Patent Publication Number: US-10760201-B2

Title: Washing machine appliance with a retractable hose

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to accessories for washing machine appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/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 fluid 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. 
     During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more additives may be added to the wash fluid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash fluid. 
     The volume of water or wash fluid needed may vary depending upon a variety of factors. For example, large loads can require a large volume of water relative to small loads that can require a small volume of water. A user may wish to have additional wash fluid dispensed in order to perform a specific task, e.g., prewash an article of clothing or add additional fluid to accommodate an extra-large load. A user may wish to direct the flow of wash fluid onto a particular garment or within a specific region of the wash tub, e.g., to perform a pretreating operation, to saturate a particular article of clothing, or to accommodate an extra-large load. The ability to adjust the amount of water or wash fluid and its dispensing location is a commercially desirable feature and increases the user&#39;s positive perception of the wash process generally. 
     Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that provides a user with more control over the water or wash fluid fill amount is desirable. In particular, a washing machine appliance with features for controlling and directing the wash fluid fill would be particularly beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance including a cabinet with a wash tub within the cabinet and a spray hose assembly. The spray hose assembly includes a spray head connected to the cabinet by a retractable hose. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The vertical direction, the lateral direction and the transverse direction are mutually perpendicular. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet extending between a top and a bottom along the vertical direction. A wash tub is mounted within the cabinet and configured for containing fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance. The washing machine appliance also includes a spray hose assembly fluidly connected to a wash fluid source and configured for selectively providing a flow of wash fluid in a desired direction and location. The spray hose assembly includes a retractable hose comprising a coiled section mounted within the cabinet and a spray head attached to the retractable hose. 
     In another embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet and a wash tub mounted within the cabinet. The wash tub is configured for containing fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance. An aperture is defined in the cabinet. The wash tub is aligned with the aperture such that the aperture provides access to the wash tub. The washing machine appliance also includes a door mounted to the cabinet. The door is adjustable between an open position permitting access to the wash tub via the aperture and a closed position wherein the door encloses the aperture. The washing machine appliance also includes a spray hose assembly fluidly connected to a wash fluid source and configured for selectively providing a flow of wash fluid in a desired direction and location. The spray hose assembly includes a retractable hose partially disposed within the cabinet, a torsion spring connected to the retractable hose, the torsion spring configured to provide an angular return force to the retractable hose biasing the retractable hose into the cabinet, and a spray head attached to the retractable hose. The retractable hose extends through an opening in the cabinet proximate the aperture. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an exemplary washing machine appliance that may incorporate various embodiments of the present subject matter with a door or lid of the washing machine appliance shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  with the door of the washing machine appliance shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a side cutaway view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  including a retractable spray hose assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  provides a view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 3  with the retractable spray hose assembly in an extended position. 
         FIG. 5  provides a top view of an exemplary hosing and spray hose assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  provides a bottom view of the exemplary hosing and spray hose assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  provides an enlarged partial view of a retractable hose and a retraction mechanism according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 . In  FIG. 1 , a lid or door  130  is shown in a closed position. In  FIG. 2 , door  130  is shown in an open position. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 , it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines. 
     Washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  that defines a lateral direction L, a transverse direction T, and a vertical direction V. The lateral direction L, transverse direction T, and vertical direction V are mutually perpendicular and define an orthogonal coordinate system. As shown, cabinet  102  extends between a top  103  and a bottom  104  along the vertical direction V and between a front  106  and a back  107  along the transverse direction T. A wash basket  120  ( FIG. 2 ) is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 . For example, a wash tub  124  ( FIG. 3 ) may be mounted within the cabinet  102 , as described in more detail below, and the wash basket  120  may be rotatably mounted within the wash tub  124 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  in order to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Wash basket  120  defines a wash chamber  121  ( FIG. 2 ) that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller extends from wash basket  120  into wash chamber  121  to assist agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber  121  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . 
     Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a top panel  200 . Top panel  200  defines an aperture  105  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits user access to wash chamber  121  of wash basket  120 . Door  130  is rotatably mounted to top panel  200 . However, alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to cabinet  102  or any outer suitable support. Door  130  selectively rotates between the closed position shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, door  130  inhibits access to wash chamber  121 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can reach through the aperture  105  to access wash chamber  121 . A window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash chamber  121  when door  130  is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . Door  130  also includes a handle  132  that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door  130 . Top panel  200  also defines at least one hole or opening  201  ( FIG. 2 ) proximate the aperture  105 . As described in more detail below, a hose may extend through the opening  201  in the top panel  200 . 
     A control panel  110  with a plurality of input selectors  112  ( FIG. 1 ) extends from top panel  200 . Control panel  110  and input selectors  112  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display  114  of control panel  110  indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users. 
     Various sensors may additionally be included in the washing machine appliance  100 . For example, a pressure sensor (not shown) may be positioned in the tub  124 . Any suitable pressure sensor, such as an electronic sensor, a manometer, or another suitable gauge or sensor, may be utilized. The pressure sensor may generally measure the pressure of water in the tub  124 . This pressure can then be utilized to estimate the height or level of water in the tub  124 . Additionally, a suitable speed sensor (not shown) can be provided to measure rotational speed of basket  120 . Other suitable sensors, such as temperature sensors, etc., may additionally be provided in the washing machine appliance  100 . 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device  150  that is operatively coupled to control panel  110  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  110  the controller  150  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. For example, the controller  150  may be in communication with (e.g., electrically coupled to) the input selectors  112  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. As illustrated, the input selectors  112  may be knobs or dials. In various embodiments, the input selectors  112  may include one or more user input devices, such as switches, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., as well as or instead of the illustrated example input selectors  112 . Appliance controller  150  may further be in communication with (e.g., electrically coupled to) various other components of appliance  100 , such as one or more valves, one or more suitable sensors, etc. 
     Appliance controller  150  may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, appliance controller  150  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel  110  and other components of washing machine appliance  100 , such as the door  130 , and various valves, sensors, etc. may be in communication with appliance controller  150  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. It should be noted that controllers  150  as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller  150 . 
     In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items may be loaded into wash chamber  121  through aperture  105 , and washing operation may be initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . Wash basket  120  (and/or wash tub  124  shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves, e.g., valves  78  and  80 , can be controlled by controller  150  to provide for filling wash basket  120  to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber  121  are agitated for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
     After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  may be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  120 , depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, impeller may again provide agitation within wash chamber  121 . One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket  120  is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket  120  are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket  120 , e.g., by reaching into wash chamber  121  through aperture  105 . 
     Wash tub  124  is configured for containing fluid, e.g., wash and rinse fluids, during operation of washing machine appliance  100  described above. Wash and rinse fluids disposed within wash tub  124  can be used to clean articles disposed in wash basket  120 . Wash and rinse fluids can pass between wash basket  120  and wash tub  124  through a plurality of apertures defined by wash basket  120 , e.g., during the wash and/or spin cycles described above. 
     Various valves may regulate the flow of fluid into and through washing machine appliance  100  from water sources  76  and  77 , e.g., water source  76  may include one or more fluid lines, pipes, conduits, etc. which provide hot water to washing machine appliance  100 , e.g., from a residential water heater (not shown) and water source  77  may include one or more fluid lines, pipes, conduits, etc. which provide cold water to washing machine appliance  100 . For example, as shown in FIG.  3 , a hot water valve  78  and a cold water valve  80  may be positioned in such fluid lines to flow hot water and cold water, respectively, to washing machine appliance  100 . 
     Each valve  78 ,  80  may be selectively adjusted between an open position allowing a flow of fluid therethrough and a closed position terminating or obstructing the flow of fluid therethrough. Hot water valve  78  may be in fluid communication with hot water source  76 , which may be external to the washing machine appliance  100 . Similarly, cold water valve  80  may be in fluid communication with cold water source  77 , which may also be external to the washing machine appliance  100 . The cold water source  77  may, for example, be a commercial water supply, while the hot water source  76  may be, for example, a water heater appliance. 
     As illustrated for example in  FIG. 3 , washing machine appliance  100  further includes a spray hose assembly  300  fluidly connected to a wash fluid source, e.g., one or more of the water sources  76 ,  77  and configured for selectively providing a flow of wash fluid in a desired direction and location. More particularly, for the embodiment depicted, spray hose assembly  300  is fluidly connected to a three-way valve  202 . In the illustrated example, the valve  202  is positioned within cabinet  102 , however, in various other embodiments, the valve  202  may also be positioned within or proximate to the control panel  110  or external to the cabinet  102 . Three-way valve  202  is depicted as a T-valve downstream of valves  78 ,  80 . However, in other exemplary embodiments, any suitable three-way valve  202  may be utilized, and further, three-way valve  202  may be attached in any suitable location. For example, in other embodiments, three-way valve  202  may be a Y-valve, and/or may be upstream of valves  78 ,  80 . In the latter embodiment, washing machine appliance  100  may further include two three-way valves, such that a first three-way valve is upstream of hot water valve  78 , and a second three-way valve is upstream of cold water valve  80 . By being positioned upstream of valves  78 ,  80 , spray hose assembly  300  may provide a flow of water independently from a flow of water provided to other parts of the washing machine appliance  100  (i.e., independently of whether or not valves  78 ,  80  are open or closed). Alternatively, a single three-way valve may be provided upstream of either hot water valve  78  or cold water valve  80 . Notably, in such an embodiment, a spray hose assembly  300  may only provide hot water or cold water, respectively. 
     Spray hose assembly  300  includes a retractable hose  302  and a spray head  310  attached to the retractable hose  302 . Spray hose assembly  300  is generally configured for providing a flow of wash fluid, e.g., water, into wash tub  124 . More specifically, the flow of wash fluid is provided through semi-rigid or flexible hose  302 . Retractable hose  302  is generally any fluid conduit that extends from a fluid supply to a location suitable for discharging wash fluid into wash tub  124 . In this regard, for example, retractable hose  302  may include an inlet  304  and an outlet  308 . Inlet  304  is fluidly connected to three-way valve  202  for receiving a flow of wash fluid. Although retractable hose  302  is illustrated as being coupled to three-way valve  202 , it should be appreciated that retractable hose  302  could instead be connected to a detergent box, a wash additive reservoir, a hot or cold water supply, or any other suitable wash fluid supply source. According to an exemplary embodiment, retractable hose  302  may be constructed from any suitably flexible conduit, such as vinyl or rubber. In addition, as used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, including liquid water and/or steam, as well as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 , spray head  310  is attached to the outlet  308  of retractable hose  302 . Spray head  310  is generally configured for directing the flow of wash fluid in the desired direction, generating the desired spray pattern, or otherwise controlling the flow of wash fluid. For example spray head  310  may include a plurality of outlets  316  through which a wash fluid, e.g., water, may be sprayed for directing the flow of wash fluid to desired locations, e.g., in the tub  124 . In various embodiments, outlets  316  may, for example, be tubes extending from the spray head  310 , or alternatively may simply be holes or apertures defined in the spray head  310 . However, in other embodiments, outlets  316  may be nozzles or any other suitable openings through which wash fluid may be sprayed. Further, spray head  310  may additionally include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) through which wash fluid may be flowed, i.e., sprayed or poured, into the tub  124  and/or basket  120 . 
     The retractable hose  302  may be mounted within the cabinet  12 . For example, in some embodiments, such as is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the retractable hose  302  may be at least partially positioned within a housing  312  and the housing  312  may be mounted within the cabinet  12 , e.g., below the top panel  200  along the vertical direction V. For example, the housing  312  may be mounted directly below and in direct contact with the top panel  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In other embodiments, the housing  312  may be mounted below and proximate to the top panel  200 . In particular, the housing  312  may include an aperture  314  and the aperture  314  may be aligned with the opening  201  in the top panel  200 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the retractable hose  302  may extend through the aperture  314  in the housing  312  and the opening  201  in the top panel  200 . The retractable hose  302  is at least partially disposed within the cabinet  12 . For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates a retracted position of the spray hose assembly  300 , wherein the retractable hose  302  is predominantly disposed within the housing  312  and within the cabinet  12 , with the outlet  308  and a minor portion of the retractable hose  302  extending out of the housing  312  and cabinet  12  and, e.g., through the aperture  314  of the housing  312  and through the opening  210  in the top panel  200 , to connect to the spray head  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example extended position of the spray hose assembly  300 , wherein the retractable hose  302  is partially disposed within the housing  312  and within the cabinet  12 , with the outlet  308  and a downstream portion of the retractable hose  302  extending through the aperture  314  of the housing  312  and through the opening  210  in the top panel  200 . When the spray hose assembly  300  is extended, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 , the spray head  310  may be freely moved with respect to the cabinet  12  and wash tub  124  to selectively provide a flow of wash fluid through the hose  302  and from the spray head  310  in a desired direction and location. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in various embodiments, the retractable hose  302  may include a coiled section  306 . In some embodiments wherein the retractable hose  302  is at least partially disposed within the housing  312 , the coiled section  306  of the retractable hose  302  may be positioned within a rounded portion  318  ( FIG. 6 ) of the housing  312 . When the retractable hose  302  is extended outside the housing  312  and/or cabinet  12 , e.g., by a user grasping and pulling on the spray head  310 , one or more loops of the coiled section  306  may uncoil to permit such extension ( FIG. 4 ). As mentioned above, the retractable hose  302  may comprise a flexible, elastic material such as rubber. Accordingly, when the extending force on the retractable hose  302  is removed, e.g., when the user releases the spray head  310 , the retractable hose  302  may automatically retract as the coiled section  306  returns to its resting, fully coiled state, e.g., the position illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 . The shape of the rounded portion  318  may advantageously permit the coiled section  306  to expand and contract as described. For example, the rounded portion  318  may guide movement of the coiled section  306  when the retractable hose  302  extends and retracts. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the coiled section  306  of the retractable hose  302  defines a central axis  305 . For example, the coiled section  306  may define a helical shape, with turns of the helix centered about the central axis  305 . In various embodiments, the retractable hose  302  may be horizontally oriented within the cabinet  12  such that the central axis  305  of the retractable hose  302  is oriented, e.g., generally along one of the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T, or otherwise in a lateral-transverse plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T. For example, the retractable hose  302  may extend between the front  106  and the back  107  of the cabinet  12  such that the central axis  305  of the coiled section  306  is oriented generally along the transverse direction T. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, the central axis  305  of the coiled section  306  may be oriented generally along the transverse direction T when the central axis  305  of the coiled section  306  forms an angle of up to 10° in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, relative to the transverse direction T. 
     As may be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the spray hose assembly  300  may also or instead include an external retraction mechanism to aid in retracting the hose  302 , either separately from or in combination with the coiled section  306 . For example, one embodiment of an external retraction mechanism may include a torsion spring  322  ( FIG. 7 ) connected to the retractable hose  302  and configured to provide an angular return force to the retractable hose  302  when the retractable hose  302  is extended out of the cabinet  12 . As described in more detail herein, the torsion spring  322  may bias the retractable hose  302  towards the retracted position. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 7 , the torsion spring  322  is provided as a flat spiral spring. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any suitable torsion spring  322  may be provided. As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the spray hose assembly  300  may include a reel  324  positioned within and rotatably mounted to the housing  312  and a wire  326  which may be partially wound around the rotatable reel  324  and connected to the reel  324  at a first end  328  of the wire  326  and connected to the retractable hose  302  at a second end  330  of the wire  326 . For example, the second end  330  of the wire  326  may be connected to the retractable hose  302  by a collar  332  encircling a portion of the retractable hose  302 . The torsion spring  322  may be coupled to the rotatable reel  324  such that the torsion spring  322  operatively engages the reel  324 . Accordingly, when the retractable hose  302  is extended out of the housing  312  and/or cabinet  12 , the reel  324  rotates and the wire  326  unspools from the reel  324 , thereby tensioning the torsion spring  322 . Thus, when the extending force is removed, the torsion spring  322  will provide the angular return force to the retractable hose  302 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the torsion spring  322  provides the angular return force to the retractable hose  302  via the reel  324 , the wire  326 , and the collar  332 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.