Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to washing machines and more particularly to a washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation.

BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, a washing machine comprises a tub which seals in water for washing and a drum is rotatably disposed within the tub, and the drum containing the laundry is rotated inside the tub, by means of an electric motor, for performing washing of the laundry. Modern washing machines including automatic and semi-automatic washing machines come in various sensors, configurations, spin cycles, etc., for enhancing the efficiency of washing of the laundry.

[003] Typically, most of the modern washing machines employ a recirculation system which recirculates water during the washing cycle instead of continuously using fresh water. Such systems include a hose, a recirculation pump, and a recirculation hose, wherein the hose connects the tub and the recirculation pump, and the recirculation pump recirculates the water back to the tub or drains using a valve depending on the wash cycle. Generally, at the beginning of the washing cycle, the washing machine fills up with a certain amount of water from the water supply, a detergent is added to the machine and the machine begins agitating to mix the detergent with the water. During the wash cycle, instead of draining the water after the initial wash, the water is recirculated to tub through the recirculation pump to filter through the fabrics and remove dirt from the laundry. After the initial wash, fresh water may be introduced for rinsing. In some washing machines, a portion of the rinse water is also recirculated to enhance water efficiency.

[004] Hence in the conventional washing machines, the water is recirculated using the hose and a recirculation pump and fail to mix the detergent with the water, and this reduces the cleaning efficiency of the washing machines. Further, since the water is recirculated without mixing with the detergent, the washing requires sufficient washing time, supplementary water, and supplementary detergent for cleaning the laundry.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

[006] To overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, there exists a need for a washing machine with a steam injection steam spray system enhancing the steam spray in the washing machine.

[007] The present disclosure discloses a washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation. The washing machine comprises a tub, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, a pump, and a horizontal pipe connecting the tub to the pump for conveying water from the tub to the pump. The horizontal pipe comprises, a venturi tube having an inlet section, a convergent section, and a throat section, wherein the throat section comprises an air inlet tube protruding out of the pipe in an upward direction, and wherein the venturi tube is positioned within the pipe such that the longitudinal axis of the venturi tube is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pipe, such that a portion of the water in the pipe flows through the venturi tube for mixing with air from the air inlet tube for forming bubbles. The horizontal pipe further comprises a plurality of ribs on the inner surface of the of the pipe, such that the water flowing through the pipe impinges on the plurality of ribs to mix detergent and water flowing through the pipe and mix with the water and bubbles exiting the venturi, for impellers of the pump breaking the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculating the water and microbubbles to the tub.

[008] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[009] The disclosed method and system will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0010] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pump assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4A illustrates an arrangement of the horizontal pipe, the pump assembly, and the recirculation hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 4B illustrates the recirculation paths, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the joining ring and one or more components of the bearing assembly may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications to the disclosure, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates are deemed to be a part of this disclosure.

[0019] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0020] In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0021] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements, other structures, other components, additional devices, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The components, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation. The washing machine comprises a tub, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, a pump, and a horizontal pipe connecting the tub to the pump for conveying water from the tub to the pump. The horizontal pipe is a drainpipe which connects the tub and the pump, wherein the horizontal pipe is configured for simultaneously mixing detergent with water and generating bubbles. The horizontal pipe comprises, a venturi tube having an inlet section, a convergent section, and a throat section, wherein the throat section comprises an air inlet tube protruding out of the pipe in an upward direction, and wherein the venturi tube is positioned within the pipe such that the longitudinal axis of the venturi tube is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pipe, such that a portion of the water in the pipe flows through the venturi tube for mixing with air from the air inlet tube for forming bubbles. The horizontal pipe further comprises a plurality of ribs on the inner surface of the of the pipe, such that the water flowing through the pipe impinges on the plurality of ribs to mix detergent and water flowing through the pipe and mix with the water and bubbles exiting the venturi, for impellers of the pump breaking the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculating the water and microbubbles to the tub.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that a front load (horizontal axis washing machine) is taken as an exemplary washing machine for explaining the methods and arrangements for simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation. However, such methods and arrangements may be implemented with a top load washing machine (vertical axis washing machine) with minor modifications.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 100 comprises a tub 105, a drum 110 rotatably disposed within the tub 105, a pump 115, and a horizontal pipe 120. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal pipe 120 connects the tub 105 to the pump 115 for conveying water from the tub 105 to the pump 115. In one embodiment, the horizontal pipe 120 is configured for simultaneously mixing detergent with water and generating bubbles. It is to be noted that the washing machine 100 includes other elements such as water pumps, controllers, control valves, motors, power circuitries, user interface modules, and heating elements, etc. However, only the essential parts are shown and described for the sake of simplicity and understanding.

[0027] The tub 105 is an outer container that holds the drum 110. The tub 105 is typically made of durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic. The tub 105 holds the wash water and provides structural support to the washing machine 100 and houses the drum 110 inside. The tub 105 is designed to prevent water leakage and maintain the stability of the washing machine 100 during operation.

[0028] The drum 110 is the cylindrical container inside the washing machine 100 where the clothes are placed for washing. The drum 110 is rotatably disposed inside the tub 105 and driven using a motor. The drum 110 rotates during the washing cycle to agitate and clean the laundry. The drum 110 is typically made of stainless steel or durable plastic and comprises holes or perforations to allow water to enter and drain out.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal pipe 120 connects the tub 105 to the pump 115 for conveying the water from the tub 105 to the pump 115. That is, the horizontal pipe 120 functions as a drain hose for draining the water from the tub 105. Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal pipe 120 is configured for simultaneously mixing detergent with water and generating bubbles, and an outlet of the horizontal pipe 120 is connected to the pump 115. In one embodiment, impellers of the pump 115 break down the bubbles into microbubbles and recirculate the water and microbubbles to the tub 105 for enhancing the washing efficiency of the washing machine 100.

[0030] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the horizontal pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 2A, an inlet 205 of the horizontal pipe 120 connects to the tub 105 and an outlet 210 is connected to an inlet 205 of the pump 115 for conveying the water from the tub 105 to the pump 115.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2A, 2B and 2C, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal pipe 115 comprises a venturi tube 215 and a plurality of ribs 220 on an inner surface 225 of the of the horizontal pipe 115. Referring Figure 2C, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the venturi tube 215 comprises an inlet section 230, convergent section 235, and a throat section 240, wherein the throat section 240 comprises an air inlet tube 245 and the air inlet tube 245 tube protrudes out of the horizontal pipe 120 in an upward direction. The venturi tube 215 is positioned within the horizontal pipe 120 such that the longitudinal axis A of the venturi tube 215 is parallel to a longitudinal axis B of the horizontal pipe 120, such that a portion of the water in the horizontal pipe 120 flows through the venturi tube 215 for mixing with air from the air inlet tube 245 for forming bubbles. That is, during the wash cycle, the water drained out from the tub 105 flows through the horizontal pipe 120. A portion of the water flowing through the horizontal pipe 120 flows to the venturi tube 215, through the inlet section 230 of the venturi tube 215. The portion of the water entering the venturi tube 215 mixes with the air from the air inlet tube 240 for forming bubbles. That is, a portion of the water enters the inlet section 230, which is a lower pressure region and then flows through the throat section 240, where the velocity of water increases leading to a decrease in pressure. The lowered pressure in the throat section 240 draws air from the external environment through the air inlet 245 and the air gets mixed in the water forming bubbles in the water as the water continues to flow downstream from the venturi tube 215. Hence, the venturi tube 215 forms bubbles in the portion of the water entering the venturi tube 215. As described, the venturi tube 215 is positioned within the horizontal pipe 120. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the longitudinal axis A of the venturi tube 215 is parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the horizontal pipe 120 such that an outer surface 250 of the venturi tube 215 is in contact with the inner surface 225 of the horizontal pipe 115. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis A of the venturi tube 215 may be coaxial to the longitudinal axis B of the horizontal pipe 120.

[0032] As described, the horizontal pipe 120 comprises the plurality of ribs 220 on the inner surface 225 as shown in Figure 2B and 2C. In one embodiment, the water flowing through the horizontal pipe 120 impinges on the plurality of ribs 220 to mix detergent and water flowing through the horizontal pipe 120. Hence the the plurality of ribs 220 mixes the detergent and the water flowing through horizontal pipe 120.

[0033] As described, the venturi tube 215 forms bubbles and the plurality of ribs 220 on the inner surface 225 of the horizontal pipe 120 mixes the detergent and water. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent and water mix, and the water and the bubbles exiting the venturi tube 215 gets mixed in a downstream 255 of the horizontal pipe 120 (shown in Figure 2A) and the mix is fed to the pump 115. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pump 115 is configured for being controlled as one of a drain pump and a recirculating pump. That is, the pump 115 may be a multi-stage pump which is controlled using a controller for draining out the water from the tub 105 or for recirculating the water to the tub 105. During recirculation, impeller of the pump 115 breaks the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculates the water and microbubbles to the tub 105. As described, the pump 115 is controlled for one of draining out the water and for breaking the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculating the water and microbubbles to the tub 105. Hence the pump 115 may be single pump with one or more impellers and with two outlets, one for draining out the water and another for recirculating the water to the tube 105, wherein the flow through the outlets may be controlled using valves. Alternatively, a pump assembly with two pumps may be used, wherein one pump is used for draining out the water and the other pump may be used for breaking the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculating the water and microbubbles to the tub 105.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pump assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pump assembly 300 comprises a drain pump 305, a recirculating pump 310, an inlet 315, a first outlet 320 and a second outlet 325. The inlet 315 is connected to the outlet 210 of the horizontal pipe 120, the first outlet 320 connects to a drain hose for draining the water, and the second outlet 325 connects to a recirculating hose for recirculating the water to the tub 105. As shown, the drain pump 305 comprises an impeller 330 and when the water is to be drained out, the drain pump 305 is switched ON, and the rotation of the impeller 330 drains out the water through the drain hose connected to the first outlet 320. On the other hand, during the recirculation process, the recirculating pump 310 is switched ON, and the rotation of the impeller 335 breaks the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculates the water and microbubbles to the tub 105 through the second outlet 325. That is, the detergent and water mix, and the water and the bubbles exiting the venturi tube 215 gets mixed in the downstream 255 of the horizontal pipe 120 and impinges on the impeller 335. The rotation of the impeller 335 breaks the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculates the water and microbubbles to the tub 105 through the second outlet 325. The microbubbles and the detergent mixed with the water recirculated to the tub 105 enhances the cleaning efficiency, reduces the water and detergent usage, and improves the overall performance of the washing machine. For example, the microbubbles when recirculated to the tub 105, the microbubbles penetrate deeper into the laundry and remove tough stains present in the laundry.

[0035] Figure 4A illustrates an arrangement of the horizontal pipe, the pump assembly, and the recirculation hose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B illustrates the recirculation paths, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the outlet 210 of the horizontal pipe 120 is connected to the inlet 315 of the pump assembly 300 for feeding the detergent mixed water and the microbubble bubbles exiting the venturi tube 215 to the pump assembly 300. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second outlet 325 is connected to a flow divider 405, wherein the flow divider 405 divides the water and microbubbles and recirculates to two or more locations of the tub 105. In the exemplary arrangement shown in Figure 4A and 4B, the flow divider 405 is connected to a first recirculating hose 410 and a second recirculating hose 415, wherein the first recirculating hose 410 recirculates the water and the microbubbles to substantially bottom of the tub 105. Further, the second recirculating hose 415 recirculates the water and the microbubbles to substantially top of the tub 105. As described, during recirculation, the impeller 335 of the recirculating pump 310 breaks the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculates the water and microbubbles to the one or more location of tub 105 through the one or more recirculating hoses.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a recirculating hose among the one or more recirculating hoses 410 and 415 is connected to a venturi tube for generating and feeding bubbles to the tub 105. Referring to Figure 4A, the recirculating hose 410 comprises a venturi tube 420, which operates similar to the venturi tube 215, for generating and feeding bubbles to the tub 105.

[0037] As described, the washing machine with simultaneous detergent mixing and bubble generation uses a venturi tube in the horizontal pipe to generate bubbles. Further, the plurality of ribs on the inner surface of the horizontal pipe mixes the water and detergent. The rotation of the impeller breaks the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculates the water and microbubbles to the tub through the second outlet. The microbubbles and the detergent mixed with the water recirculated to the tub enhances the cleaning efficiency, reduces the water and detergent usage, and improves the overall performance of the washing machine. For example, the microbubbles when recirculated to the tub, the microbubbles penetrate deeper into the laundry and remove tough stains present in the laundry.

[0038] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0039] The figures 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. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a tub (105);
a drum (110) rotatably disposed within the tub (105);
a pump (115); and
a horizontal pipe (120) connecting the tub (105) to the pump for conveying water from the tub (105) to the pump (115), wherein the horizontal pipe (120) comprises:
a venturi tube (215) having an inlet section (230) convergent section (235), and a throat section (240), wherein the throat section (235) comprises an air inlet tube (245) protruding out of the horizontal pipe (120) in an upward direction,
and wherein the venturi tube (215) is positioned within the horizontal pipe (120) such that the longitudinal axis (A) of the venturi tube (215) is parallel to a longitudinal axis (B) of the horizontal pipe (120), such that a portion of the water in the horizontal pipe (120) flows through the venturi tube (215) for mixing with air from the air inlet tube (245) for forming bubbles; and
a plurality of ribs (220) on the inner surface (215) of the of the horizontal pipe (120), such that the water flowing through the horizontal pipe (120) impinges on the plurality of ribs (220) to mix detergent and water flowing through the horizontal pipe (120) and mix with the water and bubbles exiting the venturi tube (215), for impeller (335) of the pump (115) breaking the bubbles down into microbubbles and recirculating the water and microbubbles to the tub (105).

2. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (A) of the venturi tube (215) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the horizontal pipe (120) such that an outer surface (250) of the venturi tube (215) is in contact with an inner surface (225) of the horizontal pipe (120).

3. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (A) of the venturi tube (215) and the longitudinal axis (B) of the horizontal pipe (120) are coaxial.

4. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outlet (325) of the pump (115) is connected to one or more recirculating hoses (410 and 415), through a flow divider (405), for recirculating the the water and microbubbles to two or more locations of the tub (105).

5. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a recirculating hose (410) among the one or more recirculating hoses (410 and 415) is connected to a venturi tube (420) for generating and feeding bubbles to the tub (105).

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump (115) is configured for being controlled as one of a drain pump and a recirculating pump.