U.S. patent application number 15/353778 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Hans Bensel, Alexander B. Leibman, Ryan Ellis Leonard.
Application Number | 20180135229 15/353778 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62106723 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180135229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leibman; Alexander B. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2018 |
WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A WASHING
MACHINE APPLIANCE
Abstract
A washing machine appliance has a low-flow inlet valve that is
configured such that a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve
has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the
low-flow inlet valve is open. A Venturi pump is connected to the
low-flow inlet valve such that the flow of water from the low-flow
inlet valve enters the Venturi pump at a water inlet of the Venturi
pump when the low-flow inlet valve is open. The Venturi pump is
operable to draw fluid from a tub through a recirculation conduit
to a recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump. A nozzle is
positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the
Venturi pump into the tub. A related method for operating a washing
machine appliance is also provided.
Inventors: |
Leibman; Alexander B.;
(Prospect, KY) ; Bensel; Peter Hans; (Louisville,
KY) ; Leonard; Ryan Ellis; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62106723 |
Appl. No.: |
15/353778 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20130101;
D06F 39/083 20130101; D06F 37/12 20130101; D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 39/085 20130101; D06F 2202/065 20130101; D06F 2202/08
20130101; D06F 35/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 37/12 20060101 D06F037/12; D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00 |
Claims
1. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a tub; a basket mounted
within the tub such that the basket is rotatable relative to the
tub; a low-flow inlet valve configured such that a flow of water
from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no greater than one
gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open; a Venturi
pump positioned downstream of the low-flow inlet valve relative to
the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve, the Venturi pump
having a water inlet, a recirculation inlet and an outlet, the
Venturi pump connected to the low-flow inlet valve such that the
flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the Venturi pump
at the water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow inlet
valve is open; a recirculation conduit extending between the tub
and the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump, the Venturi pump
operable to draw fluid from the tub through the recirculation
conduit to the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump; and a
nozzle connected to the outlet of the Venturi pump, the nozzle
positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the
Venturi pump into the tub.
2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow
inlet valve includes a restrictor plate defining at least one
orifice, the at least one office sized such that the flow of water
from the low-flow inlet valve has the flow rate no greater than one
gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the at least
one office is sized such that the flow of water from the low-flow
inlet valve has the flow rate of about three-quarters of a gallon
per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the at least
one orifice has a diameter no greater than one-hundredth of an
inch.
5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow
inlet valve is configured such that the flow of water from the
low-flow inlet valve has the flow rate of about three-quarters of a
gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein a flow rate of
a mixture of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water from the
low-flow inlet valve at the outlet of the Venturi pump is greater
than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is
open.
7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow
inlet valve comprises a solenoid operable to open and close the
low-flow inlet valve.
8. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, further comprising a
controller in operative communication with the solenoid, the
controller configured to open the low-flow inlet valve with the
solenoid during a fill cycle.
9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller
is configured to open the low-flow inlet valve with the solenoid
for at least ten minutes during the fill cycle.
10. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, further comprising a
motor coupled to the basket such that the basket is rotatable with
the motor, the controller in operative communication with the
motor, the controller configured to activate the motor during at
least a portion of the fill cycle.
11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing
machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such
that the basket is rotatable about a vertical axis within the
tub.
12. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the tub
extends between a top portion and bottom portion along a vertical
direction, an inlet of the recirculation conduit positioned at the
bottom portion of the tub, the low-flow inlet valve and the Venturi
pump positioned at the top portion of the tub.
13. The washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the washing
machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such
that the basket is rotatable about a vertical axis within the
tub.
14. A method for operating a washing machine appliance, comprising:
opening a low-flow inlet valve of the washing machine appliance in
order to initiate a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve,
the flow of water having a flow rate no greater than one gallon per
minute; directing the flow of water through a Venturi pump of the
washing machine appliance such that the Venturi pump draws fluid
from a tub of the washing machine appliance through a recirculation
conduit to the Venturi pump; and directing a mixture of the fluid
from the tub and the flow of water into the tub.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the flow of water has the flow
rate of about three-quarters of a gallon per minute when the
low-flow inlet valve is open.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein a flow rate of the mixture of
the fluid from the tub and the flow of water is greater than one
gallon per minute.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein opening the low-flow inlet
valve comprises actuating a solenoid of the low-flow inlet
valve.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein opening the low-flow inlet
valve comprises actuating the solenoid for at least ten minutes
during a fill cycle of the washing machine appliance.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating a basket of
the washing machine appliance with a motor coupled to the basket
during at least a portion of the fill cycle.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the washing machine appliance
is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such that the basket
is rotatable about a vertical axis within the tub, the tub
extending between a top portion and bottom portion along a vertical
direction, an inlet of the recirculation conduit positioned at the
bottom portion of the tub, the low-flow inlet valve and the Venturi
pump positioned at the top portion of the tub.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing
machine appliances and fluid recirculation within washing machine
appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances typically include a cabinet which
receives a stationary tub for containing wash and rinse water. A
wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and an
agitating element is rotatably positioned within the wash basket. A
drive assembly and a brake assembly can be positioned with respect
to the wash tub and configured to rotate and control the agitation
of the wash basket to cleanse the wash load loaded into the wash
basket. Upon completion of a wash cycle, a pump assembly can be
used to rinse and drain the soiled water to a draining system.
[0003] During operation, washing machine appliances utilize a
volume of water. The volume of water is preferably minimized in
order to reduce water consumption. Large wash loads, however, have
typically required an increased amount of water to provide adequate
cleansing and rinsing of the large wash loads. To reduce water
consumption, washing machine appliances have used recirculation
systems to remove water from the wash tub and return the water to
the wash basket so that a reduced amount of water can be
continuously poured over wash loads during a fill cycle. These
recirculation systems, however, typically require electric
recirculation pumps that consume energy to remove water from the
wash tub and return the water to the wash basket. In addition,
electric recirculation pumps can be expensive.
[0004] Thus, a washing machine appliance with features for reducing
water consumption and/or with reduced energy demands would be
useful. In particular, a washing machine appliance with features
for reducing water consumption and that does not include an
electrical recirculation pump would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present subject matter provides a washing machine
appliance with a low-flow inlet valve that is configured such that
a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no
greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is
open. A Venturi pump is connected to the low-flow inlet valve such
that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the
Venturi pump at a water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow
inlet valve is open. The Venturi pump is operable to draw fluid
from a tub through a recirculation conduit to a recirculation inlet
of the Venturi pump. A nozzle is positioned and oriented for
directing a flow of liquid from the Venturi pump into the tub. A
related method for operating a washing machine appliance is also
provided. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will
be set forth in part in the following description, or may be
apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice
of the invention.
[0006] In a first exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance
is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub. A basket
is mounted within the tub such that the basket is rotatable
relative to the tub. A low-flow inlet valve is configured such that
a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no
greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is
open. A Venturi pump is positioned downstream of the low-flow inlet
valve relative to the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve.
The Venturi pump has a water inlet, a recirculation inlet and an
outlet. The Venturi pump is connected to the low-flow inlet valve
such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters
the Venturi pump at the water inlet of the Venturi pump when the
low-flow inlet valve is open. A recirculation conduit extends
between the tub and the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump.
The Venturi pump is operable to draw fluid from the tub through the
recirculation conduit to the recirculation inlet of the Venturi
pump. A nozzle is connected to the outlet of the Venturi pump. The
nozzle is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid
from the Venturi pump into the tub.
[0007] In a second exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a
washing machine appliance is provided. The method includes opening
a low-flow inlet valve of the washing machine appliance in order to
initiate a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve. The flow of
water has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute. The
method also includes directing the flow of water through a Venturi
pump of the washing machine appliance such that the Venturi pump
draws fluid from a tub of the washing machine appliance through a
recirculation conduit to the Venturi pump and directing a mixture
of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water into the tub.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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.
[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine
appliance shown in a closed position.
[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing
machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open
position.
[0012] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of
the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 provides a section view of a Venturi pump of the
exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] 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.
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or
door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is
shown in an open position. While described in the context of a
specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100,
using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that
vertical 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.,
horizontal axis washing machines.
[0016] Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends
between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along a vertical
direction V. A wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet
102, e.g., within a tub 118 positioned within cabinet 102. A motor
162 (FIG. 3) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 in
order to selectively rotate wash basket 120 within tub 118, e.g.,
during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance
100. Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured
for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not
shown) extends from wash basket 120 into wash chamber 121. The
impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber
121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, as will be
understood by those skilled in the art.
[0017] Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top cover
or panel 140, e.g., at or adjacent top portion 103 of cabinet 102.
Top cover 140 defines an aperture 144 that permits user access to
wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Door 130 is rotatably mounted
to top cover 140. However, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted
to cabinet 102 or any outer suitable support. Door 130 selectively
rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open
position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits
access to wash chamber 121. Conversely, in the open position, a
user can access wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits
viewing of wash chamber 121 when door 130 is in the closed
position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100.
Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull
and/or lift when opening and closing door 130.
[0018] Top cover 140 defines a hole or opening 142, e.g., at a
corner of top cover 140 at or adjacent a front portion of top cover
140. Opening 142 is configured for receipt of one of a plurality of
fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener or bleach.
Opening 142 permits the fluid additive to pass through top cover
140 to portions of a fluid additive receptacle 146 disposed below
top cover 140 along the vertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour
the fluid additives in to fluid additive receptacle 146 through
opening 142 in top cover 140. In certain exemplary embodiments,
fluid additive receptacle 146 may be configured as a bleach
receptacle.
[0019] A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112
extends from top cover 140. 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.
[0020] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
a controller 160 (FIG. 3) or processing device 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 160 operates the
various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute
selected machine cycles and features. Controller 160 may be
positioned in a variety of locations throughout washing machine
appliance 100. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, controller
160 is located within control panel 110. In such an exemplary
embodiment, input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the
control system and various operational components of washing
machine appliance 100 along wiring harnesses, one or more signal
lines or shared communication busses.
[0021] Controller 160 can include any number of control devices and
can generally include one or more memory devices and one or more
processors, such as one or more general or special purpose
microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or
micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The processors
and/or memory devices can be configured to perform a variety of
computer-implemented functions and/or instructions (e.g. performing
the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant
data as disclosed herein). The instructions when executed by the
processor(s) can cause the processor(s) to perform operations,
including providing control commands to various aspects of washing
machine appliance 100.
[0022] As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to
integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a
computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a
microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an
application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable
circuits. The processor is also configured to compute advanced
control algorithms and communicate to a variety of Ethernet or
serial-based protocols (Modbus, OPC, CAN, etc.). Additionally, the
memory device(s) may generally comprise memory element(s)
including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g.
random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium
(e.g. read-only memory, or a flash memory), a floppy disk, a
compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk
(MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory
elements. Such memory device(s) may generally be configured to
store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when
implemented by the processor(s), configure controller 160 to
perform the various functions as described herein. The memory may
be a separate component from the processor or may be included
onboard within the processor. Controller 160 may also include or be
configured as an electro-mechanical timer.
[0023] In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into
wash chamber 121 through aperture 144, and washing operation is
initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112.
Wash basket 120 and/or tub 118 within cabinet 102 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 wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for
the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket 120 is
properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are
agitated, e.g., with the impeller within wash basket 120, for
cleansing of laundry items in wash basket 120.
[0024] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed,
wash basket 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by
again adding fluid to wash basket 120, depending on the particulars
of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, the impeller 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, wash
basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles
disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can
remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into
wash chamber 121 through aperture 144.
[0025] As discussed above, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted
within tub 118 in cabinet 102. Wash basket 120 may be spaced apart
from tub 118, e.g., by a radial gap, in order to permit rotation of
wash basket 120 within tub 118. Tub 118 is configured for
containing wash and rinse fluids during operation of washing
machine appliance 100 described above. Wash and rinse fluids
disposed within tub 118 can be used to clean articles disposed in
wash basket 120. Wash and rinse fluids can pass between wash basket
120 and tub 118 through a plurality of perforations defined by wash
basket 120, e.g., during the wash and/or spin cycles described
above.
[0026] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of
washing machine appliance 100. As may be seen in FIG. 3, washing
machine appliance 100 includes a recirculation system 200.
Recirculation system 200 is configured to direct fluid into tub 118
and basket 120 of washing machine appliance 100 and is also
configured to recirculate fluid from tub 118 through basket 120.
Thus, as discussed in greater detail below, recirculation system
200 includes features for drawing water from tub 118 into a flow of
water from a water supply and directing a fluid mixture M into tub
118 and basket 120.
[0027] Recirculation system 200 includes a low-flow inlet valve 210
and an aspirator or Venturi pump 220. As shown in FIG. 3, tub 118
extends between a top portion 150 and a bottom portion 152, e.g.,
along the vertical direction V. Low-flow inlet valve 210 and
Venturi pump 220 may be positioned at top portion or proximate top
portion 150 of tub 118. In addition, low-flow inlet valve 210 and
Venturi pump 220 may be positioned below top panel 140, e.g., along
the vertical direction V, within cabinet 102 at or adjacent top
portion 103 of cabinet 102.
[0028] Low-flow inlet valve 210 is coupled to a supply line 250
that supplies pressurized water from a water source (not shown),
such as a municipal water supply or well. Low-flow inlet valve 210
reduces a pressure (and thus restricts a flow rate) of water from
the water supply. In particular, low-flow inlet valve 210 is
configured such that a flow of water W (FIG. 4) from low-flow inlet
valve 210 has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute
when low-flow inlet valve 210 is open, e.g., fully open. Thus, the
flow rate of flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 may be
less than flow rates of water from inlet valves in known washing
machine appliances. In such a manner, water from the water source
may flow into tub 118 and/or basket 120 more slowly than in known
washing machine appliances. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
flow rate of the flow of water W may be about three-quarters of a
gallon per minute or about half a gallon per minute when low-flow
inlet valve 210 is open. In contrast, low-flow inlet valve 210 may
block or terminate the flow of water W when low-flow inlet valve
210 is closed. As used herein, the term "about" means within a
quarter of a gallon per minute of the stated flow rate when used in
the context of flow rates.
[0029] Due to water usage and energy efficiency guidelines, modern
washing machine appliances, including washing machine appliance
100, utilize a smaller volume of water to clean articles relative
to older washing machine appliances. With low-flow inlet valve 210,
a fill time of washing machine appliance 100 with the flow of water
W is extended, e.g., to a customary length of time for a user of
washing machine appliance 100. In particular, the low-flow inlet
valve 210 may extend a length of a fill cycle of washing machine
appliance 100 to a length of time used by known washing machine
appliances to fill with large volumes of water despite only filling
washing machine appliance 100 with a relatively small volume of
water.
[0030] Low-flow inlet valve 210 may include any suitable mechanism
for reducing a pressure of water from the water source or otherwise
restricting the water from the water source. As an example,
low-flow inlet valve 210 may include an orifice or restrictor plate
212. Restrictor plate 212 may define at least one orifice through
which water within low-flow inlet valve 210 flows. The at least one
orifice may be sized to suitably condition the flow of water W. For
example, the at least one orifice of restrictor plate 212 may have
a diameter (e.g., a collective diameter) no greater than
one-hundredth of an inch or about nine-thousandths of an inch. In
alternative exemplary embodiments, low-flow inlet valve 210 may
include a needle valve, a pressure compensated flow regulator, a
compensator valve, etc.
[0031] Venturi pump 220 is positioned downstream of low-flow inlet
valve 210 relative to the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve
210. Thus, e.g., the flow of water W may flow from low-flow inlet
valve 210 to Venturi pump 220 when low-flow inlet valve 210 is
open. Venturi pump 220 has a water inlet passage 222, a
recirculation inlet passage 224 and an outlet passage 226. Venturi
pump 220 is connected to low-flow inlet valve 210 such that the
flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 enters Venturi pump
220 at water inlet passage 222 of Venturi pump 220 when low-flow
inlet valve 210 is open. Any suitable conduit, hose or pipe may
connect low-flow inlet valve 210 and Venturi pump 220 in order to
provide fluid communication between low-flow inlet valve 210 and
Venturi pump 220.
[0032] A recirculation conduit 230 extends between tub 118 and
Venturi pump 220, e.g., recirculation inlet passage 224 of Venturi
pump 220. For example, an inlet 232 of recirculation conduit 230
may be positioned at or adjacent bottom portion 152 of tub 118.
Venturi pump 220 is operable to draw fluid F from tub 118 through
recirculation conduit 230 to recirculation inlet passage 224 of
Venturi pump 220. For example, turning to FIG. 4, a section view of
Venturi pump 220 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, fluid F may enter
Venturi pump 220 at recirculation inlet passage 224 and mix with
the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 to form a mixture
M of the fluid F from tub 118 and the flow of water W. Thus, within
Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W may act as a motive fluid to
draw the fluid F through recirculation conduit 230 from tub
118.
[0033] Venturi pump 220 may be sized and shaped to draw fluid F
from tub 118 through recirculation conduit 230 to Venturi pump 220.
As shown in FIG. 4, Venturi pump 220 includes a converging section
228 and a diverging section 229. Converging section 228 of Venturi
pump 220 is disposed upstream of diverging section 229 of Venturi
pump 220 relative to the flow of water W through Venturi pump 220
from low-flow inlet valve 210. As the flow of water W enters
converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W may
increase in velocity and decrease in pressure. Conversely, as the
flow of water W passes from converging section 228 of Venturi pump
220 into diverging section 229 of Venturi pump 220, the flow of
water W may increase in pressure and decrease in velocity.
[0034] The change in pressure for the flow of water W through
Venturi pump 220 may assist with drawing the fluid F from tub 118
through recirculation conduit 230 to Venturi pump 220. For example,
an interior of tub 118 may be contiguous with wash chamber 121 that
is in turn contiguous with ambient air about washing machine
appliance 100 (e.g., via aperture 144 of top panel 140), and
recirculation conduit 230 may be coupled or connected to
recirculation inlet passage 224 of Venturi pump 220. Recirculation
inlet passage 224 may extend within Venturi pump 220 to converging
section 228 of Venturi pump 220 or diverging section 229 of Venturi
pump 220, and a pressure of the flow of water W within converging
section 228 of Venturi pump 220 or diverging section 229 of Venturi
pump 220 may be less than a pressure of the fluid F within tub 118.
Thus, Venturi pump 220 may pump the fluid F from tub 118 to Venturi
pump 220 via recirculation conduit 230 when the flow of water W
passes through Venturi pump 220. Within Venturi pump 220, the flow
of water W and the fluid F from tub 118 mix and the mixture M of
water and fluid exits Venturi pump 220 via outlet passage 226 and
flows into tub 118. In such a manner, fluid F from tub 118 may be
recirculated by Venturi pump 220 back into tub 118 with fresh water
from the flow of water W.
[0035] As discussed above, the flow rate of flow of water W from
low-flow inlet valve 210 may be less than flow rates of water from
inlet valves in known washing machine appliances. By utilizing
Venturi pump 220 to recirculate fluid F from tub 118 back into tub
118 with the flow of water W, a volume of liquid flowing into the
tub 118 into tub 118 is greater than if the flow of water W entered
tub 118 directly from low-flow inlet valve 210. Thus, a flow rate
of the mixture M of the flow of water W and the fluid F from tub
118 is greater than the flow rate of the flow of water W. The
higher flow rate of the mixture M may be more appealing to a user
of washing machine appliance 100 than just the volume of the flow
of water W. In addition, by combining low-flow inlet valve 210 with
Venturi pump 220, the fill cycle of washing machine appliance 100
may be extended to a customary length without requiring an electric
recirculation pump while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing flow
rate into tub 118 despite the relatively low flow rate of the flow
of water F from low-flow inlet valve 210.
[0036] A nozzle 240 is positioned downstream of Venturi pump to
receive the mixture M of the flow of water W and the fluid F from
tub 118. Nozzle 240 may be connected to outlet passage 226 of
Venturi pump 220 in order to receive the mixture M from Venturi
pump 220. Any suitable conduit, hose or pipe may connect nozzle 240
to Venturi pump 220 in order to provide fluid communication between
nozzle 240 and outlet passage 226 of Venturi pump 220. Nozzle 240
is positioned and oriented for directing the mixture M into tub 118
and basket 120, as shown in FIG. 3. Nozzle 240 may be positioned at
top portion 150 of tub 118, e.g., such that the mixture M exits
nozzle 240 and flows onto articles within basket 120.
[0037] Low-flow inlet valve 210 may include a solenoid 214 that is
operable to open and close low-flow inlet valve 210. Controller 160
is in operative communication with solenoid 214 such that
controller 160 may selectively open and close low-flow inlet valve
210 with solenoid 214, e.g., during a fill cycle of washing machine
appliance 100. As an example, controller 160 may open low-flow
inlet valve 210 with solenoid 214 for at least ten minutes during
the fill cycle. Thus, the fill cycle of washing machine appliance
100 may be a customary length despite the flow rate of the flow of
water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 and the lack of an electric
recirculation pump. Controller 160 is also in operative
communication with motor 162 such that controller 160 may
selectively rotate basket 120 within tub 118 by activating motor
162. Controller 160 may be configured to activate motor 162 during
at least a portion of the fill cycle, e.g., in order to facilitate
even application of the mixture M onto articles within basket
120.
[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.
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