Washing Machine Appliance with a Fluid Additive Receptacle

Abstract

A washing machine appliance includes a fluid additive receptacle. The fluid additive receptacle includes a cup received within an opening of the top cover. A reservoir is disposed below the cup. The reservoir has a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit. A siphon valve standpipe is positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, such as vertical-axis washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub with a drum rotatably mounted therein. The drum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, a wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the drum. The drum can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash liquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber of the drum. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash liquid. For example, bleach may be added to the wash liquid to enhance whitening and/or sterilizing of articles within the drum.

Bleach is generally dispensed in one of two manners in current washing machine appliances, a funnel method and a siphon method. Using the funnel method, a user pours bleach into a funnel, and the bleach immediately falls into an annulus between the tub and the drum. The funnel method has certain drawbacks. For example, the funnel method is non-reversible and there is no time delay, i.e., the flow of bleach cannot be delayed or removed after it is poured. Using the siphon method, the user pours bleach into a dispenser where it is stored until water from a water valve is supplied into the dispenser, overflows the dispenser and the mixture of bleach and water falls into the annulus between the tub and drum. The siphon method allows time delay and is reversible, but the siphon method also has drawbacks. For example, the siphon valve requires complex and expensive water valves, relays, hoses, clamps and/or programming.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for dispensing fluid additive on demand and/or without a dedicated water valve, relay and/or special button would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance with a fluid additive receptacle. The fluid additive receptacle includes a cup received within an opening of a top cover. A reservoir is disposed below the cup. The reservoir has a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit. A siphon valve standpipe is positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir. 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 a first exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet having a top cover. The top cover of the cabinet defines an opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet below the top cover. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub. A fluid additive receptacle includes a cup received within the opening of the top cover. A reservoir is disposed below the cup. The reservoir has a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit. A siphon valve standpipe is positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a vertical axis washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet having a top cover. The top cover of the cabinet defines an opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet below the top cover. A basket is rotatable within the tub about a vertical axis. A fluid additive receptacle includes a cup received within the opening of the top cover. The cup has a siphon valve cover. A reservoir is disposed below the cup. The reservoir has a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit. The siphon valve standpipe is positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir. The siphon valve cover is disposed over the siphon valve standpipe within the reservoir.

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 with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a section view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 2 taken along the 3-3 section line of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 provide a top partial, perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 2 with a cup of a fluid additive receptacle shown removed from a top cover of the exemplary washing machine appliance.

FIG. 5 provides a bottom partial, perspective view of a reservoir of the fluid additive receptacle mounted on the top cover of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a top, perspective view of the reservoir of FIG. 5 and other components of the exemplary washing machine appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along a vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102, e.g., within a tub 118 positioned within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 in order to selectively rotate wash basket 120 within tub 118, e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100. Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from wash basket 120 into wash chamber 121. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top cover or panel 200, e.g., at or adjacent top portion 103 of cabinet 102. Top cover 200 defines an aperture 202 that permits user access to wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Door 130 is rotatably mounted to top cover 200. However, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any outer suitable support. Door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash chamber 121. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121 when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130.

Top cover 200 defines a hole or opening 201, e.g., at a corner of top cover 200 at or adjacent a front portion of top cover 200. Opening 201 is configured for receipt of one of a plurality of fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener or bleach. Opening 201 permits the fluid additive to pass through top cover 200 to portions of a fluid additive receptacle 210 (FIG. 2) disposed below top cover 200 along the vertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour the fluid additives in to fluid additive receptacle 210 through opening 201 in top cover 200. In certain exemplary embodiments, fluid additive receptacle 210 may be configured as a bleach receptacle. Fluid additive receptacle 210 is described in greater detail below.

A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112 extends from top cover 200. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 121 through aperture 202, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 and/or tub 118 within cabinet 102 is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated, e.g., with the impeller within wash basket 120, for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, the impeller may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. 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, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash chamber 121 through aperture 202.

As discussed above, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within tub 118 in cabinet 102. Wash basket 120 may be spaced apart from tub 118, e.g., by a radial gap, in order to permit rotation of wash basket 120 within tub 118. Tub 118 is configured for containing wash and rinse fluids during operation of washing machine appliance 100 described above. Wash and rinse fluids disposed within tub 118 can be used to clean articles disposed in wash basket 120. Wash and rinse fluids can pass between wash basket 120 and tub 118 through a plurality of perforations defined by wash basket 120, e.g., during the wash and/or spin cycles described above.

As discussed above, fluid additive receptacle 210 is mounted above tub 118 and wash basket 120, e.g., along the vertical direction V. More particularly, fluid additive receptacle 210 may be mounted above the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120. Fluid additive receptacle 210 is configured for receipt of fluid additive from opening 201. Fluid additive receptacle 210 is also configured for directing the fluid additive into the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120. For example, fluid additive receptacle 210 may direct fluid additive into the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120 prior to or during a wash cycle of washing machine appliance 100. Similarly, fluid additive receptacle 210 may direct fluid additive into the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120 prior to or during a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100.

FIG. 3 provides a section view of washing machine appliance 100 taken along the 3-3 section line of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 provide a top partial, perspective view of washing machine appliance 100 with a cup 220 of fluid additive receptacle 210 shown removed from top cover 200. FIG. 5 provides a bottom partial, perspective view of a reservoir 230 of fluid additive receptacle 210 mounted on top cover 200. Fluid additive receptacle 210 is discussed in greater detail below in the context of FIGS. 3-5.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, fluid additive receptacle 210 includes a funnel or cup 220 and a reservoir 230. Cup 220 is received within opening 201 of top cover 200. In particular, cup 220 may be received within opening 201 of top cover 200 over reservoir 230 such that cup 220 hides reservoir 230 and reservoir 230 is not visible to a user of washing machine appliance 100 from above top cover 200. As an example, cup 220 may be snap-fit or otherwise suitably mounted to top cover 200 at opening 201 of top cover 200.

Cup 220 includes a bottom wall 224 and a sidewall 226. Sidewall 226 of cup 220 extends around an outer periphery of bottom wall 224 of cup 220 and also extends upwardly along the vertical direction V from bottom wall 224 of cup 220. Bottom wall 224 of cup 220 also defines an outlet 222 of cup 220 that is disposed over reservoir 230. A user may pour fluid additive into cup 220 and cup 220 may funnel or direct the fluid additive to outlet 222 of cup 220 such that the fluid additive flows from cup 220 downwardly along the vertical direction V into reservoir 230 via outlet 222 of cup 220.

As discussed above, reservoir 230 is disposed below cup 220 along the vertical direction V. Thus, reservoir 230 is positioned for receiving fluid additive from cup 220. Like cup 220, reservoir 230 includes a bottom wall 234 and a sidewall 236. Sidewall 236 of reservoir 230 extends around an outer periphery of bottom wall 234 of reservoir 230 and also extends upwardly along the vertical direction V from bottom wall 234 of reservoir 230. Bottom wall 234 of reservoir 230 also defines an outlet 232 of reservoir 230, e.g., that is disposed over the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120. Bottom wall 234 of reservoir 230 may be sloped towards outlet 232 of reservoir 230 such that fluid additive within reservoir 230 flows on bottom wall 234 towards outlet 232 of reservoir 230. Due to cup 220 hiding reservoir 230, the fluid additive within reservoir 230 may not be visible to the user after pouring the fluid additive into cup 220.

Reservoir 230 is mounted to top cover 200. For example, reservoir 230 may include legs 242, e.g., formed on sidewall 236 of reservoir 230. Distal ends of legs 242 may rest on flanges 204 of top cover 200, as shown in FIG. 3. Top cover 200 may be formed of bent sheet metal to provide flanges 204. Thus, flanges 204 of top cover 200 may be spaced apart from an upper surface 206 of top cover 200 along the vertical direction V. Opening 201 may be formed at upper surface 206 of top cover 200, and upper surface 206 of top cover 200 may face away from reservoir 230. In addition, a top lip 237 of reservoir 230 may contact top cover 200 proximate upper surface 206 of top cover 200, e.g. such that reservoir 230 is received between upper surface 206 of top cover 200 and flanges 204 of top cover 200, as shown in FIG. 5. A brace 239 of reservoir 230 may also extend from sidewall 236 of reservoir 230 and rest on an inner ring 208 of top cover 200 that defines aperture 202. In such a manner, reservoir 230 may be mounted to top cover 200.

Turning back to FIG. 3, fluid additive receptacle 210 also includes features for regulating dispensing of fluid additive from fluid additive receptacle 210. In particular, fluid additive receptacle 210 includes a siphon valve standpipe 238 and a siphon valve cover 228. Siphon valve standpipe 238 is positioned at outlet 232 of reservoir 230, and siphon valve stand cover 228 may be received on siphon valve standpipe 238. When siphon valve cover 228 is disposed over siphon valve standpipe 238, siphon valve standpipe 238 and siphon valve cover 228 cooperate to form a siphon valve to regulate fluid flow out of reservoir 230 via outlet 232 of reservoir 230. In particular, when fluid fills reservoir 230 to a particular level, siphon valve standpipe 238 and siphon valve cover 228 cooperate to draw the fluid out of reservoir 230 via a passage between siphon valve standpipe 238 and siphon valve cover 228 to outlet 232 of reservoir 230. Outlet 222 of cup 220 may be offset from siphon valve cover 228 and/or siphon valve standpipe 238, e.g., to allow fluid additive to flow from cup 220 downwardly along the vertical direction V into reservoir 230 via outlet 222 of cup 220.

As shown in FIG. 3, siphon valve cover 228 may be mounted to or formed with cup 220. Conversely, siphon valve standpipe 238 may be mounted to or formed with reservoir 230. For example, siphon valve cover 228 may be integrally formed with cup 220, e.g., such that cup 220 and siphon valve cover 228 are formed with a single, unitary piece of material, such as molded plastic. Similarly, siphon valve standpipe 238 may be integrally formed with reservoir 230, e.g., such that reservoir 230 and siphon valve standpipe 238 are formed with a single, unitary piece of material, such as molded plastic. Thus, siphon valve cover 228 and siphon valve standpipe 238 may be mounted to or formed on separate components of fluid additive receptacle 210, in certain exemplary embodiments. In alternative exemplary, embodiments, siphon valve cover 228 need not be mounted to or formed with cup 220 and may be a separate unconnected piece of material from cup 220.

Fluid additive receptacle 210 also includes features for directing water into reservoir 230 in order to activate or trigger the siphon valve and draw fluid from reservoir 230. In particular, a water inlet conduit 240 may be mounted to reservoir 230, e.g., such that water inlet conduit 240 is positioned on sidewall 236 of reservoir 230. Water inlet conduit 240 is configured for directing a flow of liquid into reservoir 230. For example, water inlet conduit 240 may be coupled to a pressurized water supply, such as a municipal water supply or well, and water from the pressurized water supply may flow through water inlet conduit 240 into reservoir 230. A suitable valve, such as a solenoid valve, may regulate the flow of water into reservoir 230 via water inlet conduit 240.

Fluid additive receptacle 210 can assist with time delayed delivery of fluid additive into tub 118, e.g., without a dedicated water valve, relay or a special button. In addition, there may be no indication for a user of washing machine appliance 100 that the fluid additive addition process can be stopped or reversed, i.e., once fluid additive is poured into cup 220 and delivered to reservoir 230, the user cannot see the fluid additive and it will eventually be delivered to into tub 118. However, the siphon valve within reservoir 230 permits the fluid additive within reservoir 230 to be delivered at any suitable time during operation of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., after delivering detergent to tub 118 and agitating articles within basket 120 then water may be directed into reservoir 230 via water inlet conduit 240 to activate or trigger the siphon valve within reservoir 230 in order to deliver any fluid additive within reservoir 230 to tub 118.

Washing machine appliance 100 may include a single valve for delivering a flow of cold water into tub 118. Cold water may flow into tub 118 when the single valve is open, e.g., onto articles within basket 120. Thus, an outlet for water from the single valve may be positioned above basket 120. The water inlet conduit 240 may also be coupled to the single valve such that water flows into reservoir 230 when the single valve is open. Thus, water may also be delivered to reservoir 230 during every wash cycle and/or rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100 whether fluid additive is disposed within reservoir 230 or not. In such a manner, washing machine appliance 100 need not include a specialized fluid additive dispense button or input on control panel 110 to operate fluid additive receptacle 210.

FIG. 6 provides a top, perspective view of reservoir 230. As may be seen in FIG. 5, water inlet conduit 240 may be positioned and oriented on sidewall 236 of reservoir 230 such that a flow of water into reservoir 230 from water inlet conduit 240 is parallel to an inner surface 244 of sidewall 236 proximate an exit 241 of water inlet conduit 240. Thus, water from water inlet conduit 240 may flow along sidewall 236 of reservoir 230 rather than splashing against sidewall 236 of reservoir 230 as the water enters reservoir 230 via water inlet conduit 240. In addition, such positioning of water inlet conduit 240 may assist with rinsing reservoir 230 during operation of fluid additive receptacle 210.

Fluid additive receptacle 210 may also include a deflector wall 246. Deflector wall 246 may be disposed within reservoir 230 between exit 241 of water inlet conduit 240 and siphon valve standpipe 238. As shown in FIG. 5, deflector wall 246 may be mounted to or formed on reservoir 230, e.g., bottom wall 234 and/or sidewall 236 of reservoir 230. In alternative exemplary embodiments, deflector wall 246 may be mounted to or formed on cup 220, e.g., bottom wall 224 of cup 220. Deflector wall 246 may be positioned and oriented for guiding water flow from water inlet conduit 240 such that the water flow does not splash against the siphon valve within reservoir 230.

Fluid additive receptacle 210 may further include an overflow conduit 235 on reservoir 230. Overflow conduit 235 extends upwardly along the vertical direction V from bottom wall 234 of reservoir 230 more than siphon valve standpipe 238. Thus, if the siphon valve malfunctions, fluid may flow out of reservoir 230 via overflow conduit 235 in order to prevent or limit overflowing of reservoir 230.

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 cabinet having a top cover, the top cover of the cabinet defining an opening;

a tub disposed within the cabinet below the top cover;

a basket rotatably mounted within the tub; and

a fluid additive receptacle comprising a cup received within the opening of the top cover; a reservoir disposed below the cup, the reservoir having a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit, the siphon valve standpipe positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir, the water inlet conduit positioned for directing a flow of water into the reservoir.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein a siphon valve cover is positioned on the cup and disposed over the siphon valve standpipe.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the siphon valve cover is integrally formed with the cup and the siphon valve standpipe is integrally formed with the reservoir.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein an outlet of the cup is offset from the siphon valve cover on the cup.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein legs of the reservoir are positioned on a bottom flange of the top cover.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 5, wherein the legs of the reservoir are formed on a sidewall of the reservoir and the bottom flange of the top cover is positioned below the cup.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 5, wherein the fluid additive receptacle is disposed at a corner of the top cover.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a deflector wall disposed within the reservoir between an exit of the water inlet conduit and the siphon valve standpipe.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the cup is snap-fit to the top cover at the opening of the top cover.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the reservoir slopes towards the siphon valve standpipe.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the water inlet conduit is positioned and oriented on a sidewall of the reservoir such that the flow of water into the reservoir is parallel to a surface of the sidewall proximate an exit of the water inlet conduit.

12. A vertical axis washing machine appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having a top cover, the top cover of the cabinet defining an opening;

a tub disposed within the cabinet below the top cover;

a basket rotatable within the tub about a vertical axis; and

a fluid additive receptacle mounted to the top cover and comprising a cup received within the opening of the top cover, the cup having a siphon valve cover; a reservoir disposed below the cup, the reservoir having a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit, the water inlet conduit positioned on a sidewall of the reservoir, the siphon valve standpipe positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir, the siphon valve cover disposed over the siphon valve standpipe within the reservoir.

13. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the siphon valve cover is integrally formed with the cup and the siphon valve standpipe is integrally formed with the reservoir.

14. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein an outlet of the cup is offset from the siphon valve cover on the cup.

15. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein legs of the reservoir are positioned on a bottom flange of the top cover.

16. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein the legs of the reservoir are formed on the sidewall of the reservoir and the bottom flange of the top cover is positioned below the cup.

17. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein the fluid additive receptacle is disposed at a corner of the top cover.

18. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the reservoir includes a deflector wall disposed within the reservoir between an exit of the water inlet conduit and the siphon valve standpipe.

19. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the cup is snap-fit to the top cover at the opening of the top cover.

20. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the water inlet conduit is positioned and oriented on the sidewall of the reservoir such that a flow of water into the reservoir is parallel to a surface of the sidewall proximate an exit of the water inlet conduit.