U.S. patent application number 15/596174 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-22 for bulk additive dispenser and wash assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Moinuddin Mohd Bilal, Rajendra Channal, Abhilash Narsing Irabatti, James Quentin Pollett.
Application Number | 20180334769 15/596174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64269502 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180334769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Irabatti; Abhilash Narsing ;
et al. |
November 22, 2018 |
BULK ADDITIVE DISPENSER AND WASH ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A bulk additive dispenser and clothes washing assembly are
generally provided herein. The bulk additive dispenser may include
one or more features that can be mounted or placed away from a
washing machine appliance. A storage tank may be positioned outside
of a washing machine appliance and define a bulk cavity for
receiving a wash additive. The electronic pump may be attached to
the storage tank in fluid communication with the bulk cavity to
direct wash additive therefrom. The dispenser controller may be
attached to the storage tank in operable communication with the
electronic pump.
Inventors: |
Irabatti; Abhilash Narsing;
(Hyderabad, IN) ; Pollett; James Quentin;
(Louisville, KY) ; Bilal; Moinuddin Mohd;
(Hyderabad, IN) ; Channal; Rajendra; (Hyderabad,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64269502 |
Appl. No.: |
15/596174 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20130101;
D06F 39/028 20130101; D06F 23/04 20130101; D06F 2204/02 20130101;
D06F 2202/02 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 2204/04 20130101;
D06F 2204/10 20130101; D06F 39/022 20130101; D06F 17/10 20130101;
D06F 37/12 20130101; D06F 2202/12 20130101; D06F 2204/088
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 37/12 20060101 D06F037/12; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00; D06F 17/10 20060101 D06F017/10 |
Claims
1. A bulk additive dispenser for selectively connecting and
dispensing a wash fluid to a washing machine appliance, the bulk
additive dispenser comprising: a storage tank outside of the
washing machine appliance, the storage tank defining a bulk cavity
for receiving the wash additive; an electronic pump in fluid
communication with the bulk cavity to direct wash additive
therefrom; and a dispenser controller in operable communication
with the electronic pump, the dispenser controller being in
selective operable communication with the washing machine appliance
to activate the electronic pump.
2. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 1, wherein the bulk cavity
is a first bulk cavity, and wherein the storage tank further
defines a second bulk cavity in fluid isolation from the first bulk
cavity for receiving another wash additive.
3. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
fluid level sensor in communication with the bulk cavity to detect
a volume of fluid therein.
4. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 3, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to receive a detection signal from the
fluid level sensor corresponding to the volume of fluid within the
bulk cavity, and wherein the dispenser controller is further
configured to transmit a volume signal based on the detection
signal from the fluid level sensor.
5. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a
secondary device in wireless communication with the dispenser
controller to receive the volume signal.
6. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 3, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to receive a detection signal from the
fluid level sensor, and wherein the dispenser controller is further
configured to transmit an automatic additive sale request signal
based on the detection signal from the fluid level sensor.
7. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to automatically direct additive from the
bulk cavity through the electronic pump based on a cycle selected
at the washing machine appliance.
8. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
fluid conduit in fluid communication between the bulk cavity and a
tub portion of the washing machine appliance.
9. The bulk additive dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to selectively update an appliance
controller in response to a coupling thereto.
10. A clothes washing assembly comprising: a cabinet; a tub
positioned within the cabinet; a basket mounted within the tub, the
basket defining a chamber for receipt of a load of items for
washing; a motor rotatably mounted to the basket within the
cabinet; a storage tank positioned outside of the cabinet, the
storage tank defining a bulk cavity for receiving a wash additive;
an electronic pump attached to the storage tank in fluid
communication with the bulk cavity to direct wash additive
therefrom; and a dispenser controller attached to the storage tank
in operable communication with the electronic pump.
11. The clothes washing assembly of claim 10, further comprises an
appliance controller attached to the cabinet and electronically
connected to the motor, and wherein the appliance controller is in
selective operable communication with the dispenser controller.
12. The clothes washing assembly of claim 10, wherein the cabinet
defines an opening to receive the fluid conduit between the bulk
cavity and the tub.
13. The clothes washing assembly of claim 10, wherein the bulk
cavity is a first bulk cavity, and wherein the storage tank further
defines a second bulk cavity in fluid isolation from the first bulk
cavity for receiving another wash additive.
14. The clothes washing assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
fluid level sensor in communication with the bulk cavity to detect
a volume of fluid therein.
15. The clothes washing assembly of claim 14, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to receive a detection signal from the
fluid level sensor corresponding to the volume of fluid within the
bulk cavity, and wherein the dispenser controller is further
configured to transmit a volume signal based on the detection
signal received from the fluid level sensor.
16. The clothes washing assembly of claim 15, further comprising a
secondary device in wireless communication with the dispenser
controller to receive the volume signal.
17. The clothes washing assembly of claim 14, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to receive a detection signal from the
fluid level sensor, and wherein the dispenser controller is further
configured to transmit an automatic additive sale request signal
based on the detection signal from the fluid level sensor.
18. The clothes washing assembly of claim 11, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to automatically direct additive from the
bulk cavity through the electronic pump based on a cycle selected
at the appliance controller.
19. The clothes washing assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
fluid conduit in fluid communication between the bulk cavity and
the tub.
20. The clothes washing assembly of claim 11, wherein the dispenser
controller is configured to selectively update the appliance
controller in response to a coupling thereto.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to clothes
washing assemblies, and more particularly to bulk additive
dispensers for directing a wash additive to a washing machine
appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances generally include a tub contained
within a cabinet for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water
and detergent, bleach, fabric softener, and/or other wash
additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and
defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During
normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid
is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber
of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at
various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to
wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.
[0003] In some existing systems, a dispenser box may be provided
within the cabinet to contain and dispense one or more wash
additives. For instance, during operation of certain machine
appliances, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in
order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. The
one or more wash additives may be added to the wash fluid from the
dispenser box to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the
wash fluid. However, in order to ensure proper additive
concentrations, a user must carefully measure the proper additive
amount for each cycle. In doing so, the user must consider multiple
factors, such as the size of the load (i.e., collection of articles
to be washed), the type of the load, the temperature of the water,
and the selected wash cycle.
[0004] Although some washing machine appliances include bulk
dispensers for storing larger levels of wash additive (e.g., large
enough to cover multiple wash loads or cycles), such systems suffer
from notable drawbacks. For example, existing systems are often
incorporated within the cabinet of the washing machine appliance.
This may require undesirably complex assembly and maintenance.
Moreover, such dispensers are limited to their originally purchased
configuration. In other words, bulk dispensing functionality cannot
be added to an existing system that did not originally include a
bulk dispenser. Also, incorporating the dispenser into the cabinet
may significantly affect the initial costs of the washing machine
appliance. Furthermore, existing systems may be unreliable or
imprecise in their dosing. For instance, existing systems may rely
on passive dosing or measurements that are motivated by gravity and
a simple valve assembly. In addition, existing systems may be
unable to easily indicate the volume of wash additives therein
when, for example, a user is not within view of the washing machine
appliance or dispenser.
[0005] Accordingly, a bulk additive dispenser for a washing machine
appliance that improves delivery of additives, such as detergent,
is desirable. Moreover, it may be desirable to provide a bulk
additive dispenser that can be readily and easily added to an
existing washing machine appliance. It may be further desirable to
provide a bulk additive dispenser that notifies a user of the level
or volume of wash additives therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a bulk additive
dispenser is provided. The bulk additive dispenser may be able to
selectively connect and dispense a wash fluid to a washing machine
appliance. The bulk additive dispenser may include a storage tank,
an electronic pump, and a dispenser controller. The storage tank
may be outside of the washing machine appliance and define a bulk
cavity for receiving the wash additive. The electronic pump may be
in fluid communication with the bulk cavity to direct wash additive
therefrom. The dispenser controller may be in operable
communication with the electronic pump. The dispenser controller
may further be in selective operable communication with the washing
machine appliance to activate the electronic pump.
[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes
washing assembly is provided. The clothes washing assembly may
include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a basket, a
motor, a storage tank, an electronic pump, and a dispenser
controller. The basket may be mounted within the tub and define a
chamber for receipt of a load of items for washing. The motor may
be rotatably mounted to the basket within the cabinet. The storage
tank may be positioned outside of the cabinet. The storage tank may
further define a bulk cavity for receiving a wash additive. The
electronic pump may be attached to the storage tank in fluid
communication with the bulk cavity to direct wash additive
therefrom. The dispenser controller may be attached to the storage
tank in operable communication with the electronic pump.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine
appliance according to example embodiments of the present subject
matter, wherein a door of an example washing machine appliance is
in a closed position.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a front cross-sectional view of a clothes
washing assembly according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a bulk additive
dispenser according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides an exploded perspective view of the example
bulk additive dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a schematic overhead plan view of a clothes
washing assembly according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of a clothes washing
assembly according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for
operating a clothes washing assembly in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] 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.
[0019] Generally, the present disclosure provides a bulk additive
dispenser for use with a washing machine appliance. The bulk
additive dispenser may include a storage tank that holds a
relatively large amount or volume of wash additive. The storage
tank can be mounted outside of and away from a cabinet of the
washing machine appliance. An electronic pump of the bulk additive
dispenser may motivate or direct wash additive from the storage
tank to the washing machine appliance. The electronic pump may be
activated by a dispenser controller that communicates with a
controller of the washing machine appliance.
[0020] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 provide discrete
views of multiple elements of a clothes washing assembly 10. FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 provides
a front, cross-sectional view of a clothes washing assembly 10,
including washing machine appliance 50 and a bulk additive
dispenser 20 according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0021] As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50
includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A backsplash 56 extends from
cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality of input
selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and
input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for
operator selection of machine cycles and features. In some
embodiments, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdown
timer, and/or other items of interest to users. A door 62 is
mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (not
shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 64 (FIG. 2) located within
cabinet 52 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an
enclosure over tub 64.
[0022] In example embodiments, door 62 includes a transparent panel
63, which may be formed of for example glass, plastic, or any other
suitable material. The transparency of the panel 63 allows users to
see through the panel 63, and into the tub 64 when the door 62 is
in the closed position. In some embodiments, the panel 63 may
itself generally form the door 62. In other embodiments, the door
62 may include the panel 63 and a frame 65 surrounding and encasing
the panel 63. Alternatively, panel 63 need not be transparent.
[0023] As may be seen in FIG. 2, tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66
and a sidewall 68. A wash drum or wash basket 70 is rotatably
mounted within tub 64, defining an annulus 85 between the tub 64
and basket 70. In particular, basket 70 is rotatable about a
central axis 69, which may, when properly balanced and positioned
in the embodiment illustrated, be a vertical axis. Thus, washing
machine appliance 50 is generally referred to as a vertical axis
washing machine appliance. Basket 70 defines a wash chamber 73 for
receipt of a load of articles for washing and extends, e.g.,
vertically, between a bottom portion 80 and a top portion 82.
Basket 70 includes a plurality of openings or perforations 71
therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of
basket 70 and tub 64.
[0024] In some embodiments, nozzle 72 is configured for flowing or
directing a liquid into tub 64. In particular, nozzle 72 may be
positioned at or adjacent top portion 82 of basket 70. Nozzle 72
may be in fluid communication with one or more water sources 75, 76
in order to direct liquid (e.g., water) into tub 64 and/or onto
articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Nozzle 72 may further
include apertures 79 through which water may be sprayed into the
tub 64. Apertures 79 may, for example, be tubes extending from the
nozzles 72, as illustrated. Alternatively, apertures 79 may simply
be holes defined in the nozzles 72 or any other suitable openings
through which water may be sprayed. Nozzle 72 may additionally
include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) through which water
may be flowed (i.e., sprayed or poured) into the tub 64.
[0025] A main valve 74 regulates the flow of liquid through nozzle
72. For example, valve 74 can selectively adjust to a closed
position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of liquid
through nozzle 72. When assembled and installed for use, the main
valve 74 may be in fluid communication with one or more external
liquid sources, such as a cold water source 75 and a hot water
source 76. The cold water source 75 may, for example, be a
commercial water supply, while the hot water source 76 may be, for
example, a water heater. Such external water sources 75, 76 may
supply water to the appliance 50 through the main valve 74. A cold
water conduit 77 and a hot water conduit 78 may supply cold and hot
water, respectively, from the sources 75, 76 through valve 74.
Valve 74 may further be operable to regulate the flow of hot and
cold liquid, and thus the temperature of the resulting liquid
flowed into tub 64, such as through the nozzle 72.
[0026] An enclosed additive dispenser 84 may optionally be mounted
or enclosed within cabinet 52 for directing an additive, such as
detergent, bleach, liquid fabric softener, etc., into the tub 64.
As illustrated, enclosed dispenser may be in fluid communication
with annulus 85, such that additive added to the dispenser 84 may
flow directly from the dispenser 84 into the annulus 85. In
alternative embodiments, dispenser may be in fluid communication
with nozzle 72 such that water flowing through nozzle 72 flows
through dispenser 84, mixing with additive at a desired time during
operation to form a liquid or wash fluid, before being flowed into
tub 64. In other alternative embodiments, nozzle 72 and dispenser
84 may be integral, with a portion of dispenser 84 serving as the
nozzle 72. In further alternative embodiments, no additive
dispenser is mounted or enclosed within cabinet 52.
[0027] A pump assembly 90 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is
located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow to
drain tub 64. An agitation element 92, shown as an impeller in FIG.
2, may be disposed in basket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to
articles and liquid in chamber 73 of basket 70. In example
embodiments, agitation element 92 includes a single action element
(i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at
one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple
action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one
end, single direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in
FIG. 2, agitation element 92 is oriented to rotate about axis 69.
Alternatively, basket 70 may provide such agitating movement, e.g.,
such that agitation element 92 is not required. In some
embodiments, basket 70 and agitation element 92 are driven by a
motor 94. Motor 94 may, for example, be a pancake motor, direct
drive brushless motor, induction motor, or other motor suitable for
driving basket 70 and agitation element 92. As motor output shaft
98 is rotated, basket 70 and agitation element 92 are operated for
rotatable movement within tub 64, e.g., about axis 69. Washing
machine appliance 50 may also include a brake assembly (not shown)
selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket
70 in a stationary position within tub 64 or for allowing basket 70
to spin within tub 64.
[0028] Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is generally
controlled by an appliance processing device or controller 100 that
is in communication with (e.g., electrically coupled to) the input
selectors 60 located on washing machine backsplash 56 for user
manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features.
Appliance controller 100 may further be in communication with
(e.g., electrically coupled to) various other components of
appliance 50, such as main valve 74, pump assembly 90, motor 94,
and one or more suitable sensors, etc. In response to user
manipulation of the input selectors 60, appliance controller 100
may operate the various components of washing machine appliance 50
to execute selected machine cycles and features.
[0029] Appliance controller 100 may include a memory and
microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor
operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code
associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random
access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or
FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming
instructions stored in memory. For example, the instructions may
include a software package configured to execute a portion of the
example method 700, described below with reference to FIG. 7. The
memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be
included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, appliance
controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor,
e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic
circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators,
flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control
functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 58
and other components of washing machine appliance 50, such as the
door 62, pump assembly 90, motor 94, valve 74, etc. may be in
communication with appliance controller 100 via one or more signal
lines or shared communication busses.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 2 through 7, bulk additive dispenser 20
is selectively connected to washing machine appliance 50. As shown,
bulk additive dispenser 20 includes a dispenser body 202 holding or
including a storage tank 204. Generally, storage tank 204 defines
one or more bulk cavities 206 for receiving a wash additive (e.g.,
detergent, bleach, liquid fabric softener, etc.). For instance,
storage tank 204 may define a first bulk cavity 206A and a discrete
second bulk cavity 206B. Each bulk cavity 206A, 206B may be fluidly
isolated within storage tank 204 (e.g., in order to contain a
discrete unique wash additive). As such, a first wash additive,
such as detergent, may be received within first bulk cavity 206A
while a second unique wash additive, such as fabric softener, may
be received within second bulk cavity 206B. One or both of bulk
cavities 206A, 206B may be sized to accommodate enough wash
additive for multiple wash cycles. In some such embodiments, one or
both of bulk cavities 206A, 206B may accommodate a volumetric
gallon or more of fluid wash additive. As will be described in
detail below, the wash additive(s) within bulk cavity/cavities
206A, 206B may be selectively directed to tub 64 during certain
wash cycles and/or steps.
[0031] Generally, one or more portions of bulk additive dispenser
20 are spaced or positioned apart from washing machine appliance
50. In some embodiments, dispenser body 202, including storage tank
204, is positioned outside of washing machine appliance 50 when
assembled. In other words, storage tank 204 is not enclosed by or
mounted within cabinet 52. Although storage tank 204 may be placed
on top of washing machine appliance 50, this placement is
unnecessary for operation. As shown, storage tank 204 may be
positioned away from cabinet 52 and need not be directly supported
or mounted on washing machine appliance 50. For instance, storage
tank 204 may rest on a floor or other support surface independent
of washing machine appliance 50 (e.g., during use of both washing
machine appliance 50 and bulk additive dispenser 20). Moreover,
storage tank 204 may be selectively moved relative to washing
machine appliance 50, e.g., by a user, as desired. Thus, during
use, storage tank 204 may be moved closer to or farther apart from
washing machine appliance 50. Advantageously, storage tank 204 may
be easily accessible and mobile, which may allow convenient
selective repositioning of storage tank 204, e.g., when filling
storage tank 204 or connecting bulk additive dispenser 20 to
washing machine appliance 50.
[0032] As shown, an electronic pump 208 is in fluid communication
with bulk cavity 206. In optional embodiments, electronic pump 208
is mounted to dispenser body 202. For instance, electronic pump 208
may be fixed to dispenser body 202, including storage tank 204,
outside of bulk cavity 206. A conduit or passage 209 may extend
from electronic pump 208 to bulk cavity 206 (e.g., in fluid
communication therebetween). Electronic pump 208 may be configured
as any suitable fluid pump. In some embodiments, electronic pump
208 is a peristaltic pump, a positive dispensing pump or a piston
pump. In embodiments including multiple isolated bulk cavities, a
separate electronic pump 208 may be provided in fluid communication
with each corresponding bulk cavity 206A, 206B. For instance, first
electronic pump 208A may be in fluid communication with first bulk
cavity 206A while a second electronic pump 208B is in fluid
communication with second bulk cavity 206B. Each electronic pump
208A or 208B may operate independently of the other electronic pump
208B or 208A. In turn, first electronic pump 208A may selectively
direct wash additive from first bulk cavity 206A separate from
second electronic pump 208B, which may selectively direct wash
fluid from second bulk cavity 206B.
[0033] A dispenser lid 210 may be provided on dispenser body 202 to
selectively cover or enclose bulk cavity 206. In some such
embodiments, when closed or attached to storage tank 204, dispenser
lid 210 may cover an opening 212 to bulk cavity 206, e.g., to block
the passage of fluid therethrough. In some embodiments, lid 210 may
include a generally transparent or translucent portion, e.g., all
or some of lid 210 may be formed by a transparent panel. The
generally transparent or translucent portion may be formed of, for
example, glass, plastic, or any other suitable material. The
transparency of the lid 210 may allow users to see through the lid
210 and into the bulk cavity 206, e.g., when the lid 210 is in a
closed position. Additionally or alternatively, one or more
apertures 211 may be defined through lid 210 to allow the addition
of additives to bulk cavity 206 when lid 210 is closed. Optionally,
a single dispenser lid 210 may cover multiple bulk cavities, e.g.,
first bulk cavity 206A and second bulk cavity 206B. However,
alternative embodiments may include another suitable lid
configuration, or a lid may be absent from further alternative
embodiments.
[0034] In some embodiments, a fluid level sensor 214 is in
communication (e.g., operable, fluid, and/or visual communication)
with bulk cavity 206. Generally, fluid level sensor 214 is
configured to detect a volume of wash additive within bulk cavity
206. As an example, fluid level sensor 214 may be a pressure sensor
configured to measure pressure within bulk cavity 206. As another
example, fluid level sensor 214 may be a light sensor positioned to
direct one or more light beams within bulk cavity 206. Still other
examples may include a fluid level sensor 214 that is provided as
another suitable level or volume-detecting sensor, such as an
ultrasonic distance sensor (e.g., mounted through dispenser lid
210), a pair of conductive electrode sensors (e.g., disposed at
distinct heights within bulk cavity 206), etc. When assembled,
fluid level sensor 214 may be in communication (e.g., fluid
communication) with bulk cavity 206 through a conduit or passage.
As an alternative, fluid level sensor 214 is disposed at least
partially within bulk cavity 206. As another alternative, fluid
level sensor 214 may be in fluid isolation from bulk cavity 206 to
visually communicate with bulk cavity 206 (e.g., through one or
more transparent portions of storage tank 204). In embodiments
wherein multiple bulk cavities are defined, multiple corresponding
fluid level sensors are provided. For instance, a first fluid level
sensor 214A may correspond to first bulk cavity 206A and
communicate therewith. A second fluid level sensor 214B may
correspond to second bulk cavity 206B and communicate
therewith.
[0035] A dispenser control panel 222 may be provided, e.g., to
receive user input for bulk additive dispenser 20 and/or
communicate information regarding bulk additive dispenser 20. In
turn, dispenser control panel 222 may include one or more input
selectors and/or display indicators (e.g., light bulbs, LCD display
screens, etc.) for communications from/to a user. For instance,
control panel may indicate or display selected features, a level
indication of wash additive within bulk cavity or cavities 206,
and/or other items of interest to users.
[0036] A dispenser controller 220 separate and distinct from
appliance controller 100 operably communicates with one or more
portions of bulk additive dispenser 20. For example, dispenser
controller 220 may be in operable communication with electronic
pump(s) 208, fluid level sensor(s) 214, and/or dispenser control
panel 222. In turn, dispenser controller 220 may be configured to
control or activate such portions of bulk additive dispenser
20.
[0037] Dispenser controller 220 may include a memory and
microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor
operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code
associated with a cleaning or wash cycle. The memory may represent
random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM
or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming
instructions stored in memory. For example, the instructions may
include a software package configured to execute a portion of the
example method 700, described below with reference to FIG. 7. The
memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be
included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, dispenser
controller 220 may be constructed without using a microprocessor,
e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic
circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators,
flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control
functionality instead of relying upon software.
[0038] Dispenser control panel 222, electronic pump(s) 208, and
fluid level sensor(s) 214 may be in communication with dispenser
controller 220 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses. Moreover, dispenser controller 220 may be in operable
communication with appliance controller 100 via one or more signal
lines or shared communication busses. For instance, dispenser
controller 220 may be electrically coupled to appliance controller
100 through a telecommunications module 224 (e.g.,
local-area-network port, RJ45 port, etc.) included on dispenser
controller 220 and connected to a corresponding module (not
pictured) on appliance controller 100.
[0039] Optionally, dispenser controller 220 may include a revised
software package for appliance controller 100. The revised software
package may include data or instructions for communications and
operations between washing machine appliance 50 and bulk additive
dispenser 20. In turn, electrically coupling dispenser controller
220 to appliance controller 100 may initiate an update for software
provided within appliance controller 100. If it is determined that
appliance controller 100 already includes the revised software
package, no further action may be needed for updating. By contrast,
if it is determined that appliance controller 100 does not include
the revised software package, updating may further include
installing (e.g., automatically installing) the revised software
package on appliance controller 100.
[0040] In some embodiments, dispenser controller 220 includes a
wireless communications module 226. Wireless communications module
226 may be configured to communicate through BLUETOOTH.RTM. (IEEE
802.15.1), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), ZIGBEE.RTM. (IEEE 802.15.4), or
another suitable wireless band for transmitting and/or receiving
wireless signal(s). In turn, dispenser controller 220 may
communicate with one or more secondary devices, such as secondary
device 300, e.g., through a wirelessly-transmitted signal. The
wirelessly-transmitted signal may be communicated directly to
secondary device 300 or, alternatively, through an intermediate,
e.g., internet-enabled server or "cloud," source. Secondary device
300 may include or be embodied by a phone, tablet, computer, or
another separate device that can communicate through one or more
wireless signals.
[0041] As noted above, dispenser controller 220 may configured to
control or activate certain portions of bulk additive dispenser 20.
In some such embodiments, is configured to automatically (i.e.,
without further input or direction from a user) direct additive
from bulk cavity 206 based on a wash cycle selected at the washing
machine appliance 50. For instance, electronic pump 208 may be
activated according to the selected cycle. Additionally or
alternatively, electronic pump 208 may be activated according to
one or more of the soil level of articles to be washed, the type of
article(s) within the basket, the overall size or mass of articles
within the basket, the desired water temperature, water hardness,
or another suitable wash criterion determined, e.g., at the
appliance controller 100. During activation, electronic pump may
thus motivate wash additive through electronic pump 208 and to
appliance 50. Moreover, the electronic pump 208 may direct a
desirable (e.g., predetermined) amount of wash additive based on
the wash cycle and/or size of article load within basket 70.
Advantageously, a user will not be required to estimate or guess
the appropriate amount of wash additive for the selected wash
cycle. Optionally, multiple wash additives may be automatically
directed from bulk cavities 206A and 206B at discrete points or
times based on the selected cycle (e.g., such that detergent is
added at one portion of the wash cycle while fabric softener is
added at another portion of the wash cycle).
[0042] In additional or alternative embodiments, dispenser
controller 220 is configured to receive a detection signal from the
fluid level sensor 214. Once received, dispenser controller 220 may
determine a volume or amount of additive within bulk cavity 206.
Subsequently, dispenser controller 220 may transmit a volume
signal, e.g., to secondary device 300, based on the detection
signal from the fluid level sensor 214. Additionally or
alternatively, dispenser controller 220 may transmit an automatic
additive sale request signal based on the detection signal from the
fluid level sensor 214. For instance, if the determined volume or
amount of wash additive within bulk cavity 206 is determined to be
at or below a threshold value, dispenser controller 220 may request
purchase of the same wash additive, e.g., from a third-party
vendor. A user may be prompted (e.g., at the secondary device 300)
to confirm the sale, or the sale may be completely automatically
without further user input.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, one or more fluid
conduits 228 physically connect bulk additive dispenser 20 to
washing machine appliance 50. Specifically, fluid conduit 228
extends in fluid communication between bulk cavity 206 and tub 64.
When connected, fluid conduit 228 may extend through an opening 55
defined in cabinet 52. Moreover, fluid conduit 228 may extend from
opening 55 and into tub 64. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 228
is received through annulus 85 of tub 64, e.g., defined radially
between and opening 55 of tub 64 and basket 70. Tub 64 is thus
positioned downstream from electronic pump 208 to receive a wash
additive therefrom. In embodiments including multiple bulk cavities
(e.g., first bulk cavity 206A and second bulk cavity 206B), a
discrete fluid conduit 228A or 228B may extend from each respective
bulk cavity 206A and 206B.
[0044] Although fluid conduit 228 generally connects dispenser body
202 to washing machine appliance 50, it is noted that one or more
conductive wires may also extend from dispenser controller 220
mounted on dispenser body 202 and to appliance controller 100
mounted on cabinet 52, e.g., at backsplash 56.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 7, a flow diagram is provided of a
method 700, according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure. Generally, method 700 provides a method of operating
clothes washing assembly 10 (e.g., a wash cycle or sequence of
clothes washing assembly 10). As described above, the clothes
washing assembly 10 may include a washing machine appliance 50 and
a bulk additive dispenser 20. Moreover, the bulk additive dispenser
20 may have a bulk cavity 206 in communication with an electronic
pump 208 and fluid level sensor 214. Method 700 can be performed by
a coupled control system that includes, for instance, appliance
controller 100 and dispenser controller 220. As described above,
appliance controller 100 and dispenser controller 220 may be in
communication with each other, as well as other suitable components
of washing machine appliance 50 and bulk additive dispenser 20.
[0046] FIG. 7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for
purpose of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in
the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand
that the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein can be
modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways
without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, except
as otherwise indicated.
[0047] Turning specifically to FIG. 7, a flow chart is provided for
the example method 700. At 710, the method 700 includes initiating
a wash cycle at the wash machine appliance. The wash cycle may be
initiated, e.g., in response to an input received at the user
interface. In some embodiments, 710 includes sensing or determining
a load size of articles to be washed within the basket. In
additional or alternative embodiments, 710 includes determining if
a suitable water line connection is established, e.g., at the main
valve or water conduit(s). If no suitable water line connection is
established, 710 may halt initiation of the wash cycle.
[0048] At 720, the method 700 may include filling the tub with wash
fluid for a first fill. For instance, the appliance controller may
open the main water valve to initiate a flow of water into tub via
a nozzle. The tub can be filled to the appropriate level for the
amount of articles being washed (e.g., as input by user or
determined at 710). Moreover, 720 may include transmitting a first
fill signal to the dispenser controller, e.g., through a wired
signal line or bus. The first fill signal may be optionally based
on at least one of a selected wash cycle, the soil level of
articles to be washed, the type of article(s) within the basket,
the overall size or mass of articles within the basket, the desired
water temperature, water hardness, or another suitable wash
criterion determined at the appliance controller.
[0049] At 721, the dispenser controller may receive the first fill
signal and activate the first pump of bulk additive dispenser. From
the first pump, a determined amount or volume of first wash
additive, such as detergent, is directed to tub to mix with water
therein (e.g., as a combined wash fluid). The first pump may be
activated for a suitable amount of time or until the determined
amount of first wash additive is supplied to tub. The determined
amount of first wash additive may be based on the first fill signal
and include a suitable amount of first wash additive for the amount
of articles being washed.
[0050] At 730, the method 700 includes agitating a wash chamber
defined by the basket. Generally, the contents of the basket are
agitated with agitation element or by movement of the basket for
cleaning of articles in basket. For instance, agitation element or
basket may be moved back and forth in an oscillatory motion. In
some embodiments, 730 only begins once the tub is properly filled
with wash fluid, e.g., at the completion of 720 and 721.
[0051] At 740, the method 700 including draining the wash chamber.
For example, 740 may include commanding the pump assembly to drain
tub subsequent to the agitation of 730.
[0052] At 750, the method 700 may include filling the tub with wash
fluid for a second fill. For instance, the appliance controller may
open the main water valve to initiate a new flow of water into tub
via nozzle. The tub can be filled to the appropriate level for the
amount of articles being washed (e.g., as input by user or
determined at 710). Moreover, 750 may include transmitting a second
fill signal to the dispenser controller, e.g., through a wired
signal line or bus.
[0053] At 751, the dispenser controller may receive the second fill
signal and activating the second pump of bulk additive dispenser.
From the second pump, a determined amount or volume of second wash
additive, such as fabric softener, is directed to tub to mix with
water therein (e.g., as another combined wash fluid). The second
fill signal may be optionally based on at least one of a selected
wash cycle, the soil level of articles to be washed, the type of
article(s) within the basket, the overall size or mass of articles
within the basket, the desired water temperature, water hardness,
or another suitable wash criterion determined at the appliance
controller. The second pump may be activated for a suitable amount
of time or until the determined amount of second wash additive is
supplied to tub. The determined amount of second wash additive may
be based on the second fill signal and include a suitable amount of
second wash additive for the amount of articles being washed.
[0054] At 760, the method 700 may include rinsing the wash chamber.
For instance, the appliance controller may open the main water
valve to initiate another flow of water into tub via nozzle.
Optionally, the contents of the basket may be agitated. In some
embodiments, agitation element or basket again provides agitation
within basket (e.g., based on the selected wash cycle).
[0055] At 770, the method 700 may include draining the wash
chamber. For example, 770 may include commanding the pump assembly
to drain tub subsequent to the rinsing of 760. In some embodiments,
one or more spin cycles may be executed at 770 (e.g., once a
majority of water has been evacuated from the pump assembly) in
order to wring excess wash fluid from the articles being washed.
During a spin cycle, the basket is generally rotated at relatively
high speeds.
[0056] At the completion of 770, the selected wash cycle may be
ended, or the method 700 may proceed to another suitable step.
[0057] 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.
* * * * *