U.S. patent application number 13/405687 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for washing machine appliance with an accessible reservoir.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher G. Hoppe, Venkata Naidu Kakileti, Adam Raymond Mora, Venkatesh Panneerselvam, Aaron Lee Welch. Invention is credited to Christopher G. Hoppe, Venkata Naidu Kakileti, Adam Raymond Mora, Venkatesh Panneerselvam, Aaron Lee Welch.
Application Number | 20130219972 13/405687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49001366 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130219972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mora; Adam Raymond ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE WITH AN ACCESSIBLE RESERVOIR
Abstract
The present subject matter provides an appliance with a base or
pedestal that defines a cavity. A reservoir configured for receipt
of a fluid additive (e.g., detergent) is disposed in the cavity
such that the reservoir is accessible from outside of the cavity.
The reservoir is in fluid communication with a wash chamber of the
appliance such that fluid additive from reservoir may be
selectively delivered to the wash chamber.
Inventors: |
Mora; Adam Raymond; (La
Grange, KY) ; Hoppe; Christopher G.; (Louisville,
KY) ; Kakileti; Venkata Naidu; (Hyderabad, IN)
; Welch; Aaron Lee; (Louisville, KY) ;
Panneerselvam; Venkatesh; (Tamil Nadu, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mora; Adam Raymond
Hoppe; Christopher G.
Kakileti; Venkata Naidu
Welch; Aaron Lee
Panneerselvam; Venkatesh |
La Grange
Louisville
Hyderabad
Louisville
Tamil Nadu |
KY
KY
KY |
US
US
IN
US
IN |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
49001366 |
Appl. No.: |
13/405687 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/13R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/022 20130101;
D06F 39/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/13.R |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 37/02 20060101 D06F037/02 |
Claims
1. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending
between a base and a top, said cabinet defining a cavity positioned
proximate the base of said cabinet, said cabinet also defining an
opening, the opening permitting access to the cavity; a wash tub
received in said cabinet above said cavity and configured for
containing a fluid used in a washing process; a wash basket mounted
in said wash tub, said wash basket configured for the receipt of
articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis;
a drawer received within the cavity of said cabinet, said drawer
being configured for selective adjustment between an open
configuration and a closed configuration; a reservoir mounted on
said drawer, said reservoir configured for receipt of a fluid
additive used in the washing process, said reservoir being disposed
within the cavity when said drawer is in the closed configuration,
said reservoir being at least partially disposed outside of the
cavity when said drawer is in the open configuration; and a pump in
fluid communication with said reservoir and said wash tub, said
pump configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from
said reservoir to said wash tub during operation of the
appliance.
2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein said reservoir
is configured for receipt of a volume of the fluid additive
sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of the appliance.
3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein said reservoir
is removably mounted to said drawer such that said reservoir may be
selectively removed from said drawer.
4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising an
additional reservoir configured for receipt of an additional fluid
additive used in the washing process, said additional reservoir
supported by said drawer and in fluid communication with said
pump.
5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, further comprising a
front panel mounted to said drawer and positioned adjacent the
opening in the closed configuration.
6. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, further comprising a
slide rail slidably mounting said drawer to said cabinet.
7. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein said drawer is
rotatably mounted to said cabinet.
8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the axis is
substantially vertical and the washing machine appliance is a
vertical axis washing machine appliance.
9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the axis is
substantially horizontal and the washing machine appliance is a
horizontal axis washing machine appliance.
10. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending
between a top and a bottom; a wash tub received in said cabinet and
configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process; a wash
basket mounted in said wash tub, said wash basket configured for
the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation
about an axis; a pedestal positioned beneath the bottom of said
cabinet and configured for supporting said cabinet, said pedestal
extending between a front and a back, said pedestal defining a
cavity, said pedestal also defining an opening positioned adjacent
the front of said pedestal, the opening permitting access to the
cavity; a drawer received within the cavity of said pedestal; a
reservoir mounted on said drawer, said reservoir configured for
receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing process; and a pump
in fluid communication with said reservoir and said wash tub, said
pump configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from
said reservoir to said wash tub during operation of the appliance,
wherein: said drawer is configured for selective adjustment between
an open configuration and a closed configuration, said reservoir
being disposed within the cavity when said drawer is in the closed
configuration, said reservoir being at least partially disposed
outside of the cavity when said drawer is in the open
configuration.
11. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein said
reservoir is configured for receipt of a volume of the fluid
additive sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of the
appliance.
12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, further comprising
an additional reservoir configured for receipt of an additional
fluid additive used in the washing process, said additional
reservoir supported by said drawer and in fluid communication with
said pump.
13. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, further comprising a
front panel mounted to said drawer and positioned adjacent the
opening of said pedestal.
14. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, further comprising a
slide rail mounting said drawer to said pedestal such that said
drawer is slidingly mounted to said pedestal.
15. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, wherein said drawer
is rotatably mounted to said pedestal.
16. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the axis is
substantially vertical and the washing machine appliance is a
vertical axis washing machine appliance.
17. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the axis is
substantially horizontal and the washing machine appliance is a
horizontal axis washing machine appliance.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is directed to a washing machine
appliance with a user accessible compartment for bulk fluid
dispensing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet with
a wash tub mounted therein. A wash basket is rotatably mounted
within the wash tub and configured for receipt of articles for
washing. During operation of the appliance, the wash tub can
contain washing fluid. The washing fluid can include a variety of
fluid additives, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or
bleach.
[0003] Fluid additive can be added to the appliance in several
ways. For example, a user can pour fluid additive directly into the
appliance's wash basket. Conversely, certain washing machine
appliances include a drawer or other inlet configured for receipt
of fluid additive. A user can add fluid additive to the appliance
by pouring fluid additive into the drawer. The drawer is in fluid
communication with the wash tub and directs fluid additive to wash
tub during operation of the appliance. The drawer is generally
configured for receipt of an amount of fluid additive sufficient
for a single load of laundry.
[0004] Thus, for each load of laundry, a user must generally add an
amount of fluid additive necessary to properly clean articles
disposed in the wash basket prior to starting the appliance.
However, adding fluid additive to the drawer or directly into the
wash basket prior to each load of laundry can be inconvenient and
time consuming. Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with
features for containing an amount of fluid additive sufficient for
multiple loads of laundry would be useful--i.e. a washing machine
appliance with features for bulk fluid additive dispensing.
[0005] However, large volumes of fluid additive (i.e., an amount of
fluid additive sufficient for multiple loads of laundry) can be
cumbersome and heavy. Thus, lifting a large volume of fluid
additive can be inconvenient or difficult. Accordingly, a washing
machine appliance with features for limiting the need to lift
and/or transfer large volumes of fluid additive would be
beneficial.
[0006] Also, large volumes of fluid additive can have an unpleasant
cosmetic appearance. For example, certain consumers might find a
large container of fluid additive unsightly. Thus, a washing
machine appliance with features for conveniently and/or accessibly
storing large volumes of fluid additive within the appliance's
cabinet would be useful. In addition, certain washing machine
appliances include a pedestal positioned below the appliance's
cabinet that supports the appliance. Thus, a washing machine
appliance with features for conveniently and/or accessibly storing
large volumes of fluid additive within the appliance's pedestal
would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In a first embodiment, a washing machine appliance is
provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet
extending between a base and a top. The cabinet defines a cavity
positioned proximate the base of the cabinet. The cabinet also
defines an opening. The opening permits access to the cavity. A
wash tub is received in the cabinet above the cavity. The wash tub
is configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process. A
wash basket is mounted in the wash tub. The wash basket is
configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process
and for rotation about an axis. A drawer is received within the
cavity of said cabinet. A reservoir is mounted on the drawer. The
reservoir is configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the
washing process. A pump is in fluid communication with the
reservoir and the wash tub. The pump is configured for selective
delivery of the fluid additive from the reservoir to the wash tub
during operation of the appliance. Additionally, the drawer is
configured for selective adjustment between an open configuration
and a closed configuration. The reservoir is disposed within the
cavity when the drawer is in the closed configuration, and the
reservoir is at least partially disposed outside of the cavity when
the drawer is in the open configuration.
[0009] In a second embodiment, a washing machine appliance is
provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet
extending between a top and a bottom. A wash tub is received in the
cabinet and configured for containing a fluid used in a washing
process. A wash basket is mounted in the wash tub. The wash basket
is configured for the receipt of articles during the washing
process and for rotation about an axis. A pedestal is positioned
beneath the bottom of the cabinet. The pedestal is configured for
supporting the cabinet. The pedestal extends between a front and a
back. The pedestal defines a cavity and also defines an opening
positioned adjacent the front of the pedestal. The opening permits
access to the cavity. A drawer is received within the cavity of the
pedestal. A reservoir is mounted on the drawer. The reservoir is
configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing
process. A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir and
the wash tub. The pump is configured for selective delivery of the
fluid additive from the reservoir to the wash tub during operation
of the appliance. Additionally, the drawer is configured for
selective adjustment between an open configuration and a closed
configuration. The reservoir is disposed within the cavity when the
drawer is in the closed configuration, and the reservoir is at
least partially disposed outside of the cavity when the drawer is
in the open configuration.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter and, in particular, illustrates an exemplary base of
the washing machine appliance.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the
washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with an exemplary drawer of the
base in a closed configuration such that an exemplary reservoir is
disposed within a cavity of the base.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the
washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with a drawer of the base in an
open configuration such that a reservoir is at least in part
disposed outside of the cavity of the base.
[0015] FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the drawer of the base
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present subject matter provides an appliance with a base
or pedestal that defines a cavity. A reservoir configured for
receipt of a fluid additive (e.g., detergent) is disposed in the
cavity such that the reservoir is accessible from outside of the
cavity. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a wash chamber
of the appliance such that fluid additive from reservoir may be
selectively delivered to the wash chamber. Reference now will be
made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more
examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is
provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of
the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that various modifications and variations can be made in the
present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a
still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present
invention covers such modifications and variations as come within
the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary horizontal axis washing
machine appliance 100. However, while described in the context of a
specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance
100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood
that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by
way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having
different configurations, different appearances, and/or different
features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as
well, e.g., a vertical axis washing machine appliance. In addition,
the teachings disclosed herein may be used with other appliances as
well, e.g., a dishwasher appliance.
[0018] Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 with a drum
120 rotatably mounted therein. Cabinet 102 extends between a top
150 and a bottom 152. A pedestal or base 200 is positioned adjacent
bottom 152 of cabinet 102 beneath drum 120. Thus, base 200 supports
cabinet 102. It should be understood that while in FIG. 1 base 200
is defined by cabinet 102, in alternative embodiments, base 200 can
be distinct element of washing machine appliance 100.
[0019] A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with drum
120 in order to selectively rotate drum 120 (e.g., during an
agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Drum
120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of
articles for washing. Ribs 126 extend from drum 120 into wash
chamber 121. Ribs 126 assist agitation of articles disposed within
wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.
For example, ribs 126 may lift articles disposed in drum 120 during
rotation of drum 120. Drum 120 also defines a plurality of holes
124. Holes 124 are configured to permit a flow of wash fluid
between an interior of drum 120 and an exterior of drum 120.
[0020] Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a front
panel 104. A drawer 106 is slidably mounted within front panel 104.
Drawer 106 receives detergent and/or other fluid additives (e.g.,
fabric softener or bleach) and directs the fluid additive to wash
chamber 121 during operation of appliance 100. As discussed in
greater detail below, washing machine appliance 100 has additional
features for dispensing detergent and/or other fluid additives.
[0021] Front panel 104 defines an opening 105 that permits user
access to wash chamber 121 of drum 120. A door 130 is mounted to
front panel 104 with a hinge 140. Door 130 permits selective access
to wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of
wash chamber 121, e.g., during operation of appliance 100. Door 130
also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull when opening
and closing door 130. Latch 134 is configured for selectively
securing door 120 in a closed configuration (i.e., a configuration
in which door 120 is positioned adjacent front panel 104).
[0022] Front panel 104 also includes a control panel 110 with a
plurality of input selectors 112. Control panel 110 and input
selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator
selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control
panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or
other items of interest to appliance users.
[0023] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
a controller or processing device (not shown), that is operatively
coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select
washing machine cycles and features. In response to user
manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the
various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute
selected machine cycles and features.
[0024] In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into
wash chamber 121, and washing operation is initiated through
operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Drum 120 is filled
with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves
(not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to
provide for filling drum 120 to the appropriate level for the
amount of articles being washed. Once drum 120 is properly filled
with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated with ribs
126 for cleansing of laundry items in drum 120.
[0025] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed,
drum 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again
adding fluid to drum 120, depending on the particulars of the
cleaning cycle selected by a user, ribs 126 may again provide
agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also
be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash
cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid
from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, drum 120 is
rotated at relatively high speeds.
[0026] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate base 200 of washing machine
appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 a drawer 220 of base 200
is shown in a closed configuration. In FIG. 3, drawer 220 of base
200 is shown in an open configuration.
[0027] Base 200 extends between a front 202 and a back 204. As
discussed above, base 220 supports cabinet 102 of appliance 100
(shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, in FIGS. 2 and 3, a frame 208 of
base 200 is constructed of metal (e.g., steel). However, in
alternative embodiments, frame 208 can be constructed of any
suitable material, e.g., plastic.
[0028] An access opening 206 (shown in FIG. 3) is defined by base
200 adjacent front 202 of base 200. Access opening 206 permits a
user to access a cavity 210 defined by base 200. Drawer 220 is
slidably received within cavity 210 through access opening 206.
Drawer 220 is mounted to a slide 230 in order to assist drawer 220
in selectively shifting from the closed configuration shown in FIG.
2 to the open configuration shown in FIG. 3 and vice versa.
However, it should be understood that drawer 220 may be mounted to
base 200 in any suitable manner. For example, drawer 220 may rotate
(e.g., using a hinge) between the open configuration and the closed
configuration rather than slide as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0029] Drawer 220 includes a front piece 222. As shown in FIG. 2,
in the closed configuration, front piece 222 is positioned adjacent
front 202 of base 200. As may be seen in FIG. 1, front piece 222
has a substantially similar profile to front panel 104. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 1, in the closed configuration, front piece 222 has
an exterior surface 224 that is substantially flush with front
panel 104 of cabinet 102. Accordingly, front piece 222 and front
panel 104 may have a similar appearance in the closed
configuration, e.g., to improve the cosmetic appeal of appliance
100.
[0030] As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a reservoir 240 is mounted
within drawer 220. Reservoir 240 is configured for receipt of a
fluid additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any
other suitable liquid) for use during operation of washing machine
appliance 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Reservoir 240 is mounted to drawer
220 such that reservoir 240 may be selectively removed from cavity
210 through access opening 206. Thus, when drawer 220 is in the
closed configuration shown in FIG. 2, reservoir 240 is disposed
within cavity 210. On the other hand, when drawer 220 is in the
open configuration shown in FIG. 3, reservoir 240 is disposed at
least partially outside of cavity 210. As discussed in greater
detail below, when drawer 220 is in the open configuration, for
certain embodiments, reservoir 240 may be selectively removed from
drawer 220 and/or filled with fluid additive.
[0031] A pump 250 is in fluid communication with reservoir 240 and
wash chamber 121 of drum 120 (shown in FIG. 1). During operation of
appliance 100, pump 250 may selectively direct fluid additive
disposed in reservoir 240 to wash chamber 121. For example, during
a wash cycle of appliance 100, fluid additive disposed in reservoir
240 may be urged into wash chamber 121 by pump 250 to assist in
cleaning articles disposed in wash chamber 121.
[0032] Pump 250 is in fluid communication with reservoir 240 via
conduit 252. Conduit 252 may be a hose, pipe, duct, or any other
suitable conduit. As may be seen in FIG. 2, in the closed
configuration, conduit 252 is in fluid communication with reservoir
250 and may direct a flow of fluid additive from reservoir 240 to
pump 250. However, as may be seen in FIG. 3, in the open
configuration, a tip 254 of conduit 252 is spaced apart from
reservoir 240 such that conduit cannot direct fluid additive from
reservoir 240 to pump 250. However, in alternative embodiment,
conduit 252 may be secured to drawer 220 and/or reservoir 240 such
that conduit can direct fluid additive from reservoir 240 to pump
250 in the open configuration.
[0033] As discussed above, reservoir 240 is configured for receipt
and storage of fluid additive. For example, when drawer 220 is in
the open configuration shown in FIG. 3, a user can fill reservoir
240 with fluid additive through fill hole 241. Alternatively,
reservoir 240 may be disposable such that prefilled reservoirs are
sold with a suitable volume of fluid additive. Thus, when drawer
220 is in the open configuration shown in FIG. 2, the user can
remove an empty reservoir from drawer 220 and replace the empty
reservoir with a prefilled reservoir (e.g., purchased at a store).
After filling reservoir 250 with fluid additive or replacing the
empty reservoir, the user can adjust drawer 220 to the closed
configuration shown in FIG. 2 in order to permit pump 250 to send
the fluid additive within the reservoir 250 to the wash chamber 121
during operation of appliance 100.
[0034] Reservoir 240 is sized such that a volume of fluid additive
sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of appliance
100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number
of wash cycles) can fill reservoir 240. Thus, for example, a user
can fill reservoir 240 with fluid additive and operate appliance
100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling reservoir 240
with fluid additive.
[0035] Also, an additional reservoir 242 is disposed on drawer 220.
Additional reservoir 242 is substantially identical to reservoir
240 and operates in the same manner as reservoir 240 described
above. However, additional reservoir 242 may contain an additional
fluid additive. For example, reservoir 240 may contain detergent
while additional reservoir 242 may contain fabric softener.
Alternatively, additional reservoir 242 may contain the same fluid
additive as reservoir 240.
[0036] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of drawer 220 shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. As may be seen in FIG. 4, reservoir 240 may be selectively
removed from drawer 220. For example, the user can lift reservoir
240 off drawer 220 in order to fill reservoir 240 with fluid
additive or replace an empty reservoir with a prefilled reservoir.
Additional reservoir 242 is similarly removable.
[0037] Also shown in FIG. 4 is a hood 260. Hood 260 is configured
for covering drawer 220 and reservoir 240. Thus, hood 260 separates
drawer 220 and reservoir 240 from other portions of cavity 210. For
example, cavity 210 may contain components (e.g., a motor or pump
250) of appliance 100 from which hood 260 isolates drawer 220 and
reservoir 240.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention 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 include 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 languages of the claims.
* * * * *