Washing Appliance
A washing machine or other laundry appliance has a drum that rotates during washing cycles of the appliance. The appliance further incorporates a ballast system including a reservoir having means for permitting water to flow between said reservoir and the drum, an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water, and an outlet for enabling water to be drained from said reservoir. The appliance further incorporates means for filling said reservoir and maintaining said reservoir substantially full of water during the washing cycles. Weight of the reservoir when it is substantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum during the washing cycles of the appliance.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/094,930, filed on May 23, 2008, which is a national stage application of International Appl. No. PCT/GB2006/004406, filed on Nov. 24, 2006 with a priority date of Nov. 25, 2005, and which claims priority from GB Patent Appl. No. 0523974.4 filed on Nov. 25, 2005, GB Patent Appl. No. 0523980.1 filed on Nov. 25, 2005, GB Patent Appl. No. 0523978.5 filed on Nov. 25, 2005, GB Patent Appl. No. 0523981.9 filed on Nov. 25, 2005, GB Patent Appl. No. 0612666.8 filed on Jun. 27, 2006, and GB Patent Appl. No. 0613782.2 filed on Jul. 12, 2006, all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to washing apparatus, and more specifically a laundry appliance.
2. Related Art
The first aspect of the present invention relates generally to a drum for a laundry appliance, and more specifically to an improved drainage system for a laundry appliance.
In general, a washing machine follows a sequence of pre-set actions depending on a program selected by a user. Typically, a washing machine comprises a drum into which laundry is placed. During a wash program the drum fills with water and is then caused to rotate so as to cause an agitating fin therein to ‘agitate’ the laundry. Next, the dirty water (and detergent) is drained and the drum spins to remove most of the water. The drum then refills with clean water and is again caused to rotate so as to agitate the laundry and ensure it is thoroughly rinsed. Finally, the drum is again drained and caused to spin at high speed so as to remove as much water as possible from the laundry at the end of the cycle.
In conventional washing machines, a drum generally comprises two main parts, the first being an inner perforated cylinder, into which the laundry is placed, housed within a larger water-tight cylinder, arranged such that the inner cylinder can rotate therein. Clearly the usable capacity of such a drum is limited by the need for co-axial cylinders with a gap therebetween.
A second aspect of the present invention relates generally to laundry appliances and more specifically to a means for supplying water for use in a wash cycle of a laundry appliance.
In general, when a wash cycle is initiated in a washing machine, cold water is drawn into the rotational drum and heated therein to the required temperature prior to commencing the wash cycle. Hot, dirty water that has been used during the wash cycle is then drained out of the drum, to be replaced by a further quantity of cold water from the mains supply. Not only is this process wasteful of water, but it also requires a significant amount of energy to heat the very cold water being pumped directly from the mains supply in respect of every wash cycle. Furthermore, because the cold water is heated in the drum (with the laundry) the choice of heating means is limited to means that can be provided in the drum and can be used in close proximity to the laundry without damage to either the laundry or the heating means. Thus, it has not always been possible to use the most energy efficient water heating means in conventional laundry appliances.
A third aspect of the present invention generally relates to consumer appliances and more specifically to a programming system suitable for such appliances.
Consumer appliances have evolved in recent years from simple machines into feature-rich complex products. For example, current washing machines have several user-selectable options to tailor a wash to an individual's needs, including numerous temperature settings, material types, spin speed, in addition to a large number of special functions such as easy iron, extra rinse and even a child lock facility. With such a wide range of functions and features, everyday use of modern appliances has become somewhat arduous.
A fourth aspect of the present invention relates generally to a rotating drive linkage, suitable for a variety of applications including washing machines.
Many machines include parts or components that rotate about an axis, these parts often being driven by motorized means. In many cases, the component to be rotated is directly driven by a motor, via some gearing, but this is only feasible when there is a capacity for the motor and the component to be situated adjacent to one another. If there is a distance between the motor and the point of contact of the component then an intermediate linkage, or drive linkage, is used to span the gap and ensure that the force generated by one is applied to the other, and this can be in the form of a belt, shaft, chain or the like. The constraints imposed by drive linkage are that they generally are not designed to accommodate relative movement between the components they link.
A fifth aspect of the present invention relates generally to dispensing apparatus for a washing appliance, and more particularly, to an automatic dispensing apparatus for liquid substances, such as detergent and fabric softener, used in washing appliances including washing machines and dishwashers.
The drawer of a washing appliance, such as a washing machine, is designed to accept consumable substances such as washing powder, tablets or liquid detergent, as well as liquid fabric softener. When pouring liquid or particulate substances into the above-mentioned draw, it is possible to dispense too much or too little or to spill the substance and mix detergent and softener. When using a consumable in a form other than tablet, such that the user has to gauge a dosage of the substance to be introduced to the wash, it is often difficult to determine the correct amount that is required relative to the amount and type of laundry being performed, which can lead to an inadequate wash, or unnecessary wastage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore an object of the invention to provide a washing machine drum of increased capacity, without proportionately increasing the overall size of the appliance.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drum for a washing machine, the drum comprising generally cylindrical receptacle which is rotatably mounted within a washing machine housing and has an opening for loading and unloading laundry. The receptacle is defined by a substantially solid outer wall having at least one aperture therein, and means for guiding liquid purged from said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards said at least one aperture such that said liquid is expelled from said receptacle via said at least one aperture.
Preferably, the means for guiding liquid purged from the laundry upon rotation of the drum towards said at least one aperture comprises a channel, preferably having a proximal deep end and a distal shallower end, relative to said at least one aperture, such that rotation of the drum forces the liquid from the shallower end to the deep end and said liquid is expelled from the receptacle via said at least one aperture.
Beneficially, a plurality of said channels are provided in respect of said at least one aperture. Beneficially, said drum is provided with a plurality of apertures and one of more respective channels are preferably provided to guide said liquid purged from said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards each of said plurality of apertures. Preferably, a plurality of said channels guide said liquid purged from said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards said plurality of apertures. A plurality of said channels may be provided in a herringbone configuration.
Preferably, a valve is provided within said at least one aperture to control the flow of said liquid through said aperture and in the case where said drum comprises a plurality of apertures, each said aperture is beneficially provided with a valve. The valve(s) may be actuated by mains water pressure or by a centrifugal force generated by the rotation of said generally cylindrical receptacle, providing the significant benefit of being able to release water from the drum when stationary and/or when spinning. This enables improved control of the evacuation of water from the drum, such that evacuation may be actuated both when the drum is rotating and when the drum is stationary.
Beneficially, said opening comprises a hatch, said hatch being liquid light when in a closed position and permitting the loading and unloading of laundry when in an open position.
Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by providing a drum consisting of a single cylinder that is generally substantially water-tight under normal conditions, yet can purge water therefrom both during a ‘spin cycle’ and when the drum is stationary, thereby removing the need for co-axial cylinders as described with reference to the prior art and as such increasing the usable capacity of the drum, although co-axial cylinders may still be used under some circumstances.
The present invention extends to a washing machine comprising a drum according to any one of the preceding claims, rotatably mounted in a housing, drive means for rotating said drum during a wash cycle, and control means for controlling one or more parameters of a wash cycle, wherein said control means comprises means for interrupting a wash cycle and permitting access to said opening in said drum.
Preferably, said opening is provided in a side wall of said drum and said control means is arranged and configured to halt rotation of said drum so as to interrupt a wash cycle when said opening is at or close to top dead centre (TDC) of said drum, such that access to said opening can be permitted whilst retaining liquid within said drum.
Thus, the configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention enables a user to pause a wash cycle and open the drum, which is not possible with conventional designs.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a water supply system for a laundry appliance which overcomes at least some of the problems of the prior art outlined above, and can significantly improve the energy efficiency of a laundry appliance relative to the prior art.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a water supply system for a washing machine having a rotational drum for receiving laundry, the water supply system comprising a reservoir having means for permitting water to flow between said reservoir and said drum, the reservoir further comprising an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water and an outlet for enabling water to be drained from said reservoir, the system further comprising means for filling said reservoir and maintaining said reservoir substantially full of water between washing cycles of said washing machine, and means for transferring water from said reservoir into said drum for use in a wash cycle.
Thus the above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a reservoir, separate from the washing machine drum, that is filled with cold water (from the mains supply) between wash cycles. The water, which is held in the reservoir between washes will often have time to be heated to a temperature approaching the ambient temperature of the surroundings, so that it requires less energy to heat the water up to the correct temperature for the selected wash cycle. In one exemplary embodiment, means may be provided for delaying commencement of a wash cycle until the water in the reservoir is at least a predetermined temperature. Preferably, heating means are provided for heating the water in the reservoir prior to transfer thereof to said drum. Because the water is heated in the reservoir and not in the drum, any energy efficient heating means can be used, e.g. microwave heating means. Such heating means may be provided in the flow path between said reservoir and said washing machine drum, or said reservoir may contain heating means, to heat water held therein. In the latter case, said reservoir may be divided into a plurality of sub-reservoirs, wherein one or more of said sub-reservoirs beneficially contain a heating means to heat water held therein.
Beneficially, pumping means are provided for pumping water between said reservoir and the drum of said washing machine.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the reservoir when it is substantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generated by rotation of said drum during a wash cycle. Thus, the water supply system can conveniently double up as a ballast system for the washing machine. The water supply system is beneficially controlled by the control program of the washing machine.
Beneficially, the reservoir is mounted on or adjacent the outer wall of said drum, such that heat from the water therein during the wash cycle is transferred to the water in the reservoir, to aid in raising the temperature thereof.
The second aspect of the present invention extends to a washing machine having a drum and a water supply system as defined above.
The second aspect of the present invention further extends to a laundry appliance having a rotatable drum and a ballast system comprising a reservoir having an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water such that the weight thereof acts to counter-balance vibrations generated by rotation of said drum during a laundry cycle and an outlet to enable water to be drained from said reservoir, said laundry appliance further comprising transport members extending from the base thereof and resting on a support surface when said reservoir is empty, said transport members being mounted via compressible means relative to respective recesses in said base of said laundry appliance such that when said reservoir is filled with water, the weight thereof acts to compress said compressible means and cause said base of said laundry appliance to be lowered towards said support surface such that at least said compressible means enters said respective recesses and the base of said laundry appliance rests on said support surface.
Thus, by mounting a washing machine on a set of selectively contractible and extendable transport members, such as rollers, the rollers will protrude from the base of the machine when the weight of the ballast is below that required to counter-balance the rotation of the drum, in use, thereby allowing the machine to be moved easily on the rollers. When the weight of the ballast is increased to counterbalance rotation of the drum during use, a large downward force is created in respect of the washing machine, and the machine is lowered towards the ground, for stability during use. The washing machine is pushed down over the rollers so that they are retracted into respective recesses in the base of the machine.
Beneficially, said roller means comprises at least one castor wheel, and more preferably a plurality of castor wheels.
Preferably, said compressible means comprises at least one spring.
Beneficially, a set of pads or the like are provided on the base of the machine to increase friction between said machine and said support surface.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a programming system, for an appliance, that is simpler to control accurately as compared to the prior art.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a programming system for controlling an appliance comprising:
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- a single manual control means;
- display means;
- a plurality of actionable events;
- wherein, said actionable events are represented graphically on said display means, said manual control means providing a means of selecting in combination a plurality of said plurality of actionable events.
Preferably, said plurality of actionable events are divided into executing events, master events and sub events, said master events defining a number of said sub events and said executing events executing said master event and said master events may be configured, using said manual control means, to contain any number of non mutually exclusive said sub events.
Beneficially, said programming system remembers a plurality of previously selected configurations of said actionable events.
Preferably, said single manual control means comprises a multi-functional button.
Beneficially, said display means comprises a single LCD array, and/or an array of LEDs, each of said LEDs in said array of LEDs being identifiable as to associating with a respective said actionable event and said array of LEDs is configured as two concentric ovals, an inner oval and an outer oval, with textual annotation identifying a respective said actionable event for each LED in said outer oval, said inner oval proving a cursor function to identify which LED of said outer oval is currently selected, said cursor function being manipulated by said manual control means or said array of LEDs is configured as two concentric ovals, an inner oval and an outer oval, with textual annotation identifying a respective said actionable event for each LED in said inner oval, said outer oval proving a cursor function to identify which LED of said inner oval is currently selected, said cursor function being manipulated by said manual control means.
The third aspect of the present invention further extends to a washing machine, being controllable by a programming system according to a system as described. Preferably, said washing machine comprises a recess and said programming system is provided in a module arranged and configured to be retained within said recess and selectively retracted therefrom for use.
Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by utilizing one button operation for selecting features by way of a cursor to control the state of the appliance.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a drive linkage in respect of two or more components that allows for longitudinal relative movement between the components.
In accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a drive linkage for linking at least one rotatable input means and at least one rotatably mounted output means, such that rotation of said input means causes corresponding rotation of said output means via said drive linkage, wherein said drive linkage comprises at least one linkage member configured to enable longitudinal relative movement between said at least one input means and said at least one output means.
It will be understood that the longitudinal relative movement is in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said input and said output means.
In one exemplary embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the linkage member may comprise an extendable and retractable linkage member for enabling said longitudinal movement. Alternatively, the linkage member may comprise means for selectively decoupling and recouping said at least one input means and said at least one output means. Preferably, in this case, the linkage member comprises means for selectively disconnecting and reconnecting said input means (i.e. the drive) relative to the output means.
Preferably, the drive linkage comprises at least one linkage arm pivotally connected at one end to said input means and at the other end to said output means, the linkage arm comprising a pair of substantially rigid, elongate bars, rotatably connected together. The drive linkage may comprise a plurality of said linkage arms. The linkage arm is beneficially configured such that in its contracted position it fits against or within the contours of a face of the input and/or output means.
Alternatively, said resiliently flexible linkage means may, for example, comprise a spring or one or more telescopic members.
Preferably, said at least one input means comprises a rotatably mounted shaft.
Preferably, said at least one output means comprises a rotatably mounted drum of an appliance such as a washing machine. In fact, the present invention extends to a laundry appliance having a rotatably mounted drum linked to a rotatable shaft via a drive linkage as defined above, and means for rotating said shaft so as to rotate said drum via said drive linkage.
Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by providing a linkage, such as a resiliently flexible linkage, connecting at least one input means to at least one output means, that efficiently communicates a rotational force therebetween, yet permits a degree of longitudinal movement relative to one another in the allowed plane.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing apparatus for automatically dispensing a suitable quantity of a washing substance so as to alleviate at least some of the problems outlined above.
In accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing system for use in a washing apparatus. The system comprises at least one reservoir for holding a number of doses of a washing substance, regulating means for selectively opening said reservoir to release a pre-determined quantity of said washing substance held therein in response to a control signal, said control signal defining said predetermined quantity and causing said regulating means to open said reservoir for a period of time sufficient to release said predetermined quantity of said washing substance.
The system preferably further comprises means to determine the weight of the contents of the drum, such that said predetermined quantity of washing substance is calculated based on the weight of the contents of the drum. The predetermined quantity of washing substance is preferably additionally dependent on the washing program selected.
Preferably, the dispensing system comprises a plurality of reservoirs, for holding respective different types of washing substance.
Beneficially, said regulating means comprises a valve, or more preferably, a plurality of valves, the state of which are actuated by a control signal.
Preferably, said control signal is generated by a control program.
Said at least one reservoir may be supplied with a pump for pumping a washing substance from within said reservoir to said regulating means, said pump preferably being controlled by a control program. The control program is preferably arranged and configured to control the parameters of a cycle of said washing apparatus, said parameters being at least partially definitive of said predetermined quantity of said washing substance. Alternatively, a gravity-controlled feed system may be used instead of a pump.
Preferably, said at least one reservoir has a re-sealable hatch, for allowing the ingress of liquid, said at least one reservoir which may be of a transparent or translucent material, and preferably being removable and replaceable, to allow for cleaning of said reservoir, possibly by hand or in a dishwasher, for example. In a different embodiment, said at least one reservoir may be disposable and may be removed and discarded for bio-degrading, to be replaced by a further disposable reservoir. There is preferably further provided a receptacle for receiving a washing substance, said receptacle being in fluidic communication with said reservoir and said pump. This feature provides the benefit that the pump will not empty of washing substance thereby preventing the pump having to be purged every time the reservoir is emptied.
The fifth aspect of the present invention further extends to a washing apparatus having a receptacle for receiving a load of laundry and a dispensing system as defined above, wherein means are provided for causing said predetermined quantity of said washing substance released from said reservoir to be introduced into said receptacle.
Thus, the above mentioned object is achieved by providing at least one, and more preferably two reservoirs for disposal in or on a washing apparatus, wherein electronic dosage regulation means, beneficially linked into the main control program of a washing apparatus and the laundry weight determining means, determines a quantity of liquid or particulate detergent and/or liquid fabric softener required for a particular size and/or type of laundry load, and automatically administers the substance accordingly during a laundry cycle. In addition, this arrangement eliminates the need for a user to manually administer detergent(s) in respect of every laundry cycle.
These and other aspects of the present inventions will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein.
Embodiments of the aspects of the present inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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The valve piston stem 45 extends downwardly into the lower section of the valve and terminates in a plug 55, the lower outer edges of which are tapered inwardly to provide a seal between the piston and the drum wall when the valve is closed. The seal may be broken and the valve opened by raising the piston. As shown in
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The heater unit 107 could comprise standard resistance elements, or possibly microwave heating means.
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The internal valves 113 help to maintain the stability of the machine by letting water flow between the ballast chambers 111a, 111b, 111c, such that there is no uneven weight distribution that could cause the machine to fall over as it operates. Ensuring the tanks are symmetrically drawn down also helps in this regard.
The chambers 111a, 111b, 111c may be of equal size or may be provided in different sizes to suit different wash cycles chosen by the user.
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The strength of each spring is such that when the ballast of the machine is empty the castor wheels 127 protrude from the base of the washing machine body 125 and are in communication with the floor 131, allowing the machine to be easily movable across the floor 131 (as shown in
When it is required to move the washing machine, the ballast may be drained, thereby reducing the overall weight acting on the springs 129 and as such the wheels 127 deploy from the base of the washing machine body 125 causing the washing machine body to raise from the floor 131 (and with it the rubber studs 133) so that the machine may be freely ‘wheeled’ to its desired position.
Because each castor wheel 127 is independently spring-loaded, it allows for any uneven areas in the floor to be compensated for, both when moving the machine and when it is stationary. The system described could be replaced by having a common connection between the four castor wheels 127 that is itself spring loaded, but this would require a stronger spring and reduce the ability to compensate for uneven surfaces.
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The inner oval of LEDs represents a ‘selection cursor’ 203 that can be shifted, ideally in either direction, in accordance with the manual rotation of a multi-functional button. The cursor aspect is achieved by lighting only one of the LEDs at a time, so manually rotating the button will cause the lighted LED to appear to move around the oval accordingly.
The intermediate oval of LED's provide a ‘selected indicator’ 201, corresponding to which of the functions have been selected by moving the cursor 203 such that it is as close to the indicator 201 as can be, then selecting that function by pressing the same multi-functional button. This will illuminate the indicator 201, and subsequently ensure that when the selection process is complete and the appliance is started the function associated with the text 205 corresponding to the indicator 201 will run. Unlike the cursor 203 level, the indicator 201 level is not limited to a single LED being lit at any one time, but is constrained in that only one 201 may light within mutually exclusive sub-groups (for example temperature).
Once all the required functions have been indicated 201 by the cursor 203 the start function may be initiated to begin the appliance cycle in the same way that functions are selected.
At the end of a complete operation the appliance stores details of the completed operation in an internal task memory. The task memory always contains the details of the last 3 operations, such that if it is desired to repeat the last operation again, or the third from last for that matter, it could be achieved by simply selecting a single command rather than having to indicate 201 each separate function again. It is very simple to ‘tweak’ an operation from task memory should it be desirable to complete an almost identical operation with some adjustment.
Some of the functions contain inherent data for some other functions, that is automatically applied when they themselves are selected. An example would be if selecting the function “wool” from within the materials sub-group. This would automatically select a low temperature to stop the wool shrinking during the wash. The arrangement of the menu system is such that the most often used functions are nearest to the cursor starting point and the least often used the furthest away, contributing to a simple selection.
The appliance may also be paused during operation, turned on and turned off by pressing the multi-functional button 207.
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The system delivers two key benefits—simplicity and ease of use through one button operation and task memory as well as the ability to easily customize operations to the exact need of the user. The dual display means can for example, be configured to help the user to view and easily select the last three washes they used (and/or most popular washes), the stage of the wash cycle while in operation and easily customize any element of it in terms of temperature, spin speed, start time and so on. Additionally for example, a user can over-ride the system such that the wash can be paused at any time.
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Depressing the button 222, once the required program is selected, takes the user to the next selection menu 232, through which further options are provided. Scrolling to “back” and depressing the button 222 takes the user to first (or previous) display 230, “start” takes the user to further display 234, and scrolling to “options” then pressing button 222 takes the user to another display 236. Display 232 indicates the details of the program. If “start” is selected on the display 232 by scrolling to “start” and pressing button 222, display 234 appears indicating the time left, the details of the program selected, and options for cancelling and/or pausing the program. If “pause” is selected by scrolling to this option, pressing button 222 pauses the program and display 238 appears.
Depressing button 222 when the “options” choice is scrolled to on display 232 activates a further display 236 providing more detailed options for the program. Examples are control of detergent, conditioner, energy save, rinse hold, prewash, spin speed and delay. If button 222 is scrolled to “delay”, and pressed, scrolling of button 222 can then vary the delay time period.
A user can again choose to replicate any of a finite number (say three) of his/her last defined wash programs with a single action using program memory as is described above.
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The input-end linkage arms 340a, in use, sit adjacent to a equal plurality of output-end linkage arms 340a, of substantially similar shape such that they fit side by side allowing a single common linkage shaft to pass through one of the concentric lateral circular apertures 342a, 342b of a pair such that they may rotate in this permitted plane relative to one another and as such form a hinge 344. As stated above the distal end of each input-end linkage arm 340a is connected to the hub 336. The distal end of an output-end linkage arms 340a is mounted to the rear face of the drum 333, therefore giving a configuration such that the rotating shaft 302 and the drum 310 are in rotatable communication in accordance with the input, yet the two are permitted to move longitudinally relative to one another.
It is the manner in which the arms 340a, 340b interact that enables the movement of the drum 333 relative to the drive arrangement, i.e. the hinge 344 permits the longitudinal displacement. The manner in which the arms 340a, 340b are configured means also that there is no permitted relative movement (bar play) in terms of rotation and this is essential to the invention. Similarly, in another exemplary embodiment, the linkage arms 340a, 340b could be replaced by a rotatably-rigid spring, that permitted separation between its two ends but was rigid enough to translate any applied rotation at one end to the other. In a further embodiment the linkage arms 340a, 340b could be replaced by a number of strong telescopic members, that would allow for longitudinal separation but contemporaneously were strong enough to provide the rotational translation.
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In an alternative embodiment, the drive may be coupled directly to the drum by means of a coupling that can be selectively disconnected and reconnected to enable the required longitudinal movement of the drum relative to the drive.
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The regulating means 410 is a valve that is, by default, closed such that neither the detergent 404 or the softener 408 flow. The regulating means 410 has a first input to which the detergent transfer pipe is connected and a second input to which the softener transfer pipe 414 is connected, as well as an outlet channel 422 leading into the drum 420 of the washing machine. The regulating means 410 may be an actuated valve or any other means for ensuring that the respective substances 404, 408 do not enter the drum 420 when it is not desired. The regulating means 410, in the case of it being an actuated valve, is connected to and controlled by the programming system 424 that signals when and for how long the valve 410 should be open and accordingly, how long the motors 416, 418 should be driven to dispense a desired quantity of consumable 404, 408, based on the specific size and/or type of load to be washed (as indicated by the program selected by the user and/or any additional information input by the user and/or the weight of the load to be washed). In a preferred embodiment, information provided on the weight of the laundry and program selected are used by the system 424 to determine the optimum quantity of detergent and/or conditioner required. Voice recognition means may be provided for this purpose, so that a user who may be visually impaired or otherwise disabled may provide the required information to the programming system controlling the regulating means 410.
Feedback means is present both at a software and hardware level, with an integral computer program that checks the state of components, such as the valve 410 and motors 416, 418 to ensure compliance with the program states, and buoyant means may be provided inside the pods 402, 406 that can register a decrease in the level of the respective substances 404, 408, as well as signal the programming system 424 when a pod is nearly empty, so that a warning signal, such as an indicator light visible to the user, can be switched on.
The system 400 dispenses the correct quantity of liquid detergent 404 and/or liquid softener 408 directly into the wash at the correct times in accordance with the programming system 424 that operates the underlying components 416, 418, 410. Means are provided 425 to measure or otherwise input the weight of the load to be washed, and it is this weight that the programming system uses to determine the quantity of laundry substance to be dispensed.
The weight of the washing may be determined by a variety of means 425, such as displacement of the damper (not shown) which provides support to the drum, or alternatively displacement of the drum itself. The weight of the contents of the drum may then be calculated. Without such a measurement and calculation, the system cannot be fully automatic and as such would require an additional input value, most commonly at a user interface. This measurement and the value derived dictates the volume of water (and inadvertently the quantity of energy required to heat the water), the volume of detergent, the volume of conditioner and the amount of any other washing substances required to be added to the wash. It will therefore be appreciated that efficiency is optimized, whilst additionally the optimum quantities of additives to be wash may be used, increasing economy and improving the quality of the wash. Information received from the measuring device by the programming system 424 is then fed to the regulating means 410 (for example the internal pump (not shown)) to administer the correct quantities. Information embedded in the system 400 at manufacture stage, or at least before sale to an end user, and selectable during a special “set up” program allows for the quantities to be manipulated depending on geographical location regarding hardening of the water.
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Feedback means is again included, both at a software and hardware level, with an integral computer program that checks the state of the valves 430, 432 to ensure compliance with the program states, and buoyant means may be provided inside the pods 402, 406 that can register a decrease in the level of the respective substances 404, 408, as well as signal the programming system 424 when a pod is nearly empty, so that a warning signal, such as an indicator light visible to the user, can be switched on. As there are no motors included in this embodiment, the integral computer program receives signals from the buoyant means as a check that the levels are indeed decreasing as the valves 430, 432 are open to ensure an alarm is sounded if ‘no flow’ is detected.
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Water enters the drum through hot and cold water channels 450, 452, and inlets to channels 450, 452 are provided to enable detergent and/or conditioner to pass therethrough. It will be appreciated that alternatively a single channel may be utilized. The pump 416, 418 pumps the required volume of detergent or conditioner into the channel 450, 452 dependent on the information received from the programming system 424, which in turn receives information including the weight of laundry in the drum thereby ensuring the correct volume of detergent and/or conditioner is administered. In this embodiment of the present invention, an additional docking module 454 is provided between the pods 406, 402 and pump 416, 418. This docking module 454 is a fixed reservoir located at the rear of the washing apparatus behind, and in communication with, pods 406, 402. The docking module 454 contains a female mating valve 456 having an automatic opening and closing device when linked to pods 406, 402. When in use, the docking module 454 always contains a quantity of washing fluid (detergent/conditioner) when the pods 406, 402 are empty. This enables pods 406, 402 to be removed and cleared by a user, and also ensures that the pump 416, 418 never dries out thereby preventing the pump having to be purged every time the pod 406, 402 is empty. This therefore removes the mismatch of quantity of laundry substance delivered compared to the quantity required based on the program selected and weight of laundry. The docking module 454 can further detect when the pod 406, 402 is out of laundry substance and provides and indication of this fact to a user, and additionally allows for a fully automated operation.
The pods may be off the shelf items that are disposable once empty, removing the need for any cleaning and also reducing the probability of cross-contamination. Again, these pods may be of a different shape to one another to further reduce the possibility of confusion between them, and are sealed after filling on production to avoid drying out. These may be disposed of to be biodegraded.
Although the above-described embodiments include two pods, it will be appreciated that any number of pods may be provided, depending on the type and number of substances, required to be administered during a laundry cycle. In conclusion, each of the embodiments described may optionally provide the significant benefit that the optimum amount of washing substances such as detergent and softener at the correct time are provided in the wash cycle according to the weight of the clothes and the wash program selected. This enables optimal amount of detergent and softener to be used at the optimal time, thereby maximizing wash performance minimizing waste, and negating the need to fill the washing apparatus with liquids each time a program is run.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention illustrates rather than limits the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims
1. A ballast system for a washing machine having a drum, wherein the drum rotates during washing cycles of the washing machine, the ballast system comprising:
- a reservoir having means for permitting water to flow between said reservoir and the drum, the reservoir further comprising an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water and an outlet for enabling water to be drained from said reservoir; and
- means for filling said reservoir and maintaining said reservoir substantially full of water during the washing cycles;
- wherein weight of said reservoir when it is substantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum during the washing cycles.
2. A ballast system according to claim 1, further comprising:
- pumping means for pumping water between said reservoir and the drum.
3. A ballast system according to claim 1, wherein:
- said ballast system is controlled by a control program that controls said washing machine.
4. A washing machine comprising:
- a drum that rotates during washing cycles of the washing machine;
- a ballast system including a reservoir having means for permitting water to flow between said reservoir and the drum, an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water and an outlet for enabling water to be drained from said reservoir, and means for filling said reservoir and maintaining said reservoir substantially full of water during the washing cycles;
- wherein weight of said reservoir when it is substantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum during the washing cycles.
5. A washing machine according to claim 4, further comprising:
- heating means for heating water from said reservoir for supply to said drum.
6. A washing machine according to claim 5, wherein:
- said heating means is provided in a flow path between said reservoir and said drum.
7. A washing machine according to claim 5, wherein:
- said heating means is contained within said reservoir and operates to heat water held within said reservoir.
8. A washing machine according to claim 7, wherein:
- said reservoir is divided into a plurality of sub-reservoirs.
9. A washing machine according to claim 8, wherein:
- at least one of said sub-reservoirs contain said heating means to heat water held therein.
10. A washing machine according to claim 5, wherein:
- said heating means comprises at least one heat generating resistance element.
11. A washing machine according to claim 5, wherein:
- said heating means comprises at least one microwave heating means.
12. A washing machine according to claim 4, further comprising:
- a base with a plurality of recesses defined therein, the base adapted to rest on a support surface; and
- transport members mounted via compressible means relative to respective recesses in said base such that when said reservoir is filled with water, the weight thereof acts to compress said compressible means and cause said base to be lowered towards said support surface such that at least said compressible means enters said respective recesses and said base rests on said support surface, and said transport members positioned by said compressible means below said base when said reservoir is empty such that said transport members interface to said support surface.
13. A washing machine according to claim 12, wherein:
- said transport members comprise at least one castor wheel.
14. A washing machine according to claim 13, wherein:
- said transport members comprise a plurality of castor wheels, being mounted via a respective plurality of compressible means relative to said respective recesses in said base.
15. A washing machine according to claim 12, wherein:
- said compressible means comprises at least one spring.
16. A washing machine according to claim 12, further comprising:
- a set of pads provided on said base to increase friction between said base and said support surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 25, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 14, 2011
Inventors: Andrew Reason (Withybush), Mario Rabaiotti (Withybush), James Osgood (Withybush)
Application Number: 13/072,043