FLUID EMITTING FEATURE FOR A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE

Abstract

A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening. A rotating drum is accessible via the opening and operably coupled to the cabinet. A fluid emitting feature is proximate the rotating drum. The fluid emitting feature is configured to dispense a fluid into the rotating drum. The fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the rotating drum. A housing is proximate the rotating drum and includes a foreign particulate filter configured to collect the foreign particulates. The fluid and rotation of the rotating drum direct the foreign particulates toward the foreign particulate filter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a laundry appliance, and more specifically, to a fluid emitting feature for a laundry appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening. A rotating drum is accessible via the opening and operably coupled to the cabinet. A fluid emitting feature is proximate the rotating drum. The fluid emitting feature is configured to dispense a fluid into the rotating drum. The fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the rotating drum. A housing is proximate the rotating drum and includes a foreign particulate filter configured to collect the foreign particulates. The fluid and rotation of the rotating drum direct the foreign particulates toward the foreign particulate filter.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing foreign particulates from clothing items in a drying appliance includes activating a drying cycle. A particulate removal routine is initiated as an initial phase of the drying cycle. An anti-static solution is delivered to a drum. Bursts of air are directed into the drum to dislodge the foreign particulates for the clothing items. A remainder of the drying cycle is initiated. Air emitting nozzles are activated during the drying cycle to intermittently dislodge additional amounts of the foreign particulates. The drying cycle is completed. The captured foreign particulates are removed from a foreign particulate filter.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a particulate removal system for a laundry appliance includes a rotating drum that processes clothing items. A fluid emitting feature is positioned to direct a fluid into the drum. The fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the drum. An air emitting nozzle of the fluid emitting feature is configured to direct bursts of gas into the drum. A foreign particulate filter is configured to collect the foreign particulates. The air emitting nozzle is positioned to direct the bursts of air toward the foreign particulate filter.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance having an aspect of a fluid emitting feature of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged side perspective view of an aspect of a fluid emitting feature of the present disclosure in a drum of a laundry appliance;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance having an aspect of a fluid emitting feature and a fluid container; and

FIG. 4 is a linear flow diagram illustrating a method for removing foreign particulate from clothing items in a drying appliance.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a fluid emitting feature for a laundry appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall referto the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a ...” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, reference numeral 10generally designates a laundry appliance that includes a cabinet 12 that defines an opening 14. A drum 16 is accessible via the opening 14 and is operably coupled to the cabinet 12. A particulate removal system of the appliance 10 includes a fluid emitting feature 18 that is positioned proximate the drum 16. The fluid emitting feature 18 dispenses a fluid 20 onto articles being processed within the drum 16. As a result, this fluid 20 also contacts foreign particulates 22 in the drum 16 that may be free floating or that may be adhered to the articles being processed. A housing 70 is proximate the drum 16 and includes a foreign particulate filter 24 configured to collect the foreign particulates 22.

The laundry appliance 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a frontload laundry appliance, such that the laundry appliance 10 may be a washer, dryer, and/or a combination washer/dryer. It is also contemplated that the laundry appliance 10 can include various mechanisms for washing, drying, or otherwise processing laundry. The laundry appliance 10 includes the cabinet 12. The cabinet 12 includes a front side 40 and a rear side 42 that is opposite the front side 40. A top side 44 extends between the front side 40 and the rear side 42. Left and right sides 46, 48 extend downward from the top side 44 in between the front side 40 and the rear side 42. The cabinet 12 of the laundry appliance 10 houses a variety of components of the laundry appliance 10. For example, the drum 16 of the laundry appliance 10 is housed within the cabinet 12.

As mentioned herein, the drum 16 is accessible via the opening 14 defined by the cabinet 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front side 40 of the cabinet 12 defines the opening 14. The laundry appliance 10 includes a door 50 that is coupled to the cabinet 12. The door 50 is operable to selectively cover the opening 14 in a closed position and reveal the opening 14 in an open position. It is contemplated that the opening 14 may be defined by at least one of the sides 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 of the cabinet 12. With specific reference to FIG. 1, the opening 14 is illustrated as being defined by the front side 40 of the cabinet 12.

The drum 16 disposed within the cabinet 12 is configured to rotate relative to the cabinet 12. The drum 16 may include at least one baffle 52 coupled to sidewalls of the drum 16. A rear wall 54 of the drum 16 includes a plurality of apertures 30 through which process air may pass. A blower 56 is disposed within the laundry appliance 10 and delivers the process air through the apertures 30 into a laundry cavity 58 defined within the drum 16. The process air is then delivered into the housing 70 and through the foreign particulate filter 24 wherein the particulate can be captured for later disposal.

The blower 56 can be a fan, an air-handling unit, or other air-moving device that can move the process air through the laundry cavity 58 using positive pressure or negative pressure via an induced flow of the process air through the laundry cavity 58. It is generally contemplated that the process air from the blower 56 ultimately defines an airflow path that moves the process air through the laundry cavity 58. The airflow path can also direct the process air through various air-conditioning mechanisms. Such air conditioning mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, one or more heat exchangers, electrical heaters, heat pump mechanisms, and other similar mechanisms that serve to heat and/or, in certain applications, cool the process air within the laundry cavity 58.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a housing 70 is proximate the drum 16 and selectively receives the foreign particulate filter 24. It is generally contemplated that the housing 70 is disposed within the cabinet 12 below the opening 14 and proximate the drum 16. It is also generally contemplated that the housing 70 can be positioned in various locations in the laundry appliance 10, so long as the housing 70 is at least partially disposed within an airflow path through which the process air is directed by the blower 56. The housing 70 is typically integrally formed within the cabinet 12 and may include slots through which the process air may pass. The foreign particulate filter 24 can be disposed within the housing 70 and is configured to collect the foreign particulates 22 from the process air. Specifically, the foreign particulate filter 24 can remove the foreign particulates 22 from the process air so that the user can subsequently collect the foreign particulates 22 for disposal.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the fluid emitting feature 18 includes a fluid emitting feature body 72 and a fluid emitting nozzle 74 coupled to the fluid emitting feature body 72. The fluid emitting feature 18 can also include a fluid supply conduit 76 configured to deliver the fluid 20 into the fluid emitting feature body 72. It is generally contemplated that the fluid emitting feature 18 can be positioned in various locations that are proximate the drum 16. The fluid emitting feature 18 can dispense the fluid 20 into the laundry cavity 58 and onto a plurality of clothing items 78 that are being processed within the drum 16. For example, the fluid emitting feature 18 may be coupled to a non-rotating portion of the drum 16, such as the rear wall 54 of the drum 16, or can be attached to a generally static portion of the laundry appliance 10 located near the drum, such as the structure surrounding the drum 16 and/or the door 50 of the laundry appliance 10. From any one or more of these locations, the fluid emitting feature 18 can direct the fluid 20 into the laundry cavity 58 to ultimately be dispensed on the clothing items 78. It is also contemplated that the laundry appliance 10 can include a plurality of fluid emitting features 18.

The foreign particulates 22, such as lint and pet hair, can include a static charge. This static charge tends to cause these foreign particulates to adhere to the clothing items 78. The use of the fluid 20 emitted by the fluid emitting features 18 can dislodge these foreign particulates 22 from the clothing items by removing the static charge, pushing them off from the clothing items 78, saturating them, and combinations thereof, as is described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, it is further contemplated that the fluid emitting feature 18 can include a plurality of fluid supply conduits 76. For example, the fluid emitting feature 18 can include a plurality of fluid supply conduits 76, wherein each fluid supply conduit 76 can supply the same fluid 20 or a different fluid 20. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid emitting feature 18 can include a plurality of fluid emitting nozzles 74 coupled to at least one fluid emitting feature body 72. The fluid 20 supplied by the fluid supply conduits 76 can be in the form of various fluids and/or various gasses and combination thereof. Each of the fluid supply conduits 76 can be attached to a dedicated reservoir of the fluid container 110. Additionally, each of the fluid supply conduits 76 is also coupled to a fluid pump that operates to direct the fluid from the respective reservoir and to the fluid emitting feature 18 via the respective fluid supply conduit 76. It is also contemplated that the dedicated reservoirs can be pressurized or can operate according to gravity such that the fluid 20 can be delivered via operation of a valve.

Referring further to FIG. 2, the fluid emitting feature 18 is configured to dispense the fluid 20 into the laundry cavity 58 and/or onto the plurality of clothing items 78 via the fluid emitting nozzle 74. The fluid 20 dispensed by the fluid emitting feature 18 may include, but is not limited to, an anti-static spray, a mixture of water and vinegar, an air mixture, and/or a mixture of various combinations and permutations of these components. For example, the fluid emitting feature 18 can be supplied with the fluid 20 in the form of an anti-static spray via the fluid supply conduit 76, and the fluid emitting feature 18 can include the fluid emitting nozzle 74 to disperse the anti-static spray into the laundry cavity 58. This anti-static spray can be dispensed in various forms, such as an anti-static mist, streams of the anti-static fluid 20, an anti-static steam and combinations thereof. Where steam is used, the steam can be generated through the use of a heating element, or can be generated through a differential in dew points and humidity levels present within the drum 16 of the laundry appliance 10. It is also contemplated that the fluid 20 can be a pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized air, a pressurized mixture of air and fluid, or any one or more of the components described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, it is generally contemplated that the fluid 20 can be dispensed at a direction, or upon a selected instruction, of a user from the fluid emitting feature 18. For example, a user may actuate an interactive portion 100 disposed on a user interface 102 of the laundry appliance 10. The actuation of the interactive portion 100 can initiate the operation of the fluid emitting nozzle 74 to disperse the fluid 20 during a particular laundry cycle. By way of example, not limitation, the interactive portion 100 is in communication with a controller 104. The interactive portion 100 and the controller 104 are configured to selectively initiate the operation of the fluid emitting feature 18. Stated differently, the user can manually actuate the fluid emitting feature 18 by interacting with the interactive portion 100 of the user interface 102 to initiate the activation of the fluid emitting feature 18 via the controller 104.

In yet other configurations, the fluid 20 can be automatically dispensed from the fluid emitting feature 18. For example, the fluid 20 can be dispensed automatically out of the fluid emitting nozzle 74 during a particular laundry cycle routine that is pre-set or configured within the controller 104. It is contemplated that the laundry cycle routine may be configured to activate the fluid emitting feature 18 before, during, and/or after a drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10. Again, this can be part of a pre-defined sequence of a particular laundry cycle, or can be an optionally selected feature that can be added to an adjustable laundry cycle.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the fluid 20 can be dispensed continuously and/or intermittently before, during, and/or after a drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10. For example, the fluid 20 can be an air mixture dispensed by a plurality of the fluid emitting nozzles 74 as bursts of the air mixture during the drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10. In this configuration, the bursts of fluid 20 in the form of air can be a series of pulsating bursts of air that are configured to the detach foreign particulates 22 from clothing items 78 to the airflow path and subsequently to be collected on the foreign particulate filter 24. Typically, the pulsating bursts of air are distributed from the fluid emitting nozzles 74 and are directed toward the foreign particulate filter 24. In certain aspects of the device, one or more of the fluid emitting nozzles 74 can be oriented to direct the bursts of air in alternative directions through the drum 16 that can be away from or parallel with the foreign particulate filter 24. Additionally or alternatively, the bursts of air can be dispensed intermittently or continuously and can be dispensed automatically before, during, and/or after a drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10. It is generally contemplated that the bursts of air may emit with the aid of additional components, such as a supplemental blower and/or a check valve. It is also contemplated that the fluid emitting nozzles 74 may be activated via a command from the controller 104 to initiate the laundry cycle routine. The air mixture dispensed by the fluid emitting nozzles 74 can include a temperature that is the same or different than that of the process air being directed through the airflow path of the appliance 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the laundry appliance 10 includes a fluid container 110 that can be disposed within the cabinet 12 of the laundry appliance 10 and/or within a machine compartment defined within the cabinet 12 or can be within a pedestal 112 on which the cabinet 12 is disposed. The fluid container 110 is configured to store the fluid 20 for dispersion by the fluid emitting feature 18. In operation, the fluid container 110 supplies the stored fluid 20, such one or more liquids and/or compressed air, to the fluid emitting feature 18 via the fluid supply conduit 76, which can be coupled to the fluid container 110 and the fluid emitting feature 18. In some configurations, a user can refill the fluid container 110, upon dissipation or depletion of the stored fluid 20, with additional fluid 20 by manually adding the fluid 20 via an access point 114 coupled to the fluid container 110. Alternatively, the fluid container 110 can be removed and replaced with another pre-filled fluid container 110.

In certain aspects of the device, the laundry appliance 10 can include a plurality of reservoirs that can be contained within a single fluid container 110, or within a plurality of dedicated fluid containers 110, with different fluids 20 that may have differing storage volumes depending on the identity of the particular dedicated fluid 20. In these aspects of the device that include the use of a plurality of dedicated fluids 20, each reservoir or fluid container 110 can include a dedicated fluid supply conduit 76 that allow for each of the dedicated fluids 20 to be delivered to the drum 16. For example, the laundry appliance 10 can include a fluid container 110 of a first size with a stored anti-static solution and an additional fluid container 110 of a second lesser size that contains a water-vinegar mixture. Anotherfluid container 110 or a portion of the fluid container 110 can include a reservoir of compressed air or other gas. Additionally or alternatively, the laundry appliance 10 can include a plurality of fluid containers 110 that contain frequently used solutions. It is generally contemplated that the fluid container 110 can be coupled to a plurality of fluid supply conduits 76, such that the fluid container 110 may supply a plurality of fluid emitting features 18 with the fluid 20. It is also generally contemplated that the fluid container 110 may operably receive the fluid 20 and/or a packet containing the fluid 20.

It is contemplated that where multiple fluids 20 are stored within the fluid container 110, the use of the various fluids 20 can be sequenced to achieve effective dislodging, movement and capture of the foreign particulates 22 within the foreign particulate filter 24. By way of example and not limitation, the fluid emitting feature 18 can initially dispense a liquid solution that can diminish or eliminate a static charge within the 22. Subsequently, the fluid emitting feature 18 can dispense streams of air or an air mixture that can further dislodge and direct the foreign particulate 22 into the foreign particulate filter 24. Other sequences of the fluids 20 contained within the fluid container 110 are also contemplated, as is described herein. In certain aspects of the device, the various fluid emitting nozzles 74 of the fluid emitting feature 18 can be configured to direct the liquids, mists, steam and/or gasses in a particular sequence to achieve the release and capture of the foreign particulates 22. It is also contemplated that only one of the fluids described herein can be used during a particular laundry cycle. It is further contemplated that different laundry cycles can call for different types of fluids and different combinations and sequences of fluids to be distributed by the fluid emitting nozzles 74. These selections can also be customized at the direction of the user.

In certain aspects of the device, the fluid container 110 can be located near the fluid emitting nozzles 74. This location may be similar to a laundry chemistry receptacle that is used for holding and dispensing laundry chemistries such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach and other similar laundry chemistries. It is also contemplated that the fluid container 110 may be in a different location than that of the laundry chemistry receptacle.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the interactive portion 100 can include a control knob, buttons, and/or a touch screen. The interactive portion 100 can also include microphones, speakers, wireless communicating devices and other non-tactile interface mechanisms. The interactive portions 100 are communicatively coupled with a controller 104 that is configured to cooperate and interact with various laundry cycle algorithms. The laundry cycle algorithms may include, but are not limited to, time cycles, wrinkle-release cycles, foreign particulate removal cycles, and/or fluid emitting cycles. The controller 104 can also be communicatively coupled to the fluid emitting feature 18, such that a user may actuate the fluid emitting feature 18 by actuating the interactive portion 100 in communication with the controller 104. Using the interactive portion 100 of the user interface 102, the laundry cycle algorithms can be adjusted and customized to cater to the preferences of the user.

The laundry appliance 10 of the present disclosure provides a variety of advantages. The fluid emitting feature 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, can assist in maximizing removal of foreign particulates 22 from the clothing items 78 disposed within the drum 16. For example, the fluid 20 can contact the foreign particulates 22 in the drum 16 upon being dispensed by the fluid emitting feature 18. The contact between the fluid 20 and the foreign particulates 22 creates a force sufficient to direct the foreign particulates 22 away from the clothing items 78, toward the process air, and ultimately, to the foreign particulate filter 24 disposed within the housing 70. For example, the fluid 20 can be an anti-static solution that, upon dissipation, contacts and removes a naturally occurring static charge present on the foreign particulates 22, such as pet hair 22, within the drum 16 of the laundry appliance 10. In this embodiment, the reduction in static charge assists in decoupling the pet hair 22 from the clothing items 78 within the drum 16, and subsequently directs the pet hair 22 towards the foreign particulate filter 24.

In another example, the fluid 20 can be an air-water mixture that, upon dissipation, contacts and couples to pet hair 22 in the drum 16. The coupling of the air-water mixture can cause the foreign particulate 22, typically in the form of pet hair, to increase in weight and decouple from the clothing items 78 in the drum 16. The decoupled pet hair 22 can then be collected on the foreign particulate filter 24 disposed within the housing 70. The fluid emitting feature 18 can also allow for additional treatment of the clothing items 78 during the drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10 via the dispensed fluid 20. For example, where the fluid 20 dispensed is a color-treatment solution, a floral solution, or an anti-odor solution, the clothing items 78 will undergo additional treatment associated with the properties of the dispensed fluid 20.

Additionally, or alternatively, as the clothing items 78 are being dried within the drum 16, various combinations and permutations of the fluids 20 contained within the fluid container 110 can be dispensed to achieve desired levels of static elimination, removal of foreign particulate 22 from clothing items 78 and capturing of the foreign particulate 22. Also, as a drying cycle progresses, the clothing items 78 become progressively less damp. As this occurs, different fluids 20 can be used to remove the foreign particulates 22 from the articles being processed.

In operation of an exemplary embodiment of the laundry appliance 10, the laundry appliance 10 may initially be in a non-use condition. A user desiring to use the laundry appliance 10 to dry clothing items 78 and remove pet hair 22 can first approach the laundry appliance 10 and open the door 50 of the laundry appliance 10. The opened door 50 will then grant the user access to the drum 16 via the opening 14. The user can then dispose the clothing items 78 into the drum 16. The user can then actuate a drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10 by actuating an interactive portion 100 on the user interface 102, such as the control knob. The controller 104 can then initiate a drying cycle of the laundry appliance 10 in response to the actuation of the control knob.

The controller 104, via a pre-programmed laundry cycle or via a laundry cycle selection of the user, can direct a plurality of fluid emitting features 18 to dispense an anti-static solution configured to remove a static charge from pet hair 22 at the beginning of the drying cycle. Because the clothing items 78 are damp, the anti-static fluid 20 can be more efficiently distributed through the clothing items 78. Additionally, the drum 16 can be operated so that the clothing items are tumbled and rearranged within the drum 16. This rearrangement of the clothing items can provide for a greater infiltration of the fluid 20 with the clothing items 78 and the foreign particulate 22. Next, the controller 104 can direct a plurality of fluid emitting nozzles 74 that are dedicated for emitting air to define air emitting nozzles. The controller 104 directs the air emitting nozzles of the fluid emitting nozzles 74 to emit the bursts or streams of gas, such as air, that contact and decouple the pet hair 22 from the clothing items 78 and subsequently direct the pet hair 22 towards the foreign particulate filter 24. Typically, the use of the fluid emitting nozzles 74 that are dedicated to emitting air will be conducted as the clothing items 78 become less damp to minimize surface adhesion and so that the foreign particulate 22 can more freely be removed from the surfaces of the clothing items. The controller 104, via the programmed algorithm, can then perform the drying cycle. Upon completion of the drying cycle, the laundry appliance 10 typically notifies the user that the drying cycle is complete. The user can then remove the clothing items 78 from the drum 16 of the laundry appliance 10. The user can then lift the foreign particulate filter 24 from the housing 70 and remove the pet hair 22 from the foreign particulate filter 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, having described various aspects of the fluid emitting feature 18, a method 400 is disclosed for removing foreign particulate 22 from clothing items in a drying appliance. According to the method 400, a step 402 includes activating a drying cycle. Step 404 includes initiating a particulate removal routine as an initial phase of the selected drying cycle. Step 406 includes delivering an anti-static solution to the drum 16, wherein the anti-static solution penetrates the clothing items and the foreign particulate 22 to mitigate or eliminate the presence of electrostatic charges within the clothing items being processed. Step 408 includes activating the air operated fluid emitting nozzles 74 to dislodge at least a portion of the foreign particulate 22 from the clothing items. Step 410 includes initiating the drying cycle. Step 412 includes activating the air operated fluid emitting nozzles 74 during the drying cycle to intermittently dislodge additional amounts of the foreign particulate 22. Step 414 incudes completing the drying cycle. Step 416 includes removing the captured foreign particulate 22 from the foreign particulate filter 24.

The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening. A rotating drum is accessible via the opening and operably coupled to the cabinet. A fluid emitting feature is proximate the rotating drum. The fluid emitting feature is configured to dispense a fluid into the rotating drum. The fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the rotating drum. A housing is proximate the rotating drum and includes a foreign particulate filter configured to collect the foreign particulates. The fluid and rotation of the rotating drum direct the foreign particulates toward the foreign particulate filter.

According to another aspect, a fluid container is disposed within the cabinet. The fluid is delivered into the rotating drum via the fluid emitting feature.

According to yet another aspect, a fluid supply conduit extends between the fluid container and the fluid emitting feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is communicatively coupled to the fluid emitting feature. The controller is configured to actuate the fluid emitting feature.

According to another aspect, the controller activates the fluid emitting feature to deliver the fluid at an initial phase of a selected drying cycle.

According to yet another aspect, the fluid container includes a plurality of reservoirs that each contain a dedicated fluid. The plurality of reservoirs each include a dedicated fluid supply conduit that is in communication with the fluid emitting feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid includes at least one of gas and an anti-static solution.

According to another aspect, the anti-static solution is a water-vinegar mixture.

According to yet another aspect, operation of the fluid emitting feature occurs within a pre-programmed laundry cycle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid emitting feature is activated upon selection through an interactive portion of a user interface.

According to another aspect, the fluid emitting feature includes an air emitting nozzle that directs bursts of gas into the rotating drum. The bursts of gas are configured to dislodge the foreign particulates from clothing items contained within the rotating drum.

According to yet another aspect, the bursts of gas are generally directed toward the foreign particulate filter for capturing foreign particulates.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the gas and the anti-static solution are delivered into the rotating drum via dedicated nozzles. The anti-static solution is dispensed into the rotating drum before the gas is dispensed into the rotating drum.

According to another aspect, the anti-static solution and the gas are delivered simultaneously as an anti-static mist.

According to yet another aspect, the anti-static solution is delivered to the rotating drum as steam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing foreign particulates from clothing items in a drying appliance includes activating a drying cycle. A particulate removal routine is initiated as an initial phase of the drying cycle. An anti-static solution is delivered to a drum. Bursts of air are directed into the drum to dislodge the foreign particulates for the clothing items. A remainder of the drying cycle is initiated. Air emitting nozzles are activated during the drying cycle to intermittently dislodge additional amounts of the foreign particulates. The drying cycle is completed. The captured foreign particulates are removed from a foreign particulate filter.

According to another aspect, the anti-static solution is a solution of water and vinegar.

According to yet another aspect, the anti-static solution is delivered to the drum as steam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a particulate removal system for a laundry appliance includes a rotating drum that processes clothing items. A fluid emitting feature is positioned to direct a fluid into the drum. The fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the drum. An air emitting nozzle of the fluid emitting feature is configured to direct bursts of gas into the drum. A foreign particulate filter is configured to collect the foreign particulates. The air emitting nozzle is positioned to direct the bursts of air toward the foreign particulate filter.

According to another aspect, the fluid emitting feature is activated as an initial phase of a drying cycle to mitigate the presence of electrostatic charges during the drying cycle.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A laundry appliance, comprising: a cabinet that defines an opening;a rotating drum accessible via the opening and operably coupled to the cabinet;a fluid emitting feature proximate the rotating drum, wherein the fluid emitting feature is configured to dispense a fluid into the rotating drum, and wherein the fluid is configured to contact foreign particulates in the rotating drum; anda housing proximate the rotating drum and including a foreign particulate filter configured to collect the foreign particulates, wherein the fluid and rotation of the rotating drum direct the foreign particulates toward the foreign particulate filter.

2. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a fluid container disposed within the cabinet, wherein the fluid is delivered into the rotating drum via the fluid emitting feature.

3. The laundry appliance of claim 2, further comprising: a fluid supply conduit that extends between the fluid container and the fluid emitting feature.

4. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a controller communicatively coupled to the fluid emitting feature, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the fluid emitting feature.

5. The laundry appliance of claim 4, wherein the controller activates the fluid emitting feature to deliver the fluid at an initial phase of a selected drying cycle.

6. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the fluid container includes a plurality of reservoirs that each contain a dedicated fluid, and wherein the plurality of reservoirs each include a dedicated fluid supply conduit that is in communication with the fluid emitting feature.

7. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes at least one of gas and an anti-static solution.

8. The laundry appliance of claim 7, wherein the anti-static solution is a water-vinegar mixture.

9. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein operation of the fluid emitting feature occurs within a pre-programmed laundry cycle.

10. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid emitting feature is activated upon selection through an interactive portion of a user interface.

11. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid emitting feature includes an air emitting nozzle that directs bursts of gas into the rotating drum, wherein the bursts of gas are configured to dislodge the foreign particulates from clothing items contained within the rotating drum.

12. The laundry appliance of claim 11, wherein the bursts of gas are generally directed toward the foreign particulate filter for capturing foreign particulates.

13. The laundry appliance of claim 7, wherein the gas and the anti-static solution are delivered into the rotating drum via dedicated nozzles, and wherein the anti-static solution is dispensed into the rotating drum before the gas is dispensed into the rotating drum.

14. The laundry appliance of claim 7, wherein the anti-static solution and the gas are delivered simultaneously as an anti-static mist.

15. The laundry appliance of claim 7, wherein the anti-static solution is delivered to the rotating drum as steam.

16. A method for removing foreign particulates from clothing items in a drying appliance, the method comprising steps of: activating a drying cycle;initiating a particulate removal routine as an initial phase of the drying cycle;delivering an anti-static solution to a drum;directing bursts of air into the drum to dislodge the foreign particulates for the clothing items;initiating a remainder of the drying cycle;activating air emitting nozzles during the drying cycle to intermittently dislodge additional amounts of the foreign particulates;completing the drying cycle; andremoving the captured foreign particulates from a foreign particulate filter.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the anti-static solution is a solution of water and vinegar.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the anti-static solution is delivered to the drum as steam.

19. A particulate removal system for a laundry appliance, the particulate removal system comprising: a rotating drum that processes clothing items;a fluid emitting feature positioned to direct a fluid into the drum, wherein the fluid isconfigured to contact foreign particulates in the drum;an air emitting nozzle of the fluid emitting feature that is configured to direct bursts ofgas into the drum; anda foreign particulate filter configured to collect the foreign particulates, wherein the air emitting nozzle is positioned to direct the bursts of air toward the foreign particulate filter.

20. The laundry appliance of claim 19, further comprising: wherein the fluid emitting feature is activated as an initial phase of a drying cycle to mitigate the presence of electrostatic charges during the drying cycle.