Vertical Axis Washing Machine Appliance

Abstract

A vertical axis washing machine appliance includes a plurality of elongated projections disposed on a cylindrical side wall of a basket. Each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections has at least one hollow tube received within a respective hole of a plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall. Each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections also has a wing that extends into an inner volume of the basket.

Claims

1. A vertical axis washing machine appliance, comprising a tub; a basket disposed within the tub such that the basket is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis within the tub, the basket defining an inner volume for receiving articles for washing, the basket having a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the cylindrical side wall defining a plurality of holes that extend through the basket in order to provide a fluid flow path between the inner volume of the basket and the tub; and a plurality of elongated projections disposed on the cylindrical side wall of the basket, the elongated projections circumferentially spaced apart from one another on the cylindrical side wall of the basket, each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections having at least one hollow tube received within a respective hole of the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall, each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections having a wing extending into the inner volume of the basket.

2. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the elongated projections are snap fit to the cylindrical side wall with the hollow tubes received within the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall.

3. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein each hollow tube of the elongated projections provides fluid communication from the inner volume of the basket to the tub through the respective hole of the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall.

4. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wing of each of the elongated projections has at least two outer surfaces that are not parallel to each other.

5. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the wings have an ogee cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the substantially vertical axis.

6. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the wings have a polygonal cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the substantially vertical axis.

7. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wings each define a plurality of vertically distributed ports.

8. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 7, wherein the vertically distributed ports of the wings are positioned radially inward relative to the cylindrical side wall.

9. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical side wall is continuous in at least one plane that is perpendicular to the substantially vertical axis.

10. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated projections comprises at least twelve elongated projections.

11. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the at least twelve elongated projections are uniformly spaced apart from one another on the cylindrical side wall of the basket.

12. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical side wall is a metal cylindrical side wall and the elongated projections are plastic elongated projections.

13. A vertical axis washing machine appliance, comprising a tub; a basket disposed within the tub such that the basket is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis within the tub, the basket defining an inner volume for receiving articles for washing, the basket having a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the cylindrical side wall defining a plurality of holes that extend through the basket in order to provide a fluid flow path between the inner volume of the basket and the tub; and a plurality of elongated projections disposed on the cylindrical side wall of the basket, the elongated projections circumferentially spaced apart from one another on the cylindrical side wall of the basket, each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections having at least one hollow tube received within a respective hole of the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall, each elongated projection of the plurality of elongated projections having a wing extending into the inner volume of the basket, the wing of each elongated projection has at least two outer surface portions that face the inner volume of the basket and that are not parallel to each other.

14. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the elongated projections are snap fit to the cylindrical side wall with the hollow tubes received within the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall.

15. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein each hollow tube of the elongated projections provides fluid communication from the inner volume of the basket to the tub through the respective hole of the plurality of holes of the cylindrical side wall.

16. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the wings each define a plurality of vertically distributed ports.

17. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 16, wherein the vertically distributed ports of the wings are positioned radially inward of the cylindrical side wall.

18. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical side wall is continuous in at least one plane that is perpendicular to the substantially vertical axis.

19. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the plurality of elongated projections comprises at least twelve elongated projections that are uniformly spaced from one another on the cylindrical side wall of the basket.

20. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical side wall is a metal cylindrical side wall and the elongated projections are plastic elongated projections.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an elongated projection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a partial section view of certain components of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the exemplary elongated projection of FIG. 3 mounted on a basket of the exemplary washing machine.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a section view of the exemplary elongated projection of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a section view of an elongated projection according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] FIG. 7 provides a section view of an elongated projection according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

[0019] Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along a vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102, e.g., within a tub 118 positioned within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 in order to selectively rotate wash basket 120 within tub 118, e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100. Wash basket 120 is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis within tub 118. As used herein, the term “substantially” means within twenty degrees of vertical when used in the context of a vertical axis.

[0020] Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from wash basket 120 into wash chamber 121. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0021] Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top cover or panel 140, e.g., at or adjacent top portion 103 of cabinet 102. Top cover 140 defines an aperture 142 that permits user access to wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Door 130 is rotatably mounted to top cover 140. However, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any outer suitable support. Door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash chamber 121. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121 when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130.

[0022] Top cover 140 defines a hole or opening 141, e.g., at a corner of top cover 140 at or adjacent a front portion of top cover 140. Opening 141 is configured for receipt of one of a plurality of fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener or bleach. Opening 141 permits the fluid additive to pass through top cover 140 to portions of a receptacle (not shown) disposed below top cover 140 along the vertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour the fluid additives in to the receptacle through opening 141 in top cover 140.

[0023] A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112 extends from top cover 140. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

[0024] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

[0025] In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 121 through aperture 142, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 and/or tub 118 within cabinet 102 is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated, e.g., with the impeller within wash basket 120, for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

[0026] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, the impeller may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash chamber 121 through aperture 142.

[0027] As may be seen in FIG. 2, washing machine appliance 100 also includes a plurality of elongated blades or projections 200. Elongated projections 200 are mounted to basket 120 within wash chamber 121. Elongated projections 200 assist with decreasing a residual moisture content (RMC) of articles within wash chamber 121 after a spin or wash cycle of washing machine appliance 100 relative to wash basket 120 without elongated projections 200 mounted thereon. In particular, elongated projections 200 decreased the RMC of articles within wash chamber 121 after a spin cycle of washing machine appliance 100 by between six tenths of a percent and one percent relative to wash basket 120 without elongated projections 200 mounted thereon during experimental trials. Thus, by providing elongated projections 200 on wash basket 120 performance of washing machine appliance 100 may be improved. In particular, elongated projections 200 may assist with increasing mechanical action of articles within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100 thereby improving wash and/or rinse performance of washing machine appliance 100. Elongated projections 200 may provide additional mechanical action due larger surface area provided by wash basket 120 with elongated projections 200 relative to wash basket 120 without elongated projections 200.

[0028] Washing machine appliance 100 may include any suitable number of elongated projections 200. For example, washing machine appliance 100 may include at least twelve elongated projections 200 on wash basket 120 within wash chamber 121. By providing at least twelve elongated projections 200 on wash basket 120, the above described performance improvements may be provided in certain exemplary embodiments. Wash basket 120 and elongated projections 200 may be constructed of or with any suitable materials. For example, wash basket 120 may be constructed of or with steel, such as stainless steel or enameled steel. Conversely, elongated projections 200 may be constructed of or with a plastic, such as injection molded plastic. Thus, wash basket 120 and elongated projections 200 may be constructed with different materials in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of elongated projection 200. FIG. 4 provides a partial section view of certain components of washing machine appliance 100 including elongated projection 200 mounted on wash basket 120. As may be seen in FIG. 3, wash basket 120 includes a bottom wall 150 and a cylindrical side wall 152, e.g., that are formed of or with a continuous material, such as steel or plastic. The cylindrical shape of cylindrical side wall 152 may be seen in FIG. 2. Cylindrical side wall 152 extends upwardly from bottom wall 150, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Cylindrical side wall 152 also defines a plurality of perforations or holes 154. Holes 154 of cylindrical side wall 152 extend through cylindrical side wall 152 and thereby provide a fluid flow path between wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120 and tub 118. Thus, e.g., during rotation of wash basket 120 within tub 118, fluid wrung from articles within wash basket 120 may flow through holes 154 into the radial gap between wash basket 120 and tub 118, e.g., between cylindrical side wall 152 and tub 118. Cylindrical side wall 152 may be continuous in at least one plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0030] Elongated projection 200 is disposed on cylindrical side wall 152 of wash basket 120. As shown in FIG. 2, elongated projections 200 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another wash basket 120, in particular on cylindrical side wall 152 of wash basket 120. Turning back to FIG. 4, elongated projection 200 has at least one hollow tube 220. In certain exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, elongated projection 200 includes a plurality of hollow tubes 220 that are spaced apart from each other or distributed along the vertical direction V. Each hollow tube 220 is received within a respective hole of holes 154 on cylindrical side wall 152.

[0031] Hollow tubes 220 may assist with mounting elongated projection 200 on cylindrical side wall 152, e.g., while also allowing fluid to flow through cylindrical side wall 152 via holes 154 at or adjacent elongated projection 200. For example, elongated projection 200 may be snap fit to cylindrical side wall 152 with hollow tubes 220 received within holes 154 of cylindrical side wall 152. Thus, e.g., distal ends of hollow tubes 220 may be larger than holes 154 and also elastically deformable to permit distal ends of hollow tubes 220 to pass through holes 154. Thus, hollow tubes 220 may assist with mounting elongated projection 200 on cylindrical side wall 152 quickly and/or easily, e.g., during manufacturing of washing machine appliance 100 or as an aftermarket component. In certain exemplary embodiments, elongated projection 200 may be sold separately from washing machine appliance 100.

[0032] As discussed above, hollow tubes 220 of elongated projection 200 also provides or permits fluid communication from wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. For example, during rotation of wash basket 120 within tub 118, fluid wrung from articles within wash basket 120 may flow within hollow tubes 220 through the holes 154 in which hollow tubes 220 are disposed. From hollow tubes 220, the wash fluid may flow into the radial gap between wash basket 120 and tub 118, e.g., between cylindrical side wall 152 and tub 118. Thus, despite elongated projection 200 being mounted to cylindrical side wall 152 over holes 154, fluid within wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120 may flow through elongated projection 200 into the radial gap between wash basket 120 and tub 118 via hollow tubes 220. Thus, elongated projection 200 need not completely interrupt or block fluid flow through holes 154 over which elongated projection 200 is disposed when elongated projection 200 is mounted on cylindrical side wall 152.

[0033] As may be seen in FIG. 3, elongated projection 200 extends between a top portion 202 and a bottom portion 204 along the vertical direction V. Thus, top portion 202 and bottom portion 204 of elongated projection 200 are spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction V. Bottom portion 204 of elongated projection 200 is positioned at or adjacent bottom wall 150 of wash basket 120. Conversely, top portion 202 of elongated projection 200 is positioned at or adjacent a top lip 156 of cylindrical side wall 152, e.g., that is opposite bottom wall 150 along the vertical direction V on cylindrical side wall 152. Elongated projections 200 may be vertically oriented to avoid obstructing “turnover” of articles within basket 120, e.g., during wash cycles.

[0034] As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, elongated projection 200 also has a wing 210 that extends from cylindrical side wall 152 into wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Thus, wing 210 of elongated projection 200 is positioned opposite tub 118 about cylindrical side wall 152 of wash basket 120 and/or wing 210 of elongated projection 200 is positioned radially inward of cylindrical side wall 152 relative to the vertical axis about which wash basket 120 is rotatable.

[0035] Wing 210 of elongated projection 200 defines a plurality of ports 216. Ports 216 are distributed or spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction V. Thus, ports 216 may be dispersed or disposed, e.g., uniformly, between top and bottom portions 202 and 204 of elongated projection 200 along the vertical direction V. Ports 216 permit fluid flow through wing 210. For example, during rotation of wash basket 120 within tub 118, fluid wrung from articles within wash basket 120 may pass through ports 216 in order to flow through wing 210. Thus, wing 210 may be perforated in order to allow fluids to flow through wing 210.

[0036] FIG. 5 provides a section view of elongated projection 200 taken in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. As may be seen in FIG. 5, ports 216 may provide a fluid flow path into elongated projection 200 and to hollow tubes 220. Thus, fluid may pass through ports 216 before entering hollow tubes 220 in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0037] As discussed above, elongated projection 200 may assist with decreasing the RMC of articles within wash chamber 121. As may be seen in FIG. 5, wing 210 of elongated projection 200 has at least two outer surfaces that are not parallel to each other, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. For example, elongated projection 200 includes a first outer surface 212 and a second outer surface 214 that are not parallel to each other, e.g., in the plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. First outer surface 212 may be angled relative to second outer surface 214 by less than one hundred and sixty degrees and more than twenty degrees in certain exemplary embodiments. In particular, first outer surface 212 may be angled relative to second outer surface 214 by about seventy degrees in certain exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “about” means within twenty degrees of the stated angle when used in the context of angles. Such orientation or angling of wing 210 (e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V) may assist with increasing a surface are on which articles within wash basket 120 wring during spinning of wash basket 120. Wing 210 may also be shaped to assist with decreasing the RMC of articles within wash chamber 121. For example, wing 210 may have a polygonal cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0038] In addition, as may be seen in FIG. 5, a first port of ports 216 may define a first port central axis PA1, along which liquid entering the first port of ports 216 flows through wing 210. Similarly, a second port of ports 216 may define a second port central axis PA2, along which liquid entering the second port of ports 216 flows through wing 210. The first port central axis PA1 and the second port central axis PA2 may be oriented such that the first and second port central axes PA1 and PA2 are not parallel to each other, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. For example, the first and second port central axes PA1 and PA2 may be angled relative to each other by less than one hundred and sixty degrees and more than twenty degrees in certain exemplary embodiments. As another example, the first and second port central axes PA1 and PA2 may be angled relative to each other by about seventy degrees in certain exemplary embodiments. Hollow tubes 220 may also define a hollow tube central axis TA, along which liquid flows through hollow tubes 220. The hollow tube central axis TA may be non-parallel to both the first and second port central axes PA1 and PA2. Such angling and orientation of hollow tube central axis TA and/or the first and second port central axes PA1 and PA2 may assist with providing surface area against which articles may wring during spinning of wash basket 120 while also allowing liquid to exit the articles and flow into the radial gap between tub 118 and wash basket 120.

[0039] FIG. 6 provides a section view of an elongated projection 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Elongated projection 300 includes similar components and operates in a similar manner as elongated projection 200 and may also be mounted to wash basket 120 of washing machine appliance 100. For example, elongated projection 300 includes a wing 310, first outer surface 312, second outer surface 314, ports 316 and hollow tubes 320. However, in contrast to elongated projection 200, ports 316 do not provide a flow path through elongated projection 300 to hollow tubes 320 in elongated projection 300. Thus, fluid from wash chamber 121 may flow into hollow tubes 320 without passing through ports 316.

[0040] FIG. 7 provides a section view of an elongated projection 400 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Elongated projection 400 includes similar components and operates in a similar manner as elongated projection 200 and/or elongated projection 300 and may also be mounted to wash basket 120 of washing machine appliance 100. For example, elongated projection 400 includes a wing 410, first outer surface 412, second outer surface 414, and hollow tubes 420. However, in contrast to elongated projection 200 and elongated projection 300, elongated projection 400 has an ogee cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0041] 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.