Patent Abstract:
A washing machine having an integrated water-on-demand feature is provided. The washing machine appliance allows a user to adjust the water or wash liquid fill amount of the washing machine appliance using an actuator integrated into or positioned nearby the dispenser box, thereby enabling a simple, convenient, and effective manner of adding wash liquid without requiring a substantial number of additional parts or assembly.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to washing machine appliances having a system for adding supplemental wash liquid. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid, 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 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. 
         [0003]    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. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash liquid. The fluid additives may be in powder or concentrated liquid form, and are generally added to a dispenser box of the washing machine appliance by, e.g., a user of the washing machine appliance. The dispenser box may contain various chambers for containing different additives, e.g., wash detergent and softener. Water may be directed into the chambers of the dispenser box through a plurality of water inlet valves to mix with the additives and the resulting wash liquid is then dispensed into the wash chamber. 
         [0004]    The volume of water or wash liquid 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 liquid dispensed in order to perform a specific task, e.g., prewash an article of clothing or add additional liquid to accommodate an extra large load. The ability to adjust the amount of water or wash liquid dispensed is a generally commercially desirable feature and increases the user&#39;s positive perception of the wash process generally. However, conventional washing machine appliances typically do not have water-on-demand features, and those that do require additional nozzles, hoses, clamps, and other hardware to perform such a function. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that provides a user with more control over the water or wash liquid fill amount is desirable. In particular, a dispenser box having a simple, convenient, integrated system for dispensing an additional predetermined amount of wash liquid would be particularly beneficial. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present subject matter provides a washing machine having an integrated water-on-demand feature. More particularly, the present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance that allows a user to adjust the water or wash liquid fill amount of the washing machine appliance using an actuator integrated into or positioned nearby the dispenser box, thereby enabling a simple, convenient, and effective manner of adding wash liquid without requiring a substantial number of additional parts or assembly. 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. 
         [0007]    In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The washing machine appliance further includes an additive dispenser positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid to the tub. The additive dispenser includes a mixing chamber configured to receive wash additive and a water valve configured to provide a flow of water to the mixing chamber from a water inlet. The additive dispenser further includes a user input button for adding supplemental water to the tub and a controller in operative communication with both the user input button and the water valve. The controller is configured to receive a user input to add a supplemental water fill amount to the tub and open the water valve to provide the tub with the supplemental water fill amount. 
         [0008]    In another exemplary embodiment, a dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance having a tub positioned within a cabinet is provided. The dispensing assembly includes a water valve configured to provide a flow of water from a water inlet and a dispenser box positioned within the cabinet, the dispenser box comprising a mixing chamber configured to receive the flow of water and dispense the flow of water into the tub. The dispensing assembly further includes a user input button and a controller in operative communication with both the user input button and the water valve. The controller is configured to open the water valve to provide the tub with a supplemental water fill amount responsive to the user input button being pressed. 
         [0009]    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 
         [0010]    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. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary dispenser box assembly installed in the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser box assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  provides a rear, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser box assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  provides a front, perspective view of a front portion of a dispenser box according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    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. 
         [0018]      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. Washing machine appliance  100  generally 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 generally defined. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    Washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  that extends between a top portion  103  and a bottom portion  104  along the vertical direction V. A wash basket  120  ( FIG. 2 ) is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Wash basket  120  is received within a wash tub or wash chamber  121  ( FIG. 2 ) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub  121  holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket  120  within wash tub  121 . An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket  120  and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket  120  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . 
         [0021]    Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a top panel  140 . Top panel  140  defines an opening  105  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits user access to wash basket  120  of wash tub  121 . Door  130 , rotatably mounted to top panel  140 , permits selective access to opening  105 ; in particular, 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 basket  120 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket  120 . A window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash basket  120  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 . Further, although door  130  is illustrated as mounted to top panel  140 , alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to cabinet  102  or any other suitable support. 
         [0022]    A control panel  110  with at least one input selector  112  ( FIG. 1 ) extends from top panel  140 . Control panel  110  and input selector  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, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. 
         [0023]    Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device  108  ( FIG. 1 ) 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 , controller  108  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
         [0024]    Controller  108  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  110  and other components of washing machine appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  108  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
         [0025]    During operation of washing machine appliance  100 , laundry items are loaded into wash basket  120  through opening  105 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . Wash basket  120  is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via dispenser box assembly  200 , which will be described in detail below. One or more valves 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 and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket  120  can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
         [0026]    After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  120  depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash basket  120 . One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle 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 basket  120  through opening  105 . 
         [0027]    Referring now generally to  FIGS. 2 through 6 , dispenser box assembly  200  will be described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers to dispenser box assembly  200 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other additive dispensers in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, dispenser box assembly  200  may be positioned on a front of cabinet  102 , may have a different shape or chamber configuration, and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0028]    Dispenser box assembly  200  is a box having a substantially rectangular cross-section that defines a top  202  and a bottom  204  spaced apart along the vertical direction V. Dispenser box assembly  200  also defines a front side  206  and a back side  208  spaced apart along the transverse direction T. As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , dispenser box assembly  200  may be mounted underneath top panel  140  of cabinet  102  such that front side  206  is visible inside opening  105 . More specifically, dispenser box assembly  200  may be mounted to top panel  140  using a plurality of mounting features  210 , which may, for example, be configured to receive mechanical fasteners. One skilled in the art will appreciate that dispenser box assembly  200  may be mounted in other locations and use other mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments. 
         [0029]    Dispenser box assembly  200  may define a mixing chamber  220  configured to receive one or more additive compartments. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, mixing chamber  220  may be configured to slidably receive a detergent compartment  222  and a softener compartment  224 . Compartments  222 ,  224  are slidably connected to the mixing chamber  220  using slides  226  and are connected to a front panel  228  of dispenser box assembly. In this manner, a user may pull on front panel  228  to slide compartments  222 ,  224  along the transverse direction T. Once extended, detergent compartment  222  and softener compartment  224  may be conveniently filled with detergent and softener, respectively. Front panel  228  may be then be pushed back into mixing chamber  220  before a wash cycle begins. 
         [0030]    Although the illustrated embodiment shows detergent compartment  222  and softener compartment  224  slidably received in mixing chamber  220  for receiving wash additives, one skilled in the art will appreciate that different configurations are possible in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, more compartments may be used and the compartments may be accessed by a lid instead of sliding out of mixing chamber  220 . Alternatively, mixing chamber  220  may draw wash additives from a separate storage container such that sliding compartments  222 ,  224  are not needed. Other configurations of mixing chamber  220  and compartments  222 ,  224  are also possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0031]    Dispenser box assembly  200  may further include a plurality of valves configured to supply hot and cold water to mixing chamber  220  or directly to wash tub  121 . For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures may be defined on top  202  of mixing chamber  220  for receiving water. Each aperture (not shown) may be in fluid communication with a different portion of the mixing chamber. A plurality of valve seats may be positioned over top of each of those apertures to receive a valve that controls the flow of water through each aperture. 
         [0032]    For example, a first valve seat  234  may be in fluid communication with a first aperture for providing hot water into detergent compartment  222 . A second valve seat  236  may be in fluid communication with a second aperture for providing cold water into detergent compartment  222 . A third valve seat  238  may be in fluid communication with a third aperture for providing cold water into softener compartment  224 . A fourth valve seat  240  may be in fluid communication with a fourth aperture for providing cold water into mixing chamber  220  or directly into wash tub  121 . 
         [0033]    Water inlets may be placed in fluid communication with each of valve seats  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 . More specifically, a hot water inlet  244  may be connected to a hot water supply line (not shown) and a cold water inlet  246  may be connected to a cold water supply line (not shown). According to the illustrated embodiment, each water inlet  244 ,  246  may include a threaded male adapter configured for receiving a threaded female adapter from a conventional water supply line. However, any other suitable manner of fluidly connecting a water supply line and water inlets  244 ,  246  may be used. For example, each water supply line and water inlets  244 ,  246  may have copper fittings that may be sweated together to create a permanent connection. 
         [0034]    Notably, hot water inlet  244  is in direct fluid communication with first valve seat  234 . However, because washing machine appliance  100  uses cold water for multiple purposes, cold water inlet is in fluid communication with a cold water manifold  248 . As best shown in  FIG. 5 , cold water manifold  248  is a cylindrical pipe that extends along the lateral direction from second valve seat  236  to fourth valve seat  240 . In this manner, cold water manifold  248  places valve seats  236 ,  238 ,  240  in fluid communication with cold water inlet  246 . 
         [0035]    Each of valve seats  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240  may be configured to receive a water valve  252  for controlling the flow of water through a corresponding aperture into mixing chamber  220 . Water valve  252  may be, for example, a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to controller  108 . However, any other suitable water valve may be used to control the flow of water. Controller  108  may selectively open and close water valves  252  to allow water to flow from hot water inlet  244  through first valve seat  234  and from cold water manifold  248  through one or more of second valve seat  236 , third valve seat  238 , and fourth valve seat  240 . 
         [0036]    Dispenser box assembly  200  may further include one or more nozzles (not shown) for directing wash fluid, such as water and/or a mixture of water and at least one fluid additive, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach into wash tub  121  from dispenser box assembly  200 . For example, when second valve seat  236  is open, water may flow from cold water inlet  246  through cold water manifold  248  and second valve seat  236  into detergent compartment  222 . Water may mix with detergent placed in detergent compartment  222  to create wash liquid to be dispensed into wash tub  121 . 
         [0037]    A nozzle (not shown) may be placed on the bottom of detergent compartment  222  or on the bottom of mixing chamber  220  to dispense the wash fluid into wash tub  121 . According to the illustrated embodiment, dispenser box assembly  200  may include four nozzles associated with valves seats  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 , respectively. However, it will be understood that different nozzle configurations may be used in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, nozzles may be positioned on a bottom of mixing chamber  220  near wash tub  121  or directly on wash tub  121 , but could be positioned in other locations as well. 
         [0038]    In some situations, a user may wish to add additional water to wash tub  121 . For example, a user may wish to prewash one or more articles of clothing or may perceive that more water is needed to effectively wash a load. Accordingly, dispenser box assembly  200  may include a system for allowing a user to add water to wash tub  121  on demand, i.e., a water-on-demand feature. 
         [0039]    In this regard, dispenser box assembly  200  may include one or more buttons that are configured to control one or more of valves  252 . According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , dispenser box assembly  200  includes a cold water button  260  and a hot water button  262  for controlling valves  252  on first valve seat  234  and fourth valve seat  240 , respectively. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that additional buttons may be included and the buttons may control different valves  252  or any combination of valves  252 . For example, a third button may be configured to add a “soapy” mixture of hot and/or cold water with a wash additive. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any of these buttons can be turned on/off independently or together in any combination. 
         [0040]    Cold water button  260  and hot water button  262  may be any button or switch suitable for providing an indication to controller  108  that a particular action should be initiated. For example, buttons  260 ,  262  may be push button switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, or any other suitable tactile switch, such as capacitive touch buttons. According to the illustrated embodiments, buttons  260 ,  262  are momentary switches (sometimes referred to as mom-off-mom switches). In this regard, buttons  260 ,  262  are biased switches that return to their unlatched or unpressed state when released, e.g., by spring force. 
         [0041]    According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , cold water button  260  and hot water button  262  may be located on front panel  228  of dispenser box assembly  200 . According to an alternative exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a cold water button  270  and a hot water button  272  may be placed on a bottom surface of top panel  140  adjacent to dispenser box assembly  200 . For example, cold water button  270  may be placed just to the right of mixing chamber  220  and hot water button  272  may be placed just to the left of mixing chamber  220 . In this manner, when a user desires additional water, the user may insert their finger between top panel  140  and wash basket  120  to actuate buttons  270 ,  272 . 
         [0042]    According to other embodiments, buttons  260 ,  262  may be placed in any other suitable location that is easy to access by a user. As illustrated for washing machine appliance  100 , buttons  260 ,  262 ,  270 ,  272  are all positioned in front of control panel  110 . This may be advantageous because washing machine appliance  100  is a vertical axis, top load washing machine that has door  130  that pivots up, thereby blocking access to control panel  110  when door  130  is in the open position. Thus, buttons  260 ,  262 ,  270 ,  272  are preferably located somewhere within wash tub  121  that is easily accessible when door  130  blocks access to control panel  110 . 
         [0043]    Notably, buttons  260 ,  262  are positioned in a location of washing machine appliance  100  where they may be exposed to very humid, damp conditions, or where they may be directly sprayed with water. Therefore, it is desirable that buttons  260 ,  262  operate at a low voltage in order to prevent the possibility of shocking the user. More particularly, buttons  260 ,  262  may operate on an isolated Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) circuit. In this regard, buttons  260 ,  262  may be sealed and rated for direct contact with water. Buttons  260 ,  262  may be directly connected with controller  108  and may be configured for operation at a low voltage, e.g.,  5  volts. When buttons  260 ,  262  are pressed, controller  108  may control valves  252  at the required  120  volts. In this manner, buttons  260 ,  262  are safe for the user to operate even in the damp conditions within wash tub  12  without the risk of shock. 
         [0044]    Notably, buttons  260 ,  262  may be placed directly on dispenser box assembly  200  or in very close proximity to mixing chamber  220 . In addition, buttons  260 ,  262  may control valves  252  that are already included on washing machine appliance  100 . This obviates the need for additional hardware required for an independent water delivery system, e.g., nozzles, high voltage circuits, mounting hardware, etc. As a result, the water-on-demand feature provides an inexpensive, reliable, simple, and intuitive system to deliver additional water to wash tub  121  when the user desires. Similarly, because valves  252  and water delivery system are integrated into an existing dispenser box assembly  200 , washing machine appliance  100  may have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
         [0045]    Buttons  260 ,  262  may be used by a user to deliver an additional amount of water to wash tub  121  on demand, e.g., during or prior to any wash cycle. The additional amount of water may be a specific volume of water or valves  252  may simply be opened for a specific amount of time. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, pressing hot water button  262  will open valve  252  seated on first valve seat  234  and deliver hot water to detergent compartment  222  or mixing chamber  220  for 20 seconds. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that water may be delivered for other time durations as controlled by the user, e.g., via settings on controller  108 , or as set by the manufacturer. Indeed, these values may be set by the manufacturer, determined by controller  108  based on the operating parameters selected, selected by the consumer, or set in any other suitable manner. 
         [0046]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of water added to wash tub  121  upon pressing buttons  260 ,  262  may vary depending on the application or wash cycle. Similarly, the amount of water delivered may be preset (as described above) such that pressing buttons  260 ,  262  delivers the predetermined amount of water. Alternatively, valves  252  may be configured to remain open at all times when corresponding buttons  260 ,  262  are depressed. In this manner, a user may precisely control the amount of water added to wash tub  121 . In order to ensure that wash tub  121  is never overfilled, a maximum water level sensor may be included in the wash tub  121 . When water reaches the maximum level, controller  108  may automatically close all valves  252  or perform a drain cycle to prevent water from spilling out of wash tub  121 . 
         [0047]    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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3