Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to front-load washing machines and more particularly, to an apparatus for generating water jet in the front-load washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[002] Front-load washing machines are widely used in domestic and commercial laundry applications due to their efficient use of water and washing performance. The front-load washing machine typically includes an outer tub and an inner rotating drum housed within the outer tub. During the wash cycle, laundry is loaded into the inner drum, which rotates about a horizontal axis. The inner drum includes a number of perforations through which water enters and exits, allowing interaction between the laundry load and the wash water.
[003] The washing action in the front-load washing machine is primarily achieved through a combination of drum rotation and gravity-assisted tumbling. As the inner drum rotates, the laundry is lifted and then dropped into the wash water, generating mechanical agitation. This tumbling motion, combined with the detergent-water mixture, facilitates the removal of dirt and stains from fabric surfaces. However, the effectiveness of the washing action also depends significantly on the manner in which water is circulated and agitated within the inner drum during the wash cycle.
[004] To enhance washing efficiency and detergent performance, many front-load washing machines incorporate systems for circulating and agitating water within the wash drum. Typically, water is drawn from the sump area of the outer tub using a circulation pump and is then redirected back into the drum through spray nozzles, overflow spouts, or directed water jets. This recirculation helps to keep the wash water in motion, aids in detergent dissolution, and increases water penetration into fabric fibers.
[005] Existing water jet systems often include a fixed or movable nozzle positioned at the top or side of the drum opening or integrated into the water supply line. These nozzles create water jets aimed at the laundry during drum rotation. While such systems provide a degree of agitation, they suffer from several limitations. Firstly, the placement of nozzles external to the drum may result in uneven water distribution, especially when the laundry load is large or imbalanced. Secondly, the force and direction of the jet are often fixed and may not adequately cover the full volume of laundry or adapt to varying fabric types and wash programs.
[006] Additionally, some systems rely solely on gravity-based flow or limited-pressure sprays, which may not generate sufficient mechanical action to dislodge embedded dirt particles. The lack of direct mechanical force reduces the overall effectiveness of detergent, particularly in low-water or high-foam wash conditions where thorough mixing and fabric penetration are critical. Furthermore, the design complexity and space constraints within the machine housing often limit the size and number of jet outlets that can be integrated into conventional circulation pathways.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus for generating water jet in the front-load washing machine which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide an apparatus for generating water jet in a front-load washing machine.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet with at least a pair of nozzles configured to generate pressurized water jets within an inner drum of the front-load washing machine during rotation of the inner drum.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet with the nozzles positioned within a lifting paddle of the inner drum such that the orientation of the nozzles facilitates the generation of water jets during drum rotation in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that enables deep cleaning within fabric fibers by enhancing detergent penetration through high-velocity water jets.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that promotes uniform wetting and detergent distribution across the laundry load, thereby improving stain removal while being gentle on delicate fabrics.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that reduces water consumption by delivering water directly into the laundry load in a controlled and efficient manner.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that minimizes the formation of wrinkles by ensuring consistent and even hydration of garments throughout the wash cycle.
[0015] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that contributes to reduced energy consumption by enhancing mechanical washing action through targeted water jet application.
[0016] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the apparatus for generating water jet that improves sanitation levels in the washing process by facilitating enhanced mixing, circulation, and physical removal of soils.
[0017] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a wash tub assembly of a washing machine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 2 depicts an isometric view of an inner drum of the washing machine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of the inner drum with an apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 4 depicts the sectional view of the inner drum with the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 5A depicts an isometric view of a lifting paddle of the washing machine, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 5B depicts a side view of the lifting paddle, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 5C depicts a top view of the lifting paddle, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 5D depicts another isometric view of the lifting paddle showing a bottom side of the lifting paddle, according to the first embodiment;
[0027] Fig. 5E depicts a bottom view of the lifting paddle of the washing machine, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0028] Fig. 6A depicts front view of the apparatus for generating water jet positioned within the lifting paddle, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0029] Fig. 6B depicts a front view showing the lifting paddle with the apparatus for generating water jet mounted on a wall of the inner drum, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0030] Fig. 7A depicts an isometric view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0031] Fig. 7B depicts a sectional view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0032] Fig. 7C depicts a top view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0033] Fig. 7D depicts a side view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0034] Fig. 7E depicts a bottom view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0035] Fig. 7F depicts another side view of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0036] Fig. 8A depicts an isometric view of the inner drum of the washing machine, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0037] Fig. 8B depicts an exploded view of the inner drum with an apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0038] Fig. 9 depicts a sectional view of the apparatus for generating water jet positioned within a lifting paddle mounted on the wall of the inner drum, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0039] Fig. 10A depicts an isometric view of the lifting paddle with the apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0040] Fig. 10B depicts a side view of the lifting paddle with the apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0041] Fig. 10C depicts a bottom view of the lifting paddle with the apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0042] Fig. 10D depicts a sectional view of the lifting paddle with the apparatus for generating water jet in the washing machine, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0043] Fig. 11A depicts an isometric view of a nozzle of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0044] Fig. 11B depicts a front view of the nozzle of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0045] Fig. 11C depicts a side view of the nozzle of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0046] Fig. 11D depicts a bottom view of the nozzle of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0047] Fig. 12A depicts an isometric view of a nozzle guide member of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0048] Fig. 12B depicts another isometric view of the nozzle guide member of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0049] Fig. 12C depicts a top view of the nozzle guide member of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0050] Fig. 12D depicts a side view of the nozzle guide member of the apparatus for generating water jet, according to the second embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0052] The embodiments herein achieve an apparatus for generating water jet in a front-load washing machine. Further, embodiments herein achieve the apparatus for generating water jet that enables deep cleaning within fabric fibres by enhancing detergent penetration through high-velocity water jets. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 12D, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0053] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a wash tub assembly (10) of a washing machine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts an isometric view of an inner drum (20) of the wash tub assembly (10), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The wash tub assembly (10) of the washing machine includes an outer tub (12), an inner drum (20), a plurality of lifting paddles (30), and a support structure (40) such as a spider arm assembly that couples the inner drum (20) to a central shaft (not shown) extending from a drive motor (not shown) of the washing machine. The outer tub (12) is a stationary component mounted within a housing (not shown) of the washing machine and functions as a containment vessel for water during various wash and rinse cycles. The inner drum (20) is rotatably supported within the outer tub (12) and is configured to receive laundry items. The inner drum (20) is mechanically linked to the central shaft through the support structure (40), thereby enabling rotational motion about a horizontal axis. The inner drum (20) includes a perforated cylindrical wall (22) that facilitates fluid exchange between the inner drum (20) and the outer tub (12) during wash and spin cycles. The lifting paddles (30) are mounted along an inner circumferential surface of the wall (22) and are configured to lift and drop laundry items during rotation of the inner drum (20), thereby inducing mechanical agitation which assists in the loosening and removal of soils from fabrics.
[0054] Figs. 3 and 8B depict an exploded view of the inner drum (20) with an apparatus for generating water jet (100, 200) in the washing machine, according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment, respectively, as disclosed herein. The apparatus (100, 200) for generating water jet in the washing machine includes at least one pair of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204) positioned within at least one lifting paddle (30) of the washing machine (shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and Fig. 9). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the apparatus (100, 200) is explained herein with below reference to a front-load washing machine. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the components of the apparatus (100, 200) for a top-load washing machine or any other washing appliance without otherwise deterring the intended function of the apparatus (100, 200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the washing machine includes a plurality of apparatuses (100, 200), wherein each apparatus (100, 200) is positioned within a corresponding lifting paddle (30). Further, each lifting paddle (30) includes a top wall (32) having a plurality of perforations (32P), a pair of side walls (34, 36) extending below the top wall (32), and a pair of lateral walls (38) extending between the pair of side walls (34, 36) (shown in Figs. 5A to 5E, and 10A, and 10B). In one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200) includes one pair of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204). In another embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200) includes multiple pairs of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204), wherein the number of nozzles (102, 104) in the apparatus (100, 200) may be selected based on a length of the lifting paddle (30).
[0055] Figs. 7A to 7F depict different views of the apparatus (100) for generating water jet, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein. Figs. 11A to 11D depict different views of the nozzle (202, 204) of the apparatus (200) for generating water jet, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein. Each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) includes an inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) configured to allow water to enter the nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204), and an outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) provided in fluid communication with the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A). The outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) is configured to discharge water into the inner drum (20). Water is directed into the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) by rotational motion of the inner drum (20) during a wash cycle of the washing machine. Further, each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is configured to generate a pressurized water jet through the corresponding outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) into the inner drum (20) of the washing machine. In an embodiment, the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the corresponding outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B), thereby enabling pressure buildup within the nozzle and generation of a pressurized water jet through the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B). Further, in an embodiment, the plurality of perforations (32P) of the lifting paddle (30) are positioned proximate to an aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204). Each perforation (32P) is configured to facilitate directed discharge of the water jet generated through the corresponding nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) into the inner drum (20). In an embodiment, the aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is in contact with an inner side of the top wall (32) of the lifting paddle (30) thereby preventing leakage of water from the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B). Each perforation (32P) in proximity to the corresponding aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) has a guiding member, wherein the guiding member facilitates directed discharge of the water jet into the inner drum (20).
[0056] Furthermore, in an embodiment, each pair of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204) includes a first nozzle (102, 202), and a second nozzle (104, 204). The first and second nozzles (102, 202, 104, 204) are oriented such that the inlet (102A, 202A) of the first nozzle (102, 202) is positioned to facilitate entry of water into the first nozzle (102, 202) when the inner drum (20) rotates in a first direction, and the inlet (104A, 204A) of the second nozzle (104, 204) is positioned to facilitate entry of water into the second nozzle (104, 204) when the inner drum (20) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The respective orientation of the first and second nozzles (102, 202, 104, 204) enables the generation of water jets during rotational motion of the inner drum (20) in both the first and second directions. As an illustrative example, the apparatus (100, 200) includes two pairs of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204), wherein the apparatus has two first nozzles (102, 202) and two second nozzles (104, 204) positioned within the lifting paddle (30) along a lengthwise direction of the lifting paddle (30).
[0057] In the first embodiment, each nozzle (102, 104) is positioned within the lifting paddle (30) such that an opening (102AA, 104AA) of the inlet (102A, 104A) of each nozzle (102, 104) is located at a first side (22F) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20) (shown in Fig. 6B), thereby enabling entry of water into the inlet (102A, 104A) when a water level in the inner drum (20) is above a level of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20). Further, the apparatus (100) includes a base plate (106) corresponding to each pair of the nozzles (102, 104), wherein each nozzle (102, 104) is affixed on the corresponding base plate (106), and each base plate (106) is positioned in contact with the first side (22F) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20). The inlet (102A, 104A) of each nozzle (102, 104) extends along a width-wise direction of the corresponding base plate (106), and the outlet (102B, 104B) of each nozzle (102, 104) extends angularly from the corresponding inlet (102A, 104A) toward the top wall (32) of the lifting paddle (30). In the first embodiment, the lifting paddle (30) includes at least one slot (34S, 36S) defined in each side wall (34, 36) of the lifting paddle (30), wherein each slot (34S, 36S) corresponds to the inlet (102A, 104A) of a respective nozzle (102, 104) and is configured to facilitate entry of water into the corresponding inlet (102A, 104A) (shown in Figs. 5A, 5B, 5D, and 5E).
[0058] In the second embodiment, each nozzle (202, 204) is positioned within the lifting paddle (30) such that an opening (202AA, 204AA) of the inlet (202A, 204A) of each nozzle (202, 204) is located at a second side (22S) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20) (shown in Fig. 9), thereby enabling entry of water into the inlet (202A, 204A) when a water level in an outer tub (12) of the washing machine is above or below a level of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20). In the second embodiment, the apparatus (200) includes a nozzle guide member (206, 208) corresponding to each nozzle (202, 204). Each nozzle guide member (206, 208) is mounted at the second side (22S) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20) and coupled to the corresponding inlet (202A, 204A) (shown in Figs. 8A, 8B, and 9). Further, each nozzle guide member (206, 208) is configured to cover the opening (202AA, 204AA) and guide water flow into the inlet (202A, 204A) through the corresponding opening (202AA, 204AA). As a non-limiting example, the nozzle guide member (206, 208) is a plate having a top surface (206T, 208T), three flanged sides (206F, 208F) extending from the top surface (206T, 208T), and an open side (206S, 208S), wherein the open side (206S, 208S) guides the water flow into the inlet of the corresponding nozzle (202, 204) (shown in Figs. 12A to 12D). Each nozzle (202, 204) with its corresponding nozzle guide member (206, 208) is positioned on the wall (22) of the inner drum (20) such that the nozzle guide member (206, 208) allows water to flow into the inlet (202A, 204A) of the corresponding nozzle (202, 204) when the water level in the outer tub (12) of the washing machine is at or above a level of the top surface (206T, 208T) of the inner drum (20). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the opening (202AA, 204AA) of the inlet (202A, 204A) of each nozzle (202, 204) is in-line or angled with respect to the aperture (202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (202B, 204B) of the corresponding nozzle (202, 204).
[0059] In the first and second embodiments, the lifting paddle (30) includes a plurality of first locating mounting members (30M), and at least one second locating member (30N) provided on a bottom side (39) of the lifting paddle (30) (shown in Figs. 5D, 5E, and 10A, 10C). Each first locating member (30M) is configured to guide the mounting of the apparatus (100, 200) on the wall (22), within the lifting paddle (30). The second locating member (30N) is configured to guide and facilitate the mounting of the lifting paddle (30) on the wall (22) of the inner drum (20). As a non-limiting example, each first locating member (30M) is a slide fit guide and the second locating member (30N) is a screw mounting guide. In the first embodiment, each base plate (106) includes at least one notch (106N) corresponding to the respective first locating member (30M), thereby enabling precise positioning of the apparatus (100) within the lifting paddle (30). Similarly, in the second embodiment, a base (202C, 204C) of each nozzle (202, 204) has at least one notch (202N, 204N) corresponding to the respective first locating member (30M), thereby enabling precise positioning of the apparatus (200) within the lifting paddle (30).
[0060] The technical advantages of the apparatus (100, 200) for generating water jet in the washing machine are as follows. The apparatus (100, 200) enables the generation of pressurized water jets within the inner drum (20) during rotation of the inner drum (20) in either direction, thereby effectively utilizing the mechanical energy for the generation of water jet and overcoming the need for additional power. The orientation of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is configured such that water is directed into the corresponding inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) due to the rotational motion of the inner drum (20), thereby allowing the nozzle to discharge a water jet through the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) into the inner drum (20). The configuration facilitates enhanced mechanical agitation of laundry items, promotes uniform detergent dispersion, and enables deep penetration of detergent into fabric fibres. Since the cross-sectional area of each inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) is greater than that of the corresponding outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B), it enables internal pressure buildup and formation of a high-velocity water jet. The pressurized water jet assists in effective soil removal and stain dislodgement, particularly from dense fabric weaves and heavily soiled areas, thereby improving overall wash performance. Additionally, the positioning of the nozzles within the lifting paddle (30), wherein the aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is in contact with an inner side of the top wall (32) of the lifting paddle (30) which enhances formation of water jet and ensures controlled and directed discharge of the water jet in the inner drum (20).. The apparatus (100, 200) also contributes to water efficiency by enabling targeted water delivery and supporting effective washing action at lower water levels. The modular integration of the apparatus (100, 200) within the lifting paddle (30) enables compatibility with existing drum designs, facilitating cost-effective implementation and potential retrofit in conventional front-load and top-load washing machines.
[0061] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100, 200) for generating water jet in a washing machine, the apparatus (100, 200) comprising:
at least one pair of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204) positioned within at least one lifting paddle (30) of the washing machine, wherein the lifting paddle (30) is mounted on an inner drum (20) of the washing machine,
wherein each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) comprises:
an inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) configured to allow water to enter the nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204); and
an outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) provided in fluid communication with the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A), wherein the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) is configured to discharge water into the inner drum (20),
wherein
water is directed into the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) by rotational motion of the inner drum (20) during a wash cycle of the washing machine; and
each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is configured to generate a pressurized water jet through the corresponding outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) into the inner drum (20) of the washing machine.
2. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each pair of nozzles (102, 104, 202, 204) comprises:
a first nozzle (102, 202); and
a second nozzle (104, 204),
wherein the first and second nozzles (102, 202, 104, 204) are oriented such that:
the inlet (102A, 202A) of the first nozzle (102, 202) is positioned to facilitate entry of water into the first nozzle (102, 202) when the inner drum (20) rotates in a first direction; and
the inlet (104A, 204A) of the second nozzle (104, 204) is positioned to facilitate entry of water into the second nozzle (104, 204) when the inner drum (20) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
whereby the respective orientation of the first and second nozzles (102, 202, 104, 204) enables generation of water jets during rotational motion of the inner drum (20) in both the first and second directions.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lifting paddle (30) comprises a top wall (32) having a plurality of perforations (32P),
wherein
the aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) is in contact with an inner side of the top wall (32) of the lifting paddle (30) thereby preventing leakage of water from the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B); and
each perforation (32P) in proximity to the corresponding aperture (102BA, 104BA, 202BA, 204BA) has a guiding member, wherein the guiding member facilitates directed discharge of water jet into the inner drum (20).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each nozzle (102, 104) is positioned within the lifting paddle (30) such that an opening (102AA, 104AA) of the inlet (102A, 104A) of each nozzle (102, 104) is located at a first side (22F) of a wall (22) of the inner drum (20), thereby enabling entry of water into the inlet (102A, 104A) when a water level in the inner drum (20) is above a level of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a base plate (106) corresponding to each pair of nozzles (102, 104),
wherein
each pair of nozzle (102, 104) is affixed on a corresponding base plate (106), and each base plate (106) is positioned in contact with the first side (22F) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20);
the inlet (102A, 104A) of each nozzle (102, 104) extends along a width-wise direction of the corresponding base plate (106); and
the outlet (102B, 104B) of each nozzle (102, 104) extends angularly from the corresponding inlet (102A, 104A) toward the top wall (32) of the lifting paddle (30).
6. The apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each nozzle (202, 204) is positioned within the lifting paddle (30) such that an opening (202AA, 204AA) of the inlet (202A, 204A) of each nozzle (202, 204) is located at a second side (22S) of a wall (22) of the inner drum (20), thereby enabling entry of water into the inlet (202A, 204A) when a water level in an outer tub (12) of the washing machine is above or below a level of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20).
7. The apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the apparatus (200) comprises a nozzle guide member (206, 208) corresponding to each nozzle (202, 204),
wherein
each nozzle guide member (206, 208) is mounted at the second side (22S) of the wall (22) of the inner drum (20) and coupled to the corresponding inlet (202A, 204A); and
each nozzle guide member (206, 208) is configured to cover the opening (202AA, 204AA) and guide water flow into the inlet (202A, 204A) through the corresponding opening (202AA, 204AA).
8. The apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the opening (202AA, 204AA) of the inlet (202A, 204A) of each nozzle (202, 204) is in-line or angled with respect to the aperture (202BA, 204BA) of the outlet (202B, 204B) of the corresponding nozzle (202, 204).
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lifting paddle (30) includes at least one slot (34S, 36S) defined in each side wall (34, 36) of the lifting paddle (30), wherein each slot (34S, 36S) corresponds to the inlet (102A, 104A) of a respective nozzle (102, 104) and is configured to facilitate entry of water into the corresponding inlet (102A, 104A).
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet (102A, 104A, 202A, 204A) of each nozzle (102, 104, 202, 204) has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the corresponding outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B), thereby enabling pressure buildup within the nozzle and generation of a pressurized water jet through the outlet (102B, 104B, 202B, 204B).