U.S. patent application number 17/063802 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for system and method for lowering humidity within a washing machine appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas Holzen, S. Neil Malone. Invention is credited to Thomas Holzen, S. Neil Malone.
Application Number | 20220106722 17/063802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005207716 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220106722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holzen; Thomas ; et
al. |
April 7, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOWERING HUMIDITY WITHIN A WASHING MACHINE
APPLIANCE
Abstract
A washing machine appliance includes a wash tub defining a wash
chamber and a door assembly for providing selective access to the
wash chamber. The door assembly includes an inner door panel
defining an inner aperture, an outer door panel defining an outer
aperture, and a duct extending therebetween to permit a flow of air
into the wash chamber to lower the humidity and reduce the
likelihood of mold, mildew, and/or foul odors within the washing
machine appliance.
Inventors: |
Holzen; Thomas; (Louisville,
KY) ; Malone; S. Neil; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Holzen; Thomas
Malone; S. Neil |
Louisville
Louisville |
KY
KY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005207716 |
Appl. No.: |
17/063802 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 23/04 20130101;
D06F 34/26 20200201; D06F 2105/22 20200201 |
International
Class: |
D06F 34/26 20060101
D06F034/26; D06F 23/04 20060101 D06F023/04 |
Claims
1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical direction, the
washing machine appliance comprising: a wash tub positioned within
a cabinet and defining a wash chamber; a wash basket rotatably
mounted within the wash tub and being configured for receiving of a
load of articles for washing; and a door assembly pivotally mounted
to the cabinet for providing selective access to the wash chamber,
the door assembly comprising: an inner door panel defining an inner
aperture; an outer door panel spaced apart from the inner door
panel to define an air plenum therebetween, the outer door panel
defining an outer aperture; and a duct providing fluid
communication between the inner aperture and the outer
aperture.
2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the outer
aperture extends at least partially above the inner aperture along
the vertical direction.
3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the duct
slopes downward along the vertical direction toward the inner
aperture.
4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the duct
extends at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, the angle
being greater than 20 degrees.
5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the angle is
greater than 45 degrees.
6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the outer
aperture is positioned at a top of the door assembly along the
vertical direction.
7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the inner
aperture and the outer aperture are offset such that there is no
line of sight between the inner aperture and the outer aperture
through the duct.
8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the door
assembly further comprises: an inner cover positioned over the
inner aperture, the inner cover defining a plurality of inner cover
apertures; and an outer cover positioned over the outer aperture,
the outer cover defining a plurality of outer cover apertures
9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the door
assembly further comprises: one or more baffles positioned within
duct.
10. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a fan in
fluid communication with the duct for urging a flow of air through
the duct and through the wash chamber.
11. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
controller operably coupled to the fan, the controller being
configured for: operating the fan after a wash cycle has
finished.
12. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
controller operably coupled to the fan, the controller being
configured for: receiving a command to lower a humidity within the
wash chamber; and operating the fan in response to receiving the
command.
13. The washing machine appliance of claim 12, further comprising:
a vent button in operative communication with a controller, wherein
the command to lower the humidity is received when a user presses
the vent button.
14. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing
machine appliance is a horizontal axis washing machine.
15. A door assembly for a washing machine appliance, the door
assembly comprising: an inner door panel defining an inner
aperture; an outer door panel spaced apart from the inner door
panel to define an air plenum therebetween, the outer door panel
defining an outer aperture; and a duct providing fluid
communication between the inner aperture and the outer
aperture.
16. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer aperture
extends at least partially above the inner aperture along a
vertical direction.
17. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein the duct slopes downward
along a vertical direction toward the inner aperture.
18. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein the duct extends at an
angle relative to a horizontal direction, the angle being greater
than 20 degrees.
19. The door assembly of claim 15, further comprising: one or more
baffles positioned within duct.
20. The door assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a fan in
fluid communication with the duct for urging a flow of air through
the duct and through a wash chamber of the washing machine
appliance.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing
machine appliances, or more specifically, to systems and methods
for reducing humidity and moisture within a washing machine
appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for
containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach,
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. During a spin or drain cycle, a drain pump
assembly may operate to discharge water from within sump.
[0003] Notably, when the wash or rinse cycle is completed, excess
wash fluid commonly collects in a bottom of the tub, within the
door gasket, etc. Because the wash tub is partially or
substantially sealed, this wash fluid remains in the tub until the
next wash or rinse cycle and the humidity remains relatively
constant between cycles. Such collected wash fluid, excessive
humidity, and moisture may contribute to mold, mildew, or foul
smells. Notably, conventional front load washing machine appliances
have no way to reduce such moisture collection or mitigate that
effects of such moisture. For example, users typically must leave
the door open after every cycle, which can be burdensome and can be
relatively ineffective at evaporating collected wash fluid.
[0004] Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having improved
features for reducing moisture and humidity would be desirable.
More specifically, a washing machine appliance with an improved
system for reducing the humidity and minimizing mold and mildew in
the wash tub would be particularly beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 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 one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance
defining a vertical direction is provided. The washing machine
appliance includes a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and
defining a wash chamber, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the
wash tub and being configured for receiving of a load of articles
for washing, and a door assembly pivotally mounted to the cabinet
for providing selective access to the wash chamber. The door
assembly includes an inner door panel defining an inner aperture,
an outer door panel spaced apart from the inner door panel to
define an air plenum therebetween, the outer door panel defining an
outer aperture, and a duct providing fluid communication between
the inner aperture and the outer aperture.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a door assembly for a
washing machine appliance is provided. The door assembly includes
an inner door panel defining an inner aperture, an outer door panel
spaced apart from the inner door panel to define an air plenum
therebetween, the outer door panel defining an outer aperture, and
a duct providing fluid communication between the inner aperture and
the outer aperture.
[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 an exemplary washing
machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary
washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary
washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a door
assembly for use with the exemplary washing machine appliance of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0014] FIG. 5 is another perspective cross-sectional view of a door
assembly for use with the exemplary washing machine appliance of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0015] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0017] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 and
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance
100. 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 generally 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, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the
transverse direction T.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted
within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of
rotation A. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, 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). Wash basket 120 is received within
a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured
for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 124 holds wash
and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub
124. As used herein, "wash fluid" may refer to water, detergent,
fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or
combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these
terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the
present subject matter to any particular "wash fluid."
[0019] 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.
[0020] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also
includes a front panel 130 which defines 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. 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.
[0021] A window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120
when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of
washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not
shown) that, e.g., 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.
[0022] Referring again to FIG. 2, wash basket 120 also defines a
plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid
communication between an interior 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 by gravity
from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations
140.
[0023] A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124
and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically
discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance 100.
Drain pump assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146
which is in fluid communication with sump 142 and with an external
drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, drain
pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, through drain
hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump
146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain
cycle such that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and
urges it through drain hose 150 to external drain 148.
[0024] A spout 154 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into
wash tub 124. For example, spout 154 may be in fluid communication
with a water supply 155 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g.,
clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Spout 154 may also be
in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump
assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout
154 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably
mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a
wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any
other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to
wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.
According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 156 may
also be fluidly coupled to spout 154 to facilitate the complete and
accurate dispensing of wash additive.
[0026] In addition, a water supply valve or control valve 158 may
provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a
municipal water supply 155) into detergent dispenser 156 and into
wash tub 124. In this manner, control valve 158 may generally be
operable to supply water into detergent dispenser 156 to generate a
wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh
water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that
control valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location
within cabinet 102. In addition, although control valve 158 is
described herein as regulating the flow of "wash fluid," it should
be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other
additives, or some mixture thereof
[0027] A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors
162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input
selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator
selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one
embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown
timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users.
[0028] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively
coupled 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.
[0029] Controller 166 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. 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 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 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may
be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal
lines or shared communication busses.
[0030] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry
items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and
washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of
input selectors 162. Wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent,
and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout 154 and or detergent
drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., control valve 158) 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 and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once
wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash
basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of
laundry items in wash basket 120.
[0031] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed,
wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by
again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of
the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide
agitation within wash basket 120. 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 final spin cycle, basket
120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assembly
144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articles disposed
in wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can
remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134
and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132.
[0032] While described in the context of a specific embodiment of
horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings
disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing
machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other
washing machine appliances having different configurations,
different appearances, and/or different features may also be
utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical
axis washing machine appliances.
[0033] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 5, a washing
machine appliance and a humidity reduction system 200 will be
described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. Due to the similarity between the washing machine
appliance illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5 and washing machine
appliance 100, like reference numerals may be used to refer to the
same or similar features. As explained briefly above, washing
machine appliance 100 may tend to collect excess liquid or moisture
within particular locations where mold, mildew, and foul smells may
be generated. Aspects of the present subject matter are directed to
features for reducing the humidity and moisture within washing
machine appliance 100, thereby reducing the likelihood of such
moisture related issues.
[0034] Specifically, humidity reduction system 200 may be operably
coupled to a dedicated controller or appliance controller 166 for
selectively reducing humidity within washing machine appliance 100.
In this regard, humidity reduction system 200 includes an intake
duct 202 that provides fluid communication between an ambient
environment 204 and wash chamber 126 for providing a flow of air,
e.g., as indicated by reference numeral 206 in FIG. 3. In addition,
humidity reduction system 200 includes an exhaust duct 208 that
provides fluid communication between wash chamber 126 and ambient
environment 204 for discharging the flow of air 206 from wash
chamber 126. Although one exemplary construction, positioning, and
configuration of humidity reduction system 200 is described herein,
it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be
made to humidity reduction system 200 while remaining within the
scope of the present subject matter.
[0035] Referring still to FIGS. 3 through 5, humidity reduction
system 200 may be positioned at least partially within a door
assembly 220 of a washing machine appliance. For example, door
assembly 220 may be the same or similar to door 134 of washing
machine appliance 100. For example, according to the illustrated
embodiment, door assembly 220 includes an outer rim 222 with a
transparent window 224 (e.g., such as window 136) positioned
therein to permit viewing of wash chamber 126 during operation.
Window 224 may include an inner door panel 226 positioned adjacent
to and/or defining a boundary of wash chamber 126. In addition,
window 234 may include an outer door panel 228 that is positioned
proximate front 112 of washing machine appliance 100, e.g.,
adjacent ambient environment 204. Further, as illustrated, inner
door panel 226 is spaced apart from outer door panel 228 to define
an air plenum 230 between inner door panel 226 and outer door panel
228. In the closed position, door assembly 220 is seated against a
gasket (not labeled) that provides a substantially fluid tight seal
between cabinet 102 and door assembly 220.
[0036] According to aspects of the present subject matter, intake
duct 202 is defined through door assembly 220. In this regard, for
example, inner door panel 226 defines an inner aperture 240 and
outer door panel 228 defines an outer aperture 242. Furthermore, a
duct, referred to herein as intake duct 202 extends between and
fluidly couples inner aperture 240 to outer aperture 242. In this
manner, intake duct 202 may permit the flow of fresh air (e.g.,
identified herein by reference numeral 206) to flow into wash
chamber 126, e.g., to reduce the humidity therein. According to
exemplary embodiments, intake duct 202 and exhaust duct 208 may
permit the flow of air 206 to passively circulate throughout wash
chamber 126 to naturally reduce moisture levels therein. However,
according to still other embodiments as described below, humidity
reduction system 200 may include any suitable number, type, and
configuration of active system components for selectively urging
the flow of air 206, such as one or more dampers, fans, or other
air diversion/circulation systems.
[0037] For example, referring now specifically to FIG. 3, humidity
reduction system 200 may further include an air handler 250 that is
positioned within exhaust duct 208, e.g., proximate rear 114 of
cabinet 102. Air handler 250 may be operably coupled with
controller 166 and may be selectively operated to urge the flow of
air 206 through intake duct 202, wash chamber 126, and exhaust duct
208. Although air handler 250 is illustrated as a single axial fan
positioned within exhaust duct 208, it should be appreciated that
humidity reduction system 200 may include any suitable number,
type, position, and configuration of air handling devices while
remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For
example, it should be appreciated that according to alternative
embodiments, air handler 250 may be positioned within intake duct
202 and may be any other suitable fan type, such as a single speed
or variable speed fan, a tangential fan, a centrifugal fan,
etc.
[0038] Notably, according to an exemplary embodiment, a humidity
reduction cycle may be performed following every wash or rinse
cycle. According to other embodiments, washing machine appliance
100 may include one or more humidity sensors that detect the
humidity within wash chamber 126 and initiate a humidity reduction
cycle when humidity levels reach or remain at an unsuitable
humidity level. However, according to the illustrated embodiment,
washing machine appliance 100 does not include humidity sensors
(thus resulting in cost and appliance complexity savings).
According to such an embodiment, a humidity reduction cycle may be
performed after every cycle, after a predetermined number of
cycles, after a specific amount of time has passed, or according to
any other suitable schedule.
[0039] In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, washing machine
appliance 100 may further include a vent button 252 that may be
used to control the performance of the humidity reduction cycles.
In this regard, vent button 252 may be operably coupled with
controller 166, and a user may press vent button 252 to cycle
between different humidity reduction schedules. For example,
pressing the vent button 252 may initiate a single humidity
reduction cycle, e.g., an on-demand cycle. Thus, a humidity
reduction cycle might not be performed after every wash cycle
(resulting in energy savings and noise reduction). Instead, for
example, such cycles may be performed on-demand, or vent button 252
may be used to cause a humidity reduction cycle to be performed
every cycle or at a suitable cycle or time-based frequency, or the
user may turn the humidity reduction cycles off altogether.
[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 3 through 5, door assembly 220 may
include various features or constructions to reduce the likelihood
of water or wash fluid splashing or sloshing out of washing machine
appliance 100 through intake duct 202. For example, as illustrated,
door assembly 220 further includes an inner cover 260 that is
positioned over inner aperture 240 and defines a plurality of inner
cover apertures 262. Similarly, an outer cover 264 may be
positioned over outer aperture 242 may define a plurality of outer
cover apertures 266. In this manner, the cross-sectional area of
inner aperture 240 and outer aperture 242 may be reduced to prevent
splashing water while still permitting a flow of air 206 to pass
therethrough. It should be appreciated that the size, shape, and
geometry of inner cover apertures 262 and outer cover apertures 266
may vary as needed to prevent splashing of wash fluid outside of
washing machine appliance 100.
[0041] In addition, door assembly may include one or more flow
regulating features 270 that are positioned within intake duct 202
for regulating the flow of air and/or wash fluid through intake
duct 202. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment
(e.g., as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5), flow regulating
features 270 may include a plurality of baffles 272 that extend
through intake duct 202 to reduce the likelihood of wash fluid
passing therethrough. According to the illustrated embodiment,
baffles 272 extend substantially along the vertical direction V
through intake duct 202 and are staggered along the length of duct,
e.g., to prevent a droplet of water traveling along a single
direction from passing all the way through intake duct 202.
Although flow regulating features 270 are illustrated as baffles,
it should be appreciated that any other structure within intake
duct 202 may be used to reduce the passage of wash fluid
therethrough. For example, one or more fins, internal flow
passageways, protrusions, or other features may be formed within
intake duct 202 for regulating the flow of air 206 and/or wash
fluid passing therethrough.
[0042] In addition, according to exemplary embodiment, inner
aperture 240 and outer aperture 242 may be positioned at desirable
locations on door assembly 220 to insure collected wash fluid flows
back down into wash chamber 126. In this regard, as illustrated,
outer aperture 242 may be positioned proximate a top 280 of
transparent window 224 along the vertical direction V and may
extend at least partially above inner aperture 240 along the
vertical direction V. In this regard, intake duct 202 may slope
downward along the vertical direction V toward inner aperture 240.
Thus, wash fluid that splashes into intake duct 202 will have the
tendency of falling under the force of gravity back into wash
chamber 126. It should be appreciated that a centerline 282 of
intake duct 202 may extend at an angle 284 relative to a horizontal
direction (e.g., as defined by the lateral direction L in
transverse direction T). According to exemplary embodiments, angle
284 may be between about 0.degree. and 90.degree., between about
5.degree. and 70.degree., between about 10.degree. and 50.degree.,
between about 15.degree. and 40.degree., between about 20.degree.
and 30.degree., or about 25.degree.. Other angles or duct shapes
are possible and within the scope of the present subject
matter.
[0043] In addition, according to the illustrated embodiment, intake
duct 202 is a substantially straight duct, e.g., such that
centerline 282 is substantially linear. However, according to
alternative embodiments, intake duct 202 may be curved, serpentine,
sinusoidal, or any other suitable shape. Notably, such shapes may
prevent line of sight from inner aperture 240 to outer aperture
242. In other words, according to an exemplary embodiment, inner
aperture 240 and the outer aperture 242 are offset such that there
is no line of sight between inner aperture 240 and outer aperture
242. This may reduce the likelihood of wash fluid splashing
directly through intake duct 202. In addition, it should be
appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, intake duct
202 may split into two or more distinct passages that terminate on
outer door panel 228 at different locations, or intake duct 202 may
have any other suitable shape and size.
[0044] The system described above reduces humidity and moisture
within a washing machine appliance and provides a cost-effective
and efficient method for reducing excess moisture, mold growth,
mildew, and foul smells within the washing machine appliance.
Specifically, aspects of the present subject matter help to
evaporate water that has accumulated in the gasket and/or wash tub
quickly in addition to reducing humidity in the washer after the
clothes have been removed from washer at the end of wash cycle. The
evaporation of water in the gasket prevents mold growth and the
development of fouls odors in the washing machine. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a fan is installed on the back panel of the
washer and is operated to periodically draw in fresh air, e.g.,
after the wash cycle is completed and the washed load has been
removed. According to exemplary embodiments, spinning the fan
induces forced convection within the wash chamber, while fresh air
is introduced through front vent of the unit and exhaled out
through rear panel.
[0045] 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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