TRAVEL CYCLE FOR A COMBINATION WASHER AND DRYER APPLIANCE

Abstract

A laundry appliance and a method of operating the same are provided. In one aspect, the laundry appliance includes a laundry basket rotatably mounted within a tub that defines a chamber that is in fluid communication with a conditioning system of the laundry appliance that circulates heated air through the chamber. A controller is configured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance for travel. The responsive action may be the automated adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the laundry appliance, such as performing a load sensing procedure, rinsing and/or drying the chamber, closing the water supply valves, etc. In addition, the responsive action may include providing a user instruction to prepare the laundry appliance, e.g., by cleaning the lint filter, emptying the condensate collection tank, removing hoses and cables, addressing any error codes, etc.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to combination washer and dryer appliances, or more specifically, to systems and methods for preparing a combination washer and condenser dryer 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, combination washer/dryer appliances are designed to absorb or handle moderate forces associated with the movement of such components during normal operation while the dryer 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, fluids in the appliance can leak, doors may swing freely, and mold or mildew may form if the tub is not properly drained and dried prior to transport.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance with features for improved transport would be desirable. More specifically, a combination washer and condenser dryer 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 laundry appliance is provided including a tub positioned within a cabinet, the tub defining a tub outlet and a tub inlet, a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying, a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from air flowing therethrough, a duct system for providing fluid communication between the tub outlet and the conditioning system and between the conditioning system and the tub inlet, the duct system, the conditioning system, and the chamber defining a process air flow path, a blower fan operable to move air through the process air flow path, and a controller configured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance for travel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance includes a tub positioned within a cabinet, a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying, a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from air flowing therethrough, a duct system for providing fluid communication between a tub outlet and the conditioning system and between the conditioning system and a tub inlet, and a blower fan operable to move air through the duct system. The method includes receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implementing a responsive action to prepare the laundry 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 a laundry appliance in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary heat pump dryer appliance and a conditioning system thereof in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a laundry 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 washer and condenser dryer combination appliance 100, referred to herein for simplicity as laundry appliance 100. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of laundry appliance 100. As illustrated, laundry 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. Laundry 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 laundry basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g., the transverse direction T), as this exemplary appliance is a front load appliance. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with laundry basket 120 to selectively rotate laundry basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of laundry appliance 100). Motor 122 may be mechanically coupled to laundry basket 120 directly or indirectly, e.g., via a pulley and a belt (not pictured). Laundry basket 120 is received within a tub 124 that defines a chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing or drying.

As used herein, the terms “clothing” or “articles” includes but need not be limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or other items from which the extraction of moisture is desirable. Furthermore, the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothing that may be washed together and/or dried together in laundry appliance 100 (e.g., the combination washer and condenser dryer) and may include a mixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens within a particular laundering process.

The tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in laundry basket 120 within 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.”

Laundry basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into chamber 126 to assist in agitation, cleaning, and drying of articles disposed within chamber 126 during operation of laundry appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of baffles or ribs 128 extend from basket 120 into chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in laundry basket 120 and then allow such articles to tumble back to a bottom of drum laundry basket 120 as it rotates. Ribs 128 may be mounted to laundry basket 120 such that ribs 128 rotate with laundry basket 120 during operation of laundry appliance 100.

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 laundry basket 120 and tub 124. More specifically, laundry 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 tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to tub 124. Laundry appliance 100 may further 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 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 laundry basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of laundry 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, laundry basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by tub 124 at a bottom of tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of laundry appliance 100. For example, during operation of laundry 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 tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from laundry 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 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 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 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 126 during operation of laundry 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 102 and is configured for receipt of fluid additive or detergent for use during operation of laundry 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 laundry 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 laundry 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 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 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 laundry 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 laundry cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of laundry 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 laundry appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of laundry appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into laundry basket 120 through opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. 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 laundry appliance 100 to provide for filling laundry 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 laundry basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of laundry basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of laundry items in laundry basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within laundry 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 laundry basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from laundry basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into laundry basket 120 through opening 132.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis laundry appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis laundry appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other laundry 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 laundry appliances. Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may further apply to other laundry appliances. 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 laundry 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 laundry appliance 100.

External communication system 170 permits controller 166 of laundry 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 laundry appliance 100. For example, consumer devices 174 may be in direct or indirect communication with laundry 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 laundry 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 laundry 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.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, a heat pump system, a condenser system, a refrigerant-based air conditioning system, or another suitable conditioning system 200 for facilitating a drying process within laundry appliance 100 will be described in more detail. As illustrated, conditioning system 200 may be mounted to tub 124 such that it is fluidly coupled to chamber 126. More specifically, as illustrated, tub 124 extends between a front portion 202 and a back portion 204, e.g., along the transverse direction T. Laundry basket 120 also includes a back or rear wall 206, e.g., at back portion of laundry basket 120 or proximate back portion 204 of tub 124. Rear wall 206 of laundry basket 120 may be rotatably supported within cabinet 102 by a suitable bearing and/or may be fixed or rotatable.

Laundry basket 120 is generally cylindrical in shape. Laundry basket 120 has an outer cylindrical wall 208 and a front flange or wall that defines an opening 210 of laundry basket 120, e.g., at front portion 202 of laundry basket 120. As shown, opening 210 generally coincides with opening 132 of front panel 112 of cabinet 102, e.g., to provide user access to chamber 126 for loading and unloading of articles into and out of chamber 126 of laundry basket 120.

Conditioning system 200 may generally include a return duct 220 that is mounted to tub 124 for circulating air within chamber 126 to facilitate a drying process. For example, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, return duct 220 is fluid coupled to tub 124 proximate a top of tub 124. Return duct 220 receives heated air that has been heated and/or dehumidified by a conditioning system 200 and provides the heated air to laundry basket 120 via one or more holes defined by rear wall 206 and/or cylindrical wall 208 of laundry basket 120 (e.g., such as perforations 140).

Specifically, moisture laden, heated air is drawn from laundry basket 120 by an air handler, such as a blower fan 222, which generates a negative air pressure within laundry basket 120. As the air passes from blower fan 222, it enters an intake duct 224 and then is passed into conditioning system 200. In some embodiments, the conditioning system 200 may be or include an electric heating element, e.g., a resistive heating element, or a gas-powered heating element, e.g., a gas burner. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, laundry appliance 100 is a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioning system 200 may be or include a heat pump including a sealed refrigerant circuit, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3. Heated air (with a lower moisture content than was received from laundry basket 120), exits conditioning system 200 and returns to laundry basket 120 by a return duct 220. After the clothing articles have been dried, they are removed from the laundry basket 120 via opening 132.

As shown, laundry appliance 100 may further include one or more lint filters 230 (FIG. 3) to collect lint during drying operations. The moisture laden heated air passes through intake duct 224 enclosing screen filter 230, which traps lint particles. More specifically, filter 230 may be placed into an air flow path 232 defined by laundry basket 120, conditioning system 200, intake duct 224, and return duct 220. Filter 230 may be positioned in the process air flow path 232 and may include a screen, mesh, other material to capture lint in the air flow 232. The location of lint filters in laundry appliance 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided by way of example only, and other locations may be used as well. According to exemplary embodiments, lint filter 230 is readily accessible by a user of the appliance. As such, lint filter 230 should be manually cleaned by removal of the filter, pulling or wiping away accumulated lint, and then replacing the filter 230 for subsequent drying cycles.

According to exemplary embodiments, laundry appliance 100 may facilitate a steam dry process. In this regard, laundry appliance 100 may offer a steam drying cycle, during which steam is injected into chamber 126, e.g., to function similar to a traditional garment steamer to help remove wrinkles, static, etc. Accordingly, as shown for example in FIG. 3, laundry appliance 100 may include a misting nozzle 234 that is in fluid communication with a water supply 236 (e.g., such as water supply 155) in order to direct mist into chamber 126. Laundry appliance 100 may further include a water supply valve or control valve 238 for selecting discharging the flow of mist into chamber 126. It should be appreciated that control valve 238 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of laundry appliance 100 and depicts conditioning system 200 in more detail. For this embodiment, laundry appliance 100 is a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioning system 200 includes a sealed system 250. Sealed system 250 includes various operational components, which can be encased or located within a machinery compartment of laundry appliance 100. Generally, the operational components are operable to execute a vapor compression cycle for heating process air passing through conditioning system 200. The operational components of sealed system 250 include an evaporator 252, a compressor 254, a condenser 256, and one or more expansion devices 258 connected in series along a refrigerant circuit or line 260. Refrigerant line 260 is charged with a working fluid, which in this example is a refrigerant. Sealed system 250 depicted in FIG. 3 is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the sealed system to be used as well. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed system 250 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. As an example, sealed system 250 may include two (2) evaporators.

In performing a drying and/or tumbling cycle, one or more laundry articles LA may be placed within the chamber 126 of laundry basket 120. Hot dry air HDA is supplied to chamber 126 via return duct 220. The hot dry air HDA enters chamber 126 of laundry basket 120 via a tub inlet 264 defined by laundry basket 120, e.g., the plurality of holes defined in rear wall 206 and/or cylindrical wall 208 of laundry basket 120 as shown in FIG. 2. The hot dry air HDA provided to chamber 126 causes moisture within laundry articles LA to evaporate. Accordingly, the air within chamber 126 increases in water content and exits chamber 126 as warm moisture laden air MLA. The warm moisture laden air MLA exits chamber 126 through a tub outlet 266 defined by laundry basket 120 and flows into intake duct 224.

After exiting chamber 126 of laundry basket 120, the warm moisture laden air MLA flows downstream to conditioning system 200. Blower fan 222 moves the warm moisture laden air MLA, as well as the air more generally, through a process air flow path 232 defined by laundry basket 120, conditioning system 200, intake duct 224, and return duct 220. Thus, generally, blower fan 222 is operable to move air through or along the process air flow path 232. The duct system includes all ducts that provide fluid communication (e.g., airflow communication) between tub outlet 266 and conditioning system 200 and between conditioning system 200 and tub inlet 264. Although blower fan 222 is shown positioned between laundry basket 120 and conditioning system 200 along intake duct 224, it will be appreciated that blower fan 222 can be positioned in other suitable positions or locations along the duct system.

As further depicted in FIG. 3, the warm moisture laden air MLA flows into or across evaporator 252 of the conditioning system 200. As the moisture-laden air MLA passes across evaporator 252, the temperature of the air is reduced through heat exchange with refrigerant that is vaporized within, for example, coils or tubing of evaporator 252. This vaporization process absorbs both the sensible and the latent heat from the moisture-laden air MLA—thereby reducing its temperature. As a result, moisture in the air is condensed and such condensate water may be drained from conditioning system 200, e.g., using a drain line 262, which is also depicted in FIG. 3.

For this embodiment, a condenser tank or a condensate collection tank 270 is in fluid communication with conditioning system 200, e.g., via drain line 262. Collection tank 270 is operable to receive condensate water from the process air flowing through conditioning system 200, and more particularly, condensate water from evaporator 252. A sensor 272 operable to detect when water within collection tank 270 has reached a predetermined level. Sensor 272 can be any suitable type of sensor, such as a float switch as shown in FIG. 3. Sensor 272 can be communicatively coupled with controller 166, e.g., via a suitable wired or wireless communication link. A drain pump 274 is in fluid communication with collection tank 270. Drain pump 274 is operable to remove a volume of water from collection tank 270 and, for example, discharge the collected condensate to an external drain. In some embodiments, drain pump 274 can remove a known or predetermined volume of water from collection tank 270. Drain pump 274 can remove the condensate water from collection tank 270 and can move or drain the condensate water downstream, e.g., to a gray water collection system. Particularly, in some embodiments, controller 166 is configured to receive, from sensor 272, an input indicating that water within the collection tank has reached the predetermined level. In response to the input indicating that water within collection tank 270 has reached the predetermined level, controller 166 can cause drain pump 274 to remove the predetermined volume of water from collection tank 270.

Air passing over evaporator 252 becomes cooler than when it exited laundry basket 120 at tub outlet 266. As shown in FIG. 3, cool air CA (cool relative to hot dry air HDA and moisture laden air MLA) flowing downstream of evaporator 252 is subsequently caused to flow across condenser 256, e.g., across coils or tubing thereof, which condenses refrigerant therein. The refrigerant enters condenser 256 in a gaseous state at a relatively high temperature compared to the cool air CA from evaporator 252. As a result, heat energy is transferred to the cool air CA at the condenser 256, thereby elevating its temperature and providing warm dry air HDA for resupply to laundry basket 120 of laundry appliance 100. The warm dry air HDA passes over and around laundry articles LA within the chamber 126 of the laundry basket 120, such that warm moisture laden air MLA is generated, as mentioned above. Because the air is recycled through laundry basket 120 and conditioning system 200, laundry appliance 100 can have a much greater efficiency than traditional clothes dryers can where all of the warm, moisture-laden air MLA is exhausted to the environment.

With respect to sealed system 250, compressor 254 pressurizes refrigerant (i.e., increases the pressure of the refrigerant) passing therethrough and generally motivates refrigerant through the sealed refrigerant circuit or refrigerant line 260 of conditioning system 200. Compressor 254 may be communicatively coupled with controller 166 (communication lines not shown in FIG. 3). Refrigerant is supplied from the evaporator 252 to compressor 254 in a low pressure gas phase. The pressurization of the refrigerant within compressor 254 increases the temperature of the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is fed from compressor 254 to condenser 256 through refrigerant line 260. As the relatively cool air CA from evaporator 252 flows across condenser 256, the refrigerant is cooled and its temperature is lowered as heat is transferred to the air for supply to chamber 126 of laundry basket 120.

Upon exiting condenser 256, the refrigerant is fed through refrigerant line 260 to expansion device 258. Although only one expansion device 258 is shown, such is by way of example only. It is understood that multiple such devices may be used. In the illustrated example, expansion device 258 is an electronic expansion valve, although a thermal expansion valve or any other suitable expansion device can be used. In additional embodiments, any other suitable expansion device, such as a capillary tube, may be used as well. Expansion device 258 lowers the pressure of the refrigerant and controls the amount of refrigerant that is allowed to enter the evaporator 252. Importantly, the flow of liquid refrigerant into evaporator 252 is limited by expansion device 258 in order to keep the pressure low and allow expansion of the refrigerant back into the gas phase in evaporator 252. The evaporation of the refrigerant in evaporator 252 converts the refrigerant from its liquid-dominated phase to a gas phase while cooling and drying the moisture laden air MLA received from chamber 126 of laundry basket 120. The process is repeated as air is circulated along process air flow path 232 while the refrigerant is cycled through sealed system 250, as described above.

Although laundry appliance 100 is depicted and described herein as a heat pump dryer appliance, the inventive aspects of the present disclosure can apply to other types of closed loop airflow circuit dryer appliances. For instance, in other embodiments, laundry appliance 100 can be a condenser dryer that utilizes an air-to-air heat exchanger instead of evaporator 252 and/or an electric heater may be provided instead of condenser 256. Thus, in such embodiments, the working fluid that interacts thermally with the process air may be air. In yet other embodiments, laundry appliance 100 can be a spray tower dryer appliance that utilizes a water-to-air heat exchanger instead of utilizing a sealed refrigerant. Thus, in such embodiments, the working fluid that interacts thermally with the process air may be water. Further, in some embodiments, laundry appliance 100 can be a combination washer/dryer appliance having a closed loop airflow circuit along which process air may flow for drying operations.

Now that the construction of laundry appliance 100 and the configuration of controller 166 according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method 300 of operating a laundry appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of operating laundry appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other dryer appliances or laundry 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 laundry 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 laundry appliance 100 for movement may result in the appliance door swinging open and striking objects, fluids spilling from their reservoirs, undrained water 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. 4, method 300 includes, at step 310, receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle. For example, continuing the example from above, laundry 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 user interface panel 160 of laundry 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 laundry appliance 100. Other manners of receiving the appliance travel cycle command are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Method 300 may further include, at step 320, implementing a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance for travel. As used herein, the terms “responsive action” and the like are generally intended to refer to any adjustments or manipulations of laundry appliance 100 made by laundry 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 chamber 126 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 chamber 126 is empty. Any suitable load sensing or size detection algorithm may be implemented, such as commonly performed by laundry appliance 100 prior to a wash cycle.

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 laundry appliance or for detecting the presence of any items within the chamber. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the load sensing procedure may include rotating the laundry basket at a predetermined spin speed and monitoring a force, torque, or inertia generated by or at the motor assembly used to rotate the laundry 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 chamber, e.g., using regression equations, data correlation tables, other suitable algorithms or computations, etc.

According to exemplary embodiments, load sensing may include monitoring laundry basket speed (e.g., in revolutions per minute) and the motor power (e.g., in Watts) over time. In this regard, for example, laundry appliance 100 may further include laundry basket speed sensor (not shown), which may be any suitable sensor or sensors for monitoring the movement of chamber 126 and determining a measured laundry basket speed of laundry basket 120. For example, according to the exemplary embodiments, the laundry basket speed sensor is a Hall Effect sensor, an accelerometer, or an optical sensor. Using the laundry basket speed sensor, the load sensing procedure generally includes a sequence of spin operations and corresponding measurements of the laundry basket speed and motor power. This method may further include maintaining the laundry 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 chamber 126 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 chamber 126, method 300 may include pausing the appliance travel cycle and/or providing a user notification or instruction to empty chamber 126. This user notification may be provided through user interface panel 160, via remote device 174, or in any other suitable manner.

Notably, it may also be desirable to ensure that chamber 126 is clean and dry. In this regard, rinsing out wash fluid or detergent and drying all internal components of laundry appliance 100 may be desirable to prevent leaks during transport, as such fluid may result in water damage or hazardous transportation conditions. Therefore, according to exemplary embodiments, step 320 of implementing a responsive action may include performing a drying cycle when the chamber is empty. Notably, this drying cycle may serve to ensure all residual water and moisture is evacuated from chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood of forming mold, mildew, or other foul smells. The responsive action may further include performing a timed drain cycle (e.g., using drain pump 274) to empty all water from condensate collection tank 270. In this manner, most or all of water within laundry appliance 100 may be discharged to an external drain or otherwise removed from the appliance.

Notably, prior to transport, it may also be desirable that all water supply valves are closed and all water supply hoses and/or electrical cables are disconnected in order to prevent leaks or electrical hazards. 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 valves (e.g., such as control valves 158, 238, by removing power) and confirming the valve is closed to prevent further supply of water into chamber 126. 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. According to still other embodiments, the user may be instructed to remove, secure, or otherwise store all electrical cables.

After the chamber 126 is thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and dried, 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 chamber 126 while laundry appliance 100 is in the appliance travel cycle. In addition, door 134 cannot be opened while laundry 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 user interface 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 laundry appliance 100 prior to transport or prior to standard operation at the new location.

Method 300 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 water may be present within the condensate collection tank. As a result, the preparatory action may include emptying the condensate collection tank of all water or otherwise plugging the tank to prevent leaks during transport. In addition, the user instruction may include a reminder to empty or plug and bulk reservoirs or additive storage tanks. Notably, these tank emptying processes may be performed by a user of the appliance or may be automated procedures implemented by an appliance controller.

In addition, the preparatory action may include cleaning a lint filter (e.g., lint filter 230), cleaning the condenser coils or other components of sealed system 250 (e.g., by vacuuming the coils), or performing other mechanical intervention with any components of laundry 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, removing or securing electrical cables, or taking any other preventative action to prevent water leaks or electrical hazards during appliance transport. After all preparatory steps and responsive actions have been implemented, method 300 may include powering down the dryer appliance prior to movement of laundry appliance 100. In addition, method 300 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 user interface 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, laundry 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 300 may include receiving a command to terminate the appliance travel cycle. For example, the appliance travel cycle may be terminated after the laundry appliance 100 has been moved and installed in a new location. Method 300 may include instructions or notifications regarding processes for reinstalling and confirming proper installation of the laundry appliance 100. Method 300 may further include returning all operating parameters of the laundry appliance 100 to a normal mode, e.g., a standard operating mode not associated with the appliance travel cycle.

FIG. 4 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 300 are explained using laundry appliance 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable washer, dryer, or combination 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 laundry appliance comprising:

a tub positioned within a cabinet, the tub defining a tub outlet and a tub inlet;

a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying;

a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from air flowing therethrough;

a duct system for providing fluid communication between the tub outlet and the conditioning system and between the conditioning system and the tub inlet, the duct system, the conditioning system, and the chamber defining a process air flow path;

a blower fan operable to move air through the process air flow path; and

a controller configured to: receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle; and implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance for travel.

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

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

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

performing at least one of a rinsing cycle or drying cycle when the chamber is empty.

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

verifying that a lint filter and a condensate collection tank are installed.

5. The laundry 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 valve are closed.

6. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to the 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 laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises:

alerting a user of any service codes or error faults.

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

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

9. The laundry appliance of claim 8, further comprising:

a collection tank in fluid communication with the conditioning system for receiving condensate water from process air flowing through the conditioning system, wherein the preparatory action comprises emptying the collection tank.

10. The laundry appliance of claim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises cleaning a lint filter or vacuuming components of the conditioning system.

11. The laundry appliance of claim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises disconnecting water supply hoses and electrical cables.

12. The laundry appliance of claim 8, further comprising:

a user interface panel positioned on the cabinet for facilitating user interaction with the laundry appliance, wherein the user instruction is provided through the user interface panel.

13. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the command to initiate the appliance travel cycle is received from a user through the user interface panel.

14. The laundry 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.

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

determine that the responsive action has been implemented; and

power down the laundry appliance.

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

receive a command to terminate the appliance travel cycle; and

return operating parameters of the laundry appliance to a normal mode.

17. A method of operating a laundry appliance, the laundry appliance comprising a tub positioned within a cabinet, a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying, a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from air flowing therethrough, a duct system for providing fluid communication between a tub outlet and the conditioning system and between the conditioning system and a tub inlet, and a blower fan operable to move air through the duct system, the method comprising:

receiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle; and

implementing a responsive action to prepare the laundry 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 chamber is empty or performing at least one of a rinsing cycle or drying cycle when the chamber 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 that 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.