Control for and automatic washer with spray pretreatment

• US 20010049947A1
• Filed: 07/05/2001
• Published: 12/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Carl Aldrin, John W. Euler, Kenneth N. Whah, Robert J. Pinkowski
• Original Assignee: John Carl Aldrin, John W. Euler, Kenneth N. Whah, Robert J. Pinkowski
• Inventors: Pinkowski, Robert J., Whah, Kenneth N., Euler, John W., Aldrin, John Carl
• Granted Patent: US 6,584,811 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/12.02
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/06 Arrangements for preventing or destroying scum

Abstract

This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Claims

1. A washing machine apparatus for washing a textile wash load having a wash tub for receiving a wash liquid within which there is a rotatable wash zone including a peripheral wall, a motor for rotating said peripheral wall and said wash load in said wash zone about a predetermined axis and a recirculating wash liquid apparatus for recirculating wash liquid from said wash tub to said wash load comprising:

A detection device for detecting the suds condition of said wash liquid and outputting a signal;

A control for receiving said signal and outputting predetermined commands for washing said fabric items,

Said control including a predetermined command for providing a pretreatment step for said wash load, all or a portion of said pretreatment step being alterable or terminable by said control upon said control receiving a signal indicating a existing or potential suds lock condition.

2. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a pressure detection device for determining the pressure level of the wash liquid within the recirculating wash liquid apparatus and signaling said control when pressure changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate suds lock.

3. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring the basket speed for determining the speed of the basket and signaling said control when said speed changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate suds lock.

4. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring basket acceleration after the basket is brought up to normal operating spin speed for determining the acceleration of the basket and signaling said control when said acceleration changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate suds lock.

5. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring clutch temperature for determining the temperature of the clutch and signaling said control when said clutch temperature changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate suds lock.

6. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a tachometer for determining the speed of the motor and signaling said control when said motor speed changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate suds lock.

7. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring either current or wattage for determining the current or wattage provided to the motor and signaling said control when said current or wattage changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate or predict suds lock.

8. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring either current or wattage for determining the current or wattage provided to the washing machine and signaling said control when said current or wattage changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate or predict suds lock.

9. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring motor torque for determining and signaling said control when said motor torque changes beyond one or more preset indicated values to indicate or predict suds lock.

10. A washing machine apparatus according to

claim 1

wherein said detection device comprises a device for measuring the level of suds within said washing machine and providing a signal to said control upon measuring a predetermined suds level.

11. A washing machine according to

claim 10

wherein said device is a conductivity strip.

12. A washing machine according to

claim 10

wherein said device is an ultrasonic emitting and detecting device.

13. A washing machine according to

claim 10

wherein said device is a light emitting and detecting device.

14. A washing machine apparatus for washing a textile wash load having a wash tub for receiving a wash liquid within which there is a rotatable wash zone including a peripheral wall, a motor for rotating said peripheral wall and said wash load in said wash zone about a predetermined axis and an apparatus for recirculating wash liquid from said wash tub to said wash load comprising:

a control for outputting predetermined commands for washing said fabric items, selectably controlling the on, off or on and off states of one or more inlet valves and receiving information about the on, off or on and off states of said valves;

said control including a predetermined command for providing a pretreatment step for said wash load,

said control being programmed to issue a command upon said control receiving one or more signals indicating that said inlet valves have been on, off or a combination of on and off a predetermined time indicating suds lock or an abnormal condition.

15. A washing machine according to

claim 14

wherein said issued command is a command to terminate a portion of said pretreatment step.

16. A washing machine according to

claim 14

wherein said issued command is a command to discontinue adding water to said washing machine.

17. A washing machine apparatus for washing a textile wash load having a wash tub for receiving a wash liquid within which there is a rotatable wash zone including a peripheral wall, a motor for rotating said peripheral wall and said wash load in said wash zone about a predetermined axis and a recirculating wash liquid apparatus for recirculating wash liquid from said wash tub to said wash load comprising:

A sensor located in said washing machine for detecting amounts of recirculating liquid and providing corresponding signals,

A control having a preprogrammed information processor for receiving said signals and consumer input and outputting predetermined commands comprising a cycle for washing said fabric items,

Said control having an initial cycle comprising addition of water and providing a combined spray and spin, said initial cycle having a portion for determining the size of the fabric load.

18. An automatic washer according to

claim 17

wherein said control determines the size of said fabric load based on information provided by said sensor.

19. An automatic washer according to

claim 18

wherein said sensor is a pressure sensor.

20. An automatic washer according to

claim 17

wherein said cycle is altered by said control using said fabric load information.

21. An automatic washer according to

claim 17

further including an inlet valve, wherein said control determines the size of said fabric load using information about the on, off or on and off state of the inlet valve.

22. An automatic washer according to

claim 17

wherein said cycle is altered by said control using said fabric load information, said control considering said consumer input.

23. An automatic washer according to

claim 21

wherein said cycle is altered by said control using said fabric load information, said control considering said consumer input.

24. An automatic washer according to

claim 17

further including one or more deep fill wash cycles following said initial cycle, said deep fill wash cycles including one or more periods of fabric load agitation, drain and spin, followed by one or more deep or spray rinse cycles including one or more periods of fabric load agitation, drain and spin, wherein said determined load size information is used by said control to affect one or more portions of said deep fill wash cycles or said deep fill or spray rinse cycles.

25. A washing machine comprising:

an imperforate wash tub, a wash basket positioned within said wash tub defining a wash zone, a fresh water inlet and a recirculation system comprising a collection zone for receiving wash liquid from said wash zone and being spaced below said wash basket, a pump having a suction inlet communicating via a first fluid conduit with said collection zone and a discharge outlet communicating with a recirculation nozzle via a second fluid conduit, said nozzle being positioned to direct wash fluid into said wash zone, a pressure dome located in fluid connection with said pump discharge outlet and having a pressure detection device for detecting the suds condition of said wash liquid by determining the pressure level of the wash liquid within the second fluid conduit and outputting a pressure detection signal and a control for receiving said pressure detection signal and outputting predetermined commands for washing fabric items.

26. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where in the case said pressure detection device detects a failure situation where the desired recirculation is not satisfied, said control providing a predetermined command for terminating all or a portion of the cycle.

27. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where in the case said pressure detection device detects a failure situation where suds lock exists, the control provides a predetermined command for terminating the pretreatment step.

28. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where said pressure detection device detects load size during the pretreatment cycle and said control provides a predetermined command to perform a predetermined series of steps.

29. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where said control detects load size based on detected inlet on, off or on and off time information.

30. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where said control prevents occurrence of suds lock based on detected inlet on, off or on and off time based on said pressure sensor signaling said control to add water.

31. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where said control determines the length of the pretreatment portion of the cycle based on the detected load size information.

32. A washing machine according to

claim 25

where said control controls cycle processes based on load size information either obtained from a user interface or measured during pretreatment cycle.

33. A washing machine apparatus for washing a textile wash load having a wash tub for receiving a wash liquid within which there is a rotatable wash zone including a peripheral wall, a motor for rotating said peripheral wall and said wash load in said wash zone about a generally vertical axis and an agitator or impeller for imparting energy to said wash load to cause rollover of said wash load comprising:

A control for receiving user input and outputting predetermined commands for washing said fabric items,

Said control including a predetermined command where upon selection of a predetermined high water level or detection of a large load, said control provides for a delayed deep fill wash including a first fill to a first predetermined level, soak, agitation or both of the load for a first period to assist rollover followed by a second fill within said wash tub to a higher water level.

34. A washing machine according to

claim 34

where said control performs said delayed deep fill wash upon consumer input to said control selecting a maximum water level.

35. A washing machine according to

claim 34

where said control performs said delayed deep fill wash upon consumer input to said control selecting a particular cycle.