U.S. patent application number 13/173913 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for method and apparatus for reducing water usage during a washing cycle.
Invention is credited to Gary L. Chastine, Stephen Edward HETTINGER.
Application Number | 20120023679 13/173913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45525201 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120023679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HETTINGER; Stephen Edward ;
et al. |
February 2, 2012 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING WATER USAGE DURING A WASHING
CYCLE
Abstract
A washing machine including a wash tub, a basket rotatably
coupled within the wash tub, an agitator coupled within the basket,
and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to
receive user defined settings for a wash cycle, send a signal to
add, to the wash tub, a first quantity of water based on the user
defined settings, send a signal to execute a wash agitation for a
predefined period of time based on the user defined settings, send
a signal to drain water from the wash tub, and initiate a rinse
cycle by sending a signal to add, to the wash tub, a second
predefined quantity of water that is less than the first predefined
quantity of water.
Inventors: |
HETTINGER; Stephen Edward;
(Louisville, KY) ; Chastine; Gary L.; (Prospect,
KY) |
Family ID: |
45525201 |
Appl. No.: |
13/173913 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61369600 |
Jul 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ;
68/12.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2202/085 20130101;
D06F 2214/00 20130101; Y02B 40/00 20130101; Y02B 40/56 20130101;
D06F 39/087 20130101; D06F 35/006 20130101; D06F 2220/00 20130101;
D06F 2204/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ;
68/12.02 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20060101
D06F033/00; D06L 1/20 20060101 D06L001/20 |
Claims
1. A washing machine comprising: a wash tub: a basket rotatably
coupled within the wash tub; an agitator coupled within the basket;
and a controller configured to: receive user defined settings for a
wash cycle, send a signal to add, to the wash tub, a first quantity
of water based on the user defined settings; send a signal to
execute a wash agitation for a predefined period of time based on
the user defined settings; send a signal to drain water from the
wash tub; and initiate a rinse cycle by sending a signal to add, to
the wash tub, a second predefined quantity of water that is less
than the first predefined quantity of water.
2. The washing machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
controller is further configured to send a signal to initiate the
rinse cycle without performing a spin cycle prior to initiating the
rinse cycle.
3. The washing machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
predefined second quantity of water is added at a substantially
constant flow rate for a predefined period of time.
4. The washing machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
predefined second quantity of water is not based on the user
defined settings.
5. The washing machine in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a pressure sensor.
6. The washing machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
controller is further configured to receive, from the pressure
sensor, an indication that a first water level indicative of the
first predefined quantity of water is reached, and send a signal to
stop adding water to the wash tub upon receiving the indication
that the water level has reached the first water level.
7. The washing machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
controller is further configured to execute a rinse agitation for a
predefined period of time that is less than the predefined period
of time for the wash agitation and would be for a time period
shorter than the shortest entire timer interval of the
electromechanical timer.
8. The washing machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
controller is further configured to: receive, from the pressure
sensor, an indication that a water level has reached a second water
level after the rinse cycle has been initiated; and send a signal
to stop adding water to the wash tub upon receiving the indication
that the water level has reached the second water level.
9. A method to facilitate reducing an amount of water usage during
a wash cycle of a washing machine, wherein the washing machine
includes a rotatable basket coupled within a wash tub, the method
comprising: receiving user defined settings for a washing cycle;
adding, to the wash tub, a first quantity of water based on the
user defined settings; executing a wash agitation for a predefined
period of time based on the user defined settings; draining water
from the wash tub; and adding, at a substantially constant water
flow rate, a second predefined quantity of water that is less than
the first predefined quantity of water.
10. The method in accordance with claim 9, wherein the second
predefined quantity of water is not based on the user defined
settings.
11. The method in accordance with claim 9, wherein a spin is not
executed prior to adding the second predefined quantity of
water.
12. The method in accordance with claim 9, further comprising
executing a rinse agitation.
13. The method in accordance with claim 12, wherein the rinse
agitation is not based on the user defined settings.
14. The method in accordance with claim 12, wherein the rinse
agitation is executed for a predefined period of time that is less
than the predefined period of time for executing the wash agitation
and for a time period shorter than the shortest entire timer
interval of the electromechanical timer.
15. One or more computer-readable media having computer-executable
components, the components comprising: an interface component that
causes at least one processor to receive user defined settings for
a washing cycle; a wash cycle component that causes at least one
processor to send a signal to add, to a wash tub, a first quantity
of water based on the user defined settings; an agitation component
that causes at least one processor to send a signal to execute a
wash agitation for a predefined period of time based on the user
defined settings, the wash cycle component further causes the at
least one processor to send a signal to drain the water from the
wash tub; and a rinse cycle component that causes at least one
processor to initiate a rinse cycle by sending a signal to add, to
the wash tub, a second predefined quantity of water that is less
than the first predefined quantity of water.
16. The computer-readable medium in accordance with claim 15,
wherein the second predefined quantity of water is supplied at a
substantially constant flow rate for a predefined period of time,
and wherein a spin is not executed prior to initiating the rinse
cycle.
17. The computer-readable medium in accordance with claim 15,
further comprising a water pressure component that causes at least
one processor to identify when a water level has reached a first
water level indicative of the first predefined quantity of water,
and send, to the wash cycle component, instructions to stop adding
water to the wash tub upon identifying that the water level
indicative of the first predefined quantity of water is
reached.
18. The computer-readable medium in accordance with claim 15,
further comprising an agitation component that causes at least one
processor to send a signal to execute a rinse agitation for a
predefined period of time that is less than the predefined period
of time for the wash agitation.
19. The computer-readable medium in accordance with claim 15,
wherein the period of time for executing the rinse agitation is not
based on the user defined settings.
20. The computer-readable medium in accordance with claim 15,
wherein the period of time for executing the rinse agitation is ten
seconds
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 61/369,600 filed on Jul. 30, 2010, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to washing
machines, and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for
reducing an amount of water usage during a wash cycle of a washing
machine.
[0003] Washing machines typically include a cabinet that houses a
wash tub for containing wash and rinse water, a perforated clothes
basket within the wash tub, and an agitator within the basket. A
drive and motor assembly is mounted underneath the wash tub to
rotate the clothes basket and the agitator relative to one
another.
[0004] Conventionally, a washing cycle of a washing machine
includes an initial fill process that provides an amount of water
in the wash tub based on a wash setting selected by a user. Thus,
when a user selects a "large load," a maximum amount of water is
supplied inside the wash tub. Alternatively, if a user selects a
"small load," a minimum amount of water is supplied inside of the
wash tub. As the wash tub is filled with the selected amount of
water, articles of clothing in the wash tub are submerged in the
water, and the water is thereafter agitated and drained. Next, a
spin cycle is typically executed followed by a rinse cycle where a
quantity of rinse water supplied inside the wash tub is equal to a
quantity of water provided during the initial fill process. As the
wash tub is filled with the rinse water, articles of clothing in
the wash tub are submerged in the rinse water, the rinse water is
agitated, the rinse water is drained, and a final spin cycle is
executed.
[0005] While it has become increasingly desirable to reduce water
consumption in washing operations, reducing water consumption
decreases a level of water in a washing machine and may not permit
loads to be properly wetted or properly agitated. As well, it
potentially causes additional strain on the drive and motor
assembly due to increased density resulting from a decreased level
of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, a washing machine including a wash tub, a
basket rotatably coupled within the wash tub, an agitator coupled
within the basket, and a controller is provided. The controller is
configured to receive user defined settings for a wash cycle, send
a signal to add, to the wash tub, a first quantity of water based
on the user defined settings, send a signal to execute a wash
agitation for a predefined period of time based on the user defined
settings, send a signal to drain water from the wash tub, and
initiate a rinse cycle by sending a signal to add, to the wash tub,
a second predefined quantity of water that is less than the first
predefined quantity of water.
[0007] In another aspect, a method to facilitate reducing an amount
of water usage during a wash cycle of a washing machine is
provided. The washing machine includes a rotatable basket coupled
within a wash tub. The method including receiving user defined
settings for a washing cycle, adding, to the wash tub, a first
quantity of water based on the user defined settings, executing a
wash agitation for a predefined period of time based on the user
defined settings, draining water from the wash tub, and adding, at
a substantially constant water flow rate, a second predefined
quantity of water that is less than the first predefined quantity
of water.
[0008] In yet another aspect, one or more computer-readable media
having computer-executable components is provided. The components
including an interface component that when executed by at least one
processor, causes the at least one processor to receive user
defined settings for a washing cycle, a wash cycle component that
when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one
processor to send a signal to add, to a wash tub, a first quantity
of water based on the user defined settings, an agitation component
that when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least
one processor to send a signal to execute a wash agitation for a
predefined period of time based on the user defined settings, the
wash cycle component further causes the at least one processor to
send a signal to drain the water from the wash tub, and a rinse
cycle component that when executed by at least one processor,
causes the at least one processor to initiate a rinse cycle by
sending a signal to add, to the wash tub, a second predefined
quantity of water that is less than the first predefined quantity
of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described
with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless
otherwise specified.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary washing
machine.
[0011] FIG. 2 is schematic view of the washing machine shown in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a controller for the
washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for reducing an
amount of water usage during a washing cycle of a washing
machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Reducing water consumption during washing cycles while also
providing an ability to properly clean articles can be a difficult
task. In order to clean articles, a certain water level is needed
to wet the articles. Thus, reducing an overall water consumption
can be problematic when water levels are reduced in washing cycles
and articles are not properly wetted due to the reduced water
levels.
[0015] Existing washing machines enable a user to select a
particular washing cycle based on, for example, a size of a load
being washed. Once a user selects a washing cycle, a wash cycle is
initiated by adding water to a wash tub in the washing machine to a
water level that is based on the selected washing cycle. For
example, if a user selects a "large load" washing cycle, a high
level of water is added to the wash tub. Alternatively, if a "small
load" washing cycle is selected, a lower level of water is added to
the wash tub. Thereafter, the articles in the load being washed are
agitated and the water is drained from the wash tub. Before a rinse
cycle is performed, a wash spin is executed to remove access water
absorbed by the articles during the wash cycle. After the wash
spin, the wash tub is once again filled to the same water level
described above with respect to the wash cycle, the articles are
agitated, the water is drained from the wash tub, and the process
is repeated until the selected washing cycle is completed.
[0016] As described in detail below, eliminating a spin cycle
between a wash cycle and a rinse cycle enables water that would
have been removed from the articles during a spin cycle, to be
"carried over" to the rinse cycle. By eliminating the spin cycle
between the wash cycle and the rinse cycle, an overall level of
water in the rinse cycle is increased since a substantial amount of
water is retained in the articles from the wash cycle, which helps
reduce an overall amount of water added for the rinse cycle.
Further, by eliminating the spin cycle between the wash cycle and
the rinse cycle, the articles are prevented from being thrown
outward and up a side of the basket wall in the washing machine.
Therefore, with the articles at the bottom of the basket and not
compressed against the sides of the basket, the articles can be
submerged with a lower water level.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary washing
machine 50. While embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and
described herein with reference to washing machine 50 being a
vertical axis washing machine, aspects of the disclosure are
operable with any device that performs the functionality
illustrated and described herein, or its equivalent.
[0018] Washing machine 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A
backsplash 56 extends from 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 enabling a user to select washing machine
cycles and features. In one embodiment, a display 61 indicates
selected features, a countdown timer, and other items of interest
to washing machine users. In a further embodiment, display 61 may
be, for example, a capacitive touch screen display. User input
functionality may be provided in display 61 which acts as a user
input selection device, in conjunction with, or in place of input
selectors 60. Display 61 may be configured to be responsive to a
user contacting display 61 to selectively perform functionality of
washing machine 50. Thus, a user can select, for example, washing
machine cycles by contacting a surface of display 61 as well as
other functions provided herein.
[0019] Washing machine 50 further includes a lid 62 mounted to
cover 54 that is rotatable about a hinge (not shown) from an open
position (not shown) that facilitates access to a wash tub 64
located within cabinet 52, to a closed position that prevents
access to wash tub 64. Wash tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66, a
sidewall 68, and a basket 70 that is rotatably mounted within wash
tub 64. A pump assembly 72 is located beneath wash tub 64 and
basket 70 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash 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 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.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front elevational schematic view of washing
machine 50. As shown in FIG. 2, basket 70 is rotatably mounted in
wash tub 64 in a spaced apart relationship from side wall 68 and
bottom wall 66. Basket 70 includes a plurality of perforations
therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of
basket 70 and wash tub 64. A hot liquid valve 102 and a cold liquid
valve 104 deliver fluid (e.g., water) to basket 70 and wash tub 64
through a hot liquid hose 106 and a cold liquid hose 108,
respectively. Valves 102 and 104, and hoses 106 and 108 together
form a liquid supply connection for washing machine 50 and, when
connected to a building plumbing system (not shown), provide a
fresh water supply for use in washing machine 50. Valves 102 and
104, and hoses 106 and 108 are connected to a basket inlet tube
110, and water flows from basket inlet tube 110 through nozzle
assembly 112 into basket 70. In some embodiments, at least one of
valve 102 and 104 includes a flow regulator incorporated there
within such that over a range of usable inlet pressures, a
resulting water flow rate is substantially constant. In one
embodiment, a known dispenser (not shown in FIG. 2), may also be
provided to supply a wash solution by mixing fresh water with a
detergent or other composition for cleansing of articles in basket
70.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, a known spray fill conduit 114
(shown in phantom in FIG. 2) is employed in lieu of nozzle assembly
112. Spray fill conduit 114 includes a plurality of openings along
its length that are arranged in a predetermined pattern to direct
incoming streams of water towards articles in basket 70. The
openings in spray fill conduit 114 are spaced sufficiently from
each other 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.
[0022] An agitator (e.g., agitation element 116), such as a vane
agitator, impeller, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some
combination thereof is disposed in basket 70 to impart an
oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in basket 70. In other
embodiments, agitation element 116 may be a single action element
(e.g., oscillatory only), a double action element (e.g.,
oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the
other end) or a triple action element (e.g., oscillatory movement
plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation
at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 116
is oriented to rotate about a vertical axis 118.
[0023] Basket 70 and agitation element 116 are driven by motor 120
through a transmission and clutch system 122. A transmission belt
124 is coupled to respective pulleys of a motor output shaft 126
and a transmission input shaft 128. Thus, as motor output shaft 126
is rotated, transmission input shaft 128 is also rotated. Clutch
system 122 facilitates driving engagement of basket 70 and
agitation element 116 for rotatable movement within wash tub 64,
and clutch system 122 facilitates relative rotation of basket 70
and agitation element 116 for selected portions of wash cycles.
Motor 120, transmission and clutch system 122, and belt 124
collectively are referred to herein as a washing machine drive
system. Alternatively, instead of using a transmission drive
equipped washing machine, drive systems that do not include
transmissions could also be used herein.
[0024] Washing machine 50 may also include a brake assembly (not
shown) that can be applied to maintain basket 70 in a stationary
position within wash tub 64 or released to allow basket 70 to spin
within wash tub 64. In one embodiment, pump assembly 72 is
activated to remove liquid from basket 70 and wash tub 64 through
drain outlet 90 and a drain valve 130 during appropriate times in
washing cycles as washing machine 50 is used. In one embodiment,
washing machine 50 also includes a reservoir 132, a tube 134 and a
pressure sensor 136. As will be described in greater detail below,
pressure sensor 136 may be a multiple stage pressure sensor
configured to detect a plurality of fluid levels in wash tub 64. As
water levels rise in wash tub 64, air is trapped in reservoir 132
creating a pressure in tube 134 that is monitored by pressure
sensor 136. Liquid levels (e.g., water 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. In further embodiments, load size and
cycle effectiveness are determined or evaluated using other known
indicia, such as motor spin, torque, load weight, motor current,
and voltage or current phase shifts.
[0025] Operation of washing machine 50 is controlled by a
controller 138 which is operatively coupled to the user interface
input located on washing machine backsplash 56 to enable a user to
select washing machine cycles and features. In response to a
selection by the user via input selectors 60, controller 138
operates various components of washing machine 50 to execute
selected machine cycles and features. One of ordinary skill in the
art guided by the teachings herein will appreciate that controller
138 may be used to control washing machine system elements and to
execute functions beyond those specifically described herein.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of controller 138.
Controller 138 may include a timer 301, such as, without
limitation, an electronic, mechanical or electromechanical timer
device. One of ordinary skill in the art and guided by the
teachings herein will appreciate that an electromechanical timer
device/system is a very well known cost effective means to control
a washing machine (e.g., washing machine 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2). In one embodiment, timer 301 may include a series of switches
which are actuated by a rotating cam driven by a small motor
through a set of gears. Switches turn on and off various components
of the washing machine, for example, water valves, drive motors,
and pumps. Timer 301 may include a knob that a consumer uses to
make washing cycle selections as well as to turn on and off the
washing machine, for example, washing machine 50. A cam in timer
301 may dictate a sequencing and operation of washing machine 50.
Further, the cam in timer 301 is unique for each predetermined
cycle configuration selected. Timer 301 may be connected to various
components (e.g., water valves, drive motors, pumps, and the like)
through a wiring harness. In one embodiment, selector switches are
connected through a wiring harness in series. The consumer can use
the selector switches to make washing cycle selections, such as,
water temperature, washing options, water level, and the like.
Furthermore, a pressure switch (also called a pressure sensor) may
be connected to timer 301 through a wiring harness. The pressure
sensor is configured to sense a water level in wash tub 64 (as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) as well as send a signal to timer 301 when
a selected water level is achieved.
[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 3, controller 138 may also
include a memory area 302 and at least one processor 304. In
general, controller 138 and/or processor 304 may execute
instructions such as described hereinafter with reference to the
components illustrated in FIG. 3, and the operations illustrated in
FIG. 4.
[0028] Memory area 302 stores components for reducing a quantity of
water used during a full washing cycle of washing machine 50. For
example, memory area 302 stores instructions, calibration
constants, elements of selected washing cycles (e.g., an amount of
water needed for a selected washing cycle and corresponding water
levels), and other information to satisfactorily complete a
selected washing cycle in washing cycle algorithm 306, as well as
one or more computer-executable components. Exemplary components
include, but are not limited to an interface component 308, a wash
cycle component 310, a rinse cycle component 312, a water pressure
component 314, and an agitation component 316. While components
308-316 are shown to be stored in memory area 302, components
308-316 may be stored and executed from a memory area remote from
controller 138. For example, wash cycle algorithm 306 may be stored
in a cloud service, a database, or other memory area accessible by
controller 138. Such embodiments reduce the computational and
storage burden on controller 138.
[0029] Processor 304 executes computer-executable instructions for
implementing aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments,
processor 304 is transformed into a special purpose microprocessor
by executing computer-executable instructions or by otherwise being
programmed. For example, processor 304 may execute interface
component 308, wash cycle component 310, rinse cycle component 312,
water pressure component 314, and agitation component 316.
Interface component 308, when executed by processor 304, causes
processor 304 to receive user defined settings for a washing cycle.
Wash cycle component 310, when executed by processor 304, causes
processor 304 to send a signal to add, to wash tub 64, a first
quantity of water based on the user defined settings. In some
embodiments, the first quantity of water is determined to be added
once the water added to wash tub 64 reaches a particular water
level. Thus, if a "large load" is selected by a user, water is
added to wash tub 64 until a water level indicative of a "large
load" water level is reached. In some embodiments, to determine
when the first quantity of water has been supplied to wash tub 64,
water pressure component 314, when executed by processor 304,
causes processor 304 to identify (e.g., via pressure sensor 136)
when a water level has reached a first water level indicative of
the first quantity of water. Thereafter, the water pressure
component 314, when executed by processor 304, causes processor 304
to send, to wash cycle component 310, instructions to stop adding
water to wash tub 64 upon the identification that a water level
indicative of the first quantity of water has been reached.
Agitation component 316, when executed by processor 304, causes
processor 304 to send a signal to execute a wash agitation for a
predefined period of time based on the user defined settings. Once
the wash agitation is complete, wash cycle component 310, when
executed by processor 304, further causes processor 304 to send a
signal to drain the water from wash tub 64.
[0030] In one embodiment, rinse cycle component 312, when executed
by processor 304, causes processor 304 to initiate a rinse cycle by
sending a signal to add, to wash tub 64, a second quantity of water
that is less than the first quantity of water added in the wash
cycle. As mentioned above, in order to remove water prior to the
rinse cycle, a typical washing machine executes a spin (e.g., a
wash spin) after water is drained from wash tub 64 and prior to the
rinse cycle to remove additional water from the articles and wash
tub 64. However, by eliminating a wash spin prior to a rinse cycle,
articles in basket 70 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) remain wetted.
Therefore, in one embodiment, a quantity of water absorbed by the
articles and not removed prior to the rinse cycle is "carried over"
to the rinse cycle. Thus, the quantity of water available during
the rinse cycle includes the quantity of water added during the
rinse cycle and the quantity of water that would typically be
removed during a spin cycle.
[0031] In some embodiments, the second quantity of water is
supplied by providing a substantially constant flow of water for a
predefined period of time, unlike that of the first quantity of
water in the wash cycle which is supplied by adding water to wash
tub 64 until a particular water level is reached. For example, upon
an initiation of the rinse cycle, a valve, (e.g., at least one of
valves 102 and 104 shown in FIG. 2) is energized for a predefined
period of time. The valve includes a flow regulator incorporated
therein such that over a range of usable inlet pressures, a
resulting water flow rate is substantially constant. For exemplary
purposes, if it is determined that the valve supplies five gallons
of water per minute, and a reduced level of water of, for example,
15 gallons is to be added to wash tub 64, rinse cycle component
312, when executed by processor 304, causes processor 304 to add
water to wash tub 64 for three minutes. That is, after three
minutes of supplying water at a substantially constant rate, 15
gallons of water is added to wash tub 64. Further, the quantity of
water added during the rinse cycle (e.g., 15 gallons) is increased
by the quantity of "carry-over" water from the wash cycle. As such,
the quantity of water available during the rinse cycle is greater
than the quantity of water added to wash tub 64 during the rinse
cycle. In addition to "carry-over" water, by eliminating a wash
spin prior to the rinse cycle, the articles are prevented from
being compressed against a side of basket 70. As such, the articles
remain in a bottom of basket 70 which not only enables the articles
to be submerged in water even with a reduced water level, but also
increases a permeability of the articles during the rinse cycle. In
one embodiment, a quantity of water supplied during a rinse cycle
is constant regardless of a load size selected prior to initiation
of the work cycle. Thus, a quantity of water (e.g., the second
quantity of water) supplied during a rinse cycle is the same
quantity whether a "large load" or a "small load" is selected by a
user.
[0032] In some embodiments, agitation component 316 when executed
by processor 304, causes processor 304 to send a signal to execute
a rinse agitation for a predefined period of time that is less than
the predefined period of time for the wash agitation. For example,
the rinse agitation is executed for about ten seconds to about one
minute. Thus, unlike conventional rinse agitations that are
executed from two minutes or more in duration, this abbreviated
rinse agitation reduces wear and tear on a drive/motor (e.g., due
to the decreased quantity of water used in the rinse cycle and the
decreased time of the agitation), saves energy, and reduces wear on
articles.
[0033] Referring next to FIG. 4, an exemplary flow chart
illustrates a process 400 for reducing water usage during a wash
cycle of washing machine 50 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In one
embodiment, process 400 is executed by controller 138 utilizing
timer 301 (as shown in FIG. 3). In a further embodiment, process
400 is executed by processor 304 (as shown in FIG. 3). The process
includes receiving, at 402, user defined settings for a washing
cycle. At 404, upon initiation of a wash cycle, a first quantity of
water based on the user defined settings is added to wash tub 64
(as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the described embodiments, the
first quantity of water is measured via a pressure sensor (e.g.,
pressure sensor 136 shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, when a
first water level is reached, pressure sensor 136 sends an
indication to processor 304 that the first water level which is
indicative of the first predefined quantity of water has been
reached. Processor 304 then sends a signal to an inlet valve (e.g.,
valves 102 and 104 as shown in FIG. 2) to close.
[0034] At 406, a wash agitation cycle is executed for a predefined
period of time based on the user defined settings. For example, if
a user selects a "large load," the predefined period of time for
executing the wash agitation may be greater than a wash agitation
for a "small load". At 408, water from wash tub 64 is drained. At
410, upon initiation of a rinse cycle, a second predefined quantity
of water, less than the first predefined quantity of water, is
added at a substantially constant water flow rate. As mentioned
above, unlike the first predefined quantity of water, the second
predefined quantity of water is not based on the user defined
settings.
[0035] In one embodiment, pressure sensor 136 is a multiple stage
pressure sensor configured to detect a plurality of fluid levels in
wash tub 64. Thus, the pressure sensor may be configured to detect
a fluid level indicative of the first quantity of water, and also
configured to detect a fluid level indicative of the second
quantity of water. For example, pressure sensor 136 may send a
signal indicating that a sufficient quantity of water has been
added to reach the second water level after the rinse cycle has
been initiated. In addition, a signal is sent to stop adding water
to wash tub 64. Accordingly, in one embodiment, pressure sensor 136
may be used as a back-up, or in place of a water valve supplying
the second predefined quantity of water at a constant flow rate for
a predefined period of time.
[0036] As mentioned above, prior to adding the second predefined
quantity of water, a wash spin is not executed. By eliminating a
wash spin prior to adding the second predefined quantity of water
to, for example, wash tub 64, articles remain wetted and not
compressed. Further, water that would have been removed by
executing a wash spin remains absorbed by the articles and is then
"carried over" to the rinse cycle. As such, a rinse cycle includes
the reduced quantity of water added during the rinse cycle as well
as the "carry over" water absorbed by the articles during the wash
cycle. Next, a rinse agitation may be executed for a predefined
period of time that is less than the predefined period of time
typical for rinse agitation. In some embodiments, unlike the wash
agitation, the rinse agitation is not based on the user defined
settings. As such, the rinse agitation may be for the same period
of time regardless of washing cycle settings selected by a user and
would be for a time period shorter than the shortest entire timer
interval of a electromechanical timer.
[0037] Exemplary Operating Environment
[0038] A controller or computing device such as described herein
may have one or more processors or processing units, system memory,
and some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not
limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media
and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile
and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in
any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or
other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and include any information delivery media. Combinations
of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer
readable media.
[0039] The controller/computer may operate in a networked
environment using logical connections to one or more remote
computers. Although described in connection with an exemplary
computing system environment, embodiments of the present disclosure
are operational with numerous other general purpose or special
purpose computing system environments or configurations. The
computing system environment is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of
the present disclosure. Moreover, the computing system environment
should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement
relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the
exemplary operating environment. Examples of well known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable
for use with aspects of the present disclosure include, but are not
limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or
laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based
systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile
telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,
distributed computing environments that include any of the above
systems or devices, and the like.
[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in
the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as
program modules, executed by one or more computers or other
devices. The computer-executable instructions may be organized into
one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally,
program modules include, but are not limited to, routines,
programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented with any
number and organization of such components or modules. For example,
aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific
computer-executable instructions or the specific components or
modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other
embodiments of the present disclosure may include different
computer-executable instructions or components having more or less
functionality than illustrated and described herein. Aspects of the
present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing
environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices
that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed
computing environment, program modules may be located in both local
and remote computer storage media including memory storage
devices.
[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure transform a
general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device
when configured to execute the instructions described herein.
[0042] The order of execution or performance of the operations
embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated and described
herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the
operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise
specified, and embodiments of the present disclosure may include
additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For
example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a
particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after
another operation is within the scope of aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0043] When introducing elements of aspects of the present
disclosure or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an,"
"the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more
of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having"
are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0044] Having described aspects of the present disclosure in
detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are
possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the present
disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes
could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods
without departing from the scope of aspects of the present
disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the
claimed subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable
any person skilled in the art to practice the claimed subject
matter, including making and using any devices or systems and
performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the
present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other
examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they
have structural elements that do not differ from the literal
language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language
of the claims.
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