Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to washing machines and more particularly, to systems and methods for generating micro-nano-bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[002] Conventional washing machines typically rely on mechanical agitation or tumbling of a wash drum combined with detergent-water mixture to loosen and remove soil from fabrics or clothes or laundry. Cleaning efficiency of the washing machines depends on the uniform dispersion and penetration of detergent molecules/liquid into fabric fibers, and the ability of surfactants to interact with hydrophobic dirt and oils. Most washing machines achieves effective stain removal only by using elevated water temperatures, high detergent dosages, extended agitation cycles and use of special detergents, which contribute to high energy consumption, excessive detergent use, additional costs and accelerated wear of fabrics. For example, the washing machines relies on the inherent foaming properties of specific detergent formulations and utilization of high-intensity mechanical agitation of the wash drum to entrain air within the mixture of water and detergent for achieving effective washing process, though subjected to some of the aforementioned drawbacks.
[003] Conventional solutions include introducing/injecting air bubbles/ foams to blend with the detergent-water mixture in the wash drum to significantly enhance the washing process. The presence of bubbles/ foam in the wash drum increases the interfacial area between the detergent and the clothes, allowing for more uniform dispersion and improved penetration of detergent agents into the fabric substrate. For example, the bubbles act as efficient carriers, transporting detergent molecules deep into the fabric weave. This promotes the dislodgement and removal of particulate matter and stains from the clothes. Additionally, the subtle mechanical action resulting from the collapse of these bubbles may release the detergent directly onto the stain/dirt part which in turn aids in loosen ingrained dirt thereby increasing cleaning efficiency of the washing machine as well as reduces the reliance on harsh mechanical agitation, thereby promoting fabric care without subjecting delicate fabric materials to excessive mechanical stress. However, the bubble-assisted washing machines is subjected to non-uniform distribution of bubbles throughout the wash drum, leading to uneven washing results and sub-optimal cleaning efficiency. Further, the bubble-assisted washing machine often produces relatively large and heterogeneous sized bubbles with limited surface area, which restricts their ability to penetrate fabric fibers or to deliver detergent molecules effectively to soiled regions. Large bubbles collapse quickly, provide limited cleaning action, and are inefficient in generating the fine-bubble, micro-bubbles and nano-bubbles that maximize surface activity and reactive potential of the detergent with the dirt/ stain for achieving effective washing efficiency of the washing machine.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for systems and methods for generating micro-nano-bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide systems (bubble generating and splitting systems) for generating micro-nano-bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine.
[006] Another object of embodiment is to provide the bubble generating and splitting systems in the washing machine that achieves enhanced control over the bubble generation and splitting process by generating micro-nano bubbles and uniformly distributing the micro-nano bubbles throughout a wash drum of the washing machine thereby contributing to improved overall washing performance without the adverse effects of excessive foam formation or undue mechanical stress on the laundry.
[007] Another object of embodiment is to provide the bubble generating and splitting system with multiple bubble splitting stages for serial or step by step or gradient level reduction of bubble size for achieving effective washing efficiency of the washing machine.
[008] Another object of embodiment is to provide the bubble generating and splitting systems that achieves effective washing and sanitation process of the clothes/ laundry in the washing machine at the same time.
[009] Another object of embodiment is to provide the bubble generating and splitting systems that actively and/or passively induce air bubbles and splits (refines or fragments or shreds) bubbles into multiple micro-nano bubbles through series/stages of mechanical and vortex shredding effects for uniformly distributing and dispersing laundry treating agents to laundry in the wash drum thereby enabling effective stain removal and fabric care without increased energy consumption or laundry treating agents (detergent) use.
[0010] Another object of embodiment is to provide the bubble generating and splitting systems that promotes deep cleaning within laundry fibers as well as facilitates improved laundry treating agents (detergent) dissolution and mixing with water thereby reducing energy consumption during the wash cycle and minimizes water consumption per wash cycle.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of a system (bubble generating and splitting system) for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in a washing machine, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a side view of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Figs. 4A to 4C illustrates a bubble generating module of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4D depicts another perspective view of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts an exploded view of a system (bubble generating and splitting system) for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Figs. 7 and 8 depict side views of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 9 depicts another perspective view of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 10 depicts a perspective view of a bubble generating module of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 11 depicts a perspective view of a gas pump of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 12 depicts a perspective view of a gas pump holder of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a location of an ultraviolet (UV) light source of the bubble generating and splitting system, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Figs. 14A and 14B depicts perspective views of a stationary type first bubble splitter, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Figs 15A and 15B depicts perspective views of a rotary type first bubble splitter, according to another first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0028] Fig. 15C depicts a perspective view of a rotary type first bubble splitter, according to another first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0029] Fig. 16 illustrates flow of micro-nano-bubble-laden liquid in the washing machine, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0030] Fig. 17A depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine during a main bubble wash cycle, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0031] Fig. 17B depicts a flowchart indicating steps of the method of generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine during a bubble pre-wash cycle, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0032] Fig. 18A depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine during a main bubble wash cycle, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0033] Fig. 18B depicts a flowchart indicating steps of the method of generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine during a bubble pre-wash cycle, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] 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.
[0035] The embodiments herein achieve systems for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in a washing machine. Further, embodiments herein achieve the systems for generating consistent and controllable volume of micro-nano bubbles within a wash drum of the washing machine through the venturi effect, and mechanical and vortex shredding effects. Referring now to the Figs. 1 through 18B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0036] Figs. 1 through 12 illustrate systems (100, 200) for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine (10), according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. In the first and second embodiments, the system (100, 200) includes at least one bubble generating module (102, 202), a fluid inducting system (104, 204), a re-circulation pump module (106, 206), at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) and an electronic controller unit (ECU) (not shown in the figures). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (100, 200) is explained herein below with reference to generating bubbles and splitting each bubble into multiple micro-nano bubbles through serial or step-by-step or gradient bubble-splitting stages thereby facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in a wash drum (12) of a front load washing machine to enhance/ increase washing efficiency of the front load washing machine. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the components of the system (100, 200) for generation of micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in a top load washing machine or any other types of washing appliances or dishwashers or any other appliances without otherwise deterring intended function of the bubble generating and splitting systems (100, 200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The wash drum (12) is rotatably supported inside a wash tub (11) of the washing machine (10). The wash tub (11) is a stationary fixture secured to the body of the washing machine (10). During a washing cycle of the washing machine, water along with laundry treating agents is introduced into the wash drum (12) for effective washing of laundry/ clothes.
[0037] The bubble generating module (102, 202) is connected to the wash tub (11) at its lower region. The bubble generating module (102, 202) is adapted to receive one of water or water-laundry treating agent mixture that is dispensed to the wash drum (12) of the washing machine (10). The fluid inducting system (104, 204) is coupled to the bubble generating module (102, 202). The fluid inducting system (104, 204) is configured to facilitate induction of at least one fluid or more than one fluids to the bubble generating module (102, 202). In the first embodiment, the fluid inducting system (104) is configured to induct a first fluid (water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture) and a second fluid (ambient air) into inducted first fluid flowing into the bubble generating module (102) for generating bubbles. In the second embodiment, the fluid inducting system (204) is configured to induct only one fluid (ambient air) into water or water-laundry treating agent mixture accumulated in the bubble generating module (102, 202) for generating bubbles. The bubble generating module (102, 202) is configured to generate bubbles in water or water-laundry treating agent mixture to facilitate formation of bubble-laden liquid when one fluid or more than one fluids is inducted into it via the fluid inducting system (104, 204). The bubble laden liquid is defined as the water-laundry treating agent mixture that contains bubbles therewith. Further, the bubbles contained in the bubble-laden liquid is configured to be split in multiple splitting stages to facilitate formation of micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents across the laundry in the wash drum (12). These micro-nano bubbles acts as an effective carrier for transporting molecules of the laundry treating agents deep into the fabric weave. This promotes the dislodgement and removal of particulate matter and stains from the laundry thereby enhancing the washing action by improving laundry treating agent penetration and soil removal. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the laundry treating agents is at least one of a power detergent, a liquid detergent, a bleach, de-scaling agents, a fabric softener and conditioner, fragrances, stain removers, stiffeners (starch), water softeners, dyes, acidic agents, or a combination thereof. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use any other laundry treating agents or materials for conditioning and/or removing stains from the laundry without otherwise deterring the intended function of the laundry treating agents as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0038] The bubble generating module (102, 202) includes a housing (102A, 202A), at least one bubble generating member (102B, 202B) and a first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) (as shown in figs. 1 and 5). The housing (102A, 202A) is adapted to house/accommodate the bubble generating member (102B, 202B) and the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C). The number of bubble generating module (102, 202) can be one or more than one. The housing (102A, 202A) is a wetted housing that is immersed in the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture that is dispensed to the wash drum (12). The housing (102A, 202A) is adapted to removably connected the wash tub (11) by using fasteners such as bolts. Further, the housing (102A, 202A) is configured to act as a conditioning chamber for generation of bubbles in one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture by using the bubble generating member (102B, 202B). The bubble generating member (102B, 202B) is integrated or coupled with the housing (102A, 202A) to receive one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture via the housing (102A, 202A). Further, the bubble generating member (102B, 202B) is configured to be coupled to the fluid inducting system (104, 204). The first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to be movably or immovably positioned internally or externally to the housing (102A, 202A). The bubble generating member (102B, 202B) is configured to generate bubbles in one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture thereby producing bubble-laden liquid one fluid or more than one fluids is inducted thereinto via the fluid inducting system (104, 204). The first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of a first bubble size ranging from 1mm to 3 mm. upon forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid thereof. The first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) may also be called a first bubble shredder or a first bubble fragmenting member or a first bubble multiplier.
[0039] According to the first embodiment (as shown in figs. 1 to 4C), the bubble generating member (102B) is one of a venturi or an eductor, then the fluid inducting system (104) includes a liquid inducting system (104B) and a gas inducting member (104C). The liquid inducting system (104B) is configured to be coupled to a liquid inlet (102BY) (as shown in figs. 4B and 4C) of the bubble generating member (102B) to facilitate induction of one of water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture into the bubble generating member (102B). The gas inducting member (104C) is configured to be coupled to a gas inlet channel (102BZ) (as shown in figs. 4B and 4C) of the bubble generating member (102B) to facilitate induction of one of an ambient air or a gas to the bubble generating member (102B). The bubble generating member (102B) is configured for drawing the ambient air or gas via the gas inducting member (104C) to facilitate mixing of the ambient air or gas with one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture that is flowing into the bubble generating member (102B) via the liquid inducting system (104B) thereby generating bubbles due to venturi effect.
[0040] In the first embodiment, the liquid inducting system (104B) includes a liquid control valve module (104BV) and a liquid delivery conduit (104BP) (as shown in fig. 1). The liquid control valve module (104BV) is directly or indirectly coupled to the liquid inlet (102BY) of the bubble generating member (102B). The liquid control valve module (104BV) is configured to control the flow of one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture to the bubble generating member (102B) when the liquid control valve module (104BV) is operated by the ECU. A first end (104BA) (as shown in fig. 1) of the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) is connected to the liquid control valve module (104BV) and a second end (104BB) (as shown in fig. 1) of the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) is connected to the liquid inlet (102BY) of the bubble generating member (102B). The liquid delivery conduit (104BP) is adapted to deliver one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture to the bubble generating member (102B) upon operation of the liquid control valve module (104BV) controlled by the ECU. The gas inducting member (104C) is a conduit which is open to ambient air at its top end. The gas inducting member (104C) is supported or mounted onto the stationary wash tub (11).
[0041] According to the second embodiment (as shown in figs. 5 to 9), the bubble generating member (202B) is one a diffuser or a nozzle or a mesh structure or a porous member or a perforated member, then the fluid inducting system (204) includes a gas pump (204A), a gas pump holder (204AH) and a gas delivery conduit (204B) (as shown in fig. 5). The gas pump (204A) is configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a gas inlet (202BY) (as shown in fig. 10) of the bubble generating member (202B). The gas pump holder (204AH) is adapted to hold the gas pump (204A). A first end (204BY) (as shown in fig. 5) of the gas delivery conduit (204B) is connected to the gas pump (204A) and a second end (204BZ) (as shown in fig. 5) of the gas delivery conduit (204B) is connected to the gas inlet (202BY) of the bubble generating member (202B). The gas pump (204A) is configured to induct/pump one of ambient air or gas into one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture that is already accumulated in the bubble generating member (202B) and accordingly, the bubble generating member (202B) is configured to generate the bubbles with one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture thereby producing bubble-laden liquid. The gas delivery conduit (204B) is adapted to deliver one of the ambient air or the gas to the bubble generating member (202B) upon operation of the gas pump (204A) controlled by the ECU.
[0042] In the first and second embodiments, the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is further configured to split each bubble (1mm to 3mm sized bubbles) into multiple micro-bubbles of a second bubble size (up to 100 micrometer) due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) as well as the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C). Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments (as shown in figs. 1, 4D, 5, 7, 8 and 16), the re-circulation pump module (106, 206) includes a pump housing (106A, 206A), a re-circulation pump (106B, 206B), at least one second bubble manipulator (106C, 206C), at least one inlet conduit (106D, 206D), at least outlet conduit (106E, 206E) and a jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F). The re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is positioned inside the pump housing (106A, 206A). The second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) is positioned upstream or downstream to the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B). The inlet conduit (106D, 206D) is coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at an inlet path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B). Further, the inlet conduit (106D, 206D) is configured to receive the bubble-laden liquid (liquid containing up to 100 micrometer bubbles). The outlet conduit (106E, 206E) is coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at a discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B). An outlet of the outlet conduit (106E, 206E) is positioned adjacent or near to a lower region of the wash drum (12). The jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F) is coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B).
[0043] According to the first and second embodiments (as shown in figs. 14A and 14B), the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is a stationary bubble splitter which includes a housing (102CH, 202CH), a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) defined on the housing (102CH, 202CH), and a pair of end shafts (102CS, 202CS) provided on respective sides of the housing (102CH, 202CH). The end shafts (102CS, 202CS) of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is adapted to mount the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) to the housing (102A, 202A) of the bubble generating module (102, 202) at its exit path. The bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) of the stationary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of up to100 micrometer size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C). The bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) can be considered to be one of a linear or non-linear bubble splitting protrusion pattern or a combination thereof, that is defined across an outer surface of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C).
[0044] According to the another first and second embodiments (as shown in figs. 15A and 15B), the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is a rotary bubble splitter which includes a shaft (102CA, 202CA), a pair of side walls (102CB, 202CB) provided at or near respective ends of the shaft (102CA, 202CA), and a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) extending from the shaft (102CA, 202CA) in between the side walls (102CB, 202CB) along a lengthwise direction of the shaft (102CA, 202CA). The shaft (102CA, 202CA) is adapted to rotatably mount the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) to the housing (102A, 202A) of the bubble generating module (102, 202) at its exit path. The bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) of the rotary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of up to100 micrometer size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C). The bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) is considered to be linear or non-linear bubble splitting walls which are spaced apart from each other.
[0045] According to the yet another first and second embodiments (as shown in fig. 15C), the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is a rotary bubble splitter which includes a shaft (102CX, 202CX) and a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) extending from the shaft (102CA, 202CA) in between the respective ends of the shaft (102CX, 102CX) along a lengthwise direction of the shaft (102CA, 202CA). Each or alternating bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) of the rotary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) defines a plurality of fine holes (102CZ, 202CZ) configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of up to100 micrometer size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C). The bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) is considered to be linear or non-linear bubble splitting walls which are spaced apart from each other.
[0046] The re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is configured for drawing the bubble-laden liquid (liquid containing up to 100 micrometer sized bubbles) into the pump housing (106A, 206A) via the inlet conduit (106D, 206D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU. The construction design of the re-circulation pump impeller can be same as that of the constructional design of the rotary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) (as shown in figs. 15A to 15C). In the first and second embodiments, the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) is configured to split some of the up to 100 micrometer sized bubbles into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid (liquid containing up to 100 micrometer sized bubbles) with the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU. The second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) is at least one of a mesh structure or a nozzle or a diffuser or a porous member or a perforated member, or a rotary member or impeller having the constructional design as shown in figs. 15A to 15C. The second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) may also be called a second bubble shredder or second bubble fragmenting member or second bubble multiplier. Further, the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is configured to split some of the unprocessed bubbles (up to 100 micrometer bubbles) into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid (liquid containing upto 100 micrometer bubbles) therethrough. The re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is further configured to split remaining unprocessed bubbles (up to 100 micrometer bubbles) into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B). In the first and second embodiments, the system (100, 200) may include one or more than one bubble splitters which can be positioned in either or both of the upstream and downstream of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) for splitting the unprocessed up to100 micrometer sized bubbles into multiple nano bubbles based upon the requirement or configuration of the washing machines or any other appliances. The outlet conduit (106C, 206C) is configured to discharge bubble-laden liquid (nano bubbles-laden liquid) to the third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12) during operation of the recirculation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU. The third bubble splitters (12P) are configured to split each nanobubble into multiple micro-nano bubbles (up to 50 nanometer bubbles) during rotation of the wash drum (12) controlled by the ECU. The third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12) is at least one of fine hole pattern or porous pattern defined across the wash drum (12). The jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F) is configured for directing nano-bubble-laden liquid towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU. The jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F) includes a nozzle (not shown) at its outlet end for producing nano-bubble-laden liquid jet at the entrance path of the wash drum (12). The third bubble splitters (12P) may also be called third bubble shredders or third bubble fragmenting members or third bubble multipliers.
[0047] In the first and second embodiments, the bubble generating member (102B, 202B), the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C), the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C), the recirculating pump (106B, 206B) and the third bubble splitters (12P) defines serial or step-by-step or gradient bubble-splitting stages configured to produce multiple micro-nano bubbles (up to 50 nanometer bubbles) thereby facilitating uniform distribution of laundry treating agents across the laundry in the wash drum (12) for achieving increased/ enhanced cleaning efficiency of the washing machine.
[0048] In the first and second embodiments, the ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) is configured to emit UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting/ sanitizing the clothes/laundry and the parts of the washing machine when the ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) is operated by the ECU. The ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) is mounted to the wash tub (11) and is positioned adjacent to or in the vicinity of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) or in the nano-bubble-laden liquid path. It is also within the scope of the invention to increase the number of UV light source or to change the location of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) along the bubble-laden liquid flow path of the washing machine without otherwise deterring the intended function of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0049] According to the first embodiment (as shown in fig. 17A), a method (300) of operating the washing machine (10) to generate micro-nano bubbles (up to 50 nanometer sized bubbles) for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine thereby achieving better cleaning and sanitizing of laundry or parts of the washing machine during a main bubble wash cycle is described as follows. At step (302), the method (300) includes switching ON the washing machine, and selecting a main bubble wash mode for initiating the main bubble wash cycle in the washing machine when the dirt on the clothes/laundry is low or medium. At step (304), the method (300) includes controlling, by a first control valve (104BX) (as shown in fig. 2) of the liquid control valve module (104BV), input water flow to a first compartment (not shown in figures) of a laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the a first control valve (104BX) is operated by the ECU. Further, at step (305), the method (300) includes allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via a conduit (not shown in the figures) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches an initial liquid level. The laundry treating agent box (14) comprises a plurality of compartments (not shown in figures) including the first compartment and a second compartment (not shown in figures), where the amount of laundry treating agent that is added/ dispensed to the first compartment is lower than that of the amount of laundry treating agent that is dispensed to the second compartment.
[0050] At step (306), the method (300) includes stopping, by the first control valve (104BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level. Once the initial liquid level is reached in the washing machine, at step (308), the method (300) includes controlling by, a second control valve (104BY) (as shown in fig. 2) of the liquid control valve module (104BV), at least one of water or water-laundry treating agent mixture flow to the bubble generating member (102B) via the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) when the second control valve (104BY) is operated by the ECU.
[0051] At step (310), the method (300) includes drawing, by the bubble generating member (102B), ambient air or gas via the gas inducting member (104C) to facilitate mixing of the ambient air or gas with one of the water or the laundry treating agent-water mixture that is flowing in the bubble generating member (102B) via the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) thereby generating bubble-laden liquid due to venturi effect.
[0052] At step (312), the method (300) includes splitting, by the first bubble splitter (102C), some bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of the first bubble size ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm. At step (314), the method (300) includes splitting, by the first bubble splitter (102C), each bubble (1mm to 3mm sized bubbles) into multiple micro-bubbles of second bubble size (up to 100 micrometer bubble) due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (102C) as well as the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C). At step (316), the method (300) includes drawing, by the re-circulation pump (106B), the bubble-laden liquid containing up to 100 micrometer bubbles into the pump housing (106A) via the inlet conduit (106D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU.
[0053] At step (318), the method (300) includes splitting, by the second bubble splitter (106C), some of the upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid containing upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles with the second bubble splitter (106C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU. At step (320), the method (300) includes splitting, by the re-circulation pump (106B), some of the unprocessed bubbles size upto 100 micrometer into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid containing upto 100 micrometer bubbles therethrough. At step (322), the method (300) includes splitting, by the re-circulation pump (106B), remaining unprocessed bubbles sized upto 100 micrometer into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU.
[0054] At step (324), the method (300) includes allowing, by the outlet conduit (106E) of the re-circulation pump module (106), nano-bubble laden liquid flow from the pump housing (106A) to a lower region of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B). Further, at step (325), the method (400) includes directing, by the jet-nozzle conduit (106F), the nano-bubble-laden liquid flow from the pump housing (106A) towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU. At step (326), the method (300) includes emitting, by at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (108) controlled by the ECU, UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting/ sanitizing the clothes/laundry and the parts of the washing machine. At step (328), the method (300) includes splitting, by third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12), each nanobubble into multiple micro-nano bubbles (up to 50 nanometer sized bubbles) thereby uniformly distributing and dispersing the laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) during rotation of the wash drum (12) controlled by the ECU.
[0055] At step (330), the method (300) includes operating, by the ECU, the first control valve (104BX), the second control valve (104BY), the re-circulating pump (106B), the UV-C light source (108), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches a final liquid level. At step (331), the method (300) includes, stopping, by the first control valve (104BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the final liquid level.
[0056] At step (332), the method (300) includes draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine. At step (334), the method (300) includes initiating a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of main bubble wash cycle and performing methods steps (304 to 331) during the rinse cycle. At step (336) draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle of the washing machine.
[0057] According to the first embodiment (as shown in fig. 17B), when the dirt on the clothes/ laundry is high, then the method (300) includes selecting a bubble prewash mode for initiating a bubble prewash cycle in the washing machine. Once the bubble prewash cycle is initiated, the method (300) includes controlling, by a third control valve (104BZ) (as shown in fig. 2) of the liquid control valve module (104BV), input water flow to the second compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the third control valve (104BZ) is operated by the ECU. Further, the method (300) includes allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from second compartment of the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via the conduit (not shown in the figures) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches the initial liquid level. Once the initial liquid level is reached, the bubble prewash cycle of the method (300) includes stopping, by the third control valve (104BZ) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level. Once the water flow is stopped to the wash drum (12) as the water-laundry treating agent mixture has reached the initial liquid level in the washing machine, the bubble prewash cycle of the method (300) includes performing method steps (308 to 331). Further, the bubble prewash cycle of the method (300) includes draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine. After completion of water draining at the end of the bubble prewash cycle, the method (300) includes initiating a rinse cycle in the washing machine, and performing methods steps (304 to 331) during the rinse cycle. Further, the method (300) includes draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine. Subsequently, the method (300) includes initiating the main bubble wash cycle upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle when the bubble prewash mode is selected. It is also within the scope of the invention to initiate the main bubble wash cycle at the end of bubble prewash cycle without performing the rinse cycle.
[0058] According to the second embodiment (as shown in fig. 18A), a method (400) of operating the washing machine to generate micro-nano bubbles (up to 50 nanometer sized bubbles) for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine thereby achieving better cleaning and sanitizing of laundry or parts of the washing machine during the main bubble wash cycle is described as follows. At method step (402), the method (400) includes switching ON the washing machine, and selecting a main bubble wash mode for initiating the main bubble wash cycle in the washing machine when the dirt on the clothes/laundry is low or medium. Upon initiating the main bubble wash cycle, at step (404), the method (400) includes controlling by, a first control valve (204BX) (as shown in figs. 5 and 9), input water flow to a first compartment (not shown in figures) of the laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the first control valve (204BX) is operated by the ECU. At step (405), the method (400) includes allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from the first compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) to the wash drum (12) via the conduit (not shown) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches the initial liquid level. At step (406), the method (400) includes stopping, by the first control valve (204BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level. Once the initial liquid level is reached in the washing machine, at step (408), the method (400) includes inducting/pumping, by the gas pump (204A), one of ambient air or gas into the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture that is accumulated in the bubble generating member (202B) (204B) when the gas pump (204A) is operated by the ECU.
[0059] At step (410), the method (400) includes generating, by the bubble generating member (202B), bubbles with one of water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture to facilitate formation of bubble-laden liquid. At step (412), the method (400) includes splitting, by the first bubble splitter (202C), some bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of a first bubble size ranging from 1mm to 3mm. At step (414), the method (400) includes splitting, by the first bubble splitter (202C), each bubble (1mm to 3mm sized bubble) into multiple micro-bubbles of second bubble size (upto 100 micrometer) due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (202C) and the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid containing 1mm to 3 mm sized bubbles with the first bubble splitter (202C). At step (416), the method (400) includes drawing, by the re-circulation pump (206B), the bubble-laden liquid containing upto 100 micrometer bubbles into the pump housing (206A) via the inlet conduit (206D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU.
[0060] At step (418), the method (400) includes splitting, by the second bubble splitter (206C), some of the upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid containing upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles with the second bubble splitter (206C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU. At step (420), the method (400) includes splitting, by the re-circulation pump (206B), some of the unprocessed bubbles (upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles) into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid containing upto 100 micrometer sized bubbles therethrough. At step (422), the method (400) includes splitting, by the re-circulation pump (206B), remaining unprocessed bubbles (upto 100 micrometer bubbles) into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (206B) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU.
[0061] At step (424), the method (400) includes allowing, by the outlet conduit (206E), nano-bubble laden liquid flow from the pump housing (206A) to a lower region of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU. Further, at step (425), the method (400) includes directing, by the jet-nozzle conduit (206F), the nano-bubble-laden liquid flow from the pump housing (206A) towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU. At step (426), the method (400) includes emitting, by at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (208), UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting/ sanitizing the clothes/laundry and the parts of the washing machine. At step (428), the method (400) includes splitting, by third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12), each nanobubble into multiple micro-nanobubbles (up to 50 nanometer bubbles) thereby uniformly distributing and dispersing the laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) during rotation of the wash drum (12) controlled by the ECU.
[0062] At step (430), the method (400) includes stopping, by the first control valve (204BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12), when water-laundry treating agent mixture has reached a final liquid level. At step (432), the method (400) includes operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine.
[0063] At step (434), the method (400) includes draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine. At step (436), the method (400) includes initiating a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of the main bubble wash cycle, and performing methods steps (404 to 430) during the rinse cycle. At step (438), the method (400) includes operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the rinse cycle of the washing machine. At step (440), the method (400) draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine.
[0064] According to the second embodiment (as shown in fig. 18B), when the dirt on the clothes/ laundry is high, then the method (400) includes selecting a bubble prewash mode for initiating a bubble prewash cycle (as shown in fig. 18B) in the washing machine. Once the bubble prewash cycle is initiated, the method (400) includes controlling, by a second control valve (204BY) (as shown in fig. 9), input water flow to the second compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the second control valve (204BY) is operated by the ECU. Further, the method (400) includes allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from second compartment of the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via the conduit (not shown in the figures) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches the initial liquid level. Once the initial liquid level is reached, the bubble prewash cycle of the method (400) includes stopping, by the second control valve (204BY) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level. Once the water flow is stopped to the wash drum (12) as the initial liquid level is reached in the washing machine, the bubble prewash cycle of the method (300) includes performing method steps (408 to 430) and operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the bubble pre wash cycle of the washing machine. Once the bubble prewash cycle is completed, the method (400) includes draining the water from the wash drum (12) and initiating the rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of bubble pre wash cycle and performing methods steps (404 to 430) during the rinse cycle. Further, the method (400) includes operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine. Further, the method (400) draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine. Subsequently, the method (400) includes initiating the main bubble wash cycle upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle when the bubble prewash mode is selected. It is also within the scope of the invention to initiate the main bubble wash cycle at the end of bubble prewash cycle without performing the rinse cycle.
[0065] The technical advantages of the systems (100, 200) for generating micro-nano bubbles for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine (10) are as follows. The bubble generating and splitting system (100, 200) achieves enhanced control over the bubble generation and splitting process by generating micro-nano bubbles and uniformly distributing micro-nano bubbles throughout the wash drum (12) of the washing machine thereby contributing to improved overall washing performance without the adverse effects of excessive foam formation or undue mechanical stress on the laundry. The bubble generating and splitting system (100, 200) with multiple bubble splitting stages that achieves step by step or gradient level reduction of bubble size for achieving effective washing efficiency of the washing machine. The bubble generating and splitting systems (100, 200) achieves effective washing and sanitation process of the clothes/ laundry in the washing machine at the same time. The bubble generating and splitting systems (100, 200) that actively and/or passively induce air bubbles and splits(refines/ shreds) bubbles into micro-nano bubbles through series/stages of mechanical and vortex shredding effects for uniformly dispersing laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) thereby enabling effective stain removal and fabric care without increased energy consumption or detergent use. The bubble generating and splitting systems (100, 200) promotes deep cleaning within laundry fibers as well as facilitates improved detergent dissolution and mixing with water thereby reducing energy consumption during the wash cycle and minimizes water consumption per wash cycle.
[0066] 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. A system (100, 200) for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in a washing machine (10), the system (100, 200) comprising:
at least one bubble generating module (102, 202) adapted to receive one of water or water-laundry treating agent mixture that is dispensed to a wash drum (12) of the washing machine (10); and
a fluid inducting system (104, 204) coupled to the bubble generating module (102, 202),
wherein
the fluid inducting system (104, 204) is configured to facilitate induction of at least one fluid or more than one fluids into the bubble generating module (102, 202); and
the bubble generating module (102, 202) is configured to generate bubbles to facilitate formation of bubble-laden liquid when one fluid or more than one fluids is inducted thereinto via the fluid inducting system (104, 204), and bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid is configured to be split in multiple splitting stages to facilitate formation of micro-nano bubbles thereby facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the wash drum (12).
2. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bubble generating module (102, 202) includes:
a housing (102A, 202A);
a bubble generating member (102B, 202B) integrated or coupled to the housing (102A, 202A) to receive one of the dispensed water or dispensed water-laundry treating agent mixture via the housing (102A, 202A), wherein the bubble generating member (102B, 202B) is configured to be coupled to the fluid inducting system (104, 204); and
a first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) configured to be movably or immovably positioned internally or externally to the housing (102A, 202A),
wherein
the bubble generating member (102B, 202B) is configured to generate bubbles in one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture thereby producing bubble-laden liquid when one fluid or more than one fluids is inducted thereinto via the fluid inducting system (104, 204); and
the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split each bubble of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of a first bubble size upon forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the bubble generating member (102B) is one of a venturi or an eductor, then the fluid inducting system (104) includes:
a liquid inducting system (104B) configured to be coupled to a liquid inlet (102BY) of the bubble generating member (102B) to facilitate induction of one of water or water-laundry treating agent mixture into the bubble generating member (102B); and
a gas inducting member (104C) configured to be coupled to a gas inlet channel (102BZ) of the bubble generating member (102B) to facilitate induction of one of an ambient air or a gas into the bubble generating member (102B),
wherein
the bubble generating member (102B) is configured for drawing the ambient air or gas via the gas inducting member (104C) to facilitate mixing of the ambient air or gas with one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture that is flowing into the bubble generating member (102B) via the liquid inducting system (104B) thereby generating bubbles due to venturi effect.
4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the bubble generating member (202B) is one a diffuser or a nozzle or a mesh structure or a porous member or a perforated member, then the fluid inducting system (204) includes:
a gas pump (204A) configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a gas inlet (202BY) of the bubble generating member (202B); and
a gas pump holder (204AH) adapted to hold the gas pump (204A),
wherein
the gas pump (204A) is configured to induct one of ambient air or gas into one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture that is already accumulated in the bubble generating member (202B) and accordingly, the bubble generating member (202B) is configured to generate the bubbles with one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture thereby producing bubble-laden liquid.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the liquid inducting system (104B) includes:
a liquid control valve module (104BV) directly or indirectly coupled to the liquid inlet (102BY) of the bubble generating member (102B), wherein the liquid control valve module (104BV) is configured to control the flow of one of the water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture to the bubble generating member (102B) when the liquid control valve module (104BV) is operated by an electronic controller unit (ECU),
wherein
the gas inducting member (104C) is a conduit which is open to ambient air at its top end; and
the bubble generating member (102B) includes:
a converging section (102BA), wherein the liquid inlet (102BY) is defined in the converging section (102BA);
a diverging section (102BB) having an outlet (102BV) in fluid communication with the housing (102A); and
a throat (102BC) connecting the converging section (102BA) with the diverging section (102BB), wherein the gas inlet channel (102BZ) is provided on the throat (102BC).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the liquid inducting system (104B) includes a liquid delivery conduit (104BP) having a first end (104BA) connected to the liquid control valve module (104BV) and a second end (104BB) connected to the liquid inlet (102BY) of the bubble generating member (102B),
wherein
the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) is adapted to deliver one of the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture to the bubble generating member (102B) upon operation of the liquid control valve module (104BV) controlled by the ECU.
7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the system (200) includes a gas delivery conduit (204B) having a first end (204BY) connected to the gas pump (204A) and a second end (204BZ) connected to the gas inlet (202BY) of the bubble generating member (202B),
wherein
the gas delivery conduit (204B) is adapted to deliver one of the ambient air or the gas to the bubble generating member (202B) upon operation of the gas pump (204A) controlled by the ECU.
8. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is further configured to split each bubble of the first bubble size into multiple micro-bubbles of a second bubble size due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) and the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C); and
the housing (102A, 202A) is adapted to removably connected the wash tub (11).
9. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system (100, 200) includes a re-circulation pump module (106, 206) having:
a pump housing (106A, 206A);
a re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) positioned inside the pump housing (106A, 206A);
at least one second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) positioned upstream or downstream to the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B);
at least one inlet conduit (106D, 206D) coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at an inlet path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B), wherein the inlet conduit (106D, 206D) is configured to receive the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size;
at least outlet conduit (106E, 206E) coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at a discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B); and
a jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F) coupled to the pump housing (106A, 206A) at a discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B),
wherein
the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is configured for drawing the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size into the pump housing (106A, 206A) via the inlet conduit (106D, 206D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by an electronic controller unit (ECU);
the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) is configured to spit some of the bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size with the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU;
the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is further configured to split some of the unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid containing the bubbles of the second bubble size therethrough;
the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) is further configured to split remaining unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B);
the outlet conduit (106C, 206C) is configured to discharge nano-bubble-laden liquid to third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12) during operation of the recirculation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU;
the third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12) are configured to split each nanobubble into multiple micro-nano bubbles of up to 50 nanometer size thereby facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of micro-nano bubble-laden liquid to the laundry in the washing machine during rotation of the wash drum (12); and
the jet-nozzle conduit (106F, 206F) is configured for directing nano-bubble-laden liquid towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B, 206B) controlled by the ECU.
10. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bubble generating member (102B, 202B), the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C), the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C), the re-circulating pump (106B, 206B) and the third bubble splitters (12P) defines serial or step-by-step or gradient bubble-splitting stages configured to produce multiple micro-nano bubbles of upto 50 nanometer size thereby facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12);
the second bubble splitter (106C, 206C) is at least one of a mesh structure or a diffuser or a nozzle or a porous member or an impeller or a perforated member or a rotary member;
an outlet of the outlet conduit (106E, 206E) is positioned adjacent or near to a lower region of the wash drum (12); and
the third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12) is at least one of fine hole pattern or porous pattern defined across the wash drum (12).
11. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system (100, 200) includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (108, 208) configured to emit UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting/ sanitizing clothes or laundry and the parts of the washing machine.
12. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is a stationary bubble splitter having:
a housing (102CH, 202CH);
a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) defined on the housing (102CH, 202CH); and
a pair of end shafts (102CS, 202CS) provided on respective sides of the housing (102CH, 202CH),
wherein
the end shafts (102CS, 202CS) of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is adapted to mount the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) to the housing (102A, 202A) of the bubble generating module (102, 202) at its exit path;
the bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) of the stationary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of the second bubble size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C); and
the bubble splitting portions (102CP, 202CP) of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) are one of a linear or non-linear bubble splitting protrusion pattern or a combination thereof, that is defined across an outer surface of the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C).
13. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is rotary bubble splitter having:
a shaft (102CA, 202CA);
a pair of side walls (102CB, 202CB) provided at or near respective ends of the shaft (102CA, 202CA); and
a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) extending from the shaft (102CA, 202CA) in between the side walls (102CB, 202CB) along a lengthwise direction of the shaft (102CA, 202CA),
wherein
the shaft (102CA, 202CA) is adapted to rotatably mount the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) to the housing (102A, 202A) of the bubble generating module (102, 202) at its exit path;
the bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) of the rotary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of the second bubble size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C); and
the bubble splitting portions (102CC, 202CC) are linear or non-linear bubble splitting walls which are spaced apart from each other.
14. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C) is a rotary bubble splitter having;
a shaft (102CX, 202CX); and
a plurality of bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) extending from the shaft (102CA, 202CA) in between the respective ends of the shaft (102CX, 102CX) along a lengthwise direction of the shaft (102CA, 202CA,
wherein
each or alternating bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) of the rotary type bubble splitter (102C, 202C) defines a plurality of fine holes (102CZ, 202CZ) configured to split some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of the second bubble size due to vortex shredding effect and the forced contact/impingement of the bubble laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C, 202C); and
the bubble splitting portions (102CY, 202CY) are linear or non-linear bubble splitting walls which are spaced apart from each other.
15. A method (300) of operating a washing machine (10) for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine (10), the method (300) comprising:
switching (302) ON the washing machine, and selecting a main bubble wash mode for initiating a main bubble wash cycle in the washing machine (10);
controlling (304), by a first control valve (104BX) of a liquid control valve module (104BV), input water flow to a first compartment of a laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the first control valve (104BX) is operated by an electronic controller unit (ECU);
allowing (305) the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via a conduit until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches an initial liquid level;
stopping (306), by the first control valve (104BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level;
controlling (308), by a second control valve (104BY) of the liquid control valve module (104BV), at least one of water or water-laundry treating agent mixture flow to the bubble generating member (102B) via a liquid delivery conduit (104BP) when the second control valve (104BY) is operated by the ECU;
drawing (310), by a bubble generating member (102B), ambient air or gas via a gas inducting member (104C) to facilitate mixing of the ambient air or gas with one of the water or the laundry treating agent-water mixture that is flowing in the bubble generating member (102B) via the liquid delivery conduit (104BP) thereby generating bubble-laden liquid due to venturi effect;
splitting (312), by a first bubble splitter (102C), some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of a first bubble size;
splitting (314), by the first bubble splitter (102C), each bubble of the first bubble size into multiple micro-bubbles of a second bubble due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (102C) and the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid with the first bubble splitter (102C);
drawing (316), by a re-circulation pump (106B), the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size into the pump housing (106A) via an inlet conduit (106D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU;
splitting (318), by a second bubble splitter (106C), some bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size with the second bubble splitter (106C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU;
splitting (320), by the re-circulation pump (106B), some unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size therethrough;
splitting (322), by the re-circulation pump (106B), remaining unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (106B) during operating of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU;
allowing (324), by an outlet conduit (106E) of the re-circulation pump module (106), nano-bubble laden liquid flowing from the pump housing (106A) to a lower region of the wash drum (12);
directing (325), by a jet-nozzle conduit (106F) of the re-circulation pump module (106), the nano-bubble-laden liquid flow from the pump housing (106A) towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (106B) controlled by the ECU;
emitting (326), by at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (108) controlled by the ECU, UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting or sanitizing the clothes or laundry and the parts of the washing machine;
splitting (328), by third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12), each nanobubble into multiple micro-nano bubbles thereby uniformly distributing and dispersing laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) during rotation of the wash drum (12) controlled by the ECU;
operating (330), by the ECU, the first control valve (104BX), the second control valve (104BY), the re-circulating pump (106B), the UV-C light source (108), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches a final liquid level;
stopping (331), by the first control valve (104BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the final liquid level;
draining (332) the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine;
initiating (334) a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of main bubble wash cycle, and performing methods steps (304 to 331) during the rinse cycle; and
draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle of the washing machine.
16. The method (300) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method (300) includes:
selecting a bubble prewash mode for initiating a bubble prewash cycle in the washing machine;
controlling, by a third control valve (104BZ) of the liquid control valve module (104BV) upon initiating the bubble prewash cycle, input water flow to a second compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the third control valve (104BZ) is operated by the ECU;
allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from the second compartment of the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via the conduit until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches the initial liquid level;
stopping, by the third control valve (104BZ) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level;
performing method steps (308 to 331) upon the initial liquid level is reached in the washing machine;
draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine;
initiating a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of the bubble prewash cycle, and performing methods steps (304 to 331) during the rinse cycle; and
draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine.
17. The method (300) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method (300) includes initiating the main bubble wash cycle upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle when the bubble prewash mode is selected.
18. A method (400) of operating a washing machine (10) for uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to laundry in the washing machine (10), the method (400) comprising:
switching (402) ON the washing machine, and selecting a main bubble wash mode for initiating the main bubble wash cycle in the washing machine (10);
controlling (404), by a first control valve (204BX) upon initiating the main bubble wash cycle, input water flow to a first compartment of a laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the first control valve (204BX) is operated by an electronic controller unit (ECU);
allowing (405) the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from the first compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) to the wash drum (12) via a conduit until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches an initial liquid level;
stopping (406), by the first control valve (204BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level;
inducting or pumping (408), by a gas pump (204A), one of ambient air or gas into the water or water-laundry treating agent mixture that is accumulated in a bubble generating member (202B) when the gas pump (204A) is operated by the ECU;
generating (410), by the bubble generating member (202B), bubbles with one of water or the water-laundry treating agent mixture to facilitate formation of bubble-laden liquid;
splitting (412), by a first bubble splitter (202C), some bubbles of the bubble-laden liquid into multiple bubbles of a first bubble size;
splitting (414), by the first bubble splitter (202C), each bubble of the first bubble size into multiple micro-bubbles of second bubble size due to vortex shredding effect produced at exit of the first bubble splitter (202C) and the forced contact of the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the first bubble size with the first bubble splitter (202C);
drawing (416), by a re-circulation pump (206B), the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size into a pump housing (206A) via an inlet conduit (206D) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU;
splitting (418), by a second bubble splitter (206C), some bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to forced contact or impingement of the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size with the second bubble splitter (206C) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU;
splitting (420), by the re-circulation pump (206B), some of the unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles upon pumping the bubble-laden liquid containing bubbles of the second bubble size therethrough;
splitting (422), by the re-circulation pump (206B), remaining unprocessed bubbles of the second bubble size into multiple nano bubbles due to vortex shredding effect produced at the discharge path of the re-circulation pump (206B) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU;
allowing (424), by an outlet conduit (206E), nano-bubble laden liquid flow from the pump housing (206A) to a lower region of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU;
directing (425), by the jet-nozzle conduit (206F), the nano-bubble-laden liquid flow from the pump housing (206A) towards an entrance path of the wash drum (12) during operation of the re-circulation pump (206B) controlled by the ECU;
emitting (426), by at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (208), UV-C light onto the nano-bubble-laden liquid to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby disinfecting or sanitizing the clothes or laundry and the parts of the washing machine;
splitting (428), by third bubble splitters (12P) of the wash drum (12), each nanobubble into multiple micro-nanobubbles thereby uniformly distributing and dispersing the laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) during rotation of the wash drum (12) controlled by the ECU;
stopping (430), by the first control valve (204BX) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12), when water-laundry treating agent mixture has reached a final liquid level;
operating (432), by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine;
draining (434) the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the main bubble wash cycle of the washing machine;
initiating (436) a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of the main bubble wash cycle and performing methods steps (404 to 430) during the rinse cycle;
operating (438), by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the rinse cycle of the washing machine; and
draining (440) the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine.
19. The method (400) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (400) includes:
selecting a bubble prewash mode for initiating a bubble prewash cycle in the washing machine;
controlling, by a second control valve (204BY) upon initiating the bubble prewash cycle, input water flow to a second compartment of the laundry treating agent box (14) for preparing the water-laundry treating agent mixture when the second control valve (204BY) is operated by the ECU;
allowing the water-laundry treating agent mixture to flow from second compartment of the laundry treating box (14) to the wash drum (12) via the conduit until the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) reaches the initial liquid level;
stopping, by the second control valve (204BY) controlled by the ECU, the water flow to the wash drum (12) when the water-laundry treating agent mixture in the wash drum (12) has reached the initial liquid level;
performing method steps (408 to 430) upon reaching the initial liquid level, and operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the bubble pre wash cycle of the washing machine;
draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle, and initiating a rinse cycle in the washing machine after completion of draining of water at the end of bubble pre wash cycle, and performing methods steps (404 to 430) during the rinse cycle;
operating, by the ECU, the gas pump (204A), the recirculating pump (206B), the UV-C light source (208), and rotating the wash drum (12) for facilitating uniform distribution and dispersion of laundry treating agents to the laundry in the wash drum (12) until completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine; and
draining the water from the wash drum (12) upon completion of the rinse cycle corresponding to the bubble prewash cycle of the washing machine.
20. The method (400) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method (400) includes initiating the main bubble wash cycle upon completion of the bubble prewash cycle when the bubble prewash mode is selected.