TRAVEL CYCLE FOR A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE

Abstract

A washing machine appliance includes a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the washing machine appliance. A controller is configured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implement a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel. The responsive action may be the automated adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the washing machine, such as performing a load sensing procedure, rinsing the wash tub, closing the water supply valves, etc. In addition, the responsive action may include providing a user instruction to prepare the washing machine appliance, e.g., by plugging bulk reservoirs, removing hoses, addressing any error codes, etc.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, or more specifically, to systems and methods for preparing a washing machine appliance for movement or travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laundry appliances are commonly installed in fixed locations, e.g., in a laundry room, where they are securely grounded during operation. These stable locations provide for safe operation of the appliances and their many moving parts. For example, washing machine appliances are designed to absorb or handle moderate forces associated with the movement of such components during normal operation while the washing machine appliance is stable and stationary. However, laundry appliances may periodically need to be moved or transported from one location to another. For example, these appliances may be transferred between properties when the consumer moves between homes. In mobile appliance installations, such as in recreational vehicles, movement or transport of these laundry appliances is particularly frequent.

Notably, such appliance transport may cause damage to the appliance, the transport vehicle, the installation area, and/or external objects if preventative measures are not taken. For example, moving internal components of the appliance may experience forces not associated with normal operation, resulting in the potential for excessive wear and premature failure of appliance components. In addition, wash fluid in the wash tub can leak, bulk dispensers might spill fluids, doors may swing freely, and mold or mildew may form if the wash tub is not properly cleaned and drained prior to transport.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance with features for improved transport would be desirable. More specifically, a washing machine appliance with automated methods for working with a user to facilitate appliance movement with minimal wear or damage would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided including a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the washing machine appliance, and a controller operably coupled to the user interface panel. The controller is configured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implement a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the washing machine appliance. The method includes receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implementing a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel.

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 an exemplary washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for operating a washing machine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

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.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary laundry appliance that may be used to implement aspects of the present subject matter will be described. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

Referring to FIG. 2, a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 which defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124. Washing machine appliance 100 may further include a latch assembly 136 (see FIG. 1) that is mounted to cabinet 102 and/or door 134 for selectively locking door 134 in the closed position. Latch assembly 136 may be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured access to wash chamber 126 or to otherwise ensure and verify that door 134 is closed during certain operating cycles or events.

A window 138 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 2, wash basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140.

A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance 100. Drain pump assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146 which is in fluid communication with sump 142 and with an external drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, drain pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, through drain hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and urges it through drain hose 150 to external drain 148.

A spout 154 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, spout 154 may be in fluid communication with a water supply 155 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Spout 154 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 154 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 154 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 157 is disposed within cabinet 302 and is configured for receipt of fluid additive or detergent for use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover, bulk reservoir 157 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 157. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir 157 with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 157 with fluid additive. A reservoir pump (not shown) may be configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 157 to wash tub 124.

In addition, a water supply valve or control valve 158 may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply 155) into detergent dispenser 156 and/or into wash tub 124. In this manner, control valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser 156 to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that control valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although control valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 166 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 166 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 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout 154 and or detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., control valve 158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. 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 final spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assembly 144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances. Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may further apply to other laundry appliances, such a dryer appliance. In this regard, the same methods as systems and methods as described herein may be used to implement travel cycles for other appliances, as described in more detail below.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 170 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications with washing machine appliance 100. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of washing machine appliance 100.

External communication system 170 permits controller 166 of washing machine appliance 100 to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network 172. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device 174 to communicate directly with washing machine appliance 100. For example, consumer devices 174 may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance 100, e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network 172. In general, consumer device 174 may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device 174 may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote server 176 may be in communication with washing machine appliance 100 and/or consumer device 174 through network 172. In this regard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server 176 and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In general, network 172 can be any type of communication network. For example, network 172 can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device 174 may communicate with a remote server 176 over network 172, such as the internet, to provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition, consumer device 174 and remote server 176 may communicate with washing machine appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

External communication system 170 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 170 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more laundry appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Now that the construction of washing machine appliance 100 and the configuration of controller 166 according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method 200 of operating a washing machine appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 200 of operating washing machine appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 200 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other washing machine appliances, such as vertical axis washing machine appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 166 or a separate, dedicated controller.

As explained briefly above, laundry appliances such as washing machine appliance 100, may periodically be moved from one location to another. These movements may cause damage to the appliance removal location, the appliance installation location, the vehicle for transporting the appliance, and/or the appliance itself. For example, failure to properly prepare washing machine appliance 100 for movement may result in the appliance door swinging open and striking objects, fluids spilling from their reservoirs, undrained wash fluid leaking from the appliance, internal components making undesirable and damaging contact with each other, and/or the undesirable formation of mold, mildew, or other foul smells. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed toward systems and methods for properly preparing an appliance prior to movement in a manner that mitigates some or all of the negative events described above.

Referring now to FIG. 3, method 200 includes, at step 210, receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle. For example, continuing the example from above, washing machine appliance 100 may receive a command, e.g., from a user of the appliance, to initiate the appliance travel cycle. It should be appreciated that the command to initiate the appliance travel cycle may be received from any suitable source and in any suitable manner. According to exemplary embodiments, a user may enter the command using a user interface panel, such as control panel 160 of washing machine appliance 100. In this regard, for example, one of input selectors 162 may be a button, a switch, a rotary dial, a capacitive touch button, a touchscreen, or another mechanical or tactile input that a user may select to initiate the appliance travel cycle. According to still other embodiments, a user may initiate the appliance travel cycle remotely, e.g., using a consumer device 174 such as a cell phone. In this regard, a user may enter a mobile software application on their phone and may enter a command to enter the appliance travel cycle prior to moving washing machine appliance 100. Other manners of receiving the appliance travel cycle command are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Method 200 may further include, at step 220, implementing a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel. As used herein, the terms “responsive action” and the like are generally intended to refer to any adjustments or manipulations of washing machine appliance 100 made by washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., as regulated by controller 166), by a user, or by any other interacting force that are intended to prepare the appliance for subsequent movement. Although exemplary responsive actions are described herein, it should be appreciated that these responsive actions are only intended to facilitate discussion of the present subject matter and are not intended to be limiting in any manner. Other responsive actions are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, it may be desirable to ensure that wash basket 120 is empty of all clothing or other items prior to transport. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, implementing the responsive action may include performing a load sensing procedure or algorithm to verify that wash basket 120 is empty. Any suitable load sensing or size detection algorithm may be implemented, such as commonly performed by washing machine appliance 100 prior to a wash cycle. For example, a dry load sensing or a wet load sensing procedure may be implemented.

As used herein, the terms “load sensing” and the like are generally intended to refer to any process for obtaining a weight of the load of clothes in a washing machine appliance or for detecting the presence of any items within the wash basket. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the load sensing procedure may include rotating the wash basket at a predetermined spin speed and monitoring a force, torque, or inertia generated by or at the motor assembly used to rotate the wash basket at that predetermined spin speed. Controller 166 may use this information as well as other information to estimate or calculate the load weight or identify the presence of items in the wash chamber, e.g., using regression equations, data correlation tables, other suitable algorithms or computations, etc.

According to exemplary embodiments, load sensing may include monitoring basket speed (e.g., in revolutions per minute) and the motor power (e.g., in Watts) over time. In this regard, for example, washing machine appliance 100 may further include basket speed sensor (not shown), which may be any suitable sensor or sensors for monitoring the movement of wash basket 120 and determining a measured basket speed of wash basket 120. For example, according to the exemplary embodiments, the basket speed sensor is a Hall Effect sensor, an accelerometer, or an optical sensor. Using the basket speed sensor, the load sensing procedure generally includes a sequence of spin operations and corresponding measurements of the wash basket speed and motor power. This method may further include maintaining the wash basket speed at this predetermined speed while monitoring motor torque, power, back electromotive force (EMF), etc.

If the load sensing procedure results in a determination that wash basket 120 is empty, the appliance travel cycle may continue with one or more steps as described below. By contrast, if the load sensing procedure identifies the presence of one or more items in wash basket 120, method 200 may include pausing the appliance travel cycle and/or providing a user notification or instruction to empty wash chamber 126. This user notification may be provided through control panel 160, via remote device 174, or in any other suitable manner.

Notably, it may also be desirable to ensure that wash tub 124 is clean and dry and/or that washing machine appliance 100 does not contain any water or wash fluid that might leak out during transport, as such fluid may result in water damage or hazardous transportation conditions. Therefore, according to exemplary embodiments, step 220 of implementing a responsive action may include performing a rinse cycle when the wash basket is empty. Notably, this rinse cycle may serve to ensure all detergent is clean from the surfaces of wash basket 120 and wash tub 124. The responsive action may further include performing a timed drain cycle (e.g., using drain pump 146) to empty all wash fluid from wash tub 124. In this manner, most or all of water or wash fluid within washing machine appliance 100 may be discharged to an external drain (e.g., such as external drain 148).

Notably, prior to transport, it may also be desirable that all water supply valves are closed and all water supply hoses are disconnected in order to prevent leaks. Thus, implementing the responsive action may further include closing one or more water supply valves or confirming that all water supply valves are closed. For example, normally open valves (e.g., valves that are open by default and require power to close) may be manually closed and normally closed valves (e.g., valves that are normally closed and require power to open) may be closed by removing power. Other steps for confirming that the water supply valves are closed are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. In this regard, for example, upon receiving the command to initiate the appliance travel cycle, controller 166 may close water supply valve 158 (e.g., by removing power) and confirm that the valve is closed to prevent further supply of water into wash tub 124. In addition, the user may be instructed to remove or disconnect all water supply hoses, e.g., so that the appliance may be freely moved between locations.

After the wash tub 124 is cleaned, rinsed, and drained, it may be desirable to lock door 134 in the closed position. In this regard, for example, the responsive action may be locking door 134 (e.g., using latch assembly 136) and verifying that door 134 is in a closed, locked state. In this manner, a user will be prevented from adding additional clothing items or objects into wash basket 120 while washing machine appliance 100 is in the appliance travel cycle. In addition, door 134 cannot be opened while washing machine appliance 100 is being moved, thereby preventing door 134 from swinging freely and impacting objects, resulting in damage to external objects or the appliance itself.

Notably, according to exemplary embodiments, implementing the responsive action may further include communicating with a user of the appliance, e.g., via control panel 160 or a remote device 174, regarding steps that need to be performed to facilitate the appliance travel cycle. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, implementing the responsive action may include alerting a user of any service codes, error faults, or other issues that must be addressed with washing machine appliance 100 prior to transport or prior to standard operation at the new location.

Method 200 may further include providing a user instruction to take preparatory action for facilitating the appliance travel cycle. For example, the user instruction may include a notification that wash fluid is present within the bulk storage reservoirs. As a result, the preparatory action may include emptying the bulk storage reservoirs of all wash fluid or otherwise plugging them to prevent leaks during transport. Notably, this tank emptying process may be performed by a user of the appliance or may be an automated procedure implemented by an appliance controller. In addition, the preparatory action may include cleaning a pump filter (e.g., a filter of drain pump 146) or performing other mechanical intervention with any components of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., to secure such components for transport. As noted above, the preparatory action may further include disconnecting and storing all water supply hoses, shutting off any manual valves, or taking any other preventative action to prevent water leaks during appliance transport. After all preparatory steps and responsive actions have been implemented, method 200 may include powering down the washing machine appliance prior to movement of washing machine appliance 100. In addition, method 200 may include powering down all lights, lamps, etc.

Notably, the user instructions for preparatory action may be received by the user in any suitable manner. According to exemplary embodiments, a user interface panel, such as control panel 160 may provide the user notification and may provide instructions regarding the preparatory action and necessary steps for facilitating appliance transport. According to still other embodiments, these user instructions or notices may be provided through a remote consumer device 174, such as a mobile phone. According to exemplary embodiments, once the appliance travel cycle has been performed, washing machine appliance 100 may be moved with minimal risk of fluid leaks, damage to the appliance, or damage to external objects. According to exemplary embodiments, method 200 may include receiving a command to terminate the appliance travel cycle. For example, the appliance travel cycle may be terminated after the washing machine appliance 100 has been moved and installed in a new location. Method 200 may include instructions or notifications regarding processes for reinstalling and confirming proper installation of the washing machine appliance 100. Method 200 may further include returning all operating parameters of the washing machine appliance 100 to a normal mode, e.g., a standard operating mode not associated with the appliance travel cycle.

FIG. 3 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 200 are explained using washing machine appliance 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable washing machine appliance or laundry appliance.

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 washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a wash tub positioned within the cabinet;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes;

a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the washing machine appliance; and

a controller operably coupled to the user interface panel, the controller being configured to: receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle; and implement a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

performing a load sensing algorithm to verify that the wash basket is empty.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

performing a rinse cycle when the wash basket is empty.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

performing a timed drain cycle to empty wash fluid from the wash tub.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more water supply valves, and wherein implementing the responsive action comprises closing the one or more water supply valves or confirming that the one or more water supply valves are closed.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to a wash chamber; and

a door lock for selectively locking the door in a closed position, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises verifying the door is closed and locked.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

alerting a user of any service codes or error faults.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

providing a user instruction to take a preparatory action for travel.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises emptying or plugging bulk storage reservoirs.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises cleaning a pump filter.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises disconnecting all water supply hoses.

12. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the user instruction is provided through the user interface panel.

13. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller is in operative communication with a remote device through an external network, and wherein the user instruction is provided through the remote device.

14. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the command to initiate the appliance travel cycle is received from a user through the user interface panel.

15. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine that the responsive action has been implemented; and

power down the washing machine appliance.

16. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

receive a command to terminate the appliance travel cycle; and

return all operating parameters of the washing machine appliance to a normal mode.

17. A method of operating a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the washing machine appliance, the method comprising:

receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle; and

implementing a responsive action to prepare the washing machine appliance for travel.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises at least one of performing a load sensing algorithm to verify that the wash basket is empty, performing a timed drain cycle to empty wash fluid from the wash tub, or performing a rinse cycle when the wash basket is empty.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises at least one of closing one or more water supply valves, confirming the one or more water supply valves are closed, or verifying a door is closed and locked.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises at least one of alerting a user of any service codes or error faults or providing a user instruction to take a preparatory action for travel.