U.S. patent application number 10/033631 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-26 for auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle.
Invention is credited to Gardner, Douglas W..
Application Number | 20030115682 10/033631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21871507 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030115682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardner, Douglas W. |
June 26, 2003 |
Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle
Abstract
The present invention provides for a programmable appliance
having a dryer and a control system operatively connected to the
dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction
based on the washing mode selection and to apply the dryer
instruction to the dryer. According to a method of the present
invention, a dryer is programmed by receiving a washing mode
selection associated with a washer, automatically creating a dryer
mode selection from the washing mode selection, and applying the
dryer mode selection to the dryer.
Inventors: |
Gardner, Douglas W.;
(Newton, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
ATTN: MAYTAG
801 GRAND AVENUE, SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Family ID: |
21871507 |
Appl. No.: |
10/033631 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/159 ; 68/12.27;
68/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2101/06 20200201;
D06F 29/005 20130101; D06F 2101/20 20200201; D06F 25/00 20130101;
D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 33/52 20200201; D06F 2101/18 20200201;
D06F 2101/14 20200201; D06F 58/38 20200201; D06F 2101/12 20200201;
D06F 29/02 20130101; D06F 2105/54 20200201; D06F 2105/58
20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/159 ; 68/20;
68/12.27 |
International
Class: |
D06F 029/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A programmable appliance comprising: a washer; a dryer; and a
control system operatively connected between the washer and the
dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction
based on a washing mode selection and to apply the dryer
instruction to the dryer.
2. The programmable appliance of claim 1 further comprising a user
input operatively connected to the control system.
3. The programmable appliance of claim 2 wherein the control system
is adapted to modify a dryer instruction with a user instruction
received from the user input.
4. A system for washing and drying comprising: a washer adapted to
receive at least one user input for controlling a wash cycle; a
dryer in communication with the washer, the dryer adapted to
receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on the user
input for controlling the wash cycle of the washer.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the user input is selected from a
set comprising a touch display, a dial, a button, and a switch.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the washer and the dryer are
positioned in a stacked position.
7. The system of claim 4 further comprising a housing wherein the
housing contains the washer and the dryer.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the washer and dryer share a
single chamber.
9. A system for washing and drying comprising: a washer; a dryer; a
control system operatively connected to the washer and the dryer,
the control system adapted to receive at least one wash cycle
instruction; wherein the control system is adapted to control the
dryer according to dry cycle instructions, the dry cycle
instructions based on the at least one wash cycle instruction.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a user input
operatively connected to the control system, the user input adapted
to receive the wash cycle instructions from an operator.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the washer and dryer are
stacked.
12. The system of claim 9 further comprising a housing wherein the
housing contains the washer and the dryer.
13. The system of claim 9 further comprising a user display
operatively connected to the control system.
14. A method of programming a dryer comprising: receiving a washing
mode selection associated with a washer; automatically creating a
dryer mode selection from the washing mode selection; and applying
the dryer mode selection to the dryer.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving
verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving
modifications to the dryer mode selection from an operator.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the washing mode selection is
selected from the set comprising: a wash cycle temperature, a rinse
cycle temperature, a type of wash load, and a favorite
selection.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein the dryer mode selection is
selected from the set comprising a temperature selection, a time
selection, a dry selection, and a favorite selection.
19. The method of claim 14 further comprising displaying the dryer
mode selection on a user interface.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of displaying the dryer
mode selection on a user interface occurs after a dryer door is
opened.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for
auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. More
specifically, this invention relates to automatically determining
dryer settings based on washer settings to reduce or eliminate an
operator's need to manually control the dryer's settings.
[0002] Washing machines (also called washers) and drying machines
(also called dryers) are two types of machines that are closely
associated with one another. Typically, laundry is washed in the
washing machine and then, upon completion of the wash cycle, the
laundry is placed in the drying machine for drying. Of course, one
need not use both machines and can use one or the other to perform
its respective function. Nevertheless, these two types of
appliances are often used in combination with each other, as shown
in the prior art.
[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,778 to Cotton discloses a
combined washer and dryer unit. In addition, other prior art
attempts have been made at combining the units themselves. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,856 to Niewyk, et al. discloses a
combination washer/dryer. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,761 to Oh
discloses a washing machine having a built in method of drying.
[0004] Despite these advances in the washers and dryers, problems
remain. In particular, problems regarding user interface of washers
and dryers have not been addressed.
[0005] Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide a method, apparatus, and system for an auto programmable
dryer that improves upon the state of the art.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer capable
of determining dryer selections based on washer cycle
selections.
[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that reduces the
amount of user interaction required to properly select dryer
settings.
[0008] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable
dryer that provides for a single control unit to be used to control
both a washer and a dryer.
[0009] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that is
capable of storing dryer selections.
[0010] These and other objects, features, or advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the specification and
claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is a method, apparatus and system for
auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. The apparatus
of the invention provides for a programmable dryer. The dryer has a
control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on a
washing mode selection and to then apply the dryer instruction to
the dryer. In this manner, the appliance can receive a washing mode
selection from a washer and determine drying instructions based on
the washing mode selections. This reduces the number of selections
that need to be made by an operator of the dryer, simplifying the
process of washing and drying laundry.
[0012] According to a system of the present invention a washer and
dryer are in communication with one another. The washer includes at
least one user input for controlling a wash cycle. Then the dryer
is adapted to receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on
the wash cycle of the washer. The washer and dryer can be within
the same housing and/or can be stacked. Further, the washer and
dryer can be part of a combination unit where a single chamber is
used for both washing and drying.
[0013] According to a method of the present invention, a dryer can
be programmed to receive a washing mode selection associated with a
washer. Then the method provides for automatically creating a dryer
mode selection based on the washing mode selection and applying the
dryer mode selection to the dryer. The method provides for
receiving verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator
and receiving modifications to the dryer mode selections from the
operator if need be. Further, according to the method of the
present invention, multiple dryer mode selections and/or washing
mode selections may be grouped as a favorite selection. Then an
operator need only select the favorite selection in order to
effectively make all the associated selections.
[0014] Thus, the present invention provides for advantages in the
convenience and use of the dryer as dryer mode selections can be
automatically established based on washer mode selections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a stacked washer and dryer
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a combination washer and
dryer according to the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-C are block diagrams showing washer/dryer systems
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 3A through 3B are pictorial representations of user
interfaces according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a user interface
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] FIG. 1A is a diagram of a stacked washer and dryer according
to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a system for washing and
drying 10 having a washer 12 and a dryer 14. The system also
includes a control panel 16. Although the system 10 shown is a
stacked configuration, the present invention contemplates any
placement of a washer with respect to a dryer provided that the
washer 12 is in operative communication with the dryer 14.
[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
1B. In FIG. 1B a combination washer/dryer 11 uses a chamber 13 for
both washing and drying. The combination washer/dryer 11 includes a
control panel 16.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the washer 12 in
operative connection with a control unit 15 which is operatively
connected to a user interface 16. The control unit 15 can provide
electronic control of the washer 12 and dryer 14. For example, the
control unit 15 can include an intelligent control such as a
processor, controller, electronic circuit, or other control
mechanism. The user interface 16 operatively connected to the
control 15 may provide for user input and/or user output. For
example, the user interface 16 may include dials, buttons, and
switches such as are conventionally associated with washer and/or
dryer controls. Alternatively, the user interface 16 may include a
display, a touch screen display, or other means for providing user
input and/or user output.
[0025] FIG. 2B is a block diagram where control is divided between
a washer control unit 15A and a dryer control unit 15B. The washer
control unit 15A is in operative communication with the dryer
control unit 15B. Each of the control units can include an
intelligent control such as a processor, controller, electronic
circuit, or other control mechanism. Each of the control units 15A
and 15B are also operatively connected to a user interface 16.
[0026] FIG. 2C shows another embodiment where a combination
washer/dryer 11 is operatively connected to a control unit 15 and
the control unit 15 is operatively connected to a user interface
16.
[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of a user interface 16. The
user interface 16 shown is illustrative and not limiting as the
present invention contemplates any number of user interfaces
including any number of input controls. For example, in FIG. 3A, a
user interface 16A is shown. In user interface 16A, the type of
laundry being washed is indicated by control 18A which provides for
"cotton sturdy."Similarly, the wash temperature is selected by the
user input 20A. The user input 20A indicates "warm." This instructs
the washer to use warm water in the wash cycle. Another user input
is indicated by user input 22A. Here, user input 22A indicates the
rinse temperature of the water used during the rinse cycle. The
user input 22A indicates that "cold" rinse water should be
used.
[0028] Similarly, the user interface 16A includes dryer controls.
For example, the temperature of the dryer can be selected. The
control 24A indicates that the temperature to be used for drying is
"regular." Similarly, an additional drying instruction 26A is
indicated showing that the dryer should use a "more dry" mode,
which results in a greater drying time period.
[0029] Similarly, FIG. 3B shows a user interface for a washer and
dryer. In FIG. 3B the washer is set to delicate mode 18B, the wash
temperature is set to cold 20B and the rinse cycle is set to cold
22B, the dryer portion is set to delicate 24B and the drying
instruction is set to damp dry 26B. The present invention
contemplates any number of washer and dryer selections. Those given
are merely illustrative.
[0030] According to the present invention the washer instructions
or controls are used to determine the drying instructions or
controls. For example, the settings for the washer shown in FIG.
3A, including "cotton sturdy" with a "warm" wash cycle and a "cold"
rinse cycle are, interpreted according to the present invention to
indicate a dryer temperature of "regular" and a dryer instruction
of "more dry." Similarly, the washer instructions in FIG. 3B can be
used to create dryer instructions. For example, the "delicate" type
with the "cold" wash cycle and the "cold" rinse cycle for the
washer indicate that an appropriate dryer setting would be for the
temperature to be set to a "delicate" temperature and that the dry
setting be set to "damp dry." In this manner, the present invention
provides for a dryer to be programmed based on the washer
instructions.
[0031] The present invention further provides that the user
interface 16 need not show both the washer settings and the dryer
settings simultaneously. Instead, the washer settings of FIG. 3 may
be displayed, the dryer settings being held in escrow until the
dryer door is opened or another event occurs. Once the dryer door
is opened or another event occurs, the settings for the dryer are
shown by the user interface 16. The dryer settings shown are
preferably automatically selected based on the washer settings.
[0032] FIG. 4 provides one example of a method according to the
present invention. In step 30 of FIG. 4, the washer receives wash
cycle instructions. The washer can receive these instructions from
a user through a user interface or otherwise. In step 32, wash
cycle instructions are used to determine dryer cycle instructions.
The present invention provides for this determination to be made
based on a table of wash cycle instructions and corresponding dryer
cycle instructions that can be stored in a control unit.
Optionally, the table can be modified by the past selections made
by an operator. The present invention contemplates any number of
methods of associating wash cycle instruction, with dryer
instructions, the use of the table is merely one often convenient
method. Other methods may be more appropriate for use in a
particular application. The present invention fully contemplates
these and other variations.
[0033] In step 34, a user can optionally determine whether the
dryer instructions are appropriate. If not, then in step 36 the
operator can modify the instructions or otherwise provide
alternative instructions for a drying operation. If in step 34, an
operator confirms the dryer instructions, then in step 38 the dryer
instructions are applied to the dryer. The present invention
contemplates that steps 34 and 36 are optional. The dryer can
automatically proceed without confirmation or alteration of the
instructions by an operator.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates another user interface of the present
invention. According to FIG. 5, the user interface 16C has a
favorite option 40. The favorite option 40 allows an operator to
select a favorite setting. The favorite setting is a collection of
one or more washer and/or dryer instructions. The favorite
selection is used to auto program the entire washing and drying
cycle. The favorite selection can be stored in nonvolatile
memory.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for applying a favorite
selection. In step 42 a favorite selection is received. The
favorite selection can be received through use of a button or other
input. Based on the favorite selection 42, the washer cycle is
determined in step 44. Once the washer cycle is determined in step
44, the dryer cycle is determined in step 46. Then the washer
instructions are applied in step 48 and dryer instructions are
applied in step 50. The present invention contemplates that the
steps need not flow in the order given. For example, the washer
instructions can be applied before the dryer cycle is
determined.
[0036] Thus, methods, system, and apparatus for auto programming of
a dryer based on a washer cycle has been disclosed. The present
invention provides for variations in the specific washer settings
and dryer settings used, the type of user controls, the physical
configuration of the washer/dryer, the configuration of the
electronic controls, and other variations.
* * * * *