LAUNDRY SANITIZATION SYSTEM THAT UTILIZES A HEMISPHERIC ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER IN COMBINATION WITH AGITATING WASH SYSTEMS

Abstract

A laundry appliance includes a drum that rotationally operates within a tub. The drum defines a processing space for treating articles. A fluid delivery system selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate a base of the drum. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space. The waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles. The micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to appliances, and more specifically, to laundry appliances that include an ultrasonic transducer having a generally hemispheric shape for providing a three-dimensional pattern of ultrasonic waves for treating laundry in combination with laundry agitating systems to treat articles within a processing space.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum that rotationally operates within a tub. The drum defines a processing space for treating articles. A fluid delivery system selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate a base of the drum. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space. The waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles. The micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum assembly that rotationally operates within a tub. The drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket. The drum assembly defines a processing space for treating articles. A fluid delivery system selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate the base of the rotating perforated basket. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively removable from the processing space. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space. The waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles. The micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning appliance includes a tub that is disposed within a structural cabinet. The tub defines a processing space. A drum assembly rotationally operates within the tub. The drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket. A sanitizing mechanism includes an ultrasonic transducer that is selectively disposed within a receiver of the drum assembly. The ultrasonic transducer selectively delivers waves of an ultrasonic frequency into an amount of the wash fluid disposed within the processing space. The waves of the ultrasonic frequency generate air bubbles and cause cavitation of the air bubbles that directs a micro jet of air through the wash fluid and into articles being processed within the processing space. The sanitizing mechanism is selectively removable from the receiver defined within the impeller.

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 top perspective view of a washing appliance that includes an aspect of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer positioned within a processing space of a drum for the appliance;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a drum for a laundry appliance that shows the positioning of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer within a lower portion of the drum;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an aspect of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating generation and cavitation of air bubbles that are generated through the various aspects of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating performance of a laundry cycle that includes at least one sanitization cycle utilizing the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating operation of a rotating drum in conjunction with the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer during a sanitization cycle of a laundry appliance;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a drum for a laundry appliance that incorporates an aspect of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer within an outer wall of the drum;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a laundry appliance that incorporates an aspect of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer within a lid for the appliance, where the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer can be hung from the lid and positioned within a lower portion of the drum; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a front-load laundry appliance that incorporates an aspect of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer within a surface of the door for the front-load 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 laundry appliance that incorporates a hemispheric ultrasonic transducer for generating waves of ultrasonic frequency that are directed in a generally radiating hemispheric pattern throughout a processing space for the laundry appliance to provide a sanitization function that can be used in isolation or in combination with other cleaning functions of the 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 refer to 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 preceded 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 now to FIGS. 1-10, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a sanitizing mechanism for an appliance 12, typically a laundry appliance 12 or other cleaning appliance, where the sanitizing mechanism 10 includes an ultrasonic transducer 14 having a generally hemispheric shape for directing waves 16 of an ultrasonic frequency throughout a processing space 18 of a drum 20 in a generally outward and radiating pattern 22. The waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency radiate from the ultrasonic transducer 14 in a wide range of directions to achieve interaction with wash fluid 24 and articles 26 being treated within a processing space 18 of the drum 20. The sanitizing mechanism 10, in certain aspects, also utilizes various mechanical agitation features of the appliance 12, as will be described more fully herein.

According to various aspects of the device, the laundry appliance 12 includes the drum 20 that rotationally operates within a tub 28, wherein the drum 20 and tub 28 are set within an outer structural cabinet 42. The drum 20 defines the processing space 18 treating articles 26 that are placed within the drum 20. A fluid delivery system 30 operates to deliver wash fluid 24 into the processing space 18. This wash fluid 24 is typically disposed within the tub 28 and within the drum 20. The drum 20 includes a perforated wall 32 that allows wash fluid 24 to traverse between the processing space 18 inside the drum 20 and an interstitial space 34 that resides between the tub 28 and the drum 20. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 is positioned proximate a base 36 of the drum 20. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 selectively directs waves 16 of an ultrasonic frequency and a hemispheric radiating pattern 22 throughout the processing space 18. The waves 16 generated by the transducer generate air bubbles 38 within the wash fluid 24. The waves 16 generated by the transducer cause the air bubbles 38 to cavitate or implode. This cavitation releases micro air jets 40 that are directed in various directions. Because the wash fluid 24 is intermingled with the articles 26, these micro air jets 40 are directed into the articles 26 to provide a sanitization function of the appliance 12. In this manner, the micro air jets 40 act on the articles 26 to loosen and remove dirt and other soil from the articles 26. Additionally, because the ultrasonic transducer 14 is in the shape of a generally hemispheric member or potentially spherical member, the waves 16 generated by the ultrasonic transducer 14 radiate outward in a plurality of directions. Through this configuration, interaction between the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency and the articles 26 can be achieved in all directions surrounding the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14.

As noted herein, the ultrasonic transducer 14 has a generally hemispheric shape. It should be understood that the ultrasonic transducer 14 can also have a generally spherical shape, polygonal shape, or other shape that provides for the radiation of waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency to be directed from the ultrasonic transducer 14 in a wide range of radiating patterns 22 throughout the three-dimensional area of the processing space 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in various aspects of the device, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be positioned on an upper portion 60 of a rotator 62, such as an impeller 64, that rotationally operates with respect to the drum 20 and the tub 28. During operation of the laundry appliance 12, the fluid delivery system 30 disposes wash fluid 24 within the tub 28 and the drum 20. During a sanitization cycle 80 of the laundry appliance 12, the drum 20 is typically filled to a level of wash fluid 24 that submerges the ultrasonic transducer 14 within the wash fluid 24. Through this configuration, the wash fluid 24 serves as a medium through which the waves 16 of the ultrasonic frequency are carried through the wash fluid 24 and through the articles 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, during operation of a sanitization cycle 80, the ultrasonic transducer 14 activates and waves 16 of the ultrasonic frequency are directed in a hemispheric radiating pattern 22. Wash fluid 24 surrounding the ultrasonic transducer 14 is acted upon by the waves 16 to generate air bubbles 38 and also cavitate or implode these air bubbles 38 to generate the micro air jets 40. Because articles 26 of clothing are positioned in the wash fluid 24 and also positioned near the ultrasonic transducer 14, these micro air jets 40 are directed toward the articles 26 of clothing for releasing dirt, soil, and other foreign materials. A rotator 62, such as an impeller 64 or an agitator, can also operate during the sanitization cycle 80. In certain aspects of the device, the drum 20 and the impeller 64 or the drum 20 and the agitator can cooperatively define a drum assembly 50 that rotationally operates within the tub 28. In addition the drum 20 can include a rotating perforated basket 52 that defines or partially defines the processing space 18.

During operation of the ultrasonic transducer 14, the rotator 62 also operates to rearrange the articles 26, such as clothing, within the processing space 18. This rearrangement of the articles 26 places different portions of the articles 26 in proximity with the ultrasonic transducer 14 during the sanitization cycle 80. By using the rotator 62, which rotates within the drum 20, a sanitization cycle 80 can perform a sanitization function that acts upon surfaces of a vast majority of the articles 26 contained within the processing space 18. Additionally, the hemispheric configuration of the ultrasonic transducer 14 allows the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency to act upon articles 26 that are positioned below, adjacent to, or above the ultrasonic transducer 14. Accordingly, rearrangement of the articles 26 in relation to the ultrasonic transducer 14 provides for greater coverage and interaction between the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency and the articles 26 within the processing space 18.

According to various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-3, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be coupled to the impeller 64, typically at the top of the impeller 64, in a detachable fashion. Accordingly, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be a detachable member or module that can be removed from the impeller 64 when not in use. When a user has no need of a sanitization cycle 80, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be separated from the impeller 64 and removed from the processing space 18. When a sanitization cycle 80 is desired, the user can attach the ultrasonic transducer 14 to the impeller 64 so that the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be activated for operating the sanitization function. The ultrasonic transducer 14 can be a separate module that is attached to the impeller 64. In such an aspect of the device, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can attach to a receiver 70. Such a receiver 70 is attached to a portion of the drum 20, the impeller 64, or both. Using the receiver 70, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be selectively detached and reattached for providing the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency to the processing space 18. Also, the receiver 70 selectively positions the ultrasonic transducer 14 relative to the processing space 18. The receiver 70 can be attached to or incorporated within the impeller 64, a wall 72 of the rotating perforated basket 52 that defines the drum 20, or combinations thereof. Again, the receiver 70 selectively positions the ultrasonic transducer 14 relative to the processing space 18. In particular, the receiver 70 can be positioned at a top 74 of the impeller 64 or can be positioned near a base 36 of the drum 20 and within the wall 72 of the rotating perforated basket 52 that defines the drum 20.

Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be incorporated within a removable impeller 64, removable agitator, or other similar configuration of the rotator 62 that can be manipulated and configured depending upon the needs of the user for a particular washing function. Typically, the ultrasonic transducer 14 will be removable from the impeller 64 or agitator such that a portion of the rotator 62 is continually disposed within the processing space 18 of the drum 20.

According to aspects of the device that include an ultrasonic transducer 14 that is selectively separable from the rotator 62, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be a rechargeable member or a battery-powered member. In this member, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can include a rechargeable battery 90 or other portable power source, such as a battery 90. Using this rechargeable battery 90, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be coupled with a recharging station 92 external to the processing space 18. Such a recharging station 92 can be incorporated within the appliance 12 or separate from the appliance 12 to allow for recharging of the batteries for the ultrasonic transducer 14. When needed, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be separated from the recharging station 92 and attached to the rotator 62 for use during a sanitization cycle 80 of the appliance 12. In certain aspects of the device, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can also draw electrical power directly from the appliance 12 during use.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, the sanitization phase of the laundry appliance 12 can occur within one or more portions of a laundry cycle 100. Additionally, the sanitization cycle 80 can occur as a standalone cycle that can be selected by the user for independent operation. In these various configurations of the sanitization cycle 80, it is contemplated that the sanitization cycle 80 occurs in conjunction with a generally slow rotation of the rotator 62 that leads to a rearrangement of articles 26 within the processing space 18. The speed of rotation of the rotator 62 are typically sufficient to rearrange the articles 26 within the processing space 18. In certain aspects of the device, the drum 20 may also rotate with the rotator 62. The rotation of the drum 20 is also slow enough to prevent the generation of centrifugal force that may cause the articles 26 to move in an outward direction toward the outer perforated wall 32 of the drum 20 and away from the ultrasonic transducer 14. Accordingly, where used, the drum 20 rotates in a manner that allows for the drum 20 and the rotator 62 to operate in combination to rearrange the articles 26 within the processing space 18, while remaining in close proximity to the ultrasonic transducer 14. Typically, the sanitization cycle 80 will include rotational operation of the rotator 62 while the drum 20 remains generally stationary with respect to the tub 28.

Operation of the impeller 64 can also operate at various speeds and in various directions to maximize the rearrangement of articles 26 relative to the ultrasonic transducer 14. In addition, where the rotator 62 and the drum 20 both operate, the drum 20 may rotate in the same direction as the rotator 62 or in an opposite rotational direction of the rotator 62. It is also contemplated that the drum 20 and the rotator 62 can operate at the same or differing speeds as well as the same or differing directions to achieve the desired rearrangement of articles 26 within the processing space 18.

Referring to FIG. 7, operation of the rotator 62 can be in an intermittent fashion where the rotator 62 rotates in quick bursts for a short period of time to allow for the rearrangement of articles 26 within the processing space 18.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, it is contemplated that the sanitization cycle 80 of the laundry appliance 12 can occur at particular periods within a laundry cycle 100. Typically, to achieve a high degree of sanitization, the sanitization cycle 80 can be preceded by a draining of soiled wash fluid 24 and filling of fresh wash fluid 24. This can occur after an agitating phase of a laundry cycle 100. This sequence allows for wash fluid 24 to be replaced before initiation of the sanitization cycle 80. Additionally, at the conclusion of each sanitization cycle 80, additional wash fluid 24 can be added to assist in removing detergent and other chemistries from the articles 26 being processed. The wash fluid 24 can then be drained from the processing space 18. The draining of the wash fluid 24 can be accomplished through force of gravity, activation of a fluid pump, an extraction phase 112 that rotates the drum 20 at a high rate of speed to extract the wash fluid 24 and contaminants from the processing space 18, combinations thereof, and other similar processes and mechanisms. In certain aspects of the device the wash fluid 24 can be in the form of heated wash fluid that is used during the sanitization phase 80 of the wash cycle.

As exemplified in FIG. 6, the sanitization cycle 80 is typically followed by a rinse phase of a wash cycle or a rinse and drain cycle 110 where contaminants and impurities that have been removed from the articles 26 can be delivered from the processing space 18 and drained from the appliance 12. It is also contemplated that a particular laundry cycle 100 can include multiple sanitization cycles 80. These sanitization cycles 80 can be sequenced depending upon the degree of soil and other impurities that need to be removed from the articles 26. Accordingly, a higher degree of sanitization may require additional individual sanitization cycles 80 to be performed during a particular laundry cycle 100.

As discussed herein, each of the sanitization cycles 80 occurs when the ultrasonic transducer 14 is submerged within the wash fluid 24 delivered into the processing space 18. Accordingly, as discussed herein, the wash fluid 24 serves as the media through which the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency are carried for generating the air bubbles 38 and cavitating the air bubbles 38 for creating the micro air jets 40 that sanitize the articles 26.

According to various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 8-10, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducers 14 can be positioned in various locations of an appliance 12. In certain aspects, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducers 14 can be positioned on a perforated wall 32 of the drum 20, as shown in FIG. 8. During operation of the rotator 62, and, where applicable, the drum 20, various articles 26 can be manipulated throughout the processing space 18. As these articles 26 are rearranged within the drum 20, they may come into contact with the ultrasonic transducers 14 positioned on the perforated wall 32 of the drum 20.

As exemplified in FIG. 9, the ultrasonic transducer 14 may be attached to a lid 120 for a vertical-axis appliance 124. The ultrasonic transducer 14 may be attached to a transducer housing 150 that is integrated within or attached to the lid 120. A cable 122 or other linkage can extend from the transducer housing 150 to allow the ultrasonic transducer 14 to be hung from the lid 120 and to be positioned within a base 36 of the drum 20. In this position, as described herein, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be submerged in the wash fluid 24 disposed within the base 36 of the drum 20. Positioning of the ultrasonic transducer 14 in this fashion is typically used in a standalone operation where the ultrasonic transducer 14 is used by itself and the drum 20 either does not rotate or rotates very minimally. Such a cycle can be used for sanitizing laundry and non-laundry articles 26, such as clothing, jewelry, utensils, and other accessories.

As exemplified in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can also be positioned on a surface of a door 130 for a horizontal-axis appliance 132. In such an aspect of the device, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 can be attached to the door 130 via a transducer housing 150. The cable 122 or other linkage can extend between the transducer housing 150 and the ultrasonic transducer 14 to extend into the processing space 18 for sanitizing items while the drum 20 remains stationary. Typically, the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be positioned within a lower portion of the drum 20 to be submerged within the wash fluid 24. The ultrasonic transducer 14 on the door 130 of the horizontal-axis appliance 132 can also be positioned relatively low within the processing space 18 to allow for the wash fluid 24 to submerge the ultrasonic transducer 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer 14 is attached to the transducer housing 150 via a cable 122 or other linkage, the cable 122 and the ultrasonic transducer 14 can be retracted into the transducer housing 150 or can be removed therefrom when not in use. When needed, a user can extend the cable 122 and the ultrasonic transducer 14 from the transducer housing 150 (or attach these components to the transducer housing 150) for positioning the ultrasonic transducer 14 to be submerged within the wash fluid 24. In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the transducer housing 150, the cable 122 and the ultrasonic transducer 14 can all be selectively removed and reattached to the lid 120 for a vertical-axis appliance 124 or the door 130 of a horizontal-axis appliance 132. In such embodiments, the lid 120 and the door 130 can include a receptacle for receiving the transducer housing 150.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, in certain aspects of the device, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 can include an outer cover 140 with a plurality of transducer units 142 incorporated within or disposed within the cover. During operation of the sanitization cycle 80, the various transducer units 142 can be activated such that the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency can be directed in a wide range of directions from the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14. Additionally, the various transducer units 142 can also be incorporated within the surface of the outer cover 140 for the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14. Other transducer configurations for the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 are also contemplated. In each of these configurations, the design of the various transducer units 142 are intended to generate the three-dimensional pattern of waves 16 of the ultrasonic frequency that can be delivered into the processing space 18.

According to the various aspects of the device, use of a hemispheric ultrasonic transducer 14 provides for sanitization functions in a wide range of directions. The ultrasonic transducer 14 can be operated to direct these waves 16 both laterally, vertically, diagonally and all directions in between for radiating pattern 22 of the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency throughout the processing space 18. Additionally, by submerging the ultrasonic transducer 14 within the wash fluid 24 and allowing the articles 26 to move over and around the ultrasonic transducer 14, a maximum amount of interaction between the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency and the articles 26 can be achieved. By maximizing the interaction between the waves 16 of ultrasonic frequency and the articles 26, greater amounts of sanitization can occur with respect to the surfaces of the articles 26 being treated.

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 an aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum that rotationally operates within a tub. The drum defines a processing space for treating articles. A fluid delivery system selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate a base of the drum. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space. The waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles. The micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively detachable from a receiver. The receiver selectively positions the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer relative to the processing space.

According to another aspect, the receiver is defined within a top of an impeller that rotates proximate a base of the drum. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively positioned within the receiver on the top of the impeller and operation of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer occurs when submerged in the wash fluid.

According to another aspect, the receiver is disposed within a wall of the drum. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the receiver and proximate a base of the drum.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is activated during a sanitization phase of a wash cycle. The sanitization phase is characterized by a rotational operation of at least one of the drum and a rotator.

According to another aspect, the wash fluid used during the sanitization phase of the wash cycle is heated wash fluid.

According to another aspect, the sanitization phase of the wash cycle occurs after an agitating phase of the wash cycle and before a rinse phase of the wash cycle.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is attached to a lid of a vertical axis washing appliance and is positioned near a base of the drum via a linkage extending between a transducer housing of the lid and the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is attached to a door of a horizontal axis washing appliance and is positioned near a lower portion of the drum via a linkage extending between a transducer housing of the door and the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is one of a rechargeable member and a battery-powered member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum assembly that rotationally operates within a tub. The drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket. The drum assembly defines a processing space for treating articles. A fluid delivery system selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space. A hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate the base of the rotating perforated basket. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively removable from the processing space. The hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space. The waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles. The micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively detachable from a receiver that is attached to at least one of the impeller and a wall of the rotating perforated basket. The receiver selectively positions the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer relative to the processing space.

According to another aspect, the receiver is defined within a top of the impeller, and operation of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer occurs when submerged in the wash fluid.

According to another aspect, the receiver is disposed within the wall of the rotating perforated basket, and the receiver is disposed proximate the base of the drum assembly.

According to another aspect, the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is activated during a sanitization phase of a wash cycle, and the sanitization phase is characterized by a rotational operation of at least one of a drum and a rotator.

According to another aspect, the wash fluid used during the sanitization phase of the wash cycle is heated wash fluid.

According to another aspect, the sanitization phase of the wash cycle occurs after an agitating phase of the wash cycle and before a rinse phase of the wash cycle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning appliance includes a tub that is disposed within a structural cabinet. The tub defines a processing space. A drum assembly rotationally operates within the tub. The drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket. A sanitizing mechanism includes an ultrasonic transducer that is selectively disposed within a receiver of the drum assembly. The ultrasonic transducer selectively delivers waves of an ultrasonic frequency into an amount of the wash fluid disposed within the processing space. The waves of the ultrasonic frequency generate air bubbles and cause cavitation of the air bubbles that directs a micro jet of air through the wash fluid and into articles being processed within the processing space. The sanitizing mechanism is selectively removable from the receiver defined within the impeller.

According to another aspect, the receiver is defined within at least one of a wall of the rotating perforated basket and a top of the impeller. The receiver is positioned to selectively submerge the ultrasonic transducer within the wash fluid during a sanitization phase.

According to another aspect, the ultrasonic transducer is one of a rechargeable member and a battery-powered member.

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 drum that rotationally operates within a tub, wherein the drum defines a processing space for treating articles;a fluid delivery system that selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space;a hemispheric ultrasonic transducer that is positioned proximate a base of the drum, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space;the waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles; andthe micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

2. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively detachable from a receiver, wherein the receiver selectively positions the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer relative to the processing space.

3. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the receiver is defined within a top of an impeller that rotates proximate a base of the drum, and wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively positioned within the receiver on the top of the impeller and operation of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer occurs when submerged in the wash fluid.

4. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the receiver is disposed within a wall of the drum, and wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the receiver and proximate a base of the drum.

5. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is activated during a sanitization phase of a wash cycle, wherein the sanitization phase is characterized by a rotational operation of at least one of the drum and a rotator.

6. The laundry appliance of claim 5, wherein the wash fluid used during the sanitization phase of the wash cycle is heated wash fluid.

7. The laundry appliance of claim 5, wherein the sanitization phase of the wash cycle occurs after an agitating phase of the wash cycle and before a rinse phase of the wash cycle.

8. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is attached to a lid of a vertical axis washing appliance and is positioned near a base of the drum via a linkage extending between a transducer housing of the lid and the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer.

9. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is attached to a door of a horizontal axis washing appliance and is positioned near a lower portion of the drum via a linkage extending between a transducer housing of the door and the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer.

10. The laundry appliance of claim 2, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is one of a rechargeable member and a battery-powered member.

11. A laundry appliance comprising: a drum assembly that rotationally operates within a tub, wherein the drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket, wherein the drum assembly defines a processing space for treating articles;a fluid delivery system that selectively delivers wash fluid into the processing space;a hemispheric ultrasonic transducer that is positioned proximate the base of the rotating perforated basket, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively removable from the processing space;the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer selectively directs waves of an ultrasonic frequency in a hemispheric radiating pattern through the processing space;the waves generate air bubbles within the wash fluid and the waves cause the air bubbles to implode and release micro air jets that are directed into the wash fluid for sanitizing the articles; andthe micro air jets act on the articles to loosen and remove foreign material therefrom.

12. The laundry appliance of claim 11, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is selectively detachable from a receiver that is attached to at least one of the impeller and a wall of the rotating perforated basket, wherein the receiver selectively positions the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer relative to the processing space.

13. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the receiver is defined within a top of the impeller, and wherein operation of the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer occurs when submerged in the wash fluid.

14. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the receiver is disposed within the wall of the rotating perforated basket, and wherein the receiver is disposed proximate the base of the drum assembly.

15. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the hemispheric ultrasonic transducer is activated during a sanitization phase of a wash cycle, wherein the sanitization phase is characterized by a rotational operation of at least one of a drum and a rotator.

16. The laundry appliance of claim 15, wherein the wash fluid used during the sanitization phase of the wash cycle is heated wash fluid.

17. The laundry appliance of claim 15, wherein the sanitization phase of the wash cycle occurs after an agitating phase of the wash cycle and before a rinse phase of the wash cycle.

18. A cleaning appliance comprising: a tub disposed within a structural cabinet, wherein the tub defines a processing space;a fluid delivery system that selectively delivers wash fluid to the processing space;a drum assembly that rotationally operates within the tub, wherein the drum assembly includes a rotating perforated basket and an impeller that is disposed proximate a base of the rotating perforated basket; anda sanitizing mechanism that includes an ultrasonic transducer that is selectively disposed within a receiver of the drum assembly, wherein the ultrasonic transducer selectively delivers waves of an ultrasonic frequency into an amount of the wash fluid disposed within the processing space, the waves of the ultrasonic frequency generating air bubbles and causing cavitation of the air bubbles that directs a micro jet of air through the wash fluid and into articles being processed within the processing space, wherein the sanitizing mechanism is selectively removable from the receiver defined within the impeller.

19. The cleaning appliance of claim 18, wherein the receiver is defined within at least one of a wall of the rotating perforated basket and a top of the impeller, wherein the receiver is positioned to selectively submerge the ultrasonic transducer within the wash fluid during a sanitization phase.

20. The cleaning appliance of claim 19, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is one of a rechargeable member and a battery-powered member.