Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a motor with a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the motor. An impeller is coupled to the drive shaft with a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch includes a housing integrally formed in the impeller and a bearing disposed within the housing. The bearing is movable within the housing between a first position and a second position. The bearing is spaced from the drive shaft in the first position, and the bearing operatively engages the housing and the drive shaft to transfer rotational motion from the drive shaft to the impeller in the second position.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly defines an axial direction and includes a first filter member including a first filter panel and defining a first discharge opening, and a second filter member including a second filter panel and defining a second discharge opening. The second filter panel is spaced from the first filter panel along the axial direction and configured in series flow with the first filter panel. The filter assembly further includes a circumferentially continuous discharge chamber disposed radially outward of the first filter member and the second filter member, the discharge chamber in fluid communication with the first filter member through the first discharge opening and in fluid communication with the second filter member through the second discharge opening.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a first filter member including a first filter panel which defines a central axial aperture and a second filter member including a second filter panel which defines a central axial aperture. The filter assembly further includes a first discharge blade which includes a body and a blade arm, the body defining a central axial bore hole and in contact with the first outer surface of the first filter panel. The filter assembly further includes a second discharge blade which includes a body and a blade arm extending radially from the body, the body defining a central axial bore hole and in contact with the second opposing outer surface of the first filter panel and the first outer surface of the second filter panel. The filter assembly further includes a washer in contact with the second outer surface of the second filter panel, and a shaft.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The base conduit central axis is offset from the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis.

Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a main conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes a spray tine, the spray tine including a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The passage is in selective fluid communication with the main passage. The conduit is movable between a first position wherein wash fluid flow into the passage is permitted and a second position wherein wash fluid flow into the passage is restricted relative to the wash fluid flow in the first position.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance includes a filter member, housing, discharge chamber, and relief valve. The filter member defines a discharge opening, and includes an outer wall. The housing at least partially surrounds the filter member, and may include a peripheral wall. The housing defines an aperture that extends through the peripheral wall. The discharge chamber is defined between the outer wall and the peripheral wall. The relief valve includes a valve body surrounding the aperture on the peripheral wall, and a valve member disposed within a cavity defined by the valve body. The valve member is movable between a first position in which fluid communication between the discharge chamber and the cavity is restricted, and a second position in which fluid communication between the discharge chamber and the cavity is permitted.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance includes a discharge blade defining lateral, transverse and vertical directions. The discharge blade includes a blade hub and a pair of opposing blades, and each of the opposing blades extend outward from the blade hub to a blade tip along the lateral direction. Further, each opposing blade may include a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The trailing edge of at least one opposing blade may be spaced apart from the leading edge along both the transverse and vertical directions, and may define a curve extending between the blade hub and blade tip along the lateral direction. Still further, the top surface of the at least one opposing blade may define a slope between the leading edge and the trailing edge along the transverse direction.

Abstract: Spray arm assemblies and dishwasher appliances are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a spray arm assembly is provided. The spray arm assembly includes a first housing and a second housing having a mating wall. The first housing includes a first wall defining a groove that comprises an undercut, a second wall having an inner surface, and a channel defined by the first and second walls. The mating wall has a mating inner surface, defines a protrusion shaped complementary to the groove of the first wall, and fits within the channel to join the first and second housings. Further, the mating wall has an interference fit with the first wall and the second wall such that the mating inner surface of the mating wall fits against the inner surface of the second wall and the protrusion of the mating wall fits within the groove of the first wall.

Abstract: Filter assemblies for filtering wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance are provided. A filter assembly includes a first filter member, a second filter member, a first discharge blade, and a second discharge blade. The filter assembly further includes a shaft extending through the first filter member, the second filter member, a first central bore hole of the first discharge blade, and a second central bore hole of the second discharge blade. The shaft includes a body which has an outer surface, the outer surface including a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, a first unthreaded portion, and a second unthreaded portion. The plurality of first inner threads mesh with the first threaded portion and the plurality of second inner threads mesh with the second threaded portion.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having four fluid outlet ports, and a valve disk having a three apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the three apertures with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.

Abstract: Spray arm assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A spray arm assembly includes a first spray arm. The first spray arm includes an arm member, the arm member defining an interior and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the interior. The arm member further extends along and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a central housing defining and rotatable about a central axis, the central axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the spray arm assembly further includes a bevel drive assembly disposed within the central housing. The bevel drive assembly is configured to rotate the arm member about the longitudinal axis when the central housing rotates about the central axis. The bevel drive assembly includes a drive member, an axle member, and an idler member, the axle member mounted to the arm member.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly defines an axial direction and includes a first filter member including a first filter panel and defining a first discharge opening, and a second filter member including a second filter panel and defining a second discharge opening. The second filter panel is spaced from the first filter panel along the axial direction and configured in series flow with the first filter panel.

Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a main conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, and a tine base connected to the main conduit, the tine base defining a base passage in fluid communication with the main passage for flowing wash fluid from the main passage therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes a check valve disposed within the base passage, the check valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the check valve permits wash fluid flow therepast and in the closed position the check valve prevents wash fluid flow therepast. The bottle washer assembly further includes a spray tine, the spray tine comprising a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the spray tine removably connectable to the tine base.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided including a first filter, a second filter, and a backflow device. The backflow device is positioned within the second filter and movably attached to the second filter, such that backflow device is movable between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the backflow device prevents a flow of fluid through an inlet of the second filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher appliance and a diverter for a dishwasher appliance. The diverter uses a turbine powered by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwasher appliance, fluid from the pump that, e.g., supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and the different spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter or cycling of the pump to change the position of the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in energy usage, costs, and space.

Abstract: A diverter for a dishwasher appliance that can be used to provide more options for directing fluid among various spray arms or spray devices in a dishwasher appliance. The diverter can be used e.g., to select between fluid delivery to both the upper and lower spray arm assemblies or to both the upper and middle spray arm assemblies.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis. The spray arm central axis is offset from the base conduit central axis.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having four fluid outlet ports, two of which are elongated, and a valve disk having a single elongated aperture. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align the elongated aperture with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. The elongated aperture of the valve disk may at least partially open two adjacent outlet ports at a selected angular position. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having four fluid outlet ports, and a valve disk having a three apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the three apertures with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.

Abstract: Adapters and spray arm assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. An adapter defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The adapter includes a base unit. The base unit includes an inlet housing defining an inlet annulus. The base unit further includes a first conduit extending from the inlet housing and comprising a passage defined between an inlet and an outlet. The base unit further includes a second conduit extending from the inlet housing and comprising a passage defined between an inlet and an outlet. The entire passage of the first conduit and the entire passage of the second conduit each extend at an angle to the axial direction of less than or equal to 60 degrees.