Pressure sensing assembly for washing machine appliance

Abstract

A washing machine appliance, comprising: a tub (124), which is positioned within a housing (102) and defines a washing chamber (126) and a sump (142); a basket (120), which is rotatably mounted in the tub (124) and configured to receive a load of laundry; a dispensing assembly, which is mounted within the housing (102) and configured to selectively add a washing fluid into the tub (124); and a pressure sensing assembly (200), which is in fluid communication with the sump (142) of the tub (124). The pressure sensing assembly (200) comprises: a sensor housing (210), which is mounted to the tub (124), and defines a fluid inlet (212) in fluid communication with the sump (142), an air chamber (230) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (212), and a sensing chamber (240) in fluid communication with the air chamber (230); and a pressure sensor (242), which is mounted in the sensing chamber (240) and configured to measure the air pressure in the air chamber (230).

Description

Pressure sensing components for washing machine equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, or more particularly, to pressure sensing assemblies for washing machine appliances. Background Art

[0002] Washing machine devices typically include a tub for holding water or a washing fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and / or other washing additives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receiving items to be washed. During normal operation of such washing machine devices, the washing fluid is directed into the tub and onto the items within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or agitating element can rotate at various speeds to agitate the items within the wash chamber, wring the washing fluid out of the items within the wash chamber, and the like. During a spin or drain cycle, a drain pump assembly can be operated to drain water from the sump.

[0003] Some conventional washing machine devices include pressure sensors to help determine the amount of water in the washing machine. For example, conventional systems include an air chamber mounted to the rear portion of the washing machine tub, with the pressure sensor mounted to a circuit board mounted in a controller housing located behind the user interface panel. A hose is used to fluidically couple the pressure at the air chamber to the pressure sensor. These hoses are typically very long, such as 18-30 inches long. In addition, such systems require numerous clips, screws, and other routing features on the components to ensure that the hose is properly routed and does not kink or contact other components during operation, thereby causing unwanted noise and / or pressure fluctuations.

[0004] Therefore, a washing machine appliance having features that facilitate improved water level detection would be desirable. More specifically, a system for measuring water pressure that includes minimal components, provides accurate sensing, and requires simple assembly would be particularly beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine device is provided, comprising: a washing tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a washing chamber and a sump; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the washing tub for receiving a load of clothes; a dispensing assembly mounted within the cabinet for selectively adding washing fluid to the washing tub; and a pressure sensing assembly in fluid communication with the sump of the washing tub. The pressure sensing assembly comprises: a sensor housing mounted to the washing tub, the sensor housing defining a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the sump, an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, and a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the air chamber; and a pressure sensor mounted within the sensing chamber for detecting air pressure in the air chamber.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensing assembly for a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a washing tub defining a sump. The pressure sensing assembly includes a sensor housing mounted to the washing tub, the sensor housing defining a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the sump, an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, and a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the air chamber; and a pressure sensor mounted within the sensing chamber for detecting air pressure within the air chamber.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one skilled in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] 2 provides a front view of the example washing machine apparatus of FIG. 1 with the door in an open position, according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example laundry machine apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] 4 provides a rear perspective view of the wash tub and pressure sensing assembly of the example washing machine apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] 5 provides a perspective view of the example pressure sensing assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] 6 provides a side view of the example pressure sensing assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] 7 provides a front cross-sectional view of the example pressure sensing assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0017] 8 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of the example pressure sensing assembly of FIG. 4 , according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention rather than limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "include" and "including" are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising". Similarly, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative representation that may be permitted to vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is associated. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms such as "approximately", "approximately", and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may refer to within 10%.

[0021] Referring now to the drawings, FIG1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine device 100, FIG2 is a front view of the washing machine device 100, and FIG3 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine device 100. As shown, the washing machine device 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is perpendicular to one another, thereby generally defining an orthogonal coordinate system. The washing machine device 100 includes a housing 102 that extends along the vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, along the lateral direction between a left side 108 and a right side 110, and along the transverse direction T between a front 112 and a rear 114.

[0022] 2 and 3 , a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within the housing 102 so that the wash basket can rotate about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122 (e.g., a flat motor) is mechanically connected to the wash basket 120 to selectively rotate the wash basket 120 (e.g., during agitation or rinsing cycles of the washing machine device 100). The wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 configured to receive items to be washed. The wash tub 124 contains wash and rinse fluids for agitation in the wash basket 120 within the wash tub 124. As used herein, "washing fluid" may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable washing additive or combination thereof. In fact, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may be used interchangeably herein without limiting this subject matter to any particular "washing fluid."

[0023] Wash basket 120 can define one or more agitator features extending into wash chamber 126 to help agitate and clean items placed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as shown in FIG3 , a plurality of ribs 128 extend from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, ribs 128 can lift items placed within wash basket 120, for example, during rotation of wash basket 120.

[0024] 1-3 , the cabinet 102 further includes a front panel 130 defining a chamber opening 132 that allows a user to access the wash basket 120 of the wash tub 124. More specifically, the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a door 134 positioned above the chamber opening 132 and rotatably mounted to the front panel 130. In this manner, the door 134 allows selective access to the chamber opening 132 by being movable between an open position ( FIG. 2 ) that facilitates access to the wash tub 124 and a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) that prohibits access to the wash tub 124.

[0025] When the door 134 is in the closed position, such as during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, a window 136 in the door 134 allows viewing of the wash basket 120. The door 134 also includes a handle (not labeled), such as that a user may pull when opening and closing the door 134. Furthermore, while the door 134 is shown as being mounted to the front panel 130, it should be understood that according to alternative embodiments, the door 134 may be mounted to another side of the cabinet 102 or to any other suitable support.

[0026] 3 , wash basket 120 further defines a plurality of perforations 140 to facilitate fluid communication between the interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at the bottom of wash tub 124 along a vertical direction V. Accordingly, sump 142 is configured to receive and generally collect wash fluid during operation of washing machine apparatus 100. For example, during operation of washing machine apparatus 100, wash fluid may be drawn from basket 120 through plurality of perforations 140 to sump 142 by gravity.

[0027] A drain pump assembly 144 is located below the wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with the sump 142 for periodically draining dirty wash fluid from the washing machine apparatus 100. The drain pump assembly 144 can generally include a drain pump 146 in fluid communication with the sump 142 and an external drain 148 via a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, the drain pump 146 forces wash fluid from the sump 142, through the drain hose 150, and to the external drain 148. More specifically, the drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) that is energized during the drain cycle, causing the drain pump 146 to draw wash fluid from the sump 142 and push the wash fluid through the drain hose 150 to the external drain 148.

[0028] The outlet pipe 152 is configured to direct the flow of fluid into the wash tub 124. For example, the outlet pipe 152 can be in fluid communication with a water source 154 ( FIG. 2 ) to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or washing fluid) into the wash tub 124. The outlet pipe 152 can also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, the pump assembly 144 can direct washing fluid disposed in the sump 142 to the outlet pipe 152 to circulate the washing fluid within the wash tub 124.

[0029] 3 , a dispensing assembly or detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within the front panel 130. The detergent drawer 156 receives wash additives (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additives to the wash tub 124 during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, the detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to the water outlet pipe 152 to facilitate complete and accurate dispensing of the wash additives.

[0030] In addition, the water supply valve 158 can provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as the municipal water supply 154) to the detergent dispenser 156 and the wash tub 124. In this manner, the water supply valve 158 is generally operable to supply water to the detergent dispenser 156 to produce, for example, a wash fluid for a wash cycle or a fresh water flow for a rinse cycle. It should be understood that the water supply valve 158 can be positioned at any other suitable location within the cabinet 102. In addition, although the water supply valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of "wash fluid", it should be understood that this term includes water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0031] A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to the front panel 130. The control panel 160 and the input selectors 162 together form a user interface input for an operator to select machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates to the machine user selected features, countdown timers, and / or other items of interest.

[0032] The operation of washing machine apparatus 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 ( FIG. 1 ), which is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user operation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates various components of washing machine apparatus 100 to perform the selected machine cycles and features.

[0033] The controller 166 may include a memory and a microprocessor, such as a general or special microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol codes associated with the cleaning cycle. The memory may represent a random access memory, such as a DRAM, or a read-only memory, such as a ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a component separate from the processor, or may be included in the processor in an onboard manner. Alternatively, the controller 166 may be constructed without a microprocessor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog and / or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, triggers, AND gates, etc.) to perform control functions, rather than relying on software. The control panel 160 and other components of the washing machine device 100 may communicate with the controller 166 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0034] During operation of the washing machine device 100, laundry is loaded into the wash basket 120 through the chamber opening 132, and the washing operation is started by the operator manipulating the input selector 162. The wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and / or other fluid additives, for example, via the water outlet pipe 152 and / or the detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., a water supply valve 158) can be controlled by the washing machine device 100 to allow the wash basket 120 to be filled to a level appropriate for the amount of items being washed and / or rinsed. For example, for the wash mode, once the wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of the wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., by the ribs 128) for washing the laundry in the wash basket 120.

[0035] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is complete, the wash tub 124 can be drained. The laundry can then be rinsed by adding fluid to the wash tub 124 again, depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by the user. The ribs 128 can again provide agitation within the wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles can also be used. In particular, a spin cycle can be applied after the wash cycle and / or after the rinse cycle to wring the washing fluid out of the washed items. During the final spin cycle, the basket 120 rotates at a relatively high speed, and the drain pump assembly 144 can drain the washing fluid from the sump 142. After cleaning, washing, and / or rinsing the items placed in the wash basket 120, the user can remove the items from the wash basket 120, for example by opening the door 134 and accessing the wash basket 120 through the chamber opening 132.

[0036] While the teachings disclosed herein are described in the context of a specific embodiment of a horizontal axis washing machine 100, it should be understood that the horizontal axis washing machine 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine devices (e.g., vertical axis washing machine devices) having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also be used with the present subject matter.

[0037] Still referring to FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of external communication system 170 will be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Generally speaking, external communication system 170 is configured to allow for interaction, data transfer, and other communications between washing machine device 100 and one or more external devices. For example, such communications may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information to enhance the performance of washing machine device 100. Furthermore, it should be understood that external communication system 170 may be used to transmit data or other information to enhance the performance of one or more external devices or appliances and / or enhance user interaction with such devices.

[0038] For example, the external communication system 170 allows the controller 166 of the washing machine device 100 to communicate with an independent device external to the washing machine device 100 (generally referred to herein as an external device 172). As described in more detail below, these communications can be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection (such as via a network 174). In general, the external device 172 can be any suitable device separate from the washing machine device 100 that is configured to provide and / or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, the external device 172 can be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0039] Additionally, the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine 100 and / or the external device 172 via the network 174. In this regard, for example, the remote server 176 can be a cloud-based server 176 and, therefore, be located in a remote location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the external device 172 can communicate with the remote server 176 via the network 174 (e.g., the Internet) to transmit / receive data or information, provide user input, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control the washing machine 100, etc. Additionally, the external device 172 and the remote server 176 can communicate with the washing machine 100 to transfer similar information.

[0040] In general, communications between the washing machine device 100, the external device 172, the remote server 176, and / or other user devices or devices can be performed using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, the external device 172 can communicate directly or indirectly with the washing machine device 100 via any suitable wired or wireless communication connection or interface (such as network 174). For example, the network 174 can include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-range or long-range wireless network, etc. In addition, any suitable communication device or protocol can be used to transmit communications, such as via Radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. Additionally, such communications may use various communication protocols (e.g., TCP / IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and / or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, Secure HTTP, SSL).

[0041] The external communication system 170 is described herein according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. However, it should be understood that the exemplary functionality and configuration of the external communication system 170 provided herein are provided merely as examples to facilitate describing various aspects of the present subject matter. The system configuration may vary, other communication means may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated devices, other communication protocols and procedures may be implemented, and the like. Such variations and modifications are considered within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0042] 4-8 , a pressure sensing assembly 200 that can be used with the washing machine apparatus 100 will now be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Generally speaking, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can be in fluid communication with the sump 142 of the wash tub 124 and can be configured to facilitate water level detection within the washing machine apparatus 100. In this regard, for example, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can detect air pressure within the pressure sensing assembly 200. This air pressure can increase based on water pressure, which is a function of the level of wash fluid within the wash tub 124. While an exemplary pressure sensing assembly 200 is described below, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0043] 3 , the pressure sensing assembly 200 can be generally positioned toward the bottom of the wash tub 124, e.g., in direct fluid communication with the sump 142. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the wash tub 124 can define a sump opening 202 within the sump 142 through which wash fluid can pass into the pressure sensor assembly 200. In this manner, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can provide real-time feedback regarding the pressure (and associated water level) of the wash fluid within the wash tub 124.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensing assembly 200 includes a sensor housing 210 that is mounted directly to the wash tub 124. Generally speaking, the sensor housing 210 can define a fluid inlet 212 that is positioned above the sump opening 202 and is fluidly coupled to the sump opening. It should be understood that the sensor housing 210 can include any suitable features to facilitate secure assembly to the wash tub 124. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the sensor housing 210 defines one or more keyed protrusions 214 extending from the sensor housing 210 for engaging complementary recesses (not shown) defined on the wash tub 124. Notably, these keyed protrusions 214 can prevent the sensor housing 210 from rotating relative to the wash tub 214.

[0045] In addition, the sensor housing 210 can define a plurality of mounting bosses 216 that are configured to receive mechanical fasteners (not shown) that can be used to secure the pressure sensing assembly 200 to the wash tub 124. For example, three mounting bosses 216 are shown, but the positioning of these mounting structures can vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. To facilitate a fluid seal between the sensor housing 210 and the wash tub 124, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can further include a gasket 218 positioned about the fluid inlet 212 for forming a fluid seal between the sensor housing 210 and the wash tub 124. According to the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 218 can be a resilient O-ring positioned about the sealing surface 220 of the sensor housing 210. However, it should be understood that other sealing mechanisms are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0046] As best shown in Figures 7 and 8, sensor housing 210 can further define an air chamber 230 in fluid communication with fluid inlet 212. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, air chamber 230 can be positioned above fluid inlet 212 along a vertical direction V. In this manner, as washing fluid fills wash tub 124, it can pass through fluid inlet 212 and into sensor housing 210. However, once the washing fluid reaches the top of fluid inlet 212, the air pressure within air chamber 230 can prevent the water level from rising further. Accordingly, the highest water level is generally indicated by reference numeral 232 in Figure 7. Notably, while the water level can remain relatively constant, the pressure within air chamber 230 can increase as the water level within wash tub 124 increases. As will be explained in more detail below, this air pressure can be communicated from pressure sensing assembly 200 to controller 166 to facilitate water level detection within washing machine appliance 100.

[0047] Still referring to Figures 7 and 8, the sensor housing 210 can define a partition wall 234 positioned within the air chamber 230 and extending upwardly along the vertical direction V. Generally speaking, the partition wall 234 serves to prevent water from splashing out of the air chamber 230. Additionally, the partition wall 234 can help define a larger air chamber 230. It should be understood that the shape, size, and geometry of the partition wall 234 can vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0048] The sensor housing 210 can further define a sensing chamber 240 in fluid communication with the air chamber 230. Additionally, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can include a pressure sensor 242 mounted within the sensing chamber 240 for detecting the air pressure of the air chamber 230. In this regard, the pressure sensor 242 can be any suitable device for measuring air pressure. For example, the pressure sensor 242 can be a piezoelectric pressure sensor and, therefore, can include an elastically deformable plate and a piezoresistor mounted on the elastically deformable plate. Other suitable pressure sensors are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0049] According to example embodiments, the sensing chamber 240 can be an extension of the air chamber 230, or can be a separate chamber positioned elsewhere on the sensor housing 210. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the sensing chamber 240 is positioned below the air chamber 230 and at least partially below (and fluidically isolated from) the fluid inlet 212. Notably, this positioning of the sensing chamber 240 can provide a compact sensing assembly and eliminate the need for long conduits for fluid communication between the air chamber 230 and the sensing chamber 240. Additionally, the pressure sensor 242 can be mounted directly to the sensor housing 210 to minimize unwanted vibrations and erroneous measurements.

[0050] Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensing assembly 200 can further include a printed circuit board 244 positioned within the sensing chamber 240, and the pressure sensor 242 can be directly mounted to the printed circuit board 244. The printed circuit board 244 can obtain air pressure measurements from the pressure sensor 242 and transmit the air pressure measurements directly to the controller 166 to facilitate device operation. For example, the printed circuit board 244 can communicate with the controller 166 in a wired or wireless manner. Notably, even in a wired embodiment, the routing of electrical wires is much easier and introduces much less noise than the routing of fluid conduits in conventional configurations.

[0051] As generally shown in Figures 4-8, pressure sensing assembly 200 can further include a tube 250 that provides fluid communication between air chamber 230 and pressure sensor 242. In this regard, for example, tube 250 can be a short conduit or pipe connected to an air port 252 defined at the bottom of air chamber 230, opposite partition wall 234 relative to fluid inlet 212. Tube 250 can pass downward and into sensing chamber 240, where it can be directly connected to pressure sensor 242. Notably, this configuration can allow for a very short length of tube 250, thereby ensuring consistent and accurate measurements. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the length of tube 250 is less than the height of air chamber 230. Additionally, the layout of air chamber 230 and tube 250 can ensure that no liquid enters 250 and reaches pressure sensor 242.

[0052] It should be understood that the various features of the pressure sensing assembly 200 and the sensor housing 210 can be formed from any suitable rigid material. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor housing can be formed by injection molding, for example using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other suitable polymer blend. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, these components can be compression molded, for example, using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic or other thermoplastic plastic. According to other embodiments, portions of the sensor housing 210 can be formed from any other suitable rigid material. Specifically, the sensor housing 210 can be injection molded as a single integrated piece that defines all of the fluid inlet 212, the air chamber 230, the partition wall 234, and the sensing chamber 240.

[0053] As explained herein, various aspects of the present subject matter generally relate to a system and method for determining the amount of water in a front-loading washing machine using an air chamber and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be integrated into the air chamber. The air chamber can be mounted to the lower portion of the tub, with an opening between the tub's sump area and the air chamber to allow water to enter the air chamber portion of the device. The device is sealed from external pressure, so once the water level in the tub reaches the top of the opening between the tub's sump area and the air chamber, water stops entering the air chamber. As the water in the tub rises, the air pressure in the air chamber increases. A tube connects the air chamber to an onboard pressure sensor. This pressure sensing assembly provides close proximity between the pressure sensor and the air chamber, enabling the use of a very short hose to connect the pressure sensor and the air chamber. This avoids the need for long hoses and the associated cost of the required mounting hardware. It also significantly reduces the risk of hose damage or kinking, which can cause the pressure sensing system to malfunction.

[0054] 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. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a washing chamber and a sump; a washing basket rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving a pile of clothes; a dispensing assembly mounted within the housing for selectively adding washing fluid to the wash tub; and a pressure sensing assembly in fluid communication with the sump of the wash tub, the pressure sensing assembly comprising: a sensor housing mounted to the wash tub, the sensor housing defining a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the sump, an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, and a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the air chamber, and A pressure sensor is installed in the sensing chamber and is used to detect the air pressure of the air chamber.

2. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The wash tub defines a sump opening within the sump, and wherein the sensor housing is mounted such that the fluid inlet is positioned above the sump opening.

3. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor housing defines a keyed protrusion for engaging a complementary recess defined on the wash tub.

4. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure sensing assembly further comprises: A gasket is positioned about the fluid inlet for forming a fluid seal between the sensor housing and the wash tub.

5. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein The air chamber is positioned vertically above the fluid inlet.

6. The washing machine device according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor housing defines a partition wall extending upward in a vertical direction within the air chamber.

7. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure sensor is mounted directly to the sensor housing.

8. The washing machine device according to claim 7, wherein: The pressure sensing assembly further comprises: A printed circuit board is positioned within the sensing chamber, wherein the pressure sensor is mounted to the printed circuit board.

9. The washing machine device according to claim 7, wherein: The pressure sensing assembly further comprises: A tube is provided in fluid communication between the air chamber and the pressure sensor.

10. The washing machine device according to claim 9, wherein: The length of the tube is less than the height of the air chamber.

11. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing chamber is positioned below the air chamber.

12. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure sensing assembly further comprises: A plurality of mounting bosses for receiving mechanical fasteners.

13. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor housing is injection molded as a single integral piece.

14. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein The washing machine device is a front-loading washing machine device.

15. A pressure sensing assembly for a washing machine apparatus, the washing machine apparatus including a wash tub defining a sump, the pressure sensing assembly comprising: a sensor housing mounted to the wash tub, the sensor housing defining a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the sump, an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, and a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the air chamber, and A pressure sensor is installed in the sensing chamber and is used to detect the air pressure of the air chamber.

16. The pressure sensing assembly of claim 15, wherein: The wash tub defines a sump opening within the sump, and wherein the sensor housing is mounted such that the fluid inlet is positioned above the sump opening, and wherein the sensor housing defines a keyed protrusion for engaging a complementary recess defined on the wash tub.

17. The pressure sensing assembly of claim 15, wherein: The air chamber is positioned vertically above the fluid inlet, and the sensor housing defines a partition wall extending vertically upward within the air chamber.

18. The pressure sensing assembly of claim 15, wherein: The pressure sensor is mounted directly to the sensor housing.

19. The pressure sensing assembly of claim 18, wherein: The pressure sensing assembly further comprises: A tube is provided in fluid communication between the air chamber and the pressure sensor.

20. The pressure sensing assembly of claim 19, wherein: The sensing chamber is positioned below the air chamber, and the length of the tube is less than the height of the air chamber.

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