Patent Publication Number: US-10329705-B2

Title: Washing machine and fluid additive receptacle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to washing machine appliances having a fluid additive receptacle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing machine appliances generally include a tub with a drum rotatably mounted therein. The drum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, a wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the drum. The drum can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. 
     During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash liquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber of the drum. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash liquid. For example, bleach may be added to the wash liquid to enhance whitening and/or sterilizing of articles within the drum. 
     In order to introduce fluid additive into the wash tub, a user can manually add the fluid additive to the wash tub and/or the wash basket. For example, after starting the appliance, the user can pour detergent directly into the wash basket. Conversely, certain washing machine appliances include features for receiving fluid additives and dispensing the fluid additives during operation of the appliance. For example, a tray or container mounted to a top panel of a vertical axis washing machine appliance can receive a fluid additive and direct the fluid additive into a wash tub of the appliance. Similarly, a horizontal axis washing machine appliance can include a drawer with a container mounted therein that receives a fluid additive and directs the fluid additive into a wash tub of the appliance. 
     However, in both vertical and horizontal axis washing machine appliances, a separate tray or container may be provided for each particular fluid additive. Thus, for example, a washing machine appliance can require a container for a detergent and a container for bleach. A door may be provided to distinguish and/or cover one tray or container during certain conditions. However, certain design constraints can limit this approach. 
     In particular, the washing machine appliance&#39;s wash basket is typically rotatably mounted within the wash tub. Thus, the wash basket spins within the wash tub during operation of the appliance. The door may become misaligned or fall off as the wash basket spins and/or the washing machine is installed out of level. It is possible that one or more additives may spill or enter the wrong tray. 
     Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for improved handling of fluid additives would be useful. Also, a washing machine appliance with features for covering an additive receptacle and hindering spilling of fluid additives would be useful. In particular, a washing machine appliance with features for more reliably aligning and covering the opening of an additive receptacle would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid additive receptacle for a washing machine appliance provided. The fluid additive receptacle may include a receptacle body, a door, and a pin. The receptacle body may define a body opening to receive an additive therethrough. The receptacle body may further define a mounting channel. The door may be removably mated to the receptacle body to selectively cover the body opening. The pin may extend along a pin axis from the door to the receptacle body. The pin may be slidably positioned within the mounting channel and pivotable about the pin axis. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance may be provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a basket, and a fluid additive receptacle. The cabinet may include a top cover that defines an opening. The tub may be disposed within the cabinet below the top cover. The basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The fluid additive receptacle may include a receptacle body, a door, and a magnetic alignment pair. The receptacle body may define a body opening to receive an additive therethrough. The receptacle body including a sloped perimeter extending about the body opening and being directed thereto. The door may include a contoured edge that is matched to the sloped perimeter of the receptacle body. The door may be removably mated to the receptacle body at the contoured edge to selectively cover the body opening. The magnetic alignment pair may bias the door toward the receptacle body. The magnetic alignment pair may further include a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. 
     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 example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the door of the example washing machine appliance is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the example washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 , wherein the door of the example washing machine appliance is shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of a fluid additive receptacle according to example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the door is in a covered position. 
         FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 3 , wherein the door is in an uncovered position. 
         FIG. 5  provides a cross-sectional side view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  provides an exploded perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  provides a bottom perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 3 , including a magnified portion of a pin and sleeve. 
         FIG. 8  provides a schematic side view of a fluid additive receptacle according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of a fluid additive receptacle according to example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the door is in a covered position. 
         FIG. 10  provides a schematic side view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  provides a perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 9 , wherein the door is between a covered position and an uncovered position. 
         FIG. 12  provides a perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 9 , wherein the door is in an uncovered position. 
         FIG. 13  provides an exploded perspective view of the example fluid additive receptacle of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Generally, the present disclosure may include a washing machine appliance that has a fluid additive receptacle for receiving fluid additives. The fluid additive receptacle may have a door that can cover an opening in the fluid additive receptacle. Specifically, the door may substantially cover and block the opening in a covered position. The door may be configured so that it can slide vertically and rotate about a single axis. One or more features may be included that automatically align the door to the opening when the door is in the covered position. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an example 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 , using the teachings disclosed herein 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 extends between a top portion  103  and a bottom portion  104  along a vertical direction V. Cabinet  102  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are all mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. 
     A wash basket  120  is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 , e.g., within a tub  118  positioned within cabinet  102 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  in order to selectively rotate wash basket  120  within tub  118 , e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 . Wash basket  120  defines a wash chamber  121  that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from wash basket  120  into wash chamber  121 . The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber  121  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a top cover or panel  200 , e.g., at or adjacent top portion  103  of cabinet  102 . Top cover  200  defines an aperture  202  that permits user access to wash chamber  121  of wash basket  120 . Door  130  is rotatably mounted to top cover  200 . However, alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to cabinet  102  or any outer suitable support. When assembled, 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 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 cover  200  defines a hole or opening  201 , e.g., at a corner of top cover  200  at or adjacent to a front portion of top cover  200 . Opening  201  is configured for receipt of one of a plurality of fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener or bleach. Opening  201  permits the fluid additive to pass through top cover  200 , e.g., through portions of a fluid additive receptacle  210  (see  FIG. 3 ) extending below top cover  200  along the vertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour the fluid additives through fluid additive receptacle  210  and opening  201  in top cover  200 . In certain example embodiments, fluid additive receptacle  210  may be configured as a detergent and/or bleach receptacle. Fluid additive receptacle  210  is described in greater detail below. 
     A control panel  110  with a plurality of input selectors  112  extends from top cover  200 . Control panel  110  and input selectors  112  collectively form a user input interface for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display  114  of control panel  130  indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users. 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device  108  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  108  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber  121  through aperture  202 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . Wash basket  120  and/or tub  118  within cabinet  102  is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance  100  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, e.g., with the impeller within wash basket  120 , for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
     After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  is 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, the 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  202 . 
     As discussed above, wash basket  120  is rotatably mounted within tub  118  in cabinet  102 . Wash basket  120  may be spaced apart from tub  118 , e.g., by a radial gap, in order to permit rotation of wash basket  120  within tub  118 . Tub  118  is configured for containing wash and rinse fluids during operation of washing machine appliance  100  described above. Wash and rinse fluids disposed within tub  118  can be used to clean articles disposed in wash basket  120 . Wash and rinse fluids can pass between wash basket  120  and tub  118  through a plurality of perforations defined by wash basket  120 , e.g., during the wash and/or spin cycles described above. 
     As discussed above, fluid additive receptacle  210  is mounted above tub  118  and wash basket  120 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. More particularly, fluid additive receptacle  210  may be mounted above the radial gap between tub  118  and wash basket  120 . Fluid additive receptacle  210  is configured for receipt of fluid additive, e.g., through opening  201 . Fluid additive receptacle  210  may also be configured for directing the fluid additive into the radial gap between tub  118  and wash basket  120 . For example, fluid additive receptacle  210  may direct fluid additive into the radial gap between tub  118  and wash basket  120  prior to or during a wash cycle of washing machine appliance  100 . Similarly, fluid additive receptacle  210  may direct fluid additive into the radial gap between tub  118  and wash basket  120  prior to or during a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 . Alternatively, a separate conduit or passage may be provided for directing fluid additive from fluid additive receptacle  210  to wash basket  120 . 
       FIGS. 3 through 7  provide multiple views of an example fluid additive receptacle  210 . Generally, fluid additive receptacle  210  includes a receptacle body  212 , e.g., mounted, above wash basket  120  ( FIG. 2 ) and a wash tub  119  ( FIG. 2 ) of washing machine appliance  100  ( FIG. 2 ). Washing machine appliance  100  may include gap and/or container (not pictured) to receive additive directed through fluid additive receptacle  210 . 
     As shown, receptacle body  212  includes a funnel or cup  214  defining a body opening  218  to receive an additive therethrough. Cup  214  extends from a top portion  222  to a bottom portion  224 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. At cup  214 , and specifically above the bottom portion  224  of cup  214 , receptacle body  212  includes a sloped perimeter  226  extending about body opening  218 . Sloped perimeter  226  may be generally directed toward body opening  218 . In some embodiments, sloped perimeter  226  is formed along the top portion  222  of cup  214 . As shown, sloped perimeter  226  may define a maximum (e.g., radially-outermost limit) of body opening  218 . 
     Optional embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , include a plurality of cups  214 ,  216 , each defining a separate opening  218 ,  220 . For instance, receptacle body  212  may include a first cup  214  defining body opening  218 , as well as second cup  216  defining a secondary opening  220 . Second cup  216 , including secondary opening  220 , may be spaced apart from first cup  214 , e.g., such that body opening  218  and secondary opening  220  form parallel paths that are fluidly isolated from each other. Each opening  218 ,  220  may be in fluid communication with a discrete gap or container to receive a separate additive. In certain embodiments, receptacle body  212 , including first cup  214  and second cup  216 , is formed as a single integral body (e.g., a monolithic unitary structure). 
     When assembled, receptacle body  212  is received within opening  201  of top cover  200 . In particular, receptacle body  212  may be received within opening  201  of top cover  200  over one or more reservoir(s) (not pictured) such that receptacle body  212  hides reservoir(s) and reservoir(s) are not visible to a user of washing machine appliance  100  from above top cover  200 . As an example, receptacle body  212  may be snap-fit or otherwise suitably mounted to top cover  200  at opening  201  of top cover  200 . 
     A door  230  is generally provided on receptacle body  212 . Door  230  may be removably mated to receptacle body  212  to selectively cover body opening  218 . Specifically, door  230  may be movable between a covered position (see  FIG. 3 ) and an uncovered positioned (see  FIG. 4 ). As will be described in detail below, door  230  may rotate and/or slide vertically between the covered and uncovered positions. As shown, in the covered position, door  230  generally restricts or inhibits access to body opening  218 . Conversely, in the uncovered position, door  230  generally permits access to body opening  218 . Optionally, moving door  230  from the covered position to the uncovered position may require moving door  230  vertically separate from, or in conjunction with, rotation. When door  230  is moved out of the covered position, e.g., to the uncovered position, door  230  may extend vertically above top cover  200  ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, when door  230  is not in the covered position, door  230  may interfere with the closed position of door  130 . If door  230  is not properly aligned in the covered position, door  230  may prevent door  130  from moving to the closed position 
     Door  230  is generally shaped to extend across all or some of body opening  218 . In some embodiments, a contoured edge  232  of door  230  is matched to a corresponding portion of receptacle body  212 . For instance, contoured edge  232  may be matched to the sloped perimeter  226  of receptacle body  212 . When door  230  is in the covered position, contoured edge  232  may engage (e.g., directly contact) sloped perimeter  226 . The matched edge-perimeter interface may advantageously align door  230  to receptacle body  212  in the closed position, e.g., as biased by gravity. 
     Door  230  may be formed as a solid, non-permeable member. Thus, door  230  may prevent fluid additive from passing through body opening  218  when in the closed position. Optionally, a window  233  (see  FIG. 8 ) may form a portion of door  230 , e.g., as a transparent panel of glass or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) that extends across all or some of door  230 . In such embodiments, body opening  218  may be visible through window  233  when door  230  is in the covered position. Window  233  may be constructed in a manner such that it provides magnification of the body opening  218 . More specifically, window  233  may operate in a manner similar to a magnifying glass. For example, window  233  may have a convex shape embedded within or as part of door  230 . 
     In embodiments wherein receptacle body  212  includes multiple openings for additives, such as body opening  218  and secondary opening  220 , a single door  230  may be provided. Door  230  may be positioned to only cover a single opening. In the illustrated embodiments, door  230  corresponds to first cup  214  and is configured to move between the covered position and the uncovered position exclusively in relation to body opening  218 . Advantageously, a user may thus be prevented for erroneously or unintentionally adding the incorrect additive to body opening  218  and/or secondary opening  220 . 
     As shown, a pin  234  may extend from door  230  along a pin axis  236 . Pin  234  is fixed relative to door  230 . Optionally, pin  234  may be an integral or unitary extension of door  230 . Alternatively, pin  234  may be a discrete member fixed to a bottom portion of door  230  by an adhesive or mechanical connector (e.g., a threaded male-female interface). When assembled, pin axis  236  may define an axis of rotation for pin  234  and door  230 . Movement of the pin  234  may thus correspond to movement of the door  230 . As pin  234  rotates or slides, door  230  may also rotate or slide in kind. 
     In some embodiments, pin  234  is mounted directly to receptacle body  212 . For instance, receptacle body  212  may define a mounting channel  238  that receives pin  234 . Pin  234  may thus extend through mounting channel  238 . Specifically, pin  234  may be slidably and/or rotatably positioned within mounting channel  238 . In other words, pin  234  may be configured for axial and/or rotational movement relative to receptacle body  212 . When mounted to receptacle body  212 , pin  234  may be permitted to move along pin axis  236  (e.g., slide longitudinally along pin axis  236 ) within mounting channel  238 . Additionally or alternatively, pin  234  may be permitted to rotate or pivot about pin axis  236 . 
     In some embodiments, receptacle body  212  includes a pin sleeve  240  extending along mounting channel  238 . Pin sleeve  240  may define at least a portion of mounting channel  238 . When assembled, pin sleeve  240  extends about a portion of pin  234 , e.g., to direct positioning of pin  234  within mounting channel  238 . Optionally, pin sleeve  240  may define a dowel groove  244  that extends radially through pin sleeve  240  (e.g., in a radial direction R relative to pin axis  236 ). Moreover, a dowel  242  may extend in the radial direction from pin  234  and into pin sleeve  240 . Thus, dowel groove  244  may generally direct movement of pin  234  and thereby movement of door  230 . 
     In certain embodiments, dowel groove  244  defines a set movement path for dowel  242 . The movement path of dowel groove  244  may include an axial component  246  and a circumferential component  248 . Axial component  246  generally extends along pin axis  236 . Circumferential component  248  generally extends along a circumferential direction C defined about pin axis  236 . As shown, in some embodiments, axial component  246  and circumferential component  248  are discrete segments of movement path. Alternatively, axial component  246  and circumferential component  248  may be integrated, such that dowel groove  244  simultaneously extends along and about pin axis  236  (e.g., in a helical groove pattern). 
     In certain embodiments, fluid additive receptacle  210  includes a magnetic alignment pair  250 . Included in the magnetic alignment pair  250  is a first magnetic element  252  and a second magnetic element  254 . At least one of the first or second magnetic elements  252 ,  254  is a permanent magnet. The other of the first or second magnetic elements  252 ,  254  is a magnetically-matched material, such as a ferromagnetic material or another permanent magnetic. In turn, if first magnetic element  252  is a permanent magnet, second magnetic element  254  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material and/or a second magnet. Similarly, if second magnetic element  254 , first magnetic element  252  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material and/or a second magnet. When assembled, magnetic alignment pair  250  may bias door  230  toward receptacle body  212 . In other words, magnetic alignment pair  250  may bias door  230  toward the covered position or to remain in the covered position. 
     In some example embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , a first magnetic element  252  is positioned at a perimeter edge of door  230 , e.g., at contoured edge  232 . A second magnetic element  254  is positioned at a perimeter portion of body opening  218 , e.g., at sloped perimeter  226 . In the aforementioned example embodiments, first magnetic element  252  is a ferromagnetic rod embedded within door  230  at contoured edge  232 . Second magnetic element  254  is a permanent magnet received within a corresponding recessed cavity  256  defined by receptacle body  212  at sloped perimeter  226 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a schematic side view of example embodiments of a fluid additive receptacle  210  that provides for additional or alternative configurations of magnetic alignment pair(s)  250 . For instance, as described above, a magnetic alignment pair  250 A may include a first magnetic element  252 A positioned at a perimeter edge of door  230 , as well as a second magnetic element  254 A positioned at a perimeter portion of body opening  218  (see  FIG. 6 ). In additional or alternative embodiments, a magnetic alignment pair  250 B includes a first magnetic element  252 B disposed within pin  234 , as well as a second magnetic element  254 B mounted about mounting channel  238 . In still further additional or alternative embodiments, a magnetic alignment pair  250 C includes a first magnetic element  252 C disposed within pin  234 , as well as a second magnetic element  254 C mounted to washing machine appliance  100  below pin  234 , e.g., on cabinet  102 . 
       FIGS. 9 through 13  provide multiple views of another example fluid additive receptacle  210 . It is noted that the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 9 through 13  are understood to include some or all of the features of the embodiments of  FIGS. 3 through 8 , except as otherwise indicated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 through 13 , a pin  234  may be mounted within mounting channel  238  to freely rotate and slide axially. As described above, door  230  may rotate between a covered position ( FIG. 9 ) and an uncovered position ( FIG. 13 ). As door  230  rotates, e.g., as motivated by a user, door  230  may move along a helical path  260 . The helical path  260  may be generally defined by a contoured edge  232  of door  230 . Contoured edge  232  is formed along a smooth angled pattern. As door  230  is pushed, e.g., clockwise, contoured edge  232  will engage the sloped perimeter  226  of receptacle body  212 . As the angled countered edge engages receptacle body  212 , it may also slide along sloped perimeter  226 , e.g., about body opening  218 . Moreover, this engagement between the angled contoured edge  232  and the sloped perimeter  226  may push the door  230  upward and cause the door  230  to rise, e.g., axially above body opening  218 , in synchronization with the rotational movement. Conversely, the door  230  may close, e.g., as motivated by gravity, along helical path  260  in the reverse direction. 
     Optionally, pin  234  and mounting channel  238  may define a mated circular cross-sectional profile. Thus, the path of movement for the door  230  relative to receptacle body  212  may be defined exclusively by the engagement between door  230  and receptacle body  212 . In additional or alternative embodiments, fluid additive receptacle  210  may be free of any magnetic assembly. For instance, alignment between door  230  and receptacle body  212  may be directed by gravity and the constrained movement of the angled contoured edge  232  against and along sloped perimeter  226 . 
     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.