US20190382942A1 - Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features - Google Patents
Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190382942A1 US20190382942A1 US16/006,977 US201816006977A US2019382942A1 US 20190382942 A1 US20190382942 A1 US 20190382942A1 US 201816006977 A US201816006977 A US 201816006977A US 2019382942 A1 US2019382942 A1 US 2019382942A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- textured
- panel
- washing machine
- agitation
- machine appliance
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
- D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers
-
- 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
- D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
-
- 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
-
- 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
- D06F3/00—Hand rubbing apparatus
-
- 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
Abstract
A washing machine appliance having pre-treatment features is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub to rotate about a rotation axis, a textured agitation panel, and a wash fluid dispenser. The textured agitation panel may extend from the cabinet toward the tub. The textured agitation panel may include an upper surface defining a plurality of elevated ridges. The wash fluid dispenser may be directed at the upper surface of the textured agitation panel. The wash fluid dispenser may be mounted thereabove along a vertical direction. The wash fluid dispenser may define a fluid outlet upstream from the textured agitation panel. The wash fluid dispenser may further define a mixing chamber upstream from the fluid outlet and downstream from a water source to receive a wash additive therein.
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to pre-treatment features for washing machine appliances.
- Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, 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 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, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.
- In certain situations, a user may wish to treat certain laundry articles before or after washing them in the washing machine appliance. For instance, a user may wish to spot treat a stain on a laundry article. In many conventional washing machine appliances, there is not an adequate surface or component on which to perform pretreat activities. In order to pretreat (e.g., stains) on such articles, users have had to transport the articles to another location away from the washing machine appliance, such as to a kitchen sink, or have had to use a separate spot treating device to treat their laundry articles. However, transporting the soiled laundry articles to a different location or using a separate spot treating device to spot treat articles may be an inconvenience to users. Moreover, it is likely that any feature or surface used to treat an article will need to be separately cleaned later (e.g., to prevent stains or mildew from accumulating on the feature or surface).
- Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that includes spot treating features that address one or more of the noted challenges would be desirable. In particular, it would be advantageous if a spot treating feature was easily and regularly cleaned in the regular course of use.
- Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a textured agitation panel, and a wash fluid dispenser. The textured agitation panel may extend from the cabinet toward the tub. The wash fluid dispenser may be directed at the textured agitation panel. The wash fluid dispenser may be mounted thereabove along the vertical direction to flow wash fluid across the textured agitation panel.
- In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub to rotate about a rotation axis, a textured agitation panel, and a wash fluid dispenser. The textured agitation panel may extend from the cabinet toward the tub. The textured agitation panel may include an upper surface defining a plurality of elevated ridges. The wash fluid dispenser may be directed at the upper surface of the textured agitation panel. The wash fluid dispenser may be mounted thereabove along a vertical direction. The wash fluid dispenser may define a fluid outlet upstream from the textured agitation panel. The wash fluid dispenser may further define a mixing chamber upstream from the fluid outlet and downstream from a water source to receive a wash additive therein.
- 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.
- 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 exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with a door of the washing machine appliance shown in a closed position. -
FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance ofFIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position. -
FIG. 3 provides a front, perspective view of a fluid dispenser within a washing machine appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary fluid dispenser ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 provides a top, perspective view of a portion of a washing machine appliance, including a textured agitation panel, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6A provides a magnified perspective of an upper surface of the textured agitation panel at the region 6-6 ofFIG. 5 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6B provides a magnified perspective of an upper surface of the textured agitation panel at the region 6-6 ofFIG. 5 according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional, side schematic view of an upper portion of a washing machine appliance according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional, side schematic view of an upper portion of a washing machine appliance according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 provides a front, perspective view of a portion of a fluid dispenser according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 provides a top, perspective view of a portion of a washing machine appliance, including a textured agitation panel, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. - 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.
- It is noted that, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.
- Turning now to the figures,
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100. InFIG. 1 , a lid ordoor 130 is shown in a closed position. InFIG. 2 ,door 130 is shown in an open position.Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. - 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 axiswashing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well. - As shown,
washing machine appliance 100 has acabinet 102 that extends between atop portion 103 and abottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2 ) is rotatably mounted withincabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication withwash basket 120 to selectively rotatewash basket 120 about a rotation axis A (FIG. 7 ) (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In some embodiments, the rotation axis A is parallel to the vertical direction. Washbasket 120 is received within a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2 ) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. Thewash tub 121 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation inwash basket 120 withinwash tub 121. An agitator or impeller (not shown) may extend intowash basket 120 and may also be in mechanical communication with the motor. In some such embodiments, the impeller assists agitation of articles disposed withinwash basket 120 during operation ofwashing machine appliance 100. - In some embodiments,
cabinet 102 ofwashing machine appliance 100 has atop panel 140.Top panel 140 defines anopening 105 that permits user access to washbasket 120 ofwash tub 121.Door 130, rotatably mounted totop panel 140, permits selective access toopening 105; in particular,door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown inFIG. 1 and the open position shown inFIG. 2 . In the closed position,door 130 inhibits or otherwise restricts access to washbasket 120. Conversely, in the open position, a user is permitted access washbasket 120 through theopening 105 oftop panel 140. In optional embodiments, awindow 136 indoor 130 permits viewing ofwash basket 120 whendoor 130 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100).Door 130 may also include ahandle 132 that, for instance, a user may pull or lift when opening and closingdoor 130. Further, althoughdoor 130 is illustrated as mounted totop panel 140, alternatively,door 130 may be mounted tocabinet 102 or any other suitable support. - In certain embodiments, a
control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1 ) extends fromtop panel 140.Control panel 110 andinput selector 112 collectively may form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. Adisplay 114 ofcontrol panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. - In exemplary embodiments, operation of
washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller orprocessing device 108 that is operatively coupled to controlpanel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation ofcontrol panel 110,controller 108 operates the various components ofwashing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. -
Controller 108 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive media) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively,controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog 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 110 and other components ofwashing machine appliance 100 may be in communication withcontroller 108 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. - During operation of
washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded intowash basket 120 throughopening 105, and a washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation ofinput selectors 112. Washbasket 120 is filled with a volume of liquid, such as water and detergent or other fluid additives, viafluid dispenser 200. One or more valves can be controlled bywashing machine appliance 100 to provide for fillingwash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example for certain wash modes or operations, once washbasket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents ofwash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items inwash basket 120. - After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash
basket 120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid (e.g., water) to washbasket 120 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle or washing operation selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation withinwash basket 120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, washbasket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed inwash basket 120 are cleaned or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120 (e.g., by reaching intowash basket 120 through opening 105). - Referring now generally to
FIGS. 2 through 4 ,fluid dispenser 200 will be described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers tofluid dispenser 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other fluid dispensers in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, fluid dispenser 200 (e.g., an additional or alternative fluid dispenser 200) may be positioned elsewhere oncabinet 102, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . Additionally or alternatively,fluid dispenser 200 may have a different shape or chamber configuration and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. - In particular, although illustrated at a
rear portion 142 oftop panel 140, it is understood that additional or alternative embodiments may include afluid dispenser 200 at one or more other locations above thetub 121. As an example, afluid dispenser 200 for directing wash fluid (e.g., water or wash additive) totub 121 may be positioned at afront portion 144 of top panel 140 (e.g., opposite from theopening 105 and a hinge thedoor 130 along the transverse direction T). As another example, afluid dispenser 200 for directing wash fluid (e.g., water or wash additives) totub 121 may be positioned at a side portion oftop panel 140 may be positioned at afirst side portion 146 or asecond side portion 148 of top panel 140 (e.g., a lateral end of the opening 105). - As shown,
fluid dispenser 200 may be a box or enclosure (e.g., having a substantially rectangular cross-section) that defines a top 202 and a bottom 204 spaced apart along the vertical direction V.Fluid dispenser 200 may also define afront side 206 and aback side 208 spaced apart along the transverse direction T (FIG. 2 ). As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ,fluid dispenser 200 may be mounted underneathtop panel 140 ofcabinet 102 such thatfront side 206 is visibleinside opening 105. More specifically,fluid dispenser 200 may be mounted totop panel 140 using a plurality of mountingfeatures 210 that may, for example, be configured to receive mechanical fasteners. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatfluid dispenser 200 may be mounted in other locations and use other mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments. -
Fluid dispenser 200 may define amixing chamber 220 configured to receive one or more additive compartments. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, mixingchamber 220 may be configured to slidably receive adetergent compartment 222 and asoftener compartment 224.Compartments chamber 220 usingslides 226 and are connected to afront panel 228 offluid dispenser 200. In this manner, a user may pull onfront panel 228 to slidecompartments detergent compartment 222 andsoftener compartment 224 may be conveniently filled with detergent and softener, respectively.Front panel 228 may be then be pushed back into mixingchamber 220 before a wash cycle begins. - Although the illustrated embodiment shows
detergent compartment 222 andsoftener compartment 224 slidably received in mixingchamber 220 for receiving wash additives, one skilled in the art will appreciate that different configurations are possible in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, more compartments may be used and the compartments may be accessed by a lid instead of sliding out of mixingchamber 220. Alternatively, mixingchamber 220 may draw wash additives from a separate storage container such that slidingcompartments chamber 220 andcompartments - In some embodiments,
fluid dispenser 200 further includes a plurality of valves configured to supply hot and cold water to mixingchamber 220 or directly to washtub 121. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures may be defined ontop 202 of mixingchamber 220 for receiving water. Each aperture may be in fluid communication with a different portion of the mixingchamber 220. A plurality of valve seats may be positioned over top of each of those apertures to receive a valve that controls the flow of water through each aperture. - For example, a
first valve seat 234 may be in fluid communication with a first aperture for providing hot water intodetergent compartment 222. Asecond valve seat 236 may be in fluid communication with a second aperture for providing cold water intodetergent compartment 222. Athird valve seat 238 may be in fluid communication with a third aperture for providing cold water intosoftener compartment 224. Afourth valve seat 240 may be in fluid communication with a fourth aperture for providing cold water into mixingchamber 220 or directly intowash tub 121. - Water inlets may be placed in fluid communication with each of
valve seats hot water inlet 244 may be connected to a hot water supply line and acold water inlet 246 may be connected to a cold water supply line. According to the illustrated embodiments, eachwater inlet water inlets water inlets - Notably,
hot water inlet 244 is in direct fluid communication withfirst valve seat 234. However, becausewashing machine appliance 100 uses cold water for multiple purposes, cold water inlet is in fluid communication with acold water manifold 248.Cold water manifold 248 may be a cylindrical pipe that extends along the lateral direction fromsecond valve seat 236 tofourth valve seat 240. In this manner,cold water manifold 248places valve seats cold water inlet 246. - Each of
valve seats water valve 252 for controlling the flow of water through a corresponding aperture into mixingchamber 220.Water valve 252 may be, for example, a solenoid valve that is electrically connected tocontroller 108. However, any other suitable water valve may be used to control the flow of water.Controller 108 may selectively open andclose water valves 252 to allow water to flow fromhot water inlet 244 throughfirst valve seat 234 and fromcold water manifold 248 through one or more ofsecond valve seat 236,third valve seat 238, andfourth valve seat 240. -
Fluid dispenser 200 may further include one or more nozzles for directing wash fluid, such as water or a mixture of water and at least one fluid additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, or bleach) intowash tub 121 fromfluid dispenser 200. For example, whensecond valve seat 236 is open, water may flow fromcold water inlet 246 throughcold water manifold 248 andsecond valve seat 236 intodetergent compartment 222. Water may mix with detergent placed indetergent compartment 222 to create wash liquid to be dispensed intowash tub 121. - In certain embodiments, nozzle or
fluid outlet 254 positioned on the bottom ofdetergent compartment 222 or on the bottom of mixingchamber 220 to dispense the wash fluid intowash tub 121. In some embodiments,fluid dispenser 200 includes four nozzles associated withvalves seats chamber 220near wash tub 121 or directly onwash tub 121. It is understood that nozzles could be positioned in other locations as well. - As discussed herein, in some situations, a user may wish to cause the flow of water separate from the flows associated with typical wash cycles. For example, a user may wish to obtain water for use when pretreating articles in a wash basin, as discussed herein. The user may thus utilize a
suitable input selector 112 or other dedicated input to cause water to be flowed on-demand and independently of the typical wash cycles of thewashing machine appliance 100. - Turning now to
FIGS. 5 through 10 , various views are provided of afluid dispenser 200 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. - As shown, a
textured agitation panel 256 generally extends from thecabinet 102 toward thetub 121. For instance,textured agitation panel 256 may be positioned betweentop panel 140 andtub 121.Textured agitation panel 256 may be positioned at a predetermined location about theopening 105. When assembled,textured agitation panel 256 may be located below or directly beneath the footprint of thedoor 130 in the closed position. A user may thus access textured agitation panel 256 (e.g., when thedoor 130 is in the open position). -
Textured agitation panel 256 includes asubstrate 258 and anupper surface 260. As shown,upper surface 260 generally faces a region above opening 105 or the region defined bywash basket 120. The user may thus view and accessupper surface 260 when thedoor 130 is in the open position. In some embodiments,substrate 258 andupper surface 260 are mounted at a fixed position withincabinet 102. However, alternative embodiments may include a hinge or slide (not pictured) to permit selective movement oftextured agitation panel 256 between a scrub position (seeFIGS. 5 through 10 ) whereintextured agitation panel 256 generally descends towardtub 121 and a recessed position whereintextured agitation panel 256 is pivoted or lifted upward (e.g., towardtop panel 140 and away from opening 105). Thus, in the recessed position, the user may be restricted from using theupper surface 260 of thetextured agitation panel 256 and articles withinwash basket 120 will be prevented from hitting or scrapingtextured agitation panel 256. - In some embodiments, one or more
elevated ridges 262 are defined atupper surface 260. For instance, a plurality ofelevated ridges 262 may be integrally formed (e.g., as a unitary monolithic member) onsubstrate 258. Additionally or alternatively, a separable panel fixed to substrate 258 (e.g., via one or more suitable adhesives or mechanical fasteners) may define theelevated ridges 262. - When assembled,
elevated ridges 262 may extend fromsubstrate 258 or the remaining portion ofupper surface 260 such that a user may scrub clothing more articles across the elevated ridges 262 (e.g., for the removal of stains from such articles). Optionally, theelevated ridges 262 may extend to a suitable height or distance (e.g., from the remaining portion of upper surface 260) between 0.1 inch and 0.5 inch. Moreover, theelevated ridges 262 may be formed to any suitable shape or design. As an example, and as illustrated inFIG. 6A , eachridge 262 may be formed as anisolated protrusion 264.Multiple protrusions 264 may be formed in, for instance, parallel wave pattern. As another example, and as illustrated inFIG. 6B , eachridge 262 may be formed as acorrugated crest 266, defining separate channels betweenadjacent ridges 262. - Turning especially to
FIGS. 5 and 7 , in exemplary embodiments,textured agitation panel 256 extends from (e.g., directly from) a portion ofcabinet 102. For instance,textured agitation panel 256 may extend toward tub 121 (e.g., relative to the vertical direction V) fromtop panel 140. As shown, at least a portion of textured agitation panel 256 (e.g., upper surface 260) may extend at or otherwise define an angle θ relative to the vertical direction V. Furthermore,textured agitation panel 256 may pass beneath opening 105 and generally extend radially inward (e.g., toward the rotation axis A of basket 120). - In some embodiments,
textured agitation panel 256, includingsubstrate 258, is attached or fixed totop panel 140 directly. As an example,textured agitation panel 256 may be integrally formed (e.g., as a unitary monolithic unit) withtop panel 140. As another example,textured agitation panel 256 may be directly attached totop panel 140 by one or more suitable adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively,textured agitation panel 256 may be indirectly attached totop panel 140 through one or more intermediate members mounted withincabinet 102 betweentop panel 140 andtub 121. - When assembled,
fluid dispenser 200 is positioned above (e.g., directly above) at least a portion oftextured agitation panel 256. In particular,fluid dispenser 200 is mounted aboveupper surface 260. Afluid outlet 254 offluid dispenser 200 may be directed towardupper surface 260. Water or wash fluid dispensed fromfluid outlet 254 flows along the path defined byupper surface 260. In other words,fluid outlet 254 is positioned upstream fromupper surface 260. As described above,fluid dispenser 200, includingfluid outlet 254, is provided downstream from one or more fluid sources, such aswater source 268 or a mixingchamber 220. During use,fluid dispenser 200 may thus selectively flow one or more fluids acrosstextured agitation panel 256. In particular wash fluids may flow overupper surface 260 and across the elevated ridges 262 (FIGS. 6A and 6B ) before flowing to thetub 121 or washbasket 120. Advantageously, the wash fluid flowing overtextured agitation panel 256 may be utilized when scrubbing articles thereon and, for example, further assist in the removal of stains. Moreover, the wash fluid may regularly cleantextured agitation panel 256, preventing stains, mold, or mildew from accumulating ontextured agitation panel 256. - Turning now to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , in some embodiments,textured agitation panel 256 extends from the portion offluid dispenser 200. For instance,textured agitation panel 256 may extend toward tub 121 (e.g., relative to the vertical direction V) from the front side offluid dispenser 200. In some such embodiments,textured agitation panel 256, includingsubstrate 258, is attached or fixed tofluid dispenser 200 directly. Optionally,textured agitation panel 256 may be integrally formed with the box or body offluid dispenser 200. As shown, at least a portion of textured agitation panel 256 (e.g., upper surface 260) may extend at an angle θ relative to the vertical direction V.Textured agitation panel 256 may pass beneath opening 105 and generally extend radially inward (e.g., toward the rotation axis A of basket 120). - When assembled,
fluid outlet 254 is positioned above (e.g., directly above) at least a portion oftextured agitation panel 256. In particular,fluid outlet 254 offluid dispenser 200 may be directed towardupper surface 260. In other words,fluid outlet 254 is positioned upstream fromupper surface 260. As described above,fluid dispenser 200, includingfluid outlet 254, is provided downstream from one or more fluid sources, such aswater source 268 or a mixingchamber 220. During use,fluid dispenser 200 may thus selectively flow one or more wash fluids acrosstextured agitation panel 256. In particular wash fluids may flow overupper surface 260 and across the elevated ridges 262 (FIGS. 6A and 6B ) before flowing to thetub 121 or washbasket 120. Advantageously, the wash fluid flowing overtextured agitation panel 256 may be utilized when scrubbing articles thereon and, for example, further assist in the removal of stains. Moreover, the wash fluid may regularly cleantextured agitation panel 256, preventing mold or mildew from accumulating ontextured agitation panel 256. - Turning briefly to
FIG. 10 , althoughFIGS. 8 and 9 illustratetextured agitation panel 256 as extending at an angle relative to the vertical direction V, in alternative embodiments,textured agitation panel 256 is positioned parallel to the vertical direction V (FIG. 7 ). At least a portion of the wash fluid fromfluid dispenser 200 may thus flow along the vertical direction V and across theupper surface 260 oftextured agitation panel 256 before flowing to thebasket 120 ortub 121. - 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 (19)
1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising:
a cabinet comprising a top panel, the top panel defining an opening;
a tub positioned within the cabinet;
a textured agitation panel extending from the cabinet toward the tub; and
a wash fluid dispenser directed at the textured agitation panel and mounted thereabove along the vertical direction to flow wash fluid across the textured agitation panel.
2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the textured agitation panel comprises an integral upper surface defining a plurality of elevated ridges.
3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the textured agitation panel extends from the top panel.
4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the textured agitation panel extends from the wash fluid dispenser.
5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , further comprising a basket mounted with the tub to rotate about a rotation axis, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned along a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical direction toward the rotation axis.
6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned parallel to the vertical direction.
7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the wash fluid dispenser defines
a fluid outlet upstream from the textured agitation panel, and
a mixing chamber upstream from the fluid outlet and downstream from a water source to receive a wash additive therein.
8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the top panel extends along the transverse direction between a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at the rear portion of the top panel.
9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the top panel extends along the transverse direction between a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at the front portion of the top panel.
10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1 , wherein the top panel extends along the lateral direction between a first side portion and a second side portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at one of the first side portion or the second side portion of the top panel.
11. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising:
a cabinet comprising a top panel, the top panel defining an opening;
a tub positioned within the cabinet;
a basket rotatably mounted within the tub to rotate about a rotation axis;
a textured agitation panel extending from the cabinet toward the tub, the textured agitation panel comprising an upper surface defining a plurality of elevated ridges; and
a wash fluid dispenser directed at the upper surface of the textured agitation panel and mounted thereabove along the vertical direction, the wash fluid dispenser defining a fluid outlet upstream from the textured agitation panel, the wash fluid dispenser further defining a mixing chamber upstream from the fluid outlet and downstream from a water source to receive a wash additive therein.
12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of elevated ridges is integrally-formed on the upper surface.
13. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the textured agitation panel extends from the top panel.
14. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the textured agitation panel extends from the wash fluid dispenser.
15. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , further comprising a basket mounted with the tub to rotate about a rotation axis, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned along a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical direction toward the rotation axis.
16. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned parallel to the vertical direction.
17. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the top panel extends along the transverse direction between a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at the rear portion of the top panel.
18. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the top panel extends along the transverse direction between a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at the front portion of the top panel.
19. The washing machine appliance of claim 11 , wherein the top panel extends along the lateral direction between a first side portion and a second side portion, and wherein the textured agitation panel is positioned at one of the first side portion or the second side portion of the top panel.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/006,977 US20190382942A1 (en) | 2018-06-13 | 2018-06-13 | Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/006,977 US20190382942A1 (en) | 2018-06-13 | 2018-06-13 | Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190382942A1 true US20190382942A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
Family
ID=68840671
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/006,977 Abandoned US20190382942A1 (en) | 2018-06-13 | 2018-06-13 | Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190382942A1 (en) |
Citations (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US15711A (en) * | 1856-09-09 | Washing-machine | ||
US94501A (en) * | 1869-09-07 | Improved wash-tub | ||
US101301A (en) * | 1870-03-29 | Improved washing-machine | ||
US117154A (en) * | 1871-07-18 | Improvement in wash-tubs | ||
US1152552A (en) * | 1914-10-22 | 1915-09-07 | George I Pettengill | Attachment for sinks, washtubs, and the like. |
US1209555A (en) * | 1914-05-29 | 1916-12-19 | Millie Jean Carlson | Washtub. |
US1373980A (en) * | 1920-03-03 | 1921-04-05 | Shults Maude | Laundry-tub |
US1814698A (en) * | 1930-06-05 | 1931-07-14 | Marie W Huber | Combination laundry tray and washboard |
US2120157A (en) * | 1937-08-25 | 1938-06-07 | Clarence J Goodwillie | Wash tub and board combination |
US3026699A (en) * | 1961-01-06 | 1962-03-27 | Gen Electric | Washing machine |
US3209560A (en) * | 1963-12-23 | 1965-10-05 | Gen Electric | Washing machine with means for pretreating clothes |
US3309903A (en) * | 1966-02-07 | 1967-03-21 | Shirley A Despins | Diaper washing board |
US3490254A (en) * | 1968-05-28 | 1970-01-20 | Whirlpool Co | Laundry appliance having scrubber means |
US5074131A (en) * | 1989-03-27 | 1991-12-24 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Dryer and washing/drying machine |
US5253493A (en) * | 1992-02-18 | 1993-10-19 | Shigeo Ohashi | Washing machine having a sink |
US20020134117A1 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2002-09-26 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Washer having a partial washing apparatus, and washing apparatus |
US20050072194A1 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2005-04-07 | Hideyuki Ryohke | Washing machine |
US7296443B2 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2007-11-20 | Haier America Trading, Llc | Top-load sink/laundry combo |
US20150247276A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2015-09-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and washing water supply device |
US20150252508A1 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2015-09-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine having a manual washing unit |
US20150275413A1 (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2015-10-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20150299927A1 (en) * | 2014-03-07 | 2015-10-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
US20150337480A1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2015-11-26 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
USD762931S1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-08-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washboard for washing machine |
US20160265152A1 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20160289884A1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2016-10-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and method of controlling the same |
US20170167069A1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2017-06-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Water supply device and washing machine having the same |
US20180216281A1 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2018-08-02 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Washing machine appliances with rotatable pretreat boards |
US20180266032A1 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Washing machine appliances with a pretreat cover |
US20180363192A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2018-12-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20190010657A1 (en) * | 2015-08-13 | 2019-01-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd | Washing machine |
-
2018
- 2018-06-13 US US16/006,977 patent/US20190382942A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (33)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US15711A (en) * | 1856-09-09 | Washing-machine | ||
US94501A (en) * | 1869-09-07 | Improved wash-tub | ||
US101301A (en) * | 1870-03-29 | Improved washing-machine | ||
US117154A (en) * | 1871-07-18 | Improvement in wash-tubs | ||
US1209555A (en) * | 1914-05-29 | 1916-12-19 | Millie Jean Carlson | Washtub. |
US1152552A (en) * | 1914-10-22 | 1915-09-07 | George I Pettengill | Attachment for sinks, washtubs, and the like. |
US1373980A (en) * | 1920-03-03 | 1921-04-05 | Shults Maude | Laundry-tub |
US1814698A (en) * | 1930-06-05 | 1931-07-14 | Marie W Huber | Combination laundry tray and washboard |
US2120157A (en) * | 1937-08-25 | 1938-06-07 | Clarence J Goodwillie | Wash tub and board combination |
US3026699A (en) * | 1961-01-06 | 1962-03-27 | Gen Electric | Washing machine |
US3209560A (en) * | 1963-12-23 | 1965-10-05 | Gen Electric | Washing machine with means for pretreating clothes |
US3309903A (en) * | 1966-02-07 | 1967-03-21 | Shirley A Despins | Diaper washing board |
US3490254A (en) * | 1968-05-28 | 1970-01-20 | Whirlpool Co | Laundry appliance having scrubber means |
US5074131A (en) * | 1989-03-27 | 1991-12-24 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Dryer and washing/drying machine |
US5253493A (en) * | 1992-02-18 | 1993-10-19 | Shigeo Ohashi | Washing machine having a sink |
US20020134117A1 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2002-09-26 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Washer having a partial washing apparatus, and washing apparatus |
US20050072194A1 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2005-04-07 | Hideyuki Ryohke | Washing machine |
US7313932B2 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2008-01-01 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Washing machine |
US7296443B2 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2007-11-20 | Haier America Trading, Llc | Top-load sink/laundry combo |
US20150247276A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2015-09-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and washing water supply device |
US20150247274A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2015-09-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and washing water supply device |
US20150252508A1 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2015-09-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine having a manual washing unit |
US20150275413A1 (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2015-10-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20150299927A1 (en) * | 2014-03-07 | 2015-10-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
US20150337480A1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2015-11-26 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
USD762931S1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-08-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washboard for washing machine |
US20160265152A1 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20160289884A1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2016-10-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and method of controlling the same |
US20190010657A1 (en) * | 2015-08-13 | 2019-01-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd | Washing machine |
US20180363192A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2018-12-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20170167069A1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2017-06-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Water supply device and washing machine having the same |
US20180216281A1 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2018-08-02 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Washing machine appliances with rotatable pretreat boards |
US20180266032A1 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Washing machine appliances with a pretreat cover |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9644308B2 (en) | Nozzle formed in a dispensing apparatus | |
US10676856B2 (en) | Door assembly for a washing machine appliance | |
US9027370B2 (en) | Fluid additive dispenser | |
US10132022B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance with a Venturi pump | |
US20170298563A1 (en) | Laundry Additive Dispenser | |
US20150345069A1 (en) | Dispensing apparatus with labyrinth seal | |
US10011941B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance with a bulk dispense reservoir | |
US20160090681A1 (en) | Washing machine dispenser cup | |
US20170298560A1 (en) | Washing Machine Appliance with On Demand Fluid Additive | |
US20170292217A1 (en) | Laundry Additive Dispenser | |
US20170306552A1 (en) | Washing Machine Appliance with on Demand Fluids | |
US9879371B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance with an integrated water-on-demand feature | |
US10435834B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance with a bulk dispense reservoir having an integral bleach cup | |
US20180216281A1 (en) | Washing machine appliances with rotatable pretreat boards | |
US20170204552A1 (en) | Dispenser Box with Integral Water Inlet | |
US20170298562A1 (en) | Washing Machine Appliance with a Fluid Additive Receptacle | |
US10988889B2 (en) | Additive dispenser for dissolving an additive pod within a washing appliance | |
US10422067B2 (en) | Washing machine appliances with a pretreat cover | |
US10344419B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance and additive dispensing assembly | |
US11203832B2 (en) | Washing machine appliance and additive dispensing assembly | |
US20190382942A1 (en) | Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features | |
US10280548B2 (en) | Washing machine appliances with removable wash basins | |
US11280041B2 (en) | Additive dispenser for varying the types of additives within a washing machine appliance | |
US9103062B2 (en) | Appliance with features for preventing additive drying | |
US20200131684A1 (en) | Washing machine appliances having pre-treatment agitation features |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROETKER, JOHN JOSEPH;REEL/FRAME:046067/0094 Effective date: 20180606 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |