US20230059093A1

US20230059093A1 - Methods and systems for treating laundry appliances with disinfecting spray

Info

Publication number: US20230059093A1
Application number: US17/405,464
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Thomas Wesloskie
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2021-08-18
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2023-02-23

Abstract

Methods and systems for treating laundry appliances with disinfecting spray are provided. The laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining an opening and a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet. The laundry vessel defines a treatment chamber. The laundry appliance also includes a spray nozzle positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber. The laundry appliance may be treated by closing a water valve upstream of the treatment chamber, and, while the water valve is closed, activating a pump to pump the sanitizing agent from a tank to the spray nozzle. Thus, the spray of sanitizing agent is directed into the treatment chamber by and from the spray nozzle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, such as washing machine appliances and clothes dryer appliances, and in particular to such appliances with sanitization features and methods of sanitizing such appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various laundry appliances generally include a laundry vessel therein which defines a treatment chamber for, e.g., washing and/or drying articles. For example, washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A laundry vessel in the form of a basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.
As another example, the laundry vessel may be a drum of a clothes dryer appliance. A conventional appliance for drying articles such as a clothes dryer (or laundry dryer) for drying clothing articles typically includes a cabinet having a rotating drum for tumbling clothes and laundry articles therein. One or more heating elements heat air prior to the air entering the drum, and the warm air is circulated through the drum as the clothes are tumbled to remove moisture from laundry articles in the drum. Gas or electric heating elements may be used to heat the air that is circulated through the drum.
As yet another example, the laundry vessel may be a wash basket of a combination laundry appliance. Combination laundry appliances, sometimes also referred to as washer/dryer appliances, provide both washing and drying functions in a single unit. For example, a combination laundry appliance typically includes a wash tub and basket, similar to those described above for a washing machine appliance, in combination with one or more heating elements, such as a heat pump or any other suitable heat source, similar to those described above for a clothes dryer appliance.
Some laundry appliances include features or operations for sanitizing the appliance and/or articles within the treatment chamber thereof. Such sanitizing features and operations typically are performed as a separate and additional operation from other operations or cycles of the laundry appliance. Additionally, such sanitizing features and operations typically require the use of heated water, e.g., steam, to provide sanitization.
Accordingly, improved methods and apparatuses for sanitizing laundry appliances are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of sanitizing a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening with a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet. The laundry vessel defines a treatment chamber. The laundry appliance also includes a spray nozzle positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber. The method includes closing a water valve upstream of the treatment chamber. The method also includes, while the water valve is closed, activating a pump to pump the sanitizing agent from a tank to the spray nozzle, whereby the spray of sanitizing agent is directed into the treatment chamber by and from the spray nozzle.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular to one another. The laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening with a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet. The laundry vessel defines a treatment chamber. The laundry appliance also includes a spray nozzle positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber. The laundry appliance further includes a controller. The controller is configured for closing a water valve upstream of the treatment chamber. The controller is also configured for, while the water valve is closed, activating a pump to pump the sanitizing agent from a tank to the spray nozzle, whereby the spray of sanitizing agent is directed into the treatment chamber by and from the spray nozzle.
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 invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a laundry appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of the laundry appliance of FIG. 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of the laundry appliance of FIG. 1 according to one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of another laundry appliance in accordance with one or more further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the example laundry appliance of FIG. 4 with portions of a cabinet of the laundry appliance removed to reveal certain components of the dryer appliance.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of the laundry appliance of FIG. 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of the laundry appliance of FIG. 4 according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of sanitizing a laundry appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.
In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present invention. The terms “includes” 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”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual elements.
As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value, unless otherwise specified. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, unless otherwise specified. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.
The present disclosure relates to laundry appliances, where “laundry appliances” is to be understood as encompassing washing machine appliances, dryer appliances, and/or combination washer-dryer appliances. As used herein, the terms “articles,” “clothing,” or “laundry” include but need not be limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or other items which may be cleaned and/or treated in a washing machine appliance. Furthermore, the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothing that may be washed together in a washing machine appliance or dried together in a dryer appliance (e.g., clothes dryer) and may include a mixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens within a particular laundering process.
In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 , the laundry appliance may be a washing machine appliance. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100 according to one example embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view of washing machine appliance 100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.
As may be seen in FIG. 2 , a wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub 124 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet 102.
A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 124 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a vertical axis or top load washing machine appliance as well.
Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning of articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.
Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). According to the illustrated embodiment, motor assembly 122 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2 , cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 that defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1 ) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.
In some embodiments, a window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100). Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. Additionally, a front gasket 138 may extend between tub 124 and the front panel 130 about the opening 132 covered by door 134, further sealing tub 124 from cabinet 102.
As illustrated for example in FIG. 2 , wash basket 120 may also include a plurality of perforations 140 extending therethrough in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through the plurality of perforations 140. A pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain 146). Pump assembly 144 is also configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub 124.
In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes an additive dispenser or spout 150. For example, spout 150 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub 124. Spout 150 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 150 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.
As illustrated, a detergent drawer 152 may be slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 152 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 152 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 150 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.
In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 154 is disposed within cabinet 102. Bulk reservoir 154 may be configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover, bulk reservoir 154 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 154. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive. A reservoir pump 156 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 154 to wash tub 124.
A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.
Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.
Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100, such as motor assembly 122, may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller.
In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and a wash operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via spout 150). 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 or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may be motivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., a tumble speed). As the basket 120 is rotated, articles within the basket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.
After the agitation phase of the washing operation is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse cycle) by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., a pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., a plaster speed). As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120 increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket 120.
After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or the washing operation otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket 120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132).
In some embodiments, the washing machine appliance 100 may include features for sanitizing the interior of the washing machine appliance 100, such as for sanitizing the wash chamber 126 within the wash basket 120 and/or contents thereof, e.g., laundry articles therein. Such features according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 . The washing machine appliance 100 may include a tank 200 with a sanitizing agent 201 stored therein. The tank 200 may be coupled to a pump 202, e.g., at an upstream side or suction side of the pump 202, whereby the pump 202 draws the sanitizing agent 201 from the tank 200. The pump 202 may further be coupled to a spray nozzle 206, such as at a pressure side or discharge side of the pump 202, via a common line 204. Thus, when the pump 202 is activated, the sanitizing agent 201 may thereby be pressurized and delivered to the spray nozzle 206, thus forming a mist or spray of the sanitizing agent 201 emanating from the spray nozzle 206. In various embodiments, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned and operable to direct the spray of sanitizing agent 201 into a treatment chamber defined in a laundry vessel of a laundry appliance. For example, in embodiments where the laundry appliance is a washing machine appliance such as washing machine appliance 100, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned and operable to direct the spray of sanitizing agent 201 into the wash chamber 126 within the wash basket 120. In some embodiments, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned in the gasket 138 of the washing machine appliance 100, or may be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the gasket 138.
The common line 204 may also be coupled to a water supply valve 208, where the water supply valve 208 selectively permits or obstructs a flow of water 1000 into the treatment chamber, e.g., wash chamber 126. For example, when the pump 202 is activated, the water valve 208 may be closed, e.g., to prevent the sanitizing agent 201 from travelling upstream in the water supply system, such as upstream of the water valve 208 with respect to the flow of water 1000. Also, when the pump 202 is deactivated, which may be after a predetermined treatment time has elapsed, the water valve 208 may be opened, e.g., in order to flush out the common line 204 and the spray nozzle 206.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, the laundry appliance may be a dryer appliance. For example, FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of dryer appliance 10 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 provides another perspective view of dryer appliance 10 with a portion of a cabinet or housing 12 of dryer appliance 10 removed in order to show certain components of dryer appliance 10. Dryer appliance 10 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of dryer appliance 10, using the teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that dryer appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer appliances having different appearances and different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.
Cabinet 12 includes a front panel 14, a rear panel 16, a pair of side panels 18 and 20 spaced apart from each other by front and rear panels 14 and 16, a bottom panel 22, and a top cover 24. Within cabinet 12, an interior volume 29 is defined. A drum or container 26 is mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis within the interior volume 29. Drum 26 defines a chamber 25 for receipt of articles of clothing for tumbling and/or drying. Drum 26 extends between a front portion 37 and a back portion 38. Drum 26 also includes a back or rear wall 34, e.g., at back portion 38 of drum 26. A supply duct 41 may be mounted to rear wall 34 and receives heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly or system 40.
A motor 31 is provided in some embodiments to rotate drum 26 about the horizontal axis, e.g., via a pulley and a belt (not pictured). Drum 26 is generally cylindrical in shape, having an outer cylindrical wall 28 and a front flange or wall 30 that defines an opening 32 of drum 26, e.g., at front portion 37 of drum 26, for loading and unloading of articles into and out of chamber 25 of drum 26. A plurality of lifters or baffles 27 are provided within chamber 25 of drum 26 to lift articles therein and then allow such articles to tumble back to a bottom of drum 26 as drum 26 rotates. Baffles 27 may be mounted to drum 26 such that baffles 27 rotate with drum 26 during operation of dryer appliance 10.
Drum 26 includes a rear wall 34 rotatably supported within main housing 12 by a suitable fixed bearing. Rear wall 34 can be fixed or can be rotatable. Rear wall 34 may include, for instance, a plurality of holes that receive hot air that has been heated by a heating assembly or system 40, as will be described further below. Motor 31 is also in mechanical communication with an air handler 48 such that motor 31 rotates a fan 49, e.g., a centrifugal fan, of air handler 48. Air handler 48 is configured for drawing air through chamber 25 of drum 26, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein. In alternative example embodiments, dryer appliance 10 may include an additional motor (not shown) for rotating fan 49 of air handler 48 independently of drum 26.
Drum 26 is configured to receive heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly 40, e.g., via holes in the rear wall 34 as mentioned above, in order to dry damp articles disposed within chamber 25 of drum 26. For example, heating assembly 40 may include any suitable heat source, such as a gas burner, an electrical resistance heating element, or heat pump, for heating air. As discussed above, during operation of dryer appliance 10, motor 31 rotates drum 26 and fan 49 of air handler 48 such that air handler 48 draws air through chamber 25 of drum 26 when motor 31 rotates fan 49. In particular, ambient air enters heating assembly 40 via an inlet 51 due to air handler 48 urging such ambient air into inlet 51. Such ambient air is heated within heating assembly 40 and exits heating assembly 40 as heated air. Air handler 48 draws such heated air through supply duct 41 to drum 26. The heated air enters drum 26 through a plurality of outlets of supply duct 41 positioned at rear wall 34 of drum 26.
Within chamber 25, the heated air may accumulate moisture, e.g., from damp clothing disposed within chamber 25. In turn, air handler 48 draws moisture-saturated air through a screen filter (not shown) which traps lint particles. Such moisture-statured air then enters an exit duct 46 and is passed through air handler 48 to an exhaust duct 52. From exhaust duct 52, such moisture-statured air passes out of dryer appliance 10 through a vent 53 defined by cabinet 12. After the clothing articles have been dried, they are removed from the drum 26 via opening 32. A door 33 (FIG. 4 ) provides for closing or accessing drum 26 through opening 32. The door 33 may be movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position for access to the chamber 25 defined in the drum 26, and the closed position for sealingly enclosing the chamber 25 defined in the drum 26.
In some embodiments, one or more selector inputs 70, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., may be provided or mounted on a cabinet 12 (e.g., on a backsplash 71 of the cabinet 12) and are in operable communication (e.g., electrically coupled or coupled through a wireless network band) with a processing device or controller 90. A display 56 may also be provided on the backsplash 71 and may also be in operable communication with the controller 90. Controller 90 may also be provided in operable communication with motor 31, air handler 48, and/or heating assembly 40. In turn, signals generated in controller 90 direct operation of motor 31, air handler 48, and/or heating assembly 40 in response to the position of inputs 70. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , the inputs 70 are provided as knobs. In other embodiments, inputs 70 may also or instead include buttons, switches, touchpads and/or a touch screen type interface.
Controller 90 is a “processing device” or “controller” and may be embodied as described herein. As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The controller 90 may be programmed to operate dryer appliance 10 by executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., non-transitory media). The controller 90 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements such as RAM, ROM, or electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). For example, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. Controller 90 may include one or more processor(s) and associated memory device(s) configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions and/or instructions (e.g. performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller.
As illustrated in FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the dryer appliance 10 may include sanitizing features similar to those described above in context of FIG. 3 . For example, such features may include a spray nozzle 206 positioned and configured to direct a mist of sanitizing agent 201 into the chamber 25 of the drum 26, such as for sanitizing the chamber 25 within the drum 26. Such features according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated in FIG. 6 . The dryer appliance 10 may include a tank 200 with a sanitizing agent 201 stored therein. The tank 200 may be coupled to a pump 202, e.g., at an upstream side or suction side of the pump 202, whereby the pump 202 draws the sanitizing agent 201 from the tank 200. The pump 202 may further be coupled to a spray nozzle 206, such as at a pressure side or discharge side of the pump 202, via a common line 204. Thus, when the pump 202 is activated, the sanitizing agent 201 may thereby be pressurized and delivered to the spray nozzle 206, thus forming a mist or spray of the sanitizing agent 201 emanating from the spray nozzle 206. In various embodiments, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned and operable to direct the spray of sanitizing agent 201 into a treatment chamber defined in a laundry vessel of a laundry appliance. For example, in embodiments where the laundry appliance is a dryer appliance such as dryer appliance 10, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned and operable to direct the spray of sanitizing agent 201 into the chamber 25 within the drum 26. In some embodiments, the spray nozzle 206 may be positioned on the back wall 34 of the dryer appliance 10, e.g., where the back wall 34 is stationary, thus promoting ease of connection and maintaining the connection between the spray nozzle 206 and the common line 204.
The common line 204 may also be coupled to a water supply valve 208, where the water supply valve 208 selectively permits or obstructs a flow of water 1000 into the treatment chamber, e.g., chamber 25. For example, when the pump 202 is activated, the water valve 208 may be closed, e.g., to prevent the sanitizing agent 201 from travelling upstream in the water supply system, such as upstream of the water valve 208 with respect to the flow of water 1000. Also, when the pump 202 is deactivated, which may be after a predetermined treatment time has elapsed, the water valve 208 may be opened, e.g., in order to flush out the shared line 204 and the spray nozzle 206.
FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiments of a dryer appliance 10 with sanitizing features, similar to FIGS. 3 and 6 as described above. In some embodiments, the dryer appliance 10 may include the spray nozzle 206 positioned at or near a front of the dryer appliance 10, e.g., at or near the front panel 14 of the cabinet 12, e.g., where “near” the front panel 14 includes at least closer to the front panel 14 than to rear panel 16 along the transverse direction T. For example, the spray nozzle 206 may be mounted to a fixed, stationary component at or near the front panel 14, such as a front drum bearing or a lower vent grille of the dryer appliance 10.
In some embodiments, e.g., when the laundry appliance is a dryer appliance 10, the spray nozzle 206 may also be used to provide a steam feature for laundry articles therein. In particular, when the spray nozzle 206 is positioned at or near the front panel 14 as described above with regard to FIG. 7 , the spray nozzle 206 may also be used for providing the steam feature, and both the steam feature and the sanitizing treatment may be independently selectable options available to a user of the laundry appliance, e.g., one or both of the steam feature and the sanitizing feature may be selected for any cycle of the dryer appliance 10.
Referring now to FIG. 8 , embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of sanitizing a laundry appliance, for example, one of the laundry appliances illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or in FIGS. 4 and 5 . As described above regarding FIGS. 1 through 7 , in particular FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 , the laundry appliance may include a cabinet defining an opening and a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet, such as the wash basket 120 or drum 26 described above. The laundry vessel may define a treatment chamber, such as wash chamber 126 or chamber 25, also as described above. A spray nozzle, e.g., nozzle 206, may be positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , a method 300 of sanitizing a laundry appliance may include a step 310 of closing a water valve, e.g., a cold water supply valve which may be water valve 208 (FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 ), upstream of a treatment chamber (e.g., 126 or 25).
The method 300 may then include, while the water valve is closed, activating a pump to pump the sanitizing agent from a tank to the spray nozzle after closing the water valve, e.g., as illustrated at 320 in FIG. 8 . When the pump is activated, the spray of sanitizing agent may be directed into the treatment chamber by and from the spray nozzle as a result of the operation of the pump, e.g., due to the pump pressurizing the sanitizing agent and the spray nozzle forming the pressurized sanitizing agent into a mist and directing the mist into the chamber. Moreover, in some embodiments, where the water valve 208 is coupled to a water supply line (e.g., as will be understood from FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 , the water 1000 is flowing within a conduit such as a water supply line), the water valve 208 may prevent or limit backflow of the sanitizing agent into the water supply line when the pump is activated, e.g., during the step 320 of activating the pump.
Also as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the method 300 may, in some embodiments, further include a step 330 of rotating the laundry vessel while the pump is activated. Thus, the spray of sanitizing agent may be evenly distributed around the laundry vessel.
In some embodiments, the method 300 may also include deactivating the pump after a predetermined treatment time has elapsed. In such embodiments, the method 300 may further include, after deactivating the pump, a step 340 of opening the water valve. Opening the water valve may permit water 1000 to flow through the sanitizing system, e.g., may cause the spray nozzle to be flushed with water. In some exemplary embodiments, opening the water valve may also provide a flow of water to and through the spray nozzle, such as a mist of water similar to the mist of sanitizing agent described above, whereby the mist of water may rinse the laundry vessel and/or the treatment chamber therein. For example, when the water valve is opened as described after the sanitizing agent is provided, such rinsing of the laundry vessel may flush out and/or rinse away residual sanitizing agent and dead bacteria which may be present in the laundry vessel following the action of the sanitizing agent, e.g., after the treatment time has elapsed. Additionally, the pump may prevent backflow of the water 1000 into the tank 200 when the water valve 208 is opened, thereby preventing or reducing dilution of the sanitizing agent 201 or overfilling the tank 200.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include rinsing the laundry vessel and flushing away residue and dead bacteria after treatment of the laundry vessel with the sanitizing agent. For example, as described above, the rinsing and flushing may be provided via the spray nozzle after the treatment time. In some embodiments, e.g., where the laundry appliance is a washing machine appliance or combination appliance, the rinsing and flushing may also or instead be provided by filling the laundry vessel with water from a spout, e.g., as in a rinse cycle of the laundry appliance, followed by draining the laundry appliance. In some embodiments, the drain cycle may be performed after rinsing and flushing via the spray nozzle only, e.g., rinsing and flushing the laundry vessel without providing the fill of water similar to the rinse fill.
In some embodiments, drying of the laundry vessel after the sanitizing treatment, such as after the rinse following the sanitizing treatment, may be provided or enhanced by spinning the laundry vessel and, particularly in embodiments where the laundry appliance is a dryer appliance or combination appliance, providing heat to the laundry vessel, e.g., by activating a heating assembly such as the example heating assembly 40 described above in reference to FIG. 5 .
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of sanitizing a laundry appliance, the laundry appliance including a cabinet defining an opening, a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet, the laundry vessel defining a treatment chamber, and a spray nozzle positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber, the method comprising:

closing a water valve upstream of the treatment chamber; and

while the water valve is closed, activating a pump to pump the sanitizing agent from a tank to the spray nozzle, whereby the spray of sanitizing agent is directed into the treatment chamber by and from the spray nozzle.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating the laundry vessel while the pump is activated, whereby the spray of sanitizing agent is evenly distributed around the laundry vessel.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising deactivating the pump after a predetermined treatment time has elapsed, and opening the water valve after deactivating the pump, whereby the spray nozzle is flushed with water.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the water valve is coupled to a water supply line, whereby the water valve prevents backflow of the sanitizing agent into the water supply line during the step of activating the pump.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the pump prevents backflow of the water into the tank when the water valve is opened.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the laundry appliance is a washing machine appliance and the laundry vessel is a wash basket positioned within a wash tub of the washing machine appliance.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned in a gasket of the washing machine appliance, the gasket extending between the opening of the cabinet and the wash basket.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the laundry appliance is a dryer appliance and the laundry vessel is a drum of the dryer appliance.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned on a stationary back wall of the drum of the dryer appliance.

10. A laundry appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular to one another, the laundry appliance comprising:

a cabinet defining an opening;

a laundry vessel mounted within the cabinet, the laundry vessel defining a treatment chamber;

a spray nozzle positioned and operable to direct a spray of sanitizing agent into the treatment chamber; and

a controller, the controller configured for:

closing a water valve upstream of the treatment chamber; and

11. The laundry appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured for rotating the laundry vessel while the pump is activated, whereby the spray of sanitizing agent is evenly distributed around the laundry vessel.

12. The laundry appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured for deactivating the pump after a predetermined treatment time has elapsed, and opening the water valve after deactivating the pump, whereby the spray nozzle is flushed with water.

13. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the water valve is coupled to a water supply line, whereby the water valve prevents backflow of the sanitizing agent into the water supply line during the step of activating the pump.

14. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the pump prevents backflow of the water into the tank when the water valve is opened.

15. The laundry appliance of claim 10, wherein the laundry appliance is a washing machine appliance and the laundry vessel is a wash basket positioned within a wash tub of the washing machine appliance.

16. The laundry appliance of claim 15, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned in a gasket of the washing machine appliance, the gasket extending between the opening of the cabinet and the wash basket.

17. The laundry appliance of claim 10, wherein the laundry appliance is a dryer appliance and the laundry vessel is a drum of the dryer appliance.

18. The laundry appliance of claim 17, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned on a stationary back wall of the drum of the dryer appliance.