Patent Publication Number: US-9410280-B2

Title: Washing machine appliances and methods for operating the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing 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 operation of such washing machine appliances, 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 in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. 
     Frequently, washing machine appliance users desire to wash articles therein that have stains on the articles. Many washing machine appliances include treatment options for such stains. Selection of a treatment option typically causes the washing machine appliance to operate at settings that are desirable for removal of the stain. 
     However, currently known washing machine appliances which provide such treatment options have limitations. For example, when a treatment option is selected, such selection may cause the washing machine appliance to operate using water at a certain temperature for stain removal. However, the user may not desire to operate the washing machine appliance with water at this temperature, and may rather desire hotter or colder water for such washing. The water temperature associated with a selected treatment option may conflict with the desired water temperature, such that selection of a treatment option may override the user&#39;s ability to select a desired water temperature. 
     Some washing machine appliances utilized a separate pre-wash cycle for stain removal. However, use of such a cycle requires the addition of a pre-wash additive tray such that detergent, etc. can be added to the water for the pre-wash cycle and separately added for the regular wash cycle. 
     Accordingly, improved washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are desired. In particular, washing machine appliances and associated methods which allow users to select a treatment option independently of a desired wash temperature, and which operate based on such selections, would be advantageous. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The method includes flowing a first volume of liquid into the tub, the first volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a treatment option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a first period at a first rate. The method further includes flowing a second volume of liquid into the tub, the second volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a temperature option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a second period at a second rate. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The washing machine appliance further includes a valve, a nozzle configured for flowing liquid from the valve into the tub, and a motor in mechanical communication with the basket, the motor configured for selectively agitating the articles within the tub. The washing machine appliance further includes a controller in operative communication with the valve and the motor. The controller is configured for flowing a first volume of liquid into the tub, the first volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a treatment option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a first period at a first rate. The controller is further configured for flowing a second volume of liquid into the tub, the second volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a temperature option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a second period at a second rate. 
     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 a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  provides a front, section view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  provides a flow chart of an exemplary method for operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment 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. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance  50  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , washing machine appliance  50  includes a cabinet  52  and a cover  54 . A backsplash  56  extends from cover  54 , and a control panel  58  including a plurality of input selectors  60  is coupled to backsplash  56 . Control panel  58  and input selectors  60  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display  61  indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A lid  62  is mounted to cover  54  and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub  64  ( FIG. 2 ) located within cabinet  52  and a closed position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) forming an enclosure over tub  64 . 
       FIG. 2  provides a front, cross-section view of washing machine appliance  50 . As may be seen in  FIG. 2 , tub  64  includes a bottom wall  66  and a sidewall  68 . A wash drum or wash basket  70  is rotatably mounted within tub  64 . In particular, basket  70  is rotatable about a vertical axis V. Thus, washing machine appliance is generally referred to as a vertical axis washing machine appliance. Basket  70  defines a wash chamber  73  for receipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g., vertically, between a bottom portion  80  and a top portion  82 . Basket  70  includes a plurality of openings or perforations  71  therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket  70  and tub  64 . 
     A nozzle  72  is configured for flowing a liquid into tub  64 . In particular, nozzle  72  may be positioned at or adjacent top portion  82  of basket  70 . Nozzle  72  may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct liquid (e.g. water) into tub  64  and/or onto articles within chamber  73  of basket  70 . A valve  74  regulates the flow of fluid through nozzle  72 . For example, valve  74  can selectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of fluid through nozzle  72 . A cold liquid conduit  76  and a hot liquid conduit  78  may additionally be in fluid communication with the water supply, and may supply cold and hot liquid, respectively, to the nozzle  72  through valve  74 . Valve  74  may further be operable to regulate the flow of hot and cold liquid, and thus the temperature of the resulting liquid flowed through nozzle  72  into tub  64 . An additive dispenser  84  may additionally be provided for directing a wash additive, such as detergent, bleach, etc., into the tub  64 . For example, dispenser  84  may be in fluid communication with nozzle  72  such that liquid flowing through nozzle  72  flows through dispenser  84 , mixing with wash additive at a desired time during operation to form a wash fluid, before being flowed into tub  64 . A pump assembly  90  (shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ) is located beneath tub  64  and basket  70  for gravity assisted flow to drain tub  64 . 
     An agitation element  92 , shown as an impeller in  FIG. 2 , may be disposed in basket  70  to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in chamber  73  of basket  70 . In various exemplary embodiments, agitation element  92  includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , agitation element  92  is oriented to rotate about vertical axis V. Basket  70  and agitation element  92  are driven by a motor  94 , such as a pancake motor. As motor output shaft  98  is rotated, basket  70  and agitation element  92  are operated for rotatable movement within tub  64 , e.g., about vertical axis V. Washing machine appliance  50  may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket  70  in a stationary position within tub  64  or for allowing basket  70  to spin within tub  64 . 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  50  is controlled by a processing device or controller  100 , that is operatively coupled to the input selectors  60  located on washing machine backsplash  56  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. Controller  100  may further be operatively coupled to various other components of appliance  50 , such as valve  74 , motor  94 , etc. In response to user manipulation of the input selectors  60 , controller  100  may operate the various components of washing machine appliance  50  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
     Controller  100  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, controller  100  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  58  and other components of washing machine appliance  50  may be in communication with controller  100  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into chamber  73  of basket  70 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of control input selectors  60 . Tub  64  is filled with water and mixed with detergent to form a wash fluid. Valve  74  can be opened to initiate a flow of water into tub  64  via nozzle  72 , and tub  64  can be filled to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once tub  64  is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of the basket  70  are agitated with agitation element  92  for cleaning of articles in basket  70 . More specifically, agitation element  92  is moved back and forth in an oscillatory motion. 
     After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub  64  is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to tub  64 , depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, agitation element  92  may again provide agitation within basket  70 . 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, basket  70  is rotated at relatively high speeds. 
     While described in the context of a specific embodiment of washing machine appliance  50 , using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that washing machine appliance  50  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations (such as horizontal-axis washing machine appliances), different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  along with  FIG. 2 , the present disclosure is further directed to methods for operating a washing machine appliance  50  which advantageously allow a user of the washing machine appliance  50  to choose a desired treatment option for articles to be washed, and to further independently choose a desired temperature for the articles to be washed. The present disclosure is additionally directed to washing machine appliances  50  which provide such operation. Washing machine appliances  50  according to the present disclosure may thus operate based on the independent treatment and temperature desires of the user, without conflicts between such selected options. Controller  100  can generally be programmed to implement such methods, and thus may be configured to perform the various steps thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2  and as discussed above, a washing machine appliance  50  according to the present disclosure may include input selectors  60 . Such input selectors  60  may include a temperature option selector  110  and a separate treatment option selector  112 . Such selectors  110 ,  112  in exemplary embodiments as illustrated may be knobs. Alternatively, however, such selectors may be buttons, portions of a touchscreen, or other suitable user selectable components. The selectors  110 ,  112  may each be in operative communication with controller  100 , such that controller  100  operates and controls operation of other components of the washing machine appliance  50  based on user manipulation of the selectors  110 ,  112 . Further, the selectors  110 ,  112  may advantageously allow treatment option selection independent from temperature option selection, as discussed below. 
     The temperature option selector  110  may be configured for temperature option selection. For example, a user may manipulate the selector  110  to choose between a number of temperature options  114 . For example, temperature options  114  may include a hot temperature, which may be for example between approximately  110  and approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, such as between approximately 115 and approximately 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature options  114  may further include a warm temperature, which may be for example between approximately 80 and approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit, such as between approximately 85 and approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature options  114  may further include a cold temperature, which may be for example between approximately 50 and approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, such as between approximately 55 and approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water may be obtained through operation of the cold liquid conduit  76  to flow water therethrough while not operating the hot liquid conduit  78 , such as via valve  74 . Hot water may be obtained through operation of the hot liquid conduit  78  to flow water therethrough while not operating the cold liquid conduit  76 , such as via valve  74 . Warm water may be obtained through operation of the cold liquid conduit  76  and the hot liquid conduit  78  to flow water therethrough, such as via valve  74 . 
     The treatment option selector  112  may be configured for treatment option selection. For example, a user may manipulate the selector  112  to choose between a number of treatment options  116  which may correspond to a stain on one or more articles to be washed in the appliance  50 . In exemplary embodiments, such treatment options  116  are stain treatment options. For example, treatment options  116  may include a beverage stain option, a blood stain option, a dirt stain option, a dye stain option, a food stain option, an oil stain option, etc. Each treatment option  116  may be associated with a temperature or temperature range that is suitable for treatment of the stain. Such associated temperatures or temperature ranges may be predetermined as generally optimal for the selected treatment. In some embodiments, the temperature or temperature range associated with a specific treatment option  116  may be a hot temperature, a warm temperature or a cold temperature as discussed above. In other embodiments, the temperature or temperature range associated with a specific treatment option  116  may be a custom temperature or temperature range, which may be within, higher or lower than the temperature(s) discussed above, and which may provide generally optimal treatment. 
     Each treatment option  116  may further be associated with various time periods for washing articles that are suitable for treatment of the associated stain. For example, a particular stain may optimally require increased or decreased time periods of rotating, and thus agitation, during washing machine appliance  50  operation. Thus, a first period and a second period may for example be associated with each treatment option  116 . The first and second periods may be time periods for agitation of the articles within the tub  64 , such as via rotation of agitation element  92  or the basket  70 , to provide optimal treatment of a particular stain. Each treatment option  116  thus correlates to a particular first period and second period, which may each be independent of and different from the first period and second period of other treatment options  116 . 
     Each treatment option  116  may further be associated with various rates of agitation of the articles within the tub  64  that are suitable for treatment of the associated stain. For example, a particular stain may optimally require increased or decreased rates of rotating, and thus agitation, during washing machine appliance  50  operation. Thus, a first rate and a second rate may for example be associated with each treatment option  116 . The first and second rates may be rotation rates (for example, motor speeds) for agitation of the articles within the tub  64  to provide optimal treatment of a particular stain. Each treatment option  116  thus correlates to a particular first rate and second rate, which may each be independent of and different from the first rate and second rate of other treatment options  116 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a method according to the present disclosure may include, for example, the step  200  of flowing a first volume of liquid, such as water which may include wash additives therein and thus be a wash fluid, into tub  64 . The first volume of liquid may be at a temperature that is correlated to a treatment option  116  selected by a user, as discussed above. Further, such temperature may be independent of the temperature option  114  selected by the user. The first volume of liquid may generally be a volume that is less than an total volume utilized during a main wash of the articles, such as between approximately 25% and approximately 75% of the total volume. The first volume may be utilized for an initial wash of articles within the basket  70 , to provide an initial treatment of stains on such articles per the treatment option  116  selected by the user. 
     The volume of liquid flowed into the tub  64 , such as the first volume and a second volume and total volume as discussed below, may be monitored and determined using a variety of methods and/or apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, sensors  120  may be included in the appliance  50 , such as on the tub  64 . A sensor may, for example, be a weight sensor configured to measure a weight of tub  64  and the contents therein, or may be a pressure sensor, or may be a height sensor or any other suitable sensor. The sensors  120  may measure characteristics of the liquid as it flows into the tub  64 . Sensors  120  may further be in operative communication with controller  100 , such that controller  100  can control valve  74 , etc. based on sensor  120  signals. The characteristics measured by sensors  120  may correspond to the volume within the tub  64 , such that the various volumes discussed herein can be monitored by the sensor  120 . In alternative embodiments, the various volume as discussed herein may be monitored and determined based on the time during which liquid is allowed to flow into the tub  64 . 
     A method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step  205  of directing a wash additive into the tub  64 . Wash additive may be for example be directed from dispenser  84  into the tub  64 , such as through nozzle  72 . In some embodiments, such directing step  205  may be a passive step, such that when liquid (such as the first volume of liquid) is flowed into the tub  64  the wash additive is directed therewith. In other embodiments, controller  100  may be in operative communication with the dispenser  84 , and can operate the dispenser  84  to directly or indirectly direct wash additive into the tub  64 . In exemplary embodiments, the wash additive is directed into the tub  64  during flowing of the first volume of liquid into the tub  200 . 
     A method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step  210  of agitating the articles within the tub  64  for a first period at a first rate. Such step  210  in exemplary embodiments occurs after step  200 . The first period and the first rate may, for example, correlate to the treatment option  116  selected by the user, as discussed above. Agitating the articles for the first period at the first rate may be initially agitation to initially and at least partially treat stains on the articles, including those corresponding to the selected treatment option  116 . Further, advantageously, because wash additive may be added before such step  210  and the liquid may be at a first volume, the wash fluid within the tub  64  may be at a relatively concentrated level and may thus provide increased treatment benefits. 
     A method according to the present disclosure may include, for example, the step  220  of flowing a second volume of liquid, such as water, into tub  64 . Such step  220  in exemplary embodiments occurs after step  210 . The second volume of liquid may be at a temperature that is correlated to a temperature option  114  selected by a user, as discussed above. In particular, in exemplary embodiments, the second volume of liquid may be at a temperature such that a resultant temperature of a total volume of liquid within the tub  64  (the total of the first volume and second volume) is within a temperature range of the temperature option  114  selected by the user. For example, if the temperature option  114  is a hot temperature and the temperature of the first volume is at a cold temperature, the temperature of the second volume may be at a temperature hotter than the hot temperature such that the resultant temperature of the total volume of liquid is within the hot temperature range. If the temperature option  114  is a cold temperature and the temperature of the first volume is at a hot temperature, the temperature of the second volume may be at a temperature colder than the cold temperature such that the resultant temperature of the total volume of liquid is within the cold temperature range. Further, such temperature of the second volume of liquid, as well as the resultant temperature, may be independent of the treatment option  116  selected by the user. 
     A method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step  230  of agitating the articles within the tub  64  for a second period at a second rate. Such step  230  in exemplary embodiments occurs after step  220 . The second period and the second rate may, for example, correlate to the treatment option  116  selected by the user, as discussed above. The second period and second rate may additionally further correlate to the temperature option  114  selected by the user, and may thus be modified based on such independent temperature option  114  selection. Agitating the articles for the second period at the second rate may be agitation as in a normal main wash cycle, and may further treat stains on the articles, including those corresponding to the selected treatment option  116 . Notable, no further wash additive may be required for such agitation  230 , as the wash additive may have been added with the first volume of liquid. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the second period may be longer than the first period, to facilitate complete washing of the articles within tub  64 . 
     Notably, in exemplary embodiments, the steps  200 ,  210 ,  220 ,  230  may occur after the temperature option  114  and treatment option  116  are selected by a user. Further, it should be understood that the temperature option  114  and treatment option  116  may be selected independently of each other. Accordingly user may advantageously have stains treated in accordance with selected treatment options  116 , and further have the articles which contain the stains generally washed in accordance with selected temperature options  114 , without concern for conflicts between the temperatures, etc. correlated with such options  114 ,  116 . 
     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.