SECURE REMOTE TESTING OF WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCES

A washing machine appliance and methods for the same may include authorizing a user of the washing machine appliance and loading testing software into a partitioned memory of a controller. The testing software may include a testing sequence. The method may further include receiving a single testing prompt from a remote device following loading testing software and executing the testing sequence of the testing software from the partitioned memory in response to receiving the single testing prompt, whereby a mechanical component of the washing machine appliance is operated. The method may still further include exiting a remote testing mode after executing the testing software and deleting the testing software from the partitioned memory when exiting the remote testing mode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to methods of securely remotely testing a washing machine appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, or other wash additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

Recently, some washing machine appliances have tried to incorporate features for connecting to and communicating wirelessly with a remote database or server, e.g., the cloud. Such appliances may even be remotely operable, where one or more mechanical components of the washing machine appliance, such as a motor, pump, valve, etc., can be activated or manipulated in response to a remote command, such as a command received over the internet or from the cloud (e.g., in tandem with in-person engagement actions).

The ability to remotely operate a washing machine appliance provides several benefits, such as permitting the user to change or monitor settings on the washing machine appliance while the user is not physically present at the same location as the washing machine appliance. As another example, when a diagnostic test of the appliance is desired, such testing may be performed remotely at the user's convenience without having to wait for a technician to be available in person or may reduce the total amount of time the technician has to spend at the household. However, the ability to remotely operate a washing machine appliance also entails a potential for exploitation by unauthorized parties. For example, it may be possible for an unauthorized user to remotely access a washing machine appliance and cause the appliance to take actions that are undesirable to the owner of the washing machine appliance. Moreover, new or relatively inexperienced remote technicians may have a harder time knowing what testing actions should be performed (e.g., without being physically present with the washing machine appliance).

Accordingly, washing machine appliances and methods of testing such appliances which provide remote access with improved security are desirable. Additionally or alternatively, it may be useful to provide a washing machine appliance or method wherein remote testing could be reliably and effectively performed even by relatively inexperienced technicians.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of testing a washing machine appliance is provided. The method may include authorizing a user of the washing machine appliance and loading testing software into a partitioned memory of a controller. The testing software may include a testing sequence. The method may further include receiving a single testing prompt from a remote device following loading testing software and executing the testing sequence of the testing software from the partitioned memory in response to receiving the single testing prompt, whereby a mechanical component of the washing machine appliance is operated. The method may still further include exiting a remote testing mode after executing the testing software and deleting the testing software from the partitioned memory when exiting the remote testing mode.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a tub, a basket, a nozzle, a motor, a drain pump, and a controller. The basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the tub to selectively flow liquid thereto. The motor may be in mechanical communication with the basket to selectively rotate the basket within the tub. The drain pump may be in fluid communication with the tub to selectively motivate wash fluid therefrom. The controller may be in operative communication with the motor and the drain pump. The controller may have a partitioned memory. The controller may be configured to initiate a testing operation. The testing operation may include authorizing a user of the washing machine appliance, loading testing software into the partitioned memory of the controller, the testing software include a testing sequence, receiving a single testing prompt from a remote device following loading testing software, executing the testing sequence of the testing software from the partitioned memory in response to receiving the single testing prompt, whereby a mechanical component of the washing machine appliance is operated, exiting a remote testing mode after executing the testing software, and deleting the testing software from the partitioned memory when exiting the remote testing mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures,FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary washing machine appliance100.FIG.2is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance100generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. Washing machine appliance100includes a cabinet102that extends between a top104and a bottom106along the vertical direction V, between a left side108and a right side110along the lateral direction L, and between a front112and a rear114along the transverse direction T.

A wash tub124is positioned within cabinet102and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub124is substantially fixed relative to cabinet102such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet102.

A wash basket120is received within wash tub124and defines a wash chamber126that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket120is rotatably mounted within wash tub124such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiments, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel (e.g., within 30°) relative to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance100is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance100. However, it is noted that the illustrated embodiments are provided merely as non-limiting examples and the present disclosure may be applicable to any other suitable washing machine appliance configuration, including “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliances, as would be understood.

Wash basket120may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber126to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber126during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, a plurality of ribs128extends from basket120into wash chamber126. In this manner, for example, ribs128may lift articles disposed in wash basket120during rotation of wash basket120.

Washing machine appliance100includes a motor assembly122that is in mechanical communication with wash basket120to selectively rotate wash basket120(e.g., during an agitation cycle, a rinse cycle, or a testing sequence of washing machine appliance100). According to the illustrated embodiments, motor assembly122is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket120according to alternative embodiments.

Cabinet102also includes a front panel130that defines an opening132, which generally permits user access to wash basket120of wash tub124. More specifically, washing machine appliance100includes a door134that is selectively positioned over opening132and is rotatably mounted to front panel130(e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door134permits selective access to opening132by being movable between an open position facilitating access to a wash tub124and a closed position prohibiting access to wash tub124. In exemplary embodiments, a lock assembly182is fixed to cabinet102to selectively lock or hold a free end of the door134to cabinet102when door134is in the closed position (e.g., during certain operations or wash cycles).

In some embodiments, a central body136of door134is provide on a perimeter rim135that extends about (e.g., radially about) at least a portion of central body136. In optional embodiments, central body136is provided as a window and permits viewing of wash basket120when door134is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance100). Generally, door134defines a footprint170on a front portion of cabinet102(e.g., in a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). For instance, when door134is in the closed position, central body136and perimeter rim135may extend across footprint170and thus cover the area of the front panel130within footprint170(e.g., when viewed along the transverse direction T directly in front of washing machine appliance100). As shown, footprint170may extend radially outward from opening132. Thus, footprint170may encompass and define a larger width (e.g., diameter) than opening132. In some such embodiments, central body136extends across and, optionally, within opening132. Perimeter rim135may extend radially outward from opening132and define the radial extrema of footprint170.

In certain embodiments, central body136is provided as a non-permeable body, which blocks or prevents wash fluid or air from passing therethrough. In alternative embodiments, central body136defines one or more air aperture therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, door134may also include a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening132and closing door134. Further, although door134is illustrated as mounted to front panel130, it should be appreciated that door134may be mounted to another side of cabinet102or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

A front gasket or baffle138may extend between tub124and the front panel130about the opening132covered by door134, further sealing tub124from cabinet102. For example, when door134is in the closed position, baffle138may contact central body136in sealing engagement therewith and within footprint170.

As shown, wash basket120defines a plurality of perforations140in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket120and wash tub124. A sump142is defined by wash tub124at a bottom of wash tub124along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump142is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance100, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket120to sump142through plurality of perforations140. A pump assembly144is located beneath wash tub124for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub124(e.g., via a drain146). Pump assembly144may also be configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub124.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance100includes an additive dispenser or spout150. For example, spout150may be in fluid communication with a water supply in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub124. For instance, one or more water valves151may be mounted or within cabinet102in fluid communication with a building water system to selectively open/close and thereby release/restrict water to the spout150or wash tub124generally. Spout150may also be in fluid communication with the sump142. For example, pump assembly144may direct wash fluid disposed in sump142to spout150in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub124.

As illustrated, a detergent drawer152may be slidably mounted within front panel130. Detergent drawer152receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber126during certain operations or wash cycle phases of washing machine appliance100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer152may also be fluidly coupled to spout150to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir154is disposed within cabinet102. Bulk reservoir154may be configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance100. Moreover, bulk reservoir154may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance100(e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir154. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir154with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance100for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir154with fluid additive. A reservoir pump156is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir154to wash tub124.

In optional embodiments, a heating element155(e.g., resistive heating element) is mounted within the appliance100. For instance, heating element155may be positioned inside, or otherwise in thermal communication with, wash tub124. Optionally, heating element155may be mounted within a bottom portion (e.g., sump) of wash tub124beneath wash basket120. Moreover, heating element155may be in operable communication (e.g., electrical communication or wireless communication) with the controller166. In turn, controller166may selectively activate heating element155, thereby generating or directing additional heat energy to a volume of liquid within wash tub124.

In some embodiments, a control panel160including a plurality of input selectors162is coupled to front panel130. Control panel160and input selectors162may collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a display164indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of washing machine appliance100is generally controlled by a controller166or processing device166. In some embodiments, controller166is in operative communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to) control panel160for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel160, controller166operates the various components of washing machine appliance100to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller166may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller166may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Control panel160and other components of washing machine appliance100, such as motor assembly122, a fan198, and a vent damper210, may be in operative communication with controller166via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Additionally or alternatively, other features, such as electronic lock assembly182for door134may be in operative communication with controller166via one or more other signal lines or shared communication busses.

In optional embodiments, one or more temperature sensors172are included within cabinet102. For instance, a temperature sensor172may be mounted on or within wash tub124(e.g., to detect a temperature of water to or within wash chamber126). Temperature sensor172may be provided as any suitable temperature-detecting element (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple, etc.). Moreover, temperature sensor172may be in operable communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) controller166. Thus, temperature sensor172may detect the temperature of water or wash fluid within wash chamber126. Moreover, signals relating to the detected temperature may be communicated with controller166.

In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more turbidity sensors174are included within cabinet102. For instance, a turbidity sensor174may be mounted on or within wash tub124(e.g., to detect the effluent or total suspended solids in water within wash chamber126). Turbidity sensor174may be provided as any suitable turbidity-detecting element (e.g., light emitter and light receiver configured to measure light reflected from the emitter). Moreover, turbidity sensor174may be in operable communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) controller166. Thus, temperature sensor172may detect the reflections of light from effluent in water or wash fluid within wash chamber. Moreover, signals relating to the detected reflections or effluent (e.g., turbidity) may be communicated with controller166.

In certain embodiments, one or more measurement device178smay be provided in the washing machine appliance100for measuring movement of the tub124. For instance, a measurement device178in accordance with the present disclosure may include an accelerometer which measures translational motion, such as acceleration along one or more directions. Additionally or alternatively, a measurement device178may include a gyroscope, which measures rotational motion, such as rotational velocity about an axis. A measurement device178in accordance with the present disclosure is mounted to the tub124(e.g., a bottom wall or a cylindrical sidewall thereof) to sense movement of the tub124relative to the cabinet102by measuring uniform periodic motion, non-uniform periodic motion, or excursions of the tub124during appliance100operation. During use, movement may be detected or measured as discrete identifiable components (e.g., in a predetermined plane or direction).

In some embodiments, a pressure sensor176is provided in operative communication with tub124. For instance, pressure sensor176may communicate with the tub124through a sidewall thereof. Pressure sensor176may be configured to detect or measure pressure within the tub124. In particular, pressure sensor176may detect or measure pressure generated by the liquid held within tub124(e.g., during a wash cycle). In some such embodiments, pressure signals detected at pressure sensor176may be transmitted to and received by controller166. Controller166may be configured to determine the pressure within tub124(or the volume of liquid therein) based on the received pressure signals. As would be understood, pressure sensor176may be formed as any suitable pressure detecting device, such as a piezoresitive, capacitive, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or optical pressure detecting device.

In optional embodiments, one or more temperature sensor172sare included within cabinet102. For instance, a temperature sensor172may be mounted on or within wash tub124(e.g., to detect a temperature of water to or within wash chamber126). Temperature sensor172may be provided as any suitable temperature-detecting element (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple, etc.). Moreover, temperature sensor172may be in operable communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) controller166. Thus, temperature sensor172may detect the temperature of water or wash fluid within wash chamber. Moreover, signals relating to the detected temperature may be communicated with controller166.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket120through opening132, and a wash cycle is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub124is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via additive dispenser150during a fill phase). One or more valves151can be controlled by washing machine appliance100to provide for filling wash basket120to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket120is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket120can be agitated (e.g., with ribs128) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket120. During the agitation phase, the basket120may be motivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., first speed or tumble speed). As the basket120is rotated, articles within the basket120may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash cycle is completed, wash tub124can be drained (e.g., through a drain phase). Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse phase) by again adding fluid to wash tub124, depending on the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. Ribs128may again provide agitation within wash basket120. One or more spin phases may also be used. In particular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin phase, basket120is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket120may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., second speed or pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., third speed or plaster speed). As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket120increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket120.

After articles disposed in wash basket120are cleaned (or the wash cycle otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket120(e.g., by opening door134and reaching into wash basket120through opening132).

In some embodiments, a rear ventilation line190is provided within washing machine appliance100. In particular, rear ventilation line190may be enclosed within cabinet102. As shown inFIGS.2and4, exemplary embodiments include rear ventilation line190at a position in fluid communication between tub124and the surrounding region (e.g., the ambient environment outside of or immediately surrounding cabinet102, the enclosed volume of cabinet102surrounding tub124, etc.). Generally, it is understood that rear ventilation line190may be provided as any suitable pipe or conduit (e.g., having non-permeable wall) for directing air therethrough. When assembled, rear ventilation line190defines an air path (e.g., an output air path192) from tub124and within or through cabinet102(e.g., to the ambient environment outside of cabinet102). Specifically, output air path192extends from a ventilation inlet194, through cabinet102, and to a ventilation outlet196. In some embodiments, ventilation inlet194is defined through a top portion of wash tub124and ventilation outlet196is defined through an upper portion of cabinet102. Thus, output air path192may extend from the top portion of tub124to an upper portion of cabinet102. Optionally, ventilation inlet194may be positioned below ventilation outlet196along a vertical direction V. Advantageously, a convective airflow may be naturally motivated from wash tub124, through output air path192, and to the ambient environment. Additionally or alternatively, splashing of wash fluid and the collection of moisture within output air path192may be prevented. However, any other suitable configuration may be provided to facilitate the flow of air from tub124and, for example, to the ambient environment.

Although a convective airflow may be facilitated, optional embodiments further include a fan or blower198(indicated in phantom lines). Specifically, fan198may be provided in fluid communication with rear ventilation line190to motivate an active airflow therethrough. For instance, fan198may be mounted within rear ventilation line190to selectively rotate and draw air from wash tub124, through ventilation inlet194, and to ventilation outlet196(e.g., to output an airflow from tub124to the ambient environment).

In certain embodiments, a front ventilation line200, separate and spaced apart from rear ventilation line190, is provided in fluid communication with wash tub124. For instance, front ventilation line200may be any suitable pipe or conduit in fluid communication (e.g., upstream fluid communication) with wash tub124and rear ventilation line190. As shown, in exemplary embodiments, front ventilation line200extends from front panel130to wash tub124. When assembled, front ventilation line200defines an air path (e.g., intake air path208) from front panel130to wash tub124(e.g., upstream of output air path192). Specifically, intake air path208extends from an intake inlet202, through cabinet102, and to an intake outlet206. In some embodiments, A cabinet aperture204may be defined through front panel130as intake inlet202. Thus, intake air path208may extend from front panel130to, for example, a top portion of tub124. Optionally, intake inlet202may be positioned above intake outlet206along a vertical direction V.

In some embodiments, cabinet aperture204is defined within the footprint170of door134. Thus, when door134is in the closed position, cabinet aperture204may be generally covered and hidden from view. As shown, even though door134is in the closed position, a gap254may be defined between at least a portion of door134and cabinet aperture204to permit an ambient airflow230from the ambient environment to cabinet aperture204. In other words, one portion of door134(e.g., perimeter rim135) may be spaced apart from cabinet aperture204while another portion of door134(e.g., central body136) blocks opening132and contacts baffle138.

In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more secondary apertures256(FIG.1—shown in phantom lines) may be defined through door134(e.g., through perimeter rim135along the transverse direction T) and in alignment with cabinet aperture204. In such embodiments, air may pass between secondary aperture256and cabinet aperture204(e.g., from the ambient environment) when door134is in the closed position.

Although exemplary embodiments may provide cabinet aperture204and intake inlet202within the footprint170of door134above opening132, it is noted that alternative embodiments may include cabinet aperture204and intake inlet202at another suitable location.

FIG.3provides a flowchart of an exemplary washing machine appliance test according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.3, a local user1000of the washing machine appliance may be connected to a remote technician1002via a phone1010. The remote technician1002may access the washing machine appliance remotely, e.g., via the cloud1020, and may perform cloud-side operations, e.g., operations310,320, and330, as will be explained in more detail below. The local user1000may be physically present at the same location as the washing machine appliance, e.g., in the household, and the local user1000may thereby access the washing machine appliance directly, such as by physically touching controls or input devices of the washing machine appliance, e.g., pushing buttons, touchpads, or touchscreens physically connected to the washing machine appliance. Thus, local operations, e.g., operations312,322, and332, which will be described in more detail below, may be performed by the washing machine appliance in response to direct inputs from the local user1000.

As may be seen inFIG.3, the testing software may be modular in design (e.g., each step of the test process may include a cloud-side module and a local module). Also, the testing software may be partitioned from a main or control partition166A (e.g., partitioned from the main appliance software and partitioned from other partitions of the memory of controller166other than a testing partition166B—FIG.2). Such modularity and partitioning may advantageously provide improved security in that even if an unauthorized user were to gain access to the washing machine appliance remotely, e.g., via the internet, such user would not be thereby able to gain access to controls of the washing machine appliance other than the dedicated testing partition of the controller memory.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the test may begin with a two-step user confirmation, e.g., as shown at310and312inFIG.3. The remote technician may generate a security code on the cloud side, e.g., as shown at310inFIG.3, and the security code may be transmitted to the washing machine appliance, e.g., embedded or encoded in a signal that is relayed to the washing machine appliance via the internet. The remote technician may then communicate the security code to the local user, e.g., over the phone1010connection illustrated inFIG.3. As shown at312inFIG.3, the local user may then enter the code directly into the washing machine appliance to complete the two-step user confirmation. As denoted by the double arrow between310and312inFIG.3, the security code entered by the local user must match the security code created by and received from the cloud side in order to complete the user confirmation.

Still referring toFIG.3, the test may continue by verifying a personality of the washing machine appliance. The personality of the washing machine appliance may include the specific appliance and model, as well as the serial number of the particular individual washing machine appliance to be tested. For example, the personality of the washing machine appliance may also include specifying a type or kind of one or more components of the washing machine appliance, such as a motor of the washing machine appliance or other similar components. The component type information may be correlated with the serial number of the washing machine appliance. For instance, different units of the same model washing machine appliance may have different components, such as different motor types, and the motor type (or other component type) may be verified as part of the appliance personality verification. As denoted by the double arrow between320and322inFIG.3, the appliance personality data on the washing machine appliance, e.g., stored in a local memory of the washing machine appliance, must match the washing machine appliance personality data stored in the cloud side in order to complete the appliance personality verification. For example, the local user may provide the appliance serial number to the remote technician, e.g., by reading the serial number over the phone, and the remote technician may then enter the serial number into the cloud database, whereupon the cloud database returns an appliance personality value (e.g., as shown at320inFIG.3) that is matched against a local appliance personality value (e.g., as shown at322inFIG.3) in order to verify the personality of the washing machine appliance.

As illustrated at330inFIG.3, after confirming the user and verifying the personality of the washing machine appliance, the testing software maybe loaded into the washing machine appliance, e.g., into a testing partition of a memory thereof. The testing software may then be executed over the air by the washing machine appliance, e.g., as illustrated at332inFIG.3. Executing the testing software may include running a testing sequence or algorithm, and causes at least one mechanical component of the washing machine appliance to be operated. For example, the mechanical component may be a motor (e.g., motor122), a fan (e.g., fan198), a movable damper (e.g., ventilation damper210), water valve (e.g., valve151), pump (e.g., pump assembly144), among other possible example mechanical components of a washing machine appliance. Also, operating the mechanical component includes changing a physical status of the component, e.g., a speed, position, etc. of the component, such as accelerating the motor, fan, etc., e.g., from a zero starting speed, opening a damper or valve, or other changes in the physical state of one or more mechanical components of the washing machine appliance.

For instance, and turning briefly toFIG.5, an exemplary testing sequence500is illustrated. Generally, the testing sequence500provides a predetermined or fixed series of testing routines to be automatically performed by the washing machine appliance (e.g., without direct input from a user or technician, except to initiate the testing sequence). Notably, such routines may performed in response to a single input or instruction and output as a single diagnostic report without requiring specialized information or training on the part of the person initiating the testing sequence. As shown, the exemplary testing sequence500may include multiple discrete routine modules, each operating at least one mechanical component. Optionally, the discrete routine modules may be initiated separately (e.g., by a technician with greater experience or specialized training), such as when a full test or diagnostic is not desired.

In some embodiments, a pre-wash routine module510is provided. As shown, the pre-wash routine module510may generally test or check initial water-supply or water-treatment features. For instance, the water valves (e.g., valve(s)151) may be opened (e.g., for a predetermined period of time or until a set volume of water is supplied) before being closed such that a volume of water is supplied to the wash tub. One or more water sensors may then be tested. For instance, testing signal may be transmitted to or received from a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor172), a turbidity sensor (e.g., turbidity sensor174), or a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor176). Testing of the water sensors may confirm operation of such sensors, generally, or use such reading for one or more diagnostic decisions—as would be understood in light of the present disclosure.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a wash routine module520is provided. As shown, the wash routine module520may generally test or check features for treating articles (e.g., during a wash cycle or while a volume of water is present within the wash tub). For instance, a water heater (e.g., heating element155) may be activated (e.g., for a predetermined period of time) before being deactivated to heat the wash chamber or water therein. Optionally, an agitator or agitating element (e.g., as may be provided in a vertical axis washing machine appliance) may be tested, such as by directing a motor to turn or oscillate an agitator post or impeller within the wash chamber. Additionally or alternatively, a drain pump (e.g., pump assembly144) may be activated (e.g., for a predetermined period of time or until no further water is detected) before being closed such that the volume of water is exhausted from the wash tub.

In further additional or alternative embodiments, a post-wash routine module530. As shown, the post-wash routine module530may generally test or check features for maintaining articles after a wash cycle (e.g., to prevent soaking or mildewing). For instance, a fan may be activated (e.g., fan198) to motivate an airflow, such as while a damper (e.g., ventilation damper210) is open (e.g., for a predetermined period of time). Subsequently, the fan may be deactivated (e.g., while the damper is closed). Optionally, a mode shifter (e.g., clutch) may be tested, such as to switch a motor from an agitator mode to a spin mode (e.g., in a vertical axis washing machine, as would be understood). In some embodiments, a lock assembly (e.g., lock assembly182) is tested, such as by being directed to lock a door of the washing machine appliance (e.g., for a predetermined period of time or until completion of the testing sequence). Additionally or alternatively, the motor (e.g., motor122) may be directed to rotate or spin the basket (e.g., for a predetermined period). While the basket is rotated, one or more tub sensors (e.g., measurement device178) may be tested, such as to measure movement of the tub or speed of the basket rotation. Testing of the tub sensors may confirm operation of such sensors, generally, or use such reading for one or more diagnostic decisions—as would be understood in light of the present disclosure.

It is noted that although exemplary routine modules are described and illustrated with respect toFIG.5, other embodiments may provide various other suitable modules. For example, such modules may be organized by discrete parts or sub-assemblies and include any tests corresponding to such parts or sub-assemblies (e.g., a water valve module, a motor module, or a miscellaneous module testing all or various other features of a washing machine appliance)

Returning generally toFIG.3, after running the testing sequence, the washing machine appliance then exits the remote testing mode, e.g., as illustrated at340. For example, exiting the remote testing mode may include disconnecting a remote connection to the washing machine appliance or removing (deleting) the testing software from the memory of the controller of the washing machine appliance. Deleting the testing software at the same time as exiting the remote test mode may also advantageously provide additional security for the washing machine appliance. For example, if an unauthorized user were to subsequently gain access to the washing machine appliance remotely, such user would be prevented or limited from operating the appliance remotely when the testing software is not loaded, e.g., has been deleted from the memory. In some embodiments, the remote testing mode may also be exited automatically, e.g., independently of the test being completed. For example, if the connection is interrupted before the test is completed or the test does not complete for some other reason, the remote testing mode may be automatically exited after a timeout period has elapsed. For example, the timeout period may be between about five minutes and about thirty minutes, such as between about ten minutes and about twenty minutes, such as about fifteen minutes.

Turning now toFIG.4, an exemplary method400of operating a washing machine appliance (e.g., appliance100) is described. Such a method400may generally provide for remote testing of the appliance. Advantageously and in particular, such remote testing could be reliably and effectively performed even by relatively inexperienced technicians.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the method400may include a step410of authorizing a user of the washing machine appliance. In some exemplary embodiments, the user authorization may be a two-step user authorization, e.g., as described above with respect toFIG.5. For example, authorizing the user of the washing machine appliance may include generating a security code, by a remote device, such as a remote database or remote server, e.g., in the cloud. Authorizing the user of the washing machine appliance may further include receiving the security code by the washing machine appliance via a user interface physically connected to the washing machine appliance.

In optional embodiments,410includes verifying a personality of the washing machine appliance. For example, as discussed above regardingFIG.3, the personality of the washing machine appliance may be based on a serial number of the appliance and may include information such as a motor type or other component type information. Thus, the personality of the appliance may ensure compatibility of the washing machine appliance with the testing software, such as verifying that the mechanical component of the washing machine appliance is compatible with the testing software, e.g., ensuring the proper voltage is supplied to the motor, that the operating speed range coincides with the capabilities of the motor or other mechanical component, etc. Further, the personality of the appliance may also serve as a verification and authentication check, e.g., ensuring that the person or entity attempting to remotely access the washing machine appliance is properly authorized by ensuring that the serial number information and the component type information in the appliance personality match on the local side and the cloud side.

Method400may further include a step420of loading testing software into the testing partition of the memory of the controller (e.g., following410). For example, the testing software may be loaded into the testing partition from a remote device, e.g., the cloud, as mentioned above.

At430, the method400may include receiving a single testing prompt from a remote device (e.g., remote server or other device apart from the appliance that is controlled by the remote technician). For instance, a remote technician may provide a single command to start the testing sequence. Notably, the remote technician may be able to select and request the start of the testing sequence generally (e.g., by pressing or engaging with a corresponding input, button, or icon), without specialized knowledge or training of the features to be tested or the order in which the features are tested. The testing prompt may follow420and only be permitted once the software is loaded or installed at the appliance.

At step440, the method400may include executing a testing sequence. For instance, one or more portion, test, or routine module of the above-described testing sequence may be executed by the appliance (e.g.,FIG.5). Thus, the testing software will cause a mechanical component of the washing machine appliance to be operated, such as by the controller, e.g., activating a motor, activating fan, opening a valve, opening a damper, activating a pump assembly, etc.

The method400further includes a step450of exiting remote testing mode after executing the testing software, such as after the test has been completed. Also, when, e.g., at the same time as, the appliance exits the remote testing mode, the testing software is deleted from the partitioned memory of the controller, e.g., as illustrated at460inFIG.3. In some embodiments, the remote testing mode is exited automatically when (as soon as) the test has been completed. In instances where the test may be interrupted, such as due to a lost internet connection or phone connection, the step450of exiting the remote testing mode (and simultaneously the step460of deleting the testing software) may be performed automatically after a timeout period has elapsed. As noted above, the timeout period may be about fifteen minutes.