U.S. patent application number 10/741322 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for apparatus for reducing retained moisture content of articles and method of fabricating.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Beyerle, Michael Thomas, Johnson, Neil A., McInerney, Edward Joseph, Meyer, James Alan, Richter, Timothy Gerard, Sundell, Robert Elmer, Watkins, Derek Lee, Weaver, Mark Aaron.
Application Number | 20050132755 10/741322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34678119 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050132755 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sundell, Robert Elmer ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Apparatus for reducing retained moisture content of articles and
method of fabricating
Abstract
A method of fabricating a wash basket for a washing machine
including providing a substantially cylindrical housing having a
bottom and an inner wall, providing a plurality of geometric
structures and connecting the plurality of geometric structures to
the inner wall. The plurality of geometric structures may be
configured to optimize a relationship between mechanically
agitating an article contained within the wash basket during a wash
cycle and reducing a residual moisture content of the article
during a spin cycle. A wash basket for a washing machine may
include a housing having an inner wall fabricated by a first
process and a plurality of geometric structures fabricated by a
second process where the plurality of geometric structures are
attached to and extend radially inwardly from the inner wall, the
geometric structures comprising a separate structure relative to
the housing.
Inventors: |
Sundell, Robert Elmer;
(Clifton Park, NY) ; Richter, Timothy Gerard;
(Wynantskill, NY) ; Johnson, Neil A.;
(Schenectady, NY) ; Beyerle, Michael Thomas;
(Pewee Valley, KY) ; McInerney, Edward Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) ; Watkins, Derek Lee;
(Elizabethtown, KY) ; Weaver, Mark Aaron;
(Crestwood, KY) ; Meyer, James Alan; (Loulsville,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
GLOBAL RESEARCH
PATENT DOCKET RM. BLDG. K1-4A59
NISKAYUNA
NY
12309
US
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
|
Family ID: |
34678119 |
Appl. No.: |
10/741322 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 68/142;
68/24; 68/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/003.00R ;
068/024; 068/058; 068/142 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/06 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] This invention was made with U.S. Government support through
Government Contract Number DE-FC26-01 NT41261 awarded by the
Department of Energy, and, in accordance with the terms set forth
in said contracts, the U.S. Government may have certain rights in
the invention.
Claims
What is claimed:
1) A method of fabricating a wash basket for a washing machine, the
method comprising: providing a substantially cylindrical housing
having a bottom and an inner wall; providing a plurality of
geometric structures; and connecting the plurality of geometric
structures to the inner wall.
2) The method of claim 1, the step of providing a housing
comprising providing the housing comprising stainless steel.
3) The method of claim 2, the step of providing a plurality of
geometric structures comprising providing the plurality of
geometric structures comprising a synthetic resin.
4) The method of claim 1 further comprising: configuring the
plurality of geometric structures to optimize a relationship
between mechanically agitating an article contained within the wash
basket during a wash cycle and reducing a residual moisture content
of the article during a spin cycle.
5) The method of claim 4, the step of configuring comprising:
determining a spacing between at least two of the plurality of
geometric structures; determining a height of at least one of the
plurality of geometric structures; and determining a shape of at
least one of the plurality of geometric structures.
6) The method of claim 5 wherein at least one of the determining
steps is a function of at least one operating parameter of the
washing machine.
7) The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing a geometric
structure having an aperture formed therein.
8) A wash basket for a washing machine, the wash basket comprising:
a housing having an inner wall fabricated by a first process; and a
plurality of geometric structures fabricated by a second process,
the plurality of geometric structures attached to and extending
radially inwardly from the inner wall, the geometric structures
comprising a separate structure relative to the housing:
9) The wash basket of claim 8 wherein at least one of the plurality
of geometric structures has a bell-shaped cross section.
10) The wash basket of claim 8, at least one of the plurality of
geometric structures comprising a first portion extending radially
inwardly a first distance from the inner wall and a second portion
extending radially inwardly a second distance from the inner wall
where the first distance is greater than the second distance.
11) The wash basket of claim 8 further comprising: a porous
material covering at least a portion of at least one of the
plurality of geometric structures.
12) The wash basket of claim 8 wherein at least one of the
geometric structures is formed of a material sufficiently porous to
wick a quantity of liquid away from an article contained in the
wash basket during a spin cycle.
13) The wash basket of claim 8, the plurality of geometric
structures comprising a plurality of spaced apart ribs.
14) The wash basket of claim 8 wherein a shape of the plurality of
geometric structures is configured for mechanically agitating an
article contained within the wash basket during a wash cycle and
for reducing a residual moisture content of the article during a
spin cycle.
15) The wash basket of claim 8 wherein at least one of the
plurality of geometric structures has an aperture formed
therein.
16) A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a wash basket
rotatably mounted in the cabinet, the wash basket having a bottom
and an inner wall; and a plurality of geometric structures
connected to the inner wall, the geometric structures extending
radially inwardly from the inner wall.
17) The washing machine of claim 16 wherein at least two of the
plurality of geometric structures are spaced apart about 1.25
inches from respective centerlines and at least one of the
plurality of geometric structures extends radially inwardly of the
wash basket about 0.625 inches.
18) The washing machine of claim 16 wherein a shape of the
plurality of geometric structures is configured based on at least
an operating parameter of the washing machine for increasing a
volume of the wash basket and decreasing a residual moisture
content of an article contained within the wash basket during a
spin cycle.
19) The washing machine of claim 16 further comprising: means for
introducing air into the wash basket during a spin cycle.
20) The washing machine of claim 16 further comprising: means for
providing airflow along a central axis of an agitator during a
spin.
21) The washing machine of claim 20, the means for providing
airflow along a central axis of the agitator during a spin cycle
comprising a vent formed in the cabinet and a duct for directing
air from the vent to the central axis of the agitator.
22) The washing machine of claim 20 further comprising: means for
heating the airflow.
23) The washing machine of claim 16 further comprising: a porous
material covering at least a portion of a geometric structure for
wicking a quantity of water away from an article contained in the
wash basket during a spin cycle.
24) The washing machine of claim 16 further comprising: means for
drawing air from the wash basket during a spin cycle.
25) An apparatus in a washing machine for extracting liquid from an
article when the apparatus is rotated about an axis, the apparatus
comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing having an inner
wall defining a height; a geometric structure attachable to the
housing; and means for attaching the geometric structure to the
inner wall.
26) The apparatus of claim 25, the housing further comprising: a
bottom; and wherein the geometric structure is configured in an
area of the housing that is less than the height of the
housing.
27) The apparatus of claim 26, the geometric structure comprising a
plurality of ribs.
28) The apparatus of claim 25, the geometric structure comprising
at least one geometric structure selected from the group of a
linear rib and a nonlinear rib and a semi-spherical protrusion.
29) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the geometric structure has a
constant cross section and extends radially inwardly from the inner
wall.
30) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the geometric structure has a
bell-shaped cross section.
31) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the geometric structure
extends radially inwardly from the inner wall between about 0.25
inches and 1.0 inch.
32) The apparatus of claim 25, the geometric structure comprising a
plurality of ribs, wherein a distance between at least two ribs is
sufficient to prevent the article from impinging the inner wall
during a spin cycle.
33) The apparatus of claim 32 wherein at least one of the plurality
of ribs has an aperture formed therein.
34) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the geometric structure has
an aperture formed therein.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to clothes washing
machines and more particularly to a clothes washing machine having
apparatus for water extraction from clothes during spin cycles of
the washing machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional washing machines typically include a cabinet
that houses an outer tub for containing wash and rinse water, a
perforated clothes basket within the tub for holding articles such
as clothes to be washed and an agitator disposed within the basket
for agitating the clothes during a wash cycle. A drive and motor
assembly for driving the agitator and the basket may be mounted
underneath the outer tub. The motor is typically an AC induction
motor, which can reverse its rotation direction to achieve
different modes in a wash cycle. A pump assembly may pump water
from the outer tub to a drain during a wash cycle. Conventional
wash cycles will spin the basket at various times to extract water
and wash fluids from clothes.
[0004] Extracting water from clothes during spin cycles is
desirable because it reduces the amount of energy required to dry
the clothes after washing, such as in a conventional dryer. The
energy efficiency rating of washers may include the energy required
to dry clothes after washing. Spinning the wash basket is a common
method of extracting water from clothes prior to the drying cycle.
Using the mechanical energy of the spin cycle to extract water is
more energy efficient than using the heat in a clothes dryer. More
stringent energy usage standards imposed on washing machines can
require new and costly washer platforms. This is because efforts to
increase water extraction have mainly been achieved through
increased basket spin speed. This often requires more expensive
drive systems that typically include costly motors and
transmissions. Also, increased spin speed may result in problems
with the high forces associated with possible out-of-balance
conditions and the associated higher stresses in the basket.
[0005] The retained moisture content (RMC) of clothes is a variable
used to determine the amount of energy required to dry clothes
after a wash cycle. Several factors affect clothing's RMC during a
washing machine's spin cycle. These factors may include clothing
material, clothing load, basket diameter, spin speed, spin
duration, rinse temperature and chemical rinse agents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A method of fabricating a wash basket for a washing machine
is provided that may include providing a substantially cylindrical
housing having a bottom and an inner wall, providing a plurality of
geometric structures and connecting the plurality of geometric
structures to the inner wall.
[0007] A wash basket for a washing machine is provided that may
include a housing having an inner wall fabricated by a first
process and a plurality of geometric structures fabricated by a
second process where the plurality of geometric structures are
attached to and extend radially inwardly from the inner wall, the
geometric structures comprising a separate structure relative to
the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary washing
machine.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevational schematic view of the washing
machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for
the washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross sectional view of an
exemplary wash basket for the washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial horizontal cross section of the wash
basket along line 5-5 shown in FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of an exemplary configuration
of ribs insertable into a wash basket in accordance with aspects of
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary rib of FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side elevational schematic view of the washing
machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially broken away of an
exemplary washing machine 50 in which aspects of the present
invention may be practiced. It is recognized, however, that the
various benefits of the present invention may be demonstrated in
other types of washing machines. The description of washing machine
50 below is therefore offered just for illustrative purposes, and
in no way should be construed to limit application of the present
invention in any aspect.
[0017] Washing machine 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A
backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a variety of appliance
control input selectors 58, 60 may be mounted onto backsplash 56.
Input selectors 58, 60 comprise a user interface for operator
selection of operational machine cycles and modes of operation. A
lid 62 is mounted to cover 54 and may be movable between an open
position facilitating access to a wash tub 64 located within
cabinet 52, and a closed position forming a covered enclosure over
wash tub 64.
[0018] Tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and a sidewall 68, and a
basket 70 may be rotatably mounted within washtub 64. An agitator,
impeller, or oscillatory basket mechanism 116 (shown in FIG. 2) may
be disposed in basket 70 to agitate the articles and liquid in
basket 70. The agitator 116 and/or wash basket 70 may be positioned
to rotate or otherwise have motion, e.g., oscillatory or wobbling
motion, about an axis, such as a vertical axis, an axis with some
degree of tilt or a horizontal axis. Such an oscillatory mechanism
116 is not necessary to implement embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a view of washing machine 50 including wash basket
70 movably disposed and rotatably mounted in washtub 64 in a spaced
apart relationship from tub side wall 64 and tub bottom 66. Wash
basket 70 may include a plurality of perforations therein to
facilitate fluid communication between an interior 100 of wash
basket 70 and washtub 64. A dispenser (not shown in FIG. 2) may be
provided to produce a wash solution by mixing fresh water with a
detergent or other composition for cleansing of articles in wash
basket 70. The agitator, impeller, or oscillatory basket mechanism
116 may be disposed in wash basket 70 to impart an oscillatory
motion to articles and liquid in wash basket 70. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, agitator 116 is exemplarily oriented to rotate about a
vertical axis. It will be appreciated, however, that various
embodiments of the present invention may be used with horizontal
axis washing machines as well. Wash basket 70 and agitator 116 may
be driven by motor 120 through a transmission and clutch system
122. Clutch system 122 facilitates driving engagement of wash
basket 70 and agitator 116 for rotatable movement within washtub
64. The clutch system 122 facilitates relative rotation of wash
basket 70 and agitator 116 for selected portions of wash cycles.
Motor 120, transmission and clutch system 122 may form a multiple
speed drive that is capable of spinning wash basket 70 at multiple
speeds to accomplish different objectives at different points in
the wash cycle.
[0020] Operation of machine 50 may be controlled by a controller
138, which is operatively coupled to the user interface input
located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 1) for user
manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In
response to user manipulation of the user interface input,
controller 138 operates the various components of machine 50 to
execute selected machine cycles and features. For example, clothes
are loaded into wash basket 70, and washing operation is initiated
through operator manipulation of control input selectors 60 (shown
in FIG. 1). Tub 64 is filled with water and mixed with detergent to
form a wash fluid then wash basket 70 is agitated with agitator 116
for cleansing of clothes in wash basket 70. After a predetermined
period of wash action, tub 64 is drained and wash basket 70 is spun
to extract wash fluid from the clothes. Clothes are then rinsed
with fresh water and wash basket 70 is spun again to remove water
from clothes. Depending on the particular wash cycle selected,
multiple wash and spin portions of the wash cycle may be
executed.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary washing
machine control system 150 for use with washing machine 50. Control
system 150 includes controller 138, which may, for example, be a
microcomputer 140 coupled to a user interface input 141. An
operator may enter instructions or select desired washing machine
cycles and features via user interface input 141, such as through
input selectors 60 (shown in FIG. 1). A display or indicator 144
coupled to microcomputer 140 displays appropriate messages and/or
indicators, such as a timer, and other known items of interest to
washing machine users. A memory 142 is also coupled to
microcomputer 140 and stores instructions, calibration constants,
and other information as required to satisfactorily complete a
selected wash cycle.
[0022] Power to control system 150 is supplied to controller 138 by
a power supply 146 configured to be coupled to a power line L.
Analog to digital and digital to analog converters (not shown) are
coupled to controller 138 to implement controller inputs and
executable instructions to generate controller output to washing
machine components such as those described above in relation to
FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, controller 138 may be operatively
coupled to motor 120, clutch system 122, drive system 148, brake
system 151, water valves 152 and drain pump/drain valve 154 as well
as other components of machine 50 according to known methods. Water
valves of machine 50 (not shown) may be in flow communication with
a dispenser 153 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) so that water may be
mixed with detergent or other composition of benefit to washing of
garments in wash basket 70.
[0023] In response to manipulation of user interface input 141
controller 138 monitors various operational factors of washing
machine 50 with one or more sensors or transducers 156 and executes
operator selected functions and features according to known
methods. While an electronic controller 138 is described and
illustrated in FIG. 3, it is contemplated that known
electromechanical control mechanisms may be employed in alternative
embodiments.
[0024] The retained moisture content (RMC) of clothes after the
final spin cycle may be defined as: 1 RMC = ( wet weight of clothes
- dry weight of clothes ) dry weight of clothes .times. 100
[0025] Reducing or lowering the RMC after final spin will reduce
the amount of dryer energy needed to dry the clothes. Shorter
drying cycles may also be obtained thereby synchronizing the length
of a drying cycle with that of a wash cycle. This enables a user to
do laundry more efficiently (drying cycles are typically longer
that wash cycles thereby creating a bottleneck when transitioning
loads from the washing machine to the dryer). Reducing RMC also
allows for more efficient rinsing of clothes. A wash cycle
separates soil from clothes and a rinse cycle rinses the loosened
soil from the load to avoid deposition on other areas of the
clothes. It has been shown through testing that a 20% reduction in
RMC over three rinsing cycles (typical in a household washing
machine) may reduce the amount of suspended, non-adsorbed particles
in the wash solution by 50%. More efficient rinsing produces
cleaner clothes after washing.
[0026] One aspect of the invention allows for a plurality of
geometric structures 159, such as ribs 160, to be formed on the
periphery of inner wall 162 of wash basket 70 as shown in FIGS. 2
and 4. It has been found that such structures 159 may reduce RMC as
a function of at least the structures' height, spacing from one
another and geometry. With respect to ribs 160, it will be
appreciated that ribs 160 may be orientated vertically or
circumferentially relative to inner wall 162, or at any angle
between vertical and circumferential. Ribs 160 increase the local
force per area, or provide discrete pressure points on clothing
during a spin cycle. This compresses the clothing thereby squeezing
clothing fibers and decreasing the size of local capillaries, which
increases the local wicking action towards ribs 160 due to the
capillary action within the clothing. This increases the amount of
water extracted from the clothing during the spin cycle. It will be
appreciated that various embodiments of the invention may be formed
as part of an injection molding process for fabricating a wash
basket 70.
[0027] Ribs 160 may be shaped or formed in various ways other than
being linear members. Embodiments of ribs 160 may include curves,
waves or other combinations of geometric shapes. Embodiments of
other geometric structures 159, such as a plurality of protrusions
or protuberances, are not limited to being continuous members and
may also be formed as dimples or nubs extending from the inner wall
162 of wash basket 70. Various embodiments of the invention allow
for flexibility during manufacture.
[0028] Another aspect allows for various embodiments of geometric
structures 159 to be formed independently of or as a separate
structure from wash basket 70. As a separate structure the
geometric structures 159 may then be attached to the wash basket as
illustrated in FIG. 6. Exemplary embodiments of structures 159,
such as ribs 160, may be formed as a unitary piece or as individual
ribs that may be attached to the inner wall 162 of wash basket 70.
In an embodiment, wash basket 70 and/or structures 159 may be
stainless steel, it being appreciated that basket 70 and attachable
structures 159 may be fabricated of various compositions. In this
respect, it has proved difficult to fabricate stainless steel wash
baskets with integral structures 159, such as ribs 160, as a
unitary product without compromising the basket's structural
integrity.
[0029] One aspect allows for wash basket 70 to be fabricated of
various materials such as stainless steel, plastic or porcelain
steel, for example, or wash basket 70 may be enameled. Wash basket
70 may be configured to have attached thereto a secondary geometry
or geometric structure 159 shown in FIG. 2. Geometric structures
159, which may be ribs 160, promote improved washing of, and/or
water extraction from, articles being washed. Further, because the
secondary geometry 159 may be a separate structure and attachable
to the inside-of wash basket 70, the structural integrity of the
basket is not compromised in any respect. The secondary geometry
159 may be fabricated of various materials and combinations thereof
such as synthetics, thermoplastic, plastic, synthetic resins,
ceramics, steel and/or stainless steel, it being appreciated that
other materials and combinations thereof will be recognized by
those skilled in the art of fabricating wash basket 70 and the
secondary geometric structure 159.
[0030] The secondary geometry 159 may be formed as elongated ribs
160 or semi-spherical protrusions, for example. It will be
recognized that embodiments of the attachable secondary geometry
159 may assume a wide range of geometries provided they are
suitably attachable to the inside of wash basket 70. The secondary
geometry 159 may be attached to the inner wall 162 of wash basket
70 by various attaching means such as screws, snaps, bolting,
adhesives, spot or ultrasonic welding, or interlocking joints, for
example. Other attaching means will be recognized by those skilled
in the art. The secondary geometry 159 may be rigidly attached to
the inner wall 162 so it does not move relative to the wash basket
70 thereby functioning in cooperation with the basket during wash
and spin cycles. In this respect, during a wash cycle the clothes
within wash basket 70 will impinge or rub against the secondary
geometry 159 thereby promoting mechanical cleaning of the clothes,
much in the same way an agitator does in a vertical axis washing
machine. During a spin cycle, the secondary geometry 159, such as
ribs 160, cause stress concentrations in clothes under spin at
points where the clothes contact the secondary geometry 159. This
promotes a local wicking and/or ringing action in clothes that
causes more moisture to be removed from the clothes thereby
reducing the RMC.
[0031] One aspect of the invention allows for ribs 160 to extend
vertically from the bottom 164 of wash basket 70 a distance that is
less than the height of the inner wall 162 of wash basket 70. It
has been found that this configuration enhances the wicking action
of the clothing to reduce RMC while maximizing the volume of water
contained in the washtub 64. This may allow for an improved energy
rating of the washing machine 50. An exemplary standard for energy
standard compliance is the Modified Energy Factor (MEF), which may
be defined as: 2 MEF = washer basket volume hot water energy +
mechanical energy + dryer energy
[0032] Dryer energy is typically greater than that of a washing
machine, such as machine 50, so reducing dryer energy may have a
significant effect of the MEF. In this respect, one way to reduce
dryer energy is to extract more water from the clothes during the
final spin cycle. Sizing ribs 160 so they extend a distance less
then the height of wash basket 70 allows for a reduction in RMC
while maximizing the volume of the washer basket.
[0033] Ribs 160 may have a constant cross section. This may inhibit
clothes from moving to the top of wash basket 70 during spin. A
plurality of ribs 160 may be disposed around the entire
circumference of the wash basket 70 that extend substantially
perpendicularly from the bottom 164 of the wash basket 70 to
approximately the midpoint of the basket's height, for example. The
cross section of ribs 160 may be a constant semi-circular cross
section, as shown in FIG. 5, or other geometrical cross-sections.
Ribs 160 may be tapered and in one embodiment the lower portion of
the ribs 160 may extend further away from the inner wall 162 of
wash basket 70 than the upper portions of ribs 160. Tapering ribs
160 may increase the volume of water that may be contained in
washtub 64 thereby improving the energy rating of washing machine
50. In one aspect, the length, spacing and cross section dimensions
of ribs 160, or other geometric structures 159, may be optimized to
maximize the reduction in RMC and water volume in washtub 64 for
that machine. This optimization may be based at least in part on
the operational characteristics or parametrics of a washing
machine. These may include wash basket diameter, volume, spin rate
and duration of spin, load size, water temperature and clothing
composition, for example. Other factors will be recognized by those
skilled in the art.
[0034] Ribs 160 may extend radially inwardly toward the center of
basket 70 with a constant radius of curvature measured from the
inner basket wall 162. The radius of curvature may vary and in one
aspect may be greater than about 0.25 inches and less than about
1.00 inch. In an exemplary embodiment the radius of curvature may
range between about 0.25 and 0.625 inches. Alternate embodiments
allow for the radius of curvature to be less than 0.25 inches or
greater than 1.00 inch as a function of the type of articles under
spin, and various operating parameters and performance requirements
of machine 50, for example. Ribs 160 may be circumferentially
spaced apart varying distances, and in an embodiment may be spaced
apart approximately 1.25 inches between longitudinal centerlines.
In alternate exemplary embodiments ribs 160 may have a constant
cross section formed with a varying radius of curvature.
[0035] An exemplary embodiment of attachable geometric structures
159, such as attachable ribs 160, shown in FIG. 6, allows for a
cross section of ribs 160 to be formed substantially as a
bell-shaped curve with concave portions 163 that transition ribs
160 to integrate with the inner wall 162 of the wash basket 70.
Other curvatures will be recognized by those skilled in the art. In
an embodiment, the distance from the inner wall 162 of the wash
basket 70 to proximate the apex of a rib 160 extending radially
toward the center of the basket may be between about 0.25 inches
and 1.00 inch. Alternate embodiments allow for the attachable
geometric structures 159 to be protrusions, dimples, waveforms or
other shapes. Heights of the geometric structures 159 may extend
away from the inner wall 162 of wash basket 70 varying
distances.
[0036] Geometric structures 159, such as ribs 160, may comprise a
flexible or resilient material so that they conform to the surface
of inner wall 162 of wash basket 70 when attached. The portions of
structures 159 that interface with inner wall 162 may be
manufactured using a spring or biasing feature for conformance with
inner wall 162. Insert or rotary molding, for example, may be used
to manufacture geometric structure 159 with a spring or biasing
feature. Alternate embodiments may use an interface material that
may be bonded to structures 159 so it is positioned between the
structures and inner wall 162 when they are attached. These aspects
allow for larger tolerances in manufacturing both wash basket 70
and geometric structures 159, such as ribs 160, which may lower
production costs and allow for a tight interface so that clothes
are not caught in the interface area.
[0037] Further, it has been determined that for a given spacing of
ribs 160, which may be measured between centerlines, the width W
and angle .THETA. may be optimized to increase a pressure component
F.sub.A proximate the top or apex of ribs 160 during spin. During a
spin cycle of machine 50, clothes may impinge the surface of ribs
160 at various points. Referencing FIG. 7, portions of clothes may
impinge the top of ribs 160 and portions of clothes may drape over
a rib 160 impinging one or both sides of the rib, such as along
concave portion 163. In this respect, portions of clothes may
impinge and extend along each side of ribs 160, to varying
distances, toward inner wall 162 of basket 70. When this occurs,
width W and angle .THETA. may be optimized to increase pressure
component F.sub.A, which increases the local wicking action
proximate the top of a respective rib 160. Increasing angle .THETA.
will correspondingly increase force component F.sub.T, which causes
the portions of clothes draped over rib 160 to "pull" toward inner
wall 162. This pulls corresponding portions of clothes against the
top of rib 160 thereby increasing the local wicking action.
[0038] If ribs 160 are sufficiently spaced apart, portions of
clothes may impinge inner wall 162 between ribs 160. This reduces
force component F.sub.T relative to a force component resulting
from portions of clothes not impinging inner wall 162. In an
exemplary embodiment, ribs 160 are sufficiently spaced apart so
that portions of clothes only impinge ribs 160 proximate their
respective tops. It has been determined that the local wicking
action proximate the top of the ribs 160 is maximized if portions
of clothes do not impinge or only slightly impinge a ribs'
sidewalls. Alternate embodiments allow for ribs 160 to be
sufficiently spaced apart so that clothes impinge a portion of a
rib's sidewall but not the inner wall 162 of wash basket 70.
Spacing of ribs 160, and the optimization of width W and angle
.THETA. for a given spacing, may be optimized based on the
operational characteristics and parametrics of a washing machine
50.
[0039] An embodiment allows for ribs 160 to have a textured or
rough surface area to create sufficient friction between ribs 160
and clothes in wash basket 70 to hold the clothes in place against
ribs 160. This allows for ensuring that the clothes positioned
between adjacent ribs 160 are suspended away from the inner wall
162 of the wash basket 70 during spin. Suspending clothes increases
the pressure or force exerted against the clothes along the surface
of ribs 160 impinging the clothes during spin, such as proximate
the top of individual ribs, relative to the exerted pressure if the
portions of clothes positioned between ribs 160 rested against the
inner wall 162 during spin. The texturing also effectively
decreases the wetting angle allowing more water to move away from
clothing more easily during spin.
[0040] One aspect of the invention allows for the geometric
structures 159, such as ribs 160, to be formed entirely or
partially of a porous material to enhance the wicking action at the
surface of the structure 159. This is due to small porous apertures
formed in structures 159. Various porous materials may be used to
form structures 159 including ceramic, metal, plastic, and fabric
materials, for example. It will be appreciated that other materials
known to those skilled in the art may be used. Another aspect
allows for a porous material 165 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) to be
formed over all or a combination of ribs 160, or other structures
159, to achieve a similar enhancement to the wicking action
proximate a rib surface. The material may be placed over solid or
porous ribs 160, either of which may be hollow. In an embodiment a
commercially available fabric known as CoolMax, manufactured by
Dupont, may be used to cover a combination of ribs vertically and
circumferentially. This fabric or wicking material enhances the
wicking effect of ribs 160. Exemplary embodiments of geometric
structures 159 that are hollow may have apertures formed therein
for draining water, which prevents mildew and detergent
build-up.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention a means for supplying or
introducing air to the wash basket is provided. This allows for air
to flow onto clothes in the wash basket 70 during spin for
enhancing evaporation of water from the clothes thereby reducing
the RMC. One aspect allows for air to flow internal to porous ribs
160, or other structures 159, to enhance the evaporative effect
proximate the surface of the ribs. With reference to FIG. 8, in an
embodiment the means for introducing air may include an aperture
170 formed in cabinet 52, such as in the cabinet's back panel 172,
for example. Aperture 170 may be formed in other parts of cabinet
52, lid 62 or other parts of machine 50. Aperture 170 may be an
appropriately sized vent that allows air to be drawn into the
cabinet 52 by the spinning of the wash basket 70, which effectively
functions as a centrifugal pump during spin.
[0042] The means for introducing air may include a duct 174 that
directs airflow from aperture 170 to an outlet port 176, which in
an embodiment may be coaxial with an agitator 116 when lid 62 is
closed. This allows for air to be drawn down the agitator shaft
into wash basket 70 and circulate up the basket inner wall and over
clothes during spin. It is expected that some air will flow out of
the cabinet 52 after flowing up the inner walls. A heating device
178 may be provided for heating air flowing through duct 174, and a
device 180 for moving air, such as a commercially available blower,
may be provided for pushing or pulling air into duct 174. In an
embodiment, duct 174 may be integral with lid 62. It will be
appreciated that duct 174, heating device 178 and the device 180
may be used in various combinations and located in various places
within washing machine 50.
[0043] An alternate embodiment allows for a blower, such as device
180, to be located for pulling saturated air out of the wash basket
70 during spin so that less humid air may be drawn or pushed into
the wash basket. This allows for metering air into and/or out of
the wash basket 70 during spin so air with relatively low humidity
is continuously introduced into the wash basket 70 to enhance the
evaporation of water from clothes being spun. Air may be metered
into and/or out of wash basket 70 at a constant flow rate or a
pulsating rate, for example, to account for operating parameters or
characteristics of machine 50 and environmental factors such as the
relative humidity of ambient air.
[0044] Alternate embodiments allow for a removable or permanently
affixed device (not shown) to attach to an upper rim of wash basket
70, or other appropriate mounting location such as the balance
ring, for directing air onto clothes during spin. The device may be
substantially rectangular while conforming to the basket's
curvature, for example, and include an inlet port that directs air
into the device during spin. The device may be configured to direct
the air entering the inlet port downwardly toward clothes being
spun in the basket. The speed of the spinning basket forces air
through the inlet port to flow over the clothes.
[0045] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
have been shown and described by way of example only, numerous
variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill
in the art without departing from the invention herein.
Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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