US20200131687A1

US20200131687A1 - Scent dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance

Info

Publication number: US20200131687A1
Application number: US16/171,603
Authority: US
Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright; Alexander Kopf-Moore; Alexander B. Leibman
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-26
Filing date: 2018-10-26
Publication date: 2020-04-30

Abstract

A scent dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance includes a scent dispensing box defining a reservoir for receiving a scented material, such as aromatic oil. An ultrasonic diffuser may be mounted to a bottom of the scent dispensing box for generating a flow of scented vapor from the scented material which may pass into the wash chamber through an aperture in the scent dispensing box. The flow of scented vapor may be drawn into the wash chamber by spinning the wash basket to generate air circulation. In addition, a fan may be fluidly coupled with the reservoir for urging the flow of scented vapor into the wash chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to integrated scent dispensing assemblies for washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, and an agitation element is rotatably mounted within the wash basket. Washing machine appliances are typically equipped to operate in one or more modes or cycles, such as wash, rinse, and spin cycles. For example, during a wash or rinse cycle, the wash fluid is directed into the wash tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. In addition, the wash basket and/or the agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate or impart motion to articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from the articles, etc.
In certain situations, it may be desirable to improve the scent of clothes or other articles removed from the washing machine after a wash cycle. For example, sometimes consumers prefer not to place certain garments into the dryer, e.g., to prevent shrinking, excessive wear, and colors fading over time. However, conventional methods of adding scent to clean clothes are typically performed in a dryer appliance, e.g., such as placing dryer sheets or other additives within the drying chamber. In addition, washing machine appliances may frequently generate mildew or a musty smell due to the constant presence of water and wet articles of clothing within the wash tub.
Accordingly, a washing machine appliance including features for improving the scent of washed articles would be useful. More specifically, a system and method for introducing scent into the wash tub and onto articles of clothing after a spin cycle would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub for receiving of a load of articles for washing. A scent dispensing box defines a reservoir for receiving a scented material, the scent dispensing box being in fluid communication with the wash chamber such that a flow of scented vapor is drawn into the wash chamber as the wash basket spins.
In another exemplary embodiment, a scent dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within cabinet and defining a wash chamber, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The scent dispensing assembly includes a scent dispensing box defining a reservoir for receiving a scented material, the scent dispensing box being in fluid communication with the wash chamber, a scented material positioned within the reservoir for generating a flow of scented vapor, and a fan fluidly coupled with the reservoir for urging the flow of scented vapor into the wash chamber.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a primary dispenser including a scent dispensing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary scent dispensing assembly of FIG. 4 according to example embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary primary dispenser and scent dispensing assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the exemplary primary dispenser of FIG. 4 with the scent dispensing assembly in an extended or open position.

FIG. 8 provides a side schematic view of the exemplary scent dispensing assembly of FIG. 4.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. Specifically, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of washing machine appliance 100 in a closed and an open position, respectively. FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, it should be appreciated that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. It will be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable washing machine appliance, such as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. Indeed, modifications and variations may be made to washing machine appliance 100, including different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 104 and a bottom portion 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) and a second side (right) along the lateral direction L, and between a front and a rear along the transverse direction T. As best shown in FIG. 3, a wash tub 108 is positioned within cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 110, and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a primary dispenser 112 (FIG. 2) for dispensing wash fluid into wash tub 108. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles during an operating cycle and may include any combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other wash additives or treatments.
In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a wash basket 114 that is positioned within wash tub 108 and generally defines an opening 116 for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 114 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 108 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a horizontal axis or front load washing machine appliance as well. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.
As illustrated, cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 118. Top panel 118 defines an opening (FIG. 2) that coincides with opening 116 of wash basket 114 to permit a user access to wash basket 114. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a door 120 which is rotatably mounted to top panel 118 to permit selective access to opening 116. In particular, door 120 selectively rotates between the closed position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) and the open position (as shown in FIG. 2). In the closed position, door 120 inhibits access to wash basket 114. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 114. A window 122 in door 120 permits viewing of wash basket 114 when door 120 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 120 also includes a handle 124 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 120. Further, although door 120 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 118, door 120 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 102 or any other suitable support.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, wash basket 114 further defines a plurality of perforations 126 to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash basket 114 and wash tub 108. In this regard, wash basket 114 is spaced apart from wash tub 108 to define a space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber 110. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles of clothing and within wash chamber 110 is urged through perforations 126 wherein it may collect in a sump 128 defined by wash tub 108. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a pump assembly 130 (FIG. 3) that is located beneath wash tub 108 and wash basket 114 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 108.
An impeller or agitation element 132 (FIG. 3), such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed in wash basket 114 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash basket 114. More specifically, agitation element 132 extends into wash basket 114 and assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 114 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, agitation element 132 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 3, agitation element 132 and wash basket 114 are oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V).
As best illustrated in FIG. 3, washing machine appliance 100 includes a drive assembly 138 in mechanical communication with wash basket 114 to selectively rotate wash basket 114 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, drive assembly 138 may also be in mechanical communication with agitation element 132. In this manner, drive assembly 138 may be configured for selectively rotating or oscillating wash basket 114 and/or agitation element 132 during various operating cycles of washing machine appliance 100.
More specifically, drive assembly 138 may generally include one or more of a drive motor 140 and a transmission assembly 142, e.g., such as a clutch assembly, for engaging and disengaging wash basket 114 and/or agitation element 132. According to the illustrated embodiment, drive motor 140 is a brushless DC electric motor, e.g., a pancake motor. However, according to alternative embodiments, drive motor 140 may be any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motor 140 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of motor. In addition, drive assembly 138 may include any other suitable number, types, and configurations of support bearings or drive mechanisms.
Referring still to FIGS. 1 through 3, a control panel 150 with at least one input selector 152 (FIG. 1) extends from top panel 118. Control panel 150 and input selector 152 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 154 of control panel 150 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.
Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 156 that is operatively coupled to control panel 150 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 150, controller 156 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 156 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 156 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 150 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 156 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 114 through opening 116, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 152. Wash basket 114 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via primary dispenser 112. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 108 and wash basket 114 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 114 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 114 can be agitated (e.g., with agitation element 132 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 114.
More specifically, referring again to FIG. 3, a water fill process will be described according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 includes a water supply conduit 160 that provides fluid communication between a water supply source 162 (such as a municipal water supply) and a discharge nozzle 164 for directing a flow of water into wash chamber 110. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a water fill valve or water control valve 166 which is operably coupled to water supply conduit 160 and communicatively coupled to controller 156. In this manner, controller 156 may regulate the operation of water control valve 166 to regulate the amount of water within wash tub 108. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 may include one or more pressure sensors 170 for detecting the amount of water and or clothes within wash tub 108. For example, pressure sensor 170 may be operably coupled to a side of tub 108 for detecting the weight of wash tub 108, which controller 156 may use to determine a volume of water in wash chamber 110 and a subwasher load weight.
After wash tub 108 is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 114 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 130. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 114 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element 132 may again provide agitation within wash basket 114. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 114 is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations 126. After articles disposed in wash basket 114 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 114, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 114 through opening 116.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 8, a scent dispensing assembly 200 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Scent dispensing assembly 200 may be used with washing machine appliance 100, e.g., as a part of primary dispenser 112 described above. In addition, scent dispensing assembly 200 may be used in other washing machine appliances, including both vertical and horizontal axis washing machine appliances. As described in detail below, scent dispensing assembly 200 includes features for generating a flow of scented vapor which may pass into the wash chamber for improving the smell of washing machine appliance 100 and articles of clothing washed therein.
As illustrated, scent dispensing assembly 200 includes a scent dispensing box 202 that defines a reservoir 204 for receiving a scented material 206 (e.g., see FIG. 8). Specifically, scent dispensing box 202 is illustrated as being a separate compartment within primary dispenser 112 (as described above). In this regard, primary dispenser 112 may include a detergent reservoir 208 for receiving detergent, fabric softener, or any other suitable wash fluid, and reservoir 204 may be positioned adjacent detergent reservoir 208. In addition, primary dispenser 112 may be slidably mounted in a housing 210 which is mounted to a bottom side of top panel 118. In this manner, a user may slide primary dispenser 112 out of housing 210 for refilling detergent in detergent reservoir 208 and adding or refreshing scented material 206 in reservoir 204.
Although scent dispensing assembly 200 and scent dispensing box 202 are illustrated herein as being integrated with primary dispenser 112, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments scent dispensing assembly 200 may be positioned at any other suitable location within washing machine appliance 100. For example, scent dispensing box 202 may be mounted on a front panel of cabinet 102 or may be mounted underneath top panel 118 such that it is accessible only by a pivoting door mounted to top panel 118. In addition, it should be appreciated that primary dispenser 112 may include additional compartments, flow regulating features, and features for improved scent dispersion or detergent dispensing.
As used herein, “scented material” is intended to refer to any product, material, or composition which is positioned within scent dispensing box 202 for generating a fragrance, aromatic vapors, etc. when a flow of air (indicated herein by reference numeral 212) passes through scent dispensing box 202 or otherwise interacts with the fragrant additive or scented material. According to an exemplary embodiment, scented material 206 is aromatic oil that is poured into scent dispensing box 202. In addition, scented material 206 may further include antimicrobial properties for reducing the build-up of mildew, mold, etc. Although illustrated as a liquid, scented material 206 alternatively may be a bar of soap, scented pellets, aroma beads, or other liquid or non-liquid scented materials that generate a fresh, desired scent within the flow of scented vapor 212. The present subject matter is not intended to be limited to any particular type or scent of the scented material 202.
As best shown in FIG. 5, scent dispensing box 202 may include a bottom wall 220, a front wall 222, a rear wall 224, and two sidewalls 226 which collectively define reservoir 204. In this manner, scented material 206 may be in the form of a fluid which is poured into reservoir 204. More specifically, reservoir 204 may be filled to a max fill line 230 (e.g., see FIG. 8), and may have sufficient aroma lifetime to last through many cycles of washing machine appliance 100. Thus, a user need only periodically refresh or replace scented material 206 to maintain a consistently fresh smell within washing machine appliance 100 and clothes washed therein.
According to an exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 220 may further define a hole 232 within which an ultrasonic diffuser 234 is mounted or operably coupled. Ultrasonic diffuser 234 may generally be configured for vaporizing a portion of scented material 206 to facilitate the generation of the flow of scented vapor 212. In this regard, for example, ultrasonic diffuser 234 may be a device which includes a plate that vibrates at a very high frequency, thereby generating ultrasonic vibrations or soundwaves which agitate or energize scented material 206 to cause the generation of scented vapors or mist which is incorporated into the flow of scented vapor 212. Although an exemplary ultrasonic diffuser is illustrated, it should be appreciated that any suitable device for generating a vapor from scented material 206 may be used according to alternative embodiments.
As best shown in FIG. 8, bottom wall 220 may be slanted toward hole 232 such that scented material 206 has a tendency to flow towards and remain in contact with ultrasonic diffuser 234. In addition, scent dispensing box 202 may include one or more apertures 236, e.g., defined in front wall 222, to provide fluid communication between reservoir 204 and wash chamber 110. In this manner, the flow of scented vapor 212 may be drawn into wash chamber 110 as wash basket 114 spins to introduce scent into articles of clothing positioned therein. Notably, according to the illustrated embodiment, aperture 236 is positioned above max fill line 230 to prevent scented material 206 from flowing into wash chamber 110.
In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, washing machine appliance 100 includes an air circulation device that is generally configured for urging the flow of scented vapor 212 through the reservoir 204 and into wash chamber 110. Specifically, as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8, scent dispensing assembly 200 may include a fan 240 mounted to scent dispensing box 202 for urging the flow of scented vapor 212 through reservoir 204. Specifically, fan 240 may be an axial fan mounted to rear wall 224 of scent dispensing box 202. In addition, rear wall 224 may define a cutout 242 for receiving fan 240 within the limited vertical space provided by housing 210. Thus, during operation of scent dispensing assembly 200, fan 240 may generate the flow of scented vapor 212 which may pass through reservoir 204 and into wash chamber 110 through aperture 236 to provide a distinct aroma to clothing articles positioned therein. According to alternative embodiments, fan 240 could instead be mounted to rear of housing 210 and may direct air through cutout 242 and the flow of scented vapor 212 through reservoir and into wash chamber 110.
Notably, according to various embodiments of the present subject matter, reservoir 204 may have any suitable size, configuration, and position within cabinet 102. In addition, fan 240 may generally be any air circulation device that is configured for generating a flow of air. However, it should be appreciated that the embodiments illustrated and described herein are only used to describe exemplary aspects of the present subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Indeed, other means for circulating air through reservoir 204 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.
For example, although fan 240 is described as urging the flow of scented vapor 212, it should be appreciated that fan 240 may be any other suitable component within washing machine appliance 100 that generates a flow of air sufficient to entrain scent from scented material 206. For example, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter, fan 240 may be wash basket 114 which has a natural tendency to circulate air as it spins. In this manner, the speed of wash basket 114 may be regulated to a speed desirable for entraining scent or fragrance from scented material 206 positioned within reservoir 204.
Notably, in certain situations it may be desirable to prevent or regulate the introduction of scent or smells into wash chamber 110. For example, it is frequently desirable to introduce smells only during the final stages of a wash cycle, e.g., after a spin cycle when most of the water has been extracted from the clothes. Therefore, washing machine appliance 100 may include various flow regulating features for controlling the flow of scented vapor 212 and/or closing off reservoir 204 when the introduction of such scents is not desired or should be limited. Several exemplary flow regulating features are described below, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, scent dispensing assembly 200 may include one or more louvres 250 pivotally mounted over aperture 236 for regulating the flow of scented vapor 212 into wash chamber 110. In this manner, the position of louvres 250 may be regulated to selectively adjust the scent strength for particular condition or upon user request. In this regard, for example, a user may select a strong scent setting (such that louvres 250 are fully open), a mild scent setting (such that louvres 250 are partially open), a no scent setting (such that louvres 250 are fully closed), or any other suitable position there between.
According to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, louvres 250 include a single pivoting member is operably coupled to a motor (not shown). However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, louvres 250 may comprise any other suitable flow regulating device, such as a valve, a flap, a pivoting door, etc. The motor coupled to such flow regulating devices may be regulated by a controller, e.g., such as controller 156, to generate the desired strength of the flow of scented vapor 212 within wash chamber 110.
In addition, referring briefly to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, scent dispensing assembly 200 may further include one or more baffles 260 positioned within reservoir 204 for containing scented material 206 and/or directing the flow of scented vapor 212 throughout reservoir 204. Baffles 260 may prevent splashing of scented material 206, may prevent scented material 206 from reaching front wall 222 of scent dispensing box 202, and may define one or more recesses 262 to permit or direct the flow of scented vapor 212. For example, as illustrated, baffle 260 extends from bottom wall 220 of scent dispensing box 202 upward along the vertical direction V to housing 210 such that the entire flow of scented vapor 212 may be directed through recess 262 defined in baffle 260. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, baffles 260 may define any other suitable flow pattern, such as a zigzag or serpentine pattern, or may be removed from scent dispensing assembly 200 altogether.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, a side schematic view of a scent dispensing assembly 200 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. In addition, FIG. 8 schematically depicts the path of the flow of scented vapor 212 through reservoir 204. It should be appreciated that modifications and variations may be made to this exemplary configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. As shown, fan 240 generates a flow of air which entrains vapor generated from the scented material 206 to create the flow of scented vapor 212. The flow of scented vapor 212 may pass generally along a surface of scented material 206, over or around baffle 260, through aperture 236 in front wall 222, and into wash chamber 110.
Notably, controller 156 may be configured for regulating the speed of fan 240 and or the speed of wash basket 114 to generate the desired flow of air and scented vapor 212 within scent dispensing assembly 200 and wash chamber 110. In this regard, for example, it may be desirable to rotate wash basket 114 slower than it spins during the spin cycle to reduce turbulence and better entrains scent from scented material 206 into the flow of scented vapor 212. In addition, a slower spin speed may improve dispersion of the flow of scented vapor 212 throughout wash chamber 110. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, after completion of the spin cycle when the most water has been removed from the clothing, controller 156 may operate drive motor 140 to spin the wash basket 110 at a “scent introduction speed” which is less than the spin speed used during a spin cycle. Other variations and modifications to the operation of fan 240 and/or wash basket 114 to facilitate improved scent distribution within the articles of clothing and within wash basket 114 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub for receiving of a load of articles for washing; and

a scent dispensing box defining a reservoir for receiving a scented material, the scent dispensing box being in fluid communication with the wash chamber such that a flow of scented vapor is drawn into the wash chamber as the wash basket spins.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

an ultrasonic diffuser operably coupled to the scent dispensing box for generating the flow of scented vapor from the scented material.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the scent dispensing box comprises a bottom wall defining a hole, the ultrasonic diffuser being mounted to the scent dispensing box under the hole.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a fan mounted to the scent dispensing box for urging the flow of scented vapor through the reservoir.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the fan comprises an axial fan positioned at a rear of the scent dispensing box.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein one or more baffles are positioned within the reservoir for directing the flow of scented vapor.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the scent dispensing box defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the wash chamber.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, wherein the aperture is defined at a front of the scent dispensing box above the scented material along a vertical direction.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, further comprising:

one or more louvres pivotally mounted over the aperture for regulating the flow of scented vapor into the wash chamber.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the scented material is an antimicrobial liquid.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a top panel positioned over the wash tub and defining an opening for accessing the wash chamber; and

a primary dispenser positioned below the top panel proximate a rear of the washing machine appliance, wherein the scent dispensing box is positioned within the primary dispenser.

12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the primary dispenser is slidably mounted to the top panel, such that the scent dispensing box may be pulled out and refilled.

13. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a motor in mechanical communication with the wash basket, the motor being configured for selectively rotating the wash basket within the wash tub; and

a controller in operative communication with the motor, the controller being configured for:

operating the motor to spin the wash basket at a spin speed during a spin cycle; and

operating the motor to spin the wash basket at a scent introduction speed after the spin cycle, the scent introduction speed being less than the spin speed.

14. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a top load washing machine appliance.

15. A scent dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within cabinet and defining a wash chamber, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the scent dispensing assembly comprising:

a scent dispensing box defining a reservoir for receiving a scented material, the scent dispensing box being in fluid communication with the wash chamber;

a scented material positioned within the reservoir for generating a flow of scented vapor; and

a fan fluidly coupled with the reservoir for urging the flow of scented vapor into the wash chamber.

16. The scent dispensing assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

17. The scent dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the scent dispensing box comprises a bottom wall defining a hole, the ultrasonic diffuser being mounted to the scent dispensing box under the hole.

18. The scent dispensing assembly of claim 15, wherein one or more baffles are positioned within the reservoir for directing the flow of scented vapor.

19. The scent dispensing assembly of claim 15, wherein the scent dispensing box defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the wash chamber.

20. The scent dispensing assembly of claim 19, further comprising: