Patent Application
20250146205
The present subject matter relates generally to laundry treatment appliances, and more particularly to detergent dispenser assemblies for laundry detergent assemblies.
Laundry treatment appliances such as combination washing machine and dryer appliances (washer/dryer) generally include a cabinet which receives a tub for containing wash and rinse water to perform a washing operation, or through which air is circulated to perform a drying operation. A wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the wash tub. A drive assembly may be coupled to the wash tub and configured to rotate the wash basket within the wash tub in order to cleanse articles within the wash basket. Upon completion of a wash cycle, a pump assembly can be used to rinse and drain soiled water to a draining system. In some cases, a drying operation may then be performed.
Prior to each wash cycle, cleaning agents such as detergent are added to the wash chamber. Some laundry treatment appliances include large tanks which may be prefilled with cleaning agents such that at the start of each wash cycle, a user need not manually add the cleaning agents. However, some wash operations may require additional cleaning agents (e.g., bleach, sanitizing agents, other additives, etc.) which must be manually added to the wash chamber. Thus, the convenience of the large, prefilled tank is negated by the necessity to manually add the additional cleaning agents. Additionally or alternatively, users routinely perform cleaning operations on detergent tanks to prevent residue build up, for example.
Accordingly, a laundry treatment appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be desirable. In particular, a detergent dispenser assembly including removable and interchangeable tanks would be beneficial.
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 exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treatment appliance is provided. The laundry treatment appliance may include a cabinet forming a receiving space therein; a tub provided within the receiving space; and a dispenser assembly provided within the receiving space, the dispenser assembly being in fluid communication with the tub. The dispenser assembly may include a drawer body insertable to and retractable from the cabinet and provided adjacent to the tub, the drawer body defining a plurality of receiving compartments; at least one removable cartridge selectively positioned within a first receiving compartment of the plurality of receiving compartments between an inserted position and a removed position; and a cover removably coupled to the drawer body, the cover being positioned over a second receiving compartment of the plurality of receiving compartments.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dispenser assembly is provided. The dispenser assembly may include a drawer body insertable to and retractable from the laundry treatment appliance and provided adjacent to a wash tub, the drawer body defining a plurality of receiving compartments; at least one removable cartridge selectively positioned within a first receiving compartment of the plurality of receiving compartments between an inserted position and a removed position; and a cover removably coupled to the drawer body, the cover being positioned over a second receiving compartment of the plurality of receiving compartments.
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.
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.
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.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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.
Cabinet 102 includes a front panel 104. A door 112 is mounted to front panel 104 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash drum or basket 120 (
A control panel 108 including a plurality of input selectors 110 is coupled to front panel 104. Control panel 108 and input selectors 110 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in some embodiments, control panel 108 includes a display 111 (
As shown in
Basket 120 is rotatably mounted within tub 114 in a spaced apart relationship from tub sidewall 118 and tub back wall 116. One or more bearing assemblies may be placed between basket 120 and tub 114 and may allow for rotational movement of basket 120 relative to tub 114. Basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 and an opening 122. Opening 122 of basket 120 permits access to wash chamber 121 of basket 120, e.g., in order to load articles into basket 120 and remove articles from basket 120. Basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 124 to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and tub 114. A sump 107 is defined by tub 114 and is configured for receipt of washing fluid during operation of appliance 100. For example, during operation of appliance 100 (e.g., the wash cycle), washing fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 120 to sump 107 through plurality of perforations 124.
A spout 130 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub 114. Spout 130 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into tub 114. A pump assembly 150 (shown schematically in
In addition, pump assembly 150 is configured for recirculating washing fluid within tub 114. Thus, pump assembly 150 is configured for urging fluid from sump 107, e.g., to spout 130. For example, pump assembly 150 may urge washing fluid in sump 107 to spout 130 via hose 176 during operation of appliance 100 in order to assist in cleaning articles disposed in basket 120. It should be understood that conduit 170, piping 174, and hose 176 may be constructed of any suitable mechanism for directing fluid, e.g., a pipe, duct, conduit, hose, or tube, and are not limited to any particular type of mechanism.
A motor 128 is in mechanical communication with basket 120 in order to selectively rotate basket 120, e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of laundry treatment appliance 100 as described below. In particular, a shaft 136 mechanically couples motor 128 with basket 120 and drivingly rotates basket 120 about a shaft or central axis A, e.g., during a spin cycle. Ribs 126 extend from basket 120 into wash chamber 121. Ribs 126 assist agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of laundry treatment appliance 100. For example, ribs 126 may lift articles disposed in basket 120 during rotation of basket 120.
Also shown in
As further shown in
Operation of laundry treatment appliance 100 may be controlled by a processing device or controller 180 that is operatively coupled to control panel 108 for user manipulation to select washing and/or drying cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 108, controller 180 may operate the various components of laundry treatment appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.
Controller 180 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 180 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 108 and other components of laundry treatment appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 180 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
In an illustrative example of operation of laundry treatment appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into basket 120, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 110. Tub 114 is filled with water and one or more wash treatment additives from dispenser assembly 200 to form a wash fluid. One or more valves of a water inlet valve 195 can be actuated by controller 180 to provide for filling tub 114 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Water inlet valve 195 is in fluid communication with a water source, such as e.g., a hot water heater and/or a municipal water line. Once tub 114 is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of basket 120 are agitated with ribs 126 for cleansing of laundry items in basket 120.
After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 114 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding wash fluid to tub 114 depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, and ribs 126 may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds.
Upon completion of the wash cycle, laundry treatment appliance 100 may perform a drying cycle. For instance, after the spin cycle is completed and excess wash fluid and/or water has been drained from the tub, laundry treatment appliance may begin the drying cycle (e.g., circulating air through tub 114 and/or wash chamber 121). The drying cycle may be performed automatically upon completion of the wash cycle, or may be initiated separately by the user upon the completion of the wash cycle. In at least one embodiment, the drying cycle commences automatically within a predetermined amount of time after the completion of the wash cycle (e.g., by utilizing additives provided in one of the chambers of dispenser assembly 200, described below).
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis laundry treatment appliance 100, it will be understood that horizontal axis laundry treatment appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other laundry treatment appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, including, for example, vertical axis laundry treatment appliances. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to use with laundry treatment appliance 100.
Turning now to
Dispenser assembly 200 may include a dispenser drawer. For instance, as will be described below, the dispenser drawer of dispenser assembly 200 may be insertable into laundry treatment appliance 100. As shown in
Dispenser assembly 200 may include a dispenser body 202 (
Dispenser assembly 200 may include a drawer body 204. For instance, as mentioned above, drawer body 204 may be insertable and retractable with respect to front panel 104 of cabinet 102 (e.g., into dispenser body 202). Drawer body 204 may be elongated along the transverse direction T. Accordingly, drawer body 204 may be withdrawn and inserted along the transverse direction T (e.g., into dispenser body 202).
Drawer body 204 may be divided into a plurality of regions. For instance, drawer body 204 may define a front region 206, a middle or central region 208, and a back or rear region 210. Front region 206, middle region 208, and rear region 210 may be provided sequentially along the transverse direction T from a front 201 to a rear 205 of drawer body 204. According to at least some embodiments, a length of front region 206 along the transverse direction T is less than a length of rear region 210 along the transverse direction T. For instance, the length of front region 206 may be between about 20% and about 30% of the length of rear region 210 along the transverse direction T.
Drawer body 204 may define a plurality of receiving compartments or chambers 212. The plurality of receiving compartments 212 may be divided between front region 206 and the rear region 210. For instance, front region 206 may include at least two receiving compartments 212 and rear region 210 may include at least two receiving compartments 212. However, it should be understood that the number and specific division or allotment of receiving compartments 212 between front region 206 and rear region 210 may vary according to specific embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of receiving compartments 212 may be divided into three or more regions of drawer body 204.
Rear region 210 may include a first receiving compartment 214 and a second receiving compartment 216. First receiving compartment 214 and second receiving compartment 216 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the lateral direction L. For instance, each of first receiving compartment 214 and second receiving compartment 216 may extend along the transverse direction T for an entire length of rear region 210.
First receiving compartment 214 may be configured to receive a removable cartridge 218 therein. In detail, first receiving compartment 214 may form a receiving space into which removable cartridge 218 can be positioned. Thus, removable cartridge 218 may be positioned within first receiving compartment 214 between an inserted position (
First receiving compartment 214 may include a plurality of ribs 220. Referring particularly to
An aperture 228 may be formed through bottom surface 215 of first receiving compartment 214. For instance, a portion of drawer body 204 may be removed from first receiving compartment 214. In detail, drawer body 204 may include a side frame member 260 and a rear frame member 262 connected to each other at a rear portion of first receiving compartment 214. Side frame member 260 may extend along the transverse direction T at a top of drawer body 204, while rear frame member 262 may extend along the lateral direction L at a rear of drawer body 204. Accordingly, aperture 228 may be defined below side frame member 260 and rear frame member 262 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). At least a portion of aperture 228 may be formed along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T. Thus, removable cartridge 218 may be exposed through aperture 228 when in the inserted position.
Aperture 228 may define a length L1 along the transverse direction T. For instance, length L1 of aperture 228 may be a predetermined percentage of a total length L2 of rear region 210 (or first receiving compartment 214). According to some embodiments, the predetermined percentage is between about 35% and about 45% of total length L2. Accordingly, removable cartridge 218 may be supported by bottom surface 215 for over half of total length L2 of first receiving compartment 214. Advantageously, a user may press down (e.g., along the vertical direction V) on a rear of removable cartridge 218, which may penetrate through aperture 228. Consequently, a front portion of removable cartridge 218 may rise up along the vertical direction V, allowing the user to easily grasp and remove removable tank 218 from first receiving compartment 214 (e.g., to the removed position). For instance, removable cartridge 218 may include a grasp tab 219. Grasp tab 219 may protrude from a front surface of removable cartridge 218. Grasp tab 219 may allow for a user to easily lift and remove removable cartridge 218 from first receiving compartment 214. For another example, while drawer body 204 is partially inserted within dispenser body 202, the user may lift the front of removable cartridge 218 (e.g., along the vertical direction V) via grasp tab 219 and pull removable cartridge 218 forward (e.g., along the transverse direction T). The rear of removable cartridge 218 may then pivot partially into aperture 228 to allow for easy removal therefrom.
Removable cartridge 218 may be a tank (e.g., storage tank, additive tank, etc.). For instance, removable cartridge 218 may define an additive receiving space 222 therein. Thus, removable cartridge 218 may be selectively filled with a laundry additive (e.g., detergent, stain remover, softener, bleach, disinfectant, etc.). Removable cartridge 218 may define a filling port 224. Thus, the laundry additive may be supplied to additive receiving space 222 via filling port 224. Additionally or alternatively, removable cartridge 218 may include a cap or top 226. Cap 226 may be movably connected to removable cartridge 218 (e.g., to a top panel thereof). For instance, cap 226 may be rotatably connected to removable cartridge 218. However, the specific connection means of cap 226 to removable cartridge 218 may vary according to specific embodiments, and may be, for example, slidably attached. Additionally or alternatively, removable cartridge 218 may include a cover (e.g., similar to cover 230, described below) coupled thereto. In such an instance, filling port 224 may be defined within the cover. Likewise, cap 226 may be movably coupled to the cover.
Removable cartridge 218 may include a valve 240. Valve 240 may be located at a rear of removable cartridge 218. For instance, valve 240 may penetrate a rear face of removable cartridge 218. Valve 240 may be a plunger type valve configured to connect or mate with a pump (e.g., peristaltic pump). Accordingly, valve 240 may provide selective fluid access to additive receiving space 222. For instance, the pump may include a nozzle or the like to engage with valve 240 when removable cartridge 218 is in the inserted position.
Second receiving compartment 216 may be referred to as a bulk tank. Accordingly, second receiving compartment 216 may be configured to hold, store, or otherwise contain a predetermined amount of an additive (e.g., liquid additive), such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or the like. As mentioned above, second receiving compartment 216 may be positioned laterally adjacent to first receiving compartment 214. Additionally or alternatively, second receiving compartment 216 may be wider (e.g., along the lateral direction L) than first receiving compartment 214. For instance, a width W1 of first receiving compartment 214 may be less than a width W2 of second receiving compartment 216. Accordingly, a volume of second receiving compartment 216 may be greater than a volume of first receiving compartment 214. However, specific sizes (e.g., lengths, widths, depths, volumes, etc.) of each of first receiving compartment 214 and second receiving compartment 216 may vary according to specific embodiments.
Drawer body 204 may include a cover 230. Cover 230 may be removably coupled to drawer body 204, e.g., between an attached position (
Cover 230 may include or may define a filling port 232. Thus, the laundry additive may be supplied to second receiving compartment 216 via filling port 232. Additionally or alternatively, cover 230 may include a cap or top 234. Cap 234 may be movably connected to cover 230. For instance, cap 234 may be rotatably connected to cover 230. However, the specific connection means of cap 234 to cover 230 may vary according to specific embodiments, and may be, for example, slidably attached.
Drawer body 204 may include a valve 242. Valve 242 may be connected at second receiving compartment 216. In particular, valve 242 may be located at a rear of second receiving compartment 216. For instance, valve 242 may penetrate a rear face of second receiving compartment 216. Valve 242 may be a plunger type valve configured to connect or mate with a pump (e.g., peristaltic pump). Accordingly, valve 242 may provide selective fluid access to second receiving compartment 216. For instance, the pump may include a nozzle or the like to engage with valve 242 when drawer body 204 is in the inserted position.
As mentioned above, drawer body 204 may define front region 206, middle region 208, and rear region 210. Front region 206 may include a plurality of static cups 203. For instance, static cups 203 may be formed directly into drawer body 204. Static cups 203 may have similar shapes and volumes (e.g., as seen in
Middle region 208 may define an overflow channel 236. For instance, front region 206 and rear region 210 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to define overflow channel 236. Overflow channel 236 may be in fluid communication with front region 206 (e.g., with static cups 203). In detail, each of the static cups 203 may be fluidly connected with overflow channel 236 over top of a vertical wall. Thus, excess (or overflow) additive and/or water within static cups 203 may flow into overflow channel 236 (e.g., rearward along the transverse direction T over the vertical wall).
Drawer body 204 may include a bottom duct 240. Referring particularly to
Bottom duct 240 may be attached to underside 242 along three edges thereof (e.g., a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, and a front edge). Accordingly, bottom duct 240 may form an outlet 246. Outlet 246 may be provided at a rear (e.g., along the transverse direction T) of bottom duct 240. Accordingly, the contents of static cups 203 may only exit bottom channel 244 at outlet 246. Additionally or alternatively, bottom duct 240 may be integrally formed with drawer body 204. For instance, bottom duct 240 and drawer body 204 may be a single unitary piece. According to some embodiments, drawer body 204 is injection molded collectively with bottom duct 240 as a single piece. However, bottom duct 240 may be a separate piece attached to drawer body 204 via one or more fasteners or fastenings means.
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.
