US20190218701A1 - Laundry treating appliance with vent - Google Patents
Laundry treating appliance with vent Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190218701A1 US20190218701A1 US16/135,561 US201816135561A US2019218701A1 US 20190218701 A1 US20190218701 A1 US 20190218701A1 US 201816135561 A US201816135561 A US 201816135561A US 2019218701 A1 US2019218701 A1 US 2019218701A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vent
- lid
- laundry treating
- humidity
- basket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/28—Doors; Security means therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F21/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement
- D06F21/06—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement about a vertical axis
- D06F21/08—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement about a vertical axis within an enclosing receptacle
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F33/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of washing
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
- D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
- D06F37/18—Doors or covers; Securing means therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/34—Humidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
- D06F2105/48—Drum speed
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry
- D06F23/04—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
- D06F34/30—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by mechanical features, e.g. buttons or rotary dials
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
- D06F34/32—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
- D06F39/14—Doors or covers; Securing means therefor
Definitions
- Laundry treating appliances such as washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating container that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating.
- the laundry treating appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation.
- washing machines can include the use of refresh washing cycle for the event that a user leaves a load of laundry in the treating chamber after running a cycle of operation for an extended period of time where a buildup of odor occurs.
- a user can run a rinse cycle.
- the present disclosure relates to a laundry treating appliance having a ventilation system for reducing buildup of odor.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a controller for controlling the operation of one or more components of the laundry treating appliance of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a laundry treating appliance according to aspects described herein.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a horizontal axis washer and/or dryer implementing the concept shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- Illustrative laundry treating appliances in accordance with the present disclosure include a washing machine having a ventilation system for reducing buildup of odor.
- the ventilation system can be configured to periodically evacuate air from the treating chamber to refresh the air within the treating chamber. Fresh air can be pumped from an entrance in the bottom of the cabinet and can exit an opening in the lid or the top of the washing machine.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance shown in the form of a washing machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the laundry treating appliance is illustrated as a vertical axis, top-fill washing machine, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have applicability in other fabric treating appliances, non-limiting examples of which include a combination washing machine and dryer, a refreshing/revitalizing machine, an extractor, or a non-aqueous washing apparatus.
- Washing machines are typically categorized as either a vertical axis washing machine or a horizontal axis washing machine.
- the “vertical axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate, that holds fabric items and a clothes mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like within the drum.
- the clothes mover moves within the drum to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the drum.
- the clothes mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating rotational movement.
- the drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be vertical.
- the drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis.
- the “horizontal axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforated or imperforate, that holds fabric items and washes the fabric items by the fabric items rubbing against one another as the drum rotates.
- the drum rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the washing machine.
- the rotational axis need not be horizontal.
- the drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action.
- FIG. 1 Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes.
- Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles.
- the illustrated exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1 is a vertical axis washing machine.
- the washing machine 10 can include a structural support system comprising a cabinet 14 that defines a housing, within which a laundry holding system resides.
- the cabinet 14 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame defining an interior that receives components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.
- the bottom of the cabinet 14 can be open or can include openings to allow air (A) to enter the inside of the washing machine 10 .
- the top of the cabinet 14 can include a selectively openable lid 28 to provide access into the laundry treating chamber 32 through an open top of the basket 30 .
- the lid 28 can include a vent 29 to allow air to exit the laundry treating chamber 32 .
- the vent 29 can be in the form of a plurality of small holes.
- the top or sides of the cabinet 14 can include a vent 29 .
- the vent 29 can be configured to be selectively opened and closed during operation. In some operating routines, it may be beneficial to close the vent so air flow (or possibly water) does not exit the treating chamber 32 and instead is recirculated in the treating chamber 32 during operation. In other cases, it is beneficial to keep the vent 29 in an open position to allow the air in the treating chamber 32 to refresh.
- the fabric holding system of the illustrated exemplary washing machine 10 can include a rotatable basket 30 having an open top that can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet 14 and may define a treating chamber 32 for receiving laundry items for treatment.
- a tub 34 can also be positioned within the cabinet 14 and can define an interior within which the basket 30 can be positioned.
- the tub 34 can have a generally cylindrical side or tub peripheral wall 12 closed at its bottom end by a base 16 that can at least partially define a sump 60 .
- the basket 30 can have a generally peripheral side wall 18 , which is illustrated as a cylindrical side wall, closed at the basket end by a basket base 20 to at least partially define the treating chamber 32 .
- the basket 30 can be rotatably mounted within the tub 34 for rotation about a vertical basket axis of rotation and can include a plurality of perforations 31 , such that liquid may flow between the tub 34 and the rotatable basket 30 through the perforations 31 .
- the illustrated washing machine 10 includes both the tub 34 and the basket 30 , with the basket 30 defining the treating chamber 32 , it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry treating appliance to include only one receptacle, with the receptacle defining the laundry treatment chamber for receiving the load to be treated.
- a clothes mover 38 may be rotatably mounted within the basket 30 to impart mechanical agitation to a load of laundry placed in the basket 30 .
- the clothes mover 38 can be oscillated or rotated about its axis of rotation during a cycle of operation in order to produce load motion effective to wash the load contained within the treating chamber 32 .
- Other exemplary types of laundry movers include, but are not limited to, an agitator, a wobble plate, and a hybrid impeller/agitator.
- the basket 30 and the clothes mover 38 may be driven by a drive system 40 that includes a motor 41 , which can include a gear case, operably coupled with the basket 30 and clothes mover 38 .
- the motor 41 can rotate the basket 30 at various speeds in either rotational direction about the vertical axis of rotation, including at a spin speed wherein a centrifugal force at the inner surface of the basket side wall 18 is 1 g or greater. Spin speeds are commonly known for use in extracting liquid from the laundry items in the basket 30 , such as after a wash or rinse step in a treating cycle of operation.
- a loss motion device or clutch can be included in the drive system 40 and can selectively operably couple the motor 41 with either the basket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38 .
- a suspension system 22 can dynamically hold the tub 34 within the cabinet 14 .
- the suspension system 22 can dissipate a determined degree of vibratory energy generated by the rotation of the basket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38 during a treating cycle of operation. Together, the tub 34 , the basket 30 , and any contents of the basket 30 , such as liquid and laundry items, define a suspended mass for the suspension system 22 .
- a liquid supply system can be provided to liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more wash aids, such as detergent, into the treating chamber 32 .
- the liquid supply system can include a water supply configured to supply hot or cold water.
- the water supply can include a hot water inlet 44 and a cold water inlet 46 , a valve assembly, which can include a hot water valve 48 , a cold water valve 50 , and a diverter valve 55 , and various conduits 52 , 56 , 58 .
- the valves 48 , 50 are selectively openable to provide water, such as from a household water supply (not shown) to the conduit 52 .
- the valves 48 , 50 can be opened individually or together to provide a mix of hot and cold water at a selected temperature. While the valves 48 , 50 and conduit 52 are illustrated exteriorly of the cabinet 14 , it may be understood that these components can be internal to the housing.
- a detergent dispenser 54 can be fluidly coupled with the conduit 52 through a diverter valve 55 and a first water conduit 56 .
- the detergent dispenser 54 can include means for supplying or mixing detergent to or with water from the first water conduit 56 and can supply such treating liquid to the tub 34 . It has been contemplated that water from the first water conduit 56 can also be supplied to the tub 34 through the detergent dispenser 54 without the addition of a detergent.
- a second water conduit, illustrated as a separate water inlet 58 can also be fluidly coupled with the conduit 52 through the diverter valve 55 such that water can be supplied directly to the treating chamber through the open top of the basket 30 .
- liquid supply system can differ from the configuration shown, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of detergent/wash aid.
- a liquid recirculation system can be provided for recirculating liquid from the tub 34 into the treating chamber 32 . More specifically, a sump 60 can be located in the bottom of the tub 34 and the liquid recirculation system can be configured to recirculate treating liquid from the sump 60 onto the top of a laundry load located in the treating chamber 32 .
- a pump 62 can be housed below the tub 34 and can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the sump 60 and an outlet configured to fluidly couple to either or both a household drain 64 or a recirculation conduit 66 . In this configuration, the pump 62 can be used to drain or recirculate wash water in the sump 60 . As illustrated, the recirculation conduit 66 can be fluidly coupled with the treating chamber 32 such that it supplies liquid into the open top of the basket 30 .
- the liquid recirculation system can include other types of recirculation systems.
- the illustrated drive system, suspension system, liquid supply system, and recirculation and drain system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above.
- the liquid supply, recirculation, and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors (such as liquid level sensors and temperature sensors), and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry.
- the liquid supply system can be configured to supply liquid into the interior of the tub 34 not occupied by the basket 30 such that liquid can be supplied directly to the tub 34 without having to travel through the basket 30 .
- the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source.
- the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.
- the washing machine 10 can also be provided with a heating system (not shown) to heat liquid provided to the treating chamber 32 .
- the heating system can include a heating element provided in the sump to heat liquid that collects in the sump.
- the heating system can be in the form of an in-line heater that heats the liquid as it flows through the liquid supply, dispensing and/or recirculation systems.
- the washing machine 10 can further include a controller 70 coupled with various working components of the washing machine 10 to control the operation of the working components and to implement one or more treating cycles of operation.
- the controller 70 can control rotation of the basket 30 to run a dry refresh cycle of operation, which can be desirable in order to reduce a buildup of odor on a laundry load.
- the controller 70 can control opening or closing of the vent 29 to allow airflow to exit the treating chamber 32 .
- Airflow can enter through an open bottom or through one or more openings in the bottom of the cabinet 15 and can flow into the treating chamber 32 .
- airflow A can be mixed with the relatively humid air within the basket, represented by arrows B.
- the vent 29 in the lid 28 can allow the mixture of airflow A and air B, represented by airflow C, to escape the treating chamber 32 when the vent is in an open position.
- the air B in the treating chamber can decrease in humidity as the basket 30 is rotated.
- the control system can further include a user interface 24 that is operably coupled with the controller 70 .
- the user interface 24 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output.
- the user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.
- the controller 70 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine 10 .
- the controller 70 can include the machine controller and a motor controller.
- Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 70 .
- the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to implement the control software.
- proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID) can be used to control the various components of the washing machine 10 .
- the controller 70 can be provided with a memory 72 and a central processing unit (CPU) 74 .
- the memory 72 can be used for storing the control software that can be executed by the CPU 74 in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of treating cycles of operation include: wash, heavy-duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, timed wash, and dry refresh, which can be selected at the user interface 24 .
- the memory 72 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of the washing machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 70 .
- the database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.
- the controller 70 can be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine 10 for communicating with and/or controlling the operation of the components to complete a cycle of operation.
- the controller 70 can be coupled with the hot water valve 48 , the cold water valve 50 , diverter valve 55 , and the detergent dispenser 54 for controlling the temperature and flow rate of treating liquid into the treating chamber 32 ; the pump 62 for controlling the amount of treating liquid in the treating chamber 32 or sump 60 ; drive system 40 including a motor 41 for controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the basket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38 ; and the user interface 24 for receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user.
- the controller 70 can also receive input from a temperature sensor 76 , such as a thermistor, which can detect the temperature of the treating liquid in the treating chamber 32 and/or the temperature of the treating liquid being supplied to the treating chamber 32 .
- the controller 70 can also receive input from various additional sensors 78 , which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity.
- additional sensors 78 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 70 include: a humidity sensor, a lid position sensor, a vent position sensor, a weight sensor, and a motor torque sensor.
- the controller 70 can include an algorithm configured to determine when to implement a dry refresh cycle upon receiving input from a sensor, or after a predetermined time has been reached, and after a cycle of operation has been completed and a laundry load remains within the treating chamber 32 . For example, the controller 70 can determine if a dry refresh cycle should be implemented, which can include only implementing the dry refresh cycle in the determination that the lid 28 has not been opened since the last cycle of operation was completed. Furthermore, once a determination has been made that the lid 28 has been opened since the last cycle of operation was completed, the controller 70 can discontinue determining if a dry refresh cycle should be implemented.
- Receiving input from a sensor can include determining a humidity, for example the humidity of air B within the basket 30 , or a remaining moisture content (RMC) of a load of laundry.
- a humidity for example the humidity of air B within the basket 30
- RMC remaining moisture content
- the controller 70 can implement a dry refresh cycle.
- the controller 70 can implement a dry refresh cycle after a predetermined time has been reached since the last cycle of operation was completed.
- a predetermined time can include any form of predetermined timing, which can include the occurrence of a single time, or predetermined intervals.
- Predetermined intervals can be fixed intervals, or variable intervals.
- a fixed interval can include implementing a dry refresh cycle every 20 minutes after completion of a cycle of operation.
- a variable interval can include predetermined times occurring at a higher frequency and gradually decreasing the frequency of the predetermined times, such as implementing a dry refresh cycle 20 minutes after completion of a cycle of operation, again 30 minutes later, and again 40 minutes later.
- FIG. 3 shows in greater detail the lid 28 including the vent 29 illustrated as a plurality of small holes along an upper to edge 28 a of the lid 28 .
- the vent 29 is shown as a plurality of holes, it is also possible for the vent 29 to be formed as any other suitable configuration for an aperture, such as, but not limited to a slit of any shape or a single hole.
- the vent 29 can be located at any other suitable location, such as, but not limited to a side edge of the lid 28 b, a bottom edge of the lid 28 c, or portions of the cabinet 14 such as the top of the cabinet 14 .
- FIG. 4 shows an alternative implementation in the context of a horizontal axis laundry treating appliance 110 , which has many similar parts to the implementation of FIGS. 1 and 3 , and uses the same controller as in FIG. 2 . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100. Only an overview of the horizontal axis implementation of FIG. 4 is described, with it being understood that all aspects of the description of FIGS. 1-3 are applicable to FIG. 4 , with the only difference being a horizontal axis implementation as compared to a vertical axis implementation of FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- the laundry treating appliance 110 has a cabinet 114 with an access opening selectively closed by a front-opening door 128 .
- a vent 129 is located in the front-opening door 128 , but could be located in the front of the cabinet, such as above the door 128 .
- Either or both a bottom 115 or a rear 117 of the cabinet can be open or at least partially open.
- a tub 112 is located within the cabinet 114 .
- a drum 130 is located within the tub.
- a motor 141 is mounted to the tub and is operably coupled to the drum 130 , such that rotation of the motor 141 effects a rotation of the drum 130 .
- the horizontal axis implementation of FIG. 4 can be carried out by the controller 70 determining that a humidity level is such that the vent 129 is opened and the drum 130 is rotated to draw air in through either or both the open bottom 115 or open rear 117 , into the rotating drum 130 , and out through the vent 129 .
- the manner in which the controller 70 determines when to effect the rotation of the drum is that same as previously described.
- basket 30 and drum 130 are functionally the same element in the different implementations. Unless expressly noted otherwise, the use of one term, basket or drum, means both. Similarly, the terms lid 28 and door 128 are functionally the same element in the different implementations, and, unless expressly noted otherwise, the use of one term, lid or door, means both.
- the implementation of the ventilating can be enabled with a remote device, such as a cellular phone or tablet, especially when the appliance is wirelessly-enabled, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
- the aspects of the disclosure described herein can be used to ventilate a washing machine for reducing buildup of odor such that a user does not need to run a refresh washing cycle or similar upon leaving a laundry load in the washing machine for extended periods of time.
- the ventilation system can reduce humidity within the treating chamber to prevent the formation of odor and can also accelerate the drying time of the load.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/616,576, filed Jan. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Laundry treating appliances, such as washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating container that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating. The laundry treating appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation. Typically, washing machines can include the use of refresh washing cycle for the event that a user leaves a load of laundry in the treating chamber after running a cycle of operation for an extended period of time where a buildup of odor occurs. Alternatively, a user can run a rinse cycle.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a laundry treating appliance having a ventilation system for reducing buildup of odor.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a controller for controlling the operation of one or more components of the laundry treating appliance ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a laundry treating appliance according to aspects described herein. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a horizontal axis washer and/or dryer implementing the concept shown inFIGS. 1-3 . - Illustrative laundry treating appliances in accordance with the present disclosure include a washing machine having a ventilation system for reducing buildup of odor. The ventilation system can be configured to periodically evacuate air from the treating chamber to refresh the air within the treating chamber. Fresh air can be pumped from an entrance in the bottom of the cabinet and can exit an opening in the lid or the top of the washing machine.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance shown in the form of awashing machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the laundry treating appliance is illustrated as a vertical axis, top-fill washing machine, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have applicability in other fabric treating appliances, non-limiting examples of which include a combination washing machine and dryer, a refreshing/revitalizing machine, an extractor, or a non-aqueous washing apparatus. - Washing machines are typically categorized as either a vertical axis washing machine or a horizontal axis washing machine. As used herein, the “vertical axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate, that holds fabric items and a clothes mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like within the drum. The clothes mover moves within the drum to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the drum. The clothes mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating rotational movement. In some vertical axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be vertical. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis. As used herein, the “horizontal axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforated or imperforate, that holds fabric items and washes the fabric items by the fabric items rubbing against one another as the drum rotates. In some horizontal axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be horizontal. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action. Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes. Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles. The illustrated exemplary washing machine of
FIG. 1 is a vertical axis washing machine. - The
washing machine 10 can include a structural support system comprising acabinet 14 that defines a housing, within which a laundry holding system resides. Thecabinet 14 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame defining an interior that receives components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure. The bottom of thecabinet 14 can be open or can include openings to allow air (A) to enter the inside of thewashing machine 10. The top of thecabinet 14 can include a selectivelyopenable lid 28 to provide access into thelaundry treating chamber 32 through an open top of thebasket 30. Thelid 28 can include avent 29 to allow air to exit thelaundry treating chamber 32. Thevent 29 can be in the form of a plurality of small holes. Alternatively, the top or sides of thecabinet 14 can include avent 29. In addition, thevent 29 can be configured to be selectively opened and closed during operation. In some operating routines, it may be beneficial to close the vent so air flow (or possibly water) does not exit the treatingchamber 32 and instead is recirculated in the treatingchamber 32 during operation. In other cases, it is beneficial to keep thevent 29 in an open position to allow the air in the treatingchamber 32 to refresh. - The fabric holding system of the illustrated
exemplary washing machine 10 can include arotatable basket 30 having an open top that can be disposed within the interior of thecabinet 14 and may define a treatingchamber 32 for receiving laundry items for treatment. Atub 34 can also be positioned within thecabinet 14 and can define an interior within which thebasket 30 can be positioned. Thetub 34 can have a generally cylindrical side or tubperipheral wall 12 closed at its bottom end by abase 16 that can at least partially define asump 60. - The
basket 30 can have a generallyperipheral side wall 18, which is illustrated as a cylindrical side wall, closed at the basket end by abasket base 20 to at least partially define the treatingchamber 32. Thebasket 30 can be rotatably mounted within thetub 34 for rotation about a vertical basket axis of rotation and can include a plurality ofperforations 31, such that liquid may flow between thetub 34 and therotatable basket 30 through theperforations 31. While the illustratedwashing machine 10 includes both thetub 34 and thebasket 30, with thebasket 30 defining the treatingchamber 32, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry treating appliance to include only one receptacle, with the receptacle defining the laundry treatment chamber for receiving the load to be treated. - A clothes mover 38 may be rotatably mounted within the
basket 30 to impart mechanical agitation to a load of laundry placed in thebasket 30. The clothes mover 38 can be oscillated or rotated about its axis of rotation during a cycle of operation in order to produce load motion effective to wash the load contained within the treatingchamber 32. Other exemplary types of laundry movers include, but are not limited to, an agitator, a wobble plate, and a hybrid impeller/agitator. - The
basket 30 and the clothes mover 38 may be driven by adrive system 40 that includes amotor 41, which can include a gear case, operably coupled with thebasket 30 and clothes mover 38. Themotor 41 can rotate thebasket 30 at various speeds in either rotational direction about the vertical axis of rotation, including at a spin speed wherein a centrifugal force at the inner surface of thebasket side wall 18 is 1 g or greater. Spin speeds are commonly known for use in extracting liquid from the laundry items in thebasket 30, such as after a wash or rinse step in a treating cycle of operation. A loss motion device or clutch can be included in thedrive system 40 and can selectively operably couple themotor 41 with either thebasket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38. - A
suspension system 22 can dynamically hold thetub 34 within thecabinet 14. Thesuspension system 22 can dissipate a determined degree of vibratory energy generated by the rotation of thebasket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38 during a treating cycle of operation. Together, thetub 34, thebasket 30, and any contents of thebasket 30, such as liquid and laundry items, define a suspended mass for thesuspension system 22. - A liquid supply system can be provided to liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more wash aids, such as detergent, into the treating
chamber 32. The liquid supply system can include a water supply configured to supply hot or cold water. The water supply can include ahot water inlet 44 and acold water inlet 46, a valve assembly, which can include ahot water valve 48, acold water valve 50, and adiverter valve 55, andvarious conduits valves conduit 52. Thevalves valves conduit 52 are illustrated exteriorly of thecabinet 14, it may be understood that these components can be internal to the housing. - As illustrated, a
detergent dispenser 54 can be fluidly coupled with theconduit 52 through adiverter valve 55 and afirst water conduit 56. Thedetergent dispenser 54 can include means for supplying or mixing detergent to or with water from thefirst water conduit 56 and can supply such treating liquid to thetub 34. It has been contemplated that water from thefirst water conduit 56 can also be supplied to thetub 34 through thedetergent dispenser 54 without the addition of a detergent. A second water conduit, illustrated as aseparate water inlet 58, can also be fluidly coupled with theconduit 52 through thediverter valve 55 such that water can be supplied directly to the treating chamber through the open top of thebasket 30. Additionally, the liquid supply system can differ from the configuration shown, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through thewashing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of detergent/wash aid. - A liquid recirculation system can be provided for recirculating liquid from the
tub 34 into the treatingchamber 32. More specifically, asump 60 can be located in the bottom of thetub 34 and the liquid recirculation system can be configured to recirculate treating liquid from thesump 60 onto the top of a laundry load located in the treatingchamber 32. Apump 62 can be housed below thetub 34 and can have an inlet fluidly coupled with thesump 60 and an outlet configured to fluidly couple to either or both ahousehold drain 64 or arecirculation conduit 66. In this configuration, thepump 62 can be used to drain or recirculate wash water in thesump 60. As illustrated, therecirculation conduit 66 can be fluidly coupled with the treatingchamber 32 such that it supplies liquid into the open top of thebasket 30. The liquid recirculation system can include other types of recirculation systems. - It is noted that the illustrated drive system, suspension system, liquid supply system, and recirculation and drain system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply, recirculation, and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in
FIG. 1 , such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors (such as liquid level sensors and temperature sensors), and the like, to control the flow of liquid through thewashing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply system can be configured to supply liquid into the interior of thetub 34 not occupied by thebasket 30 such that liquid can be supplied directly to thetub 34 without having to travel through thebasket 30. In another example, the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described. - The
washing machine 10 can also be provided with a heating system (not shown) to heat liquid provided to the treatingchamber 32. In one example, the heating system can include a heating element provided in the sump to heat liquid that collects in the sump. Alternatively, the heating system can be in the form of an in-line heater that heats the liquid as it flows through the liquid supply, dispensing and/or recirculation systems. - The
washing machine 10 can further include acontroller 70 coupled with various working components of thewashing machine 10 to control the operation of the working components and to implement one or more treating cycles of operation. For example, thecontroller 70 can control rotation of thebasket 30 to run a dry refresh cycle of operation, which can be desirable in order to reduce a buildup of odor on a laundry load. In addition, thecontroller 70 can control opening or closing of thevent 29 to allow airflow to exit the treatingchamber 32. - Airflow, represented by arrows A, can enter through an open bottom or through one or more openings in the bottom of the
cabinet 15 and can flow into the treatingchamber 32. When thebasket 30 is rotated, airflow A can be mixed with the relatively humid air within the basket, represented by arrows B. Furthermore, thevent 29 in thelid 28 can allow the mixture of airflow A and air B, represented by airflow C, to escape the treatingchamber 32 when the vent is in an open position. Thus, the air B in the treating chamber can decrease in humidity as thebasket 30 is rotated. - The control system can further include a
user interface 24 that is operably coupled with thecontroller 70. Theuser interface 24 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. - The
controller 70 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of thewashing machine 10. For example, thecontroller 70 can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for thecontroller 70. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to implement the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID), can be used to control the various components of thewashing machine 10. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thecontroller 70 can be provided with amemory 72 and a central processing unit (CPU) 74. Thememory 72 can be used for storing the control software that can be executed by theCPU 74 in completing a cycle of operation using thewashing machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of treating cycles of operation include: wash, heavy-duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, timed wash, and dry refresh, which can be selected at theuser interface 24. Thememory 72 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of thewashing machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with thecontroller 70. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input. - The
controller 70 can be operably coupled with one or more components of thewashing machine 10 for communicating with and/or controlling the operation of the components to complete a cycle of operation. For example, thecontroller 70 can be coupled with thehot water valve 48, thecold water valve 50,diverter valve 55, and thedetergent dispenser 54 for controlling the temperature and flow rate of treating liquid into the treatingchamber 32; thepump 62 for controlling the amount of treating liquid in the treatingchamber 32 orsump 60;drive system 40 including amotor 41 for controlling the direction and speed of rotation of thebasket 30 and/or the clothes mover 38; and theuser interface 24 for receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user. Thecontroller 70 can also receive input from atemperature sensor 76, such as a thermistor, which can detect the temperature of the treating liquid in the treatingchamber 32 and/or the temperature of the treating liquid being supplied to the treatingchamber 32. Thecontroller 70 can also receive input from variousadditional sensors 78, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples ofadditional sensors 78 that can be communicably coupled with thecontroller 70 include: a humidity sensor, a lid position sensor, a vent position sensor, a weight sensor, and a motor torque sensor. - The
controller 70 can include an algorithm configured to determine when to implement a dry refresh cycle upon receiving input from a sensor, or after a predetermined time has been reached, and after a cycle of operation has been completed and a laundry load remains within the treatingchamber 32. For example, thecontroller 70 can determine if a dry refresh cycle should be implemented, which can include only implementing the dry refresh cycle in the determination that thelid 28 has not been opened since the last cycle of operation was completed. Furthermore, once a determination has been made that thelid 28 has been opened since the last cycle of operation was completed, thecontroller 70 can discontinue determining if a dry refresh cycle should be implemented. - Receiving input from a sensor can include determining a humidity, for example the humidity of air B within the
basket 30, or a remaining moisture content (RMC) of a load of laundry. In the event that the humidity or RMC is determined to be greater than a predetermined threshold, thecontroller 70 can implement a dry refresh cycle. Alternatively, thecontroller 70 can implement a dry refresh cycle after a predetermined time has been reached since the last cycle of operation was completed. A predetermined time can include any form of predetermined timing, which can include the occurrence of a single time, or predetermined intervals. - Predetermined intervals can be fixed intervals, or variable intervals. For example, a fixed interval can include implementing a dry refresh cycle every 20 minutes after completion of a cycle of operation. A variable interval can include predetermined times occurring at a higher frequency and gradually decreasing the frequency of the predetermined times, such as implementing a
dry refresh cycle 20 minutes after completion of a cycle of operation, again 30 minutes later, and again 40 minutes later. -
FIG. 3 shows in greater detail thelid 28 including thevent 29 illustrated as a plurality of small holes along an upper to edge 28 a of thelid 28. While thevent 29 is shown as a plurality of holes, it is also possible for thevent 29 to be formed as any other suitable configuration for an aperture, such as, but not limited to a slit of any shape or a single hole. Additionally, thevent 29 can be located at any other suitable location, such as, but not limited to a side edge of thelid 28 b, a bottom edge of thelid 28 c, or portions of thecabinet 14 such as the top of thecabinet 14. -
FIG. 4 shows an alternative implementation in the context of a horizontal axislaundry treating appliance 110, which has many similar parts to the implementation ofFIGS. 1 and 3 , and uses the same controller as inFIG. 2 . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100. Only an overview of the horizontal axis implementation ofFIG. 4 is described, with it being understood that all aspects of the description ofFIGS. 1-3 are applicable toFIG. 4 , with the only difference being a horizontal axis implementation as compared to a vertical axis implementation ofFIGS. 1 and 3 . - The
laundry treating appliance 110 has a cabinet 114 with an access opening selectively closed by a front-openingdoor 128. Avent 129 is located in the front-openingdoor 128, but could be located in the front of the cabinet, such as above thedoor 128. Either or both a bottom 115 or a rear 117 of the cabinet can be open or at least partially open. - A
tub 112 is located within the cabinet 114. Adrum 130 is located within the tub. Amotor 141 is mounted to the tub and is operably coupled to thedrum 130, such that rotation of themotor 141 effects a rotation of thedrum 130. - As with the vertical axis implementation, the horizontal axis implementation of
FIG. 4 can be carried out by thecontroller 70 determining that a humidity level is such that thevent 129 is opened and thedrum 130 is rotated to draw air in through either or both the open bottom 115 or open rear 117, into therotating drum 130, and out through thevent 129. The manner in which thecontroller 70 determines when to effect the rotation of the drum is that same as previously described. - For purposes of the description, it should be noted that the
basket 30 anddrum 130 are functionally the same element in the different implementations. Unless expressly noted otherwise, the use of one term, basket or drum, means both. Similarly, theterms lid 28 anddoor 128 are functionally the same element in the different implementations, and, unless expressly noted otherwise, the use of one term, lid or door, means both. - It should further be noted that the implementation of the ventilating can be enabled with a remote device, such as a cellular phone or tablet, especially when the appliance is wirelessly-enabled, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
- The aspects of the disclosure described herein can be used to ventilate a washing machine for reducing buildup of odor such that a user does not need to run a refresh washing cycle or similar upon leaving a laundry load in the washing machine for extended periods of time. The ventilation system can reduce humidity within the treating chamber to prevent the formation of odor and can also accelerate the drying time of the load.
- To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.
- While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/135,561 US20190218701A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2018-09-19 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
US17/072,459 US20210032794A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2020-10-16 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201862616576P | 2018-01-12 | 2018-01-12 | |
US16/135,561 US20190218701A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2018-09-19 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
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US17/072,459 Continuation US20210032794A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2020-10-16 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
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US20190218701A1 true US20190218701A1 (en) | 2019-07-18 |
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Family Applications (2)
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US16/135,561 Abandoned US20190218701A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2018-09-19 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
US17/072,459 Pending US20210032794A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2020-10-16 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
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US17/072,459 Pending US20210032794A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2020-10-16 | Laundry treating appliance with vent |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2021189768A1 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2021-09-30 | 南京英维尔科技服务有限公司 | Self-cleaning washing machine |
US11913160B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2024-02-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Controlled moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance |
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US5050313A (en) * | 1987-10-20 | 1991-09-24 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Dryer and method for controlling the operation thereof |
US20080295696A1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2008-12-04 | Young-Jong Kim | Washing machine having dehumidifying apparatus and dehumidifying method thereof |
US20100115790A1 (en) * | 2007-05-21 | 2010-05-13 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Electric Household Appliance |
US8984692B2 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2015-03-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Active moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance |
US20150191863A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-07-09 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washer dryer and method for controlling the same |
Family Cites Families (1)
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US9109317B2 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2015-08-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Controlled moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance |
-
2018
- 2018-09-19 US US16/135,561 patent/US20190218701A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-10-16 US US17/072,459 patent/US20210032794A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
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US5050313A (en) * | 1987-10-20 | 1991-09-24 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Dryer and method for controlling the operation thereof |
US20100115790A1 (en) * | 2007-05-21 | 2010-05-13 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Electric Household Appliance |
US20080295696A1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2008-12-04 | Young-Jong Kim | Washing machine having dehumidifying apparatus and dehumidifying method thereof |
US8984692B2 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2015-03-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Active moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance |
US20150191863A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-07-09 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washer dryer and method for controlling the same |
Cited By (4)
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US11913160B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2024-02-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Controlled moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance |
WO2021189768A1 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2021-09-30 | 南京英维尔科技服务有限公司 | Self-cleaning washing machine |
GB2594212A (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2021-10-20 | Nanjing Enwell Tech Service Co Ltd | Self-cleaning washing machine |
GB2594212B (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-06-01 | Nanjing Enwell Tech Service Co Ltd | Self-cleaning washing machine |
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US20210032794A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
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