DISHWASHING APPLIANCE ADDITIVE DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

A dishwashing appliance includes a tub. The tub defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The dishwashing appliance also includes a door movably mounted to the tub. The door is movable between an open position and a closed position. The door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position. The dishwashing appliance also includes a dispensing assembly configured to receive a removable cartridge containing an additive. The dispensing assembly is in fluid communication with the tub whereby the additive from the removable cartridge is provided to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during an operation of the dishwashing appliance.

Claims

1. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing; a door movably mounted to the tub, the door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and wherein the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position; and a dispensing assembly configured to receive a removable cartridge containing an additive, the dispensing assembly in fluid communication with the tub whereby the additive from the removable cartridge is provided to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during an operation of the dishwashing appliance.

2. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of inlets in the dispensing assembly, each inlet of the plurality of inlets configured to couple to a corresponding outlet of the removable cartridge.

3. The dishwashing appliance of claim 2, wherein the plurality of inlets are arranged asymmetrically within the dispensing assembly.

4. The dishwashing appliance of claim 2, wherein each inlet of the plurality of inlets is configured to receive a distinct additive.

5. The dishwashing appliance of claim 2, wherein the plurality of inlets are positioned at a bottom of the dispensing assembly.

6. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a diverter assembly coupled to the dispensing assembly.

7. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising an actuator in the dispensing assembly, the actuator configured to open a check valve in the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is received in the dispensing assembly.

8. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the removable cartridge comprises at least one compartment, the additive contained within the at least one compartment, and wherein the at least one compartment is selectively enclosed by a lid, the lid movable to an open position whereby the cartridge is refillable.

9. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the removable cartridge comprises at least one compartment, the additive contained within the at least one compartment, and wherein the at least one compartment is not refillable.

10. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the dispensing assembly is positioned within the door.

11. A method of dispensing an additive in a dishwashing appliance, the dishwashing appliance comprising a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing and a door movably mounted to the tub, the door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and wherein the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position, the method comprising: receiving a removable cartridge in a dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance, the removable cartridge containing an additive, the dispensing assembly in fluid communication with the tub; initiating an operation of the dishwashing appliance; and dispensing the additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the operation of the dishwashing appliance.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the removable cartridge in the dispensing assembly comprises coupling each outlet of a plurality of outlets in the removable cartridge with a corresponding inlet of a plurality of inlets in the dispensing assembly.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the operation of the dishwashing appliance is a first operation and the additive is a first additive, further comprising initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance and dispensing a second additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the operation of the dishwashing appliance is a first operation, the removable cartridge is a first removable cartridge, and the additive is a first additive, further comprising receiving a second removable cartridge in the dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance after the first operation, initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance, and dispensing a second additive from the second removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the operation of the dishwashing appliance is a first operation, further comprising removing the removable cartridge from the dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance, refilling the removable cartridge, replacing the removable cartridge in the dishwashing appliance, initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance, and dispensing the additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the dispensing assembly further comprises a diverter assembly, wherein the removable cartridge comprises a first compartment containing the additive and a second compartment containing a distinct additive, wherein the method further comprises selecting an outlet of the removable cartridge with the diverter, the outlet in fluid communication with the first compartment, whereby the additive is dispensed from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly and the diverter assembly during the operation of the dishwashing appliance.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising selecting a second outlet of the removable cartridge with the diverter, the second outlet in fluid communication with the second compartment, and dispensing the distinct additive from the second compartment of the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly and the diverter assembly.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the removable cartridge in the dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance comprises opening a check valve of the removable cartridge.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the removable cartridge is not refillable, wherein the operation of the dishwashing appliance is optimized for the additive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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.

[0011] FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in an intermediate position.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides a side, cross section view of an exemplary dishwashing appliance, such as the dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 4 provides a schematic section view of an exemplary dispensing assembly in a dishwashing appliance such as the dishwashing appliance illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary check valve and actuator for an additive cartridge and a dispensing assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, with the check valve in a closed position.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary check valve and actuator of FIG. 5, with the check valve in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing assembly and an exemplary removable cartridge received in the dispensing assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 provides an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exemplary dispensing assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an exemplary removable cartridge according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of the exemplary removable cartridge of FIG. 9 with a lid thereof in an open position.

[0021] FIG. 11 provides a rear perspective view of the removable cartridge of FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 12 provides a view of an exemplary removable cartridge according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 provides a flow chart diagram of an exemplary method of dispensing an additive in a dishwashing appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the disclosure. 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.

[0025] 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 used to refer to an overall operation of the dishwashing appliance which may include two or more distinct phases. The term wash phase 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 liquid (e.g., water, detergent, or wash additive) and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a beginning or early portion of the wash cycle. The term rinse phase 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 phase and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as an intermediate portion of the wash cycle. The term drain phase 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 and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a later portion of the wash cycle. The term wash liquid 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 generally, approximately, substantially, or about, refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin of error. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., generally vertical includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0026] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 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.

[0027] Dishwasher 100 includes a tub 104 that defines a wash chamber 106 therein. As shown in FIG. 3, 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.

[0028] Tub 104 includes a front opening 114 at the front side 111. In some embodiments, the dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a door 116 at the front opening 114. The door 116 may, for example, be coupled to the tub 104 by a hinge 200 at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (FIGS. 1 and 3), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position (not shown) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher 100. In additional embodiments, the dishwashing appliance 100 may be a dish drawer appliance, e.g., the door 116 may be mounted at the front of a drawer which is slidable in and out of the tub 104 between a retracted closed position and an extended open position. A door closure mechanism or assembly 118, e.g., a latch, may be provided to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

[0029] 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 and an upper rack assembly 126. In some such embodiments, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V.

[0030] Generally, each rack assembly 122, 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 through 3) 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, 126, respectively.

[0031] Although guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

[0032] In optional embodiments, some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 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, 126 are shown). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash liquid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing phase of the wash cycle). According to additional or alternative embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) may be 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.

[0033] Generally, dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash liquid) onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106.

[0034] 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 this regard, lower spray arm assembly 134 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash liquid up through lower rack assembly 122.

[0035] In some embodiments, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located proximate to and, e.g., below, upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging of wash liquid up through upper rack assembly 126.

[0036] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. In certain embodiments, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. Circulation pump 152 may be mounted to sump 138 and in fluid communication with the sump 138 through a circulation outlet 151 from the sump 138.

[0037] 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 (not shown) 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 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 may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to close and thereby 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. 3, a primary supply conduit 154 extends from circulation pump 152, along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash liquid throughout wash chamber 106.

[0038] In optional embodiments, circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash liquid to a diverter 156 (FIG. 3). In some such embodiments, diverter 156 is positioned within sump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100). Diverter 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber for selectively distributing the wash liquid to the spray assemblies 134, 142, or other spray manifolds or assemblies. For instance, the diverter disk may have at least one aperture configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of the diverter chamber. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash liquid to the desired spray device(s).

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash liquid from circulation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits-only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 3 for clarity. In certain embodiments, diverter 156 includes two or more outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash liquid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 and a second conduit for supplying upper spray assembly 142 (e.g., supply conduit 154). Additional embodiments may also include one or more additional conduits, e.g., a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as a silverware rack, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments, a supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash liquid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to 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 liquid 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 liquid to lower spray arm assembly 134 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash liquid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash liquid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwashing appliance 100.

[0041] Each spray assembly 134 and 142, or other spray device as may be included in dishwashing appliance 100, may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash liquid 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 liquid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 142 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, 142 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.

[0042] Drainage of soiled wash liquid within sump 138 may by provided, for instance, by a drain pump 168 (e.g., during or as part of a drain phase). In particular, wash liquid may exit sump 138 through a drain outlet 167 and may flow through a drain conduit or directly to the drain pump 168. Thus, drain pump 168 is downstream of sump 138 and facilitates drainage of the soiled wash liquid by urging or pumping the wash liquid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, a filter assembly may be provided, e.g., in the sump 138 and/or at a top entrance into the sump 138, e.g., to filter fluid to circulation assembly 150 and/or drain pump 168. Generally, the filter assembly removes soiled particles from the liquid that flows to the sump 138 from the wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwashing appliance 100. In exemplary embodiments, the filter assembly may include both a first filter (also referred to as a coarse filter) and a second filter (also referred to as a fine filter).

[0044] 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.

[0045] The dishwashing appliance 100 may further include a heating element 184, such as a resistance heating element, positioned in or near the sump 138. For example, the heating element 184 may be positioned near the sump 138 in that the heating element 184 is disposed above the sump 138 and within the lower region 136 of wash chamber 106, such as below the lower spray arm 134 and/or below the lower rack assembly 122. The heating element 184 may be positioned and configured to heat liquid in the sump 138, such as for a heated wash phase, and/or to heat air within the wash chamber 106, such as for drying articles during a dry phase.

[0046] Dishwashing appliance 100 may also include ventilation features, e.g., to promote improved, e.g., more rapid, drying of articles therein after the wash and rinse phases. For example, one or more vents 170 may be provided in the tub 104 for introducing relatively dry air from outside of the tub 104 into the wash chamber 106 and/or for removing relatively humid air from the wash chamber 106 to the outside of the tub 104. In some embodiments, a fan 172 may be provided. The fan 172 may be operable to urge air through the wash chamber 106, such as to promote air circulation and/or ventilation within and through the wash chamber. Such air movement may increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from articles in the wash chamber 106 after a wash and/or rinse phase.

[0047] 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 or wash cycle that may include a pre-wash phase, a wash phase, a rinse phase, a drain phase, and/or a dry phase. 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 circuitrysuch as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the liketo perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein.

[0048] 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 FIG. 1 or FIG. 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 or is operatively coupled to 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.

[0049] The dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a temperature sensor 186 in operative communication with the controller 160. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 186 may be located in the sump 138 and may thereby be operable to measure a temperature of a liquid, e.g., wash liquid, within the sump 138. For example, the temperature sensor may include any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 186 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition, temperature sensor 186 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to the controller 160 that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of the temperature sensor 186 is described herein and depicted in FIG. 3, it should be appreciated that dishwashing appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors as well as or instead of the exemplary temperature sensor 186 according to alternative embodiments.

[0050] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3 are for illustrative purposes only. For instance, different locations may be provided for control panel area 162 (e.g., on the front of the door 116 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or on the top of the door 116 as illustrated in FIG. 2, or other locations as well), different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 126, different spray assemblies 134, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, different sensors may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4, the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a dispensing assembly 202. The dispensing assembly 202 may include a cartridge receiver 204 which is configured to receive one or more removable cartridges 250. The removable cartridge 250 may be interchangeable with multiple other cartridges, e.g., the cartridge receiver 204 may be configured to releasably receive multiple various cartridges which are independent of each other, such as the single cartridge receiver 204 may be configured to receive multiple independent chemical cartridges, where a selected cartridge of the multiple possible cartridges may include a desired chemical or chemicals for a particular cycle or operation of the dishwashing appliance. For example, the particular cycle or operation may be based on a type or number of articles to be washed in the dishwashing appliance, a degree of cleaning desired, or other bases for the various possible cycles and operations. Thus, for example, the cartridge receiver 204 may receive one cartridge 250 at a time, for a single cycle/operation or for multiple cycles/operations, and the cartridge 250 may be changed out with another cartridge for different cycles/operations. In some embodiments, the cartridge receiver 204 may receive more than one cartridge 250 at a time, as discussed further below.

[0052] The dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned in any suitable location within the dishwashing appliance 100 which permits the dispensing assembly 202 to be in fluid communication with the wash chamber within the tub. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned in the door 116 of the dishwashing appliance 100. In additional embodiments, the dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned in other locations, such as one or more components of the dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned in one of the side walls 110 of the tub 104 (e.g., may be accessible through the sidewall of the tub and may extend outward from the sidewall of the tub) or above the tub 104, e.g., in communication with the tub 104 through a top wall or ceiling of the tub 104, e.g., at the top 107 of the tub 104. In various embodiments, the dispensing assembly 202 may be entirely in the same location or may be located partially in one area of the dishwashing appliance 100 and partially in another area of the dishwashing appliance 100, such as part of the dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned next to the tub 104 and other components of the dispensing assembly 202 may be positioned above the tub 104.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cartridge receiver 204 may advantageously be positioned in a convenient location, e.g., relatively close to an area in which a user accessing the dishwashing appliance 100, and the dispensing assembly 202 in particular, is likely to stand, e.g., in front of the dishwashing appliance 100 and around the door 116 while the door 116 is in the closed position (such as when the pod receiver 204 is accessible from a front, external surface of the door 116) or the horizontal open position (in embodiments such as the illustrated example embodiment where the pod receiver 204 is accessible from a back, internal surface of the door 116, such surface facing generally upwards along the vertical direction V when the door 116 is in the open position). Thus, the cartridge receiver 204 may be located to promote ease of access for a user to add a cartridge 250 or remove a cartridge 250 from the cartridge receiver 204. For example, the cartridge receiver 204 may be located in an upper portion, e.g., upper half or third, etc., of the door 116 in order provide convenient access for a user reaching the cartridge receiver 204 while the door 116 is in the open position or a partially open position (such as the intermediate partially open position illustrated in FIG. 2). As another example, the cartridge receiver 204 may be located close to the front opening 114, such as in a front portion, e.g., front half, third, etc., of the tub 104 (such as when the cartridge receiver 204 is located in one of the side walls 110 or the top wall).

[0054] The dispensing assembly 202 may be in fluid communication with the tub, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the dispensing assembly 202 may include a discharge port 212 through which additive from the cartridge 250 may flow to the wash chamber 106 from the dispensing assembly 202. For example, the discharge port 212 may be defined in and through an inner surface of the door 116, one of the side walls 110, or other suitable location into the wash chamber 106 within the tub 104.

[0055] Each cartridge 250 may contain one or more chemicals or additives for washing or otherwise treating articles in the dishwashing appliance 100 and/or the interior (e.g., wash chamber 106 and the walls which define the wash chamber 106) of the dishwashing appliance itself. For example, the additives provided in the cartridges may be or may include one or more detergents, such as an enzyme-based detergent in one compartment of a cartridge and a chlorine or other bleach based detergent in another compartment of the same cartridge or in a different cartridge. As another example, the additives provided in the cartridges may be or may include a non-ionizing surfactant and/or other possible additives such as various cleaning and/or treating chemistries.

[0056] In some embodiments, the removable cartridge 250 may be configured to hold multiple distinct additives, such as the removable cartridge 250 may include two or more separate compartments, each configured to hold a different additive. Different additives may also be provided in separate cartridges 250 that can be used together, e.g., simultaneously received in the cartridge receiver 204, such as may permit mixing and matching of various treatment chemistries, e.g., selecting one detergent cartridge from a plurality of detergent cartridges in combination with a selected one rinse aid cartridge from a plurality of rinse aid cartridges, or other similar combinations of different chemistries which may be used together in some cycles but not others, or to permit replenishing only one additive at a time. The dispensing assembly 202 may further include a selector device configured to select which compartment of the removable cartridge 250 to draw from, or which removable cartridge out of multiple simultaneously installed cartridges 250 to draw from. For example, the selector device may be a diverter assembly 208. As is understood in the art, the diverter assembly 208 generally includes multiple inlets, each inlet corresponding to a respective transport conduit 206 (only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 4 for simplicity and clarity), and a single outlet. A selected one of the multiple inlets may be placed in fluid communication with the single outlet from the diverter assembly 208 based on a position of the diverter. The diverter may be, for example, a diverter disk with an aperture defined through the disk. By rotating the diverter disk to align the aperture with a selected one of the multiple inlets, the desired additive may be permitted to flow from the compartment in the removable cartridge 250 (or from one cartridge out of multiple cartridges) into the wash chamber 106 through the discharge port 212. Accordingly, the diverter assembly 208 may be generally similar to the diverter 156 mentioned above, although in reverse where the diverter 156 includes a single inlet and multiple outlets. Although not specifically illustrated, the dispensing assembly 202 may also include a pump, such as a dosing pump or metering pump, which urges the additive from the removable cartridge 250 to the discharge port 212, such as through the diverter assembly 208. Such pumps are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and, as such, are not illustrated or described in further detail herein for the sake of brevity and clarity.

[0057] The dispensing assembly 202 may include, in serial flow order, the cartridge receiver 204, a transport conduit 206, the diverter assembly 208 (in some embodiments, the pump may be integrated into the diverter assembly 208), a discharge conduit 210 coupled to the outlet of the diverter assembly 208, and the discharge port 212.

[0058] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the cartridge 250 may include a check valve 252. The check valve 252 may be normally closed, e.g., may be urged to or towards a closed position which prevents or obstructs liquid flow out of the cartridge 250 by a biasing element such as a spring 253. The dispensing assembly may include an actuator 214. The actuator 214 may be positioned and configured to engage the check valve 252 when the cartridge 250 is inserted into the cartridge receiver 204. For example, the actuator 214 may be positioned in or at an inlet 216 in the cartridge receiver 204, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, when the cartridge 250 is received in the cartridge receiver 204, the actuator 214 may engage the check valve 252 and move the check valve 252 from the closed position (FIG. 5) to the open position (FIG. 6). Once the check valve 252 is open, additive may then flow from the cartridge 250 into the dispensing assembly 202, e.g., as indicated by arrows 1000 in FIG. 6. The check valve 252 may be provided in any suitable form, such as a plunger style check valve as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, or a duckbill style check valve, etc. Accordingly, the check valve 252 may prevent liquids, e.g., additive, escaping from the cartridge 250, such as when the cartridge 250 is packaged and transported and otherwise prior to the cartridge 250 being received in the dispensing assembly 202, thereby reducing or preventing wasted additive or messes caused by additive flowing to undesired places (generally, any place outside of the dispensing assembly and/or any time other than during a cycle or operation of the dishwashing appliance 100) from the cartridge 250.

[0059] In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7, the dispensing assembly 202 may include a door 218 movably coupled to the cartridge receiver 204. The door 218 may be coupled to the cartridge receiver 204, e.g., by a hinge. The door 218 may be movable, e.g., rotatable, pivotable, translatable, and/or slidable, between an open position which permits access to the cartridge receiver 204, such as for inserting or removing a cartridge 250, and a closed position in which the door 218 at least partially encloses and retains the cartridge 250 in the cartridge receiver 204. The door 218 may be held in the closed position, e.g., by a latch, such as a push to open latch, a latch with an actuating lever attached thereto, or other similar latching mechanism such as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0060] FIG. 8 provides an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary cartridge receiver 204 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As may be seen in FIG. 8, the dispensing assembly 202 may include one or more inlets 216 in the cartridge receiver 204. In embodiments where more than one inlet 216 is provided, each inlet 216 may be positioned and configured to couple with a respective outlet of the cartridge 250 when the cartridge 250 is installed in the cartridge receiver 204. For example, each inlet 216 may be coupled with a respective inlet of the diverter assembly 208 and each inlet 216 may be positioned within the cartridge receiver 204 such that the inlet 216 aligns with a specific outlet of a plurality of outlets in the cartridge 250, such that each inlet 216 receives a different additive from a different outlet of the cartridge 250. For example, each outlet of the cartridge 250 may extend from one compartment in a multi-compartment cartridge, such that the specific additive from the compartment is provided to the respective outlet from the cartridge 250. Thus, the dispensing assembly 202 may include a plurality of inlets 216 in the dispensing assembly 202, such as in the cartridge receiver 204. In such embodiments, each inlet 216 of the plurality of inlets 216 may be configured to couple to a corresponding outlet of the removable cartridge 250. In some embodiments, the plurality of inlets 216 may be arranged asymmetrically within the dispensing assembly 202, e.g., within the cartridge receiver 204. For example, the plurality of inlets 216 may be provided in a linear array, e.g., in a straight line row, and the individual inlets 216 may be unequally spaced along the linear array.

[0061] FIG. 9 provides a front perspective view of an exemplary removable cartridge 250 which may be received in the dispensing assembly 202 and FIG. 10 provides a bottom perspective view of the exemplary cartridge 250. In some embodiments, the cartridge 250 may include more than one compartment, such as two or more compartments, e.g., two compartmentsa first compartment 254 and a second compartment 256as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The internal volume of each compartment 254, 256 may be sized to hold an amount of additive for multiple cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100, such as enough detergent for fifty wash cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100 in one of the compartments.

[0062] The compartments in each cartridge may vary in size, such as one compartment may have a larger internal volume than another compartment in the same cartridge. Such compartments may be sized in proportion to the relative frequency of use of each additive for the respective compartment. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first compartment 254 may be larger than the second compartment 256, such as twice as large or more, such as three times as large or more, such as four times as large or more. Thus, for example, the first compartment 254 may be configured for a more frequently used additive or an additive that is used in a larger quantity per cycle, e.g., detergent such as a mild or dilute detergent, and the second compartment 256 may be configured for a less frequently used additive or an additive that is used in smaller volumes in each cycle, such as a stronger and/or more concentrated detergent. In additional examples, the first compartment may contain a first additive which may be any suitable additive as described herein, e.g., detergent, and the second compartment may contain a second additive which may be any other such additive, e.g., a non-ionizing surfactant or other non-detergent additive. Similarly, when separate cartridges are provided, each separate cartridge may have a distinct size and/or shape based on the type of additive (e.g., detergent or other additive) within each separate cartridge. For example, such distinct sizes and/or shapes of separate cartridges may follow the same proportions and/or numbers of separate cartridges described herein with respect to any of the multi-compartment cartridge embodiments.

[0063] Where the sizes, e.g., internal volumes, of the compartments (or multiple separate cartridges) are proportional to the amount and/or frequency of use for the respective additive, the cartridge 250 as a whole (or the multiple separate cartridges collectively) may thus be suitable for multiple cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100. For example, the cartridge 250 may contain, in total across both or all of the multiple compartments, enough additive for multiple cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100, such as fifty cycles, or one hundred cycles, or more. For example, using a cartridge sized for one hundred cycles for purposes of illustration, if a typical use of the dishwashing appliance 100 calls for a first additive in eighty percent of all cycles and a second additive in twenty percent of all cycles, the cartridge may thus include a first compartment for the first additive which is four times the size of a second compartment for the second additive (assuming, for the sake of simplicity in this example, that an equivalent volume of each additive is used in the respective cycles), such that the first compartment contains an amount of the first additive sufficient for eighty cycles and the second compartment contains an amount of the second additive that is sufficient for twenty cycles, providing a total of one hundred cycles per cartridge. As another example, if the first additive is relatively mild or less concentrated and the second additive is more concentrated and/or is stronger (e.g., a more reactive chemistry), such that about twice as much of the first additive is used in each cycle as the second additive (in this example, assuming for the sake of simplicity that both additives are used in each cycle or with equal frequency among the total number of cycles), the cartridge may thus include a first compartment for the first additive which is twice the size of a second compartment for the second additive.

[0064] In some embodiments, the removable cartridge 250 may be refillable. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the compartment (or each compartment in embodiments where two or more compartments are provided) may be selectively enclosed by a lid 262. For example, the lid 262 may be hinged such that the lid 262 moves to an open position in which the additive within the corresponding compartment 254 may be replaced or replenished. The lid 262 may be transparent or at least partially transparent, e.g., a window may be provided in the lid 262, such that the amount of additive remaining in the respective compartment may be visible from outside the cartridge 250 while the lid 262 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 10, the cartridge 250 may include multiple lids, one lid for each compartment, such as a first lid 262 for the first compartment 254 and a second lid 264 for the second compartment 256.

[0065] As may be seen, e.g., in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cartridge 250 may include an outlet from each compartment, such as a first outlet 274 from the first compartment 254 and a second outlet 276 from the second compartment 256. Each outlet may be configured to align with a respective inlet 216 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) in the cartridge receiver 204 when the cartridge 250 is installed in the cartridge receiver 204. The outlets 274, 276 may be asymmetrically arranged on the cartridge 250 in order to provide a poka-yoke connection whereby the cartridge 250 may only be installed in the cartridge receiver 204 in a single orientation. Thus, each compartment 254, 256 in the cartridge 250 may consistently be connected to a specific inlet 216 for the particular chemical additive to be stored in the compartment. In some embodiments, the cartridge 250 may include additional or other poka-yoke features, such as the overall shape of the cartridge 250 may be asymmetrical, e.g., a corner of the cartridge 250 may be chamfered or filleted, etc. The outlets from the cartridge 250 are generally positioned at the bottom of the cartridge 250, such as at the lowest point on the cartridge 250 when the cartridge 250 is installed in the dispensing assembly 202 (e.g., and the door 116 is in the closed position, in embodiments where the cartridge receiver 204 is positioned in the door 116). In some embodiments, the outlets from the cartridge 250 may be oriented horizontally, e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V, and back (e.g., towards the back side of the cartridge), as illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. In additional embodiments, the outlets may be oriented in any suitable direction, such as generally straight down along the vertical direction V.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the cartridge 250 may not be refillable, e.g., may be a single use cartridge (where the single use of the cartridge 250 may correspond to multiple cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100, however, the cartridge 250 itself is only usable once and is wholly replaced after the multiple cycles). In such embodiments, the compartments in the cartridge may be fully enclosed (with the exception of the respective outlet from each compartment) and sealed. For example, each compartment in the cartridge 250 may comprise a single piece of material (at least in the finished form, e.g., the single piece of material may be formed by joining multiple pieces together at one or more seams where the finished product provides a single enclosure) with only one opening, at the respective outlet from the compartment.

[0067] In some embodiments, the compartments may be formed of a flexible material. In such embodiments, each compartment may be similar to a balloon or a flexible bladder filled with the additive. As the additive is drawn out of each compartment, the flexible material may compress or collapse. In other embodiments, where the compartment is or compartments are formed of a more rigid material, an air inlet may be provided to avoid creating a negative pressure within the compartment as the additive is pumped out from the compartment. The air inlet may be positioned at the upper portion of the cartridge 250 when the cartridge 250 is installed in the cartridge receiver 204. The air inlet may be punctured when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge receiver 204, such as by a protrusion in the cartridge receiver 204. A filter may be provided in the air inlet which permits air to slowly permeate through the filter while preventing liquid (e.g., additive) from getting out of the compartment through the filter at the air inlet, such that air may be drawn into the compartment as the additive is pumped out and a negative pressure is thereby avoided. In some embodiments, a negative pressure in the compartment may also or instead be avoided by reversing the pump to urge air into the compartment, thereby filling the internal volume of the compartment previously occupied by the additive.

[0068] In embodiments where the cartridge 250 is not refillable, e.g., where the compartments of the cartridge are fully enclosed and sealed other than via each respective outlet, the cartridge may include specialized or custom additive chemicals for one or more specific cycles of the dishwashing appliance 100. For example, where the amount and type of each additive in each compartment is known because the compartments are sealed and cannot be opened to refill and reuse, the operation of the dishwashing appliance may be fine tuned to optimize the performance of the cycle using the known type and/or quantity of additive in each compartment of the proprietary cartridge. For instance, one or more operating parameters such as a volume or temperature of water may be customized or fine-tuned for the specific known additives in the non-refillable cartridge.

[0069] In various embodiments, any suitable number of compartments (or separate cartridges) and corresponding additives may be provided. As discussed above, the example cartridge 250 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 includes two compartments. In additional embodiments, the cartridge 250 may include more than two compartments, such as three compartments, or four compartments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 12, or more. While FIG. 12 illustrates four non-refillable compartments and FIGS. 9-11 illustrate two refillable compartments, these illustrations are by way of example only and the number and type (refillable or sealed) of compartments may be provided in various combinations, such as more than two refillable compartments, only two non-refillable compartments, among numerous other possible variations and combinations.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12, some embodiments of the cartridge 250 may include a first compartment 254, a second compartment 256, a third compartment 258, and a fourth compartment 260. Each compartment is connected to a single corresponding outlet, e.g., the cartridge in such embodiments includes four outlets, a first outlet 274 connected to the first compartment 254, a second outlet 276 connected to the second compartment 256, a third outlet 278 connected to the third compartment 258, and a fourth outlet 280 connected to the fourth compartment 260. As noted above, the exemplary dispensing assembly may be usable with various cartridges. Thus, for example, the cartridge of FIGS. 9-11 includes the same number and relative position of outlets as the cartridge of FIG. 12, such that either cartridge fits into the cartridge receiver 204 in the same way and such various cartridges may be readily interchanged. Thus, the exemplary cartridge 250 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 may include one or more dummy outlets or blind outlets which are not fluidly connected to any compartment and are provided simply to match the inlets 216 in the cartridge receiver (e.g., to promote alignment of the cartridge when installed in the pod receiver 204), or more than one outlet may be connected to the same compartment to provide the same additive from multiple outlets. In additional embodiments, the cartridge may include only as many outlets as compartments, e.g., two outlets for two compartments, such that not all of the inlets 216 in the cartridge receiver 204 are used when there are more inlets 216 than compartments in the particular cartridge 250. Whichever outlets are provided in the cartridge 250 may be positioned and oriented to each align with one corresponding inlet 216, e.g., the outlets may be spaced apart from each other by the same distance as the corresponding inlets 216 in the cartridge receiver 204, in an asymmetrical manner to ensure the correct outlet is coupled to the desired inlet 216.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure include dishwashing appliances and additive dispensing systems for such appliances. In some embodiments, the additive dispensing system may be configured for use with multiple independent additive cartridges in a single cartridge receiver of the dispensing system. A single additive cartridge may contain multiple internal volume for multiple chemistries, and/or multiple separate cartridges may be used together in combination to provide two or more different chemistriesat least one chemistry in each of the multiple separate cartridges. The cartridge receiver may accept either disposable cartridges or refillable cartridges.

[0072] Turning now to FIG. 13, embodiments of the present disclosure may also include methods of operating, e.g., dispensing an additive in, a dishwashing appliance such as the exemplary method 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13. For example, such methods may be used with dishwashing appliance 100, but are not limited to this particular dishwashing appliances. Accordingly, it is to be understood that reference numerals for dishwashing appliance 100 and components thereof are included in the description of method 1300 solely for purposes of illustration and by way of example only.

[0073] As illustrated at 1310 in FIG. 13, method 1300 may include receiving a removable cartridge in a dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance. The removable cartridge may contain an additive and the dispensing assembly may be in fluid communication with the tub of the dishwashing appliance. In some embodiments, receiving the removable cartridge in the dispensing assembly may include coupling each outlet of a plurality of outlets in the removable cartridge with a corresponding inlet of a plurality of inlets in the dispensing assembly.

[0074] As illustrated at 1320 in FIG. 13, method 1300 may also include initiating an operation of the dishwashing appliance. The operation of the dishwashing appliance may be any suitable operation or cycle which uses one or more chemical additives, such as a washing cycle or a self-clean cycle, or other such cycles of the dishwashing appliance.

[0075] As illustrated at 1330 in FIG. 13, method 1300 may further include dispensing the additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the operation of the dishwashing appliance. For example, the dispensing assembly may be in fluid communication with the tub by a discharge port of the dispensing assembly, and (1330) dispensing the additive may include pumping the additive from the removable cartridge through the dispensing assembly and out of the discharge port into the wash chamber of the tub.

[0076] In some embodiments, the operation of the dishwashing appliance may be a first operation and the additive may be a first additive. Such embodiments may further include initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance and dispensing a second additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

[0077] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly may be usable with multiple different cartridges for different cycles. For example, in some embodiments, the operation of the dishwashing appliance may be a first operation, the removable cartridge may be a first removable cartridge, and the additive may be a first additive. In such embodiments, exemplary methods may further include receiving a second removable cartridge in the dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance after the first operation, initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance, and dispensing a second additive from the second removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cartridge may be refillable. For example, the operation of the dishwashing appliance may be a first operation, and exemplary methods may further include removing the removable cartridge from the dispensing assembly of the dishwashing appliance, refilling the removable cartridge, replacing the removable cartridge in the dishwashing appliance, initiating a second operation of the dishwashing appliance, and dispensing the additive from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly during the second operation.

[0079] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly may include a diverter assembly. In such embodiments, the removable cartridge may include a first compartment containing the additive and a second compartment containing a distinct additive. Also in such embodiments, exemplary methods may further include selecting an outlet of the removable cartridge with the diverter. The selected outlet may be in fluid communication with the first compartment, whereby the additive is dispensed from the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly and the diverter assembly during the operation of the dishwashing appliance. In such embodiments, exemplary methods may further include selecting a second outlet of the removable cartridge with the diverter. The second outlet may be in fluid communication with the second compartment. The exemplary method may also include dispensing the second additive from the second compartment of the removable cartridge to the wash chamber via the dispensing assembly and the diverter assembly.

[0080] 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.