U.S. patent application number 13/959874 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for method for real time determination during loading of volumetric load size in a laundry treating appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Whirlpool Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Whirlpool Corporation. Invention is credited to BARBARA A. BALINSKI, JASON L. BARR, JR., ANDREW LEITERT, KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, JAMES A. OSKINS, MATTHEW J. QUOCK, JAMAL O. WILSON.
Application Number | 20130312202 13/959874 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49620423 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130312202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BALINSKI; BARBARA A. ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
METHOD FOR REAL TIME DETERMINATION DURING LOADING OF VOLUMETRIC
LOAD SIZE IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE
Abstract
A method of determining a qualitative load size of laundry in a
treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance based on both a
weight signal from a weight determining device and a volume signal
from a volume determining device, each device within the laundry
treating appliance.
Inventors: |
BALINSKI; BARBARA A.; (SAINT
JOSEPH, MI) ; BARR, JR.; JASON L.; (LAWTON, MI)
; LEITERT; ANDREW; (EAU CLAIRE, MI) ; MCALLISTER;
KARL DAVID; (STEVENSVILLE, MI) ; OSKINS; JAMES
A.; (SAINT JOSEPH, MI) ; QUOCK; MATTHEW J.;
(SAINT JOSEPH, MI) ; WILSON; JAMAL O.;
(STEVENSVILLE, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirlpool Corporation |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
49620423 |
Appl. No.: |
13/959874 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13209475 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
|
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13959874 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2202/10 20130101;
D06F 2216/00 20130101; D06F 34/18 20200201; D06F 34/22 20200201;
D06F 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a
rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber in
which laundry may be received for treatment according to an
automatic cycle of operation, the method comprising: receiving a
weight signal indicative of a weight of any laundry within the
treating chamber from a weight determining device within the
laundry treating appliance; receiving a volume signal indicative of
a volume of any laundry within the treating chamber from a volume
determining device within the laundry treating appliance; and
determining a qualitative load size of the laundry in the treating
chamber based on both the weight signal and the volume signal.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining a qualitative load
size comprises making a determination different from what would be
determined based on only one of the weight signal or volume
signal.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a weight signal from a
weight determining device comprises receiving a weight signal from
a user interface of the laundry treating appliance.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the receiving a weight signal from
the user interface comprises receiving a weight value entered via
the user interface.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the receiving a volume signal from
a volume determining device comprises receiving a volume signal
from a user interface of the laundry treating appliance.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the receiving a volume signal from
the user interface comprises receiving a volume value entered via
the user interface.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the receiving a weight signal from
a weight determining device comprises receiving a weight signal
from a weight sensor of the laundry treating appliance.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the receiving a weight signal from
a weight sensor comprises receiving a weight signal from at least
one of a load sensor and an inertia sensor.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the receiving a volume signal from
a volume determining device comprises receiving a volume signal
from a volume sensor of the laundry treating appliance.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the receiving a volume signal
from a volume sensor comprises receiving a volume signal from at
least one of an optical and a position sensor.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the optical sensor comprises an
imaging device.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining a qualitative
load size comprises selecting from at least three of the following
qualitative load sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, and
extra-large.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining a qualitative
load size comprises a processor in the laundry treating appliance
conducting a table look up of the qualitative load size based on
the weight signal and the volume signal.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining a qualitative
load size comprises a processor in the laundry treating appliance
executing a load size algorithm using as inputs the weight signal
and the volume signal.
15. The method of claim 1 further comprising setting a parameter
for the automatic cycle of operation based on the determined
qualitative load size.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the weight signal is indicative
of at least one of the weight, mass or inertia of the laundry in
the laundry treating chamber.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the volume signal is indicative
of at least one of the volume, level, or height of the laundry in
the laundry treating chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2013/0042416 A1, published Feb. 21,
2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Laundry treating appliances, such as a washing machine in
which a drum defines a treating chamber for receiving and treating
a laundry load, may implement cycles of operation that may vary
according to the size of the laundry load in the drum. The size of
the laundry load may be manually input by a user through a user
interface or may be automatically determined by the washing machine
during a cycle of operation. With manual input, the user may
overestimate or underestimate the load size, leading to a treating
performance that may be less than optimal.
[0003] Known washing machines may be programmed to perform one of
several methods to automatically determine load size during a cycle
of operation, such as by correlating an output of the motor that
drives the drum. In such a case, a load size indicated by the
washing machine may be treated by a user as inaccurate based upon
the user's observations of the load in the drum. In response, the
user may adjust a treating cycle to reflect the user's conclusion
that the load size is other than the size indicated by the washing
machine. This also may lead to a treating performance that may be
less than optimal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A laundry treating appliance may have a rotatable drum at
least partially defining a treating chamber in which laundry may be
received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of
operation. The laundry treating appliance may be operated pursuant
to a method including the steps of receiving a weight signal
indicative of a weight of any laundry within the treating chamber
from a weight determining device within the laundry treating
appliance, receiving a volume signal indicative of a volume of any
laundry within the treating chamber from a volume determining
device within the laundry treating appliance, and determining a
qualitative load size of the laundry in the treating chamber based
on both the weight signal and the volume signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the drawings:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a laundry treating appliance
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a controller of the laundry
treating appliance of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIGS. 3-8 are partial front views of embodiments of
exemplary user interfaces of the laundry treating appliance of FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for determining
selectable cycles of operation based on a determined load size in
the laundry treating appliance of FIG. 1 and indicating the same to
a user according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for determining a filled
condition for a selected cycle of operation of the treating
appliance of FIG. 1 and indicating the same to a user according to
a third embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of a laundry treating
appliance with two differing laundry load distributions,
respectively, in a treating chamber.
[0012] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a laundry treating
appliance according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a laundry treating
appliance, light emitting diodes, and a controller according to an
alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 14 is a partial elevation view of a portion of a user
interface for a laundry treating appliance according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 15 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the
user interface illustrated in FIG. 14 showing a first embodiment of
a load size indicator.
[0016] FIG. 16 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the
user interface illustrated in FIG. 14 showing a second embodiment
of a load size indicator.
[0017] FIG. 17 is an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the
user interface illustrated in FIG. 14 showing a third embodiment of
a load size indicator.
[0018] FIG. 18 is a tabular summary of laundry load items, load
mass, and load volume for selected laundry load types, wash liquid
levels, and detergent levels.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a laundry treating appliance in the form
of a horizontal-axis washing machine 10 according to one embodiment
of the invention. The laundry treating appliance may be any machine
that treats articles such as clothing or fabrics. Non-limiting
examples of the laundry treating appliance may include a vertical
washing machine; a combination washing machine and dryer; and a
refreshing/revitalizing machine. The washing machine 10 described
herein shares many features of a traditional automatic washing
machine, which will not be described in detail except as necessary
for a complete understanding of the invention.
[0020] Washing machines are typically categorized as either a
vertical axis washing machine or a horizontal axis washing machine.
As used herein, the "vertical axis" washing machine refers to a
washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate,
that holds fabric items and a fabric moving element, such as an
agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like, that induces movement of
the fabric items to impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles
for cleaning action. In some vertical axis washing machines, the
drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a
surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational
axis need not be vertical. The drum may rotate about an axis
inclined relative to the vertical axis.
[0021] As used herein, the "horizontal axis" washing machine refers
to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforated or
imperforate, that holds fabric items and washes the fabric items by
the fabric items rubbing against one another as the drum rotates.
In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the
rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a
tumbling action that imparts the mechanical energy to the fabric
articles. In some horizontal axis washing machines, the drum
rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface
that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis
need not be horizontal. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined
relative to the horizontal axis. Vertical axis and horizontal axis
machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart
mechanical energy to the fabric articles. In vertical axis
machines, a clothes mover, such as an agitator, auger, impeller, to
name a few, moves within a drum to impart mechanical energy
directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the
drum. The clothes mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating
rotational movement. The illustrated exemplary washing machine of
FIG. 1 is a horizontal axis washing machine.
[0022] The washing machine 10 may include a housing 12, which may
be a cabinet or a frame to which decorative panels are mounted. A
rotatable drum 18 may be disposed within an interior of the housing
12 and may at least partially define a treating chamber 20 for
treating laundry. The rotatable drum 18 may be mounted within an
imperforate tub 22, which may be suspended within the housing 12 by
a resilient suspension system 24. Both the tub 22 and the drum 18
may be selectively closed by a door 25. A bellows 26 couples an
open face of the tub 22 with the housing 12, and the door 25 seals
against the bellows 26 when the door 25 closes the tub 22. The drum
18 may include a plurality of perforations 27, such that liquid may
flow between the tub 22 and the drum 18 through the perforations
27.
[0023] The drum 18 may further include a plurality of baffles 28
disposed on an inner surface of the drum 18 to lift fabric items
forming a laundry load contained in the laundry treating chamber 20
while the drum 18 rotates. A motor 30 may be coupled to the drum 18
through a drive shaft 32 for selective rotation of the treating
chamber 20 during a cycle of operation. It may also be within the
scope of the invention for the motor 30 to be coupled with the
drive shaft 32 through a drive belt for selective rotation of the
treating chamber 20. The motor 30 may rotate the drum 18 at
multiple or variable speeds in either rotational direction.
[0024] While the illustrated washing machine 10 includes both the
tub 22 and the drum 18, with the drum 18 defining the laundry
treating chamber 20, it is within the scope of the invention for
the washing machine 10 to include only one receptacle, with the
receptacle defining the laundry treating chamber for receiving a
laundry load to be treated.
[0025] A liquid supply and recirculation system 40 may also be
included in the washing machine 10. Liquid, such as water, may be
supplied to the washing machine 10 from a water supply 42, such as
a household water supply. A supply conduit 44 may fluidly couple
the water supply 42 to the tub 22 and a treating chemistry
dispenser 46. The supply conduit 44 may be provided with an inlet
valve 48 for controlling the flow of liquid from the water supply
42 through the supply conduit 44 to the treating chemistry
dispenser 46. The treating chemistry dispenser 46 may be a
single-use dispenser, that stores and dispenses a single dose of
treating chemistry and must be refilled for each cycle of
operation, or a multiple-use dispenser, also referred to as a bulk
dispenser, that stores and dispenses multiple doses of treating
chemistry over multiple executions of a cycle of operation.
[0026] A liquid conduit 50 may fluidly couple the treating
chemistry dispenser 46 with the tub 22. The liquid conduit 50 may
couple with the tub 22 at any suitable location on the tub 22 and
is shown as being coupled to a front wall of the tub 22 for
exemplary purposes. The liquid that flows from the treating
chemistry dispenser 46 through the liquid conduit 50 to the tub 22
typically enters a space between the tub 22 and the drum 18 and may
flow by gravity to a sump 52 formed in part by a lower portion of
the tub 22. The sump 52 may also be formed by a sump conduit 54
that may fluidly couple the lower portion of the tub 22 to a pump
56. The pump 56 may direct fluid to a drain conduit 58, which may
drain the liquid from the washing machine 10, or to a recirculation
conduit 60, which may terminate at a recirculation inlet 62. The
recirculation inlet 62 may direct the liquid from the recirculation
conduit 60 into the drum 18. The recirculation inlet 62 may
introduce the liquid into the drum 18 in any suitable manner, such
as by spraying, dripping, or providing a steady flow of the liquid.
While the recirculation inlet 62 is illustrated as being located at
a lower portion of the tub 22 it is contemplated that it may be
located in alternative locations including an upper portion of tub
22.
[0027] Additionally, the liquid supply and recirculation system 40
may differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 1, such as by
inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters,
sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and
the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through the
washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type
of detergent/wash aid. Further, the liquid supply and recirculation
system 40 need not include the recirculation portion of the system
or may include other types of recirculation systems.
[0028] A heater, such as sump heater 63 or steam generator 65, may
be provided for heating the liquid and/or the laundry load. The
sump heater 63 is illustrated as a resistive heating element. The
sump heater 63 may be used alone or in combination with the steam
generator 65 to heat the liquid and/or the laundry load.
[0029] One or more sensors 66 may be positioned in a suitable
location in the washing machine 10 for detecting the amount of
laundry placed in the treating chamber 20. By way of non-limiting
example, the amount of laundry in the treating chamber may be
determined based on the weight of the laundry and/or the volume of
laundry in the treating chamber. Thus, one or more sensors 66 may
output a signal indicative of the weight of the laundry load in the
treating chamber 20. Alternatively, one or more sensors (not shown)
may output a signal indicative of the volume of the laundry load in
the treating chamber 20, as hereinafter described. The sensors may
be a type suitable for measuring the weight or volume of laundry in
the treating chamber 20.
[0030] Non-limiting examples of sensors 66 for measuring the weight
of the laundry may include load volume, pressure, or force
transducers which may include, for example, load cells and strain
gauges. The sensors 66 may be operably coupled to the suspension
system 24 to sense the weight borne by the suspension system 24,
including the weight of the laundry loaded into the treating
chamber 20, the weight of the drum, and the weight of the tub. The
signals from the sensors 66 may be conditioned in the controller 68
to indicate the weight of the laundry in the treating chamber
20.
[0031] Alternatively, the washing machine 10 may have one or more
pairs of feet 67 supporting the housing 12 on a floor with a weight
sensor (not shown) operably coupled to at least one of the feet 67.
The sensed weight borne by that foot 67 may correlate to the weight
of the laundry loaded into the treating chamber 20. Several weight
sensors may be operably coupled to each foot 67 to obtain a more
accurate indication of the weight of the laundry loaded into the
treating chamber 20. Thus, it is contemplated that the one or more
weight sensors may be applied in either tension or compression to
measure the weight of the laundry in the treating chamber 20.
[0032] An infrared (IR) or optical-based sensor may be used to
determine the volume of laundry in the treating chamber 20, as
hereinafter described.
[0033] A controller 68 may be located within the housing 12 for
controlling the operation of the washing machine 10 to implement
one or more cycles of operation, which may be stored in a memory of
the controller 68. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of
operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick
wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash. A user interface 70 may
be included with the housing 12, and may include one or more knobs,
switches, displays, and the like for communicating with the user,
such as to receive input and provide output.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 68 may be provided
with a memory 72 and a central processing unit (CPU) 74. The memory
72 may be used for storing the control software in the form
executable instructions that may be executed by the CPU 74 in
executing one or more cycles of operation using the washing machine
10 and any additional software. The memory 72 may also be used to
store information, such as a database or table, and to store data
received from one or more components of the washing machine 10 that
may be communicably coupled with the controller 68 as needed to
execute the cycle of operation.
[0035] The controller 68 may be operably coupled with one or more
components of the washing machine 10 for communicating with and
controlling the operation of the component to complete a cycle of
operation. For example, the controller 68 may be coupled with the
one or more sensors 66 for receiving the output of the sensors 66
indicative of the amount of laundry, the motor 30 for controlling
the direction and speed of rotation of the drum 18, and the pump 56
for draining and recirculating wash water in the sump 52. The
controller 68 may also be operably coupled to the inlet valve 48,
the steam generator 65, the sump heater 63, and the treatment
dispenser 46 to control operation of the component for implementing
the cycle of operation. The controller 68 may also receive input
from one or more sensors 76 known in the art. Non-limiting examples
of sensors that may be communicably coupled with the controller 68
include: a treating chamber temperature sensor, a moisture sensor,
a drum position sensor, a motor torque sensor, a motor speed
sensor, a level sensor, etc. By way of non-limiting example, a
level sensor 76 may output a signal indicative of a levelness of
the laundry treating appliance and/or the treating chamber to the
controller 68. Such a level sensor may include any suitable type of
sensor including a bubble sensor, which may use a leveling bubble
to indicate the levelness of the laundry treating appliance and/or
the treating chamber to the controller 68. The controller 68 may
also be operably coupled with the user interface 70 for receiving
user selected inputs and communicating information with the
user.
[0036] The user interface 70 is schematically illustrated as
including an indicator 78. The indicator 78 may indicate to a user
when laundry in the treating chamber 20 satisfies a predetermined
amount threshold correlating to an optimally filled treating
chamber 20 for a specific selected cycle. The indicator 78 may
allow the user to see how much laundry may be needed to optimally
fill the washing machine 10 for a selected cycle so that optimal
cleaning of the load may be obtained. The indicator 78 may
alternatively indicate to a user which cycles are selectable based
on the laundry loaded in the treating chamber 20. The indicator 78
may alternatively be located elsewhere on the washing machine
10.
[0037] Such alternative locations may include on the housing 12
near the door 25, on the bellows 26, or on the door 25. The
controller 68 may be capable of sending wireless signals to a
portable device such that the user may receive indications through
the device. The washing machine 10 may be linked to a smartphone,
which may act as the indicator and may indicate information to a
user as described with respect to the indicator 78 above. Thus, as
the amount of laundry in the washing machine 10 changes, the
display on the smartphone or portable device may change. The
smartphone or portable device may also send wireless signals to the
washing machine 10 such that it may act as the user interface for
the washing machine 10. The user may select an option on the
smartphone and the washing machine 10 may receive such selections
and be operated accordingly. However, the remainder of this
description will describe the indicator 78 as being located on the
user interface 70.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a first exemplary portion of a user
interface 70 having an indicator 78 in the form of a laundry fill
indicator. It is illustrated that the indicator 78 may have a
simple system which indicates only two different conditions of
optimally loaded/filled or overfilled for the cycle of operation
selected by the user. More specifically, the indicator 78 has been
illustrated as a single light emitting diode (LED) 80 which may
turn off or on to signify the two conditions. Alternatively, the
LED 80 may change color to signify a particular status. For
example, led 80 may be illuminated with a first color, such as
green, to inform a user that the treating chamber 20 is optimally
filled for the selected cycle, and may be illuminated with a second
color, such as red, to inform a user that the treating chamber is
overfilled for the selected cycle. The LED 80 may remain unlit if
the amount of the laundry load in the treating chamber 20 is
underfilled and has not reached the optimally filled range for the
selected cycle. It has been contemplated that an audible noise may
be combined with the LED 80 to additionally alert the user that the
treating chamber 20 is overfilled.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates that, alternatively, multiple LEDS 82, 83
and indicia 84 may be used to indicate the two different conditions
of optimally loaded or overfilled for the cycle of operation
selected by the user. For example, LED 82 may be illuminated with a
color such as green to inform a user that the treating chamber 20
may be in an optimally filled range for the selected cycle. If the
load amount is below such an optimally filled threshold the LED 82
may remain unlit to indicate that the optimal load amount has not
yet been reached. Further, LED 83 may be illuminated with the same
color or with a second color, such as red, to inform the user that
the treating chamber 20 is overfilled for the selected cycle. It
has been contemplated that an audible noise may be combined with
the LED to additionally alert the user that the treating chamber 20
is overfilled.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates that the indicator 78 may be a range
indicator or graduated scale 90 illustrating the filled condition.
The scale 90 begins at zero, "0", but need not. It has also been
illustrated as including a range beyond or greater than the filled
condition, which may indicate to a user an overfilled condition for
the selected cycle. The middle of the scale may indicate a filled
threshold or expected optimal cleaning limit. If the user fills
past this point, the display may extend beyond the threshold to the
overfilled condition and perhaps turn red indicating that
overfilling has occurred and cleaning performance will decrease.
The scale 90 may give the user continuous feedback as the machine
is filled.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates that the user interface 70 may include a
message provider 92 in addition to the indicator 78. The message
provider 92 may provide a status message based on a first status
indicator, and may then enhance the status message based on a
second status indicator. For example, message provider 92 may
provide a status message based on data regarding the amount of
laundry in the treating chamber 20 such as the chamber is
underfilled, optimally filled or under filled for the selected
cycle. An additional message provider may then enhance the status
message and indicate to the user estimated energy or water usage or
usage savings of having a load that size. Alternatively, it has
been contemplated that the LCD display may also be capable of
indicating the filled or overfilled condition of the treating
chamber, and thus may be used as the indicator and a separate
indicator may be unnecessary.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a message provider 94 in the form of an
array of LEDs. One or more of the LEDs may be illuminated, possibly
with one or more different colors, in order to convey a message to
the user regarding the selected cycle or the laundry loaded within
the treating chamber 20. It has been contemplated that such an
array of LEDS may be used as the single indicator to inform a user
that the treating chamber 20 is in an optimally filled range.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates that the indicator 78 may include various
LEDs 96 to indicate to a user which cycles are selectable based on
the laundry loaded in the treating chamber 20. More specifically,
the indicator 78 may include an LED 96 located next to indicia 97
indicating each of the cycles of operation. LEDs 96 have been shown
next to indicia 97 indicating wash, heavy duty wash, whitest
whites, delicate wash, quick wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed
wash cycles. The indicator 78 may visually communicate, through the
LEDs 96, to the user when one or more of the cycles of operation
are available for selection by the user based on the laundry loaded
in the treating chamber 20. Each LED 96 may be illuminated as a
first color if the cycle is available, as a second color if the
cycle is not available, and a third color if the cycle is selected
by a user. The different illumination colors may be achieved by use
of a multi-color LED. In addition to or in place of different
colors, different illumination intensities may be used to indicate
the status. Alternatively, each LED 96 may be illuminated if the
cycle is available for selection and remain un-illuminated if the
cycle is not available for selection. The user may select a
corresponding selection button 98 located beside the LED 96, which
indicates an available cycle, so that the illuminated cycle may be
selected. When a start button 99 is depressed, the LEDs 96 for the
other available cycles may be turned off. The previously described
washing machine 10 may be used to implement one or more embodiments
of a method of the invention.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart of a method 100 for
determining and indicating selectable cycles of operation based on
a monitored load amount loaded into the laundry treating appliance
according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
The method 100 assumes that no fabrics have been loaded into the
treating chamber 20 and that no user-selection of a cycle of
operation has occurred prior to the start of the method 100. The
method 100 may be initiated automatically when the door 25 is
opened or when the user begins to place items within the treating
chamber 20.
[0045] The method 100 begins at 102 where the controller 68
monitors the amount of fabric items or a laundry load within the
treating chamber 20 when items are being loaded into the treating
chamber 20. The amount monitored in the method 100 may be either a
weight of the laundry loaded into the treating chamber 20 or a
volume of the laundry loaded into the treating chamber 20. The
controller 68 may monitor the amount by repeatedly sensing the
amount of the laundry loaded into the treating chamber 20 during
loading. More specifically, the controller 68 may receive a
repeatedly output signal indicative of the amount of the laundry
loaded in the treating chamber 20 from one or more amount sensors.
Alternatively, the controller 68 may repeatedly sense the amount by
sensing the change in amount of the treating chamber 20 during
loading as determined from the output signal from one or more
amount sensors.
[0046] At 104, the controller 68 may determine if the monitored
amount satisfies a predetermined amount threshold. The controller
68 may accomplish this by comparing the monitored amount to a
predetermined weigh threshold to see if the monitored amount
satisfies the predetermined threshold. To do this, the controller
68 may compare the monitored amount, either continuously or at set
time intervals, to the predetermined threshold value. The term
"satisfies" the threshold is used herein to mean that the amount of
the laundry within the treating chamber 20 satisfies the
predetermined threshold, such as being equal to or greater than the
threshold value. It will be understood that such a determination
may easily be altered to be satisfied by a positive/negative
comparison or a true/false comparison.
[0047] The predetermined threshold value may be determined
experimentally and stored in the memory 72 of the controller 68. It
has been contemplated that the predetermined amount threshold value
may be a predetermined amount range and that the predetermined
amount threshold may be satisfied when the monitored amount falls
within the predetermined amount range. It has been contemplated
that there may be multiple predetermined amount threshold values
and that during the comparison it may be determined which of the
multiple values is satisfied.
[0048] Thus, at 102 the controller 68 repeatedly receives the
output from the amount sensor 66, which indicates the amount of the
laundry loaded within the treating chamber 20, and at 104 compares
it with a predetermined amount threshold stored in the memory 72 to
determine when the amount of the laundry loaded into the treating
chamber 20 satisfies the amount threshold. If the monitored amount
does not satisfy the predetermined threshold, then the controller
68 returns to 102 where the controller 68 continues to monitor the
amount of laundry within the treating chamber 20 and then compares
the monitored amount to the predetermined amount threshold at 104
to determine if the threshold is satisfied. When it is determined
at 104 that the monitored amount satisfies the predetermined
threshold, then the controller 68 at 106 may determine one or more
cycles of operation which may be optimally implemented for the
laundry load located in the treating chamber 20. The controller 68
may have a table of cycles that may be optimally implemented for
the predetermined amount threshold stored in its memory 72. The
controller 68 may determine that only these cycles are selectable
based on the monitored amount of the laundry load in the treating
chamber 20.
[0049] Once it is determined which cycles of operation are
selectable, the controller 68 may correspondingly activate an
indicator 78 on the user interface 70 to indicate the one or more
selectable cycles of operation. This may be done using any of the
previously described methods.
[0050] A benefit of the method 100 is that the feedback provides
the user with information regarding what cycles of operation are
appropriate for the load that has been placed in the treating
chamber 20. Such an indication provided to the user allows the user
to optimally operate the washing machine 10 based on the load in
the treating chamber 20. Such feedback gives additional information
to the user so that the user does not have to estimate the load
size or guess which cycles will provide optimal treating
performance for the load.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method 200 for determining a
filled condition for a selected cycle of operation of the treating
appliance of FIG. 1 and indicating the same to a user according to
a third embodiment of the invention. The method 200 assumes that no
fabrics have been loaded into the treating chamber 20. The method
200 may be initiated automatically when the door 25 is opened or
when the user selects a cycle of operation.
[0052] The method 200 begins at 202 where the controller 68
determines what cycle of operation has been selected by a user via
the user interface 70. This may also include determining which, if
any, cycle modifiers are optionally selected, such as a load color,
and/or a fabric type. Examples of load colors are whites and
colors. Examples of fabric types are cotton, silk, polyester,
delicates, permanent press, and heavy duty.
[0053] At 204 the controller 68 may set an amount threshold for the
selected cycle of operation. It is contemplated that the amount
threshold may correlate to a weight threshold or a volume threshold
based on the determined cycle of operation. The set amount
threshold may be predetermined experimentally and stored in the
memory 72 of the controller 68. The set amount threshold may
include a predetermined value that is based on the determined cycle
of operation and such a value may be satisfied when the monitored
amount is equal to or greater that the predetermined amount value.
Alternatively, the set amount threshold may include a predetermined
amount range that is based on the determined cycle of operation and
the predetermined amount threshold is satisfied when the monitored
amount falls within the predetermined amount range. It has also
been contemplated that for a selected cycle the controller 68 may
set multiple predetermined amount threshold values or ranges
correlating to a percentage (0%, 20%, etc.) of the optimal amount
which may be provided in the treating chamber 20 for the selected
cycle.
[0054] The method 200 continues at 206 where the controller 68
monitors the amount of the laundry load within the treating chamber
20 when items are being loaded into the treating chamber 20. At
208, the controller 68 compares the monitored amount with the set
amount threshold, which was previously set at 204, to determine
when the amount of the laundry loaded into the treating chamber
satisfies the set amount threshold. If the monitored amount does
not satisfy the set threshold then the controller 68 returns to 206
where the controller 68 continues to monitor the amount of laundry
within the treating chamber 20 and then compares it to the set
amount threshold at 208 to see if the set amount threshold is
satisfied. When it is determined at 208 that the monitored amount
satisfies the set amount threshold then a filled condition of the
washing machine is determined at 210 by the controller 68. More
specifically, the controller 68 may determine from the satisfied
amount threshold if the treating chamber 20 is optimally filled.
Further, if the set amount thresholds correlate to a percentage
(0%, 20%, etc.) of the optimal amount which may be provided in the
treating chamber 20 for the selected cycle, then the controller 68
may determine what percent of the treating chamber 20 has been
filled.
[0055] At 212, the controller 68 may operate the indicator 78 to
indicate the determined filled condition to the user. If the set
amount threshold is an optimally filled amount for the selected
cycle, then indicating the satisfying of the predetermined amount
threshold on the user interface at 212 may include visually
indicating with the indicator 78 that the treating chamber 20 is
optimally filled for the selected cycle. If the set amount
threshold is an overfilled amount, then indicating the satisfying
of such an amount may include visually indicating with the
indicator 78 that the treating chamber is overfilled for the
selected cycle. Alternatively, the indication may include
illuminating a portion of the range indicator 90 indicating a
filled level correlating to the satisfied amount threshold to give
the user continuous feedback as the machine is filled. If the set
amount range correlates to an optimally filled level then a unique
indication may be given to the user when the amount is within the
set amount range. Such unique indications may include at least one
of a different color, a color in combination with a sound, a
graphic, an animation, text, and sequentially displaying text. In
this manner the user may be alerted that the laundry located within
the treating chamber 20 is within the set amount range for the
selected cycle before the user overloads the treating chamber
20.
[0056] It is also contemplated that the washing machine 10 may
continue to monitor the amount of laundry placed within the
treating chamber 20 after an optimally filled condition has been
indicated. In this manner the controller 68 may determine an
overfilled condition of the treating chamber 20. The indicator 78
and the range indicator 90 may both be used to indicate an
overfilled condition for the selected cycle if the user continues
to load laundry into the treating chamber 20 beyond the set amount
threshold.
[0057] A benefit of the method 200 is that the indication provided
to the user during loading allows the user to obtain a sense of the
actual capacity of the treating chamber and allows the user the
ability to optimally fill the treating chamber 20 before starting
the cycle of operation. Users often over or under fill the treating
chamber 20 and the invention disclosed herein enables information
to be given to the user such that the user may add or remove
laundry to optimally fill the treating chamber for the selected
cycle of operation.
[0058] Further, depending on the type of load amount sensor used
the sensor may provide additional benefits including that ability
to determine how much water is being applied to the laundry
machine, which in conjunction with the known load mass may
determine a recommended detergent amount. Further, exact knowledge
of how much water weight versus fabric weight may be used to
determine the type of load. Further, the amount of water remaining
in the load may be determined and used during extraction. Further,
the determined load amount may be used during the cycle such as to
aid in unbalance management and as an input to detect bunching and
entanglement. It is also contemplated that a moisture sensor may be
used to determine if the laundry loaded into the treating chamber
20 is wet or dry and the moisture content of such laundry. Such a
moisture sensor may be operably coupled to the controller 68 such
that the controller 68 may receive a signal indicative of the
moisture in the laundry and the controller 68 may display on the
user interface an indication regarding such moisture content. By
way of non-limiting example such an indication may indicate
saturated states of the laundry and a potential water to cloth
ratio. Further, the controller 68 may be capable of using such
moisture information to determine a dry load weight estimated value
and operate the indicator 78 accordingly.
[0059] Depending on the type of sensor 66 used in the washing
machine 10 the output of the sensor 66 may be skewed if either the
treating chamber 20 and/or washing machine 10 is not level. Thus,
it is contemplated that either of the methods described above may
also include an initial sensing of any unlevelness of either the
treating chamber 20 and/or the washing machine 10 and adjusting the
monitored amount to compensate for any sensed unlevelness. This
calibration may occur regardless of whether the determined amount
is a weight or a volume. By way of non-limiting example, at the
beginning of each method 100 and 200 the levelness of the treating
chamber and/or the washing machine 10 may be calculated and if
there is an unlevelness, then the controller 68 may calibrate the
output of the sensors 66 such that the output of the sensors 66 may
be adjusted according to any detected unlevelness.
[0060] More specifically, the controller 68 may receive an output
signal indicative of the levelness or unlevelness of either the
laundry treating appliance and/or the treating chamber from a level
sensor 76. The controller 68 may then adjust the output from the
sensor 66 according to the output received from the level sensor
76. In this manner, the controller 68 may compensate for any sensed
unlevelness in determining the amount of the laundry load in the
treating chamber 20. This may allow for the controller 68 to make a
more accurate amount determination because the calibrated sensors
66 will provide a more accurate indication of the amount of the
laundry in the drum.
[0061] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 11-18 and
the following description are directed to an alternate exemplary
embodiment of the invention in which measured laundry load weight
and load volume information may be integrated into a signal
representing a correlative load size. The load size may be
indicated on the user interface 70 generally as previously
described herein, and as hereinafter described.
[0062] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate schematically, a washing
machine 220 that may share many features of the washing machine 10
described hereinbefore, which will not be described in detail
except as necessary for a complete understanding of the invention.
The washing machine 220 may include a cabinet 222 enclosing a drum
226 characterized by an interior treating chamber 225. An obverse
wall 223 of the cabinet 222 may include a drum opening 224 enabling
access to the interior treating chamber 225. FIG. 11A illustrates a
laundry load 228 that may include a plurality of laundry items 229
distributed within the interior treating chamber 225 prior to the
initiation of a treating cycle. FIG. 11B illustrates a laundry load
230 that may consist of a single laundry item 231 occupying a
substantial portion of the interior treating chamber 225.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, a plurality of individual
laundry items 229 may be loaded into the interior treating chamber
225 so that there is an accumulation of items 229 at the drum
opening 224, with the first items 229 loaded into the interior
treating chamber 225 distributed somewhat lower in the drum 226
toward the rear of the interior treating chamber 225. By appearing
to fill a substantial portion of the interior treating chamber 225,
the accumulation of items 229 toward the obverse wall 223 when
viewed through the opening 224 may lead a user to overestimate the
load size when in actuality the load size may be smaller.
[0064] As well, individual laundry items 229 may be distributed
along only the bottom of the interior treating chamber 225, and may
appear to constitute a relatively small load, which may contribute
to an underestimation of the load size. The load 228 may, in fact,
be heavy due to, for example, density of the individual items 229,
relatively high moisture in the individual items 229, and the like.
The low height of the load 228 in the interior treating chamber 225
when viewed through the opening 224 may suggest to a user that the
load 228 is lightweight, when in actuality the load may be
heavier.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 11B, overestimation of the size of a load
may also occur with large items 231 such as quilts, down
comforters, sleeping bags, pillows, and the like. Such a load 230
may appear to a user to be heavy based upon its occupation of
virtually the entire interior treating chamber 225, although in
actuality it may be lightweight.
[0066] Differences between apparent and actual laundry load sizes
may lead a user to override treatment settings to be more
consistent with what the user observes. This can lead to
inadequacies in the treating process, incorrect dosages of treating
chemistry, excess water usage, increased drying time, and other
efficiency and cost consequences. Coordinating both weight and
volume information for display to a user may lead to an
optimization of treating performance and user satisfaction.
[0067] A weight determining device, such as the weight sensor 66 of
FIG. 1, also referred to as a load sensor, may generate a laundry
load weight signal proportional to the weight of the laundry load.
The weight sensor 66 may be a load cell, or other sensor responsive
to a change in weight of a laundry load as the laundry is loaded
into a drum. Alternatively, laundry load weight may be determined
based on a motor sensor output, such as an output from a known
motor torque sensor (not shown).
[0068] Motor torque is a function of the inertia of the rotating
drum and laundry load. Inertia sensing may thus utilize motor
torque output from a motor torque sensor. Methods exist for
determining the load inertia, and thus the load weight, based on
motor torque. As an example, inertia may be determined by measuring
the torque required to accelerate the laundry load at a constant
rate. A resulting inertia value may be input to an algorithm stored
in the controller 68 that may provide an estimate of a correlative
laundry load weight. The weight signal may be processed by the
controller 68 for display on the user interface 70. Regardless of
the manner in which a weight signal is generated, the weight signal
may be indicative of at least one of the weight, mass, or inertia
of the laundry in the treating chamber 225.
[0069] It may be understood that the details of the weight sensor
66 are not germane to the present embodiment of the invention, and
that any suitable sensor and method may be used to determine the
weight of the laundry load. Examples of such weight sensors
include, but are not limited to, load cells and strain gages.
[0070] A volume determining device may be utilized to generate a
laundry load volume signal proportional to the volume of the
laundry load in the interior treating chamber 225.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 12, the washing machine 220 may include a
volume determining device, such as a load volume sensor 270 in
communication with the controller 68 for detecting the volume of a
laundry load 276 within the treating chamber 225. A single load
volume sensor 270 may be capable of capturing two-dimensional or
three-dimensional images. Although a single load volume sensor 270
is illustrated, a plurality of sensors 270 may be utilized, for
example, to capture two- or three-dimensional images, or to enhance
the quality or detail of the images.
[0072] In one embodiment, the load volume sensor 270 may consist of
an imaging device 272 configured and located for imaging the
treating chamber 225 and/or the laundry load 276 within the
treating chamber 225. Examples of the imaging device 272 may
include an optical sensor capable of capturing still or moving
images, such as a camera. One suitable type of camera may be a CMOS
camera. Other exemplary imaging devices may include a CCD camera, a
digital camera, a video camera, or any other device capable of
capturing and transmitting an image.
[0073] The imaging device 272 may capture visible and/or
non-visible radiation. For example, the imaging device 272 may
capture an image in visible light introduced into the interior
treating chamber 225. Alternatively, the imaging device 272 may
capture an image in non-visible light, such as ultraviolet light.
The imaging device 272 may also be a thermal imaging device capable
of detecting radiation in the infrared region of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
[0074] The imaging device 272 may be placed in a suitable location
to view the treating chamber 225, based upon the structure of the
washing machine 220 and the position that enables the capture of an
image having optimal quality. For example, the imaging device 272
may be located in the drum 226 on a suitable drum surface,
incorporated into a mounting structure such as a portion of the
cabinet 222, washing machine framework, or suitably integrated
attachment point, or in the door 26. A plurality of imaging devices
272 may be incorporated into the radially inward edges of the
baffles 28 to capture images of the laundry load in the drum 226.
Information from the imaging device 272 may be processed in the
controller 68 by utilizing an algorithm to produce a metric
relating to volume, height, or level of the laundry load.
[0075] The load volume sensor 270 may include an illumination
source 274 to aid the imaging device 272. The type of illumination
source 274 may vary. For example, the illumination source 274 may
be a known incandescent appliance or washer light bulb used to
illuminate the treating chamber 225. Alternatively, as illustrated
in FIG. 13, one or more LEDs may be used in place of an
incandescent bulb. Optical or infrared reflective sensing, based
upon measuring the reflectance, for example, of an optical laser,
may also be utilized.
[0076] Image analysis may be used to isolate the laundry load 276
from other structures in the image, such as the drum 226, or
baffles 28, and determine the volume of the laundry load. A
suitable analytical method may be employed to determine the volume
of the laundry load from the images. Alternatively, sensors (not
shown) that may generate an electrical signal when contacted by a
laundry item may be installed in the drum 226, for example as an
array integrated into the rear wall of the drum 226, or into the
rear wall and side wall. As the drum 226 is loaded, some of the
sensors may be contacted by laundry items, generating signals
corresponding to laundry locations. The signals may be processed in
the controller 68 by utilizing an algorithm to produce a volume
metric. The volume metric may be indicative of at least one of the
volume, level, or height of the laundry load in the treating
chamber 225.
[0077] It may be understood that the details of the load volume
sensors are not germane to the present embodiment of the invention,
and that any suitable sensor and method may be used to determine
the volume of the laundry load.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 13, an exemplary plurality of LEDs
234, 236, 238 may be arranged so that light emitted by the LEDs may
be directed into the interior treating chamber 225. The LEDs 234,
236, 238 may be mounted in or on a mounting element 232, which may
be a front wall of the cabinet 222, the door 25, the bellows 26,
the baffles 28, or other surfaces. The forgoing description is
directed toward the LEDs as an illumination source. The LEDs may
alternatively be part of a load volume sensor 270.
[0079] The first LED 234 may transmit a first light ray 244 into
the interior treating chamber 225 in a generally downward
orientation. The second LED 236 may transmit a second light ray 242
generally parallel with the rotational axis of the drum 226
illustrated in FIG. 12. The third LED 238 may transmit a third
light ray 240 into the interior treating chamber 225 in a generally
upward orientation. Increasing the number of LEDs, and/or
positioning the LEDs in a suitable pattern, may provide for light
ray transmissions that effectively penetrate the interior treating
chamber 225.
[0080] Each LED may be matched with a reflection element (not
shown) positioned at a suitable location within the interior
treating chamber 225, such as on the rear wall of the drum 226. A
plurality of reflection elements and/or light sensors (not shown)
may be positioned to intercept individual light beams having a
narrow beam divergence. For example, a light beam may be directed
to a portion of the drum 226, to be reflected from a reflective
surface (not shown) to a light sensor (not shown), or received
directly by a light sensor. If a large number of LEDs is utilized,
the reflection elements may also be distributed over the drum
sidewall. Alternatively, the drum 226 may be fabricated of a
stainless steel, thereby providing a reflection surface
encompassing the entire drum. The reflection elements or reflection
surface may reflect the light rays to a plurality of sensors, such
as known optical sensors, that may be operably coupled with the
controller 68. The controller 68 may process electrical signals
from the sensors into information concerning the volume of laundry
in the interior treating chamber 225. The controller 68 may be
programmed to utilize an algorithm for converting the various data
signals into a load size.
[0081] The LEDs, or a bundle of LEDs (not shown), may produce
different colors to correspond with different load sizes. For
example, an LED utilized for illumination and producing white light
may also be utilized for load size and producing colored light.
Other combinations of LEDs for illumination and load size
indication may be utilized.
[0082] It is anticipated that the load size as presented to a user
may be qualitative rather than quantitative. Thus, for example,
load sizes may be identified as "small, medium, large, or
extra-large." Quantitative load sizes may be expressed as a percent
of interior treating chamber volume, or as an absolute volume in
cubic inches, liters, and the like, calculated from the load weight
and load volume information generated from the sensors.
[0083] The LEDs may be hardwired to the controller 68 through
suitable electrical leads. Alternatively, the LEDs may be adapted
for wireless communication with the controller 68.
[0084] The signals from the one or more weight determining devices
66 and the one or more volume determining devices 270 may be
processed in the controller 68 into a qualitative load size that
can be indicated on the user interface 70. An example of a
qualitative load size range may be "extra small, small, medium,
large, extra-large." Alternatively, an example of a quantitative
load size range may be "0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0," each numeral in
units of weight. Determining a qualitative load size metric may
comprise making a determination that may be different from what
would be determined based on only one of a weight signal or a
volume signal, particularly for the "low volume/high mass" and
"high volume/low mass" conditions described with respect to FIGS.
11A and 11B. For example, relying solely on information from a
weight determining device may indicate a laundry load having little
weight. However, the absence of volume information from a volume
determining device may leave a user's observations of the laundry
load in the treating chamber as the only indicator of volume. This
may induce the user to select a wash liquid level, detergent
amount, cycle duration, and the like, for a load size that is
inaccurate based upon an observed volume. Furthermore, a
qualitative load size range may provide meaningful information to a
greater number of users because it may correlate with a user's
observations of load size more closely than quantitative weight or
volume numerical values.
[0085] FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a user interface of an
exemplary washing machine 220. The user interface 70 may include a
treating cycle control 248 for selecting a desired treating cycle.
Adjacent the treating cycle control 248 may be a cycle modification
control 250, a supplemental treatment control 252, and a time/size
module 254. The time/size module 254 may include a cycle time
display 256 and a load size monitor 258. The cycle time display 256
may show the estimated time remaining for a current treating cycle.
The load size monitor 258 may show the qualitative load size based
upon measurements obtained from the weight determining device and
the volume determining device.
[0086] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the time/size
module 254 comprising a FULL indicator 260. The FULL indicator 260
may be a light that is turned on when the interior treating chamber
225 holds a full laundry load based upon signals from the weight
determining device and the volume determining device. Until the
laundry load reaches a full condition, the light may remain off.
Alternatively, the light may change color as the laundry load is
placed in the treating chamber 225. For example, initially the
light may shine green, becoming yellow as the treating chamber 225
is filled, and transitioning to red when the treating chamber 225
is full.
[0087] Should a user continue placing laundry into the treating
chamber 225 after the FULL indicator 260 indicates a full load, one
or more of several modifications to the selected treating cycle may
be made. For example, the treating cycle may be extended, which may
be reflected in a change in the output from the cycle time display
256. Additional treating chemistry and/or wash liquid may be used,
wash liquid temperature may be modified, spin performance may be
changed, such as a higher speed or longer spin duration, an extra
rinse may be utilized, and the like.
[0088] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the time/size
module 254 in which the FULL indicator 260 may be replaced with a
quantitative load size scale 262. The load size scale 262 is
illustrated with load size values that may range from 0% to 100% of
designated capacity. Alternatively, actual values, such as actual
laundry load weight or actual laundry load volume, may be utilized.
As with the FULL indicator 260, should the capacity of the treating
chamber 225 be exceeded, this may be reflected in a change in the
output from the cycle time display 256, and/or one or more
modifications to the selected treating cycle may be made as
described above.
[0089] As with the FULL indicator 260, the quantitative load size
scale 262 may only inform the user of the size of the laundry load,
and when it has been exceeded. The user may be unable to control
any aspect of the selected treating cycle other than removing
laundry items until the load size is no greater than the designated
capacity.
[0090] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the time/size module
254 in which a qualitative load size scale 264 may be utilized. A
load size adjustment control 266 may also be part of the time/size
module 264, and may be utilized to adjust cycle time, load size,
and other factors based upon the load weight and load volume
signals processed in the processor 68.
[0091] The qualitative load size scale 264 may indicate load sizes
identified as "minimal, small, medium, large, and maximum."
Alternatively, the load sizes may be identified as "extra small,
small, medium, large, and extra-large." It may be anticipated that
at least three of a range of five qualitative load sizes may be
available for any load size scale.
[0092] In yet another embodiment, the controller 68 may receive a
weight signal reflecting an input to the user interface 70 from a
user. For example, the load size adjustment control 266 may be used
for such an input. During loading of the washing machine 220, the
user may adjust the load size by using the load size adjustment
control 266 to indicate a change in the load size automatically
determined from the signals from the weight determining device and
volume determining device. In effect, the input from the load size
adjustment control 266 may be processed in the controller 68 as a
signal from a weight determining device, and may override the
weight signal actually generated by a weight determining
device.
[0093] Alternatively, the user may disable the automatic weight
determination function, and input a weight value utilizing the load
size adjustment control 266 to set a load size. The cycle time
display 256 and/or load size monitor 258 may be utilized by the
user to indicate a qualitative load size during the laundry loading
process.
[0094] The controller 68 may receive a volume signal reflecting an
input to the user interface 70 from a user. The load size
adjustment control 266 may be used for such an input. During
loading of the washing machine 220, the user may adjust the load
size by using the load size adjustment control 266 to indicate a
change in the load size automatically determined from the signals
from the weight determining device and volume determining device.
In effect, the input from the load size adjustment control 266 may
be processed in the controller 68 as a signal from a volume
determining device, and may override the volume signal actually
generated by a volume determining device.
[0095] FIG. 18 illustrates in tabular form an arrangement of
washing machine performance factors that may be correlated with
exemplary loading types. Selected combinations of load mass and
load volume may generate load sizes, and recommended wash liquid
levels and detergent quantities that may be displayed on the user
interface 70. This tabular arrangement may be stored in computer
memory 72 in the controller 68 for use during an analysis of
information transmitted from a weight determining device and a
volume determining device.
[0096] For example, a user may recognize that a laundry load
consists of a down comforter. Output from a weight determining
device may correctly indicate a low laundry load weight. However,
observation of the volume of the load in the drum 226 may confuse
the user as to the quantity of wash liquid and detergent to use.
Depending upon the relative significance to the user of the weight
and volume information, the user may select quantities of wash
liquid and/or detergent to be used. The quantities selected by the
user may be inappropriate for the comforter, leading to
dissatisfaction with the treating cycle results, the need to repeat
the treating cycle, the wasting of electricity, wash liquid, and
detergent, and a continuing uncertainty over the quantities of wash
liquid and detergent required for the comforter and similar laundry
loads.
[0097] However, utilizing the method described herein, both the
weight determining device and the volume determining device may
appropriately characterize the load as having low mass and high
volume. Consequently, the wash liquid and detergent quantities may
be adjusted to provide an optimal treating cycle at the lowest
cost.
[0098] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without
departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *