Washer and dryer communication

• US 5,444,996 A
• Filed: 07/14/1994
• Issued: 08/29/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Original Assignee: White Consolidated Industries Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Inventors: Joslin, Daniel F., Ryherd, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/275,624
• Time in Patent Office: 411 Days
• Field of Search: 68/19.2, 68/20, 68/23 R, 68/12.04, 68/12.07, 68/12.15
• US Class Current: 68/12.04
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/02 Characteristics of laundry or load
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/38 Time, e.g. duration
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/56 Remaining operation time; Remaining operational cycles
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/58 Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 33/44 Control of the operating time, e.g. reduction of overall operating time
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/04 Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/36 Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry

Abstract

A communications channel is provided between a washer and a dryer. When the dryer is drying, a signal is sent to the washer to extend the final spin operation in order to continue to mechanically remove water While the dryer operation continues. Fabric type information and fabric quantity information for a load are provided from the washer to the dryer. This information is used to indicate an estimated drying time for the load and to set the dryer fabric type selection.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a fabric washer and a fabric dryer, said method comprising:

sensing if said dryer is in operation drying a first load of fabric;

providing a signal indicative of said dryer operation;

sensing if said washer is in a final spin operation spinning a second load of fabric, said final spin operation having an .initial length;

providing a signal indicative of said washer operation; and

extending said final spin operation beyond said initial length in response to said washer and dryer operation signals.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said final spin operation extension is ended in response to an absence of said dryer operation signal.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said initial length is extended by less than a maximum amount.

4. A communication and control system for a fabric washer and a fabric dryer, said system comprising:

a dryer controller having an output indicative of when said dryer is drying;

a washer controller, said washer controller controlling a washing cycle, said cycle including a final spin operation; and

a communications channel between said controllers, said channel communicating said dryer controller output to said washer controller, said washer controller extending said final spin operation beyond an initial length in response to said output indicating said dryer is drying.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said final spin operation extension is ended in response to an absence of said output indicating said dryer is drying.

6. A system according to claim 4, wherein said initial length is extended by less than a maximum amount.