Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure generally relates to rotary pumps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rotary pump having a dual functionality of drainage and recirculation of water, used for a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[2] Washing machines are essential appliances for many households around the world. Washing machines are designed to clean and wash different types of laundry, including clothes, bed sheets, curtains, towels, and the like. The primary use of a washing machine is to clean clothes, thereby saving time and energy compared to manual washing. Modern washing machines are relatively energy efficient and consume less water and electricity compared to traditional washing methods. Washing machines operate with different wash cycles, allowing users to choose the appropriate cycle depending on the type of fabric and level of dirt.
[3] Typically, some of the main components in a washing machine include a drum/tub, a water pump, a drain pipe, a water inlet valve, an agitator/impeller, a motor, a circuit board, a heating element, and a control panel: The drum/tub typically includes two parts i.e., an inner tub and an outer tub. The inner tub is designed to hold clothes and the water used during a wash cycle. The inner tub has a perforated surface that allows water to circulate freely. The outer tub accommodates the inner tub and retains water throughout the washing process. The water pump is used to circulate water during a wash cycle and to drain water once the wash cycle is completed. In some advanced models, two separate pumps may be utilized for washing and drying processes. The water inlet valve is used for regulating the flow of water into the drum. The water inlet valve operates automatically according to the machine's specific needs during the wash cycle.
[4] The agitator/impeller is used for moving garments within the drum, thereby creating friction that removes dirt and stains effectively. The circuit board functions as a brain of the washing machine, orchestrating everything from wash cycles to dispensing detergent. The circuit board is configured to enable the washing machine to run smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that all components work in harmony. When a wash program is selected by a user, the circuit board interprets the selection and communicates with the various parts of the machine, such as the motor, water inlet valve, and pump. The circuit board performs an intelligent coordination allowing the washing machine to regulate the water flow, decide the duration of cycles, and adapt to different fabrics.
[5] The control panel is an interface of the washing machine, designed with layout and features to allow a user to select settings and wash cycles that match user requirements. Modern control panels are intuitive, often featuring touch controls and clear displays, allowing a user to navigate effortlessly between different options, such as temperature settings, cycle duration, and wash intensity.
[6] Some convention washing machines may have a dual functionality by enabling both drainage and recirculation of water. However, the conventional washing machine lacks features that regulate and stabilize water flow rate through a drain outlet and a recirculation outlet, thereby reducing the pump efficiency. Further, the conventional washing machine does not have features for additionally improving the wash quality by enhancing detergent solubility. Furthermore, the conventional washing machines also have drawbacks associated with water re-entering the drum during recirculation, resulting in inefficient water management and cross-contamination between drained water and recirculated water.
[7] There is a need for an enhanced washing machine which overcomes at least the drawbacks discussed herein.
SUMMARY
[8] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[9] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotary pump for a washing machine is disclosed. The rotary pump includes a casing, a water inlet pipe coupled to the casing, a water drain pipe disposed proximate to an outlet cavity in the casing and coupled to the casing, and a water recirculation pipe disposed proximate to the outlet cavity and coupled to the casing. The water drain pipe, the water recirculation pipe, and a portion of the outlet cavity proximate to the water drain pipe and the water recirculation pipe, form a substantially U-shaped channel. At least one of the water drain pipe and the water recirculation pipe includes a venturi-structure. The rotary pump further includes an impeller disposed within the casing, a motor coupled to the impeller and configured to drive the impeller, a holding structure formed at a top side within the outlet cavity of the casing, and a ball valve movably disposed in the holding structure. The ball valve is a single ball valve configured to close one of the water drain pipe and the water recirculation pipe based on a direction of rotation of the impeller.
[10] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[12] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a washing machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[13] Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of figure 1 of the present disclosure;
[14] Figure 3a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump of the washing machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of figures 1 and 2 of the present disclosure;
[15] Figure 3b is a partial front perspective view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 3a of the present disclosure;
[16] Figure 4a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump of the washing machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[17] Figure 4b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 4a of the present disclosure;
[18] Figure 5a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump of the washing machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[19] Figure 5b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 5a of the present disclosure;
[20] Figure 6a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump of the washing machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[21] Figure 6b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 6a of the present disclosure;
[22] Figure 7 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 3a and 3b of the present disclosure;
[23] Figure 8 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 3a and 3b of the present disclosure;
[24] Figure 9 is a partial front perspective view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 8 of the present disclosure;
[25] Figure 10 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 6a and 6b of the present disclosure; and
[26] Figure 11 is table representative of output of the rotary pump in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-10 of the present disclosure.
[27] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of vehicle, one or more components of the vehicle may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[28] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[29] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[30] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[31] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[32] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[33] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[34] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[35] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[36] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a washing machine (02) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The washing machine (02) includes two parts i.e., an inner tub (03) and an outer tub (04). The inner tub (03) is designed to hold clothes and the water used during a wash cycle. The inner tub (03) has a perforated surface that allows water to circulate freely. The outer tub (04) accommodates the inner tub (03) and retains water throughout the washing process. The washing machine (02) further includes a plurality of dampers (05) coupled to the outer tub (04). A water pump (10) is used to circulate water during a wash cycle and to drain water once the wash cycle is completed. It should be noted herein that aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable for any type of washing machine such as a front load washing machine, a top load washing machine etc.
[37] Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of figure 1 of the present disclosure. The rotary pump (10) includes a casing (12), a water inlet pipe (14), a water drain pipe (16), a water recirculation pipe (18), an impeller (19), a motor (21), and a coin trap unit (23).
[38] The impeller (19) is disposed at a rear end within the casing (12). The motor (21) is coupled to the impeller (19) and configured to drive the impeller (19). The motor (21) is further coupled to a power source (not shown) configured to supply electric power to drive the motor (21). A control unit (not shown) is configured to control the rotation of the motor (21). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes a ball valve (30) movably disposed in a holding structure (not shown in figure 2) within the casing (12).
[39] Figure 3a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) of the washing machine (02) in accordance with exemplary embodiments of figures 1 and 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 3b is a partial front perspective view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of figure 3a of the present disclosure. With reference to figures 3a and 3b, the rotary pump (10) includes the casing (12), the water inlet pipe (14), the water drain pipe (16), and the water recirculation pipe (18). Specifically, the water inlet pipe (14) is coupled to the casing (12) and configured to direct water into the casing (12). Further, the water drain pipe (16) is disposed proximate to an outlet cavity (20) in the casing (12) and also coupled to the casing (12). Furthermore, the water recirculation pipe (18) is disposed proximate to the outlet cavity (20) and coupled to the casing (12). The water recirculation pipe (18) is configured to recirculate water through the washing machine (02) during a wash cycle. The water drain pipe (16) is configured to drain the water after the completion of the wash cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, water inlet pipe (14) protrudes laterally from the casing. Further, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) protrude upward from a top side (22) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). In another embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) may protrude downward from a bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12).
[40] The impeller (19) is disposed at a rear end within the casing (12). The motor (21) is coupled to the impeller (19) and configured to drive the impeller (19). The motor (21) is further coupled to a power source configured to supply electric power. The motor (21) is configured to drive the impeller (19) along a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction to direct the water through the water drain pipe (16) or the water recirculation pipe (18) depending on cycle of operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) are located to a left side and a right side respectively with reference to the casing (12). It should be noted herein that the water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18), and a portion (26) of the outlet cavity (20), form a substantially U-shaped channel for the flow of water. The U-shaped channel facilitates dual functionality by enabling both drainage and recirculation within a unified system. The U-shaped channel is designed to improve fluid dynamics, thereby ensuring smooth transfer of water flow between the water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18). If the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is discharged through the water drain pipe (16) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is directed through the water recirculation pipe (18). In another embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) are located to a right side and a left side respectively (vice versa) with reference to the casing (12). In such an embodiment, if the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is discharged through the water recirculation pipe (18) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is directed through the water drain pipe (16).
[41] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). It should be noted herein that the ball valve (30) is a single ball valve configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on a direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[42] Figure 4a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) of the washing machine (02) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 4a of the present disclosure. As shown in figures 4a and 4b, specifically, the water inlet pipe (14) is coupled to the casing (12). Further, the water drain pipe (16) is disposed proximate to the outlet cavity (20) in the casing (12) and also coupled to the casing (12). Furthermore, the water recirculation pipe (18) is disposed proximate to the outlet cavity (20) and coupled to the casing (12). In the illustrated embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) include venturi-structures (32, 34) respectively. The venturi-structures (32, 34) are configured to increase a turbulence and a velocity of flow of water and a flow rate of water through the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) respectively. In another embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) may include the venturi structure (32) and the water recirculation pipe (18) may not include venturi-structure (34). In yet another embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) may not include the venturi structure (32) and the water recirculation pipe (18) may include venturi-structure (34).
[43] The motor (21) is configured to drive the impeller (19) along the clockwise direction or the anticlockwise direction to direct the water through the water drain pipe (16) or the water recirculation pipe (18). It should be noted herein that the water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18), and the portion (26) of the outlet cavity (20), form a substantially U-shaped channel for the flow of water. In one embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) are disposed inclined with reference to the casing (12). In such an embodiment, an angle between a vertical central axis (Y1-Y1)of the water drain pipe (16) and a vertical central axis (Y-Y) of the casing (12) and an angle between a vertical central axis (Y2-Y2) of the water recirculation pipe (18) and the vertical central axis (Y-Y) of the casing (12) is in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The angled orientations of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) enable to direct water flow according to the rotational direction of the impeller (19), thereby optimizing the water flow path.
[44] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). The ball valve (30) is configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on a direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[45] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes a flow regulator structure (36) having a substantially c-shaped configuration, disposed at the bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). The flow regulator structure (36) is configured to direct a flow of water at a predetermined pressure to the water drain pipe (16) or the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[46] Figure 5a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) of the washing machine (02) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 5a of the present disclosure. As shown in figures 5a and 5b, specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) include venturi-structures (32, 34) respectively. The venturi-structures (32, 34) are configured to increase the turbulence, the velocity of flow of water, and the flow rate of water through the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) respectively. The water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18), and the portion (26) of the outlet cavity (20), form a substantially U-shaped channel for the flow of water. In the illustrated embodiment, a first air intake pipe (38) is coupled to the water recirculation pipe (18). The first air intake pipe (38) is configured to generate microbubbles in water to enhance mixing of detergent in the water flowing through the water recirculation pipe (18). The microbubbles created by such a process improve the wash quality and pumping efficiency by enhancing detergent solubility, providing better penetration of cleaning agents into fabrics, and increasing agitation of the wash load.
[47] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the flow regulator structure (36) having a substantially c-shaped configuration, disposed at the bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12).
[48] Figure 6a is a front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) of the washing machine (02) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6b is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 6a of the present disclosure. As shown in figures 6a and 6b, specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) include venturi-structures (32, 34) respectively. The water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18), and the portion (26) of the outlet cavity (20), form a substantially U-shaped channel for the flow of water. In the illustrated embodiment, the first air intake pipe (38) and a second air intake pipe (40) are coupled to the water recirculation pipe (18) and the water drain pipe (16) respectively. The first air intake pipe (38) is configured to generate microbubbles in water to enhance mixing of detergent in the water flowing through the water recirculation pipe (18). The second air intake pipe (40) is configured to generate microbubbles in water to control/reduce hardness of water discharged through the water drain pipe (16).
[49] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the flow regulator structure (36) having a substantially c-shaped configuration, disposed at the bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12).
[50] Figure 7 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 3a and 3b of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). It should be noted herein that the ball valve (30) is a single ball valve configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on a direction of rotation of the impeller (19). Specifically, the ball valve (30) is configured to close and prevent a flow of water flow through one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) while permitting the flow of water through the other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[51] In the illustrated embodiment, more specifically, the ball valve (30) is configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) when the impeller (19) is rotated along a clockwise direction. Further, the ball valve (30) is configured to close other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) when the impeller (19) is rotated along an anticlockwise direction. If the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is discharged through the water drain pipe (16) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is directed through the water recirculation pipe (18). The illustrated figure 7 shows the ball valve (30) positioned closing the water recirculation pipe (18). As noted herein, in certain other embodiments, the positions of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) may be changed vice versa. In such embodiments, if the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is directed through the water recirculation pipe (18) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is discharged through the water drain pipe (16).
[52] Figure 8 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 3a and 3b of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). Specifically, the ball valve (30) is configured to close and prevent a flow of water flow through one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) while permitting the flow of water through the other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[53] If the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is discharged through the water drain pipe (16) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is directed through the water recirculation pipe (18). The illustrated figure 5 shows the ball valve (30) positioned closing the water drain pipe (16) while permitting water flow through the water recirculation pipe (18).
[54] Figure 9 is a partial front perspective view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 8 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the holding structure (28) disposed at the top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12). Specifically, the holding structure (28) includes a first end (42) and a second end (44). It should be noted herein that each of the first and second ends (42, 44) of the holding structure (28) has a width less than a width of remaining portion (46) of the holding structure (28). The first and second ends (42, 44) are aligned with corresponding inlets of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) respectively. Either of the first and second ends (42, 44) function as ball valve restraining zones to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19). Further, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28).
[55] If the impeller (19) is rotated clockwise, water is discharged through the water drain pipe (16) and if the impeller (19) is rotated anticlockwise, water is directed through the water recirculation pipe (18). The illustrated figure 9 shows the ball valve (30) positioned closing the water drain pipe (16). The anticlockwise rotation of the impeller (19) results in water flow (represented by the dark arrows) through the water recirculation pipe (18).
[56] It should further be noted herein that the ball valve (30) is positioned at a bottom side (48) of the holding structure (28) when the rotary pump (10) is not in an operating condition. Further, the ball valve (30) is positioned at a top side (50) of the holding structure (28) due to flow of water when the rotary pump is in operating condition. The ball valve (30) is movable to close either the water drain pipe (16) or the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).
[57] Figure 10 is a partial front isometric view of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figures 6a and 6b of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) include venturi-structures (32, 34) respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first air intake pipe (38) and the second air intake pipe (40) are coupled to the water recirculation pipe (18) and the water drain pipe (16) respectively.
[58] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump (10) includes the flow regulator structure (36) having a substantially c-shaped configuration, disposed at the bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12).
[59] Figure 11 is table (56) representative of output of the rotary pump (10) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-10 of the present disclosure. Column (58) of the table (56) is indicative of the type of operation cycles including drain cycle and recirculation cycle of the rotary pump (10). Column (60) of the table (56) is indicative of water flow rate through the water drain pipe (16) for the drain cycle and recirculation cycle of the rotary pump (10). Column (62) of the table (56) is indicative of water flow rate through the recirculation pipe (18) for the drain cycle and recirculation cycle of the rotary pump (10). Column (64) of the table (56) is indicative of efficiency in percentage for drain cycle and recirculation cycle of the rotary pump (10).It may be inferred that the features including configurations of the venturi structures (32, 34), the holding structure (28), the single ball valve (30), the first and second air intake pipes (38, 40), and the flow regulator structure (36) facilitates to enhance the efficiency of the rotary pump (10).
[60] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure discussed herein, the single ball valve automatically moves based on flow pressure of water caused by the rotational direction of the impeller, thereby ensuring efficient control of flow of water without external components. The ball valve and the holding structure enable selective blocking of the water drain pipe and the water recirculation pipe without the use of additional mechanical or electronic control elements, thereby providing a simplified control system for the flow of water within the washing machine. The ball valve along with the holding structure functions as an anti-back flow mechanism, thereby preventing re-entry of water into the casing during recirculation, resulting in efficient water management and prevention of cross-contamination between drained water and recirculated water. The ball valve is made of a wear-resistant material designed to withstand repeated operation and water pressure within the washing machine’s environment, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance during the machine’s operational life.
[61] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. , C , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A rotary pump (10) for a washing machine (02), the rotary pump (10) comprising:
a casing (12);
a water inlet pipe (14) coupled to the casing (12);
a water drain pipe (16) disposed proximate to an outlet cavity (20) in the casing (12) and coupled to the casing (12);
a water recirculation pipe (18) disposed proximate to the outlet cavity (20) and coupled to the casing (12), wherein the water drain pipe (16), the water recirculation pipe (18), and a portion (26) of the outlet cavity (20) proximate to the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18), form a substantially U-shaped channel, wherein at least one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) comprises a venturi-structure (32, 34);
an impeller (19) disposed within the casing (12);
a motor (21) coupled to the impeller (19) and configured to drive the impeller (19);
a holding structure (28) formed at a top side (22) within the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12); and
a ball valve (30) movably disposed in the holding structure (28), wherein the ball valve (30) is a single ball valve configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on a direction of rotation of the impeller (19).

2. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first air intake pipe (38) coupled to one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18).

3. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a second air intake pipe (40) coupled to other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18).

4. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the first air intake pipe (38) and the second air intake (40) is configured to generate microbubbles in water to control hardness of the water directed through the water drain pipe (16), and wherein other of the first air intake pipe (38) second air intake pipe (40) is configured to generate microbubbles in water to enhance mixing of detergent in the water directed through the water recirculation pipe (18).

5. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle between a vertical central axis of the water drain pipe (16) and a vertical central axis of the casing (12) and an angle between a vertical central axis of the water recirculation pipe (18) and the vertical central axis of the casing (12) is in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

6. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the venturi-structure (32, 34) is configured to increase a turbulence and a velocity of flow of water and a flow rate of water.

7. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding structure (28) comprises a first end (42) and a second end (44), wherein each of the first and second ends (42, 44) of the holding structure (28) has a width less than a width of a remaining portion (46) of the holding structure (28), and wherein the first and second ends (42, 44) are aligned with the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) respectively.

8. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ball valve (30) is positioned at a bottom side (48) of the holding structure (28) when the rotary pump (10) is not in an operating condition, and wherein the ball valve (30) is positioned at a top side (50) of the holding structure (28) due to flow of water when the rotary pump (10) is in an operating condition.

9. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball valve (30) is configured to close one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) when the impeller (19) is rotated along a clockwise direction, and wherein the ball valve (30) is configured to close other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) when the impeller (19) is rotated along an anticlockwise direction.

10. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball valve (30) is configured to close and prevent a flow of water flow through one of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) while permitting the flow of water through the other of the water drain pipe (16) and the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).

11. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a flow regulator structure (36) having a substantially c-shaped configuration, disposed at a bottom side (24) of the outlet cavity (20) of the casing (12).

12. The rotary pump (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow regulator structure (36) is configured to direct a flow of water at a predetermined pressure to the water drain pipe (16) or the water recirculation pipe (18) based on the direction of rotation of the impeller (19).