U.S. patent application number 10/748485 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for clothes washer additive dispenser apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Kopecky, Joshua Paul, Roepke, Jon Arthur.
Application Number | 20050144737 10/748485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34700906 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050144737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roepke, Jon Arthur ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Clothes washer additive dispenser apparatus and method
Abstract
An additive dispensing system for a washing machine includes a
top cover, a reservoir removably coupled to the top cover, and a
water valve coupled to the reservoir. A controller is coupled to
the water valve. The controller is configured to control the water
valve to introduce water into the reservoir to dilute the additive
and initiate delivery of the diluted additive to the washer at a
predetermined time during a wash cycle.
Inventors: |
Roepke, Jon Arthur;
(Milford, MA) ; Kopecky, Joshua Paul; (Louisville,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John S. Beulick
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Suite 2600
One Metropolitan Square
St. Louis
MO
63102
US
|
Family ID: |
34700906 |
Appl. No.: |
10/748485 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ; 68/12.18;
68/17R; 68/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/158 ;
068/012.18; 068/017.00R; 068/024 |
International
Class: |
D06F 033/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An additive dispensing system for a washing machine, the washing
machine including a tub for holding wash liquid and a basket for
holding articles to be washed, said additive dispensing system
comprising: a top cover; a reservoir removably coupled to said top
cover; a water valve coupled to said reservoir; and a controller
coupled to said water valve, said controller configured to control
said water valve to introduce water into said reservoir to dilute
the additive and initiate delivery of the diluted additive to the
washer at a predetermined time during a wash cycle.
2. An additive dispensing system in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising a conduit coupled to said reservoir for delivery
of said additive to the washing machine between the basket and the
tub.
3. An additive dispensing system in accordance with claim 2,
wherein said conduit comprises a siphon tube.
4. An additive dispensing system in accordance with claim 2 wherein
said reservoir includes a removable cover coupled to said top
cover, and said conduit comprises a siphon tube coupled to said
removable cover.
5. An additive dispensing system in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said reservoir includes a overflow port.
6. An additive dispensing system in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said top cover includes an opening therethrough, said
opening in fluid communication with said reservoir for introducing
the additive into said reservoir.
7. A washing machine comprising: a tub for holding wash liquid; a
basket for holding articles to be washed; and an additive
dispensing system comprising: a top cover; a reservoir removably
coupled to said top cover; a water valve coupled to said reservoir;
and a controller coupled to said water valve, said controller
configured to control said water valve to introduce water into said
reservoir to dilute an additive and initiate delivery of the
diluted additive to the washer at a predetermined time during a
wash cycle.
8. A washing machine in accordance with claim 7, further comprising
a conduit coupled to said reservoir for delivery of said additive
to the washing machine between the basket and the tub.
9. A washing machine in accordance with claim 8, wherein said
conduit comprises a siphon tube.
10. A washing machine in accordance with claim 8 wherein said
reservoir includes a removable cover coupled to said top cover, and
said conduit comprises a siphon tube coupled to said removable
cover.
11. A washing machine in accordance with claim 7, wherein said
reservoir includes a overflow port.
12. A washing machine in accordance with claim 7, wherein said top
cover includes an opening therethrough, said opening in fluid
communication with said reservoir for introducing the additive into
said reservoir.
13. A method for dispensing an additive from a reservoir in a
washing machine, the washing machine including a tub, a basket, a
memory, and a controller accessing the memory and controlling a
water valve, said method comprising: determining a total wash cycle
time; determining an additive dispense time based on the total wash
cycle time; activating a water valve to dilute the additive when
the additive dispense time is reached; and dispensing the diluted
additive.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining a total wash cycle
time comprises retrieving a total wash cycle time from memory based
on a selected wash cycle.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein retrieving a total wash cycle
time comprises retrieving a total wash cycle time from a look-up
table in the memory.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein determining a total wash cycle
time comprises accepting a user specified wash time.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein determining an additive
dispense time comprises setting the additive dispense time at a set
percentage of the total wash cycle time.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the additive dispense time is
set at an elapsed time of about 2/3 of the total wash cycle
time.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein activating a water valve to
dilute the additive further comprises raising the level of the
diluted additive in the reservoir to start a siphoning action.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein dispensing the diluted additive
comprises dispensing the diluted additive when the basket is
stationary.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein dispensing the diluted additive
comprises introducing the diluted additive into an annulus between
the tub and the basket.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the total wash
cycle time further comprises saving the determined total wash cycle
time in memory.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein a new total wash cycle is saved
when the user changes the wash cycle.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein a new additive dispense time is
determined when a new total wash cycle time is saved.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to washing machines, and
more particularly, to methods and apparatus for dispensing
additives during a wash cycle.
[0002] Washing machines typically include a cabinet that houses an
outer tub for containing wash and rinse water, a perforated clothes
basket within the tub, and an agitator within the basket. A drive
and motor assembly is mounted underneath the stationary outer tub
to rotate the basket and the agitator relative to one another, and
a pump assembly pumps water from the tub to a drain. The washing
machine performs a number of operations to complete a wash cycle
including a wash operation and one or more rinse and spin
operations. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,298.
[0003] Customarily, wash additives such as detergents, bleaching
agents, fabric softeners, and the like, are added to the washer at
various times during a wash cycle. Detergent is commonly added at
the beginning of the wash cycle. However, other laundry aids,
including bleach, are best added later in the wash cycle. Attending
to the introduction of laundry additives at different times during
the wash cycle can be inconvenient for the consumer.
[0004] At least some known washing machines provide dispensers for
dispensing additives such as bleach to the washer at predetermined
times during the wash cycle. In the dispensing of bleach, it is
desirable that the bleach not directly contact the clothes before
the tub is filled and the clothes are immersed in the water or
before the bleach is diluted with water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, an additive dispensing system for a washing
machine is provided wherein the washing machine includes a tub for
holding wash liquid and a basket for holding articles to be washed.
The additive dispensing system includes a top cover, a reservoir
removably coupled to the top cover, and a water valve coupled to
the reservoir. A controller is coupled to the water valve. The
controller is configured to control the water valve to introduce
water into the reservoir to dilute the additive and initiate
delivery of the diluted additive to the washer at a predetermined
time during a wash cycle.
[0006] In another aspect, a washing machine is provided that
includes a tub for holding wash liquid, a basket for holding
articles to be washed, and an additive dispensing system. The
additive dispensing system includes a top cover, a reservoir
removably coupled to the top cover, a water valve coupled to the
reservoir, and a controller coupled to the water valve. The
controller is configured to control the water valve to introduce
water into the reservoir to initiate delivery of the diluted
additive to the washer at a predetermined time during a wash
cycle.
[0007] In another aspect, a method for dispensing an additive from
a reservoir in a washing machine is provided, the washing machine
including a tub, a basket, a memory, and a controller accessing the
memory, and controlling a water valve. The method includes
determining a total wash cycle time, determining an additive
dispense time based on the total wash cycle time, activating a
water valve to dilute the additive when the additive dispense time
is reached, and dispensing the diluted additive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary washing
machine.
[0009] FIG. 2 is front elevational schematic view of the washing
machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a top cover
with a separable additive dispenser.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for
the washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
controlling the dispensing of an additive in a washing machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially broken away of an
exemplary washing machine 50 including a cabinet 52 and a top cover
54. A backsplash 56 extends from top cover 54, and a control panel
58 including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to
backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively
form a user interface input for operator selection of machine
cycles and features, and, in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates
selected features, a countdown timer, and other items of interest
to users. A lid 62 is mounted to top cover 54 and is rotatable
about a hinge (not shown) between an open position (not shown)
facilitating access to a wash tub 64 located within cabinet 52, and
a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming a substantially sealed
enclosure over wash tub 64. As illustrated in FIG. 1, machine 50 is
a vertical axis washing machine. It is contemplated that the
benefits of the invention accrue to other types of washing
machines, including, but not limited to, horizontal axis
machines.
[0014] Tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and a sidewall 68, and a
basket 70 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 64. A pump assembly
72 is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted
flow when draining tub 64. Pump assembly 72 includes a pump 74 and
a motor 76. A pump inlet hose 80 extends from a wash tub outlet 82
in tub bottom wall 66 to a pump inlet 84, and a pump outlet hose 86
extends from a pump outlet 88 to an appliance washing machine water
outlet 90 and ultimately to a building plumbing system discharge
line (not shown) in flow communication with outlet 90.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front elevational schematic view of washing
machine 50 including wash basket 70 rotatably mounted in wash tub
64 in a spaced apart relationship from tub side wall 64 and tub
bottom 66. Accordingly, wash basket 70 and wash tub 64 define an
annular space 92 that separates wash basket 70 and wash tub 64.
Basket 70 includes a plurality of perforations therein to
facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 70 and
wash tub 64.
[0016] A hot water valve 102 and a cold water valve 104 deliver
fluid to basket 70 and wash tub 64 through a respective hot liquid
hose 106 and a cold liquid hose 108. Liquid valves 102, 104 and
liquid hoses 106, 108 together form a liquid supply connection for
washing machine 50 and, when connected to a building plumbing
system (not shown), provide a water supply for use in washing
machine 50. Liquid valves 102, 104 and liquid hoses 106, 108 are
connected to a basket inlet tube 110, and fluid is dispersed from
inlet tube 110 through a known nozzle assembly 112 having a number
of openings therein to direct washing liquid into basket 70 at a
given trajectory and velocity.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, a known spray fill conduit 114
(shown in phantom in FIG. 2) may be employed in lieu of nozzle
assembly 112. Along the length of the spray fill conduit 114 are a
plurality of openings arranged in a predetermined pattern to direct
incoming streams of water in a downward tangential manner towards
articles in basket 70. The openings in spray fill conduit 114 are
located a predetermined distance apart from one another to produce
an overlapping coverage of liquid streams into basket 70. Articles
in basket 70 may therefore be uniformly wetted even when basket 70
is maintained in a stationary position.
[0018] A known agitation element 116, such as a vane agitator,
impeller, auger, or oscillatory basket mechanism, or some
combination thereof is disposed in basket 70 to impart an
oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in basket 70. Basket 70
and agitator 116 are driven by motor 120.
[0019] Washing machine 50 also includes a brake assembly (not
shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining
basket 70 in a stationary position within tub 64 or for allowing
basket 70 to spin within tub 64. Pump assembly 72 is selectively
activated, in the example embodiment, to remove liquid from basket
70 and tub 64 through drain outlet 90 and a drain valve 122 during
appropriate points in washing cycles as machine 50 is used. In an
exemplary embodiment, machine 50 also includes a chamber 124, a
tube 126 and a pressure sensor 128. As fluid levels rise in wash
tub 64, air is trapped in chamber 124 creating a pressure in tube
126 that pressure sensor 128 monitors. Liquid levels, and more
specifically, changes in liquid levels in wash tub 64 may therefore
be sensed, for example, to indicate laundry loads and to facilitate
associated control decisions such as the control of hot and cold
water valves 102 and 104 during fill operations. In further and
alternative embodiments, load size and cycle effectiveness may be
determined or evaluated using other known indicia, such as motor
spin, torque, load weight, motor current, and voltage or current
phase shifts.
[0020] A reservoir 130 is provided for dispensing wash additives
such as bleach or conditioners and the like is provided to produce
a wash solution by mixing fresh water with the additive thereby
diluting the additive prior to introducing the additive into the
wash liquid to assist in the cleansing of articles in basket 70. A
conduit 132 coupled to reservoir 130 delivers the diluted additive
to annular space 92 between tub 64 and basket 70. In one
embodiment, delivery of the diluted additive is accomplished by a
siphon action and conduit 132 is a siphon tube coupled to reservoir
130. In an alternative embodiment, reservoir 130 includes a
removable cover (see FIG. 3) coupled to top cover 54 and conduit
132 is a siphon tube coupled to the removable reservoir cover.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of top cover 54
that lies beneath lid 62. Reservoir 130 is removably attached to
top cover 54 and is shown separated from top cover 54 in FIG. 3.
Top cover 54 includes an opening 134 that is in flow communication
with reservoir 130 when reservoir 130 is attached to top cover 54.
In one embodiment, reservoir 130 includes a removable reservoir
cover 131 that is removably attached, such as by snap fit
engagement, to an upper side of top cover 54. Reservoir cover 131
includes an upper siphon fitting 133 that extends downwardly from
reservoir cover 131. Reservoir 130 includes a lower siphon fitting
135 and an overflow port 136 that, should reservoir 130 become
overfilled, empties excess additive into annular space 92 between
tub 64 and basket 70. Wash additives are introduced into reservoir
130 through top cover opening 134 and an opening 137 in reservoir
cover 131 that is in flow communication with opening 134 in top
cover 54.
[0022] Being separable from top cover 54, reservoir 130 may be
fabricated from the same or a different material than that of top
cover 54. In addition, reservoir 130 may be fabricated in different
sizes or volumes to accommodate a variety of dispenser additives.
Further, reservoir 130 can be customized to fit the needs of
particular customers or users. Reservoir 130 is attached to top
cover 54 according to known methods and is also easily changed by a
service technician.
[0023] Operation of machine 50 is 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.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary washing
machine control system 150 for use with washing machine 50 (shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2). Control system 150 includes controller 138 which
may, for example, be a microcomputer 140 coupled to a user
interface input 141. As used herein, the term controller is not
limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as
controllers, but broadly refers to microprocessors, computers,
processors, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic
controllers, application specific integrated circuits, field
programmable gate arrays, and other programmable circuits, and
these terms are used interchangeably herein. 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) and a display or indicator 61 coupled to
microcomputer 140 displays appropriate messages and/or indicators,
such as a timer, and other known items of interest to washer 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. Memory
142 may, for example, be a random access memory (RAM). In
alternative embodiments, other forms of memory could be used in
conjunction with RAM memory, including but not limited to flash
memory (FLASH), programmable read only memory (PROM), and
electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
[0025] Power to control system 150 is supplied to controller 138 by
a power supply 146. Controller 138 is operatively coupled to
machine drive system 148 (e.g., motor 120 and agitation element 116
shown in FIG. 2), a brake assembly 151 associated with basket 70
(shown in FIG. 2), machine water valves 152 (e.g., valves 102, 104
shown in FIG. 2) and machine drain system 154 (e.g., drain pump
assembly 72 and/or drain valve 122 shown in FIG. 2) according to
known methods. In a further embodiment, water valves 152 are in
flow communication with a dispenser 153 (e.g., dispenser reservoir
130 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) so that water may be mixed with an
additive of benefit to washing of articles in wash basket 70.
[0026] 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
controller 138 executes operator selected functions and features
according to known methods. Of course, controller 138 may be used
to control washing machine system elements and to execute functions
beyond those specifically described herein.
[0027] To facilitate ease of use of wash additives, the additive
can be introduced into reservoir 130 at the beginning of a wash
cycle and the dispensing of the additive controlled automatically.
Controller 138 implements the herein described methods.
[0028] The washing machine 50 is controlled to allow the user to
pre-add a wash additive such as bleach to the reservoir 130 at or
before starting the wash cycle. The additive is dispensed at a
predetermined dispense time during the wash cycle. In the process
flow to be described, the additive will be dispensed when about 2/3
of the wash cycle is complete. It is to be understood, however,
that an optimal dispense time can be defined for different wash
additives and the method adjusted accordingly. When the dispense
time is reached, controller 138 activates water valves 152 to
introduce water into reservoir 130, diluting the additive and
raising the fluid level of diluted additive in reservoir 130 to a
point where a siphoning action of the diluted additive begins.
Conduit 132 delivers the diluted additive to annular space 92
between tub 64 and basket 70 so that the additive is not applied
directly on the articles being washed. Basket 70 is held stationary
during dispensing of the additive to facilitate avoiding splashing
of the additive. The duration of the additive dispensing portion of
the wash cycle is sufficient to fill and completely flush an empty
reservoir 130 even at low inlet water pressures. In installations
where the water flow rates are sufficiently high to overfill
reservoir 130, the excess flow is allowed to escape reservoir 130
through overflow port 136. Overflow is also delivered to annular
space 92 between tub 64 and basket 70. Reservoir 130 is filled and
flushed in every wash cycle, regardless of whether or not the
consumer uses a wash additive.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method 200
for controlling the dispensing of a wash additive. Method 200 is
executed in controller 138. Method 200 begins at step 210 where a
determination is made if a pre-programmed wash cycle has been
selected or if the user has manually set a wash time. If a
pre-programmed cycle is selected, the total wash cycle time for the
selected cycle is retrieved from a look-up table in memory 142 at
step 212. If a pre-programmed cycle was not selected, processing
continues at step 214 where the total wash cycle time is set as the
user specified wash time. At step 216, the total wash cycle time,
from either step 212 or 214 is saved in memory 142.
[0030] Processing continues at step 220 where a dispense time is
determined based on the total wash cycle time. In one embodiment,
the dispense time is set at 2/3 of the total wash cycle time when
the additive is bleach. At step 222, the dispense time as
determined at step 220 is saved in memory 142. Controller 138 then
monitors the time elapsed in the wash cycle as indicated at step
230. At step 240, controller 138 compares the wash cycle time
elapsed to the dispense time saved in memory 142. If the dispense
time has been reached, the method continues at step 242 wherein
controller 138 activates water valves 152 to fill and flush
reservoir 130, dispensing a wash additive, if present. As indicated
at step 244, a pre-programmed time period is established for
flushing reservoir 130. After the flush time period has elapsed,
valves 152 are closed at step 246 and method 200 ends.
[0031] Method 200 is structured so that the user may change the
wash cycle, and if changed, the additive dispense time is adjusted
to facilitate dispensing of the additive at the proper time. If at
step 240, the dispense time has not been reached, processing
continues at step 250 where a check is made to determine whether
the user has made any adjustment to the wash time. If no
adjustments have been made, method 200 returns to step 230 and
processing continues. On the other hand, if at step 250, it is
determined that a change in the wash cycle has been made,
processing continues at step 252 where a revised total wash cycle
time is determined and saved in memory 152, replacing/updating the
original total wash cycle time. Execution of method 200 is then
transferred back to step 220 wherein a new dispense time is
established based on the updated total wash cycle time. Method 200
continues from step 220 as previously described until the additive
dispense time is reached unless the additive dispense time has
already elapsed, in which case, the method skips to step 242 and
the additive is immediately dispensed.
[0032] Method 200 is executed at every wash cycle, regardless of
whether or not a wash additive is used. This approach facilitates
keeping the dispenser reservoir 130 and conduit 132 clean and free
from clogs and obstructions.
[0033] The above described apparatus and method provides an
additive dispensing system for a washing machine that is both
convenient for the consumer to use and economical to manufacture.
The method allows the user to introduce the additive into the
reservoir at the beginning of a wash cycle and does not require the
user to revisit the washing machine to dispense the additive. The
additive is dispensed at the proper time based on the total time of
the wash cycle. The dispenser reservoir, being separable from the
washing machine top cover, provides a product that can be
customized for a particular use and that is readily serviceable.
From a manufacturing perspective, the separate dispenser reservoir
allows multiple reservoir designs to used with a standardized top
cover.
[0034] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *