WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

Abstract

A washing machine and a method for operating a washing machine appliance. After the user selects a wash cycle, the washing machine appliance may perform a load sensing routine, during which a standard water fill amount and standard agitation intensity are determined. The washing machine appliance includes a controller that receives a user input of a supplemental water fill amount and provides the tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount. The controller determines an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount and operates the motor in order to rotate an agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity. The present subject matter thereby enables a user to adjust the water fill amount while maintaining the agitation stroke intensity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 normal operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub to a fill amount 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.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of water is directed into the tub in order to form washing fluid and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The volume of water can vary depending upon a variety of factors. For example, large loads can require a large volume of water relative to small loads that can require a small volume of water.

Certain washing machine appliances allow for user selection of the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance. These washing machine appliances also typically have automatic load sensing, which determines an appropriate amount of water for a given load in the wash chamber. However, washing machine appliances do not typically have a way for the user to adjust the water fill amount once the wash cycle has been selected and automatic load sensing is complete. The ability to adjust the water fill amount is a generally commercially desirable feature and increases the user's positive perception of the wash process generally.

In addition, adjusting the water fill amount may affect the wash action in the wash chamber. More specifically, additional water in the chamber has a tendency to mute the intensity of the agitation action. Therefore, if water is added to the tub, the wash action in the tub may not be as effective, unless there is also an appropriate adjustment to the agitation intensity.

Accordingly, a method for operating a washing machine appliance that provides a user with more control over the water fill amount is desirable. In particular, a method for operating a washing machine appliance that can maintain washing action within a wash chamber while accounting for changes in water fill amount initiated by the user would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine and a method for operating a washing machine appliance. More particularly, the present subject matter allows a user to adjust the water fill amount of the washing machine while maintaining the agitation stroke intensity. In one exemplary aspect, after the user selects a wash cycle, the washing machine appliance may perform a load sensing routine, during which a standard water fill amount and standard agitation intensity are determined for the load in the wash tub. A user can provide an input or instruction calling for the washing machine to add a supplemental water fill amount. The washing machine provides the tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount. An increased agitation intensity is determined based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount and the washing machine operates in order to rotate an agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub that defines a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing, and an agitation element rotatably mounted within the basket. A motor is in mechanical communication with at least one of the basket and the agitation element and is configured for selectively rotating at least one of the basket and the agitation element within the tub. A controller is in operative communication with the motor and is configured to receive a user input of a user-selected wash cycle of the washing machine appliance. The controller determines a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber of the washing machine appliance and determines a standard water fill amount and a standard agitation intensity associated with the user-selected wash cycle based on the determined characteristic of the load in the wash chamber. The controller receives a user input of a supplemental water fill amount and provides the tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount. The controller determines an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount and operates the motor in order to rotate at least one of the basket and the agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of washing articles in a wash chamber of a washing machine appliance is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a user input of a user-selected wash cycle of the washing machine appliance and determining a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber of the washing machine appliance. The method includes determining a standard water fill amount and a standard agitation intensity associated with the user-selected wash cycle based on the determined characteristic of the load in the wash chamber. The method includes receiving a user input of a supplemental water fill amount and providing a tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount. The method includes determining an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount and operating a motor in order to rotate at least one of a basket and an agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub having a maximum fill water level, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub which defines a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing, and an agitation element rotatably mounted within the basket. A motor is in mechanical communication with at least one of the basket and the agitation element and is configured for selectively rotating at least one of the basket and the agitation element within the tub. The washing machine appliance includes a user input button for adjusting a water level in the tub and at least one controller in operative communication with the motor. The controller is configured to provide the tub with a standard water fill amount based at least in part on a user-selected wash cycle and a determined load characteristic. The controller operates the motor at a standard agitation intensity based at least in part on a user-selected wash cycle and a determined load characteristic. The controller receives a user input of a supplemental water fill amount from the user input button and provides the tub with the supplemental water fill amount.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front, section view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a flow chart of an exemplary method for operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a decision tree that may be used to determine the water fill amount and implement a water fill cycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

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 a perspective 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. At least one of the input selectors 60 is a wash cycle selector capable of allowing a user to manually select a wash cycle, e.g., Whites, Normal, or Bulky load wash cycles. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a Deep Fill button 62 may be located on the backsplash 56. As described in detail below, the Deep Fill button 62 allows a user to add water to reach the desired water fill amount. As used herein, the term “water fill amount” may refer to the amount of water provided during e.g., a wash cycle and/or a rinse cycle of the washing machine appliance 50. Additionally, or alternatively, however, in other embodiments, “water fill amount” may instead refer to a level or height to which the water is filled during, e.g., a wash cycle and/or a rinse cycle of the washing machine appliance 50.

Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display 64 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. For example, the control panel 58 may include a Deep Fill feature indicator 66, such as an LED that indicates the operational status of the Deep Fill feature. It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the control panel 58, input selectors 60, and display 64, may have any other suitable configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the input selectors 60 may be configured as manual “push-button” input selectors, or alternatively may be configured as a touchscreen on, e.g., display 64.

A lid 68 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 70 (FIG. 2) located within cabinet 52 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosure over tub 70. Lid 68 in exemplary embodiment includes a transparent panel 72, which may be formed of, for example, glass, plastic, or any other suitable material. The transparency of the panel 72 allows users to see through the panel 72, and into the tub 70 when the lid 68 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the panel 72 may itself generally form the lid 68. In other embodiments, the lid 68 may include the panel 72 and a frame 74 surrounding and encasing the panel 72. Alternatively, panel 72 need not be transparent.

FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-section view of the exemplary washing machine appliance 50 of FIG. 1. As may be seen in FIG. 2, tub 70 includes a bottom wall 76 and a sidewall 78. A wash drum or wash basket 80 is rotatably mounted within tub 70. In particular, basket 80 is rotatable about a vertical axis V. Thus, washing machine appliance is generally referred to as a vertical axis washing machine appliance. Basket 80 defines a wash chamber 82 for receipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g., vertically, between a bottom portion 84 and a top portion 86. Basket 80 includes a plurality of openings or perforations 88 therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 80 and tub 70.

A nozzle 100 is configured for flowing a liquid into tub 70. In particular, nozzle 100 may be positioned at or adjacent to top portion 86 of basket 80. Nozzle 100 may be in fluid communication with one or more water sources 102, 104 in order to direct liquid (e.g. water) into tub 70 and/or onto articles within wash chamber 82 of basket 80. Nozzle 100 may further include apertures 106 through which water may be sprayed into the tub 70. Apertures 106 may, for example, be tubes extending from the nozzles 100 as illustrated, or simply holes defined in the nozzles 100 or any other suitable openings through which water may be sprayed. Nozzle 100 may additionally include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) through which water may be flowed, i.e. sprayed or poured, into the tub 70.

Various valves may regulate the flow of fluid through nozzle 100. For example, a flow regulator may be provided to control a flow of hot and/or cold water into the wash chamber 82 of washing machine appliance 50. For the embodiment depicted, the flow regulator includes a hot water valve 108 and a cold water valve 110. The hot and cold water valves 108, 110 are utilized to flow hot water and cold water, respectively, therethrough. Each valve 108, 110 can selectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of fluid therethrough to nozzle 100. The hot water valve 108 may be in fluid communication with a hot water source 102, which may be external to the washing machine appliance 50. The cold water valve 110 may be in fluid communication with a cold water source 104, which may be external to the washing machine appliance 50. The cold water source 104 may, for example, be a commercial water supply, while the hot water source 102 may be, for example, a water heater. Such water sources 102, 104 may supply water to the appliance 50 through the respective valves 108, 110. A hot water conduit 112 and a cold water conduit 114 may supply hot and cold water, respectively, from the sources 102, 104 through the respective valves 108, 110 and to the nozzle 100.

Moreover, as is shown, the exemplary washing machine appliance 50 defines a plurality of water-fill amounts. At least certain water fill amounts may be selected by a user using, e.g., one of input selectors 60. For example, the washing machine appliance 50 may define at least three user-selectable water fill amounts. More particularly, for the embodiment depicted, the exemplary washing machine appliance 50 defines at least four user-selectable water fill amounts—a small water fill amount 116, a medium-low water fill amount 118, a medium-high water fill amount 120, and a large water fill amount 122. Additionally, for the embodiment depicted, the washing machine appliance 50 also defines a maximum water fill amount 124.

Alternatively, water fill amounts may be determined by the washing machine appliance 50 prior to the start of the wash cycle in response to the user selecting a wash cycle using, e.g., one of input selectors 60. In this regard, after the wash cycle is selected and initiated, the washing machine appliance 50 may perform a load sensing operation. Automatic load sensing is a standard feature on conventional washing machines whereby the washing machine predicts that amount of water required to wash the items in the wash basket 80. Automatic load sensing may be achieved by sensing the load during the water filling portion of the cycle to determine how much water is needed, for example, by measuring the weight and absorbency of the articles to be washed as water is added.

An amount of water associated with the maximum water fill amount 124 is greater than an amount of water associated with the large water fill amount 122, which may be selectable by the user. The amount of water associated with the maximum water fill amount 124 may be the maximum amount of water the washing machine appliance 50 is capable of handling. It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the washing machine appliance 50 may instead define any other suitable number of user selectable water fill amounts, and/or additional water fill amounts between the large water-fill amount 122 in the maximum water fill amount 124.

An additive dispenser 130 may additionally be provided for directing a wash additive, such as detergent, bleach, liquid fabric softener, etc., into the tub 70. For example, dispenser 130 may be in fluid communication with nozzle 100 such that water flowing through nozzle 100 flows through dispenser 130, mixing with wash additive at a desired time during operation to form a liquid or wash fluid, before being dispensed into tub 70. For the embodiment depicted, nozzle 100 is a separate downstream component from dispenser 130. In other exemplary embodiments, however, nozzle 100 and dispenser 130 may be integral, with a portion of dispenser 130 serving as the nozzle 100, or alternatively dispenser 130 may be in fluid communication with only one of hot water valve 108 or cold water valve 110. In still other exemplary embodiments, the washing machine appliance 50 may not include a dispenser, in which case a user may add one or more wash additives directly to wash chamber 82. A pump assembly 132 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is located beneath tub 70 and basket 80 for gravity assisted flow to drain tub 70.

An agitation element 134, shown as an impeller in FIG. 2, may be disposed in basket 80 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash chamber 82 of basket 80. In various exemplary embodiments, agitation element 134 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 134 is oriented to rotate about vertical axis V. Basket 80 and agitation element 134 are driven by a motor 136, such as a pancake motor. As motor output shaft 98 is rotated, basket 80 and agitation element 134 are operated for rotatable movement within tub 70, e.g., about vertical axis V. It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the exemplary washing machine appliance 50 may not include an agitation element 134, and instead washing machine appliance 50 may agitate articles positioned within wash chamber 82 by, e.g., rotating basket 80. Washing machine appliance 50 may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket 80 in a stationary position within tub 70 or for allowing basket 80 to spin within tub 70.

As used herein, agitation intensity may be used generally to refer to level of motion of the wash basket 80 and/or agitation element 134 that imparts effective washing action to the wash chamber 82 and the articles placed therein. For example, agitation element 134 may generally operate by oscillating or rotating back and forth within the wash chamber 82. A typical agitation cycle may be defined by rotating the agitation element 134 clockwise 720 degrees at a first rotational velocity. The agitation element 134 may stop rotating for a brief dwell period before rotating counter clockwise 720 degrees (usually at the same first rotational velocity) back to its original angular position. After another brief dwell period, the cycle may be repeated.

Agitation intensity may be adjusted by changing one or more of the angle of rotation of the agitation element 134, the velocity of rotation of the agitation element 134, the dwell period duration, and the rotation of wash basket 80, among other operational parameters. As used herein, increasing the agitation intensity may refer to adjusting one of the above-described parameters, e.g., in order to optimize the washing action imparted in the wash chamber 82 after an increase in the water level. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that either the wash basket 80, the agitation element 134, or both, may contribute to the agitation intensity of the washing machine appliance 50. Moreover, wash basket 80 and agitation element 134 may operate in unison or may operate independently from each other.

Various sensors may additionally be included in the washing machine appliance 50. For example, a pressure sensor 138 may be positioned in the tub 70 as illustrated or, alternatively, may be remotely mounted in another location within the appliance 50 and be operationally connected to tub 70 by a hose (not shown). Any suitable pressure sensor 138, such as an electronic sensor, a manometer, or another suitable gauge or sensor, may be utilized. The pressure sensor 138 may generally measure the pressure of water in the tub 70. This pressure can then be utilized to estimate the height or amount of water in the tub 70. Additionally, a suitable speed sensor can be connected to the motor 136, such as to the output shaft 140 thereof, to measure speed and indicate operation of the motor 94. Other suitable sensors, such as temperature sensors, water/moisture sensors, etc., may additionally be provided in the washing machine appliance 50.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processing device or controller 150, that is operatively coupled to the input selectors 60 located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 2) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. Controller 150 may further be operatively coupled to various other components of appliance 50, such as the flow regulator (including valves 108, 110), motor 136, pressure sensor 138, other suitable sensors, etc. In response to user manipulation of the input selectors 60, controller 150 may operate the various components of washing machine appliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 150 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 150 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 150 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

While described in the context of specific embodiments 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.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow chart of a method 200 for operating a washing machine appliance 50 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is provided. More particularly, FIG. 3 provides a flow chart of an exemplary method 200 of washing articles in a wash chamber 82 of a washing machine appliance. In certain exemplary aspects, the exemplary method 200 may be used in conjunction with the exemplary washing machine appliance 50 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As is depicted, the exemplary method 200 includes at 202 receiving a user input of a user-selected wash cycle of the washing machine appliance 50. In certain exemplary aspects, receiving a user input at 202 of a user-selected wash cycle may include receiving a user input with one or more input selectors 60, such as rotary dials, push buttons, or one or more touch screen inputs. Alternatively, however, any other suitable means or method may be used for receiving a user input at 202. For example, a user input may be received from a remote source, such as a network-connected device or an application on a mobile phone. In addition, the user input of a user-selected wash cycle may be a water fill amount.

Additionally, although not depicted in FIG. 3, the exemplary method 200 may additionally include other aspects associated with the washing of articles in the washing machine 50. For example, the method 200 may include providing the wash chamber 82 of the washing machine appliance 50 with the one or more articles to be washed (i.e., a load), selecting certain other parameters of the wash cycle (e.g., a temperature of the water/wash fluid, a soil level, etc.), and initiating the wash cycle.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the exemplary method 200 additionally includes at 204 determining a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber 82 of the washing machine appliance 50. In certain exemplary aspects, the characteristic of the load in the wash chamber 82 of the washing machine appliance 50 may include a size of the load. Additionally, or alternatively, characteristic of the load in the wash chamber 82 of the washing machine appliance 50 may include an absorbency of the load. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the characteristic of the load may refer to any quality of the load in the wash chamber 82 that might affect washing performance, but which may be compensated for by adjusting the standard water level, the agitation intensity, the wash time, or other wash cycle characteristics.

In an exemplary aspect, determining a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber 82 at 204 may include performing an automatic load sensing routine or executing a load detection algorithm on the load before, or soon after, a user initiates the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance 50. In certain exemplary aspects, performing a load detection algorithm may include performing a wet load sensing method to detect an absorbency of the load. In this regard, water may be added to the wash chamber 82 and the wash basket 80 may be rotated until the load is fully saturated. As one skilled in the art will appreciate that during this process, a variety of sensors may be used to, for example, measure the power delivered to the motor, the weight of the load, or the water level in the wash chamber 82. In addition, or alternatively, the load sensing routine may include a dry load sensing method, whereby the wash basket is spun prior to adding water to the load and one or more sensors measure the weight or inertia of the load. One skilled in the art will appreciate that another load detection method or a combination of load detection methods to determine the characteristic of the load at 204 may be used.

Moreover, the exemplary method 200 includes at 206 determining a standard water fill amount and a standard agitation intensity associated with the user-selected wash cycle based on the determined characteristic of the load in the wash chamber 82. For example, a user may have provided the wash chamber 82 with a relatively large load and/or with a relatively absorbent load. In such an exemplary aspect, the amount of water adequate to e.g., fully saturate such a load, is determined. Notably, the agitation intensity varies depending on the water fill amount, so a standard agitation intensity is determined that is associated with the standard water fill amount in order to achieve the desired wash action.

In some situations, a user may desire to add additional water to the wash chamber 82. For example, a user may perceive that more water is needed to effectively wash a load or may wish to soak an article of clothing. Accordingly, the exemplary method 200 additionally includes at 208 receiving a user input of a supplemental water fill amount. As discussed in more detail below, the user input may be a command to add an incremental amount of water to the chamber or may be a command to fill the tub 70 to its maximum fill level 124.

At 210, the exemplary method 200 includes providing the tub 70 with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount. In this regard, as is explained in more detail below, a user may prescribe an additional amount of water to be added to the tub 70 during any machine wash cycle. The additional amount of water is added above the standard water fill and can be an incremental amount, e.g., 3 gallons. Alternatively, a user may wish to completely fill the tub 70, and may prescribe that the additional amount of water may be the amount of water necessary to reach the maximum fill level 124. Notably, the addition of water to the wash chamber 82 has a tendency to mute the washing action imparted by the wash basket 80 and agitation element 134. Accordingly, the exemplary method 200 additionally includes at 212 determining an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount. In this regard, as additional water is added to the tub 70, the agitation intensity is correspondingly increased to offset the impact of the additional water on the wash action. Thus, the increased agitation intensity may compensate for the additional water and maintain the wash action in the wash chamber 82.

In certain exemplary aspects, for example, modifying the agitation intensity of the washing machine appliance 50 may include modifying one or both of an intensity of an agitation phase of the wash cycle and a stroke length of agitation element 134 or the wash basket 80 (e.g., if no agitation element is present) of the washing machine appliance 50. For example, an agitation cycle is typically defined by an agitation stroke including a counterclockwise rotation of the agitation element 134 at a first rotational velocity for a first angle of rotation, a temporary dwell in rotation, and a clockwise rotation at a second rotational velocity for a second angle of rotation. In an exemplary embodiment, the first rotational velocity is the same as the second rotational velocity and the first angle of rotation is the same as the second angle of rotation.

Increased agitation intensity may be defined by an agitation stroke having increased angular rotation or increased rotational velocity compared to the standard agitation intensity. Thus, according to an example embodiment, the standard agitation cycle may include a 360 degree counterclockwise rotation at 100 revolutions per minute (RPM), a 0.75 second pause, and a 360 degree clockwise rotation at 100 RPM. An increased agitation cycle may include 720 degree rotations (both directions) at 120 RPM and a 0.2 second pause. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these agitation cycles are only examples, and other agitation cycles are contemplated as within the scope of the invention. Moreover, in other exemplary aspects, changing the agitation intensity may refer to changing any operational parameter or parameters of the washing machine appliance 50 suitable for affecting a change in the wash action intensity or effectiveness. Therefore, one skilled in the art that other operational parameters may also be modified as appropriate.

After the tub 70 is provided with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount at 208 and the increased agitation intensity is determined at 210, the exemplary method 200 includes at 214 operating the motor 136 in order to rotate the wash basket 80 and/or agitation element 134 according to the increased agitation intensity.

The exemplary method 200 described above with reference to FIG. 3 may provide a user or consumer with a desired amount of autonomy in controlling the water fill amount of a washing machine appliance 50. Moreover, the exemplary method 200 described above with reference to FIG. 3 may also allow adjustments to the water fill amount without diminishing the effectiveness of the wash action. Accordingly, such an exemplary method 200 may improve user perception and wash performance of the washing machine appliance.

FIG. 4 shows a decision tree 300 that may be used to implement an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As explained above, an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter provides a Deep Fill feature which allows a user of a washing machine appliance 50 to add additional water to any wash cycle offered on their washing machine appliance 50. To begin the process, a user may provide an indication to commence the Deep Fill process at step 302. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a user may press button 62 to initiate the Deep Fill feature. At step 304, the process involves determining whether the user intended to initiate an incremental Deep Fill or a maximum Deep Fill. For example, if a user holds button 62 for longer than 3 seconds, the maximum Deep Fill is activated, as discussed below. By contrast, if a user releases button 62 before 3 seconds have elapsed, the incremental Deep Fill is initiated.

If the incremental Deep Fill was initiated at step 304, the process continues to step 306. At step 306, if the incremental Deep Fill feature is already ON, the incremental Deep Fill feature is turned OFF as indicated generally by step(s) 308. As shown in decision tree 300, step(s) 308 generally include turning OFF the Deep Fill indicator, such as LED 66, and adjusting the target fill amount as shown. By contrast, if the Deep Fill feature is already OFF at step 306, the incremental Deep Fill is turned ON as indicated generally by step(s) 310. In this regard, step(s) 310 generally include turning ON the Deep Fill indicator, such as LED 66, and adjusting the target fill amount as shown. For example, when the incremental Deep Fill feature is initiated through step(s) 310, the target volume is adjusted such that it is equal to the prior target volume plus the incremental fill amount (indicated in decision tree 300 as “X”). The original target volume may be, for example, the standard fill amount determined after the load sensing operation or the most recent target after a prior incremental Deep Fill cycle. This is true unless the target volume is larger than the maximum fill volume, in which case the target volume is simply set to the maximum fill volume. By contrast, if the incremental Deep Fill feature is toggled OFF, the target fill amount may be reduced by the incremental predetermined amount of water. If after the reduction, the target volume is less than actual volume, the target volume may be set equal to the actual volume.

If the maximum Deep Fill feature was initiated at step 304, the process continues to step 312. At step 312, if an incremental Deep Fill indicator, such as LED 66, is already ON, the target volume simply remains at the maximum fill level. However, if the incremental Deep Fill indicator is OFF when the maximum Deep Fill feature is initiated, the Deep Fill feature is activated as indicated generally by step(s) 314. In this regard, LED 66 is turned ON and the target volume is set to the maximum fill level. To disable the maximum fill feature, the Deep Fill button 62 may be pressed again, which restores the target volume to the original target volume prior to the initiation of the maximum Deep Fill feature.

The process described in decision tree 300 terminates at step 316 once the Deep Fill indicator (e.g., LED 66) is in its proper ON/OFF state and the washing machine appliance 50 has been filled to the adjusted target volume. At this point, or at any time prior to the completion of the prior cycle, the user may provide an indication, e.g., by pressing button 62 again, to add additional water or terminate the current fill cycle. Notably, once the water is dispensed to the appropriate level, the machine may select an agitation stroke profile based on the water amount dispensed in the tub 70. Thus, the agitation intensity is tailored to the actual water level in the tub 70.

According to one embodiment, the Deep Fill feature can be invoked through two main modes: as a selection before the wash cycle is started (i.e., pre-cycle initiation) and as a selection after the water fill has been completed (i.e., post-fill initiation).

When the Deep Fill feature is invoked as a selection before the wash cycle is started, the Deep Fill feature works as a toggle ON/OFF as described above. In this regard, the incremental Deep Fill feature may be toggled ON and OFF with each normal press (i.e., press and release) of the Deep Fill button 62. For example, if the incremental Deep Fill feature is toggled ON, an incremental predetermined amount of water is added to the target volume. According to an example embodiment, when the Deep Fill feature is selected before cycle initiation, the washing machine appliance 50 goes through the load sensing routine as usual. Once the load size and type is determined through the automatic load sensing algorithm, a standard water fill amount that would be used with that load size and type is established. If the incremental Deep Fill feature is selected, a predetermined amount of water is added to the standard water fill amount. According to an example embodiment, the predetermined amount is 3 gallons, but this additional amount could be any quantity up to the maximum fill capacity of the washer. In addition, a user may initiate a maximum fill feature before cycle initiation by pressing and holding the Deep Fill button 62 for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., 3 seconds. After the water is added, the washing machine appliance 50 may then determine the agitation intensity associated with the actual water level.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of water added to tub 70 upon initiation of the incremental Deep Fill feature may vary depending on the application or wash cycle. Similarly, the amount of time that Deep Fill button 62 must be depressed to initiate the Deep Fill feature may be increased or decreased as needed or desired. The values used above are intended only for the purpose of explaining the operation of the Deep Fill feature. Indeed, these values may be set by the manufacturer, determined by controller 150 based on the operating parameters selected, selected by the consumer, or set in any other suitable manner.

The Deep Fill feature may also be initiated after the wash cycle has started. For example, if the user observes the water level in the tub 70 and would prefer additional water to be applied to a particular load, the user may initiate a Deep Fill at any time prior to the end of the wash phase. Similar to initiating the Deep Fill prior to wash cycle initiation, the Deep Fill button 62 may be pressed and released after the wash cycle has started, thereby initiating an addition of a predetermined amount of water to the tub 70. In an example embodiment, the predetermined amount of water is approximately 3 gallons. After the additional water is added, the total water fill amount is determined, and the agitation stroke profile may be adjusted to correspond to that water level. In addition, a user may initiate a maximum fill feature by pressing and holding the Deep Fill button 62 for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., 3 seconds.

Therefore, in this manner, a user may prescribe an additional amount of water to be added to the tub 70 during any machine wash cycle. The additional amount of water can be an incremental amount, e.g., 3 gallons, or the additional amount may be the amount of water necessary to reach the maximum fill level 124. Moreover, in order to maintain the appropriate wash action with the additional water in the tub 70, the agitation intensity, e.g., agitation stroke profile, may be adjusted based on the total amount of wash water in the tub 70.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 200 described in FIG. 3 and the decision tree 300 provided in FIG. 4 are used for explanatory purposes only. Modifications and variations of the illustrated method 200 and decision tree 300 will be evident to those having skill in the art. These modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter. Similarly, although the described embodiment requires pressing and/or holding the Deep Fill button 62, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of initiating an incremental or maximum fill feature may be possible. For example, the Deep Fill feature could be activated by rotating a knob to a specific setting or pressing a dedicated maximum fill button. These alternative methods are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine appliance, comprising:

a tub;

a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing;

an agitation element rotatably mounted within the basket;

a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the basket and the agitation element, the motor configured for selectively rotating at least one of the basket and the agitation element within the tub; and

a controller in operative communication with the motor, the controller configured to: receive a user input of a user-selected wash cycle of the washing machine appliance; determine a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber of the washing machine appliance; determine a standard water fill amount and a standard agitation intensity associated with the user-selected wash cycle based on the determined characteristic of the load in the wash chamber; receive a user input of a supplemental water fill amount; provide the tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount; determine an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount; and operate the motor in order to rotate at least one of the basket and the agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the user input of the supplemental water fill amount is received by a button.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein when the button is pressed and released, the supplemental water fill amount is a predetermined amount of water.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the predetermined amount of water is 3 gallons.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein when the button is pressed and held for longer than 3 seconds, the supplemental water fill amount is the difference between a maximum fill water level and the standard water fill amount, such that the tub is filled to the maximum fill water level.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the increased agitation intensity is defined by an agitation stroke having increased angular rotation or increased rotational velocity compared to the standard agitation intensity.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the load in the wash chamber is a size or an absorbency of the load.

8. A method of washing articles in a wash chamber of a washing machine appliance, the method comprising:

receiving a user input of a user-selected wash cycle of the washing machine appliance;

determining a characteristic of a load in the wash chamber of the washing machine appliance;

determining a standard water fill amount and a standard agitation intensity associated with the user-selected wash cycle based on the determined characteristic of the load in the wash chamber;

receiving a user input of a supplemental water fill amount;

providing a tub with an amount of water equal to the standard water fill amount plus the supplemental water fill amount;

determining an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount; and

operating a motor in order to rotate at least one of a basket and an agitation element according to the increased agitation intensity.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the user input of the supplemental water fill amount is received by a button.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein when the button is pressed and released, the supplemental water fill amount is a predetermined amount of water.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined amount of water is 3 gallons.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein when the button is pressed and held for longer than 3 seconds, the supplemental water fill amount is the difference between a maximum fill water level and the standard water fill amount, such that the tub is filled to the maximum fill water level.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the increased agitation intensity is defined by an agitation stroke having increased angular rotation or increased rotational velocity compared to the standard agitation intensity.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the characteristic of the load in the wash chamber is a size or an absorbency of the load.

15. A washing machine appliance, comprising:

a tub having a maximum fill water level;

a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing;

an agitation element rotatably mounted within the basket;

a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the basket and the agitation element, the motor configured for selectively rotating at least one of the basket and the agitation element within the tub;

a user input button for adjusting a water level in the tub; and

at least one controller in operative communication with the motor, the controller configured to: provide the tub with a standard water fill amount based at least in part on a user-selected wash cycle and a determined load characteristic; operate the motor at a standard agitation intensity based at least in part on a user-selected wash cycle and a determined load characteristic; receive a user input of a supplemental water fill amount from the user input button; and provide the tub with the supplemental water fill amount.

16. The washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein when the user input button is pressed and released, the supplemental water fill amount is 3 gallons.

17. The washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein when the user input button is pressed and held for longer than 3 seconds, the tub is filled to the maximum fill water level.

18. The washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the motor in order to rotate at least one of the basket and the agitation element according to an increased agitation intensity based at least in part on the supplemental water fill amount.

19. The washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein the increased agitation intensity is defined by an agitation stroke having increased angular rotation or increased rotational velocity compared to the standard agitation intensity.

20. The washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein the characteristic of the load in the wash chamber is a size or an absorbency of the load.