Washing machine with water control and associated method

a technology of water control and washing machine, which is applied in the field of washing machines, can solve the problems of ineffective energy saving for heating water, over-consumption of water, and ineffective energy saving methods for washing machines

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-04
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Often, however, the user guesses incorrectly the appropriate fill level or fails to reset or adjust the water level for each clothes load.
This leads to over-consumption of water and inefficient energy use for heating the water.
Recognizing that reliance on the user to correctly determine and remember to reset the water level switch is not an effective method to conserve energy, regulatory agencies do not give credits toward energy use limits to manufacturers of washing machines that have user-controlled water level features.

Method used

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  • Washing machine with water control and associated method
  • Washing machine with water control and associated method
  • Washing machine with water control and associated method

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0017] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0018]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the washing machine 100 according to the invention. The washing machine includes a housing 110, an inner tub 102, and an outer tub 104. The inner 102 tub includes perforations 107 through which water enters the inner tub 102 from the outer tub 104. The inner tub includes an agitator 106 connected to a motor and transmission system 108. A wash load 112 is introduced into the inner tub 102 for washing.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the washing machine includes a control console 116 with a user-operable control panel 114. The control console 116 houses a controller 118, which includes a microprocessor 120, storage memory 140, and a timer 142. The controller 118 receives a user input 122 through the control panel 114. The user input 122 includes wash cycle selection and was...

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PUM

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Abstract

An automatic washing machine with water level control and associated method. In one embodiment, the washing machine comprises a tub for receiving a load of clothes, a water level sensor taking water level measurements during a water fill stage, and a controller. The controller controls a water valve that introduces water into the washing machine. The controller comprises a timer, a memory and a microprocessor. The microprocessor accesses a signature fill rate of the washing machine when unloaded, receives water level measurements from the sensor during the fill stage, and determines a measured fill rate. The microprocessor compares the measured fill rate to the signature fill rate and shut off the water valve when the measured fill rate is substantially equal to the signature fill rate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine having a water level control and associated method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many household appliances, such as, for example, clothes washers and dishwashing machines are equipped with water conservation devices, including water level controls. These devices may require user input in the form of selection of a cycle type, or cycle duration or estimate of water level required based on the load. [0003] Conventional top-load washing machines, for example, include a pressure switch that is either fixed or variable to determine the water level when filling the washing machine. In a variable pressure switch, the user controls and may vary the fill water level by selecting a setting on an associated dial every time the washing machine is used. Often, however, the user guesses incorrectly the appropriate fill level or fails to reset or adjust the water level for each clothes load. This leads to over-c...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): D06F23/04D06F33/34D06F39/08
CPCD06F33/02D06F2204/086D06F39/087D06F33/34D06F2103/18D06F2105/02
Inventor CLOUSER, MICHAEL T.
Owner EMERSON ELECTRIC CO
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