WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

Abstract

A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes directing a volume of liquid into a chamber of a basket, spinning the basket within a tub, and establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket. The established load type is confirmed or controverted based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub while the basket is spinning within the tub.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., water, detergent, and/or bleach. A drum is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the drum. The drum can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of water is directed into the tub in order to form wash fluid and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber of the drum. The volume of water can vary depending upon a variety of factors. Large loads can require a large volume of water relative to small loads that can require a small volume of water. Likewise, loads containing absorptive fabrics, such as cotton, can require a large volume of water relative to similarly sized loads containing certain synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon.

To operate efficiently, the volume of water directed into the tub preferably corresponds or correlates to a size of a load of articles within the wash chamber of the drum and/or a load type of articles within the wash chamber of the drum. Thus, large volumes of water are preferably directed into the washing machine's tub for large loads or loads of highly absorptive articles in order to properly wash such loads. Conversely, small volumes of water are preferably directed into the washing machine's tub for small loads or loads of poorly absorptive articles in order to properly wash such loads. Directing an improper volume of water into the drum can waste valuable water and/or energy and can also hinder proper cleaning of articles within the wash chamber of the drum. However, accurately determining the size and/or type of a load of articles within the wash chamber of the drum can be difficult.

Accordingly, a method for operating a washing machine appliance that can assist with determining a mass and/or a load type of articles within a wash chamber of a drum of the washing machine appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance. The method includes directing a volume of liquid into a chamber of a basket, spinning the basket within a tub, and establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket. The established load type is confirmed or controverted based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub while the basket is spinning in the tub. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub. The basket defines a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The method includes directing a volume of liquid into the chamber of the basket, spinning the basket within the tub, establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket, and confirming or controverting the load type articles within the chamber of the basket from the step of establishing based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub during the step of spinning.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub and a drum rotatably mounted within the tub. The drum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The washing machine appliance also includes a valve and a spout extending between the valve and the tub. The spout is configured directing liquid from the valve into the tub. A motor is in mechanical communication with the drum. The motor is configured for selectively rotating the drum within the tub. A controller is in operative communication with the valve and the motor. The controller is configured for opening the valve in order to direct a flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum, closing the valve in order to terminate the flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum after a volume of liquid has flowed into the wash chamber of the drum, operating the motor in order to rotate the drum, establishing a load type of articles within the wash chamber of the drum, and confirming or controverting the load type articles within the wash chamber of the drum from the step of establishing based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub during the step of operating.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front, section view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 provide schematic views of a tub and a wash basket of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter as well as associated graphs of a dispensed volume of liquid within the tub versus a measured or detected level of liquid within the tub.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 provide schematic views of a tub and a wash basket of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate exemplary plots of volume-liquid level absorption correlations for various load types of articles within a wash chamber of a basket.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate exemplary plots of predetermined heights for various estimated masses of articles within a wash chamber of a basket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A lid 62 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 64 (FIG. 2) located within cabinet 52 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosure over tub 64.

FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-section view of washing machine appliance 50. As may be seen in FIG. 2, tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and a sidewall 68. A wash drum or wash basket 70 is rotatably mounted within tub 64. In particular, basket 70 is rotatable about a vertical axis V. Thus, washing machine appliance is generally referred to as a vertical axis washing machine appliance. Basket 70 defines a wash chamber 73 for receipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g., vertically, between a bottom portion 80 and a top portion 82. Basket 70 includes a plurality of openings or perforations 71 therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 70 and tub 64.

A spout 72 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub 64. In particular, spout 72 may be positioned at or adjacent top portion 82 of basket 70. Spout 72 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., liquid water) into tub 64 and/or onto articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. A valve 74 regulates the flow of fluid through spout 72. For example, valve 74 can selectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of fluid through spout 72. A pump assembly 90 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow to drain tub 64.

An agitation element 92, shown as an impeller in FIG. 2, is disposed in basket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in chamber 73 of basket 70. In various exemplary embodiments, agitation element 92 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 92 is oriented to rotate about vertical axis V. Basket 70 and agitation element 92 are driven by a pancake motor 94. As motor output shaft 98 is rotated, basket 70 and agitation element 92 are operated for rotatable movement within tub 64, e.g., about vertical axis V. Washing machine appliance 50 may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket 70 in a stationary position within tub 64 or for allowing basket 70 to spin within tub 64.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processing device or controller 100, that is operatively coupled to the user interface input located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 1) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of the user interface input, controller 100 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 100 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 58 and other components of washing machine appliance 50 may be in communication with controller 100 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into chamber 73 of basket 70, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of control input selectors 60. Tub 64 is filled with water and mixed with detergent to form a wash fluid. Valve 74 can be opened to initiate a flow of water into tub 64 via spout 72, and tub 64 can be filled to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once tub 64 is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of the basket 70 are agitated with agitation element 92 for cleaning of laundry items in basket 70. More specifically, agitation element 92 is moved back and forth in an oscillatory motion.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to tub 64, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, agitation element 92 may again provide agitation within basket 70. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 70 is rotated at relatively high speeds.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of washing machine appliance 50, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that washing machine appliance 50 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations (such as horizontal-axis washing machine appliances), different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 provide schematic views of tub 64 and basket 70 of washing machine appliance 50 as well as associated graphs of a dispensed volume of liquid within tub 64 versus a measured or detected level of liquid in tub 64. As may be seen in FIGS. 3-7, spout 72 of washing machine appliance 50 is configured for directing liquids, such as water or other wash fluid, into basket 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, spout 72 may be positioned above basket 70, e.g., along a vertical direction V, such that liquids from spout 72 fall or flow downwardly into basket 70. In particular, spout 72 may be positioned on a central axis or centerline c_line of basket 70, such that liquid from spout 72 is directed towards or along centerline c_line of basket 70. Thus, spout 72 can direct liquid towards a center of chamber 73.

Washing machine appliance 50 also includes a pressure transducer 102. Controller 100 is in communication with pressure transducer 102. Based at least in part on a signal from pressure transducer 102, controller 100 can determine a height of liquid within tub 64. Pressure transducer 102 includes an inlet 104 positioned on or at tub 64. For example, inlet 104 of pressure transducer 102 can be mounted to or positioned on sidewall 68 of tub 64. When liquid fills tub 64 to or above inlet 104 of pressure transducer 102, pressure transducer 102 can measure or detect pressure variations due to liquid filling tub 64. In particular, pressure transducer 102 can measure pressure increases as liquid fills tub 64, and controller 64 can correlate such pressure increase to a height of liquid within tub 64. It should be understood that, in alternative exemplary embodiments, washing machine appliance 50 can include any other suitable sensor or device for measuring or determining the height of liquid within tub 64, such as a float switch or Hall Effect sensor.

FIGS. 3-6, illustrate liquid flowing from spout 72 onto articles 110 in basket 70. In FIGS. 3-6, articles 110 for washing are disposed or positioned within chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 and certain articles of articles 110 are positioned on or immediately adjacent centerline c_line of basket 70. In FIG. 3, tub 64 contains, e.g., about or substantially, no liquids. In FIG. 4, liquid from spout 72 flows into tub 64 and onto articles 110 within basket 70. Thus, liquid is dispensed from spout 72, but pressure transducer 102 has not detected such liquid. In FIG. 5, liquid from spout 72 continues to flow into tub 64 onto articles 110 within basket 70. In particular, liquid from spout 72 saturates articles 110 in basket 70 and begins to flow from basket 70 into tub 64, e.g., through perforations 71. In FIG. 6, liquid from spout 72 continues to flow into tub 64 onto articles 110 within basket 70. In FIG. 6, liquid from spout 72 has filled tub 64 to a height above inlet 104 of pressure transducer 102. Thus, controller 102 can measure or determine the height of liquid within tub 64 based upon a signal or signals from pressure transducer 102.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height can depend on various factors, such as the mass of articles 110, the fabric type of articles 110, etc. In particular, a distribution of articles 110 within basket 70 can affect the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height. As shown in FIG. 7, if articles within basket 70 are unevenly distributed within basket 70, e.g., such that articles 110 are positioned or disposed away from centerline c_line of basket 70, the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height can be different than if articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to the particular height can be substantially less than if articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 as shown in FIG. 6. Comparing the distributions of articles 110 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distribution of articles 110 in FIG. 7 can permit liquid from spout 72 to pass through perforations 71 of basket 70 without falling onto and saturating articles 110. Thus, despite having an identical load of articles 110 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distribution of articles 110 within basket 70 can affect the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

As discussed in greater detail below, a mass of articles 110 within basket 70 can be measured or determined utilizing correlations between a volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a certain height and the mass of articles 110 within basket 70. However, as discussed above, the distribution of articles 110 within basket 70 can affect the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height. The present subject matter can assist with, e.g., accurately and/or precisely, measuring the mass of articles 110 within basket 70 despite the distribution of articles 110 within basket 70.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 800 can be used to operate any suitable washing machine appliance, such as washing machine appliance 50 (FIG. 1). Method 800 may be programmed into and implemented by controller 100 (FIG. 2) of washing machine appliance 50. Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can determine and/or verify a mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can also determine and/or verify a load type of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 as discussed in greater detail below.

At step 810, a volume of liquid is directed into chamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, controller 100 may open valve 74 in order to direct a flow of liquid into chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 810. Further, controller 100 may close valve 74 in order to terminate the flow of liquid into chamber 73 of basket 70 after the volume of liquid has flowed into tub 64 at step 810.

At step 820, basket 70 is spun or revolved within tub 64. As an example, controller 100 may operate motor 94 in order to rotate basket 70 at step 820. In particular, controller 100 can utilize motor 94 in order to spin or revolve basket 70 at a predetermined speed at step 820. The predetermined speed may be any suitable speed. For example, the predetermined speed may be about one-hundred and twenty revolutions per minute. In certain exemplary embodiments, the predetermined speed is selected such that substantially all liquid within articles 110 in basket 70 is not wrung out of the articles 110 during step 820. Thus, articles 110 within basket 70 can remain substantially saturated with liquid at step 820.

At step 830 a height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is measured, e.g., during step 820. As an example, controller 100 can receive a signal from pressure transducer 102 at step 830. Controller 100 can measure or determine the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 based at least in part on the signal from pressure transducer 102.

At step 840, a load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is established or determined As used herein, the term “load type” corresponds to a composition or fabric type of articles, e.g., within chamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, if articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 have a relatively high absorptivity, the load type of such articles is a high absorption load type. Cotton articles can have a relatively high absorptivity such the load type of such articles is the high absorption load type. Conversely, if articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 have a relatively low absorptivity, the load type of such articles is a low absorption load type. Synthetic articles, such as nylon or polyester articles, can have a relatively low absorptivity such the load type of such articles is the low absorption load type. If a mixed or blended load of articles is disposed within chamber 73 of basket 70, the load type of such articles is a mixed or blended absorption load type. Thus, the blended absorption load type can correspond to a blend of cotton articles and synthetic articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.

It is to be appreciated that one ordinarily skilled in the art will realize that well-known methods may be applied to determine or establish the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 840. As an example, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 may be established in accordance with methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/928,699 to Roberto Obregon filed on Jun. 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Such methods are discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 1300 can be used to operate any suitable washing machine appliance, such as washing machine appliance 50 (FIG. 1). Method 1300 may be programmed into and implemented by controller 100 (FIG. 2) of washing machine appliance 50. Utilizing method 1300, controller 100 can determine a load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, method 1300 may be incorporated within method 800 in order to assist controller 100 with establishing the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 during method 800

At step 1310, controller 100 rotates basket 70 with motor 94. Thus, controller 100 can activate motor 94 at step 1310 in order to rotate basket 70. Controller 100 can operate motor 94 at step 1310 such that basket 70 rotates at a predetermined frequency or angular velocity. The predetermined frequency or angular velocity can be any suitable frequency or angular velocity. For example, the predetermined frequency or angular velocity may be about one hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.

At step 1320, controller 100 adjusts an angular velocity of basket 70. Controller 100 can utilize motor 94 to adjust the angular velocity of basket 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, controller 100 can deactivate motor 94 at step 1320 in order to adjust the angular velocity of basket 70. To deactivate motor 94, controller 100 can short windings of motor 94, e.g., using any suitable mechanism or method known to those skilled in the art.

At step 1330, controller 100 determines an angular acceleration or first derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 or a jerk or a second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, e.g., based at least in part the adjustment of the angular velocity of basket 70 at step 1320. Based upon the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, controller 100 estimates a mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. Thus, controller 100 can establish the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon the inertia of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. As an example, the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 can be inversely proportional to the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can correlate the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 to the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. At step 1340, controller 100 can also establish a tolerance range for the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. The tolerance range for the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 can correspond to the error or uncertainty of the estimate of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. Steps 1310, 1320, 1330 and 1340 of method 1300 may be conducted or implemented prior to step 810 of method 800.

At step 1350, controller 100 directs a volume of liquid into wash tub 64. In particular, controller 100 directs liquid into wash tub 64 at step 1350 until a level of liquid within wash tub 64 reaches a predetermined height, e.g., about six inches. As an example, controller 100 can open valve 74 in order to direct a flow of liquid into wash tub 64. After or when the level of liquid within wash tub 64 reaches the predetermined height, controller 100 can close valve 74 in order to terminate the flow of liquid into wash tub 64. Controller 100 can calculate the volume of liquid within wash tub 64, e.g., based on a flow rate of liquid through valve 74 and a time period between controller 100 opening and closing valve 74. Step 1350 may be conducted or implemented after step 830 of method 800.

At step 1360, controller 100 establishes the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part on the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 from step 1340 and the volume of liquid from step 1350. Step 1360 is discussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate exemplary plots of volume-liquid level absorption correlations for various load types of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 and the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 from step 1340. As used herein, the term “volume-liquid level absorption correlation” corresponds to a relationship between the volume of liquid within wash tub 64 required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height and the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, if articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 have a relatively high absorptivity, a relatively large volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height. Conversely, for a load with an identical mass as the above example, a relatively small volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height if articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 have a relatively low absorptivity. If a blended load of articles is disposed within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, a volume of liquid between the relatively large volume of liquid and the relatively small volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height.

At step 1360, controller 100 can provide the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. For example, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations can be established experimentally and may be stored in the memory of controller 100 during production of washing machine appliance 50. Each absorption correlation of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations corresponds to a respective load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations includes a cotton liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation and a blended liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation.

At step 1360, controller 100 can also ascertain predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part on the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. Each predicted mass of the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 correspond to the masses of a cotton load and a blended load associated with the volume of liquid from step 1350. In particular, the volume of liquid from step 1350 in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is about seven gallons. The predicted mass for articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 if the articles are cotton is about six pounds in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Conversely, the predicted mass for articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 if the articles are blended is about ten pounds in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

At step 1360, controller 100 can also compare the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, controller 100 can determine differences between the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part on the differences between the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, controller 100 can select a cotton load type, a blended load type, or a synthetic load type based at least in part on differences between the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. As shown in FIG. 14, the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the blended load type. Thus, controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the blended load type at step 1360 for the exemplary shown in FIG. 14. Conversely, in FIG. 15, the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is outside the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for both the blended load type and the cotton load type. Thus, controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the synthetic load type at step 1360 for the exemplary shown in FIG. 15.

At step 1360, if any portion of the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the blended load type, controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the blended load type at step 1360. Conversely, if the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is only within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the cotton load type, controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the cotton load type at step 1360. Similarly, if the entire tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is greater than the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the blended load type, controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the synthetic load type at step 1360.

In method 1300, controller 100 can direct a first volume of water into wash tub 64 of washing machine appliance 50 during a wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the cotton load type at step 1360. Conversely, controller 100 can direct a second volume of water into wash tub 64 of washing machine appliance 50 during the wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360. Furthermore, controller 100 can direct a third volume of water into wash tub 64 of washing machine appliance 50 during the wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the synthetic load type at step 1360. The first, second and third volumes are different. In particular, the first volume may be greater than the second volume. In such a manner, controller 100 can direct less water into wash tub 64 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360. Thus, method 400 can conserve water if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360, and method 400 ensure that sufficient water is directed into wash tub 64 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the cotton load type at step 1360. Similarly, the second volume may be greater than the third volume. In such a manner, controller 100 can direct less water into wash tub 64 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the synthetic load type at step 1360.

Turning back to FIG. 8, method 800 is discussed in greater detail. As discussed above, method 800 can assist with verifying the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840, e.g., using method 1300. Thus, after establishing the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 840, method 800 can assist with verifying or controverting the established load type.

At step 850, controller 100 determines if the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is greater than a predetermined value or height. If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is less than the predetermined value at step 850, controller 180 also determines or establishes whether the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840 is accurate at step 860. In particular, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840 is confirmed or controverted at step 860. If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is greater than the predetermined value at step 850, controller 180 determines or establishes whether the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840 is accurate at step 870. In particular, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840 is confirmed or controverted at step 870.

The predetermined value or height can be any suitable value or height. For example, the predetermined value may be selected based upon the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established by method 1300 and the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 estimated during method 1300. In particular, the predetermined value or height may vary depending upon whether a synthetic load type, a cotton load type or a blend load type was established at step 1360 of method 1300.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate exemplary plots of predetermined heights for various estimated masses of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. As may be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the predetermined value of step 850 may vary as a function of mass of estimated masses of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 and also the estimated load type. As an example, the predetermined values may be established experimentally and stored in the memory of controller 100 during production of washing machine appliance 50. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the estimated mass corresponds to the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 estimated using inertial methods such as those described for steps 1310, 1320, 1330 and 1340 of method 1300.

In FIG. 16, a blended load type was established at step 840, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14. Further, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 measured at step 830 is about one and a half inches, and the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value, about three quarters of an inch, at the associated estimated mass, about fifteen pounds. Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value in FIG. 16, it can be inferred that there is a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 or that articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, a mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is gauged or estimated at step 880 based at least in part on an inertia of basket 70 and articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70.

If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 had not exceeded the predetermined value in FIG. 16, the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 would be estimated or gauged at step 890 based at least in part on a volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predetermined height or level. The fill method of estimating the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 would be used if a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is not detected during method 800 or because articles 110 are evenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket 70. In such situations, the fill method of estimating the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 can be more accurate than the inertial method of estimating the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70.

In FIG. 17, a synthetic load type was established at step 840, e.g., as shown in FIG. 15. Further, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 measured at step 830 is about one and a half inches, and the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value, about seven tenths of an inch, at the associated estimated mass, about twenty one pounds. Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value in FIG. 17, it cannot be inferred that there is a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 or that articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, a mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is estimated or gauged at step 890 based at least in part on a volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predetermined height or level.

If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 had not exceeded the predetermined value in FIG. 17, the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 would be gauged or estimated at step 880 based at least in part on an inertia of basket 70 and articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70. The inertial method of estimating the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is used because a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is detected during method 800 or because articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket 70. In such situations, the fill method of estimating the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 may not provide an accurate mass estimation.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 provide schematic views of tub 64 and basket 70 of washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed above, utilizing method 800, controller 100 can determine the mass and load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, controller 100 can, e.g., accurately and/or precisely, determine the mass and load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 despite the arrangement of articles 110 within basket 70 as shown in FIGS. 9-12.

For example, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate basket 70 with articles 110, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 and certain articles of articles 110 positioned on or immediately adjacent centerline c_line of basket 70. Conversely, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate basket 70 with articles 110 unevenly distributed within basket 70 and articles 110 positioned away from centerline c_line of basket 70. Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can determine the mass and load type of articles 110 disposed in basket 70 for both distributions of articles 110 as discussed in greater detail below. In particular, method 800 can assist with identifying when articles 110 disposed in basket 70 are not absorbing liquid as fast as expected relative to the mass of the articles, e.g., due to voids or to coating treatments applied on the articles that make liquid runoff the articles.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a user can load basket 70 such that articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 and certain articles of articles 110 positioned on or immediately adjacent centerline c_line of basket 70. After loading articles 110 into basket 70, the user can initiate a wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50, e.g., using input selectors 60 on backsplash 56. As may be seen in FIG. 9, a volume of liquid, such as water and/or wash fluid, is directed from spout 72 into chamber 73 of basket 70 and articles 110 therein. After directing the volume of liquid into basket 70, basket 70 is spun or revolved within tub 64 as may be seen in FIG. 10. During rotation of basket 70, liquid in tub 64 forms a parabolic or arcuate surface such that liquid climbs sidewall 68 of tub 64.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 and certain articles of articles 110 positioned on or immediately adjacent centerline c_line of basket 70. Thus, liquid from spout 72 saturates articles 110, and a substantial volume of liquid remains in articles 110 during rotation of basket 70 at step 820. Accordingly, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is less than the predetermined value or height at step 850.

Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 does not exceed the predetermined value or height, controller 100 can confirm the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a blended load type as shown in FIG. 16. Conversely, controller 100 can controvert the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a synthetic load type as shown in FIG. 17, because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 does not exceed the predetermined value or height.

As another example and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a user can load basket 70 such that articles 110 are unevenly distributed within basket 70 and articles 110 are positioned away from centerline c_line of basket 70. After loading articles 110 into basket 70, the user can initiate a wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50, e.g., using input selectors 60 on backsplash 56. As may be seen in FIG. 9, a volume of liquid, such as water and/or wash fluid, is directed from spout 72 into chamber 73 of basket 70. However, a substantial volume of such liquid can pass through basket 70 into tub 64 without impacting or contacting articles 110. After directing the volume of liquid into basket 70, basket 70 is spun or revolved within tub 64 as may be seen in FIG. 10. During rotation of basket 70, liquid in tub 64 forms a parabolic or arcuate surface such that liquid climbs sidewall 68 of tub 64.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, articles 110 are unevenly distributed within basket 70 and articles 110 are positioned away from centerline c_line of basket 70. Thus, a substantial volume liquid from spout 72 passes through basket 70 into tub 64 without impacting or contacting articles 110, and a substantial volume of liquid is disposed at bottom wall 66 of tub 64 during rotation of basket 70, and the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value or height at step 850.

Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value or height, controller 100 can controvert the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a blended load type as shown in FIG. 16. Conversely, controller 100 can confirm the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a synthetic load type as shown in FIG. 17, because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value or height.

To estimate or gauge the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part on an inertia of basket 70 and articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 880, controller 100 can rotate basket 70 with motor 94. For example, controller 100 can activate motor 94 in order to rotate basket 70. In particular, controller 100 can operate motor 94 such that basket 70 rotates at a predetermined frequency or angular velocity. The predetermined frequency or angular velocity can be any suitable frequency or angular velocity. For example, the predetermined frequency or angular velocity may be about one hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.

During rotation of basket 70, controller 100 can adjust an angular velocity of basket 70. Controller 100 can utilize motor 94 to adjust the angular velocity of basket 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, controller 100 can deactivate motor 94 in order to adjust the angular velocity of basket 70. To deactivate motor 94, controller 100 can short windings of motor 94, e.g., using any suitable mechanism or method known to those skilled in the art.

Controller 100 can also determine an angular acceleration or first derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 or a jerk or a second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, e.g., based at least in part the adjustment of the angular velocity of basket 70. Based upon the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, controller 100 estimates the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can establish the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon the inertia of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 can be inversely proportional to the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can correlate the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 to the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.

To estimate or gauge the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part on a volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predetermined height or level at step 890, controller 100 can direct a volume of liquid into tub 64. In particular, controller 100 can direct liquid into tub 64 until a level of liquid within tub 64 reaches a predetermined height, e.g., about six inches. As an example, controller 100 can open valve 74 in order to direct a flow of liquid into tub 64. After or when the level of liquid within tub 64 reaches the predetermined height, controller 100 can close valve 74 in order to terminate the flow of liquid into tub 64. Controller 100 can calculate the volume of liquid within tub 64, e.g., based on a flow rate of liquid through valve 74 and a time period between controller 100 opening and closing valve 74.

Based upon the volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predetermined height or level, controller 100 estimates the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can establish the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon the volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to the predetermined height or level. As an example, the volume of liquid that required to fill tub 64 to the predetermined height or level can be directly proportional to the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can correlate the volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to the predetermined height or level to the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.

It should be understood that in addition to assisting with, e.g., accurately and/or precisely, determining the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 despite the arrangement of articles 110 within basket 70, method 800 can also assist with, e.g., accurately and/or precisely, determine the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 despite the presence of voids in articles 110. Certain articles can include a stain resistant coating that can create voids in articles 110. Method 800 can assist with, e.g., accurately and/or precisely, determining the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 despite the presence of such voids in articles 110.

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.

Claims

1. A method for operating a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance having a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the method comprising:

directing a volume of liquid into the chamber of the basket;

spinning the basket within the tub;

establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket; and

confirming or controverting the load type articles within the chamber of the basket from said step of establishing based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub during said step of spinning.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the load type of articles within the chamber of the basket comprises one of a cotton load type, a blended load type, and a synthetic load type.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring the height of liquid on the wall of the tub during said step of spinning.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of measuring comprises measuring the height of liquid on the wall of the tub with a pressure transducer of the washing machine appliance during said step of spinning.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of spinning the basket within the tub comprises spinning the basket within the tub at a predetermined speed.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined speed is about one-hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the basket defines a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings permitting fluid flow between from the chamber of the basket and the tub, wherein the predetermined speed is selected such that substantially all liquid within articles in the chamber of the basket is not wrung out of the articles during said step of spinning.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of directing the volume of liquid into the chamber of the basket comprises spraying the volume of liquid into the chamber of the basket such that the volume of liquid is directed towards a center of the chamber of the basket.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising estimating a mass of articles within the chamber of the basket with a fill method or an inertial method based at least in part whether the load type articles within the chamber of the basket from said step of estimating is confirmed or controverted at said step of confirming or controverting.

10. A washing machine appliance, comprising:

a tub;

a drum rotatably mounted within the tub, the drum defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing;

a valve;

a spout configured directing liquid from the valve into the tub;

a motor in mechanical communication with the drum, the motor configured for selectively rotating the drum within the tub; and

a controller in operative communication with the valve and the motor, the controller configured for opening the valve in order to direct a flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum; closing the valve in order to terminate the flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum after a volume of liquid has flowed into the wash chamber of the drum; operating the motor in order to rotate the drum; and establishing a load type of articles within the wash chamber of the drum; and confirming or controverting the load type articles within the wash chamber of the drum from said step of establishing based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub during said step of operating.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the load type of articles within the wash chamber of the drum comprises one of a cotton load type, a blended load type, and a synthetic load type.

12. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising a pressure transducer configured for measuring the height of liquid on the wall of the tub, wherein the controller is further configured for measuring the height of liquid on the wall of the tub during said step of spinning with the pressure transducer.

13. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for spinning the basket within the tub at a predetermined speed during said step of spinning.

14. The washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the predetermined speed is about one-hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.

15. The washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the drum defines a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings permitting fluid flow between the chamber of the drum and the tub, wherein the predetermined speed is selected such that substantially all liquid within articles in the chamber of the drum is not wrung out of the articles during said step of spinning.

16. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the spout is positioned such that liquid exiting the spout is directed towards a central axis of the chamber of the drum.

17. The washing machine appliance of claim 16, wherein the spout is positioned above the drum along a vertical direction.

18. The washing machine appliance of claim 17, wherein the spout is positioned adjacent the central axis of the chamber of the drum.

19. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured for estimating a mass of articles within the wash chamber of the drum with a fill method or an inertial method based at least in part whether the load type articles within the wash chamber of the drum from said step of estimating is confirmed or controverted at said step of confirming or controverting.