US20030115682A1 - Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle - Google Patents
Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030115682A1 US20030115682A1 US10/033,631 US3363101A US2003115682A1 US 20030115682 A1 US20030115682 A1 US 20030115682A1 US 3363101 A US3363101 A US 3363101A US 2003115682 A1 US2003115682 A1 US 2003115682A1
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- Prior art keywords
- dryer
- washer
- mode selection
- control system
- selection
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F29/00—Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus
- D06F29/005—Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus the other separate apparatus being a drying appliance
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F29/00—Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus
- D06F29/02—Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus with liquid-extracting apparatus
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
- D06F2101/06—Type or material
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/12—Washing temperature
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/14—Time settings
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/18—Target temperature for the drying process, e.g. low-temperature cycles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/20—Operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing programs, service modes or refreshment cycles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/54—Changing between normal operation mode and special operation modes, e.g. service mode, component cleaning mode or stand-by mode
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. More specifically, this invention relates to automatically determining dryer settings based on washer settings to reduce or eliminate an operator's need to manually control the dryer's settings.
- Washing machines also called washers
- drying machines also called dryers
- washing machines are two types of machines that are closely associated with one another. Typically, laundry is washed in the washing machine and then, upon completion of the wash cycle, the laundry is placed in the drying machine for drying.
- washing machine also called washers
- drying machines also called dryers
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,778 to Cotton discloses a combined washer and dryer unit.
- other prior art attempts have been made at combining the units themselves.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,856 to Niewyk, et al. discloses a combination washer/dryer.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,761 to Oh discloses a washing machine having a built in method of drying.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer capable of determining dryer selections based on washer cycle selections.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that reduces the amount of user interaction required to properly select dryer settings.
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer that provides for a single control unit to be used to control both a washer and a dryer.
- Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that is capable of storing dryer selections.
- the present invention is a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle.
- the apparatus of the invention provides for a programmable dryer.
- the dryer has a control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on a washing mode selection and to then apply the dryer instruction to the dryer.
- the appliance can receive a washing mode selection from a washer and determine drying instructions based on the washing mode selections. This reduces the number of selections that need to be made by an operator of the dryer, simplifying the process of washing and drying laundry.
- a washer and dryer are in communication with one another.
- the washer includes at least one user input for controlling a wash cycle.
- the dryer is adapted to receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on the wash cycle of the washer.
- the washer and dryer can be within the same housing and/or can be stacked. Further, the washer and dryer can be part of a combination unit where a single chamber is used for both washing and drying.
- a dryer can be programmed to receive a washing mode selection associated with a washer. Then the method provides for automatically creating a dryer mode selection based on the washing mode selection and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer. The method provides for receiving verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator and receiving modifications to the dryer mode selections from the operator if need be. Further, according to the method of the present invention, multiple dryer mode selections and/or washing mode selections may be grouped as a favorite selection. Then an operator need only select the favorite selection in order to effectively make all the associated selections.
- the present invention provides for advantages in the convenience and use of the dryer as dryer mode selections can be automatically established based on washer mode selections.
- FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a stacked washer and dryer according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a combination washer and dryer according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 2 A-C are block diagrams showing washer/dryer systems according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 3A through 3B are pictorial representations of user interfaces according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a user interface according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of a stacked washer and dryer according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1A shows a system for washing and drying 10 having a washer 12 and a dryer 14 .
- the system also includes a control panel 16 .
- the system 10 shown is a stacked configuration, the present invention contemplates any placement of a washer with respect to a dryer provided that the washer 12 is in operative communication with the dryer 14 .
- FIG. 1B Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1B.
- a combination washer/dryer 11 uses a chamber 13 for both washing and drying.
- the combination washer/dryer 11 includes a control panel 16 .
- FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the washer 12 in operative connection with a control unit 15 which is operatively connected to a user interface 16 .
- the control unit 15 can provide electronic control of the washer 12 and dryer 14 .
- the control unit 15 can include an intelligent control such as a processor, controller, electronic circuit, or other control mechanism.
- the user interface 16 operatively connected to the control 15 may provide for user input and/or user output.
- the user interface 16 may include dials, buttons, and switches such as are conventionally associated with washer and/or dryer controls.
- the user interface 16 may include a display, a touch screen display, or other means for providing user input and/or user output.
- FIG. 2B is a block diagram where control is divided between a washer control unit 15 A and a dryer control unit 15 B.
- the washer control unit 15 A is in operative communication with the dryer control unit 15 B.
- Each of the control units can include an intelligent control such as a processor, controller, electronic circuit, or other control mechanism.
- Each of the control units 15 A and 15 B are also operatively connected to a user interface 16 .
- FIG. 2C shows another embodiment where a combination washer/dryer 11 is operatively connected to a control unit 15 and the control unit 15 is operatively connected to a user interface 16 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of a user interface 16 .
- the user interface 16 shown is illustrative and not limiting as the present invention contemplates any number of user interfaces including any number of input controls.
- a user interface 16 A is shown.
- the type of laundry being washed is indicated by control 18 A which provides for “cotton sturdy.”
- the wash temperature is selected by the user input 20 A.
- the user input 20 A indicates “warm.” This instructs the washer to use warm water in the wash cycle.
- Another user input is indicated by user input 22 A.
- user input 22 A indicates the rinse temperature of the water used during the rinse cycle.
- the user input 22 A indicates that “cold” rinse water should be used.
- the user interface 16 A includes dryer controls. For example, the temperature of the dryer can be selected.
- the control 24 A indicates that the temperature to be used for drying is “regular.”
- an additional drying instruction 26 A is indicated showing that the dryer should use a “more dry” mode, which results in a greater drying time period.
- FIG. 3B shows a user interface for a washer and dryer.
- the washer is set to delicate mode 18 B
- the wash temperature is set to cold 20 B and the rinse cycle is set to cold 22 B
- the dryer portion is set to delicate 24 B
- the drying instruction is set to damp dry 26 B.
- the present invention contemplates any number of washer and dryer selections. Those given are merely illustrative.
- the washer instructions or controls are used to determine the drying instructions or controls.
- the settings for the washer shown in FIG. 3A including “cotton sturdy” with a “warm” wash cycle and a “cold” rinse cycle are, interpreted according to the present invention to indicate a dryer temperature of “regular” and a dryer instruction of “more dry.”
- the washer instructions in FIG. 3B can be used to create dryer instructions.
- the “delicate” type with the “cold” wash cycle and the “cold” rinse cycle for the washer indicate that an appropriate dryer setting would be for the temperature to be set to a “delicate” temperature and that the dry setting be set to “damp dry.”
- the present invention provides for a dryer to be programmed based on the washer instructions.
- the present invention further provides that the user interface 16 need not show both the washer settings and the dryer settings simultaneously. Instead, the washer settings of FIG. 3 may be displayed, the dryer settings being held in escrow until the dryer door is opened or another event occurs. Once the dryer door is opened or another event occurs, the settings for the dryer are shown by the user interface 16 . The dryer settings shown are preferably automatically selected based on the washer settings.
- FIG. 4 provides one example of a method according to the present invention.
- the washer receives wash cycle instructions.
- the washer can receive these instructions from a user through a user interface or otherwise.
- wash cycle instructions are used to determine dryer cycle instructions.
- the present invention provides for this determination to be made based on a table of wash cycle instructions and corresponding dryer cycle instructions that can be stored in a control unit.
- the table can be modified by the past selections made by an operator.
- the present invention contemplates any number of methods of associating wash cycle instruction, with dryer instructions, the use of the table is merely one often convenient method. Other methods may be more appropriate for use in a particular application.
- the present invention fully contemplates these and other variations.
- step 34 a user can optionally determine whether the dryer instructions are appropriate. If not, then in step 36 the operator can modify the instructions or otherwise provide alternative instructions for a drying operation. If in step 34 , an operator confirms the dryer instructions, then in step 38 the dryer instructions are applied to the dryer.
- the present invention contemplates that steps 34 and 36 are optional. The dryer can automatically proceed without confirmation or alteration of the instructions by an operator.
- FIG. 5 illustrates another user interface of the present invention.
- the user interface 16 C has a favorite option 40 .
- the favorite option 40 allows an operator to select a favorite setting.
- the favorite setting is a collection of one or more washer and/or dryer instructions.
- the favorite selection is used to auto program the entire washing and drying cycle.
- the favorite selection can be stored in nonvolatile memory.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a method for applying a favorite selection.
- a favorite selection is received.
- the favorite selection can be received through use of a button or other input.
- the washer cycle is determined in step 44 .
- the dryer cycle is determined in step 46 .
- the washer instructions are applied in step 48 and dryer instructions are applied in step 50 .
- the present invention contemplates that the steps need not flow in the order given. For example, the washer instructions can be applied before the dryer cycle is determined.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides for a programmable appliance having a dryer and a control system operatively connected to the dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on the washing mode selection and to apply the dryer instruction to the dryer. According to a method of the present invention, a dryer is programmed by receiving a washing mode selection associated with a washer, automatically creating a dryer mode selection from the washing mode selection, and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer.
Description
- This invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. More specifically, this invention relates to automatically determining dryer settings based on washer settings to reduce or eliminate an operator's need to manually control the dryer's settings.
- Washing machines (also called washers) and drying machines (also called dryers) are two types of machines that are closely associated with one another. Typically, laundry is washed in the washing machine and then, upon completion of the wash cycle, the laundry is placed in the drying machine for drying. Of course, one need not use both machines and can use one or the other to perform its respective function. Nevertheless, these two types of appliances are often used in combination with each other, as shown in the prior art.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,778 to Cotton discloses a combined washer and dryer unit. In addition, other prior art attempts have been made at combining the units themselves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,856 to Niewyk, et al. discloses a combination washer/dryer. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,761 to Oh discloses a washing machine having a built in method of drying.
- Despite these advances in the washers and dryers, problems remain. In particular, problems regarding user interface of washers and dryers have not been addressed.
- Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for an auto programmable dryer that improves upon the state of the art.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer capable of determining dryer selections based on washer cycle selections.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that reduces the amount of user interaction required to properly select dryer settings.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer that provides for a single control unit to be used to control both a washer and a dryer.
- Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that is capable of storing dryer selections.
- These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.
- The present invention is a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. The apparatus of the invention provides for a programmable dryer. The dryer has a control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on a washing mode selection and to then apply the dryer instruction to the dryer. In this manner, the appliance can receive a washing mode selection from a washer and determine drying instructions based on the washing mode selections. This reduces the number of selections that need to be made by an operator of the dryer, simplifying the process of washing and drying laundry.
- According to a system of the present invention a washer and dryer are in communication with one another. The washer includes at least one user input for controlling a wash cycle. Then the dryer is adapted to receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on the wash cycle of the washer. The washer and dryer can be within the same housing and/or can be stacked. Further, the washer and dryer can be part of a combination unit where a single chamber is used for both washing and drying.
- According to a method of the present invention, a dryer can be programmed to receive a washing mode selection associated with a washer. Then the method provides for automatically creating a dryer mode selection based on the washing mode selection and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer. The method provides for receiving verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator and receiving modifications to the dryer mode selections from the operator if need be. Further, according to the method of the present invention, multiple dryer mode selections and/or washing mode selections may be grouped as a favorite selection. Then an operator need only select the favorite selection in order to effectively make all the associated selections.
- Thus, the present invention provides for advantages in the convenience and use of the dryer as dryer mode selections can be automatically established based on washer mode selections.
- FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a stacked washer and dryer according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a combination washer and dryer according to the present invention.
- FIGS.2A-C are block diagrams showing washer/dryer systems according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 3A through 3B are pictorial representations of user interfaces according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a user interface according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of a stacked washer and dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a system for washing and drying10 having a
washer 12 and adryer 14. The system also includes acontrol panel 16. Although thesystem 10 shown is a stacked configuration, the present invention contemplates any placement of a washer with respect to a dryer provided that thewasher 12 is in operative communication with thedryer 14. - Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1B. In FIG. 1B a combination washer/
dryer 11 uses achamber 13 for both washing and drying. The combination washer/dryer 11 includes acontrol panel 16. - FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the
washer 12 in operative connection with acontrol unit 15 which is operatively connected to auser interface 16. Thecontrol unit 15 can provide electronic control of thewasher 12 anddryer 14. For example, thecontrol unit 15 can include an intelligent control such as a processor, controller, electronic circuit, or other control mechanism. Theuser interface 16 operatively connected to thecontrol 15 may provide for user input and/or user output. For example, theuser interface 16 may include dials, buttons, and switches such as are conventionally associated with washer and/or dryer controls. Alternatively, theuser interface 16 may include a display, a touch screen display, or other means for providing user input and/or user output. - FIG. 2B is a block diagram where control is divided between a
washer control unit 15A and adryer control unit 15B. Thewasher control unit 15A is in operative communication with thedryer control unit 15B. Each of the control units can include an intelligent control such as a processor, controller, electronic circuit, or other control mechanism. Each of thecontrol units user interface 16. - FIG. 2C shows another embodiment where a combination washer/
dryer 11 is operatively connected to acontrol unit 15 and thecontrol unit 15 is operatively connected to auser interface 16. - FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of a
user interface 16. Theuser interface 16 shown is illustrative and not limiting as the present invention contemplates any number of user interfaces including any number of input controls. For example, in FIG. 3A, auser interface 16A is shown. Inuser interface 16A, the type of laundry being washed is indicated bycontrol 18A which provides for “cotton sturdy.”Similarly, the wash temperature is selected by theuser input 20A. Theuser input 20A indicates “warm.” This instructs the washer to use warm water in the wash cycle. Another user input is indicated byuser input 22A. Here,user input 22A indicates the rinse temperature of the water used during the rinse cycle. Theuser input 22A indicates that “cold” rinse water should be used. - Similarly, the
user interface 16A includes dryer controls. For example, the temperature of the dryer can be selected. Thecontrol 24A indicates that the temperature to be used for drying is “regular.” Similarly, anadditional drying instruction 26A is indicated showing that the dryer should use a “more dry” mode, which results in a greater drying time period. - Similarly, FIG. 3B shows a user interface for a washer and dryer. In FIG. 3B the washer is set to
delicate mode 18B, the wash temperature is set to cold 20B and the rinse cycle is set to cold 22B, the dryer portion is set to delicate 24B and the drying instruction is set to damp dry 26B. The present invention contemplates any number of washer and dryer selections. Those given are merely illustrative. - According to the present invention the washer instructions or controls are used to determine the drying instructions or controls. For example, the settings for the washer shown in FIG. 3A, including “cotton sturdy” with a “warm” wash cycle and a “cold” rinse cycle are, interpreted according to the present invention to indicate a dryer temperature of “regular” and a dryer instruction of “more dry.” Similarly, the washer instructions in FIG. 3B can be used to create dryer instructions. For example, the “delicate” type with the “cold” wash cycle and the “cold” rinse cycle for the washer indicate that an appropriate dryer setting would be for the temperature to be set to a “delicate” temperature and that the dry setting be set to “damp dry.” In this manner, the present invention provides for a dryer to be programmed based on the washer instructions.
- The present invention further provides that the
user interface 16 need not show both the washer settings and the dryer settings simultaneously. Instead, the washer settings of FIG. 3 may be displayed, the dryer settings being held in escrow until the dryer door is opened or another event occurs. Once the dryer door is opened or another event occurs, the settings for the dryer are shown by theuser interface 16. The dryer settings shown are preferably automatically selected based on the washer settings. - FIG. 4 provides one example of a method according to the present invention. In
step 30 of FIG. 4, the washer receives wash cycle instructions. The washer can receive these instructions from a user through a user interface or otherwise. Instep 32, wash cycle instructions are used to determine dryer cycle instructions. The present invention provides for this determination to be made based on a table of wash cycle instructions and corresponding dryer cycle instructions that can be stored in a control unit. Optionally, the table can be modified by the past selections made by an operator. The present invention contemplates any number of methods of associating wash cycle instruction, with dryer instructions, the use of the table is merely one often convenient method. Other methods may be more appropriate for use in a particular application. The present invention fully contemplates these and other variations. - In
step 34, a user can optionally determine whether the dryer instructions are appropriate. If not, then instep 36 the operator can modify the instructions or otherwise provide alternative instructions for a drying operation. If instep 34, an operator confirms the dryer instructions, then in step 38 the dryer instructions are applied to the dryer. The present invention contemplates thatsteps - FIG. 5 illustrates another user interface of the present invention. According to FIG. 5, the
user interface 16C has afavorite option 40. Thefavorite option 40 allows an operator to select a favorite setting. The favorite setting is a collection of one or more washer and/or dryer instructions. The favorite selection is used to auto program the entire washing and drying cycle. The favorite selection can be stored in nonvolatile memory. - FIG. 6 illustrates a method for applying a favorite selection. In step42 a favorite selection is received. The favorite selection can be received through use of a button or other input. Based on the favorite selection 42, the washer cycle is determined in
step 44. Once the washer cycle is determined instep 44, the dryer cycle is determined instep 46. Then the washer instructions are applied instep 48 and dryer instructions are applied instep 50. The present invention contemplates that the steps need not flow in the order given. For example, the washer instructions can be applied before the dryer cycle is determined. - Thus, methods, system, and apparatus for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle has been disclosed. The present invention provides for variations in the specific washer settings and dryer settings used, the type of user controls, the physical configuration of the washer/dryer, the configuration of the electronic controls, and other variations.
Claims (20)
1. A programmable appliance comprising:
a washer;
a dryer; and
a control system operatively connected between the washer and the dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on a washing mode selection and to apply the dryer instruction to the dryer.
2. The programmable appliance of claim 1 further comprising a user input operatively connected to the control system.
3. The programmable appliance of claim 2 wherein the control system is adapted to modify a dryer instruction with a user instruction received from the user input.
4. A system for washing and drying comprising:
a washer adapted to receive at least one user input for controlling a wash cycle;
a dryer in communication with the washer, the dryer adapted to receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on the user input for controlling the wash cycle of the washer.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the user input is selected from a set comprising a touch display, a dial, a button, and a switch.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the washer and the dryer are positioned in a stacked position.
7. The system of claim 4 further comprising a housing wherein the housing contains the washer and the dryer.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the washer and dryer share a single chamber.
9. A system for washing and drying comprising:
a washer;
a dryer;
a control system operatively connected to the washer and the dryer, the control system adapted to receive at least one wash cycle instruction;
wherein the control system is adapted to control the dryer according to dry cycle instructions, the dry cycle instructions based on the at least one wash cycle instruction.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a user input operatively connected to the control system, the user input adapted to receive the wash cycle instructions from an operator.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the washer and dryer are stacked.
12. The system of claim 9 further comprising a housing wherein the housing contains the washer and the dryer.
13. The system of claim 9 further comprising a user display operatively connected to the control system.
14. A method of programming a dryer comprising:
receiving a washing mode selection associated with a washer;
automatically creating a dryer mode selection from the washing mode selection; and
applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving modifications to the dryer mode selection from an operator.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the washing mode selection is selected from the set comprising: a wash cycle temperature, a rinse cycle temperature, a type of wash load, and a favorite selection.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein the dryer mode selection is selected from the set comprising a temperature selection, a time selection, a dry selection, and a favorite selection.
19. The method of claim 14 further comprising displaying the dryer mode selection on a user interface.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of displaying the dryer mode selection on a user interface occurs after a dryer door is opened.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/033,631 US20030115682A1 (en) | 2001-12-26 | 2001-12-26 | Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle |
CA002411700A CA2411700A1 (en) | 2001-12-26 | 2002-11-13 | Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/033,631 US20030115682A1 (en) | 2001-12-26 | 2001-12-26 | Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030115682A1 true US20030115682A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
Family
ID=21871507
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/033,631 Abandoned US20030115682A1 (en) | 2001-12-26 | 2001-12-26 | Auto-programming of a dryer based on the washer cycle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030115682A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2411700A1 (en) |
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Owner name: MAYTAG CORPORATION, IOWA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GARDNER, DOUGLAS A.;REEL/FRAME:012713/0026 Effective date: 20011221 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |