US20190112742A1

US20190112742A1 - Fan assembly for a washing machine appliance

Info

Publication number: US20190112742A1
Application number: US15/785,468
Authority: US
Inventors: Zhiquan Yu; Gregory Allen Dedow
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2017-10-17
Filing date: 2017-10-17
Publication date: 2019-04-18

Abstract

A washing machine appliance includes a wash tub defining a tub inlet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a motor including a rotor for rotating the wash basket. The washing machine appliance also includes a fan assembly positioned behind the wash tub and including a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor. A fan housing is positioned around the plurality of fan blades and defines a fan outlet in fluid communication with the tub inlet of the wash tub such that the fan blades generate a flow of air which is provided into the wash basket when the rotor is rotating.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, or more specifically, to fan assemblies for providing fresh airflow into wash chambers of the washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the wash tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.
One issue with many conventional washing machine appliances is the generation of unpleasant odors from inside the washing machine appliance. In this regard, typical washing machine appliances, and particularly front load washing machine appliances, require a water tight seal to prevent wash fluids from splashing out of the wash tub during an operating cycle. However, such a seal also prevents air from entering the wash chamber. As a result, washing machine appliances also suffer from a lack of freshening air which can result in mold, mildew, and generally stale or unpleasant odors. Such odors have been a major nuisance for consumers of washing machine appliances. In addition, a lack of circulating air results in little or no drying of a load of clothes until a consumer moves those clothes to a dryer.
Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having improved features for reducing the generation of unpleasant odors within the wash tub is desirable. More particularly, a washing machine appliance with an integrated air circulation system that may facilitate drying of articles of clothing and reduce the generation of odors would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance that includes a wash tub defining a tub inlet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a motor including a rotor for rotating the wash basket. The washing machine appliance also includes a fan assembly positioned behind the wash tub and including a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor. A fan housing is positioned around the plurality of fan blades and defines a fan outlet in fluid communication with the tub inlet of the wash tub such that the fan blades generate a flow of air which is provided into the wash basket when the rotor is rotating. 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 accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, the wash tub defining a tub inlet. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. A motor includes a rotor operably coupled to the wash basket and a fan assembly is positioned within the cabinet and outside the wash tub. The fan assembly includes a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor and a fan housing positioned around the plurality of fan blades, the fan housing defining a fan outlet in fluid communication with the tub inlet of the wash tub.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a fan assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a wash tub defining a tub inlet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a motor including a rotor for selectively rotating the wash basket. The fan assembly includes a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor and a fan housing positioned around the plurality of fan blades, the fan housing defining a fan outlet for providing a flow of air. An air conduit provides fluid communication between the fan outlet and the tub inlet to direct the flow of air into the wash chamber.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a rear, perspective view of a wash tub of the washing machine appliance and a fan assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides another rear, perspective view of the exemplary wash tub and fan assembly of FIG. 3 with a rotor removed for clarity.

FIG. 5 provides another rear, perspective view of the exemplary wash tub and fan assembly of FIG. 3.

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

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.
Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.
Referring to FIG. 2, a wash tub 120 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub 120 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet 102.
A wash basket 122 is received within wash tub 120 and defines a wash chamber 124 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 122 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 120 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used to generate airflow in a vertical axis or top load washing machine appliance as well.
Wash basket 122 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 124 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 126 extends from basket 122 into wash chamber 124. In this manner, for example, ribs 126 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 122 during rotation of wash basket 122.
Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 128 that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 122 to selectively rotate wash basket 122 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). According to the illustrated embodiment, motor assembly 128 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 122 according to alternative embodiments. Motor assembly will be described in further detail below.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 which defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 122 of wash tub 120. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130, e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 120 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 120.
A window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 122 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.
Referring again to FIG. 2, wash basket 122 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 122 and wash tub 120. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 120 at a bottom of wash tub 120 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 122 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140. A pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 120 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 120, e.g., via a drain 146. Pump assembly 144 is also configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub 120.
Referring still to FIG. 2, washing machine appliance 100 includes an additive dispenser 150 that is generally configured for directing a flow of water or other wash fluid into wash tub 120. More specifically, for example, additive dispenser 150 may include a detergent drawer 152 that is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 152 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. In addition, detergent drawer 152 may be in fluid communication with a hot and/or cold water supply (not shown), e.g., such as a municipal water supply.
Additive dispenser 150 may further include a supply conduit 154 that fluidly couples detergent drawer 152 to wash tub 120 such that additive dispenser may selectively dispense wash fluid into wash chamber 124. More specifically, for example, supply conduit 154 may terminate in a spout at a top, rear of wash tub 120. Thus, supply conduit 154 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub 120. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 152 may also be fluidly coupled to supply conduit 154 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive. Supply conduit 154 may also be in fluid communication with sump 142, such that pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to supply conduit 154 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 120.
Additionally, a bulk reservoir 156 is disposed within cabinet 102. Bulk reservoir 156 is also configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Bulk reservoir 156 is sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 156. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir 156 with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 156 with fluid additive. A reservoir pump 158 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 156 to wash tub 120.
A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users.
Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.
Controller 166 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with 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 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 122 through opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Wash tub 120 is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via additive dispenser 150. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 122 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 122 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 122 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 126) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 122.
After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 126 may again provide agitation within wash basket 122. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 122 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 122 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 122, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 122 through opening 132.
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other consumer or commercial appliance where it is desirable to generate and airflow using a rotating component.
Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 5, a fan assembly 200 will be described in more detail according to various exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Although the discussion below refers to fan assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other fan assemblies in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, fan assembly 200 may be positioned in another location within cabinet 102 and may be fluidly coupled to wash tub 120 at any other suitable location and in any other suitable manner. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to the illustrated embodiment, fan assembly 200 is operably coupled with motor assembly 128. More specifically, motor assembly 128 is fixedly mounted to wash tub 120 and includes a stator 202 and a rotor 204. As best shown in FIG. 4, stator 202 is fixed to wash tub 120 and includes a plurality of windings 206 that generate a magnetic field as is known in the art. In addition, referring to FIG. 3, rotor 204 may be mounted to a drive shaft 208, e.g., using any suitable keyed feature. In this manner, when stator 202 generates a magnetic field, rotor 204 rotates about the axis of rotation A and drives wash basket 122.
Notably, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, fan assembly 200 further includes a plurality of fan blades 220 that are operably coupled to and extend from rotor 206. Specifically, for example, drive shaft 208 may extend along the axis of rotation A and may define a radial direction R perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. According to an exemplary embodiment, fan blades 220 extend substantially along the radial direction R relative to drive shaft 208.
Referring again briefly to FIG. 2, fan assembly 200 also includes a fan housing 222 positioned around fan blades 220. Fan housing 222 also defines a fan outlet 224 that is in fluid communication with wash tub 120. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5, wash tub 120 may define a tub inlet 230, which is a hole or aperture defined in a wall of wash tub 120 through which air or fluids may pass into wash tub 120 and wash chamber 124. As illustrated, fan assembly 200 also includes an air conduit 232 that extends between the fan outlet 224 and tub inlet 230. In this manner, air conduit 232 provides fluid communication between fan housing 222 and the wash tub 120 in order to direct a flow of air into the wash chamber 124. Fan housing 222 may be mounted within washing machine appliance 100 in any suitable manner, such as directly to wash tub 120 or to a back panel of washing machine appliance 100.
In addition, fan blades 220 are illustrated as being slightly arcuate for efficiently urging a flow of air within fan housing 222. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, fan blades 220 may have any other suitable shape for urging a flow of air within fan housing 222. For example, fan blades 220 may be straight, concave, convex, or any suitable combination thereof.
Notably, fan blades 220 are coupled to rotor 204 such that fan blades 220 rotate at the same speed as the wash basket 122. In this manner, as motor assembly 128 rotates wash basket 122 during an operating cycle, fan blades 220 urge a flow of air within fan housing 222 (as indicated by arrows 234 in FIG. 2). The flow of air 234 passes through fan outlet 224 and into wash tub 120 through tub inlet 230.
According to the illustrated embodiment, tub inlet 230 is positioned proximate a top wall 240 and a rear wall 242 of wash tub 120. More specifically, air conduit 232 extends between and provides fluid communication between fan outlet 224 and tub inlet 230. Additionally, as illustrated, fan outlet 224 and/or air conduit 232 is fluidly coupled to supply conduit 154 of additive dispenser 150. In this manner, a single hole may be defined within wash tub 120 and that single hole may be used both for the addition of wash fluids and for the entry of the flow of air flow 234. Although air conduit 232 is illustrated as merging with supply conduit 154 prior to opening into wash tub 120, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, air conduit 232 may be fluidly coupled to wash tub 120 at any other suitable location through a dedicated or shared aperture or opening.
Notably, in order to prevent wash fluids from splashing into fan housing 222 during an operating cycle, fan assembly 200 may further include a check valve 250 positioned between fan outlet 224 and tub inlet 230. Check valve 250 may generally be configured as a one-way valve for preventing wash fluid from entering fan housing 222 through tub inlet 230. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, check valve 250 is operably coupled to air conduit 232. However, it should be appreciated that check valve 250 may instead be coupled at any other suitable location between fan housing 222 and wash tub 120. In addition, check valve 250 may be any suitable device or valve that prevents the reverse flow of air or another fluid into fan housing 222.
In order to permit the flow of air 234 to exit wash tub 120, washing machine appliance 100 may further include one or more vent apertures 252 that are in fluid communication with wash chamber 124. According to the illustrated embodiment, vent apertures 252 are defined in door 134 of washing machine appliance 100. According to alternative embodiments, vent apertures 252 may be defined at any other suitable location within washing machine appliance 100, such as on the front panel. Notably, however, it is desirable that vent apertures 252 are positioned proximate top 104 of washing machine appliance 100 or proximate top wall 240 of wash tub 120 such that wash fluid is less likely to splash through vent apertures 252 during a wash or rinse cycle.
According to still another embodiment, washing machine appliance 100 may include a splash screen 260 positioned proximate vent apertures 252 for preventing wash fluid from splashing through vent apertures 252 and out of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, splash screen 260 may be a baffle or plate that blocks the direct path between wash chamber 124 and vent apertures 252. According to other embodiments, any suitable screen, filter, check valve, or other suitable mechanism for preventing wash fluid from splashing through vent apertures 252 may be used. Splash screen 260 may also serve as a muffle or noise reducing baffle for reducing noise during a wash cycle.
In operation, the flow of air 234 may enter wash tub 120 at a corner of wash tub 120 proximate top wall 240 and rear wall 242, and may circulate within wash chamber 124 as it travels along the transverse direction T toward front 112 of washing machine appliance 100 before exiting through vent apertures 252. In this manner, the fresh flow of air 234 may continuously refresh the air within wash chamber 124, may reduce the formation of musty odors, mold, and mildew, and may generally improve a consumer's perception of washing machine appliance 100.
According to the illustrated embodiment, fan assembly 200 is positioned within cabinet 102 and outside wash tub 120. So positioned, fan assembly 200 may draw fresh air from within cabinet 102 or outside washing machine appliance 100 into fan housing 222, may circulate that fresh air into and throughout wash chamber 124, and may discharge the air out of vent apertures 252. More specifically, fan assembly 200 is positioned proximate a rear wall 242 of wash tub 120 and is operably coupled with motor assembly 128 such that rear wall 242 of wash tub 120 is positioned between wash chamber 124 and fan assembly 200. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, fan assembly 200 could be positioned at other locations and may be operably coupled to motor assembly 128 through another means, such as via a geared arrangement or a belt assembly. Other 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 languages of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising:

a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, the wash tub defining a tub inlet;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing;

a motor including a rotor operably coupled to the wash basket; and

a fan assembly positioned within the cabinet and outside the wash tub, the fan assembly comprising:

a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor; and

a fan housing positioned around the plurality of fan blades, the fan housing defining a fan outlet in fluid communication with the tub inlet of the wash tub.

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

one or more vent apertures in fluid communication with the wash chamber.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the vent apertures are defined in a door or on a front panel of the washing machine appliance.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the vent apertures are defined proximate a top of the washing machine appliance along the vertical direction.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein a splash screen is defined proximate the vent apertures to prevent wash fluid from splashing through the vent apertures or for reducing noise.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, comprising:

an additive dispenser in fluid communication with the wash chamber through a supply conduit, and wherein the fan outlet is fluidly coupled to the supply conduit.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the tub inlet is positioned proximate a top rear of the wash tub.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, comprising:

a check valve positioned between the fan outlet and the tub inlet, the check valve being configured for preventing wash fluid from entering the fan housing.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein an air conduit provides fluid communication between the fan outlet and the tub inlet, the check valve being operably coupled to the air conduit.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fan blades extend substantially along a radial direction relative to the rotor.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the fan assembly is positioned proximate a rear of the washing machine appliance such that a back wall of the wash tub is positioned between the wash chamber and the fan assembly.

12. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the transverse direction.

13. A fan assembly for a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a wash tub defining a tub inlet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a motor including a rotor for selectively rotating the wash basket, the fan assembly comprising:

a plurality of fan blades that are operably coupled to and extend from the rotor;

a fan housing positioned around the plurality of fan blades, the fan housing defining a fan outlet for providing a flow of air; and

an air conduit providing fluid communication between the fan outlet and the tub inlet to direct the flow of air into the wash chamber.

14. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the washing machine appliance defines one or more vent apertures in fluid communication with the wash chamber.

15. The fan assembly of claim 14, wherein the vent apertures are defined in a door or on a front panel of the washing machine appliance.

16. The fan assembly of claim 14, wherein a splash screen is defined proximate the vent apertures to prevent wash fluid from splashing through the vent apertures.

17. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the washing machine appliance comprises:

18. The fan assembly of claim 17, comprising:

a check valve operably coupled to the air conduit, the check valve being configured for preventing wash fluid from entering the fan housing.

19. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fan blades extend substantially along a radial direction relative to the rotor.

20. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the wash basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to a transverse direction.