US20240068149A1

US20240068149A1 - Sprayer assembly for laundry appliance

Info

Publication number: US20240068149A1
Application number: US17/899,144
Authority: US
Inventors: Vaibhav A. Badabade; Dusan Heldak
Original assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Current assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2022-08-30
Publication date: 2024-02-29

Abstract

A laundry appliance includes a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub is disposed within a cabinet and a drum that is rotationally operable within the tub. The tub and the drum define a portion of the fluid path, and a sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the drum. The sprayer assembly includes a first wall including a water inlet conduit and a light housing, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a sidewall partially coupling the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and an outlet.

Description

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is generally in the field of laundry appliances, and, more specifically, a laundry appliance including a sprayer assembly that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub is disposed within a cabinet. A drum is rotationally operable within the tub. The tub and the drum define a portion of the fluid path, and a sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the drum. The sprayer assembly includes a first wall including a water inlet conduit and a light housing, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a sidewall partially coupling the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and an outlet. A first rib is disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall and the second wall. The first rib defines a water flow channel and a light guide that are each in communication with the outlet. The water flow channel is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and is fluidly sealed from the light guide.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a recirculating fluid flow system includes a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub having a bellows is disposed within a cabinet and defines a processing space. The fluid path includes at least a portion of the processing space. The tub has an outlet that directs the process fluid toward the fluid pump. A sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the processing space. The sprayer assembly includes a first wall, including a water inlet conduit and a light housing, and a second wall spaced from the first wall. A sidewall extends between the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and sprayer outlet in communication with the water inlet conduit and the light housing via the cavity. A rib is disposed within the cavity and extends between the first wall and the second wall. The rib separates the water flow channel from a light guide.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for an appliance includes a rigid housing. The rigid housing includes a first wall that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing, each extending therefrom, and a second wall spaced from the first wall. A sidewall extends between the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and an outlet. A first rib and a second rib are disposed within the cavity and extend between the first wall and the second wall. The first rib and the second rib define a water flow channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and the outlet, where the water flow channel is fluidly sealed from the light housing.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance, with the cabinet shown in dashed line, that incorporates an aspect of a sprayer assembly for a laundry appliance;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sprayer assembly incorporated into the appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sprayer assembly of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer assembly of FIG. 3 taken along line III-Ill in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another aspect of a sprayer assembly for a laundry appliance; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for producing and assembling a sprayer assembly for a laundry appliance according to aspects described herein.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a laundry appliance including a sprayer assembly that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , reference numeral 10 generally designates a sprayer assembly for a laundry appliance 12 that is used to spray process fluid 14 into a processing space 16 for treating various laundry items during operation of the laundry appliance 12. A fluid flow system, or recirculating fluid flow system 18, includes a fluid pump 20 that delivers the process fluid 14 through a fluid path 22 via a recirculation hose 23. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the sprayer assembly 10 is coupled to the recirculation hose 23. The sprayer assembly 10 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the recirculation hose 23 within the fluid path 22. A tub 24 is disposed within a cabinet 26 and a drum 28 is rotationally operable within the tub 24, thereby defining the processing space 16. The tub 24 and the drum 28 also define a portion of the fluid path 22. The sprayer assembly 10 is coupled with the tub 24 to direct the process fluid 14 into the processing space 16. As such, the fluid path 22 includes at least a portion of the processing space 16. Additionally, the tub 24 includes a tub outlet 30 that directs the process fluid 14 toward the fluid pump 20.
According to various aspects of the device, the recirculating fluid flow system 18 for the appliance 12 can be incorporated within any one of various appliances 12. These appliances 12 can include, but are not limited to, vertical axis appliances, horizontal axis appliances, washers, dryers, combination washers and dryers, dishwashers, small appliances, and other similar appliances that can utilize a recirculating fluid system.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , the sprayer assembly 10 includes a first wall 40 including a water inlet conduit 42 and a light housing 44 extending therefrom. A second wall 46 is spaced from the first wall 40. A sidewall 48 at least partially couples the first wall 40 and the second wall 46, thereby defining a cavity 50 and a sprayer outlet 52 of the sprayer assembly 10. As illustrated, a first rib 54 is disposed within the cavity 50 and extends between the first wall 40 and the second wall 46. The first rib 54 defines a water flow channel 56 and a light guide 58 that are each in communication with the sprayer outlet 52. The water flow channel 56 is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit 42 and is fluidly sealed from the light housing 44 and light guide 58.
Referring now to FIG. 1 , the laundry appliance 12 also includes a door 60 that selectively encloses an access opening 62 within the cabinet 26. The access opening 62 extends through the cabinet 26 and into the tub 24 and the processing space 16. In addition, the laundry appliance 12 typically includes a bellows 64 that is coupled to and extends between the tub 24 and the cabinet 26. Typically, the sprayer assembly 10 is disposed within or coupled with at least a portion of the bellows 64. In some aspects, the sprayer assembly 10 is received within an aperture of the bellows 64. The position of the sprayer assembly 10 is oriented to position the water flow channel 56 such that the process fluid 14 can be directed into the processing space 16. In some examples, the sprayer assembly 10 is positioned in a radially-offset position relative to the top of the drum 28. By way of example, and not limitation, the sprayer assembly 10 can be located from approximately a vertical position relative to the drum 28 to approximately 10 degrees from vertical, or approximately 30 degrees from vertical. Typically, the sprayer assembly 10 is oriented near a top portion 66 of the drum 28 and the access opening 62, but is not limited to such.
The bellows 64 can define a generally flexible member that operates to allow the tub 24 to vibrate within the cabinet 26 during operation of the laundry appliance 12. The bellows 64 provide a flexible interface between the tub 24 and the cabinet 26 to maintain a watertight seal within the processing space 16 of the tub 24. The sprayer assembly 10 may be generally stationary as the drum 28 rotates during operation of the laundry appliance 12. In some aspects, at least a portion of the second wall 46 of the sprayer assembly 10 is visible from the access opening 62. Typically, a majority of the second wall 46 may be visible from the access opening 62 and extends below the bellows 64 so that the sprayer outlet 52 is exposed to and directed toward the processing space 16 within the drum 28. In various aspects of the device, the door 60 may include a window such that a user can also view the second wall 46 within the processing space 16 while the door 60 is in a closed position. The first wall 40 of the sprayer assembly 10 is disposed above the bellows and/or the tub and the drum. This position allows a convenient position to engage with a fluid conduit of the fluid flow system 18.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sprayer assembly 10 includes a rigid housing 70 that operates as a nozzle of the sprayer assembly 10. The rigid housing 70 may be a single piece, or unitary. As such, the sprayer assembly 10 may be manufactured by injection molding using a single tool, which is described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6 . Additionally, as the sprayer assembly 10 includes the light housing 44, the single piece structure of the sprayer assembly 10 can perform at least two functions, which may include delivery of process fluid 14 to the processing space 16 via the water flow channel 56 and supplying light to the processing space 16 via the light guide 58. In addition, it is within the scope of aspects described herein for the sprayer assembly 10 to perform additional or alternative functions. For example, the light housing 44 may include sensors (e.g., infrared detection, sound sensors, etc.) for performing a variety of detecting processes. The delivery of laundry chemistry, air and other materials can also be accomplished through use of the single piece sprayer assembly 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 , the water inlet conduit 42 of the sprayer assembly 10 includes a barb 72 at a distal end 73 thereof and a neck, a flange 74, proximal to the barb 72 (e.g., nearer to the inlet conduit 42 than the barb 72) can also be provided. As illustrated, the barb 72 and the flange 74 include an annular configuration and serve to facilitate a fluid-tight seal between the recirculation hose 23 and the water inlet conduit 42. The barb 72 and the flange 74 can also provide for a consistent and repeatable insertion depth of fluid conduit for the fluid flow system 18. The barb 72 aids in preventing the recirculation hose 23 from being pushed out of the water inlet conduit 42 during operation of the laundry appliance 12. In certain aspects of the device, the rigid housing 70 can include fasteners (e.g., clamps, ties), adhesives, or other mating or interference configurations to couple the recirculation hose 23 and the water inlet conduit 42 of the sprayer assembly 10 in a fluid-tight manner.
The sprayer assembly 10 may further include a second rib 76 disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall 40 and the second wall 46. The first rib 54 and the second rib 76 typically extend between and engage each of the first wall 40 and the second wall 46. Further, the first rib 54 and the second rib 76 may define the water flow channel 56 therebetween. The water flow channel 56 is fluidly sealed from the light housing 44 via the first rib 54. The water flow channel 56 is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit 42 and the outlet 52. Similarly, the light guide 58 is in fluid communication with the light housing 44 and the outlet 52. The second rib 76 and the sidewall 48 may define an auxiliary cavity 80. In this way, the water flow channel 56 is disposed between the light guide 58 and the auxiliary cavity 80. As discussed herein, it is contemplated that the auxiliary cavity 80 may include sensors (e.g., infrared detection, sound sensors, etc.), conduits, fluid connections, and the like, such that the auxiliary cavity 80 may facilitate detection features and/or provide fluids, etc.
In certain aspects of the device, other fluid-handling systems may be placed in communication with the sprayer assembly 10. By way of example, and not limitation, a chemistry dispensing unit, a fluid inlet, a cold water line, a hot water line, combinations thereof, and other similar fluid-handling systems may be coupled with the sprayer assembly 10 for disposing material into the processing space 16. These various fluid-handling systems can be directly coupled to the sprayer assembly 10 (e.g., in direct fluid communication with the auxiliary cavity 80 and/or the water flow channel 56) or can be coupled to the fluid flow system 18 at a position upstream of the sprayer assembly 10 (e.g., at a chemistry dispenser). Thus, the process fluid 14 can include water, laundry chemistries, combinations thereof, particulate material, etc., which become part of the recirculated process fluid 14 that moves through the outlet 30 of the tub 24, through the fluid pump 20 and the recirculation hose 23, and then through the sprayer assembly 10 for recirculation into the processing space 16.
According to various aspects of the recirculating fluid flow system 18, when various processing cycles are completed and recirculation of the process fluid 14 is no longer needed, the fluid pump 20 can be coupled with a valve (e.g., a diverter valve or outlet valve) that redirects the flow of process fluid 14 from going toward the sprayer assembly 10 to a separate path going toward the tub outlet 30 or collection reservoir for ultimate disposal from the appliance 12.
Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sidewall 48 may include a first height, H₁, at the sprayer outlet 52 and a second height, H₂, spaced from the sprayer outlet 52. The first height, H₁, is typically greater than the second height, H₂, thereby creating a tapered sidewall 48 and a sloped second wall 46. The sloped second wall 46 contributes to a geometry of the rigid housing 70 that results in the sprayer assembly 10 directing the process fluid 14 in a generally downward direction, away from the door 60 and directly into the processing space 16. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the first wall 40 may include a first curvature, C₄₀, and the second wall 46 may include a second curvature, C₄₆, which may be distinct from the first curvature, C₄₀. In some examples, the first and/or second curvatures C₄₀, C₄₆correspond with a curvature defined by the bellows 64 such that the sprayer assembly 10 may appear to be seated in a generally flush manner with the bellows 64. In certain aspects of the device, the bellows can define a receptacle that, when receiving the sprayer assembly 10, extends partially around the sprayer assembly 10. This locking configuration helps to secure the sprayer assembly within the bellows.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , a light fixture 86 that includes a light source, L, may be coupled to the light housing 44 of the sprayer assembly 10. The light fixture 86 is configured to selectively emit light by deactivating and activating the light source, L. The first rib 54 and the sidewall 48 define the light guide 58 therebetween, which is fluidly sealed from the water flow channel 56. Light emerging during activation of the light source, L, can be directed by the light guide 58 to illuminate at least a portion of the processing space 16 for allowing a user to see inside. This light source, L, can be operable while the laundry appliance 12 is operating or performing a laundry cycle. The light source, L, can also be separately and independently activated and deactivated through a dedicated user interface controller when the door 60 is open and/or closed to allow the user to see into the processing space 16 to insert or remove laundry therefrom.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 , a volume, V₅₆, of the water flow channel 56 is less than a volume, V₅₀, of the entire cavity 50. Likewise, a volume, V₅₈, of the light guide 58 and a volume, V₈₀, of the auxiliary cavity 80 are each less than the volume, V₅₂, of the cavity 50. It is contemplated that in some examples of the sprayer assembly 10, the second rib 76 is not included, and, therefore, the auxiliary cavity 80 may not be present. The volume, V₅₈, of the light guide 58 may be less than the volume, V₅₆, of the water flow channel 56. In this manner, light emerging from the light guide 58 during activation of the light source, L, may be appropriately concentrated for illumination of the processing space 16. In some aspects of the sprayer assembly 10, the shape of the sidewall 48 and the volume, V₅₆, of the water flow channel 56 result in a geometry of the rigid housing 70 that enables the process fluid 14 to exit the water flow channel 56 at a flow rate approximately equal to a flow rate of process fluid 14 within the fluid path 22, which may be a flow rate adjacent the fluid pump 20.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another aspect of a sprayer assembly 110 for the laundry appliance 12. As the sprayer assembly 110 is substantially similar to sprayer assembly 10, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100 with respect to sprayer assembly 10, unless otherwise noted. Sprayer assembly 110 differs from sprayer assembly 10 by the configuration of the light housing 144. In sprayer assembly 110, the light housing 144 is closed at a distal end 190 thereof. In this way, the light housing 144 of the sprayer assembly 110 does not include an aperture at the distal end 190 to couple a light fixture. In some examples, the sprayer assembly 110 may be mounted within appliances 12 that do not need a light fixture in such a position (e.g., coupled to the bellows 64). In certain aspects of the device, the light fixture can be fixedly enclosed within the light housing 144. In such an aspect of the device, the light fixture is not meant to be removed from the sprayer assembly 110. Accordingly, replacement of the light fixture may be accomplished through replacement of the entire sprayer assembly 110. Additionally, the distal end 190 of the sprayer assembly 110 can be closed as part of the injection molding process, or may be enclosed through the use of a dedicated cap or cover that seals the light housing 144.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for producing and assembling the sprayer assemblies 10, 110 in the laundry appliance 12 according to aspects described herein. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the sprayer assemblies 10, 110 to be produced and assembled using any suitable method(s). Further, the method 200 may include alternative, or additional, steps other than those described herein.
The method 200 may begin at step 210, which includes preparation of a sprayer assembly tool for production. In some examples, the sprayer assemblies 10, 110 are produced by an injection molding procedure. Next, a decision 212 is made on which sprayer assembly 10, 110 is to be produced. In some examples, the decision 212 is determined based on the need for the light fixture 86 to be positioned near the bellows 64 of the laundry appliance 12. If it is determined that sprayer assembly 110 is to be made at decision 212, the method 200 continues to step 214. At step 214, inserting or removing a portion of the sprayer tool is conducted, which results in the distal end 190 of the light housing 44 to be sealed. An example of the distal end 190 being sealed is illustrated in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, if it is determined at step 212 that the sprayer assembly 10 is to be made, such that a distal end of the light housing 44 needs to include an open configuration, the method 200 continues directly to step 216. In this manner, insertion or removal of the portion of the sprayer tool, which results in the distal end 190 of the light housing 44 to be sealed, is not conducted. At step 216, the sprayer part is produced. Following step 216, production of one of the sprayer assembly 10 or sprayer assembly 110 is completed at step 218. In some examples, completing the sprayer assembly 10 or sprayer assembly 110 at step 218 may include ejecting the part. Once production of the sprayer assembly 10 or sprayer assembly 110 is completed at step 218, the sprayer assembly 10 or sprayer assembly 110 is coupled to the tub 24 or the bellows 64 at step 220. In some aspects, the sprayer assembly 10 or sprayer assembly 110 is attached directly to the bellows 64 at step 220. In the case that sprayer assembly 10 has been produced and a light fixture 86 is needed, the method 200 continues to step 222 where the light fixture 86 is mounted within the light housing 44 of the sprayer assembly 10. Following step 222, the method is complete at step 224. Alternatively, in the case that sprayer assembly 110 has been produced, the method 200 can continue directly to step 224 (e.g., without installation of the light fixture 86) and is complete.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance comprises a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub is disposed within a cabinet and a drum that is rotationally operable within the tub. The tub and the drum define a portion of the fluid path. A sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub and directs the process fluid into the drum. The sprayer assembly comprises a first wall that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing. A second wall is spaced from the first wall. A sidewall partially couples the first wall and the second wall, and thereby defines a cavity and an outlet. A first rib is disposed within the cavity and extends between the first wall and the second wall. The first rib defines a water flow channel and a light guide. The water flow channel and light guide are each in communication with the outlet, where the water flow channel is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and is fluidly sealed from the light guide.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the laundry appliance comprises a bellows that extends between the tub and the cabinet, where the sprayer assembly is received within an aperture of the bellows.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a majority of the second wall is visible from an access opening defined by the cabinet.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid path recirculates process fluid through the drum and the sprayer assembly via a fluid pump.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light housing includes a light source that is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of a processing space defined within the drum.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the light housing is closed at a distal end thereof.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the laundry appliance further comprises a second rib disposed within the cavity and extends between the first wall and the second wall, where the first rib and the second rib define the water flow channel therebetween.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a volume of the water flow channel is less than a volume of the cavity.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the recirculating fluid flow system comprises a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub has a bellows, where the tub is disposed within a cabinet and defines a processing space. The fluid path includes at least a portion of the processing space. The tub has an outlet that directs the process fluid toward the fluid pump. A sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the processing space. The sprayer assembly comprises a first wall that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing. A second wall is spaced from the first wall. A sidewall extends between the first wall and the second wall and defines a cavity and sprayer outlet in communication with the water inlet conduit and the light housing via the cavity. A rib is disposed within the cavity and extends between the first wall and the second wall. The rib separates the water flow channel from a light guide.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the sidewall of the recirculating fluid flow system includes a first height at the sprayer outlet and a second height spaced from the sprayer outlet. The first height is greater than the second height.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid path of the recirculating fluid flow system recirculates process fluid through the sprayer assembly and the tub via the fluid pump.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the process fluid of the recirculating fluid flow system is configured to exit the water flow channel at a flow rate approximately equal to a flow rate of process fluid within the fluid path adjacent the fluid pump.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the sprayer assembly of the recirculating fluid flow system includes a unitary rigid housing.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a volume of the water flow channel of the recirculating fluid flow system is less than a volume of the cavity.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a volume of the light guide of the recirculating fluid flow system is less than a volume of the water flow channel.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the light housing of the recirculating fluid flow system includes a light source that is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the processing space via the light guide.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for an appliance includes a rigid housing that comprises a first wall and includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing, and each extends therefrom. A second wall is spaced from the first wall. A sidewall extends between the first wall and the second wall, and thereby defines a cavity and an outlet. A first rib and a second rib is disposed within the cavity and extends between the first wall and the second wall. The first rib and the second rib define a water flow channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and the outlet, where the water flow channel is fluidly sealed from the light housing.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sidewall of the sprayer assembly for an appliance includes a first height at the outlet and a second height spaced from the outlet, where the first height is greater than the second height.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the volume of the water flow channel of the sprayer assembly for the appliance is less than a volume of the cavity.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first rib and the sidewall of the sprayer assembly for the appliance define a light guide therebetween that is fluidly sealed from the water flow channel. A volume of the light guide is less than a volume of the water flow channel.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A laundry appliance comprising:

a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path;

a tub disposed within a cabinet and a drum that is rotationally operable within the tub, wherein the tub and the drum define a portion of the fluid path; and

a sprayer assembly coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the drum, the sprayer assembly comprising:

a first wall including a water inlet conduit and a light housing;

a second wall spaced from the first wall;

a sidewall partially coupling the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and an outlet; and

a first rib disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first rib defining a water flow channel and a light guide that are each in communication with the outlet, wherein the water flow channel is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and is fluidly sealed from the light guide.

2. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising a bellows that extends between the tub and the cabinet, wherein the sprayer assembly is received within an aperture of the bellows.

3. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein a majority of the second wall is visible from an access opening defined by the cabinet.

4. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid path recirculates process fluid through the drum and the sprayer assembly via a fluid pump.

5. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the light housing includes a light source that is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of a processing space defined within the drum.

6. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the light housing is closed at a distal end thereof.

7. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising a second rib disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first rib and the second rib define the water flow channel therebetween.

8. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein a volume of the water flow channel is less than a volume of the cavity.

9. A recirculating fluid flow system for an appliance, the recirculating fluid flow system comprising:

a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path;

a tub having a bellows, wherein the tub is disposed within a cabinet and defining a processing space, wherein the fluid path includes at least a portion of the processing space, the tub having an outlet that directs the process fluid toward the fluid pump; and

a sprayer assembly coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the processing space, the sprayer assembly comprising:

a first wall including a water inlet conduit and a light housing;

a second wall spaced from the first wall;

a sidewall extending between the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and sprayer outlet in communication with the water inlet conduit and the light housing via the cavity; and

a rib disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall and the second wall, the rib separating the water flow channel from a light guide.

10. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 9, wherein the sidewall includes a first height at the sprayer outlet and a second height spaced from the sprayer outlet, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

11. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 9, wherein the fluid path recirculates process fluid through the sprayer assembly and the tub via the fluid pump.

12. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 11, wherein process fluid is configured to exit the water flow channel at a flow rate approximately equal to a flow rate of process fluid within the fluid path adjacent the fluid pump.

13. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 9, wherein the sprayer assembly includes a unitary rigid housing.

14. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 9, wherein a volume of the water flow channel is less than a volume of the cavity.

15. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 14, wherein a volume of the light guide is less than a volume of the water flow channel.

16. The recirculating fluid flow system of claim 15, wherein the light housing includes a light source configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the processing space via the light guide.

17. A sprayer assembly for an appliance, the sprayer assembly comprising:

a rigid housing comprising:

a first wall that includes a water inlet conduit and a light housing, each extending therefrom;

a second wall spaced from the first wall;

a sidewall extending between the first wall and the second wall, thereby defining a cavity and an outlet; and

a first rib and a second rib disposed within the cavity and extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first rib and the second rib defining a water flow channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the water inlet conduit and the outlet, wherein the water flow channel is fluidly sealed from the light housing.

18. The sprayer assembly for an appliance of claim 17, wherein the sidewall includes a first height at the outlet and a second height spaced from the outlet, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

19. The sprayer assembly for an appliance of claim 17, wherein a volume of the water flow channel is less than a volume of the cavity.

20. The sprayer assembly for an appliance of claim 17, wherein the first rib and the sidewall define a light guide therebetween that is fluidly sealed from the water flow channel and a volume of the light guide is less than a volume of the water flow channel.