CLEANING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE SAME

Abstract

Cleaning systems and methods for operating cleaning systems are provided. A cleaning system includes a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance including a first controller operable to store and transmit wash control information. The cleaning system further includes a dryer appliance, the dryer appliance including a second controller operable to receive the wash control information from the washing machine appliance and store dry control information, the second controller further operable to adjust the dry control information based on the wash control information. The cleaning system further includes a remote server in wireless communication with the first controller and the second controller, and a user interface device in wireless communication with the remote server, the user interface device operable to modify the dry control information. The wash control information is transmitted from the first controller through the remote server to the second controller.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to cleaning systems, which may include washing machine appliances and dryer appliances, and methods for operating the same. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus which facilitate improved communication between the washing machine appliances and dryer appliances of cleaning systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances and dryer appliances are frequently used to clean various articles, such as clothes, linens, etc. Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. After washing in a washing machine appliance, articles are typically transferred to a dryer appliance. Dryer appliances generally include a cabinet with a drum mounted therein. Dryer appliances also generally include a heater assembly that passes heated air through the chamber of the drum in order to dry moisture laden articles disposed within the chamber.

Typical washing machine appliances and dryer appliances are stand-alone appliances, with no apparatus for communicating with one another. Accordingly, a user must manually input the desired wash cycle and various options into the washing machine appliance, and separately manually input the desired dry cycle and various options into the dryer appliance. This can be a time-consuming and irritating task for the consumer.

More recently, apparatus for facilitating communication between washing machine appliances and dryer appliances have been developed. Typically, a hardwired connection has been provided between the controllers of a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance, and control information relative to the wash cycle and various options and the dry cycle and various options is communicated through the hardwired connection between the appliances. However, the extraneous cable providing the hardwired connection can be distracting and can limit options with regard to the respective locations of the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance. Further, for a user to modify settings communicated between the appliances, the user must still manually input the desired instructions into that appliance.

While hand-held apparatus have been recently developed to facilitate remote control of the appliance, information is typically transmitted directly to this apparatus from the appliances, thus limiting the distance away from the appliances that a user can be while maintaining the ability to control the appliances.

Accordingly, improved cleaning systems and associated methods are desired. In particular, cleaning systems and methods which provide improved communication and manipulation of the washing machine appliances and dryer appliance thereof would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance including a first controller operable to store and transmit wash control information for at least one wash operating condition of the washing machine appliance. The cleaning system further includes a dryer appliance, the dryer appliance including a second controller operable to receive the wash control information from the washing machine appliance and store dry control information for at least one dry operating condition, the second controller further operable to adjust the dry control information based on the wash control information. The cleaning system further includes a remote server in wireless communication with the first controller and the second controller, and a user interface device in wireless communication with the remote server, the user interface device operable to modify the dry control information. The wash control information is transmitted from the first controller through the remote server to the second controller.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating a cleaning system is provided. The method includes transmitting wash control information for at least one wash operating condition of a washing machine appliance to a remote server, and transmitting the wash control information from the remote server to a controller of the dryer appliance. The method further includes adjusting dry control information for at least one dry operating condition based on the wash control information. The dry control information is modifiable based on user input to a user interface device in wireless communication with the remote server.

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, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a washing machine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a dryer appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for operating a cleaning system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

FIG. 1 is front, cross-sectional view of a washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A lid 62 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position facilitating access to a wash tub 64 located within cabinet 52 and a closed position forming an enclosure over tub 64.

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

A nozzle 72 is configured for flowing a liquid into tub 64. In particular, nozzle 72 may be positioned at or adjacent top portion 82 of basket 70. Nozzle 72 may be in fluid communication with one or more water sources 75, 76 in order to direct liquid (e.g. water) into tub 64 and/or onto articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Nozzle 72 may further include apertures 79 through which water may be sprayed into the tub 64. Apertures 79 may, for example, be tubes extending from the nozzles 72 as illustrated, or simply holes defined in the nozzles 72 or any other suitable openings through which water may be sprayed. Nozzle 72 may additionally include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) through which water may be flowed, i.e. sprayed or poured, into the tub 64.

A main valve 74 regulates the flow of fluid through nozzle 72. For example, valve 74 can selectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of fluid through nozzle 72. The main valve 74 may be in fluid communication with one or more external water sources, such as a cold water source 75 and a hot water source 76. The cold water source 75 may, for example, be a commercial water supply, while the hot water source 76 may be, for example, a water heater. Such external water sources 75, 76 may supply water to the appliance 50 through the main valve 74. A cold water conduit 77 and a hot water conduit 78 may supply cold and hot water, respectively, from the sources 75, 76 through valve 74. Valve 74 may further be operable to regulate the flow of hot and cold liquid, and thus the temperature of the resulting liquid flowed into tub 64, such as through the nozzle 72.

An additive dispenser 84 may additionally be provided for directing a wash additive, such as detergent, bleach, liquid fabric softener, etc., into the tub 64. For example, dispenser 84 may be in fluid communication with nozzle 72 such that water flowing through nozzle 72 flows through dispenser 84, mixing with wash additive at a desired time during operation to form a liquid or wash fluid, before being flowed into tub 64. In some embodiments, nozzle 72 is a separate downstream component from dispenser 84. In other embodiments, nozzle 72 and dispenser 84 may be integral, with a portion of dispenser 84 serving as the nozzle 72. A pump assembly 90 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow to drain tub 64.

An agitation element 92, shown as an impeller in FIG. 1, may be disposed in basket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in chamber 73 of basket 70. In various exemplary embodiments, agitation element 92 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 92 is oriented to rotate about vertical axis V. Basket 70 and agitation element 92 are driven by a motor 94, such as a pancake motor. As motor output shaft 98 is rotated, basket 70 and agitation element 92 are operated for rotatable movement within tub 64, e.g., about vertical axis V. Washing machine appliance 50 may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket 70 in a stationary position within tub 64 or for allowing basket 70 to spin within tub 64.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processing device or controller 100, that is operatively coupled to the input selectors 60 located on washing machine backsplash 56 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. Controller 100 may further be operatively coupled to various other components of appliance 50, such as main valve 74, motor 94, etc. In response to user manipulation of the input selectors 60, controller 100 may operate the various components of washing machine appliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a dryer appliance 200 with a portion of a cabinet or housing 12 of dryer appliance 10 removed in order to show certain components of dryer appliance 10. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of dryer appliance 10, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that dryer appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer appliances having different appearances and different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Cabinet 212 includes a front panel 214, a rear panel 216, a pair of side panels 218 and 220 spaced apart from each other by front and rear panels 214 and 216, a bottom panel 222, and a top cover 224. Within cabinet 212 is a fixedly mounted drum or container 226. Drum 226 is fixed within the cabinet 212, such that it is generally stationary and non-rotational during dryer appliance 200 operation. Drum 226 defines a chamber 225 for receipt of articles, e.g., clothing, linen, etc., for drying. Drum 226 extends between a front portion 237 and a back portion 238, e.g., along a lateral direction.

Drum 226 is generally cylindrical in shape, having an outer cylindrical wall or cylinder 228 and a front flange or wall 230 that may define an entry 232 of drum 226, e.g., at front portion 237 of drum 226, for loading and unloading of articles into and out of chamber 225 of drum 226. Cylinder 228 may include a generally cylindrical inner surface 229. Drum 226 also includes a back or rear wall 234, e.g., at back portion 238 of drum 226. Notably, in alternative embodiments as discussed herein, entry 232 may be defined in top cover 224 and cylinder 228, and front wall 230 may be a generally solid wall.

A motor 231 may be in mechanical communication with an air handler 248 such that motor 231 rotates a fan 249, e.g., a centrifugal fan, of air handler 248. Air handler 248 is configured for drawing air through chamber 225 of drum 226, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein as discussed in greater detail below. In alternative exemplary embodiments, dryer appliance 200 may include an additional motor (not shown) for rotating fan 249 of air handler 248 independently of drum 226.

Drum 226 may be configured to receive heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly 240, e.g., in order to dry damp articles disposed within chamber 225 of drum 226. Heating assembly 240 includes a heating element (not shown), such as a gas burner or an electrical resistance heating element, for heating air. As discussed above, during operation of dryer appliance 200, motor 231 rotates fan 249 of air handler 248 such that air handler 248 draws air through chamber 225 of drum 226. In particular, ambient air enters heating assembly 240 via an entrance 251 due to air handler 248 urging such ambient air into entrance 251. Such ambient air is heated within heating assembly 240 and exits heating assembly 240 as heated air. Air handler 248 draws such heated air through duct 241 to drum 226. The heated air enters drum 226 through an outlet of duct 241 positioned at rear wall 234 of drum 226.

Within chamber 225, the heated air can remove moisture, e.g., from damp articles disposed within chamber 225. In turn, air handler 248 draws moisture statured air through a screen filter 246 which traps lint particles. Such moisture statured air then enters an exit conduit 247 and is passed through air handler 248 to an exhaust conduit 252. From exhaust conduit 252, such moisture statured air passes out of dryer appliance 200 through a vent 253 defined by cabinet 212. After the clothing articles have been dried, they are removed from the drum 226 via entry 232. A door 233 provides for closing or accessing drum 226 through entry 232.

A backsplash 271 extends from cabinet 212, and a control panel 272 including a plurality of input selectors 270 is coupled to the backsplash 271. Control panel 272 and input selectors 270 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display 274 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of dryer appliance 200 is controlled by a processing device or controller 300 that is operatively coupled to the input selectors 270 located on backsplash 271 for user manipulation to select dryer cycles and features. Controller 300 may further be operatively coupled to various other components of appliance 200, such as motor 231, etc. In response to user manipulation of the input selectors 270, controller 300 may operate the various components of dryer appliance 200 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 300 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 300 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 272 and other components of dryer appliance 200 may be in communication with controller 300 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be understood that, while FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein dryer assembly 200 is a horizontal axis dryer assembly, in other embodiments dryer assembly 200 may be, for example, a vertical axis dryer assembly or another suitable dryer assembly. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to horizontal axis dryer assemblies. Rather, any suitable dryer assembly is within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cleaning system 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Cleaning system 500 includes a washing machine appliance 50 and a dryer appliance 200. The washing machine appliance 50 includes a first controller 100, while the dryer appliance 200 includes a second controller 300. Various components of the respective controllers 100, 300 are illustrated in schematic fashion. As shown, a controller 100, 300 may include one or more processor(s) 102, 302 and associated memory device(s) 104, 304 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, and the like disclosed herein). Additionally, the controller 100, 300 may also include a communications module 106, 306 to facilitate communications between the controller 100, 300 and the other respective controller 300, 100 and various other components of the system 500, such as a remote server and user interface device, as discussed herein. For instance, the communications module 106, 306 may serve as an interface to permit the controller 100, 300 to transmit and/or receive wash control information and dry control information. Moreover, the communications module 106, 306 may include an interface 108, 308 (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit input signals to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processor 102, 302.

Before, during and after the washing machine appliance 50 operation and the dryer appliance 200 operation, the appliances may generally produce control information for one or more operating conditions. For example, control information regarding wash operating conditions may be generated by washing machine appliance 50, such as in some embodiments by, for example, user manipulation of the input selectors 60 or by sensor 110 data. Sensors 110 may be weight sensors, speed sensors, or other suitable sensors utilized in the washing machine appliance to obtain performance data for the washing machine appliance 50.

A wash operating condition may be, for example a selected wash cycle, a wash option, or a performance datum. Exemplary wash cycles include, for example, normal wash, spin only wash, rinse-and-spin wash, speed wash, heavy duty wash, whites wash, colors wash, delicates wash, and bulky/bedding wash. Exemplary wash options include, for example, selected spin speed, selected wash temperature, and selected load size. Wash cycles and wash options may be selected by a user utilizing input selectors 60. Exemplary performance data includes, for example, actual spin speed, actual wash temperature, and actual load size. Performance data may be sensed by sensors 110. It should be understood that wash operating conditions and selected wash cycles, wash options, and performance data thereof are not limited to the above described examples, and rather that any suitable wash operating conditions and selected wash cycles, wash options, and performance data thereof are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Control information regarding the wash operating conditions may be stored by the controller 100. Further, the controller may be operable to transmit the wash control information, such as to a remote server as discussed herein. For example, the communications module 106 may be connected to a network as discussed herein.

The second controller 300 may be operable to receive the wash control information, such as from the remote server through the network as discussed herein. Additionally, the second controller 300 may be operable to store dry control information for one or more dry operating conditions. For example, control information regarding dry operating conditions may be generated by dryer appliance 200, such as in some embodiments by, for example, user manipulation of the input selectors 270 or by sensor 310 data. Sensors 310 may be weight sensors, speed sensors, or other suitable sensors utilized in the washing machine appliance to obtain performance data for the washing machine appliance 200.

A dry operating condition may be, for example a selected dry cycle, a dry option, or a dry time. Exemplary dry cycles include, for example, normal dry, permanent press dry, heavy duty dry, bulky/bedding dry, anti-bacterial dry, towel dry, delicates dry, and speed dry. Exemplary dry options include, for example, selected dry temperature, selected dryness level, and selected load size. It should be understood that dry operating conditions and selected dry cycles and dry options thereof are not limited to the above described examples, and rather that any suitable dry operating conditions and selected dry cycles and dry options thereof are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The second controller 300 may additionally be operable to adjust the dry control information based by the wash control information. For example, the controller 300 may automatically set the dry control information for one or more dry operating conditions based on, and to correlate with, the wash control information. If the wash cycle is set to, for example, normal wash or delicate wash, the dry cycle may be automatically set by the second controller 300 to normal dry or delicate dry, respectively. A higher spin speed may correlate with a lower dry time. Load sizes may be correlated. Various other suitable settings of control information for one or more dry operating conditions may be correlated to the control information for one or more wash operating conditions, as desired, and the second controller 300 may automatically set the dry control information for these operating conditions.

Cleaning system 500 may further include a remote server 510. The remote server 510 may generally operate to receive and transmit control information related to the wash operating conditions and dry operating conditions, and may thus be in communication with the washing machine appliance 50 and the dryer appliance 200. For example, remote server 510 may include one or more processor(s) 512 and associated memory device(s) 514 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, and the like disclosed herein). Additionally, the remote server 510 may also include a communications module 516 to facilitate communications between the remote server 510 and the other respective controllers 100, 300 and various other components of the system 500, such as a user interface device, as discussed herein. For instance, the communications module 516 may serve as an interface to permit the remote server 510 to transmit and/or receive wash control information and dry control information. Moreover, the communications module 516 may include an interface 518 (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit input signals to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processor 512.

Server 510 is remote, and thus external to both the washing machine appliance 50 and the dryer appliance 200, as well as other components of the system 500 such as a user interface device, discussed herein. The server 510 may, for example, be in another room of a house or building in which the system 500 is utilized, or in a neighboring building, etc. Alternatively, and in exemplary embodiments, the remote server 510 is a cloud-based server 510, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. The remoter server 510 may be in wireless communication with the washing machine appliance 50 and the dryer appliance 200, such as through a network 520. The network 520 may be any type of wireless communications network, such as a local area network (e.g. intranet), wide area network (e.g. Internet), or some combination thereof. The network 520 can also include a direct connection between the client devices, such as the washing machine appliance 50, the dryer appliance 200, and a user interface device as discussed herein, and the server 510. In general, communication between the server 510 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). Accordingly, wash control information may be transmitted from the first controller 100 through the remote server 510 to the second controller 300 using the network 520.

System 500 may additionally include a user interface device 530. The user interface device 530 may be in wireless communication with the remote server 510, such as through the network 520 as discussed herein, and may thus indirectly be in wireless communication with the appliances 50, 200. The user interface device 530 may provide the user with access to the wash control information and dry control information, and may be operable, such as by the user, to modify the dry control information as well as, if desired, the wash control information. The user interface device 530 in exemplary embodiments is independent from the washing machine appliance 50 and the dryer appliance 200, and may in some embodiments be, for example, a computer (such as a desktop computer or a laptop), a tablet, a personal telephone (such as a suitable smartphone), or an independent device which functions solely to operate and communicate with the various other components of the cleaning system 500.

User interface device 530 may, include a controller 531. The controller 531 may include one or more processor(s) 532 and associated memory device(s) 534 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, and the like disclosed herein). Additionally, the controller 531 may also include a communications module 536 to facilitate communications between the device 530 and the server 510. For instance, the communications module 536 may serve as an interface to permit the controller 531 to transmit and/or receive wash control information and dry control information. Moreover, the communications module 536 may include an interface 538 (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit input signals to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processor 532. The interface 538 may include or be in communication with input selectors 540 of the device 530, through which a user may provide various inputs are desired.

Accordingly, as discussed, wash control information for one or more wash operating conditions may be transmitted from the washing machine appliance 50, such as the controller 100 thereof, through the remote server 510 to the dryer appliance 200, such as the controller 300 thereof. The dry control information for one or more dry operating conditions may be adjusted based on the wash control information. Further, the user interface device 530 may be utilized to modify the dry control information. For example, a user may, through inputs to the user interface device 520 modify dry control information for any one or more dry operating conditions from the automatically adjusted dry control information that the controller 300 provided. The user can advantageously utilize the user interface device 530 to make one-time adjustments, such as for a particular load of articles, or can permanently or semi-permanently alter the association between wash control information and dry control information. Accordingly, the user can remotely adjust the dry control information such that this information is customized for the user's needs. In exemplary embodiments, such modifications are transmitted from the user interface device 530 through the remote server 510 to the second controller 300. Additionally, it should be noted that modifications to the wash control information may be made by the user using the user interface device 530, and such modifications may be transmitted from the user interface device 530 through the remote server 510 to the first controller 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, the present disclosure is further directed to methods for operating a cleaning system 500. A method 600 may include, for example, the step 610 of transmitting wash control information 612 for at least one wash operating condition of a washing machine appliance 50 to a remote server 510, as discussed herein. A method may further include, for example, the step 620 of transmitting the wash control information 612 from the remote server 510 to a controller 300 of the dryer appliance 200, as discussed herein. The wash control information 612 may, for example, be transmitted wirelessly to and from the remote server 510.

A method may further include, for example, the step 630 of adjusting dry control information 632 for at least one dry operating condition based on the wash control information 612, as discussed herein. The dry control information 632 may be modifiable based on user input to a user interface device 530 in wireless communication with the remote server 510, as discussed herein. The user interface device 530 may, for example, be independent from the washing machine appliance 50 and the dryer appliance 200.

A method according to the present disclosure may further include, for example, the step 640 of modifying the dry control information 632, as discussed herein, such as based on user inputs 642. Such modifications may, for example, be transmitted from the user interface device 530 through the remote server 510 to the controller 300.

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 cleaning system, comprising:

a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a first controller operable to store and transmit wash control information for at least one wash operating condition of the washing machine appliance;

a dryer appliance, the dryer appliance comprising a second controller operable to receive the wash control information from the washing machine appliance and store dry control information for at least one dry operating condition, the second controller further operable to adjust the dry control information based on the wash control information;

a remote server in wireless communication with the first controller and the second controller; and

a user interface device in wireless communication with the remote server, the user interface device operable to modify the dry control information,

wherein the wash control information is transmitted from the first controller through the remote server to the second controller.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the user interface device is independent from the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the user interface device is one of a computer or a personal telephone.

4. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is a cloud-based server.

5. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wash operating condition is one of a selected wash cycle, a wash option, or a performance datum.

6. The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein at least one wash operating condition is a wash option, and wherein the wash option is one of a selected spin speed, a selected wash temperature, or a selected load size.

7. The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein at least one wash operating condition is a performance datum, and wherein the performance datum is one of an actual spin speed, an actual wash temperature, or an actual load size.

8. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one dry operating condition is one of a dry cycle, a dry option, or a dry time.

9. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wash operating condition is a plurality of wash operating conditions and the at least one dry operating condition is a plurality of dry operating conditions.

10. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein modifications to the dry control information are transmitted from the user interface device through the remote server to the second controller.

11. A method for operating a cleaning system, the method comprising:

transmitting wash control information for at least one wash operating condition of a washing machine appliance to a remote server;

transmitting the wash control information from the remote server to a controller of the dryer appliance; and

adjusting dry control information for at least one dry operating condition based on the wash control information,

wherein the dry control information is modifiable based on user input to a user interface device in wireless communication with the remote server.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising modifying the dry control information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein modifications to the dry control information are transmitted from the user interface device through the remote server to the controller.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the wash control information is transmitted wirelessly to and from the remote server.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the user interface device is independent from the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the remote server is a cloud-based server.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one wash operating condition is one of a selected wash cycle, a wash option, or a performance datum.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one wash operating condition is a wash option, and wherein the wash option is one of a selected spin speed, a selected wash temperature, or a selected load size.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one wash operating condition is a performance datum, and wherein the performance datum is one of an actual spin speed, an actual wash temperature, or an actual load size.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one dry operating condition is one of a dry cycle, a dry option, or a dry time.