Description:A TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE FOR TREATING CLOTHES WITH HOT WATER OR STEAM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a top load washing machine for treating clothes with hot water. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a top load washing machine for treating clothes with hot water or steam.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Steam refresh cycle is known to be provided in front loading washing machine. Steam generation time depends on a volume of water which may be directly proportional. In washing machine, there are various methods to generate steam. First one is to heat small amount of water volume of around 10 Ltr. The same takes long time to reach latent heat of evaporation state and each cycle needs at least 30 min time. In another method, separate chamber of 1 Ltr is given in Front Loading Washing machine to generate steam quickly. Moreover, separate steam chamber is required in addition to normal heater. Due to cost of two heaters, such application is not commonly given in washing machine. Also in current top loading washer, steam is small by product of normal heating water. Specific attention is not given on steam exposure rate, flow rate and generation time. Thus, in existing scenario of washing machines, steam cycle is time, space and energy consuming. Short cycles [5 min~10 Min] for steam are not available. Also, currently, steam refresh cycle is not available in top loading washing machine. Some of the state of the art publications in the present context are as follows.
[0003] CN107541900A discloses a kind of home laundry cleaning machine, with smoothing wrinkle, cleaning, drying, sterilization. The function of machine including shell and liftable shell. The shell is connected with liftable shell by expansion link. The outer casing bottom is provided with water tank, recovery tank, steam generator and water pump. The water tank, recovery tank, steam generator and water pump top are provided with water leg. The water leg top is provided with steam outlet at bottom. The two sides of the shell are provided with ceramic heater and steam side exit. The steam side exit top is provided with rack. The lift able shell upper is provided with top installing plate, steam atomizer is provided with the top installing plate, Quartz burner, air circulation fan, anion generator and sliding block. The steam atomization disk is driven using direct current variable frequency motor. The sliding block is connected with toggle. The toggle is connected with eccentric motor. The toggle is connected with clothes hanger. There is clothes hanger on the clothes hanger. The regular clothing care machine of the family expenses is easy for installation, can control cleaning process by control panel or cell phone application after energization, cleaning process is divided into three parts:Prewashing, cleaning and rinsing, more than one piece clothing, automatic shutdown after the completion of processing can be handled simultaneously, it is not necessary to special messenger keeps an eye on, ensure that the clothing cloth after processing is submissive, determining taste removal while, it is ensured that the electrical Safety of user. The multiple heaters and additional tank such as recovery tank makes the system bulky and cannot be employed in small space.
[0004] US8393183B2 discloses a washing machine which may further include a steam generation system. The steam generation system may include a steam generator that may receive liquid from the water supply through a second supply conduit. The inlet valve may control flow of the liquid from the water supply and through the second supply conduit to the steam generator. The inlet valve may be positioned in any suitable location between the water supply and the steam generator. A steam conduit may fluidly couple the steam generator to a steam inlet, which may introduce steam into the tub. The steam inlet may couple with the tub at any suitable location on the tub and is shown as being coupled to a rear wall of the tub. The steam that enters the tub through the steam inlet may subsequently enter the drum through the perforations. Alternatively, the steam inlet may be configured to introduce the steam directly into the drum. The steam inlet may introduce the steam into the tub in any suitable manner. However, the machine discloses is a front loading washing machine and the steam generator discloses herein require space for its installation and functioning.
[0005] US9328448B discloses a laundry machine including a tub in which wash water is stored and/or a drum in which laundry is accommodated, the drum being rotatably provided, a duct configured to communicate with the tub and/or drum, a heater installed in the duct and heating only a predetermined space within the duct, a nozzle installed in the duct and serving to directly supply water to the heated predetermined space, and a blower installed in the duct and serving to blow air toward the predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub or drum.
[0006] CN1776074A relates to a washing machine with drying function. The washing machine comprises a steam generating device used for directly spraying steam to the clothes, and method for controlling the washing machine. In the method for controlling the washing machine, the washing machine supplies hot air which is heated by a drying heater to the clothes through a drying pipeline. The method comprises the following steps: supplied scouring water is heated to generate the steam; the generated steam is sprayed to the clothes through the drying pipeline to execute the washing operation; whether the drying operation is executed after the washing operation is ensured; the dehumidification operation is executed when ensuring that the drying operation is not executed so as to enable a drying fan to be operated to remove the moisture remained in the drying pipeline; therefore, the washing capacity is improved, the energy consumption is lowered, and the moisture remained in the drying pipeline can be effectively removed when the drying operation is not executed after the washing operation.
[0007] KR0128148Y1 relates to a steam generator of a dry washing machine, and more particularly, to a steam generator of a dry washing machine to supply a steam having a predetermined humidity to the dry laundry to minimize the wrinkles of the laundry. The inlet is configured on the inner side of the upper plate, the inlet port is introduced into the air from the outside, and the other end is bent downward to the air duct is bent to discharge the air blown out and a blowing fan for forcibly drawing outside air into the duct and simultaneously blowing it to the rear side, and heating the air blown directly behind the blowing fan to a high temperature. In the drying apparatus is composed of a heat exchanger to be made, it is configured inside the outlet so as to generate a steam having a predetermined humidity by the high temperature heat discharged by the blowing force characterized in that consisting of water supply means for water supply.
[0008] All the above mentioned prior arts requires large size steam generator or heat exchanger, which occupies large space for installation. All these large sized systems and machines are only suitable to be introduced in front loaded washing machine and cannot be accommodated in top loading washing machine. There lies at least a need of a compact hot water or steam generation system that can be accommodated in small space and requires less time for its operation, so that overall power can be saved.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed here inbelow.
[0010] It is a general or primary object of the present disclosure to provide a top load washing machine for treating clothes with hot water or steam from a direct flow of water without requiring a separate chamber for steam generation.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for treating clothes with hot water or steam in top load washing machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to hot water or steam generation from a running flow of water in a small space without requiring a separate chamber for generating hot water or steam. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a top load washing machine (100) for treating clothes with hot water of a desired temperature, the top load washing machine comprising: a rotatable drum (6) to accommodate laundry and a water tank (3) having an inlet and outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to a water supply and the outlet is connected to a receiving end of the rotatable drum (6) via a water pump (4) and a single heating module (5), wherein the water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) from the outlet and to supply the water at a predetermined flow rate to the single heating module (5). The single heating module (5) simultaneously produces hot water based on the flow rate of water, the generated hot water is supplied to the rotatable drum (6) and a microcontroller (9), incorporated in the washing machine, communicably connected to a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6). The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from the single heating module (5) and the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from the single heating module (5), generates temperature data and sends the temperature data to the microcontroller (9). The microcontroller (9) continuously receives the temperature data to determine a temperature difference within the temperature data, generates a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and sends the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.
[0014] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a plurality of buttons or knob is provided in the washing machine to enable user to select the desired temperature of hot water.
[0015] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that if the temperature of incoming water from single heating module is lower than the desired temperature, then the microcontroller lowers down the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the temperature of water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module is measured by temperature sensor by supplying 5 litre of water from the water supply to the rotatable drum through a solenoid valve before the start of the heating cycle.
[0017] In still another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that if the temperature of water in the rotatable drum after receiving water from single heating module become higher than the desired temperature, then the water from the water supply is supplied to the rotatable drum through the solenoid valve to mix with the incoming water to bring the temperature of water in the rotatable drum down to desired temperature.
[0018] In further embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the predetermined time is in the range of 5 to 10 seconds.
[0019] In preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the water tank (3) is provided with a water inlet valve (1) at the inlet for supplying water to the water tank (3) and a water level sensor (2) to detect the water level in the water tank (3), wherein the microcontroller (9) is communicably connected to the water level sensor (2) to receive water level sensor data and activates the water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) on the basis of water level sensor data.
[0020] In more preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the rotatable drum (6) is provided with a hot water nozzle to get hot water access such as in the form of shower during rinse cycle.
[0021] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the temperature of hot water is in the range of 30o – 100o C and the hot water may be obtained at flow rate of water ranging from 20ml per minute to 1000ml per minute depending upon the temperature difference.
[0022] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method carried out in a top load washing machine (100) for generating hot water of desired temperature, the method comprising: providing laundry to a rotatable drum (6), the drum is connected to a water tank (3) via a water pump (4) and a heating module (5) and supplying water by a water pump (4) using a motor driver (8) to the heating module at a predetermined flow rate determined by a microcontroller. The method includes generating hot water through the single heating module (5) and providing the generated hot water to the rotatable drum. Further, the method comprises providing a temperature sensor (7), in the rotatable drum (6), and communicably connected to the microcontroller, wherein the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and the temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from the single heating module (5) and generate temperature data and sends the temperature data to the microcontroller (9). The microcontroller (9) continuously receives the temperature data to determine temperature difference between the water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and water in the rotatable drum after receiving water from single heating module (5). The microcontroller (9) then generates a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and sends the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulates the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.
[0023] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the method further comprises: detecting water level in the water tank (3) through a water level sensor (2) and generating water level sensor data; sending water level sensor data to the microcontroller (9), and on the basis of the water level sensor data, the microcontroller activates a water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) to a suitable level.
[0024] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides that a top loading washing for treating clothes with steam, the top loading washing machine comprising: a rotatable drum (6) to accommodate laundry for steam treatment and a water tank (3) connected to a receiving end of the rotatable drum (6) via a water pump (4) and a single heating module (5), wherein the water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) and to supply the water at a predetermined flow rate to the single heating module (5). The single heating module (5) simultaneously produces steam from the pumped water based on the flow rate of water, and the generated steam is supplied to the rotatable drum (6); and a microcontroller (9), based on selection of a steam treatment mode, continuously regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow of water at the predetermined flow rate that is supplied to the single heating module (5) for generating steam.
[0025] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the predetermined flow rate for generating steam is in the range of 10-20ml per minute.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that a plurality of buttons or knob is provided in the washing machine to enable user to select the mode for treating clothes with steam.
[0027] In still another embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the water tank (3) is provided with a water inlet valve (1) for supplying water to the water tank (3) and a water level sensor (2) to detect the water level in the water tank (3), wherein the microcontroller (9), communicably connected to the water level sensor (2) to receive water level sensor data and activates the water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) on the basis of water level sensor data.
[0028] In further embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the rotatable drum (6) is provided with a spray nozzle or jet to spray the steam directly over the cloth during steam treatment cycle.
[0029] In preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides that the drum (6) rotates at the time of supply of steam.
[0030] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides that a method carried out in a top load washing machine (100) for generating steam, the method comprising: providing laundry to a rotatable drum (6), the drum is connected to a water tank (3) via a water pump (4) and a heating module (5) and supplying water by a water pump (4) through a motor driver (8) to the heating module at a predetermined flow rate determined by a microcontroller. The method also includes generating steam simultaneously through the single heating module (5) and providing the generated steam to the rotatable drum and the microcontroller (9) continuously regulates the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow of water at the predetermined flow rate that is supplied to the single heating module (5) for generating steam.
[0031] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a washing machine (100) comprising: a water tank (3) connected to a water inlet and having an outlet flow connected to a rotatable drum (6), a water pump (4) configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) at a configurable flow rate. It includes a single heating module (5) flow connected to the rotatable drum for heating water received from the water pump (4) at a desired temperature and supplying at least one of heated water and steam to the drum (6) and a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6), for generating a temperature data comprising at least one of: a first temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) before receipt of water from single heating module (5) and a second temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) upon receipt of water from the single heating module (5). It also includes a microcontroller (9) communicably connected to the temperature sensor (7) and configured to: in case of a first selected setting, determine a temperature difference within the temperature data and send a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and to a motor driver (8) of the water pump (4), and thereby trigger regulation of the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5). In case of a second selected setting, the microcontroller is configured to directly control the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5).
[0032] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of operation of a washing machine (100) comprising: pumping the water via a water pump (4) from the water tank (3) at a configurable flow rate, heating water received from the water pump (4) by a single heating module (5) at a desired temperature and thereby supplying least one of heated water and steam to the drum (6) and generating a temperature data by a temperature sensor as at least one of: a first temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) before receipt of water from single heating module (5) and a second temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) upon receipt of water from the single heating module (5). This also include method step of performing by a microcontroller (9) communicably connected to the temperature sensor (7) the steps of: in case of a first selected setting, determining a temperature difference within the temperature data and send a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and to a motor driver (8) of the water pump (4), and thereby trigger regulation of the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5). In case of a second selected setting, the microcontroller (9) directly controls the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5).
[0033] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0034] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a top loading washing machine for treating clothes with hot water and steam in accordance with state of the art;
[0037] FIG. 2A illustrate top portion of washing machine with hot water or steam generation module in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 2B illustrate sub components of top portion of washing machine with hot water or steam generation module in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrate a block diagram indication the connection of sub components of the hot water or steam generation module with the microcontroller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrate the flow chart indicating the selection of mode among hot water or steam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrate the flow chart indicating the method of generation of steam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrate the flow chart indicating the method of generation of hot water of 40oC in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrate the flow chart indicating the method of generation of hot water of 60oC in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 8A illustrate the flow of process of water heating of the system existing in the art.
[0045] FIG. 8B illustrate the flow of process of water heating of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 8C illustrate a graph indicating the difference in rate of attaining a temperature in a given period of time between the existing process.
[0047] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0048] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0049] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0050] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0051] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0053] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0054] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows the top loading washing machine for treating clothes with hot water and steam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The top portion contains various components of hot water or steam generation module. The hot water operation may correspond to a first mode or first setting or default mode, while the steam based operation may correspond to a second mode or second setting. Either of them may be user selected operation. A plurality of buttons or knob may be provided in the washing machine to enable user to select any of the treatment mode.
[0056] The top portion of washing machine with hot water or steam generation module is shown separately in FIG. 2A and various components underlying Fig. 2A are shown in FIG 2B. The module of the washing machine has a water tank (3) having an inlet (1) with valve and outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to a water supply and the outlet is connected to a receiving end of the rotatable drum (6) via a water pump (4) and a single heating module (5). The water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) from the outlet and to supply the water at a predetermined or configurable flow rate to the single heating module (5) and the single heating module (5) simultaneously or sequentially produces hot water or steam based on the flow rate of water. The generated hot water is then supplied to the rotatable drum (6).
[0057] FIG. 3 shows the block diagram indicating the connection of components of the hot water or steam generation module with the microcontroller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A microcontroller (9) is incorporated in the washing machine, communicably connected to a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6). The temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and the temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from the single heating module (5), generates temperature data, and sends the temperature data to the microcontroller (9). The microcontroller (9) continuously receives the temperature data to determine temperature difference between the water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and water in the rotatable drum after receiving water from single heating module (5), and generates a control signal on the basis of temperature difference. The control signal is sent to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water at desired temperature.
[0058] The washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure using water inlet valve (1), water tank (3), water level sensor (2), water pump (4), heater (5), temperature sensor (7), and microcontroller (9), all designed to automate the water heating process. The water level sensor (2) detects the water level in the tank and sends the information to the microcontroller, which activates the water inlet valve (1) to fill the tank (3) when the water level is low.
[0059] The temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of the incoming water and sends the data to the microcontroller (9). Based on the input from the temperature sensor (7), the microcontroller (9) calculates the required voltage for the pump (4) to achieve the desired flow rate.
[0060] The heater (5) has a fixed power rating, which means it can only heat a certain amount of water by a fixed amount in a given amount of time. If the flow rate of the water is too high, the water does not reside for enough time in the heater to reach the desired temperature. Conversely, if the flow rate is too low, the water will reside longer in the heater, causing it to become too hot and potentially causing damage. By adjusting the flow rate, the water spends the optimal amount of time in the heater (5) to achieve the desired temperature without overloading the heater or wasting energy. The microcontroller (9) sends a signal to the L298N motor driver (8), which for example may be power MOSFET driver based circuit, based on the temperature sensor input. The motor driver (8) then regulates the voltage supplied to the pump to adjust the flow rate of water accordingly. This enables the system to achieve the desired temperature output based on the incoming water temperature. Hot water nozzle is also additionally added into system to get hot water availability during rinse cycle. However, at reduced flow rate, steam is attainable at heater output with same configuration.
[0061] An algorithm or an electronically controlled logic efficiently controls all devices and sensors in the system to regulate the flow rate and water temperature according to the desired settings.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows the flow chart indicating the selection of mode among hot water or steam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At start, before the initiation of any hot water or steam generation cycle, the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) before receiving water from single heating module (5) is measured by temperature sensor (7) by supplying 5 litre of water from the water supply to the rotatable drum (6) through a solenoid valve. Then on the basis of temperature setting or mode as received from user as desired temperature, the washing machine will operate in any one of the following mode:
• Steam generation;
• Hot water generation.
[0063] In case of a first selected setting corresponding to the hot water generation, the microcontroller (9) determines a temperature difference within the temperature data and sends a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and to the motor driver (8) of the water pump (4), and thereby triggers regulation of the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5).
[0064] In case of a second selected setting corresponding to the steam generation, the microcontroller (9) directly control the water pump (4) without any temperature sensing to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5) by a predetermined range.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows the flow chart indicating the method of generation of steam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For generating steam, the water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) and to supply the water at a predetermined flow rate to the single heating module (5), wherein the single heating module (5) simultaneously or serially produces steam from the pumped water based on the flow rate of water, and the generated steam is supplied to the rotatable drum (6). A microcontroller (9), continuously regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow of water at the predetermined flow rate that is supplied to the single heating module (5) for generating steam. For generating steam, flow rate in the range of 10-20 ml/minute may be preferred and accordingly employed. Moreover, for the steam treatment of clothes, the clothes are provided in the drum (6) and the drum in rotated at the speed of 30 rpm to expose clothes in their entirety to steam. At least due to this, multiple heating modules are not required to be installed in the circumference of the drum, the heating module with single nozzle will meet the requirement.
[0066] During the mode of hot water generation, the temperature can be set by user. For sake of brevity, two exemplary embodiments have been referred as follows by attaining temperature of hot water as 40oC and 60oC.
[0067] FIG. 6 shows the flow chart indicating the method of generation of hot water of 40oC in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At the initiation of the cycle, water of 5 litre is supplied to drum from water supply by solenoid valve to measure the initial temperature of water. On the basis of temperature of water, microcontroller determines the flow rate of water from water tank to the heating module. For example, if temperature of water is less than 25 degrees then flow of water is employed as 0.5 litres per minute and if temperature of water is not less than 25 degrees then flow of water is employed as 1.15 litres per minute. After receiving water from heating module, the temperature of water in the drum is measured after every 20 seconds. Then on the basis of temperature difference between the water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and water in the rotatable drum after receiving water from single heating module (5), the microcontroller generate a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and sends the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature. For example, if the temperature of water in the drum is less than 30oC, the microcontroller lowers the flow to 0.5 litre per minute or if the temperature of water in the drum is more than 40oC, the microcontroller switches off the heater and opens the solenoid valve to mix the cold water to the drum to bring the temperature of water to desired value.
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrate the flow chart indicating the method of generation of hot water of 60oC in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At the initiation of the cycle, water of 5 litre is supplied to drum from water supply by solenoid valve to measure the initial temperature of water. On the basis of temperature of water, microcontroller determine the flow rate of water from water tank to the heating module. For example, if temperature of water is greater than 25 degrees then flow of water is 0.5 litres per minute and if temperature of water is not greater than 25 degrees then flow of water is reduced further. After receiving water from heating module, the temperature of water in the drum is measured after every 20 seconds. Then on the basis of temperature difference between the water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and water in the rotatable drum after receiving water from single heating module (5), the microcontroller generate a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and sends the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature. For example, if the temperature of water in the drum is less than 30oC, the microcontroller lowers the flow to 0.5 litre per minute or if the temperature of water in the drum is in between the 30oC and 60oC, then it will further regulate the flow. If the temperature of water more than 60oC, the microcontroller switches off the heater and opens the solenoid valve to mix the cold water to the drum for a predetermined time to bring the temperature of water to desired value.
[0069] Thus, within the present washing machine, the flow rate of water supplied to heating module is regulated to receive a continuous flow of steam or water of desired temperature. No multiple heaters are required, and no separate dedicated chamber is required for hot water or steam generation. Instead, only a single heating module of small size with a continuous flow of water with regulated flow rate will meet the requirement. This makes the process fast and due to low space consumption, and the present subject matter can be accommodated in small space of top loading washing machine.
[0070] FIG. 8A-8C indicate the difference in flow of processes of module of existing art and module of present disclosure to determine the efficiency of the present washing machine. Fig 8A shows the flow of process of water heating of the system existing in the art. FIG. 8B shows the flow of process of water heating of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 8C illustrate a graph indicating the difference in rate of attaining a temperature in a given period of time between the existing process. It clearly indicates the time required for cycle is drastically reduced and required temperature is achieved in a significantly small span of time. Noteworthy technical advantages may now be observed in forthcoming section.
[0071] The washing machine disclosed in present disclosure provides a singular heating module allow for the production of hot water or steam, providing an efficient and versatile solution for all heating needs and reduces washing time by 40 percent.
[0072] The present disclosure provides control over water temperature with sensor-based feedback system, which allows to achieve any desired temperature regardless of the input water temperature, providing consistent and reliable results every time.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a water showering experience with hot water nozzle system, which provides a steady and satisfying flow of hot water to envelop clothes in a soothing and refreshing cascade of warmth.
[0074] The present disclosure provides channelling of superheated steam through a high-pressure jet, delivering powerful and direct penetration onto fabrics for optimal results.
[0075] The washing machine of the present disclosure provides an energy efficient solution and more effective for anti-bacterial and anti-allergen.

Equivalents
[0076] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiment may be modified in light of the above teachings. The present subject matter may be construed to cover analogous or related embodiment and shall not be construed as restricted by the number of embodiments recited in the preceding description.
[0077] Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, etc. described herein can be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry, firmware, software or any combination of hardware, firmware, and software (e.g., embodied in a machine-readable medium).
[0078] In addition, it can be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g., a computer system), and can be performed in any order (e.g., including using means for achieving the various operations). Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A top load washing machine (100) for treating clothes with hot water of a desired temperature, the top load washing machine comprising:
- a rotatable drum (6) to accommodate laundry;
- a water tank (3) having an inlet and outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to a water supply and the outlet is connected to a receiving end of the rotatable drum (6) via a water pump (4) and a single heating module (5),
wherein the water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) through the outlet and to supply the water at a predetermined flow rate to the single heating module (5),
wherein the single heating module (5) simultaneously produces hot water based on the flow rate of water, the generated hot water is supplied to the rotatable drum (6); and
- a microcontroller (9), incorporated in the washing machine, communicably connected to a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6),
wherein the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and the temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from the single heating module (5) and generate temperature data and sends the temperature data to the microcontroller (9),
wherein the microcontroller (9) continuously receives the temperature data to determine a temperature difference within the temperature data, generate a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and send the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.

2. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of buttons or knob is provided in the washing machine to enable user to select the desired temperature of hot water.

3. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the temperature of incoming water from single heating module (5) is lower than the desired temperature, then the microcontroller (9) lowers down the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.

4. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) before receiving water from single heating module (5) is measured by temperature sensor (7) by supplying 5 litre of water from the water supply to the rotatable drum (6) through a solenoid valve or the water inlet valve (1) before an operation of the heating module.

5. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein if the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from single heating module (5) become higher than the desired temperature, then the water from the water supply is supplied to the rotatable drum (6) through the solenoid valve to mix with the incoming water to bring the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) down to the desired temperature.

6. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the predetermined time is in the range of 5 to 10 seconds.

7. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water tank (3) is provided with a water inlet valve (1) at the inlet for supplying water to the water tank (3) and a water level sensor (2) detects the water level in the water tank (3), and wherein the microcontroller (9), communicably connected to the water level sensor (2), receives water level sensor data and activates the water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) on the basis of water level sensor data.

8. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotatable drum (6) is provided with a hot water nozzle to spray hot water during rinse cycle.

9. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature of hot water is in the range of 30o – 100o C and the hot water is obtained at flow rate of water ranging from 20ml per minute to 1000ml per minute depending upon the temperature difference.

10. A method carried out in a top load washing machine (100) for generating hot water of desired temperature, the method comprising:
- providing laundry to a rotatable drum (6), the drum is connected to a water tank (3) via a water pump (4) and a heating module (5);
- supplying water by a water pump (4) using a motor driver (8) to the heating module at a predetermined flow rate determined by a microcontroller (9);
- generating hot water through the single heating module (5) and providing the generated hot water to the rotatable drum (6);
- providing a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6), and communicably connected to the microcontroller (9),
wherein the temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) before receiving water from single heating module (5) and the temperature sensor (7) monitors the temperature of water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from the single heating module (5) and generate temperature data and sends the temperature data to the microcontroller (9),
wherein the microcontroller (9) continuously received the temperature data to determine temperature difference between the water in the rotatable drum before receiving water from single heating module (5) and water in the rotatable drum (6) after receiving water from single heating module (5) and generate a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and sent the control signal to a motor driver (8) installed in the water pump (4), which regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water that is supplied to the single heating module (5) to generate the hot water of desired temperature.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising:
- detecting water level in the water tank (3) through a water level sensor (2) and generating water level sensor data;
- sending water level sensor data to the microcontroller (9) and on the basis of the water level sensor data, the microcontroller activates a water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) to a suitable level.

12. A top loading washing for treating clothes with steam, the top loading washing machine comprising:
- a rotatable drum (6) to accommodate laundry for steam treatment;
- a water tank (3) connected to a receiving end of the rotatable drum (6) via a water pump (4) and a single heating module (5),
wherein the water pump (4) is configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) and to supply the water at a predetermined flow rate to the single heating module (5),
wherein the single heating module (5) simultaneously produces steam from the pumped water based on the flow rate of water, and the generated steam is supplied to the rotatable drum (6); and
- a microcontroller (9), based on selection of a steam treatment mode, configured to continuously regulate the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow of water at the predetermined flow rate that is supplied to the single heating module (5) for generating steam.

13. A top loading washing with steam treatment module, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the predetermined flow rate is in the range of 10-20ml per minute.

14. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a plurality of buttons or knob is provided in the washing machine to enable user to select the steam treatment mode for treating clothes.

15. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the water tank (3) is provided with a water inlet valve (1) for supplying water to the water tank (3) and a water level sensor (2) detects the water level in the water tank (3), and wherein the microcontroller (9), communicably connected to the water level sensor (2), receives water level sensor data and activates the water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) on the basis of water level sensor data.

16. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rotatable drum (6) is provided with a nozzle to spray the steam directly over the cloth during steam treatment cycle.

17. The top load washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the drum (7) rotates at the time of supply of steam.

18. A method carried out in a top load washing machine (100) for generating steam, the method comprising:
- providing laundry to a rotatable drum (6), the drum is connected to a water tank (3) via a water pump (4) and a heating module (5);
- supplying water by a water pump (4) through a motor driver (8) to the heating module at a predetermined flow rate determined by a microcontroller (9);
- generating steam simultaneously through the single heating module (5) and providing the generated steam to the rotatable drum;
wherein the microcontroller (9), based on selection of a steam treatment mode, continuously regulates the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) to adjust the flow of water at the predetermined flow rate that is supplied to the single heating module (5) for generating steam.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:
- detecting water level in the water tank (3) through a water level sensor (2) and generating water level sensor data;
- sending water level sensor data to the microcontroller (9) and on the basis of the water level sensor data, the microcontroller activating a water inlet valve (1) to fill the water tank (3) to a suitable level.

20. A washing machine (100) comprising:
- a water tank (3) connected to a water inlet and having an outlet flow connected to a rotatable drum (6);
- a water pump (4) configured to pump the water from the water tank (3) at a configurable flow rate,
a single heating module (5) flow connected to the rotatable drum for heating water received from the water pump (4) at a desired temperature and supplying at least one of heated water and steam to the drum (6); and
- a temperature sensor (7), provided in the rotatable drum (6), for generating a temperature data comprising at least one of: a first temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) before receipt of water from single heating module (5) and a second temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) upon receipt of water from the single heating module (5); and
- a microcontroller (9) communicably connected to the temperature sensor (7) and configured to:
? in case of a first selected setting, determine a temperature difference within the temperature data and send a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and to a motor driver (8) of the water pump (4), and thereby trigger regulation of the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5); and
? in case of a second selected setting, directly control the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5).

21. A method of operation of a washing machine (100) comprising:
- pumping the water via a water pump (4) from the water tank (3) at a configurable flow rate,
heating water received from the water pump (4) by a single heating module (5) at a desired temperature and thereby supplying least one of heated water and steam to the drum (6); and
- generating a temperature data by a temperature sensor as at least one of: a first temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) before receipt of water from single heating module (5) and a second temperature pertaining to water in the rotatable drum (6) upon receipt of water from the single heating module (5);
- performing by a microcontroller (9) communicably connected to the temperature sensor (7) the steps of:
? in case of a first selected setting, determining a temperature difference within the temperature data and send a control signal on the basis of temperature difference and to a motor driver (8) of the water pump (4), and thereby trigger regulation of the voltage supplied to the water pump (4) for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5); and
? in case of a second selected setting, directly controlling the water pump (4) to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the single heating module (5).