Washing machine water fill system

Abstract

The mixing valve used in the water fill system of a washing machine is moved from being located inside the washing machine to the water source, eliminating hoses, reducing manufacturing cost, and improving reliability.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of improving the reliability of and reducing the cost of a washing machine providing independent control of the hot and cold water flow located at the water source outside the washing machine housing whereby hoses subject to failure are eliminated, saving cost and improving reliability compared to existing washing machine water fill systems.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  providing said independent controls as a single unit comprising inlets, electrically operated plugs, and an outlet, whereby the electrical contacts for operation are physically far from the corrosion producing water moisture within the washing machine improving reliability.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  providing said independent controls as separate units comprising an inlet, an electrically operated plugs, and an outlet, whereby the electrical contacts for operation are physically far from the corrosion producing water moisture within the washing machine improving reliability.  
     
     
         4 . An arrangement of  claim 2  providing the water inlet sides of said independent controls connected to the hot and cold water sources by any well known means having higher reliability and lower cost compared to hoses used in existing washing machine water fill systems.  
     
     
         5 . An arrangement of  claim 3  providing the water inlet sides of said independent controls connected to the hot and cold water sources by any well known means having higher reliability and lower cost compared to hoses used in existing washing machine water fill systems.