U.S. patent application number 09/919792 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for suds detection and display system for an automatic washing machine.
Invention is credited to Broker, John F., Haar, Evan R. Vande, Ochsner, Douglas A..
Application Number | 20030024055 09/919792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25442659 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030024055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broker, John F. ; et
al. |
February 6, 2003 |
SUDS DETECTION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHING
MACHINE
Abstract
A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to
indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations
to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively
educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A
display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used
to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing
machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds
level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the
development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid
prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the
user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles
are detected.
Inventors: |
Broker, John F.; (Colfax,
IA) ; Ochsner, Douglas A.; (Newton, IA) ;
Haar, Evan R. Vande; (Pella, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DIEDERIKS & WHITELAW, PLC
12471 Dillingham Square, # 301
Woodbridge
VA
22192
US
|
Family ID: |
25442659 |
Appl. No.: |
09/919792 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ; 68/12.05;
68/12.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/06 20130101;
D06F 2105/58 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/158 ; 68/12.27;
68/12.05 |
International
Class: |
D06F 033/02 |
Claims
I/We claim:
1. An automatic washing machine for performing laundering
operations including wash and rinse cycles during which mechanical
actions are imparted upon articles of clothing comprising: a
cabinet including a control panel; a display integrated into the
control panel, said display being adapted to present a plurality of
visual screens to a user of the washing machine; and a control
system adapted to detect high suds level conditions developed
within the washing machine during the laundering operations and for
signaling the display to present information to the user concerning
a high suds level condition.
2. The automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
display is constituted by a touch screen display.
3. The automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
control system includes means for storing information concerning
the high suds level conditions.
4. The automatic washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the
control system causes the display to present the information
concerning the high suds level condition only after verification of
the high suds level condition.
5. The automatic washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the
control system verifies the high suds level condition when a
predetermined number of high suds level conditions are detected
during a preset number of laundering operations.
6. The automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
information concerning the high suds level condition includes
instructions on preventing future occurrences of high suds level
conditions.
7. An automatic washing machine for performing laundering
operations including wash and rinse cycles during which mechanical
actions are imparted upon articles of clothing comprising: a
cabinet including a control panel; display means, integrated into
the control panel, for presenting a plurality of visual screens to
a user of the washing machine; and control means for detecting high
suds level conditions developed within the washing machine during
the laundering operations and signaling the display to present
information to the user concerning a high suds level condition.
8. The automatic washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the
display means constitutes a touch screen display.
9. The automatic washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the
control means includes means for storing information concerning the
high suds level conditions.
10. The automatic washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the
control means causes the display means to present the information
concerning the high suds level condition only after verification of
the high suds level condition.
11. The automatic washing machine according to claim 10, wherein
the control means verifies the high suds level condition when a
predetermined number of high suds level conditions are detected
during a preset number of laundering operations.
12. The automatic washing machine according to claim 1 1, wherein
the control means signals the display means to present the
information concerning the high suds level condition when four out
of the last seven cycles indicate high suds level conditions.
13. The automatic washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the
information concerning the high suds level condition includes
instructions on preventing future occurrences of high suds level
conditions.
14. A method of operating a clothes washing machine comprising:
sensing a high suds level condition developed during a laundering
operation in the washing machine; and providing information to a
user of the washing machine concerning the high suds level
condition through a visual display incorporated into the washing
machine.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the display provides text
information to the user.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: programming the
washing machine for a laundering operation through the display.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing a screen
sequence on the display to instruct the user on preventing future
occurrences of high suds level conditions.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: verifying the high
suds level condition; and presenting the information only after
verification of the high suds level condition.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: verifying the high
suds level condition when a predetermined number of high suds level
conditions are detected during a preset number of laundering
operations.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: verifying the high
suds level condition by detecting when four out of the last seven
cycles indicate high suds level conditions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to the art of washing
machines and, more particularly, to a washing machine incorporating
a system for detecting and displaying when high suds level
conditions develop while laundering articles of clothing in the
washing machine.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] The development of suds during operation of an automatic
washing machine is a problem that has been recognized in the art.
Actually, high levels of suds can form throughout various cycles of
a washing operation. In more conventional vertical axis or
top-loading washing machines, high levels of suds can be developed
during a wash cycle when a water/detergent solution which has a
rather high detergent content is placed in turbulence by the
operation of an agitator. For front-loading washing machines, the
potential of developing high levels of suds can be even greater
during wash cycles given the tumbling action of the clothes through
the water/detergent solution. In each of these types of known
washing machines, high levels of suds can also develop during spin
cycles due to the creation of turbulent air when a washing machine
basket is rotated at high RPMs. More specifically, during spin
cycles the water/detergent solution is directed into a drainage
zone by the centrifugal force of the rotating washing machine
basket and combines with the turbulent air in the drainage zone to
generate suds that can flow back into the basket.
[0005] At the end of a wash cycle in either a top or front-loading
washing machine, the water/detergent solution is subjected to a
drainage operation, followed by a spin period for the washing
machine basket. It is desired to remove as much of the
water/detergent from the clothes as possible during these steps.
Thereafter, the clothes are subjected to various rinse cycles,
during which the clothes are agitated or tumbled within fresh water
supplied within the basket. Each rinse cycle may also terminate in
sequential draining and spinning operations. The development of
high levels of suds can be problematic during both the wash and
rinse cycles for various reasons. For instance, whenever the
washing machine enters a spin mode, the presence of high levels of
suds can produce a heavy and possibly excessive load on the motor
used to drive the washing machine basket. In addition, the
development of high levels of suds may result in a residual
water/detergent solution remaining in the laundered clothes, even
if several rinse cycles are incorporated in the overall washing
operation.
[0006] The prior art has addressed this known problem in various
fashions. In general, each of the proposed solutions focuses on the
reduction of suds during a particular cycle or mode of operation of
the washing machine. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,329 is
directed to correcting an over-suds condition that develops during
a wash cycle. More specifically, when the over-suds condition is
sensed, the wash cycle operation is suspended to enable the
clothing and suds in the basket to be sprayed with cold water for a
preset period of time and then the clothes are allowed to cool
while the bubbles collapse before the washing operation is resumed.
Another solution is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,889 which is
solely directed toward the elimination of high levels of suds
produced during spin cycles. In accordance with this patented
arrangement, each spinning operation is carried out in multiple
stages, with the washing machine basket being rotated at varying
speeds during the individual stages. Finally, U.S. Pat. No.
5,890,247 discloses a suds detection and control system which
functions to alter the mechanical actions imparted upon articles of
clothing during wash and rinse cycles and/or add a supplemental
rinse cycle to an overall washing operation in response to an
indication of a high suds level condition in the machine.
[0007] To date, known prior art suds control systems only address
the problem by directly, automatically counteracting a suds
condition following detection thereof. Therefore, the user of the
washing machine is not actually provided with any indication that
an over-suds condition even developed. Since the over-suds
condition can be directly attributed to the manner in which the
washing machine is operated by the user, the prior art really fails
to address the source of the problem. Based on the above, there
exists a need in the art for a system designed to notify the user
when over-suds conditions are detected in at least a certain number
of cycles, as well as to educate the user of the machine on how to
avoid developing similar conditions in future cycles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a control system for a
clothes washing machine which is automatically responsive to
indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations
to, not only effectively counteract the high level of suds, but
effectively educating the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the
conditions. Most preferably, a display, such as an LCD touch screen
which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is
integrated into the washing machine for conveying information to
the user on how to avoid the development of future over-suds
conditions.
[0009] In accordance with the invention, a high suds level
condition is preferably indicated by detecting an operating
parameter of the washing machine, such as the motor torque, which
may be affected when high levels of suds exist. Signals from the
detection unit are preferably correlated into torque values for the
drive system and current torque values are compared with stored
values to determine when a load is placed upon the drive system
which is indicative of the presence of high levels of suds.
Regardless of the particular type of suds detection system
employed, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a
predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected. More
specifically, the most preferred embodiment of the invention
provides for informing the user when four out of the last seven
cycles have been designated as high suds cycles. In addition,
further instructions can be presented through the display to guide
the user on eliminating the problem. If the user actually notices
that the washing tub is full of suds upon termination of a
laundering operation, instructions can be directly accessed through
the display by the user. The invention is applicable to various
types of washing machines, including vertical axis machines and,
particularly, front-loading machines.
[0010] Additional objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more readily apparent from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in
conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer
to corresponding parts in the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine
incorporating the suds detection and display system of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an instructional screen presented to the
user in accordance with the invention; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an operating
screen sequence employed in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] With initial reference to FIG. 1, a laundry appliance 1 is
schematically shown in the form of a washing machine. Appliance 1
includes a cabinet 2 provided with a door 3 in a front face 4. Door
3 is designed to be pivoted to expose an integral washing tub (not
shown). A display 10 is integrated into a control panel 20 through
which a user can control and program washing appliance 1 as will be
detailed below. Appliance 1 also includes various control buttons
50-56 shown about display 10.
[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
an "OFF" button 50 is provided to selectively turn off or reset
laundry appliance 1. Button 51 constitutes a "START/PAUSE" button
used to initiate or pause a selected washing operation. A "HELP"
button 52 is provided to enter a help control mode as will be
discussed further below. A "HOME" button 53 is used to enter
another control mode which will also be discussed fully below.
Button 54 enables direct access to "FAVORITES" relating to
preferred cycle parameters stored by a user in a memory 75 of a CPU
85 used to regulate tub drive controls, generally indicated at 90,
and cycle controls 95. Finally, a "BACK" button 55 is provided to
erase an inadvertently inputted control parameter or revert back to
a prior screen on display 10. As will also become more fully
evident below, the particular control configuration for laundry
appliance 1 can significantly vary in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, CPU 85 includes a
suds detection circuit 98 adapted to receive signals representing
at least one operating parameter of automatic washing machine 1
which is responsive to high suds level conditions that can develop
during laundering operations. The actual manner in which the high
suds level conditions are detected can take various forms known in
the art for purposes of the present invention. In general, the
detection arrangement is based on reading torque values which are
compared with reference torque values to provide an indication of a
high suds level condition. A preferred embodiment is based on
torque indications for a motor (not shown) used to drive the
washing tub provided within cabinet 2. Actually, a preferred
detection system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No, 5,890,247 which is
co-owned with the present invention and incorporated herein by
reference.
[0017] In accordance with the present invention, it is desired to
verify the high suds level condition and, following verification,
provide an indication of the condition to the user through display
10. Therefore, although the user could be informed whenever a high
suds condition is sensed during a given laundering operation, it is
preferable to first verify that a pattern of high suds level
conditions exist before alerting the user. To this end, a preferred
embodiment functions by storing detected high suds level conditions
in memory 75. When a predetermined number of high suds level
conditions are detected during a preset number of laundering
operations, then the user will be alerted to the situation. Most
preferably, verification of the development of high suds level
conditions which is considered to warrant the alerting of the user
is when a high suds level condition is detected in four out of the
last seven cycles.
[0018] Once a high suds level condition is verified as discussed
above, it is actually preferable to present information in text
form to the user through display 10. More specifically, as shown in
FIG. 2, it is desired to notify the user that "Too many suds have
been detected during recent cycles" in a pop-up window or screen
100 presented in display 10. In addition, it is further desired to
instruct the user on preventing future occurrences of high suds
level conditions. For instance, the user can be instructed to
"Consider using less detergent". Furthermore, to also aid the user
in preventing future occurrences, other instructions, concerning
where more information can be obtained to address this issue, can
be presented. These other instructions can include referring the
user to a guide supplied with washing machine 1 or accessing
information available through a help menu also available through
display 10 as will now be discussed with particular reference to
FIG. 3.
[0019] By pressing "HELP" button 52, the user will be presented
with screen 110 as shown in FIG. 3. For purposes of the present
invention, although various help selections are available, it is
assumed that the user has chosen the "Before you call" option by
simply touching this section of screen 110. Through this selection,
the user can reach screen 120. Again, for purposes of the present
invention, it is assume that the user selects "tub is full of
suds". Thereafter, the user will be presented with instructional
information such as that shown in screen 130 of FIG. 3. In
accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the user
will be instructed to run through another complete cycle in washing
machine 1 utilizing cold water, to reduce the amount of detergent
being employed for selected load, size and soil levels and/or to
utilize a high efficiency or low sudsing detergent, preferably one
specially formulated for the type of washing machine.
[0020] Based on the above discussion, it should be readily apparent
that incorporating display 10 into washing machine 1 enables an
abundance of information to be conveyed to the user. In accordance
with the present invention, this information relates to both
alerting the user of the existence of a high suds level condition
and providing instructional assistance to counteract the
development of high suds levels in the future. If the user actually
observes a high level of suds in the washing tub, the help sequence
described above with reference to FIG. 3 and accessible through
"HELP" button 52 can be used to address the problem. Therefore, the
user can be advantageously educated on the creation of too many
suds in a variety of ways in accordance with the present invention.
In addition, the invention employs a verification system so as to
avoid falsely alarming the user on the existence of any high suds
level conditions.
[0021] Although described with reference to a preferred embodiment
of the invention, it should be readily understood that various
changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without
departing from the spirit thereof. In general, the invention is
only intended to be limited by the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *