Patent Application
20240271345
The present disclosure relates to washing or laundry machines.
Washing machines are configured to clean clothes, garments, textiles, or other articles.
A semi-automatic washing machine includes a first tub, a second tub, a tube, and a retractable water supply. The first tub is configured to receive clothing articles for treatment therein. The second tub has a spin drum disposed therein. The spin drum defines an internal space configured to receive clothing articles subsequent to receiving treatment in the first tub. The spin drum is configured to rotate during a spin cycle to remove liquid from the clothing articles via at least one conduit is disposed within the tube. The at least one conduit has a plurality of nozzles extending therefrom and through the tube. The plurality of nozzles is configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzles. The plurality of nozzles is configured to direct the fluid radially outward from the tube to the clothing articles disposed within the internal space to remove detergent from the clothing articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle.
A semi-automatic washing machine includes a first tub, a second tub, a tube, and a conduit. The first tub is configured to receive clothing articles for treatment therein. The second tub has a spin drum disposed therein. The spin drum defines an internal space configured to receive clothing articles subsequent to receiving treatment in the first tub. The spin drum has an external radial surface that defines openings to the internal space. The spin drum is configured to rotate during a spin cycle to remove liquid from the clothing articles via centrifugal force. The conduit is disposed external and adjacent to the spin drum. The conduit has a plurality of nozzles extending therefrom. The plurality of nozzles is configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzles. The plurality of nozzles is configured to direct the fluid through the openings and to the clothing articles disposed within the internal space to remove detergent from the clothing articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.
Referring to
The water may be added to the first tub 12 manually and may need to be drained from the first tub 12 manually once the washing cycle is completed. Alternatively, valves connected to a water source and a drain outlet may be controlled to direct fresh water into the first tub 12 prior to the washing cycle and used water out of the first tub 12 upon completion of the washing cycle. If fresh water and used water are directed into and out of the first tub 12 via valves, the controller may be configured to control such valves automatically upon a user initiating the washing cycle.
The semi-automatic laundry machine 10 includes a second tub 24 having a spin drum 26 disposed therein. The spin drum 26 defines an internal space 28 configured to receive the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles subsequent to receiving treatment during the washing cycle in the first tub 12. A user may manually transfer the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles from the first tub 12 to the internal space 28 upon completion of the washing cycle. The spin drum 26 is then configured to rotate during a spin cycle to remove excess liquid (e.g., water, liquid detergent, etc. retained by the articles after the washing cycle) from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via centrifugal force. An operator may then initiate a spin cycle by engaging the user interface 14. The controller 16 may then be configured to operate a motor 30, which is connected to the spin drum 26, during the spin cycle to rotate the spin drum 26 to remove the excess liquid from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via centrifugal force. The spin drum 26 may be perforated so that the centrifugal force direct excess liquid out of the spin drum 26 and into the second tub 24 where the excess liquid may be routed to a drain.
The controller 16 can include a machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the semi-automatic laundry machine 10. For example, the controller 16 can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 16. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to implement the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID), can be used to control the various components of the semi-automatic laundry machine 10.
The controller 16 can be provided with a memory and a central processing unit (CPU). The memory can be used for storing the control software that can be executed by the CPU in completing a cycle of operation using the semi-automatic laundry machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of treating cycles of operation include: wash, heavy-duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash, which can be selected at the user interface 14. The memory can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of the semi-automatic laundry machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 16. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.
While illustrated as one controller, the controller 16 may be part of a larger control system and may control or be controlled by various other controllers throughout the semi-automatic laundry machine 10. It should therefore be understood that the controller 16 and one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a “controller” that controls various subcomponents or actuators of the semi-automatic laundry machine 10 in response to signals from various subcomponents or sensors of the semi-automatic laundry machine 10 to control various functions. The controller 16 may include the microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), which may be in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media. Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller 16 in controlling the semi-automatic laundry machine 10.
Control logic or functions performed by the controller 16 may be represented by flow charts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and/or logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon the particular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller, such as controller 16. Of course, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media having stored data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the semi-automatic laundry machine 10 or its subsystems. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a number of known physical devices which utilize electric, magnetic, and/or optical storage to keep executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.
The semi-automatic laundry machine 10 may include openings to first tub 12 and second tub 24 so that a user may load the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles into the first tub 12 or spin drum 26. Primary lids 32 may be configured to cover the openings during washing and spin cycles. The primary lids 32 may be opened to provide access to the first tub 12 and second tub 24 for loading and unloading of the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles. A secondary lid 34 may be disposed over the second tub 24 below the corresponding primary lid 32. The secondary lid 34 also be configured to cover the opening over the second tub 24 during a spin cycle and may be opened for loading and unloading of the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles into the internal space 28 defined by the spin drum 26. The primary lids 32 and secondary lid 34 are not shown in
Detergent or soap residue may be present on the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles once the washing cycle is complete and the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles into the first tub 12 or spin drum 26 have been transferred from the first tub 12 to spin drum 26. In order to remove the detergent or soap residue, several spin cycles may be required, which increases energy costs. The systems describe herein are configured to remove the detergent or soap residue during a single spin cycle so that energy costs are reduced.
Referring to
The tube 128 is configured to supply water from the central opening 132, through the plurality of perforations 134, and to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the internal space 136 via centrifugal force when the spin drum 126 and tube 128 are rotated to remove detergent or soap from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle. More specifically, water may be supplied during a first portion of the spin cycle to remove detergent and soap residue from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles, which may have been left over from the washing cycle.
On the other hand, no water may be supplied during a second portion of the spin cycle so that the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles may be dried or partially dried during the second portion of the spin cycle. The second portion of the spin cycle may occur after the first portion of the spin cycle so that all liquid may be removed from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via the centrifugal force generated by rotating the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the spin drum 126.
A retractable water supply 138 may be configured to engage the tube 128 and supply water to the central opening 132 when in a first position. The retractable water supply 138 may disengage the tube 128 and starve the central opening 132 of water when in a second position. The retractable water supply 138 may comprise a water conduit 140 that is disposed on the secondary lid 34 and is configured to establish fluid communication with the central opening 132 when in the first position. The retractable water supply 138 being in the first position may correspond to the secondary lid 34 being in a closed position 142. The retractable water supply 138 being in the second position may correspond to the secondary lid 34 being in an open position 144.
The water being supplied to the central opening 132 via the retractable water supply 138 may cut off from the central opening 132 during a second portion of the spin cycle while the retractable water supply 138 is in still in the first position. This may occur, for example, by closing a valve that connects the retractable water supply 138 to a domestic water source.
Referring to
The tube 228 is configured to supply water from the central opening 232, through the plurality of perforations 234, and to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the internal space 236 via centrifugal force when the spin drum 226 and tube 228 are rotated to remove detergent or soap from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle. More specifically, water may be supplied during a first portion of the spin cycle to remove detergent and soap residue from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles, which may have been left over from the washing cycle.
On the other hand, no water may be supplied during a second portion of the spin cycle so that the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles may be dried or partially dried during the second portion of the spin cycle. The second portion of the spin cycle may occur after the first portion of the spin cycle so that all liquid may be removed from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via the centrifugal force generated by rotating the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the spin drum 226.
A retractable water supply 238 may be configured to engage the tube 228 and supply water to the central opening 232 when in a first position 240. The retractable water supply 238 may disengage the tube 228 and starve the central opening 232 of water when in a second position 242. The retractable water supply 238 may include a telescoping portion 244 and an outlet port or outlet nozzle 246. The telescoping portion 244 may be secured to a cabinet or outer housing 38 that contains all of the components of the semi-automatic washing machine 10, include the first tub 12, second tub 24, and spin drum (e.g., spin drum 26, spin drum 126, or spin drum 226). The telescoping portion 244 extends from the housing 38 and toward the tube 228 at a position that is above spin drum 226. The outlet nozzle 246 extends downward from the telescoping portion 224 and into the internal space 236 defined by the spin drum 226. The outlet nozzle 246 is disposed above and/or is configured to engage the tube 228 to supply water to the central opening 232. More specifically, when the retractable water supply 238 is in the first position 240, the telescoping portion 244 and outlet nozzle 246 establish fluid communication with the central opening 232.
The retractable water supply 238 transitions to the first position 240 via the telescoping portion 244 advancing toward the tube 228 and transitions to the second position 242 via the telescoping portion 244 retracting away from the tube 228. The retractable water supply 238 may also be configured to deliver fabric softener to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during the spin cycle. An actuator, such as an electric solenoid, electric motor, etc. may be configured to advance and retract the telescoping portion 244. The controller 16 may be in communication with such an actuator and may be configured to advance and retract the telescoping portion 244 depending on whether or not a water supply is needed during the spin cycle or during a portion of the spin cycle.
The water being supplied to the central opening 232 via the retractable water supply 238 may cut off from the central opening 232 during a second portion of the spin cycle while the retractable water supply 238 is in still in the first position 240. This may occur, for example, by closing a valve that connects the retractable water supply 238 to a domestic water source.
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At least one conduit 438 is disposed within the tube 428. The at least one conduit 438 has a plurality of nozzles 440 extending therefrom and through the tube 428. The plurality of nozzles 440 is configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzles and to direct the fluid radially outward from the tube 428 to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the internal space 436 to remove detergent or soap from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle. More specifically, water may be supplied to the at least one conduit 438, through the plurality of nozzles 440, and to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during a first portion of the spin cycle to remove detergent and soap residue from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles, which may have been left over from the washing cycle.
On the other hand, no water may be supplied during a second portion of the spin cycle so that the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles may be dried or partially dried during the second portion of the spin cycle. The second portion of the spin cycle may occur after the first portion of the spin cycle so that all liquid may be removed from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via the centrifugal force generated by rotating the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the spin drum 426.
The semi-automatic washing machine 10 may include a pump 442 that is configured to direct fluid to the at least one conduit 438. The pump 442 may be configured to direct water from a fresh water supply 444 to the at least one conduit 438. The pump 442 may also be configured to direct the used water to the at least one conduit 438. Used water may be directed to a tank 446 via drainage lines 448 connected to the internal space 436 spin drum 426. The tank 446 may also be connected to the fresh water supply 444. The pump 442 may be configured to direct fresh and/or used water from the tank 446 to the at least one conduit 438. Valves may be utilized to control the amount of fresh water or used water being directed to the tank 446 and at least one conduit 438. Such valves and the pump 442 may be in communication with and controlled by the controller 16
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A conduit 542 is disposed external to and adjacent to the spin drum 526. The conduit has a plurality of nozzles 544 extending therefrom. The conduit 542 may extend downward such that the plurality of nozzles 544 is arranged in a vertically extending column. The nozzles 544 are directed toward the spin drum 526. The plurality of nozzles 544 is configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzles and to direct the fluid through the openings 532 and to the clothing articles disposed within the internal space 528 to remove detergent from the clothing articles during at least a portion of the spin cycle. More specifically, water may be supplied to the conduit 542 from a supply, through the plurality of nozzles 544, through the openings 532, and to the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles during a first portion of the spin cycle to remove detergent and soap residue from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles, which may have been left over from the washing cycle.
On the other hand, no water may be supplied during a second portion of the spin cycle so that the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles may be dried or partially dried during the second portion of the spin cycle. The second portion of the spin cycle may occur after the first portion of the spin cycle so that all liquid may be removed from the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles via the centrifugal force generated by rotating the clothing articles, garments, textiles, or other articles disposed within the spin drum 526.
It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component, state, or condition described herein that does not have a numerical designation may be given a designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the specific component, state, or condition are claimed.
The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.
