Automatic Laundry Washer with Active Venting

Abstract

An existing water recirculation system of a laundry washer may be activated to circulate air in a way that can reduce the moisture in the tub and drum of the washer. Also included is a system whereby an existing drain pump of the washer may be selectively activated to cause air to vent through the washer and out the drain hose of the washer. These systems may be used individually or in conjunction with each other, and with drum rotation. Supplemental venting may also be provided by a dedicated fan, to provide an effective multi-action washing machine venting solution.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/590,055 filed Jan. 24, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein, both bodily and by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to appliance venting, and particularly to venting a treatment chamber of a laundry washing appliance, e.g., the tub and/or rotatable drum of an automated laundry washing machine.

Automated laundry washing machines include a wash chamber (e.g., tub with rotatable wash basin or drum therein) within which wash load items are placed for carrying out an automatic wash process. Typically, in both top load and front load washers, the access opening to the wash chamber has associated with it a door that swings open and shut to permit access to the wash chamber.

A problem that arises with such washing machines is residual moisture and unpleasant odor (musty smell) within the treatment chamber. Clothes that are left in the washing machine for an extended period of time can take on unpleasant smell, feel and/or appearance. A factor contributing to these problems is the lack of adequate air venting within the chamber, especially when the access door is closed.

Some laundry washing machines have been equipped to periodically run, or prompt a user to run, a clean cycle for cleaning the parts of the appliance exposed to wash water, e.g., through circulation of a chlorine bleach solution. This does not necessarily fully address the musty smell issue, and it also cannot be used to improve the condition of clothes left in the washer for an extended period following a wash. It is a common practice for users to leave the access door of a washing machine open between uses to vent the wash chamber. However, front load laundry washing machines, in particular, may be equipped with a door that swings open but has no mechanism for positively maintaining the door in an open position. Even with the door held open, an optimal level of air circulation may not be achieved.

There thus remains a need for a system that would reduce the moisture in the tub/drum of a washer during periods of non-use following a wash. There are some washing machines with active vent systems in the marketplace and described in the literature. See, e.g., US 2011/0041260 and US 2011/0041562. These systems involve the use of a special dedicated fan to create a venting air flow through the washer. A single fan moves air out of the drum and blows it into the room environment where the washing machine is located. This can lead to undesirable odors in the room, as well as moisture build-up and condensation on the wall next to the exit vent of the machine.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED INVENTIVE ASPECTS

The following summary generally addresses some of the inventive features and aspects described herein. It should not be read to limit the scope of this disclosure in any manner.

Aspects of the present invention address the shortcomings of existing laundry appliance venting systems. Included is a system whereby an existing water recirculation system of a washer may be activated to circulate air in a way that can reduce the moisture in the tub and drum of the washer. Also included is a system whereby an existing drain pump of the washer may be selectively activated, during non-wash periods, to cause air to vent through the washer and out the drain hose of the washer. These systems may be used individually or in conjunction with each other. An advantage of such a system is the ability to remove moisture from the drum using existing washer components, to thereby avoid the additional cost of additional motors, fans or pumps. Moreover, such a system may be used in conjunction with supplemental venting provided by a dedicated fan, to provide an effective multi-action washing machine venting solution.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a tri-action vent system/process is provided. The first action involves the use of a fan to draw surrounding ambient air into the tub. The fan may be one that has an inlet on the back or side of the washing machine, and which draws fresh air into the tub.

A second venting action uses a drain pump of the washer during a non-wash period, first to clear the drain hose of any water left over in the tub, to open a passageway to an external drain system, and then to force moist air out of the tub through the drain hose and into an external drain. Removal of air to an external (e.g., home) drain system can advantageously avoid or reduce introduction of moist, perhaps smelly, air into the room.

A third venting action uses a water recirculation pump of the washer to circulate air through the wash chamber. Some front load and top load washing machines use a recirculation system that uses a secondary pump to circulate water from the sump of the tub back to the top of the drum. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a washer's existing water recirculation system is used also for circulating air through the washer, during non-wash periods. Activation of the recirculation pump circulates air into the drum, where the wash load (e.g., clothing) may remain for a period after completion of the wash.

The above systems and actions may be used in coordination with each other and with periodic tumbling of the drum. An advantage of the system is that air can be pushed and pulled to and from the drum. Another advantage derives from the recirculation pump's ability to circulate air directly towards the wash load items that may be left in the drum following a wash. A further advantage is achievable by moving the moist air in the wash tub into an external drain system, as opposed to blowing the moist air directly into the room where the laundry machine is located.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention:

A laundry washer uses a drain pump to draw moist air out of the tub and into an external drain system at a time outside the normal washer operation mode.

A laundry washer uses a water recirculation pump in an active air venting mode to circulate air through the wash chamber at a time outside the normal operation mode.

A laundry washer uses one or both of the above, in combination with a dedicated fan, to move air through the wash chamber.

A laundry washer uses any or all of the above, and the laundry washer further performs periodic tumbling in coordination with the active venting.

The invention further contemplates a method of actively venting a laundry machine that includes drawing moist air from the tub and down an external drain system when the machine is not otherwise active in a wash operation. This method may be performed in coordination with periodic drum rotation to cause tumbling of any wash load present in the washer.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a system for moving all the air and moisture that might come out of an overflow tube of the washer into the drain system external of the washer.

In yet another aspect, an active vent system that moves air inside of the drum and tub includes a drum with a rear wall having an integrated fan structure, whereby enhanced airflow is generated by rotation of the tub, for venting purposes. A user may select, e.g., by way of a control panel menu or button/knob, a mode which rotates the drum to generate venting air flow as an add-on after the completion of a wash cycle. The mode may also be made available for a user to select as a stand-alone cycle to be executed apart from a normal wash operation, e.g., when the unit is empty. The washer may be configured such that air flow created within the tub by the drum rotation results in moist air from inside the washer being forced outside of the machine through the washer's overflow tube, and optionally from there into an external drain (e.g. home drain) that receives the waste water from the washer.

In still another aspect of the invention, a device is provided that allows a user to scent the washing machine and/or wash load by a scent product (e.g., solid, gel or liquid fragrance emitting composition). In an embodiment, the device comprises a holder with a compartment for receiving and retaining the scent product in a manner for dispersing fragrance, and that attaches to the additives dispenser drawer of the washer.

Laundry washing machines, both front load and top load, can develop unfavorable odors, as has been described. The addition of a scent dispenser to the washer can help alleviate this issue. The attachment of the scent product holder to the dispenser drawer facilitates user refills of scent product simply upon removal of the drawer. During operation of the active venting, the scent can be effectively dispersed into the tub and drum of the washer (and any wash load present), as well as into the surrounding room environment.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent and fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in connection with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a front load automatic laundry washer to which aspects of the invention may be applied, with an access door thereof open.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front load washer of the general type shown in FIG. 1, with cabinet panels removed to reveal internal structure thereof.

FIG. 3 is a top-rear perspective view of a washer of the same general type depicted in FIG. 2, modified in accordance with an aspect of the invention to further include a dedicated fan for carrying out active venting of the washer (hot/cold water inlet tube and overflow tube segment omitted for clarity).

FIG. 4 is a close-up partial perspective view of the washer portion circled in FIG. 3 (unlabeled arrows point to where omitted water inlet tubes and overflow tube segment connect).

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a rear side corner portion of a washer of the same general type shown in the previous figures, and further showing an attachment to the suds overflow outlet in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a wash group assembly of a washer of the same general type shown in the previous figures, including a rotatable drum having a closed end (rear wall) configured with an integral fan structure in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an upper-front perspective view of an additives dispenser and inserted drawer of a washer as shown in the previous figures, with the top removed to show a clip-on replaceable/refillable scent product holder in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a lower-rear perspective view of the additives dispenser drawer and appended scent product holder shown in FIG. 7 (remove from the dispenser housing).

FIG. 9 is a close-up partial top-side perspective view of a rear end portion of a dispenser drawer as shown in FIG. 7, including a second embodiment of a clip-on scent product holder.

FIG. 10 is a close-up bottom-side perspective view of the dispenser drawer and scent product holder shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11a-11c are perspective views of the scent product holder shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, detached from the dispenser drawer; a lid of the holder is removed in FIG. 11c.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, illustrated is an exemplary automatic laundry washing machine 1 of the front-load, rotating drum variety. The washing machine 1 includes a port-hole style access opening 3, and an access door 5 hingedly mounted on a cabinet front panel and/or bulkhead 6 to swing between open and closed positions.

Surrounding access opening 3 is a compressible door bellows 7 of rubber or the like that provides a water-tight flexible connecting passage extending between the access opening of the suspended wash group and the access opening 3 of the cabinet front panel 6. Bellows 7 also serves to provide a liquid-tight seal with access door 5 when the door is closed and latched. With access door 5 in the open position as shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that a door strike structure 9 is mounted on and protruding inwardly from an inner frame 11 of the door 5. This inner frame 11 surrounds an inwardly directed port-hole plug structure 15, which may be formed of molded transparent plastic, glass or other like materials or combinations thereof. Plug structure 15 serves to protect bellow 7 from tumbling load items and to redirect clothes back toward the cavity of the drum as they are tumbled during washing operation.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, means are provided to move air that is inside the wash chamber, i.e., the tub 17 of the suspended wash group, and the drum 19 rotatably mounted therein. The wash group structure is seen more clearly in FIG. 2 (see also FIG. 6). The tub is formed by adjoined front and rear shells 21, 23, encasing the rotatably mounted drum 19 therein. During a wash operation of the washing machine 1, water and soap are mixed inside of the tub 17. The clothes are placed inside of the drum 19 which is rotatably installed within the tub 17 formed by the two shells 21, 23. When the cycle is complete, the water is drained from the tub 17.

Various elements of the washer 1 discussed herein, including the drum drive motor 25, drain pump 27 and recirculation pump 29 may be selectively energized under the control of an electronic controller. The controller may be provided as an integral part of a control panel 31 of the washer 1. Such a controller may comprise a suitably programmed microprocessor or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), operably connected to suitable circuitry for driving the motor and pumps and various other components of the washer, in accordance with commands of the controller and applicable settings input by a user through the control panel 31.

There are two situations where the active vent concepts of the present invention can be especially helpful. First, in some cases, the consumer may not be able to remove the wash load from the washing machine right after it is completed. In this case, it may be desirable to select, e.g., through a control panel knob, button or menu selection, a washer active vent option. The option could be preselected to start after the completion of a regular wash cycle.

A second case where it may be especially advantageous to use an active vent option would be when the user is able to unload the washer, but does not, or cannot, leave the door open after the wash load has been removed. In this case, the option would be selectable as a stand-alone cycle, for activation of periodic venting during periods of non-use of the washer.

A tri-action vent system according to the present invention moves air using three different components, in coordination with each other and periodic tumbling of the drum. First, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a fan 33 mounted to a side panel of the washing machine 1 can be operated to draw fresh air into the tub 17. Fan 33 is mounted on an inside of the cabinet side panel. The fan may overlie a corresponding aperture in the cabinet allowing air flow therethrough. Alternatively, if no aperture is provided, the fan may be configured with inlets and/or a gap from the cabinet panel to allow airflow through the fan from within the washer cabinet. Air drawn in by the fan passes down into the tub 17 through a flexible conduit 34 that connects on one end to the back of fan 33, and on the other end to an upper side of the tub 17. Second, the drain pump 27 may be activated thereby clearing the drain hose 35 of any water left in the tub 17 and opening a passageway to a drain system external of the washer. The drain pump operation then drives moist air out of the tub 17 and into the external drain. Third, the recirculation pump 29 may be activated to circulate air in the drum 19 where clothes may remain after the completion of a wash, to thus avoid or reduce the potential for the damp clothes to take on a musty smell.

Using the water circulation pump 29, the tri-action vent system can push air to and pull air from the drum, and can also flow air directly towards clothes left in the drum. Also, rather than blowing moist potentially odorous air into the room containing the laundry machine, at least a portion of the moist air may be blown out of the washer into the external drain system. Each of the above three described components may be used individually or in combination.

In an embodiment, the venting option is selected by way of the control panel 31 of the washer 1, and the venting operation(s) become active only after completion of a normal wash operation. The control may be configured such that if the active venting option is selected and the venting action is activated, the machine will work through the active venting cycle and then repeat, until either a designated time period is reached or the user cancels the cycle.

A root cause of the odor issue addressed by the inventive systems described herein is the moisture present in the tub 17 after a wash cycle has been completed. This moisture is present due to two main causes. One is damp clothes that have completed the wash cycle but have not been removed from the washing machine 1. The second source of water is a small amount of water that may settle at the lowest point in the drain system after the main drain pump 27 is shut off.

The washer control, which may be software/firmware based, may be configured such that at some point in time after the wash cycle is completed and the washer has set for a period of time, the drain pump 27 will be activated to move any water at the lowest point in the circuit up the drain hose 35 out of the washer and into the external drain system. In this embodiment the drain pump 27 is activated first. However, due to the higher elevation of the recirculation circuit intake relative to the drain pump intake in the sump, it may not be necessary for the drain pump 27 to be operated prior to activation of the recirculation pump 29 for air circulation purposes.

By activating the drain pump 27, some air will also be moved from the tub 17 to pump hose 35 out of the machine and into the external drain system. This is a first way moist air will move out of the wash system. Activating the drain pump 27 after the cycle has been completed and the unit has been at rest for a period of time, with the purpose and effect of moving moist air from the unit in this manner, is a unique functionality of this system.

After the drain pump 27 is activated, the recirculation pump 29 may be activated. With this, air will begin to flow within the recirculation circuit. In an embodiment, the recirculation pump inlet at the tub/sump connects to the pump 29 by a first short length of hose (not visible). The recirculation pump outlet connects to a longer recirculation hose 37. Air will flow into the recirculation pump 29 and out into the recirculation hose 37. Air will flow up the recirculation hose 37 and into a junction 39 that will separate the air into two directions. Separating the flow into two parts, and using part of the air to move the air within the drum, while moving another portion of the air out of the machine, is another unique aspect.

A portion of the air will flow into the tub 19 through an opening in the bellows 7 proximate the junction 39. This portion of the air could be moving over damp clothes and thus increasing in humidity, removing water from the clothes. Especially in the case that clothes are not present, the air can also absorb water from other areas of the tub.

A second portion of air will flow from the junction 39 up a hose 40 that leads into the washer's water and additives dispenser 41. Hose 40 is used to dispense fresh water from the dispenser 41 as part of a known Advanced Rinse Technology (ART) system. From the dispenser 41, the air will be able to exit the washer through two openings. One opening is the additives drawer opening 42 of the dispenser 41. The second opening is the overflow tube 43 that extends from the dispenser 41 to the back panel of the washer. In both cases, the air flow out of the tub is relatively low. This allows air with lower humidity to flow into the system through the same openings at the same time that air with higher humidity may be flowing out.

Dry air that flows into the machine through the dispenser drawer opening 42 and overflow tube 43, e.g., due to operation of the drain pump or dedicated vent fan (operating in exhaust rather than intake mode) flows down the main dispenser-to-tub conduit 45 and into the tub 17. The dry air then mixes with moisture present in the tub and the recirculation process repeats. With each cycle, at least a portion of the air is drawn out of the washer, e.g., by the drain pump 27, and replaced with fresh air drawn into the wash tub, e.g., by fan 33.

At some designated points in time, the recirculation and drum pump activations may be discontinued. This allows the dry air to remain in the drum and absorb water. The rotatable drum may be activated at any time during this process to allow the clothes to rotate and the dry air to have access to the different sides and surfaces of the clothes.

In an embodiment, the tri-action vent system is activated as an option after the completion of any cycle, and when the clothes are still in the washing machine. The door lock on the washing machine remains locked after the completion of the normal wash cycle and the display indicates the vent system is operating. Operation in accordance with this option may continue until expiration of a preset period of time (e.g., 16 hours) or the user cancels the cycle, whichever occurs first. Also, the cycle could run indefinitely until cancelled by a user. Fan 33 is activated to draw fresh air into the machine and dump it into the tub. The fan 33 may remain active during the entire duration of the tri-action vent option. In this manner, fresh air is continuously drawn into the tub, through flexible tube/conduit 34. Although the fan 33 is shown mounted on a washer cabinet side panel, it may be positioned in another location, e.g., on the back panel.

The rest of the venting system may remain idle for an initial period following activation of the venting cycle, for 11 minutes in one embodiment. This allows the fresh air to absorb moisture from the clothes and otherwise in the drum and surrounding tub, thereby increasing the relative humidity of the air inside the wash tub. The motor attached to the drum may then be activated to rotate the drum (e.g., at 120 rpm) to tumble the load for a relatively short period, e.g., 10 seconds. This further mixes the fresh air with the clothes allowing the relative humidity of the air to increase further, as well as moves fresh air into the clothes.

After the relatively short period of tumbling, the drain pump 27 may be activated while the load continues to tumble. This will move any excess water out of the bottom of the tub 17 and open-up the passage (including hose 35) of the washer drain system leading to the external (e.g., home) drain system. It will also start to push moist air out of the tub through the drain hose 35 and into the external drain system. At least a portion of the moist, musty air is dumped into the home drain system rather than being forced into the room. Even in the case that a conventional water seal trap is provided on the home drain system, the drain system can be effective to contain odorous air until such time that a drain of water breaks the seal and flushes the air down the drain with it. Even insofar as the seal is not broken in the near term after a drain of musty air into the drain pipe, a dispersion benefit can be realized in that the musty air is not released directly into the room. If a standpipe is present (upstream of the water seal trap), that may be able to accommodate a significant volume of the musty air pumped from the washer and at least temporarily hold that air, for slow dispersion into the room and/or for eventual flushing down the drain upon a break of the water seal trap by a flow of drain water. The air that is pushed out of the tub 17 and into the drain system may be replaced by fresh air provided by the fan 33, and/or the natural flow of air into the tub from the aforementioned additives drawer opening 42 and overflow tube 43.

After a relatively short period of drain pump operation (e.g., 10 seconds), the recirculation pump 29 may be activated while the drain pump 27 continues to operate and the drum 29 continues to rotate to tumble the load. Activation of the recirculation pump 29 will move some air through the recirculation hose 37 and back into the tub 17 at junction 39 directly on top of the clothes that are tumbling. This provides greater opportunity for the air to absorb moisture from the drum, the tub and the clothes.

After a further relatively short period of time (e.g., 10 more seconds), both pumps 27, 29 are stopped while the clothes are tumbled for an additional relatively short period (e.g., 30 more seconds). This provides the opportunity for the air to further absorb moisture from the clothes, the drum 19 and tub 17. Afterwards, the drum drive motor 25 stops and the load remains idle for a period, e.g., 11 minutes. During this time, the fan 33 will remain active and fresh air will continuously be pushed into the tub 17/drum 19.

The above cycle (12 minutes total with the exemplary times given) may continue to repeat indefinitely until canceled by a user, or for the shorter of (1) a preset period (e.g. 16 hours) and (2) the time until the user cancels, e.g., to remove the clothes.

Some variations on the above embodiment, and alternative embodiments, are now described.

The tri-action vent process, or portions thereof, could be a cycle on its own, made available as an option that a user could select any time that the washer is not being used for washing, e.g., when the washing machine is empty, to remove moisture from the tub and drum.

The tri-action vent system, or portions thereof, could be incorporated into a regular wash cycle to help wash performance by reducing suds—knocking suds down with the air flow, or help decreasing remaining moisture content (RMC) which could increase efficiency of the washing machine/dryer pair (clothes come out of washer with less moisture and hence require less drying).

The fan 33 could be wired in a way to allow direction reversal, such that air is both pushed into and pulled through the washer 1 by the fan 33, e.g., at different times during the venting cycle.

Any one of the three different vent actions described could be used by itself, or in any other combination or variation of sequence, with different time spans and indefinitely if so desired.

The fan could be attached to conduits that branch and connect to the tub in several different locations, or to the dispenser or sump pump system or even the recirculation hose system, in order to provide more air movement in specific locations that could result in more efficient removal of moisture from the tub and drum, or better performance drying the clothes. Multiple fans could be provided. Those fans could be mounted directly to the tub at different locations providing maximum air movement where it can be most helpful. The rear panel of the washer could have access holes that allow fresh air into the cabinet more easily and hence allow the fan(s) to draw air in from within the cabinet and into the tub more efficiently.

The unit could incorporate use of a heater located in the tub of the washing machine, e.g., in the sump. This could heat the fresh air drawn into the washer to increase the amount of moisture the air can hold.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the washer 1 has an overflow tube 43 that permits any overflow of suds to escape from an outlet at the back of the washer. This overflow tube 43 also naturally vents air out of the tub 17 and drum 19. With an active vent system as described added to the unit, the air being forced into the tub/drum may exit through the overflow tube 43 and into the surrounding room. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a conduit, e.g., hose, is attached to the outlet of the overflow tube at the back of the washer, to provide a direct route for exhausted air, and any overflow of suds, to flow into the external drain system.

As seen in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the attachment to the outside of the outlet of the overflow tube comprises a cup or funnel-like structure forming an overflow vent cover 49. That structure has a rear side including a cylindrical coupling segment 50 with a central passageway to which a hose 51 may be attached. In an existing washer, the overflow tube is held in position by a tube collar. In one technique, in order to install the vent cover 49 on an existing machine, the overflow tube collar must first be removed. This can be done from the outside of the machine. The cover 49 may be configured to then snap into place, to assume the position shown in FIG. 5 completely covering the overflow tube outlet. The vent hose 51 connected to the cover 49 may then be routed into a drain (e.g., home drain) external to the washer. This allows all of the moist air being moved by the active vent out of the overflow tube, and any suds created during an over-suds condition, to be moved into the drain system, rather than into the laundry room.

Various other constructions and methods of attachment of a vent hose to an overflow tube of the washer may be used. Moreover, such an arrangement has utility apart from the described active venting aspects. For example, the parts could be made and sold as an aftermarket addition to current production washers, for the purpose of moving suds to an external drain in over-suds conditions, instead of suds simply dropping onto the floor as is typically the case.

Referring to FIG. 6, a further embodiment is now described that makes use of the washer's rotatable drum's inherent ability to move air inside of the tub and drum. In conjunction with the previous active venting aspects described, the drum motor 25 and pumps 27, 29 may be selectively energized to move air at a time that is not part of the normal wash operation. This air movement may be effected without a wash load in the machine, and also when there are clothes present in the drum. Either way, air can be moved inside of the tub and drum by the drum rotation itself. The air moving capability of the drum rotation is enhanced by the configuration of the rearward closed end of the drum. The configuration of the rear wall of the drum inherently allows it to serve as an air moving structure, i.e., a fan.

More specifically, the structure (e.g., circular wall plate 53) forming the closed end of the drum 19 incorporates fan-like shapes 55 that may serve to move more air within the wash group. In the illustrated embodiment, a spider 56, serving as a structural drive-force transmitting member, is fixed on the outside of the wall 53 and is attached at its hub on a drive shaft (not shown). The arms of the spider extending radially outwardly from the central axis of rotation can act like fan blades to generate airflow in the space between the tub 17 and the drum 19. Spider 56 is fitted within the recesses formed on the back side of the corresponding protrusions 55 formed (e.g., molded or stamped) on the inside of the tub rear wall 53. These protrusions, on the inside of the drum, likewise can act to generate airflow within the drum 19. Also, the vanes mounted on the circumferential surface of the drum are highly effective in generating airflow within the tub when the tub is rotated. During the periods of drum drive motor activation, the spinning of the drum will create air flow within the drum 19 and surrounding tub 17, and passages in fluid communication with the tub, with the amount of airflow varying directly with the drum rotation speed.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, control is implemented to make effective use of such airflow for venting purposes. An initial interval of drum rotation can be provided at a speed (e.g., 120 rpm) during which a significant amount of air flow is generated by the drum rotation. When clothes are present, three additional, relatively low speed (tumble) rotation subroutines can help keep the clothes from developing concentrated wet spots. The lower speed drum rotation of these phases accomplishes this by moving the clothes, and allowing different clothes surfaces to be on the exterior of the clothes load where they have greater access to the air flow generated by the rotation of the drum (including the closed drum-end configured as a fan).

In one embodiment, upon an active venting cycle/option being selected, the door 5 will lock and the control panel 31 will indicate the selection has been made. The user can, if desired, cancel and discontinue the cycle/option.

The washer 1 (with drum fan feature incorporated) may begin a subroutine with the following steps. A controller will activate the drum rotation drive motor 25, which may initially go through a short out-of-balance measurement interval of rotation, and then ramp the drum speed up to a rotation speed of 120 RPM (high enough to create substantial airflow yet low enough—considerably below a spin extraction speed—to avoid excessive vibration and noise). The total time of drum motor activation may be, e.g., 1 minute. The drum may thereafter continue to rotate, ramping down in speed after the 1 minute of motor activation.

A predetermined time period (e.g., 10 seconds) after the drum drive motor 25 is first energized, the drain pump 27 will be activated for a predetermined time period (e.g., 20 seconds). This will move any water in the drain circuit, as well as any water that is extracted from the clothes during the spin, out the washer's drain hose 35. A period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) after the beginning of the drain pump operation, the recirculation pump 29 may be activated for period of time (e.g., 10 seconds). This will help remove any water from the recirculation portion of the drain circuit, as well as force some additional air circulation around the clothes in the drum. Following the predetermined period (e.g., 1 minute) of drum drive motor activation, the unit may enter a rest phase of predetermined duration (e.g., 14 minutes) where no additional machine activations occur.

The unit may then perform a relatively low-speed tumble rotation subroutine that will cycle three times before again performing the above spin subroutine. The low-speed tumble rotation subroutine will go through the following steps. The drum motor 25 will be energized and tumble at a tumble speed, e.g., 40 RPM, for a predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds. At that time, the drum 19 will be de-energized and allowed to return to rest. A predetermined period of time, e.g., 10 seconds, after the drum motor 25 is energized, the drain pump 27 will be activated for a period, e.g., 20 seconds. This will move any water in the drain circuit, as well as any water that is extracted from the clothes, out the washer's drain hose 35. A set period of time, e.g., 10 seconds, after the start of the drain pump 27, the recirculation pump 29 will be activated for a predetermined period, e.g., 10 seconds. This will help remove any water from the recirculation portion of the drain circuit, as well as force some air circulation around the clothes in the drum. After the period of drum activation, the unit will enter a rest phase (e.g., 14 minutes and 30 second long to provide a 15 min repeating cycle time) during which the aforementioned machine component will remain inactive.

After the rest period, the unit may repeat the tumble subroutine a predetermined number of times (e.g., two more times). After the rest period of the final (e.g., third) tumble subroutine, the unit will perform the spin subroutine and the entire process will repeat. This repetition may continue for a predetermined duration, e.g., 16 hours. In this exemplary embodiment, during these 16 hours, once per hour the washer will perform one spin-subroutine and three tumble subroutines.

In another embodiment, the above-described drum fan control feature may be used independently of the other active vent features to create airflow in the drum (where clothes may be present), and in-between the drum and the tub. For example, in such an embodiment, the washer may perform a 250 rpm spin once an hour for one minute, and every 15 minutes in between (three times per hour) tumble at a lower speed, e.g., for approximately 1 minute. Such an intermittent, multi-speed spin routine can create beneficial air flow in and through the wash load while the load is moved and redistributed by the tumbling. Such a routine will also cause less wear on clothes as compared to a continuous spin. The centrifugal force enhances the water removal from the clothes, and can avoid formation of concentrated wet spots. With or without clothes present, the spinning drum can create a natural air vortex swirling about the circumference of the tub and within the drum moving a large amount of air.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11c, a further aspect of the present invention is described, involving a holder designed to allow mounting of a scent product in the washer 1, for use in conjunction with the described active venting aspects, or independently. The scent product may be a replaceable or refillable cartridge available as an off-the-shelf fragrance-emitting product. Or it could be a liquid, solid or gel otherwise available that may be poured or placed in the receptacle.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the scent holder 57 has a box-like receptacle 58 with an opening on the side for receipt of a replaceable fragrance emitting cartridge. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11c, the scent product holder 57′ has a trough-like receptacle 58′ for receipt of a liquid scent product. An elongated wick 56 of absorptive material (e.g., ½″ diameter cylindrical cord) may be laid lengthwise in the trough (as see FIG. 11c) to absorb at least a portion of the liquid. The liquid level may be maintained low enough to expose an upper side portion of the wick to enhance air-liquid exposure, volatization and scent dispersion. Receptacle 58′ is provided with an associated removable or openable cover 60 (see FIGS. 11a and 11b). In the illustrated embodiment, a slotted end piece of the lid clips onto a protuberance provided at one end of the trough and the lid pivots down into snapping engagement with the opposite end. The lid may fit onto the receptacle in a non-airtight manner, to thus allow dispersion of fragrance therefrom. To facilitate such dispersion, vent holes, slots or the like may be provided in the lid 60.

Both embodiments are designed with a clip 59 to snap or slide onto existing washer additives dispenser drawer geometry. Thus, the holder can be added to existing washers as well as attached to newly manufactured washing machines. Preferably, but not necessarily, the scent product holder is used in conjunction with some or all of the active venting system aspects previously described.

Receptacle 58, 58′ and its associated clip 59 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) as one piece. In the illustrated embodiments, the clip 59 of the scent product holder 57, 57′ removably attaches to a back lip or edge 62 of the washer's dispenser drawer 61, behind the additive compartments 63 thereof. This places the retained scent product at an upper inner side of the outflow channel 65 of the dispenser drawer 61.

By placing the fragrance source in the back of the dispenser 41 (seen as a whole in FIGS. 2 and 7) at the illustrated location, there are at least a couple of distinct advantages. First, the scent product is placed in fluid communication with the tub 17 interior close to the outlet 65 at the rear of the dispenser housing 41. As seen in FIG. 2, a flexible tube or hose 45 attaches to this outlet and passes from the dispenser 41 to the tub 17, thus allowing air in the dispenser 41 to pick-up the fragrance of product in holder 57 and gradually settle into the tub 17/drum 19. When used in conjunction with an active vent component which forces air into the dispenser e.g., dedicated fan 33, recirculation pump 29 and/or the fan action of the drum rotation, at least some of the circulated air will flow directly around the scent product retained within the holder 57. For example, some of the air flow generated in the drum 19 by the recirculation pump 29, the dedicated fan 33 and/or the fan action of the drum 19 as it rotates, will flow into the dispenser 41 and out the overflow tube 43 connected with the dispenser 41, and also through small air gaps in the front side of the dispenser 41, thus dispersing the fragrance outside of the washer to give the laundry room a pleasant smell.

As described, the scent product holder 57 may receive scent product directly, or be designed to receive a preconfigured scent product cartridge. Such a cartridge could be designed to hold fragrance liquids, gels or solids and accept refills as are now commonly available on the market.

In alternative embodiments, the scent product holder 57 may be designed to attach to different features inside the dispenser 41, rather than the drawer 61. The holder 57 could be designed to attach to several different designs of washer drawers or dispensers, and to different parts of the washer. For example, the scent product holder could be designed to attach to the exterior of the washing machine, at the inlet of the fan 33, to blow the fragrance directly into the tub 17. Alternatively, with the fan 33 configured/operated to draw air out of the drum 17, the holder could be designed to attach at the same location (at what would now be the outlet of the fan 33), to carry the fragrance into the room with the vented air.

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure.

Claims

1. An automated laundry washing machine comprising:

a wash chamber within which wash load items may be placed for carrying out an automatic wash process;

an access opening to the wash chamber, and a door associated with the access opening that opens and shuts to permit access to the wash chamber;

a water recirculation system including a recirculation pump for recirculating wash liquid from a lower portion of said wash chamber to an upper portion of said wash chamber; and

control means for controlling operations of said washing machine, including activating said pump to circulate air within said wash chamber at a time when no wash process is being carried out within said wash chamber.

2. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said water recirculation system further includes a recirculation hose that leads to a junction that will separate the air circulating in the hose into two portions flowing in two directions, one portion serving to move the air within the drum, while the other portion is moved out of the washing machine.

3. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a drain system for draining wash liquid from said wash chamber, said drain system including a drain pump and a drain hose; and wherein said control means selectively activates said drain pump when no wash process is being carried out, so as to cause air to vent through the wash chamber and out said drain hose.

4. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 3, wherein said control means is configured such that after a wash cycle is completed and the washing machine has set at rest for a period of time, the drain pump is activated with the effect of moving air from the washing machine.

5. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a fan arranged to either draw air into the wash chamber or remove air therefrom.

6. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said washing machine is a front load washer and said wash chamber comprises a rotatable drum, said control means being configured for effecting driving rotation of said drum in coordination with said pump activations.

7. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 6, said drum comprising a rear wall having an integrated fan structure, whereby enhanced airflow is generated by rotation of the drum, for venting purposes.

8. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel operable to allow a user to select a venting operation mode which generates venting air flow through the wash chamber as an add-on operation performed after the completion of a wash cycle, said venting air flow being generated, at least in part, by activation of said recirculation pump.

9. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel operable to allow a user to select a venting operation mode as a stand-alone cycle to be executed apart from a normal wash operation, said venting operation mode including generating venting air flow by activation of said recirculation pump.

10. An automated laundry washing machine comprising:

a wash chamber within which wash load items may be placed for carrying out an automatic wash process;

an access opening to the wash chamber, and a door associated with the access opening that opens and shuts to permit access to the wash chamber;

a drain system for draining wash liquid from said wash chamber, said drain system including a drain pump and a drain hose; and

control means for controlling operations of said washing machine, including selectively activating said drain pump when no wash process is being carried out, so as to cause air to vent through the wash chamber and out said drain hose.

11. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 10, wherein said control means is configured such that after a wash cycle is completed and the washing machine has set at rest for a period of time, the drain pump is activated with the effect of moving air from the washing machine.

12. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 10, further comprising a fan arranged to either draw air into the wash chamber or remove air therefrom.

13. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 10, wherein said washing machine is a front load washing machine and said wash chamber comprises a rotatable drum, said control means being configured for effecting driving rotation of said drum in coordination with said drain pump activations to cause air to vent through the wash chamber.

14. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 13, said drum comprising a rear wall having an integrated fan structure, whereby enhanced airflow is generated by rotation of the drum, for venting purposes.

15. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 10, further comprising a control panel operable to allow a user to select a venting operation mode which generates venting air flow through the wash chamber as an add-on operation performed after the completion of a wash cycle, said venting air flow being generated, at least in part, by activation of said drain pump.

16. An automated laundry washing machine according to claim 10, further comprising a control panel operable to allow a user to select a venting operation mode as a stand-alone cycle to be executed apart from a normal wash operation, said venting operation mode including generating venting air flow by activation of said drain pump.

17. A method of operation of an automated laundry washing machine to provide active venting of a wash chamber thereof, comprising circulating air through the wash chamber by at least one of the following steps:

operating a drain pump of the washing machine during a non-wash period of the washing machine to force air out of the tub through a drain hose and into an drain external of the washing machine; and

operating a water recirculation pump of the washing machine during a non-wash period of the washer to recirculate air through the wash chamber.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising using a fan of the washing machine to draw surrounding air into a tub of the washer.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein said washing machine is a front load washing machine and said wash chamber comprises a rotatable drum, said method further comprising rotating the drum to cause periodic tumbling of a wash load in coordination with the active venting.

20. A method according to claim 17, further comprising selecting a venting option by way of a control panel of the washer, and wherein the active venting is initiated only after completion of a wash operation.

21. A method according to claim 17, said method comprising both said operating the drain pump and operating the water recirculation pump, wherein after the drain pump is activated, the recirculation pump is activated.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein prior to activating said drain pump, a motor attached to a drum of the washing machine is activated to rotate the drum to tumble a wash load for a period of time, said drain pump being activated during the tumbling.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein after a period of drain pump operation, the recirculation pump is activated while the drain pump continues to operate and the drum continues to rotate to tumble the load.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein after a period of time of operation of both said drain pump and said recirculation pump, the operation of both pumps is stopped while the drum continues to rotate to tumble the load for an additional period of time.

25. A method according to claim 24, further comprising using a fan of the washing machine to draw surrounding air into a tub of the washer, wherein after said additional period of time the drum remains idle for a period of time while the fan is operating to draw air into the drum.