Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, particularly to a washing machine with a microbubble generator with an ionizer unit.

BACKGROUND

A washing machine is an electrical appliance employed for cleaning textiles, such as clothes. A conventional washing machine comprises key components such as an inner drum, motor, agitator or pulsator, water inlet and drainage systems, control panel, and detergent dispensing unit. During the wash cycle, water and detergent are introduced into the inner drum, which then rotates or pulsates to generate mechanical agitation. This movement creates water turbulence that loosens dirt and stains from the fabric surfaces. Depending on the configuration—whether front-loading or top-loading- the washing machine uses different motion patterns to simulate manual scrubbing, followed by a spinning cycle to remove excess water using centrifugal force.

However, conventional washing machines often face limitations due to insufficient mechanical agitation within the inner drum. The level of turbulence produced may be inadequate to uniformly distribute detergent or dislodge deeply embedded grime from the clothes. As a consequence, detergent utilisation becomes inefficient, resulting in uneven cleaning where certain garments or areas are treated inadequately. This lack of homogeneous washing performance can lead to partially cleaned clothes, increased instances of rewashing, and excessive consumption of water, energy, and detergent. Such inefficiencies underscore the need for innovation aimed at enhancing agitation dynamics and improving overall detergent efficacy
.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment, an assembly adapted to generate ionized micro-bubbles is disclosed. The assembly includes a micro-bubble generator having an inlet and an outlet. The micro-bubble generator includes a body. The micro-bubble generator includes a conduit formed inside the body, the conduit having a venturi profile formed in an inner surface of the conduit adapted to generate bubbles. The micro-bubble generator also includes a tube extending through the body, and adapted to supply ionized air into the bubbles, the tube having a first end protruding from the body and a second end fluidically coupled to a throat of the venturi profile. The assembly also includes an ionizer unit fluidically connected to first end of the tube and adapted to supply ionized air to the micro-bubble generator.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes a washing drum mounted in the washing machine, having a water outlet, and adapted to hold clothes while washing. The washing machine also includes a flexible hose fluidically connected to the water outlet, adapted to receive water released from the washing drum. In addition, the washing machine includes an assembly disposed in the flexible hose adapted to generate ionized micro-bubbles. The assembly includes a micro-bubble generator having an inlet and an outlet. The micro-bubble generator includes a body. The micro-bubble generator includes a conduit formed inside the body, the conduit having a venturi profile formed in an inner surface of the conduit adapted to generate bubbles. The micro-bubble generator also includes a tube extending through the body, and adapted to supply ionized air into the bubbles, the tube having a first end protruding from the body and a second end fluidically coupled to a throat of the venturi profile. The assembly also includes an ionizer unit fluidically connected to first end of the tube and adapted to supply ionized air to the micro-bubble generator.

According to the present disclosure, the assembly ensures elevated cleaning power with ionized microbubbles, resulting in deeper stain elimination, enhanced mechanical action, and reduced reliance on hot water and excess detergent. In addition, the assembly promotes fabric-friendly care by protecting textile fibres, efficiently removing stains even in cold wash cycles, and preventing detergent residue accumulation. The assembly also boosts detergent performance by improving dispersion, enabling effective cleaning at low temperatures, and shortening wash durations for greater energy savings. The assembly actively supports sustainable washing by significantly lowering water usage, minimising heated water consumption, and encouraging environmentally conscious laundry habits. The assembly also introduces antimicrobial benefits, reducing bacterial presence within the machine and combating mold formation in the drum. Furthermore, the assembly helps minimise Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in drainage by limiting detergent use, naturally decomposing organic stains, and enhancing the elimination of residual contaminants. The assembly also guarantees septic-safe wastewater by delivering discharge that is free from harmful microbes and suitable for eco-friendly disposal practices.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is 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

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:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a washing machine having an assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the portion of the washing machine having an assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of an assembly having a microbubble generator and an ionizer unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic of another assembly having a microbubble generator and another ionizer unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an assembled view of a flexible hose unit having the microbubble generator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the flexible hose unit having the microbubble generator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the microbubble generator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a cut-section taken along lines 1-1 in Figure 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a front view of another microbubble generator showing the internal guide vanes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 illustrates a cut-section taken along lines 2-2 in Figure 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 illustrates an ioniser unit shown in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 12 illustrates an inside view of the ioniser unit shown in Figure 11 with the removed cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 13 illustrates another ioniser unit shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 14 illustrates an inside side view of the ioniser unit shown in Figure 13 with the removed cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 15 illustrates a simulation of fluid through the microbubble generator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 16 illustrates another simulation of fluid through the microbubble generator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

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.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

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.

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.

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.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate different views of a portion of a washing machine 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of the washing machine 100 having an assembly adapted to generate ionized micro-bubbles whereas Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the portion of the washing machine 100 having the aforementioned assembly 200. The washing machine 100 illustrated herein can be front-load washing machine, although a top load washing machine can be envisioned within the scope of the present disclosure. The washing machine 100 may include a washing drum 102 mounted in a housing of the washing machine 100. The washing drum 102 may be adapted to receive and hold articles, such as clothes/textiles, while they are being washed in the washing drum 102. The washing drum 102 may include a water outlet 104 adapted to allow egress of water through the water outlet 104. The washing machine 100 may also include a flexible hose unit 106 fluidically coupled to the water outlet 104 to receive water from the washing drum 102. The flexible hose unit 106, in one example, may receive water for recirculation of water into the washing drum 102. The flexible hose unit 106 may be a multiple component unit, details of which will be provided later. The flexible hose unit 106 may be coupled to a recirculation pump 108 that recirculates water back into the washing drum 102.

In one example, the assembly 200 may be adapted to generate ionized micro-bubbles in the water stream coming from the washing drum 102 into the flexible hose unit 106. The assembly 200 may be coupled to the flexible hose unit 106, such that the assembly 200 introduces ionized micro bubbles into the water inside the flexible hose unit 106. The ionized micro bubbles introduced in water may be carried back into the washing drum 102 to interact with the clothes to enhance the cleaning of clothes. The assembly 200 uses little to no power input to introduce the ionized micro bubbles, thereby does not significantly impact the energy usage of washing machine 100. The assembly 200 is also designed to evenly distribute ionized micro bubbles into the water, such that the recirculated water enhances the cleaning of clothes. The assembly 200 may include, but is not limited to a microbubble generator 202, an air hose 204, and an ionizer unit 206.

The ionizer unit 206 may be mounted proximate to the washing drum 102, although the ionizer unit 206 can be mounted at any suitable location inside the washing machine 100. The ionizer unit 206 may be adapted to generate and supply ionized air to the microbubble generator 202. The ionizer unit 206, based on design, can be forced convection type and a natural convection type. The air hose 204, as seen, may fluidically couple the ionizer unit 206 to the microbubble generator 202. Further, the microbubble generator 202 may be disposed in the flexible hose unit 106 and may generate microbubbles using the ionized air supplied by the ionizer unit 206. The microbubble generator 202 may also mix the generated ionized microbubbles into the water inside the flexible hose unit 106. The same water with ionized microbubbles is then introduced into the washing drum 102 by the recirculation pump 108. A detailed schematic of the assembly 200 is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the assembly 200 having the microbubble generator 202 and an ionizer unit 206-1, whereas Figure 4 illustrates a schematic of the assembly 200 having the microbubble generator 202 and another ionizer unit 206-2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated examples, the ionizer unit 206-1 may be adapted to generate and supply ionized air using forced convection, whereas the ionizer unit 206-2 may be adapted to generate and supply ionized air using natural convection. Further, the selection of the ionizer units 206-1 or 206-2 may be based on operational requirements. In either case, both ionizer units 206-1 and 206-2 may be adapted to generate ionized air. The air hose 204 may include a rear end 302 coupled to an outlet of the ionizer units 206-1 and 206-2. The air hose 204 may also include a front end 304 that may be coupled to the microbubble generator 202. The air hose 204, although illustrated a single straight pipe, the air hose 204 can be multiple bent sections as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The air hose 204, in one example, can be electrically insulated.

The microbubble generator 202 may be fluidically coupled to both the air hose 204 and the flexible hose unit 106 (shown in Figures 1 and 2), so that the microbubble generator 202 generates ionized microbubbles using the received ionized air and into the same the water. The microbubble generator 202 may include an inlet 208 and an outlet 210, both coupled with different parts of the flexible hose unit 106. Details on the coupling of the flexible hose unit 106 are explained with respect to Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 illustrates an assembled view of the flexible hose unit 106 having the microbubble generator 202, whereas Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the flexible hose unit 106 having the microbubble generator 202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible hose unit 106 may include a first part 502 that may be coupled with the water outlet 104 of the washing drum 102 (both shown in Figure 1). The first part 502 may also include a bellow section that allows a change in the overall length of the flexible hose unit 106. The first part 502 may have an end that couples with the inlet 208 of the microbubble generator 202. The flexible hose unit 106 may also include a second part 504 that may couple with the outlet 210 of the microbubble generator 202. The second part 504 may be a rigid part and coupled to the recirculation pump 108. The first part 502 and the second part 504 are designed as separate components to allow for easy installation of the microbubble generator 202 within the flexible hose unit 106, as well as convenient removal for cleaning purposes. Moreover, the first part 502 and the second part 504 encapsulate the inlet 208 and outlet 210 of the microbubble generator 202 to achieve a leak-proof coupling.

Details of the microbubble generator 202 are now provided with respect to Figures 7 to 10. Specifically, Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the microbubble generator, whereas Figure 8 illustrates a cut-section taken along lines 1-1 in Figure 7. Figure 9 illustrates a front view of another microbubble generator showing the internal guide vanes, whereas Figure 10 illustrates a cut-section taken along lines 2-2 in Figure 9.

The microbubble generator 202 may include a body 202-1 that may further include the inlet 208 and the outlet 210. The inlet 208 and the outlet 210 may both have frustoconical profiles 702, 704, respectively, resulting in tapered ends. Further, both the inlet 208 and the outlet 210 may include a lip at an end of the profiles 702, 704. The frustoconical profiles 702, 704, and the lip allow for easy coupling with and decoupling from the first part 502 and the second part 504 (both shown in Figures 5 and 6).

In one example, the body 202-1 may have an inner volume resulting in an inner volume which can be accessed through the inlet 208 and the outlet 210. The body 202-1 may also include a conduit 212 that may be formed inside the body 202-1 and may extend into the inner volume. The conduit 212 may split the inner volume to create a separate channel for water through therethrough. In one example, water entering the body is split between the conduit 212 and the remaining inner volume of the body 202-1. In one example, the split of the volume of water may be in the ratio of about 1:3 between the conduit 212 and the remaining inner volume. In other words, the ratio of water flowing through the conduit and the remaining portion of the body is about 1:3.

The conduit 212 may be designed to have an entry port 216 and an exit port 218. Further, the conduit 212 may have a venturi profile formed between the entry port 216 and the exit port 218. The venturi profile may include a cylindrical section 220 and a divergent section 222 extending from the cylindrical section 220. The conduit 212 is designed in such a way that the conduit 212 increases the pressure of water flowing through the divergent section 222.

In one example, the microbubble generator 202 may include a tube 224 that may extend through the body 202-1. The tube 224 may have a first end 226 that protrudes from an outer surface of the body 202-1, and a second end 228 that opens into the conduit 212, such that the second end 228 is fluidically coupled to the conduit 212. In the illustrated example, the second end 228 is fluidly coupled to the conduit 212 at a throat section of the conduit 212. The throat section may be understood as a region at and near the juncture of the cylindrical section 220 and the divergent section 222. Since the second end 228 is fluidically coupled at the throat section, the ionized air is introduced right before the water enters the divergent section 222, thereby generating microbubbles which are carried by water with increased pressure caused due to the divergent section 222.

The conduit 212 diverts some of the water flowing through the flexible hose unit 106, and the tube 224 introduces the ionized micro bubbles in the diverted water. Such an arrangement ensures effective introduction of the micro bubbles in the water stream as compared to the tube 224 introduced in the ionized air directly into the inner volume of the body 202-1. Moreover, the dimensions of the tube 224 allow for the formation of microbubbles of a predefined size, which enables better mixing with detergent in the water.

The stream of water having the microbubbles exiting the conduit 212 mixes with the remaining water stream from the inner volume of the body 202-1, such that the ionized microbubbles are mixed thoroughly with the remaining water stream. The combined stream is then reintroduced into the washing drum 102.

According to the present disclosure, the mixing of water streams may further be facilitated by providing a swirling motion to the water flowing through the inner volume. An exemplary way of inducing such a motion is explained with respect to Figures 9 and 10.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inner volume includes a plurality of inclined protrusions 902 formed radially on an inner surface of the inner volume of the body 202-1. The plurality of inclined protrusions 902 is arranged in multiple subsets in such a way that inclined protrusions 902 of the subset are formed about the same plane and are separated radially from each other. Further, the subsets of the inclined protrusions 902 are arranged along a length of the inner surface of the body 202-1. During the operation, a portion of water may flow over the inclined protrusion, causing the portion of water to flow radially inward in addition to flow axially. The induced direction causes water to swirl inside the inner volume. Further, each subset induces additional swirling motion, resulting in swirling motion in the water stream flowing through the body. This water stream has the swirling motion, when contact the water stream exiting from the conduit 212 results in effective mixing of ionized micro bubbles in the combined water stream. In other words, the swirling motion allows mixing of ionized micro-bubbles throughout the water stream.

Thorough mixing of the ionized micro-bubbles enhances agitation in the water, resulting in deeper stain elimination. As a result of enhanced agitation, the need for a greater volume of hot water is alleviated, and the washing can be achieved with comparatively less volume of hot water. Moreover, enhanced agitation results in fewer wash cycles and minimizes residual detergent accumulation. Moreover, the ionized microbubbles interact with stains to detach from the fibres. In some scenarios, the ionized microbubbles may enhance the performance of certain types of detergents.

According to the present disclosure, the ionizer unit 206 may generate ionized air that may be used to generate the microbubbles. Construction details of the ionizer unit 206 are provided with respect to Figures 11 to 14, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 illustrates an ioniser unit shown in Figure 2, whereas Figure 12 illustrates an inside view of the ioniser unit shown in Figure 11 with the removed cover. Further, Figure 13 illustrates another ioniser unit shown in Figure 3, whereas Figure 14 illustrates an inside side view of the ioniser unit shown in Figure 13 with the removed cover.

The ionizer unit 206 may include a housing 1102 that, in one example, has a cuboidal design. The housing 1102 may include a base 1104, a first wall 1106, a second wall 1108 opposite to the first wall 1106, a third wall 1110, and a fourth wall 1112 opposite to the third wall 1110. Further, the ionizer unit 206 includes an air inlet 1114 disposed either in the first wall 1106 of the housing 1102, as shown in Figure 12 or in the third wall 1110 of the housing 1102 as shown in Figure 14. The ionizer unit 206 may also include a pair of electrodes 1116 disposed downstream to the air inlet 1114 and on the second wall 1108. The pair of electrodes 1116 is adapted to introduce ions into the air by ionizing the air inside the housing 1102. The ionizing unit 206 may also include an air outlet 1118 disposed downstream of the pair of electrodes 1116, such that the air outlet 1118 is fluidically connected the ionizer unit 206 to the first end 226 of the tube 224 of the microbubble generator 202. The air outlet 1118 may be a conical shape structure that has an opening which couples to the flexible hose unit 106 to fluidically connect the air outlet 1118 with the first end 226 of the tube 224.

Although not visible, the ionizer unit 206 may include an electronic unit that generates high voltage for the pair of electrodes 1116 so that the electrodes can ionise the air surrounding the pair of electrodes 1116. The ionizer unit 206 may also include a cover 1120 disposed on an opening of the housing 1102. The cover 1120 may include a plurality of small cut-out sections that allow the ingress of air in the housing 1102.

The ionizer unit 206 may either supply air by natural convection or forced convection. An exemplary ionizer unit 206 that supply ionized air by forced convection is shown in Figures 11 and 12. In the illustrated example, the ionizer unit 206 may include a fan 1122 installed inside the housing 1102. In another exemplary embodiment, the ionizer unit 206 that supplies ionized air through natural convection is shown in Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 15 illustrates a simulation of fluid through the microbubble generator 202, whereas Figure 16 illustrates another simulation of fluid through the microbubble generator 202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown, inlet water is split into two separate water streams, i.e., a first water stream 1502 that enters the inner volume, and a second water stream 1504 that enters the conduit 212. As seen clearly, the first water stream 1502 exhibits laminar flow. On the other hand, the second water stream 1504 has a turbulent air flow in the cylindrical section 220 and at the throat of the conduit 212 where ionizer air is introduced in the conduit 212 as seen clearly in Figure 16. The turbulent airflow allows for the generation of microbubbles in the second water stream 1504. Further, the second water stream 1504 with the ionized microbubbles travels through the divergent section 222, which causes an increases in the pressure of the second water stream 1504. The second water stream 1504, as it exits the divergent section 222, experiences swirling motion (as seen clearly in Figures 15 and 16), which facilitates the mixing of the second water stream 1504 with the first water stream 1502, such that the ionized microbubbles are distributed evenly within the first water stream 1502 as well. As a result, a water stream with homogeneously mixed exits the microbubble generator 202, which is further used for cleaning articles inside the washing drum 102.

According to the present disclosure, the assembly 200 of the present disclosure delivers superior cleaning performance using ionized microbubbles, which penetrate deep to remove stains, enhance mechanical agitation, and lessen the need for high temperatures and excess detergent. It also provides gentle fabric care by safeguarding textile fibers, effectively tackling stains in cold water washes, and preventing the buildup of detergent residue.

In addition, the assembly 200 optimises detergent efficiency by improving its dispersion, enabling powerful cleaning at lower temperatures, and reducing wash cycles for energy conservation. It actively contributes to sustainable laundry practices by significantly cutting down water use, minimizing heated water consumption, and encouraging eco-conscious habits.

Furthermore, ionized microbubbles have anti-microbial nature thereby helping reduce bacteria inside the machine and limiting mold growth in the washing drum 102. The assembly 200 further supports water quality by lowering Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in wastewater through reduced detergent usage, natural breakdown of organic stains, and improved removal of leftover contaminants. Lastly, it ensures septic-safe discharge, free from harmful microbes and safe for environmentally friendly disposal.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An assembly (200) adapted to generate ionized micro-bubbles, the assembly (200) comprising:
a microbubble generator (202) comprising:
a body (202-1);
a conduit (212) formed inside the body (202-1), the conduit (212) having a venturi profile formed in an inner surface of the conduit (212) adapted to generate bubbles;
a tube (224) extending through the body (202-1), and adapted to supply ionized air into the bubbles, the tube (224) having a first end (226) protruding from the body (202-1) and a second end (228) fluidically coupled to a throat of the venturi profile;
an ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2) fluidically connected to first end (226) of the tube (224) and adapted to supply ionized air to the microbubble generator (202).

2. The assembly (200) adapted as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2) comprising:
a housing (1102);
an air inlet (1114) disposed on a wall and adapted to supply air to the ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2);
a pair of electrodes (1116) disposed in the housing (1102) and downstream to the air inlet (1114), and adapted to introduce ions into the air; and
an air outlet (1118) disposed downstream to the pair of electrodes (1116) and another wall of the housing (1102), to fluidically connect the ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2) to the first end (226) of the tube (224) of the microbubble generator (202).

3. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an air hose (204) adapted to fluidically connect the ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2) to the tube (224) of the microbubble generator (202).

4. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio of water flowing through the conduit (212) and remaining portion of the body (202-1) is about 1:3.

5. The assembly (200) as claimed in claims 1, wherein the body (202-1) includes a plurality of inclined protrusions arranged radially on an inner surface of the body (202-1) to induce a swirling motion in a water stream flowing through the body (202-1) adapted to allow mixing of micro-bubbles throughout the water stream.

6. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the ionizer unit (206-1) includes a fan (1122) adapted to push the air throughout the ionizer unit (206-1) for efficient ionization of the air.

7. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a washing drum (102) mounted in the washing machine (100), having a water outlet, and adapted to hold clothes while washing;
a flexible hose unit (106) fluidically connected to the water outlet adapted to receive water released from the washing drum (102);
an assembly (200) coupled to the flexible hose unit (106) adapted to generate ionised micro-bubbles, the assembly (200) comprising:
a microbubble generator (202) having an inlet and an outlet, the microbubble generator comprising:
a body (202-1);
a conduit (212) formed inside the body (202-1), the conduit (212) having a venturi profile formed in an inner surface of the conduit (212) adapted to generate bubbles;
a tube (224) extending through the body (202-1), and adapted to supply ionized air into the bubbles, the tube (224) having a first end (226) protruding from the body (202-1) and a second end (228) fluidically coupled to a throat of the venturi profile;
an ionizer unit (206-1, 206-2) fluidically connected to first end (226) of the tube (224) and adapted to supply ionized air to the microbubble generator (202).