoirs 112, 116, 118. The distributor 128 defines a first branch 138 that is fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir 112. The distributor 128 further defines a second branch 140 that is fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir 116. The distributor 128 yet further defines a third branch 142 that is fluidly coupled to the third treating chemistry reservoir 118. A first float diverter 144 is received within the first float chamber 130 to selectively supply liquid to either the first branch 138 or the second branch 140. A second float diverter 146 is received within the second float chamber 132, upstream of the first float diverter 144, to selectively supply liquid to either the first float diverter 144, and thus to at least one of the first branch 138 or the second branch 140, or the third branch 142. The upper surface 136 of the distributor 128 is designed with patterns or mazes to prevent leaking between the first branch 138, the second branch 140, and the third branch 142.

[0038] FIG. 4A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62 with the top cover 108 removed for clarity. Both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 are shown in a first, or non-floating, position in FIG. 4A, such that liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 148. The arrow 148 shows that the flow path extends straight through a top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 and also straight through a top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 to the first branch 138 and into the first treating chemistry reservoir 112.

[0039] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along line IV B of FIG. 4A. The first float diverter 144 is shown in the first, or non-floating, position. In the non-floating position, a plug portion 150 of the first float diverter 144 is received within a drain opening 152 of the first float chamber 130. The top flow control channel 156 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the top flow control channel 156.

[0040] FIG. 5A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62, with the top cover 108 removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter 144 is shown in a second, floating position, while the second float diverter 146 remains in the first, non-floating position as shown in FIG. 4A. When the first float diverter 144 occupies the floating position and the second float diverter 146 occupies the non-floating position, liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 160. The arrow 160 shows that the flow path extends straight through the top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 and angles through the side flow control channel 158 of the first float diverter 144 into the second branch 140 and then into the second treating chemistry reservoir 116.

[0041] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view along line V B of FIG. 5A. The first float diverter 144 is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the first float diverter 144 is raised upwards at least partially out of the first float chamber 130. The plug portion 150 of the first float diverter 144 is removed from the drain opening 152 of the first float chamber 130. When the first float diverter 144 is raised up in the floating position, the side flow control channel 158 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the side flow control channel 158 to the second branch 140.

[0042] FIG. 6A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62, with the top cover 108 removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter 144 is shown in the first, non-floating position, while the second float diverter 146 is shown in a second, floating position. When the second float diverter 146 occupies the floating position, liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 164. The arrow 164 shows that the flow path extends at an angle through the side flow control channel 162 of the second float diverter 146, into the third branch 142, and then into the third treating chemistry reservoir 118.

[0043] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along line VI B of FIG. 6A. The second float diverter 146 is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the second float diverter 146 is raised upwards at least partially out of the second float chamber 132. A plug portion 166 is removed from a drain opening 168 of the second float chamber 132. When the second float diverter 146 is raised up in the floating position, the side flow control channel 162 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the side flow control channel 162 to the third branch 142.

[0044] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the first float diverter 144. While the subsequent discussion (FIGS. 7A-7C) will refer to the first float diverter 144, it will be understood that the same description also applies to the structure of the second float diverter 146, as both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 can have identical shape. It will also be understood that, while the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 can have identical shape, it is also within the scope of the disclosure that the first and second float diverters 144, 146 can vary from one another in scale and/or diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the second float diverter 146 can have a larger diameter than the first float diverter 144.

[0045] The first float diverter 144 has a generally cylindrical shape, but can also be provided with a flat surface 170 on at least one side of the first float diverter 144. The first float chamber 130 can be provided with a corresponding flat surface (not shown), wherein, together with the flat surface 170 of the first float diverter 144, the structural features can cooperatively act as an index to fix the position of the first float diverter 144 within the first float chamber 130 and prevent rotation of the first float diverter 144 within the first float chamber 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the flat surface 170 of the first float diverter 144 ensures that the first float diverter 144 does not rotate more than, by way of non-limiting example, 3 degrees within the first float chamber 130. It will be understood, however, that any suitable degree of rotation of the float diverter 144 can be permitted. While the first float diverter 144 is illustrated herein as having a generally cylindrical shape, it will be understood that the first float diverter 144 can have any suitable shape, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rectangular, trapezoidal, or oval. The shape of the first float diverter 144, including the flat surface 170, can be designed to create an optimal amount of surface tension between the first float diverter 144 and the first float chamber 130 by reducing the contact surface between the two as necessary. This ensures that the buoyance of the first float diverter 144 is not undesirably counteracted by friction and/or surface tension.

[0046] The top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 defines a flow path such that liquid flows straight through the top flow control channel 156. The side flow control channel 158 is provided vertically downward from the top flow control channel 156 such that liquid flows through only one or the other of the top flow control channel 156 or the side flow control channel 158 depending on the vertical position of the first float diverter 144.

[0047] FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the first float diverter 144 along the line VII C of FIG. 7A. The profile of the side flow control channel 158 can be viewed herein. The side flow control channel 158 directs liquid flow along an angled path such that the flow path of liquid is diverted from a straight directional flow.

[0048] FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the first float diverter 144. The first float diverter 144 can be provided with a plurality of cavities 172 in its lower surface. The cavities 172 are provided such that they can act as an air trap so the first float diverter 144 can achieve a desired density and buoyancy. While the first float diverter 144 is illustrated as having four cavities 172, it will be understood that any suitable number of cavities 172 can be provided, including only a single cavity 172. The cavities 172 can also have any suitable shape.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146, both in the first, non-floating position. In the non-floating position, the top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128. A backflow portion 174 is provided within the surface of the distributor 128. The backflow portion 174 angles downwardly towards the first float chamber 130 and is fluidly coupled to the first float chamber 130. The top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128. A backflow reservoir 176 is provided in the surface of the distributor 128 and positioned between the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146. The distributor 128 also includes a second backflow portion 178 adjacent the second float diverter 146. The second backflow portion 178 angles downwardly towards the second float chamber 132 from the backflow reservoir 176 and is fluidly coupled with the second float chamber 132.

[0050] Turning now to the operation of the treating chemistry dispenser 62 and referring initially to FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the washing machine has been turned off and no liquid is flowing into the treating chemistry dispenser 62, both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 are in the first, non-floating position. When liquid is initially provided to the treating chemistry dispenser 62, liquid flows straight through the top flow control channels 154, 156 and is supplied to the first branch 138 and into the first treating chemistry reservoir 112. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant, liquid continues to flow to the first branch 138.

[0051] When the liquid supply rate is reduced or stopped, such that liquid is no longer being supplied, liquid that remains in the distributor 128 downstream of the first float diverter 144 backflows down the backflow portion 174 and into the first float chamber 130. The liquid filling the first float chamber 130 causes the first float diverter 144 to be floated upward into the second, floating position. As the first float diverter 144 is floated to the second, floating position, liquid is free to flow out of the first float chamber 130 through the drain opening 152. The drain opening 152 is sized such that the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening 152 is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber 130. By way of non-limiting example, the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening 152 can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber 130. In this way, the position of the first float diverter 144 is selectively controlled by both the status of liquid being supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62, as well as the liquid supply rate. It will also be understood that the position of the first float diverter 144 can be selectively controlled by the sequence of the liquid supply being provided or not provided, by the duration of time the liquid supply is provided or not provided, and/or by the spacing between bursts of liquid that are supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62. By way of example, when the liquid supply has been stopped and the first float diverter 144 is in the floating position, the liquid supply must be resumed before the liquid is able to drain out of the first float chamber 130 in order for the first float diverter 144 to remain in the floating position and direct the liquid supply accordingly.

[0052] Concurrently, liquid that remains in the distributor 128 between the second float diverter 146 and the first float diverter 144 flows into the backflow reservoir 176 (best seen in FIG. 8) provided in the distributor 128. Because this liquid is retained in the backflow reservoir 176, rather than proceeding down the second backflow portion 178 and into the second float chamber 132, the second float diverter 146 remains in the first, non-floating position. It will be understood that some of the liquid remaining in the distributor 128 between the second float diverter 146 and the first float diverter 144, particularly any liquid which may be present on the second backflow portion 178, can flow into the second float chamber 132, rather than into the backflow reservoir 176. In this case, because of the increased diameter and volume of the second float chamber 132, the amount of liquid that can be present in the second float chamber 132 under these circumstances is insufficient for the second float chamber 132 to fill enough that the second float diverter 146 would be floated upward to the floating position.

[0053] When the first float diverter 144 is in the second, floating position and the liquid supply to the treating chemistry dispenser 62 resumes, liquid will flow straight through the top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 as before, as the second float diverter 146 remains in the first, non-floating position. When the liquid that has flowed through the top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 reaches the first float diverter 144, the liquid will confront the side flow control channel 158 and will be diverted at an angle to the second branch 140, and then into the second treating chemistry reservoir 116. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant in this configuration, liquid will continue to flow to the second branch 140.

[0054] When the liquid supply rate is again reduced or stopped, such that liquid is no longer being supplied, liquid that remains in the distributor 128 between the second float diverter 146 and the first float diverter 144 will flow back towards the backflow reservoir 176. As the backflow reservoir 176 will already be filled with liquid from the backflow at the previous cease in liquid supply, the liquid will flow over the backflow reservoir 176, along the second backflow portion 178, and into the second float chamber 132. The amount of liquid filling the second float chamber 132 at this point is sufficient for the second float chamber 132 to fill enough to cause the second float diverter 146 to be floated upward into the second, floating position. As the second float diverter 146 is floated to the second, floating position, liquid is free to flow out of the second float chamber 132 through the drain opening 168. The drain opening 168 is sized such that the liquid drain rate through the drain opening 168 is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber 132. By way of non-limiting example, the liquid drain rate through the drain opening 168 can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber 132. In this way, the liquid supply being provided or not provided, as well as the duration of the liquid supply being provided or not provided and/or the liquid supply rate, serve to selectively control the position of the second float diverter 146 in the same way as was discussed previously relating to the first float diverter 144.

[0055] When the second float diverter 146 is in the second, floating position and the liquid supply to the treating chemistry dispenser 62 resumes, liquid that reaches the second float diverter 146 will confront the side flow control channel 162 and will be diverted at an angle to the third branch 142, and then into the third treating chemistry reservoir 118. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant in this configuration, liquid will continue to flow to the third branch 142. When the liquid supply rate is reduced to zero and no further liquid is supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62, the liquid present in both the first float chamber 130 and the second float chamber 132 will eventually flow out through the drain openings 152, 168, allowing both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 to return to the first, non-floating position.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a treating chemistry dispenser for a laundry treating household appliance that can selectively provide liquid to each of a plurality of reservoirs individually using no additional machinery or parts beyond floating diverters that are actuated to change position when the supply flow of liquid is reduced or stopped. One advantage that can be realized in the above embodiments is that the above described embodiments are configured to provide a treating chemistry dispenser that eliminates the need for multiple water supply points, and the valves and conduits that would be required therewith. This results in decreased manufacturing requirements and decreased cost. In addition, the float mechanism provides a simple and robust solution. By employing the embodiments disclosed herein, ease of operation is improved, as well as simplification of the manufacturing of only a single water supply point for the plurality of reservoirs within the treating chemistry dispenser.

[0057] To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

[0058] While the present disclosure has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A treating chemistry dispenser for a household appliance comprising: at least first and second treating chemistry reservoirs; a distributor selectively supplying liquid to the first and second reservoirs comprising: a liquid supply circuit having a first branch fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir, and a second branch fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir; and a first float diverter located within the supply circuit and operable between a first position, where the liquid is supplied to the first branch, and a second position where liquid is supplied to the second branch.

2. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a third chemistry reservoir, a third branch, and a second float diverter operable between a first position, where the liquid is supplied to at least one of the first and second branches, and a second position, where the liquid is supplied to the third branch.

3. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 2 wherein the second float diverter is located in the supply circuit upstream of the first float diverter.

4. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 1 wherein the first position corresponds to a non-floating position for the first float diverter.

5. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 1 wherein the second position corresponds to a floating position for the first float diverter.

6. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 1 wherein the distributor comprises a float chamber fluidly coupled to the supply circuit and the first float diverter resides in the float chamber.

7. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 6 wherein the supply circuit comprises a backflow portion fluidly coupled to the float chamber whereby liquid in the supply circuit will backflow into the float chamber upon the cessation of the supplying of liquid to the supply circuit.

8. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 6 wherein the float chamber comprises a drain opening.

9. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 8 wherein the drain opening is sized such that the liquid drain rate through the drain opening is less than the liquid supply rate through the supply circuit.

10. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 9 wherein the liquid drain rate is not greater than half of the liquid supply rate.

11. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 6 comprising an index fixing the position of the first float diverter within the float chamber.

12. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 11 wherein the index comprises cooperating structural features on the first float diverter and the float chamber.

13. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 1 wherein the first float diverter further comprises at least one flow control channel.

14. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 13 wherein the flow control channel is on one of a top or side of the first float diverter.

15. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 14 wherein the flow control channel is located on a side of the first float diverter and confronts the supply circuit when the first float is in the second position.

16. The treating chemistry dispenser of claim 15 wherein the flow control channel is aligned with the second branch in the second position.

17. A method of supplying liquid between first and second branches of a supply circuit in a dispenser for a household appliance, the method comprising: floating a float diverter from a non-floating to a floating position to block flow to one of the first or second branches while permitting flow to the other of the first or second branches.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the floating of the float diverter comprises back-flowing liquid in the supply circuit to float the float diverter.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the back-flowing comprises back-flowing the liquid into a float chamber in which the float diverter resides.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the back-flowing comprises reducing the flow of liquid in the supply circuit.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein reducing the flow of liquid in the supply circuit comprises shutting off the supply of liquid to the supply circuit.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising draining liquid from the float chamber

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the draining liquid from the float chamber comprises draining the liquid at a rate slower than the rate of liquid supplied through the supply circuit.