Automatic Laundry Washer with Active Venting

Abstract

An existing water recirculation system of a laundry washer may be activated to circulate air in a way that can reduce the moisture in the tub and drum of the washer. Also included is a system whereby an existing drain pump of the washer may be selectively activated to cause air to vent through the washer and out the drain hose of the washer. These systems may be used individually or in conjunction with each other, and with drum rotation. Supplemental venting may also be provided by a dedicated fan, to provide an effective multi-action washing machine venting solution.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 590,055 filed Jan. 24, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein, both bodily and by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to appliance venting, and particularly to venting a treatment chamber of a laundry washing appliance, e.g., the tub and / or rotatable drum of an automated laundry washing machine.[0003]Automated laundry washing machines include a wash chamber (e.g., tub with rotatable wash basin or drum therein) within which wash load items are placed for carrying out an automatic wash process. Typically, in both top load and front load washers, the access opening to the wash chamber has associated with it a door that swings open and shut to permit access to the wash chamber.[0004]A problem that arises with such washing machines is residual moisture and unpleasant odor (musty smell) within the treatment...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention addresses the shortcomings of existing laundry appliance venting systems. It includes a system that can reduce moisture in the washer by activating existing water recirculation system and a system that can remove moist air from the washer by selectively activating existing drain pump during non-wash periods. These systems can be used in conjunction with a dedicated fan for an effective multi-action washing machine venting solution. The invention also includes the advantage of using existing washer components to remove moisture from the drum and preventing moist, smelly air from being introduced into the room where the washing machine is located. Additionally, the invention addresses the issue of unfavorable odors by adding a scent dispenser to the washer and facilitating user refills of scent product. The scent can effectively disperse into the tub, drum, and surrounding room environment during the active venting.

Problems solved by technology

A problem that arises with such washing machines is residual moisture and unpleasant odor (musty smell) within the treatment chamber.

Clothes that are left in the washing machine for an extended period of time can take on unpleasant smell, feel and / or appearance.

A factor contributing to these problems is the lack of adequate air venting within the chamber, especially when the access door is closed.

This does not necessarily fully address the musty smell issue, and it also cannot be used to improve the condition of clothes left in the washer for an extended period following a wash.

However, front load laundry washing machines, in particular, may be equipped with a door that swings open but has no mechanism for positively maintaining the door in an open position.

Even with the door held open, an optimal level of air circulation may not be achieved.

This can lead to undesirable odors in the room, as well as moisture build-up and condensation on the wall next to the exit vent of the machine.

Laundry washing machines, both front load and top load, can develop unfavorable odors, as has been described.

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