METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CHANNELING LIQUID IN A CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

Abstract

A valve assembly for a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process includes a valve inlet, and first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with the valve inlet. The apparatus includes a cabinet, and a wash tub and a storage tank positioned within the cabinet. The valve inlet is configured to be coupled in flow communication with the wash tub. The valve assembly also includes a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The first valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and the second valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to valve assemblies, and, more particularly, to valve assemblies in a clothes treating apparatus.

At least some known clothes treating apparatus, such as for example, washing machines and dry cleaning machines include a cabinet that houses an outer tub for containing a quantity of water or dry cleaning fluid, a perforated clothes basket within the tub, and a drive and motor assembly mounted underneath the stationary outer tub to rotate the basket within the tub.

Washing machines generally perform a wash cycle followed by a rinse cycle and a spin cycle, and drain the used water from the outer tub outside at the end of the wash/rinse cycle. Dry cleaning machines generally also perform a cleaning cycle followed by a spin cycle and a drying cycle, and include a storage tank for storing the dry cleaning fluid. In at least one cleaning cycle, the dry cleaning fluid saturates the clothes and dissolves certain fluid soluble soils. Due to the cost of the dry cleaning fluid, the used fluid is not discarded at the end of the cleaning cycle, rather, the dry cleaning fluid is filtered to remove particulates, such as lint, cleaned, and returned to the storage tank for reuse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a valve assembly for a clothes treating apparatus is provided. The apparatus is operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet, and a storage tank positioned within the cabinet. The valve assembly includes a valve inlet configured to be coupled in flow communication with the wash tub, first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with the valve inlet, and a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The first valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and the second valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

In another aspect, a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process is provided. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet for receiving laundry therein, and a valve assembly positioned within the cabinet. The valve includes a valve inlet coupled in flow communication with the wash tub, first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with the valve inlet, and a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The first valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and the second valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

In still another aspect, a method for assembling a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process is provided. The method includes providing a cabinet, positioning a wash tub within the cabinet, and positioning a valve assembly within the cabinet. The method also includes coupling a valve inlet in flow communication with the wash tub, coupling first and second valve outlets in flow communication with the valve inlet, and providing a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The first valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and the second valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

In still another aspect, a method for channeling fluid through a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process is provided. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a wash tub, a storage tank, and a valve assembly coupled in flow communication with the wash tub. The valve assembly includes a valve inlet, a first and a second valve outlet, a first and a second valve, a first and a second pump. The method includes channeling the fluid from the wash tub into the valve assembly, and selectively channeling the fluid from the valve assembly to one of the storage tank and an exterior of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary washing/dry cleaning machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the washing/dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1 with the cabinet partially removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly applicable to the washing/dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a valve applicable to the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3 with a lid and a button/coin trap shown in phantom.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the valve assembly along line B-B shown in FIG. 6 when the valve is in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of the valve assembly when the valve in the closed position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative valve assembly applicable to the washing/dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 9 from another angle.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative valve assembly applicable to the washing/dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an exemplary liquid flow path of the washing/dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary clothes treating apparatus, such as a washing/dry cleaning combination machine 100 applicable to the present invention. Washing/dry cleaning machine 100 may be selectively operated in a water washing process or a dry cleaning process to clean the laundry placed therein. Washing/dry cleaning machine 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a front panel 104, a top panel 106, and side panels 108. A door 112 is mounted to front panel 104 and is rotatable about a hinge (not shown) between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1). The open position facilitates access to a basket (not shown) in an interior of washing/dry cleaning machine 100 that holds a clothes load. The closed position forms a substantially sealed enclosure over the basket. Front panel 104 also includes a cover 114 that covers a dual lint filter user interface (shown in FIG. 2). A control panel 120 includes a plurality of input selectors 122 and is coupled to an upper portion of front panel 104. Control panel 120 and input selectors 122 collectively form a user interface for operator selection of machine cycles and features. In one embodiment, a display section 124 indicates selected features, machine status, and other items of interest to users. As illustrated in FIG. 1, washing/dry cleaning machine 100 is a horizontal axis machine. It is contemplated, however, that the benefits of the invention accrue to other types of clothes treating apparatus, including, but not limited to, vertical axis machines.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of washing/dry cleaning machine 100 with cabinet 102 partially removed. Washing/dry cleaning machine 100 includes a tub 130 having an opening 132 which provides access to the clothes basket (not shown) that is rotatably mounted within tub 130. A storage tank 136 for dry cleaning fluid is located on a cabinet base platform 138 beneath tub 130. Dry cleaning fluid is typically recycled after clothes are cleaned and is then stored in storage tank 136 for reuse. A fluid recovery system 140 is positioned above tub 130 to recover liquid and evaporated dry cleaning fluid. A return duct 142 returns filtered air from fluid recovery system 140 to tub 130. A plurality of pumps 144 are located beneath tub 130 to deliver dry cleaning fluid from storage tank 136 to various components of washing/dry cleaning machine 100, including tub 130 and to return recovered fluid to storage tank 136. A plurality of fluid lines 146 extend between pumps 144, storage tank 136, tub 130, and fluid recovery system 140, as well as a water separator 150, a canister filter 152, and other components.

Water separator 150 removes water from the dry cleaning fluid. Water is not normally used in the dry cleaning process, however, water may be present in washing/dry cleaning machine 100 from humidity in the air or from a wet garment in the clothes load. Canister filter 152 is part of a multi-stage filtration process, the first stage of which occurs in fluid recovery system 140.

Operation of washing/dry cleaning machine 100 is controlled by a main controller 156 operatively coupled to the user interface input located on front panel 104 (shown in FIG. 1) of washing/dry cleaning machine 100. Manipulation of the user interface input is used to select washing/dry cleaning machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of the user interface input, main controller 156 operates the various components of washing/dry cleaning machine 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Washing/dry cleaning machine 100 also includes a valve assembly 160 connected with the various components of washing/dry cleaning machine 100. In one embodiment, fluid lines 146 connect wash tub 130 and storage tank 136 with valve assembly 160. Valve assembly 160 is used to channel a liquid, such as water and dry cleaning fluid, from wash tub 130 to a drain (shown in FIG. 14) and/or storage tank 136 during the water washing/dry cleaning process.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly 160 applicable to washing/dry cleaning machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of valve assembly 160 shown in FIG. 3. Valve assembly 160 includes a valve housing 162 and a lid 164. Lid 164, in one embodiment, engages housing 162 to at least partially enclose two electromechanical valves 172, two pumps 174, and a button/coin trap 176 therein.

Housing 162 includes a front panel 180, a back panel 182, two side panels 184, and a bottom panel 186. Panels 180, 182, 184, and 186 enclose a receiving space 188 therein. Housing 162 also includes two output passages 190 extending upward from receiving space 188. Housing 162 also includes two valve chambers 192 defined on front panel 180 and in flow communication with receiving space 188. Housing 162 further includes two pump chambers 194 defined on back panel 182. Valve chambers 192 and pump chambers 194 are in flow communication with respective output passages 190. Each side panel 184 further includes a lug 196 extending outward therefrom.

Lid 164 is larger than housing 162 in cross section so it can adequately cover housing 162. Lid 164 includes a valve inlet 200, a first valve outlet 202, and a second valve outlet 204 defined thereon. Valve inlet 200, in one embodiment, is coupled in flow communication with wash tub 130 (shown in FIG. 2) by fluid lines 146 (shown in FIG. 2). First and second valve outlets 202, 204 are positioned corresponding to output passages 190 of housing 162, and are coupled to the drain (shown in FIG. 14) and storage tank 136 (shown in FIG. 2) by fluid lines 146, respectively. All of valve inlet and outlets 200, 202, 204 are defined on lid 164, such that lid 164 may be removed from housing 162 without removing any fluid lines 146 coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, lid 164 includes a substantially rectangular seal 206 surrounding a circumferential edge thereof, and two O-shaped seals 208 positioned at an underside 210 thereof and respectively surrounding valve outlets 202, 204.

Each pump 174 includes an impeller 212 positioned within pump chambers 194 of housing 162. Impellers are operatively coupled to main controller 156 (shown in FIG. 2) for directing liquid from valve inlet 200 to a corresponding valve outlet 202, 204 when energized. In the exemplary embodiment, pumps 174 are centrifugal pumps. In alternative embodiments, one of a variety of pumps known in the art are utilized instead of the centrifugal pumps.

Button/coin trap 176 is complementary with respect to housing 162 in cross section, and is fittingly received within receiving space 188. Trap 176 includes a plurality of openings 214 defined therein which allows liquid to flow therethrough while collecting items such as buttons, coins, rocks, lint, and even valuable items, such as jewelry. In the exemplary embodiment, trap 176 collects items having a diameter larger than 5 millimeters. Alternatively, trap 176 collects items having a diameter larger than 0.5 millimeters. Trap 176 is removable from valve assembly 160 when lid 164 is removed from housing 162. In operation, a user cleans the items collected within trap 176 and retrieves the valuable items forgotten within the laundry and drained out from wash tub 130.

Each electromechanical valve 172 includes a plunger assembly 220 received within a corresponding valve chamber 192, and an actuator 222 to drive plunger assembly 220 within valve chamber 192. Actuator 222 is supported on a bracket 224 which is engaged with lugs 196 of housing 162. Actuator 222 is operatively coupled to main controller 156 for controlling a flow of liquid through corresponding valve 172.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of valve 172 illustrating plunger assembly 220. Plunger assembly 220 includes a plunger 230 movable between an open position and a closed position and a spring 232 surrounding and biasing plunger 230 toward the closed position. Plunger assembly 220 also includes a flexible bellows seal 234 for receiving plunger 230 and spring 232 therein, and a valve cap 236 covering valve chamber 192. Valve cap 236 allows at least a portion of plunger 230 to extend therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment, spring 232 is a flexible bellows spring. Alternatively, a variety of springs known in the art are employed in alternative embodiments.

Plunger assembly 220 also includes a connecting rod 238 connected with plunger 230, and a connection spring 240 connecting connecting rod 238 and actuator 222. In an exemplary embodiment, actuator 222 is a linear motion actuator, and when energized, compresses spring 232 and pulls plunger 230 through connecting rod and spring 238, 240, such that plunger 230 moves from the closed position to the open position. When actuator 222 is de-energized, spring 232 pushes plunger 230 back to the closed position. In an alternative embodiment, actuator 222 is a rotating motion actuator, and drives one of a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) and a wound wire spool mechanism (not shown) for moving plunger 230 between the open and the closed positions. In another embodiment, actuator is a solenoid (not shown) for driving plunger 230.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of valve assembly 160 shown in FIG. 3 with lid 164 and trap 176 shown in phantom. Liquid flows through valve assembly 160 along arrow A as indicated in FIG. 6. Specifically, liquid flows from valve inlet 200 into receiving space 188, through trap 176, toward valves 172, and through output passage 190 when the corresponding valve 172 is in the open position. As such, items in the liquid are restricted from entering into valve 172 and are collected within trap 176 to prevent clogging of valves 172.

Valve outlets 202, 204 of lid 164 are aligned respectively with output passages 190 of housing 162, such that liquid exiting output passage 190 flows through corresponding valve outlet 202, 204. In an exemplary embodiment, rectangular and O-shaped seals 206, 208 are positioned between housing 162 and lid 164 to provide a watertight engagement therebetween. In addition, some seals 242 (shown in FIG. 7) are positioned between housing 162 and other components of valve assembly 160, such as for example, valves 172 and pumps 174 for providing a watertight engagement therebetween.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of valve assembly 160 along line B-B shown in FIG. 6 when valve 172 is in the open position, and FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of valve assembly 160 when valve 172 is in the closed position.

When valve 172 is energized and moves to the open position, liquid exiting trap 176 flows through valve chamber 192, and flows into pump chamber 194. Impeller 212 positioned within pump chamber 194 then forces the liquid through output passage 190 and corresponding valve outlet 202, 204. When valve 172 is de-energized and moves back to the closed position, plunger 230 abuts against housing 162, and bellows seal 234 restricts liquid exiting trap 176 from flowing into valve chamber 192. As such, no liquid flows into pump chamber 194 and is accordingly not output from corresponding valve outlet 202, 204. As such, the liquid may be output from at least one of valve outlets 202, 204 by energizing the corresponding valve 172 and pump 174.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative valve assembly 260 applicable to washing/dry cleaning machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of valve assembly 260 shown in FIG. 9. Valve assembly 260 includes a valve housing 262 including a main tube 264. Two output tubes 266 intersect main tube 264 at an acute angle and are in flow communication with main tube 264. Valve assembly 260 also includes a valve inlet 270 defined on main tube 264, a first valve outlet 272 and a second valve outlet 274 defined on output tubes 266, a button/coin trap 276 positioned within main tube 264, and two electromechanical valves 278 for controlling liquid flow through corresponding valve outlets 272, 274.

Electromechanical valve 278 is similar to valve 172 (shown in FIG. 3) in structure and operation, and each valve 278 includes a plunger assembly 279 mounted within corresponding output tube 266. Each valve 278 also includes an actuator 280 for driving plunger assembly 279 to move between an open position which allows liquid flow through corresponding valve outlet 272, 274, and a closed position which restricts liquid flow through corresponding valve outlet 272, 274.

Trap 276 is inserted into main tube 264 through a first end 281 thereof, and functions similarly to trap 176 (shown in FIG. 4). Trap 276 includes an elongate member 282 having a plurality of openings 284 defined therein, a rotatable cap 286 rotatably mounted to elongated member 282, and a baffle 288 substantially vertically positioned on elongate member 282.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of valve assembly 260 from another angle, and FIG. 12 is a partial view of valve assembly 260. Baffle 288 includes a plurality of slots 290 defined therein. Trap 276 also includes a guiding protrusion 292 extending downward from elongate member 282, and main tube 264 includes a corresponding guiding slot 294 defined therein and adjacent first end 281. As such, guiding protrusion 292 engages guiding slot 294 to position elongate member 282 within main tube 264 at a proper orientation. In addition, cap 286 rotates with respect to elongate member 282 to threadably engage first end 281 of main tube 264. In an alternative embodiment, a variety of structures known in the art are utilized in place of guiding protrusion/slot to position trap 276 at a desired orientation, and cap 286 is removably retained within main tube 264 by other mechanisms known in the art, such as for example, latches or clips.

Valve assembly 260 channels liquid therethrough similarly to valve assembly 160 (shown in FIG. 6). Liquid flows from valve inlet 270 through slots 290 and holes 284 of trap 276, toward valves 278, and through valve outlet 272, 274 if corresponding valve 278 is in the open position. As such, slots 290 and openings 284 collect items, such as buttons, coins, and valuable items, and restrict such items from flowing into valve 290 for ensuring proper operation of valves 278. Trap 276 may also be removed from valve assembly 160 for maintenance and/or retrieving items therefrom.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative valve assembly 300 applicable to washing/dry cleaning machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. Valve assembly 300 is substantially identical with respect to valve assembly 260 (shown in FIG. 9) in structure and operation, except that valve assembly 300 includes a main tube 310, and two output tubes 312 substantially perpendicularly intersecting one another. Valve assembly 300 also includes a valve inlet 314, a first valve outlet 316 and a second valve outlet 318 defined on main tube 310. Valve inlet further includes two output tubes 312, two electromechanical valves 320 controlling liquid flow through corresponding valve outlets 316, 318, and a button/coin trap 322 restricting items in the liquid from flowing into valves 320.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an exemplary liquid flow path of washing/dry cleaning machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. Valve assembly 260 is used to drain the liquid from wash tub 130 to different destinations in the water washing/dry cleaning process. It is contemplated, however, that valve assemblies 160, 300 may also be used in place of valve assembly 260 in alternative embodiments, except that valve assemblies 160 incorporate drain pumps 332, 334 into housing 162 (shown in FIG. 3) as pumps 174 (shown in FIG. 3).

Valve inlet 270 of valve assembly 260 is coupled in flow communication with wash tub 130, and first valve outlet 272 and second valve outlet 274 are coupled in flow communication with pumps 332, 334. In the exemplary embodiment, pumps 332, 334 are energized to pump the liquid through corresponding valve outlets 272, 274 to a drain 336 and storage tank 136. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve 338 is coupled in flow communication with, and is positioned between, wash tub 130 and valve assembly 260. Valve 338 retains the liquid within wash tub 130, and allows liquid flow therethrough only when main controller 156 (shown in FIG. 2) operates to drain the liquid from wash tub 130. As such, the liquid in a new wash/cleaning cycle will not flow into valve assembly 260 and will not be contaminated by the liquid remaining in valve assembly 260 which is drained out from wash tub 130 in the previous wash/cleaning cycle.

In the water washing process, water is delivered into wash tub 130 through at least one of three water valves 340, 342, 344. After a wash cycle of the water washing process, main controller 156 energizes the corresponding valve 278 and pump 332 to drain water from wash tub 130, through first valve outlet 272, and to drain 336 positioned at the exterior of machine 100.

In the dry cleaning process, the dry cleaning fluid is delivered into wash tub 130 from storage tank 136. After a cleaning cycle of the dry cleaning process, main controller 156 energizes the corresponding valve 278 and pump 334 to drain the dry cleaning fluid from wash tub 130, and through second valve outlet 274. The dry cleaning fluid exiting second valve outlet 274 flows through a variety of filters elements, such as for example, a dual lint filter 350, a particle filter 352, and an absorption filter 354, and then into storage tank 136. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the dry cleaning fluid is channeled through water separator 150 for removing any water from the dry cleaning fluid. The dry cleaning fluid exiting water separator 150 is channeled into storage tank 136, and the removed water is channeled to drain 336 outside machine 100.

Accordingly, main controller 156 energizes the corresponding valve 272, 274 and pump 332, 334 to drain liquid from wash tub 130 to drain 336 and storage tank 136 in the water washing/dry cleaning process, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, main controller 156 energizes valve 272, 274 and moves it to the open position after energizing corresponding pump 332 or 334. Main controller 156 de-energizes valve 272 or 274 which moves to the closed position before de-energizing the corresponding pump 332 or 334. As such, liquid flowing through valve 172 is restricted from flowing back into valve assembly 260, which facilitates reducing the liquid in a new wash/cleaning cycle being contaminated by the liquid used in the previous wash/cleaning cycle, even when valve 338 is eliminated from machine 100. It is contemplated, however, that valve assemblies 160, 300 are operated in such sequence in alternative embodiments.

In an alternative embodiment, the electromechanical valves of valve assembly 160, 260, and 300 are check valves (not shown). In a further embodiment, both electromechanical valves are check valves. In another embodiment, only one of the electromechanical valves is a check valve. In the alternative embodiment, the check valve is movable between an open position which allows liquid flow therethrough, and a closed position which restricts liquid flow therethrough. The corresponding pump 332 or 334 positioned downstream of the check valve controls the position of the check valve. Specifically, the check valve remains in the closed position when the corresponding pump 332 or 334 is de-energized, and is moved to an open position when the corresponding pump 332 or 334 is energized to produce a downstream pressure. The check valve moves to the closed position as soon as the corresponding pump 332 or 334 is de-energized, such that the liquid flowing back into the valve assembly is reduced, and contaminated liquid flowing to a new wash/cleaning cycle is avoided.

Therefore, controller 156 energizes pump 332 or 334 to drain the liquid from wash tub 130 through corresponding valve outlet 272 or 274. By substituting a check valve for the electromechanical valve in valve assembly 160, 260, and 300, the electrical connection of the electromechanical valve is eliminated. As such, the logic control of main controller 156 for controlling the operation sequence of the pump and the valve is simplified.

Valve assemblies 160, 260, and 300 channel the liquid from wash tub 130 to different destinations in the water washing/dry cleaning process, which enables washing/dry cleaning machine 100 to store the used dry cleaning fluid for reuse as well as drain the used water outside. In addition, two valves are at least partially positioned within a single valve housing, which facilitates providing a more compact valve assembly.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process, the apparatus including a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet, and a storage tank positioned within the cabinet, said valve assembly comprising:

a valve inlet configured to be coupled in flow communication with the wash tub;

first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with said valve inlet; and

a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through said first valve outlet and said second valve outlet, said first valve configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through said first valve outlet in the water washing process, said second valve configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through said second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

2. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first valve configured to channel water to a drain, said second valve configured to channel dry cleaning fluid to the storage tank.

3. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a filter positioned upstream of said valves, said filter facilitates restricting items in the liquid from entering said valves.

4. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a first pump and a second pump, said pumps coupled in flow communication with said valve outlets, respectively.

5. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 4 further comprising a valve housing, said valves and said pumps at least partially positioned within said valve housing.

6. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein at least one of said valves configured to close before de-energizing the corresponding one of said pumps.

7. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein at least one of said valves comprises a check valve movable between an open position and a closed position, said check valve biased toward the closed position and configured to move to the open position to enable the flow therethrough when the corresponding one of said pumps is energized.

8. A clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process, said apparatus comprising:

a cabinet;

a wash tub positioned within said cabinet for receiving laundry therein; and

a valve assembly positioned within said cabinet, said valve comprising: a valve inlet coupled in flow communication with said wash tub; first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with said valve inlet; and

a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through said first valve outlet and said second valve outlet, said first valve configured to channel liquid from said wash tub outward through said first valve outlet in the water washing process, said second valve configured to channel liquid from said wash tub outward through said second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a storage tank positioned within said cabinet, said first valve configured to channel water from said wash tub to a drain, said second valve configured to channel dry cleaning fluid from said wash tub to said storage tank.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a filter positioned upstream of said valves, said filter facilitates restricting items in the liquid from entering said valves.

11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a first pump and a second pump, said pumps coupled in flow communication with said valve outlets, respectively.

12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 further comprising a valve housing, said valves and said pumps at least partially positioned within said valve housing.

13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein at least one of said valves configured to close the corresponding one of said valve outlets before de-energizing the corresponding one of said pumps.

14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein at least one of said valves comprises a check valve movable between an open position and a closed position, said check valve biased toward the closed position and configured to move to the open position to enable the flow therethrough when the corresponding one of said pumps is energized.

15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a third valve coupled in flow communication with said wash tub and said valve assembly, said third valve positioned upstream of said valve assembly.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said valves configured to close the flow through said valve outlets to retain the liquid in said wash tub.

17. A method for assembling a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process, said method comprising:

providing a cabinet;

positioning a wash tub within the cabinet; and

positioning a valve assembly within the cabinet, which comprising: coupling a valve inlet in flow communication with the wash tub; coupling first and second valve outlets in flow communication with the valve inlet; and providing a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet, the first valve configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, the second valve configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17 further comprising positioning a storage tank within the cabinet, said providing a first valve and a second valve comprising providing a first valve configured to channel water from the wash tub to a drain, and providing a second valve configured to channel dry cleaning fluid from the wash tub to the storage tank.

19. A method in accordance with claim 17 further comprising positioning a filter upstream of the valves, the filter facilitates restricting items in the liquid from entering into the valves.

20. A method in accordance with claim 17 further comprising providing a first pump and a second pump, the pumps coupled in flow communication with the valve outlets, respectively.

21. A method for channeling fluid through a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process, the apparatus including a cabinet, a wash tub, a storage tank, and a valve assembly coupled in flow communication with the wash tub, the valve assembly including a valve inlet, a first and a second valve outlet, a first and a second valve, and a first and a second pump, said method comprising:

channeling the fluid from the wash tub into the valve assembly; and

selectively channeling the fluid from the valve assembly to one of the storage tank and an exterior of the apparatus.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising closing at least one of the valves not late than de-energizing the corresponding one of the pumps.

23. A method in accordance with claim 22 further comprising opening at least one of the valves not earlier than energizing the corresponding one of the pumps.

24. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising channeling water through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and channeling dry cleaning fluid through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

25. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising restricting the fluid from flowing into the valve assembly before said channeling the fluid from the wash tub.