Patent Application
20180334769
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turning now to the figures,
As may be seen in
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.
As may be seen in
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.
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.
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.
A pump assembly 90 (shown schematically in
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.
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
Turning now to
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
In some embodiments, dispenser controller 220 includes a wireless communications module 226. Wireless communications module 226 may be configured to communicate through BLUETOOTH® (IEEE 802.15.1), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), ZIGBEE® (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.
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).
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.
As illustrated in
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.
Turning now to
Turning specifically to
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
At the completion of 770, the selected wash cycle may be ended, or the method 700 may proceed to another suitable step.
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.
