SENSOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A MULTIFUNCTIONAL HOUSING

Abstract

A dishwasher appliance includes a sump that collects wash fluid and defines a mounting port for receiving a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an adapter that defines a plurality of sensor ports for receiving different sensors, such as a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a turbidity sensor. The adapter is translucent to facilitate turbidity sensing without introducing leak points. In addition, the adapter defines an internal chamber for receiving the wash fluid and an air chamber defined above the internal chamber to prevent direct contact between the wash fluid and the pressure sensor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to sensor assemblies including adapter housings that receive multiple sensors within dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Wash fluid (e.g., various combinations of water and detergent along with optional additives) may be introduced into the tub where it collects in a sump space at the bottom of the wash chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, a pump may be used to circulate wash fluid to spray assemblies within the wash chamber that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. During a drain cycle, a drain pump may periodically discharge soiled wash fluid that collects in the sump space and the process may be repeated.

As dishwashers become more advanced, sensors for various purposes are used to control and monitor the status of the unit. As such, each sensor typically adds cost, labor, and part count to the dishwasher manufacturing process. In addition, each sensor must typically be coupled to a port defined within the tub or sump of the dishwasher, thus creating additional potential leak points.

Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance having improved features for monitoring the appliance status and operating parameters during an operating cycle would be desirable. More specifically, a dishwasher appliance with an improved sensor assembly that is easy to install, eliminates leak points, and facilitates efficient process monitoring 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 a first example embodiment, a dishwasher appliance is provided including a wash tub that defines a wash chamber, a sump for collecting wash fluid, the sump defining a mounting port, and a sensor assembly coupled to the mounting port. The sensor assembly includes an adapter defining a mounting boss for coupling to the mounting port, an internal chamber for receiving the wash fluid, an air chamber defined above the internal chamber, and a plurality of sensor ports and a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being configured for receipt within one of the plurality of sensor ports.

In a second example embodiment, a sensor assembly for an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a sump for collecting wash fluid, the sump defining a mounting port. The sensor assembly includes an adapter defining a mounting boss for coupling to the mounting port, an internal chamber for receiving the wash fluid, an air chamber defined above the internal chamber, and a plurality of sensor ports and a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being configured for receipt within one of the plurality of sensor ports.

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 an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a sump assembly of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary sump assembly of FIG. 3 including a sensor assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 provides another cross sectional view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 provides a close-up, cross sectional view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 provides another cross sectional view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 provides another cross sectional view of the exemplary sensor assembly of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

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.

As used herein, 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 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 detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” 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 cycle. The term “drain cycle” 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. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher 100. According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails 120 may be mounted to side walls 110 for supporting a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, and an upper rack assembly 126. As illustrated, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V. Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is 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 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is facilitated, for example, by rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively. Although a guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 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, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. According to another exemplary embodiment, 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 rack 122.

Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, 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. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and/or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

Dishwasher 100 may further include a water supply valve 146 positioned between an external water supply 148 and a circulation pump (such as pump 152 described below) to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply 148 into circulation pump 152. Additionally or alternatively, water supply valve 146 can be positioned between the external water supply 148 and sump 138 to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply 148 into sump 138. Water supply valve 146 can be selectively controlled to open and allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and can be selectively controlled to cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100.

The various spray assemblies, manifolds, and water supplies described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and/or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds, e.g., during wash and/or rinse cycles. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106.

As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.

Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from 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 fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 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 arm assemblies 134, 140, 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 example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only, and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and/or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for rotating mid-level spray arm assembly 140, a third conduit for spraying upper spray assembly 142, and a fourth conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The 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 cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, 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 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.

The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In such an embodiment, 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 a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include 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. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 and 4, sump 138 of dishwasher appliance 100 may include a drain basin 170 coupled to a bottom wall 172 of tub 104 by a cylindrical sidewall 174. During operation of dishwasher appliance 100, wash fluid 176 (see FIG. 4) is directed toward sump 138 where it falls into drain basin 170 and is collected and contained by cylindrical sidewall 174. As shown, circulation pump 152 may be fluidly coupled to sump 138, e.g., through a port defined within cylindrical sidewall 174 such that circulation pump 152 may draw wash fluid 176 from sump 138 for circulation within dishwasher appliance 100. In addition, as shown for example in FIG. 2, a drain conduit 178 may be fluidly coupled to drain basin 170 and a drain pump 180 may be fluidly coupled to drain conduit 178 for selectively discharging wash fluid 176 from washing machine appliance, e.g., to an external drain 182.

Notably, it is frequently desirable to monitor wash fluid 176 during operation of dishwasher appliance 100. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may use turbidity sensors to monitor the contaminant level or soil level of wash fluid 176, e.g., in order to determine the cleanliness of the dishes or to know when the wash fluid should be refreshed. In addition, for example, it is frequently desirable to monitor the temperature of wash fluid 176 and make appropriate corrections for optimal cleaning action. Furthermore, pressure sensors are frequently used to detect the water level within sump 138, e.g., to ensure effective washing action without overfilling sump 138.

As explained above, conventional dishwasher appliances include separate sensors that are attached or operably coupled to sump 138 at different locations, e.g., via different ports. During assembly, an operator must separately install each sensor into its own dedicated port, increasing the number of dishwasher parts and the complexity of assembly. Moreover, each of the ports defined within the sump of conventional dishwasher appliances results in additional potential leak points, thereby resulting in more service calls, leaks, or operability issues.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 11, a sensor assembly 200 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Sensor assembly 200 is generally configured for receiving a plurality of sensors in a single module that may be installed at a single mounting port defined on sump 138. In this manner, the number of potential leak points may be reduced, dishwasher assembly may be simplified, and the overall performance and reliability of dishwasher appliance 100 may be improved. Although sensor assembly 200 is described herein as being used in dishwasher appliance 100, it should be appreciated that sensor assembly 200 may be used in any other suitable application while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, aspects of the present subject matter may be used in other appliances, such as washing machine appliances, or in any other appliance where it is desirable to monitor a fluid.

According to the illustrated embodiment, sensor assembly 200 is generally configured for receiving a pressure sensor 202, a turbidity sensor 204, and a temperature sensor 206. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, sensor assembly 200 may include additional sensors, different types of sensors, different mounting configurations, etc. Each of these sensors 202-206 will be described generally below. However, it should be appreciated that certain details of construction or operation of each of these sensors 202-206 may be omitted in the drawings or associated description for brevity.

According to the illustrated embodiment, sump 138 defines a mounting port 210 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that is generally configured for receiving sensor assembly 200 as described herein. In this regard, mounting port 210 may be any suitable boss, connector, or coupling feature that can securely join sensor assembly 200 and sump 138. For example, mounting port 210 is illustrated as a boss that is defined in cylindrical sidewall 174 and includes a chamber inlet 212 positioned proximate the bottom of sump 138, e.g., near drain basin 170. Chamber inlet 212 generally provides fluid communication between sump 138 and sensor assembly 200, e.g., to facilitate process monitoring. It should be appreciated that the size, position, and configuration of mounting port 210 may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 5 through 11, sensor assembly 200 includes a housing or adapter 220 that defines a mounting boss 222 for coupling with mounting port 210. In this regard, mounting boss 222 may include complimentary features to mounting port 210 such that adapter 220 may be quickly installed into mounting port 210. In addition, sensor assembly 200 may include a primary seal 224 that is positioned around mounting boss 222 for creating a fluid tight seal between adapter 220 and mounting port 210. Although primary seal 224 is illustrated as an O-ring, it should be appreciated that any suitable fluid seal may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Adapter 220 further defines a plurality of sensor ports 226 that are generally configured for receiving one or more sensors of sensor assembly 200, e.g., such as pressure sensor 202, turbidity sensor 204, and/or temperature sensor 206. In this regard, sensor ports 226 may be any suitable boss, connector, or coupling mechanism that is suitable for joining a sensor with adapter 220. Notably, sensor assembly may further have feature for simplifying installation of such sensors as well as joining of adapter 220 and mounting port 210. For example, adapter 220 may define one or more resilient snap-fit mechanisms 228 for securing at least one of the plurality of sensors 202-206 to adapter 220. In addition, sensors 202-206 may include complimentary features for simplifying the installation of such sensors onto adapter 220.

Pressure sensor 202 may generally be configured for continuously or periodically measuring a level of water or wash fluid within dishwasher 100. Specifically, pressure sensor 202 may be operably coupled to sump 138 for measuring a pressure of wash fluid 176 that collects within sump 138 to facilitate wash fluid level detection. In general, pressure sensor 202 may be any sensor suitable for determining a water level within sump 138 based on pressure readings. For example, pressure sensor 202 may be a piezoelectric pressure sensor and thus may include an elastically deformable plate or diaphragm (not shown) and a piezoresistor mounted on the elastically deformable plate. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, pressure sensor 202 may be any type of pressure sensor that is fluidly coupled to sump 138 in any other suitable manner for obtaining sump pressures to facilitate water level detection.

Notably, adapter 220 may define features that facilitate improved pressure measurement and detection while reducing the likelihood of degradation or failure of pressure sensor 202. In this regard, one of the plurality of sensor ports 226 defined by adapter 220 may be a pressure port 230 to which pressure sensor 202 may be coupled. Adapter 220 may further define an internal chamber 232 that is fluidly coupled with sump 138 through chamber inlet 212. In this manner, wash fluid 176 from within sump 138 floods internal chamber 232 (as shown for example in FIG. 4) to facilitate pressure detection. In addition, adapter 220 defines a separate air chamber 234 that is positioned above internal chamber 232 along the vertical direction V and is designed to remain free of wash fluid 176 during operation of dishwasher appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, pressure sensor 202 is mounted at the very top of adapter 220, e.g., above air chamber 234 such that air chamber 234 acts as an air gap between pressure sensor 202 and wash fluid 176 within internal chamber 232. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, pressure sensor 202 never contacts wash fluid 176. This may be important, for example, to prevent contact of wash fluid 176 with pressure sensor 202, which may build up dirt, grime, or contamination over time, thereby affecting measurement accuracy.

Pressure sensor 202 may further include a pressure seal 236 that creates a fluid seal or airtight seal between pressure sensor 202 and adapter 220. Pressure sensor 202 will generally operate by measuring a pressure of air within air chamber 234 and using the measured chamber pressure to estimate the water level in sump 138. For example, when the water level within sump 138 falls below chamber inlet 212, the pressure within air chamber 234 normalizes to ambient or atmospheric pressure, and thus reads a zero pressure. However, when wash fluid 176 is present in sump 138 and rises above chamber inlet 212, the wash fluid 176 fills internal chamber 232 and causes the air pressure within air chamber 234 to become positive and increase proportionally with the water level. Although sump 138 is described herein as containing wash fluid, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used for detecting the level of any other suitable liquid in any other appliance.

Adapter 220 may further include a turbidity port 240 that is generally configured for receiving the turbidity sensor 204 and/or the temperature sensor 206. In this regard, according to the illustrated embodiment, turbidity sensor 204 and temperature sensor 206 are mounted in a single module that may be installed onto turbidity port 240. According to alternative embodiments, turbidity sensor 204 and temperature sensor 206 may be separate sensors mounted to separate, dedicated sensor ports 226 defined by adapter 220. As illustrated, an end cap 242 may be configured for receiving turbidity sensor 204, temperature sensor 206, and operating electronics. End cap 242 may further define snap-fit mechanisms for clipping onto adapter 220 and securing turbidity sensor 204 and temperature sensor 206 in place.

As described herein, “temperature sensor” may refer to any suitable type of temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensors may be thermocouples, thermistors (e.g., such as negative temperature coefficient or “NTC” thermistors), or resistance temperature detectors. In addition, temperature sensor 206 may be mounted at any suitable location and in any suitable manner for obtaining a desired temperature or wash fluid 176, either directly or indirectly. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 9, adapter 220 may define a sleeve 244 that is adjacent to internal chamber 232 and is configured for receiving temperature sensor 206. Sleeve 244 may be a pocket that is fluidly isolated from wash fluid 176 within internal chamber 232 while remaining in thermal communication with wash fluid 176. According to an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 244 may be filled with a thermally conductive grease or potting material for ensuring good thermal contact between temperature sensor 206 and wash fluid 176.

As mentioned above, turbidity sensor 204 may be mounted within or joined to adapter 220 via turbidity port 240. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, turbidity sensor 204 generally includes an emitter 248 for emitting a beam of light 250 (see FIG. 10) that is passed through wash fluid 176 and a receiver 252 for receiving the beam of light 250. In this manner, the turbidity of wash fluid 176 may be estimated based on the distortion of the beam of light 250. According to the illustrated embodiment, turbidity sensor 204 further includes a turbidity lens 254 that includes a first transmission arm 256 positioned over emitter 248 and a second transmission arm 258 positioned over receiver 252. Each of first transmission arm 256 and second transmission arm 258 are configured for turning the beam of light 250 by 90°. Thus, a gap is defined between the distal ends of the first transmission arm 256 and second transmission arm 258 through which the beam of light 250 is transmitted. By providing wash fluid 176 within that gap, the turbidity of the wash fluid 176 may be determined.

As illustrated, adapter 220 defines a first opposing wall 260 and a second opposing wall 262 that define a trough 264 within internal chamber 232. Wash fluid 176 may flow into the trough 264 to facilitate turbidity sensing. Notably, first transmission arm 256 and second transmission arm 258 may be positioned adjacent to or within opposing walls 260, 262. According to such an embodiment, opposing walls 260, 262 may define a transparent or translucent window through which the beam of light 250 may pass. According to the illustrated embodiment, adapter 220 is formed entirely from a translucent material such that the beam of light 250 may pass therethrough.

Although turbidity sensor 204 is illustrated herein as including a turbidity lens 254 for turning the beam of light 250 through a translucent portion of adapter 220 for sensing turbidity, it should be appreciated that this is only one exemplary embodiment. Any other suitable type or configuration of turbidity sensor may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, according to alternative embodiment, lens 254 may be omitted altogether and emitter 248 and receiver 252 may be positioned for transmitting the beam of light 250 directly across the gap or through the wash fluid in any other suitable manner. Other sensor configurations 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 language of the claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher appliance comprising:

a wash tub that defines a wash chamber;

a sump for collecting wash fluid, the sump defining a mounting port; and

a sensor assembly coupled to the mounting port, the sensor assembly comprising: an adapter defining a mounting boss for coupling to the mounting port, an internal chamber for receiving the wash fluid, an air chamber defined above the internal chamber, and a plurality of sensor ports; and a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being configured for receipt within one of the plurality of sensor ports.

2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wash fluid.

3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 2, wherein the adapter defines a sleeve adjacent to the internal chamber for receiving the temperature sensor.

4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a turbidity sensor for measuring a turbidity of the wash fluid.

5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the adapter defines a first opposing wall and a second opposing wall that define a trough within the internal chamber, and wherein the turbidity sensor comprises:

a turbidity lens that comprises a first transmission arm positioned within the first opposing wall outside of the trough and a second transmission arm positioned within the second opposing wall outside of the trough.

6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 5, wherein the first opposing wall and the second opposing wall are transparent to permit light to pass from the first transmission arm to the second transmission arm through the trough.

7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the adapter is translucent.

8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the wash fluid, wherein the air chamber is positioned between the internal chamber and the pressure sensor.

9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 8, wherein the pressure sensor is positioned above the air chamber and is not in contact with the wash fluid in the internal chamber.

10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly further comprises:

a primary seal positioned around the mounting boss for creating a seal between the adapter and the mounting port of the sump.

11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the adapter defines one or more resilient snap-fit mechanisms for securing at least one of the plurality of sensors.

12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the mounting port is defined within a sidewall of the sump.

13. A sensor assembly for an appliance, the appliance comprising a sump for collecting wash fluid, the sump defining a mounting port, the sensor assembly comprising:

an adapter defining a mounting boss for coupling to the mounting port, an internal chamber for receiving the wash fluid, an air chamber defined above the internal chamber, and a plurality of sensor ports; and

a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being configured for receipt within one of the plurality of sensor ports.

14. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wash fluid.

15. The sensor assembly of claim 14, wherein the adapter defines a sleeve adjacent to the internal chamber for receiving the temperature sensor.

16. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a turbidity sensor for measuring a turbidity of the wash fluid.

17. The sensor assembly of claim 16, wherein the adapter is translucent.

18. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises:

a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the wash fluid, wherein the air chamber is positioned between the internal chamber and the pressure sensor.

19. The sensor assembly of claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor is positioned above the air chamber and is not in contact with the wash fluid in the internal chamber.

20. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the adapter defines one or more resilient snap-fit mechanisms for securing at least one of the plurality of sensors.