U.S. patent application number 16/842894 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-14 for additive dispensing for washing machine appliances.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Fikreadam Abebe Damtew, James Quentin Pollett.
Application Number | 20210317607 16/842894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004886759 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210317607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Damtew; Fikreadam Abebe ; et
al. |
October 14, 2021 |
ADDITIVE DISPENSING FOR WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCES
Abstract
A washing machine appliance is provided, as provided herein, may
include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash
basket, an additive drawer, and a front baffle. The wash basket may
be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a
wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The additive
drawer may define a pod compartment mounted to the cabinet. The
front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front
baffle may define an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the
pod compartment and the wash chamber.
Inventors: |
Damtew; Fikreadam Abebe;
(Louisville, KY) ; Pollett; James Quentin;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004886759 |
Appl. No.: |
16/842894 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/14 20130101;
D06F 39/028 20130101; D06F 23/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 23/02 20060101 D06F023/02; D06F 39/14 20060101
D06F039/14 |
Claims
1. A front-load washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a
tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted
within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for
receiving articles for washing; an additive drawer defining a pod
compartment mounted to the cabinet; and a front baffle extending
between the tub and the cabinet, the front baffle defining an
outlet aperture along a fluid path between the pod compartment and
the wash chamber.
2. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the
additive drawer is mounted above the wash basket.
3. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the
additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly along the
cabinet in a transverse direction.
4. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the
outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the wash
chamber.
5. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the
spray path is directed rearward into the wash chamber and away from
the front baffle.
6. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the
wash basket defines a rotation axis, and wherein the outlet
aperture is defined above the rotation axis along a vertical
direction.
7. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the
tub defines a top apex and a bottom apex, and wherein the outlet
aperture is circumferentially offset from the top and bottom
apexes.
8. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, further
comprising: a door movably attached to the cabinet to move between
an open position permitting access to the opening and a closed
position restricting access to the opening, the door comprising a
central body and a perimeter rim extending outward from the central
body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the
front baffle in the closed position.
9. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, further
comprising: a fluid line extending from a first end to a second
end, the first end being mounted to the additive drawer downstream
from the pod compartment, the second end being mounted to the front
baffle upstream from the outlet aperture.
10. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 9, wherein
the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.
11. A front-load washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a
tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted
within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for
receiving articles for washing and a rotation axis about which the
wash basket rotates; an additive drawer defining a pod compartment
mounted to the cabinet; and a front baffle extending between the
tub and the cabinet, the front baffle defining an outlet aperture
along a fluid path between the pod compartment and the wash
chamber, the outlet aperture being disposed radially inward from
the tub and above the rotation axis.
12. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein
the additive drawer is mounted above the wash basket.
13. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein
the additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly along the
cabinet in a transverse direction.
14. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein
the outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the wash
chamber.
15. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 14, wherein
the spray path is directed rearward into the wash chamber and away
from the front baffle.
16. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein
the tub defines a top apex and a bottom apex, and wherein the
outlet aperture is circumferentially offset from the top and bottom
apexes.
17. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, further
comprising: a door movably attached to the cabinet to move between
an open position permitting access to the opening and a closed
position restricting access to the opening, the door comprising a
central body and a perimeter rim extending outward from the central
body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the
front baffle in the closed position.
18. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, further
comprising: a fluid line extending from a first end to a second
end, the first end being mounted to the additive drawer downstream
from the pod compartment, the second end being mounted to the front
baffle upstream from the outlet aperture.
19. The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein
the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing
machine appliances, and more particularly to additive (e.g.,
additive pod) dispensing in washing machine appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for
containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach,
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] During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a
volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash or
rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives
may be added to the wash fluid to enhance the cleaning or other
properties of the wash fluid. Conventionally, the fluid additives
are provided be in powder or concentrated liquid form.
[0004] Increasingly, there is a desire by consumers to use
single-cycle additives, such as discrete additive pods with washing
appliances. The additive pods are often filled with a premeasured
volume of one or more wash additives (e.g., detergents, softeners,
rinse aids, etc.). For instance, a granular wash additive and
liquid wash additive may both be encased within a water-soluble
casing to form a discrete additive pod. Since they are generally
self-contained and eliminate the need for measuring exact amounts
of wash additives, additive pods may make using a washing appliance
easier. Moreover, use of an additive pod may ensure that the
correct amount of wash additive is used for a given wash load.
[0005] In spite of these advantages, using additive pods can also
present certain drawbacks. For example, in some systems, it may be
difficult to ensure that the additive pod dissolves completely.
This may be especially true during a cold-water wash cycle.
Oftentimes, users are forced to deposit additive pods directly into
the wash basket. If the additive pod does not dissolve completely,
remnants of the additive pod (e.g., the casing) may accumulate
within the basket or tub. This risks damaging or staining articles
within the appliance. Additionally or alternatively, pod material
or casings may accumulate between the basket and the tub over time,
which may ultimately have a negative impact on the washing machine
appliance. Moreover, an undissolved pod is generally wasteful since
it can result in some volume of the wash additive not being used
for an intended wash cycle.
[0006] As a result, there is a need for improved additive
dispensers. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an
additive dispenser that can accommodate an additive pod and ensure
improved dissolution of the additive pod during a washing
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a
front-load washing machine appliance is provided. The front-load
washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned
within the cabinet, a wash basket, an additive drawer, and a front
baffle. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub.
The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles
for washing. The additive drawer may define a pod compartment
mounted to the cabinet. The front baffle may extend between the tub
and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an outlet aperture
along a fluid path between the pod compartment and the wash
chamber.
[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a
front-load washing machine appliance is provided. The front-load
washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned
within the cabinet, a wash basket, an additive drawer, and a front
baffle. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub and
define a rotation axis about which the wash basket rotates. The
wash basket may further define a wash chamber for receiving
articles for washing. The additive drawer may define a pod
compartment mounted to the cabinet. The front baffle may extend
between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an
outlet aperture along a fluid path between the pod compartment and
the wash chamber. The outlet aperture may be disposed radially
inward from the tub and above the rotation axis.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine
appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a side, schematic, sectional view of the
exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing
machine appliance of FIG. 1, wherein a portion of the cabinet has
been removed for clarity.
[0015] FIG. 4A provides a side, sectional, elevation view of the
exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4B provides a side, schematic elevation view of a
portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5A provides a front, elevation view of a portion of the
exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, wherein a portion of
the cabinet and door have been removed for clarity.
[0018] FIG. 5B provides a front, schematic elevation view of a
portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a portion of an
additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine
appliance of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 7 provides a sectional view of a portion of an additive
dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 8 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of
an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine
appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an articulating bridge is in a
restrictive position.
[0022] FIG. 9 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of
an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine
appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an articulating bridge is in a
permissive position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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 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.
[0024] The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used
interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not
intended to signify location or importance of the individual
elements. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the
relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid
pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the flow direction from
which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the flow
direction to which the fluid flows.
[0025] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of an exemplary front-load washing machine appliance 100, and FIG.
2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of washing machine appliance 100
wherein a front panel 130 of the cabinet 102 has been removed for
clarity. FIGS. 4A and 5A provide elevation views of various
portions of washing machine appliance 100. FIGS. 4B and 5B provide
schematic elevation views of a tub 124, basket 120, and dispensing
assembly 148 of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., during a fill
phase). FIGS. 6 through 9 provide various views of dispensing
assembly 148, separate from other portions of washing machine
appliance 100.
[0026] As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally
defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a
transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular,
such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. Washing
machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a
top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a
left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction L,
and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse
direction T.
[0027] A wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is
generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating
cycle. As used herein, "wash fluid" may refer to water, detergent,
fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive
(including combinations thereof). Wash tub 124 is substantially
fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or
translate relative to cabinet 102.
[0028] A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and
defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of
articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 120 is
rotatably mounted within wash tub 124 such that it is rotatable
about an rotation axis A. Generally, rotation axis A is defined
non-parallel to the vertical direction V (e.g., closer to
perpendicular than parallel). According to the illustrated
embodiments, the rotation axis A is substantially parallel to the
transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance
100 is generally referred to as a "horizontal-axis" or "front-load"
washing machine appliance 100. Thus, tub 124 (e.g., at front
opening 132) may define an uppermost or top apex 124A and a
lowermost or bottom apex 124B.
[0029] While described in the context of a specific embodiment of
front load washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings
disclosed herein it will be understood that front load washing
machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other
washing machine appliances having different configurations,
different appearances, or different features may also be utilized
with the present subject matter as well.
[0030] Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features
that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and
cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation
of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash
chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift
articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket
120.
[0031] Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122
that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to
selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a
rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). According to the
illustrated embodiments, motor assembly 122 is a pancake motor.
However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or
configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 120
according to alternative embodiments.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a front
panel 130 that defines, at least in part, an opening 132 that
permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More
specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134
that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to
front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis that is substantially
parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door 134
permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an
open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and
a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.
Optionally, a lock assembly 182 may be fixed to cabinet 102 to
selectively lock or hold a free end of the door 134 to cabinet 102
when door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during certain
operations or wash cycles).
[0033] In some embodiments, a central body 136 of door 134 is
provide on a perimeter rim 135 that extends about (e.g., radially
about) at least a portion of central body 136. In optional
embodiments, central body 136 is provided as a window and permits
viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position
(e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100).
Generally, door 134 defines a footprint on a front portion of
cabinet 102 (e.g., in a plane defined by the lateral direction L
and the transverse direction T). For instance, when door 134 is in
the closed position, central body 136 and perimeter rim 135 may
extend across the footprint and thus cover the area of the front
panel 130 within the footprint (e.g., when viewed along the
transverse direction T directly in front of washing machine
appliance 100). As shown, particularly in FIG. 3, the footprint may
extend radially outward from opening 132. Thus, the footprint may
encompass and define a larger width (e.g., diameter) than opening
132. In some such embodiments, central body 136 extends across and,
optionally, within opening 132. Perimeter rim 135 may extend
radially outward from opening 132 and define the extrema of the
footprint.
[0034] Door 134 may also include a handle (not shown) that, for
example, a user may pull when opening and closing door 134.
Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel
130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to
another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according
to alternative embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, a front
gasket or baffle 138 may extend between tub 124 and the front panel
130 about the opening 132 covered by door 134, further sealing tub
124 from cabinet 102. For example, when door 134 is in the closed
position, baffle 138 may contact central body 136 in sealing
engagement therewith and within the footprint of door 134.
[0035] As shown, wash basket 120 defines a plurality of
perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between
the interior or wash chamber 126 of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A
sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124
along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for
receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of
washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of
washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by
gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of
perforations 140. In some embodiments, a pump assembly 144 is
located beneath wash tub 124 for gravity assisted flow when
draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain 146). Pump assembly 144
may also be configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub
124.
[0036] In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes
a spout or fluid line 150. For example, fluid line 150 may be in
fluid communication with a water supply in order to direct fluid
(e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash basket 120. In
particular, fluid line 150 may direct fluid through an outlet
aperture 172 defined through front baffle 138. Generally, outlet
aperture 172 may be defined through a sidewall of front baffle 138
and, thus, be non-parallel to the front opening 132. In some
embodiments, outlet aperture 172 may define a spray path 170 that
is directed into the wash basket 120 or wash chamber 126. For
instance, the spray path 170 may be directed rearward and away from
front baffle 138. Thus, the water or wash additive from fluid line
150 may be advantageously conveyed directly to articles within wash
basket 120.
[0037] As illustrated, an additive container box 151 or drawer 152
may be mounted (e.g., statically or, alternatively, slidably
mounted) on cabinet 102. For instance, drawer 152 may be mounted
within front panel 130 (e.g., to selectively move through front
panel 130, for instance, as motivated by a user). Additionally or
alternatively, additive container box 151 may be mounted to and
within cabinet 102 rearward from front panel 130. As shown, drawer
152 may be attached to additive container box 151 (e.g., such that
drawer 152 is indirectly mounted on cabinet 102).
[0038] In some embodiments, drawer 152 may move (e.g., slide) along
the transverse direction T (e.g., outward from cabinet 102) between
a retracted position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (e.g., as
indicated in phantom lines in FIG. 2). Thus, drawer 152 may be
movably or slidably mounted to cabinet 102 or additive container
box 151. In the retracted position, drawer 152 is generally
received within cabinet 102 or additive container box 151. By
contrast, in the extended position, at least a portion of drawer
152 is held outside of cabinet 102 or additive dispenser box 151
(e.g., to receive an additive pod provided by user). As shown,
drawer 152 may be mounted above wash basket 120 or tub 124. Thus,
in both the retracted position and the extended position, drawer
152 may be held above wash basket 120 (e.g., such that gravity may
advantageously motivate additive or wash fluid from drawer 152 to
wash basket 120).
[0039] Generally, detergent drawer 152 may define a pod compartment
174 within which an additive pod may be received. For instance, the
pod compartment 174 may be defined as an open chamber or a cup
within drawer 152 within which one or more additive pods may be
inserted (e.g., vertically) when the drawer 152 is extended. During
use, water may dissolve an additive pod placed within pod
compartment 174 upstream from wash basket 120 to create a wash
liquid to be dispensed downstream from pod compartment 174 and into
wash basket 120. Advantageously, an additive pod within pod
compartment 174 may be wetted to initiate dissolution prior to the
flowing to wash basket 120 (e.g., as a dissolved wash additive or a
partially-dissolved pod mass). Additionally or alternatively,
during use, any portions of an additive pod that are undissolved
prior to exiting drawer 152 may advantageously be prevented from
passing to the region of tub 124 between tub 124 and basket 120
(e.g., sump 142).
[0040] In optional embodiments, an articulating bridge 180 is
mounted within drawer 152. For instance, articulating bridge may be
disposed within pod chamber 174 to selectively separate or block
pod chamber 174 from a chamber outlet 182 upstream from a separate
portion of additive dispenser box 152 or wash chamber 126.
Generally, articulating bridge 180 is movable (e.g., pivotable)
between an restrictive position (FIG. 8) and a permissive position
(FIG. 9). In some embodiments, articulating bridge 180 is pivotably
mounted within pod chamber 174. In the restrictive position,
articulating bridge 180 extends along an interior bottom surface of
drawer 152 between pod chamber 174 and chamber outlet 182, thereby
blocking or holding liquid additives (e.g., detergent) within pod
chamber 174. Optionally, articulating bridge 180 is pivotable
toward chamber outlet 182. In turn, pressure from a user or flowing
water within pod chamber 174 may pivot articulating bridge 180 to
the permissive position. In the permissive position, a free end of
articulating bridge 180 is spaced apart from at least a portion of
the interior surface of drawer 152 (e.g., such that fluid
communication between pod chamber 174 and chamber outlet 182 is
permitted). Moreover, one or more additive pods or granular
additives (e.g., detergent) may rest within pod chamber 174. During
use, water flowing to and through pod chamber 174 may thus mix with
or dissolve one or more additives within pod chamber 174 (e.g., to
generate a wash fluid) before being flowed to chamber outlet 182.
Advantageously, pod chamber 174 may selectively and alternately
accept liquid additives, granular additives, or additive pods
(e.g., based on user preference for a particular load).
[0041] According to exemplary embodiments, detergent drawer 152 is
coupled to fluid line 150 (e.g., directly or indirectly through
additive container box 151) to facilitate the complete and accurate
dispensing of water or wash fluid from drawer 152. In some such
embodiments, fluid line 150 extends from a first end 176 to a
second end 178. A fluid path 168 (e.g., including fluid line 150)
is defined between pod compartment 174 and wash chamber 126 such
that second end 178 is downstream from first end 176. When
assembled, first end 176 may be mounted to detergent drawer 152 or
additive container box 151 (e.g., downstream from pod compartment
174). Second end 178 may be mounted to front baffle 138 (e.g.,
upstream from outlet aperture 172). Additionally or alternatively,
second end 178 may be positioned forward from first end 176 (e.g.,
closer to front panel 130). Thus, water or wash additive may be
conveyed from a rearward interior location to a forward interior
location (e.g., at front baffle 138).
[0042] When assembled, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed radially
inward from tub 124. Thus, the sidewall portion of front baffle 138
defining outlet aperture 172 may be positioned radially inward
(e.g., closer to rotation axis A) than an outer wall of wash tub
124. In some embodiments, the outlet aperture 172 is defined above
the rotation axis Along a vertical direction V. In turn, outlet
aperture 172 may be disposed proximal to top apex 124A (i.e.,
distal to bottom apex 124B) relative to the vertical direction V.
As shown, outlet aperture 172 may be defined on the top half of
baffle 138 or tub 124. Additionally or alternatively, outlet
aperture 172 may be circumferentially offset from the top and
bottom apexes 124A, 124B. Thus, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed
at a portion of front baffle 138 that is not aligned with either
top apex 124A or bottom apex 124B.
[0043] Advantageously, the described positioning or disposition of
outlet aperture 172 may prevent outlet aperture 172 from being
blocked or restricted during use or a wash cycle (e.g., by articles
within wash basket 120).
[0044] In some embodiments, one or more dispensing pumps or valves
are mounted in fluid communication with additive drawer 152. Such
dispensing pumps or valves may be configured for selective delivery
of water or wash additive to basket 120. Optionally, one or more
pumps (not pictured) may be in fluid communication with drawer 152
to selectively motivate water or wash fluid to wash basket 120.
[0045] In some embodiments, a control panel 160 including a
plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130.
Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 may collectively form a
user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and
features. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a display 164
indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of
interest to machine users.
[0046] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is generally
controlled by a controller or processing device 166. In some
embodiments, controller 166 is in operative communication with
(e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to) control panel 160
for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and
features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160,
controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine
appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features
(e.g., as part of a washing operation).
[0047] Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive
memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose
microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or
micro-control code associated with a wash operation. 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. The memory may be a
separate component from the processor or may be included onboard
within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be
constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a
combination of discrete analog 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 160 and other components of
washing machine appliance 100, such as motor assembly 122 and
dispensing assembly 148, may be in operative communication with
controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses. Additionally or alternatively, other features, such as
electronic lock assembly 182 for door 134 may be in operative
communication with controller 166 via one or more other signal
lines or shared communication busses.
[0048] In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing
machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket
120 through opening 132, and a wash cycle is initiated through
operator manipulation of input selectors 162. For example, a wash
cycle may be initiated such that wash tub 124 is filled with water,
detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via dispensing assembly
148 or fluid line 150 during a fill phase). For instance, water may
be directed through drawer 152 at pod compartment 174 (e.g., to
dissolve an additive pod therein) before such water or generated
wash fluid is directed to wash chamber 126 through fluid line 150.
Generally, one or more valves can be controlled by washing machine
appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the
appropriate level for the mass of articles being washed or rinsed.
Optionally, the fill phase may be performed according to a
predetermined index. In particular, wash fluid may be directed to
the wash tub 124 in discrete indices or segments (e.g., measured as
a set volume of wash fluid or period of time in which wash fluid is
flowed to tub 124). Thus, filling the wash tub 124 may be performed
by indexing the volume of wash fluid. After each index or segment,
the volume of water within the wash tub 124 may be measured. If a
desired volume of wash fluid within wash tub 124 has not yet been
reached, a new index or segment may be executed.
[0049] By way of example, once wash basket 120 is properly filled
with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g.,
with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash
basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may be
motivated about the rotation axis A at a set speed (e.g., first
speed or tumble speed). As the basket 120 is rotated, articles
within the basket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop
therein.
[0050] After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash
cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained (e.g., through a
drain phase). Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a
rinse phase) by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on
the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may
again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin
phases may also be used. In particular, a spin phase may be applied
after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring
wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin phase,
basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance,
basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., second speed or
pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g.,
third speed or plaster speed). As would be understood, the
pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the
plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover,
agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120
increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed
maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to
basket 120.
[0051] After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or
the wash cycle otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from
wash basket 120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash
basket 120 through opening 132).
[0052] 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.
* * * * *