CLIAMS:What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine comprising a washing cabinet in which a laundry can be put and liquid is stored during a wash cycle, the washing machine further comprising a first tank and a second tank, wherein, the first tank is connected to the washing cabinet and is configured to store liquid from a source and the second tank, also connected to the washing cabinet, is configured to store the residual liquid from the washing cabinet after the wash cycle.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a suction apparatus is provided to draw the liquid from the first tank or the second tank into the washing cabinet.
3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a filter member is provided between the washing cabinet and the first storage tank, for blocking any solid particle entering into the washing machine during wash cycle.
4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a monitoring unit is provided in the washing machine to monitor the level of liquid in the first tank and the second tank.
5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the wash cycle comprises of more than one rinses and wherein the residual liquid after the last rinse in the wash cycle is stored in the second tank.
6. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the suction apparatus of the washing machine is configured to draw residual liquid from the second tank for the first rinse in the consecutive wash cycle in the washing cabinet.
7. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the liquid is one of water, liquid soap or liquid soap dissolved in water.
8. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a shut off valve is provided between the first tank and the washing cabinet of the washing machine and between the second tank and the washing cabinet of the washing machine to control the flow of liquid.
9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the suction apparatus of the washing machine draws liquid from the second tank to the washing machine.
10. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a monitoring unit is provided to automatically monitor the level of liquid in the first tank & second tank.
,TagSPECI:[001] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to water management in washing machines. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and mechanism for optimising water usage and water management in washing machines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A common approach in providing automatic control over the fill level of washing machines has involved the use of a pressure-sensitive switch, such as a diaphragm spring combination which acts to sense the water pressure in the bottom of the washing machine tub. Upon achieving a certain predetermined level of water in the tub corresponding to the adjusted setting of the pressure-sensitive switch, the sensing of the corresponding pressure level causes a solenoid operated fill valve to be shut off, thus accurately determining the level of water added to the machine.
[0003] Some washing machines include recirculation pumps which circulate a portion of the tub water through the lint filter during washing cycles, which cause water level variations in the tub during recirculation. The agitation cycle also causes variations in the water level within the tub during the cycle and it is therefore necessary to prevent the pressure-sensitive switch from falsely activating the fill valve, causing more water to be added to the tub during the wash or rinse cycles.
[0004] Previously, many types of systems have been used in endeavouring to provide an effective means for saving and reusing suds water to reduce the expense of washing using automatic washers. In most cases, the storage container is a conventional reservoir, sink or laundry tub; however, one prior art uses a single storage tank inside the washing machine itself.
[0005] Clothes washing machines are known that are provided with one or more tanks for containing liquid substances that are to be used in various phases of a washing program. Such machines are also provided with a further tank for recovery of liquid used during rinsing phases, in particular the last rinsing operation, to be used again in the washing phase in a subsequent washing program.
[0006] In the course of designing such machines, however, it has been observed that they have some disadvantages which are particular to the type of operating procedure involved and their architecture. In particular, the structure and hydraulic connection of a tank can cause structural complications and malfunctions which would compromise the utility of such a tank.
[0007] In light of the above discussion, there is a need for a system for efficient water management in a washing machine.
SUMMARY
[0008] To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus attached to the washing machine for improving the efficiency of water management in the washing machine.
[0009] The apparatus of the present invention includes a first tank and a second tank in combination with a suction pump attached to the washing machine. The suction pump is used to draw liquid from the first tank and the second tank. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a monitoring unit to monitor the level of liquid in the first tank and the second tank.
[0010] In an embodiment, the second tank is configured to store residual water remaining after the washing machine has finished a wash. In an embodiment, the first tank is configured to store water up to a predetermined level. In an embodiment, water stored in the second tank is used for rinsing the load. In an embodiment, the monitoring unit is configured to monitor the first tank and the second tank at predetermined intervals.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for increasing efficiency of liquid suction in a washing machine. The method includes monitoring level of water in a first tank and a second tank. In addition, the method includes storing water in the first tank. The first tank is used to store fresh liquid. In addition, the method includes storing water in a second tank. The second tank is used to store recycled liquid. The recycled liquid is received after a first wash. In addition, the method includes drawing water from the first tank and the second tank.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first tank is configured to store liquid up to a predetermined level. In an embodiment, water stored in the second tank is used for rinsing the load. In an embodiment, the monitoring of the first tank and the second tank is done at predetermined intervals. In an embodiment, an alert is issued in case of water level being less in the first tank and the second tank.
[0013] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a system for increasing efficiency of liquid suction in a washing machine, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a storage system and flow of liquid in the storage unit, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and
[0016] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative flow of liquid in the storage system, in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments, which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a washing machine 100 for increasing efficiency of liquid suction in a washing cabinet 104, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In an embodiment the washing machine 100 is used as a dish washer. In another embodiment, the washing machine 100 is used for washing clothes. In an embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a front loading washing machine. In another embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a top loading washing machine. In an embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a fully automatic washing machine. In another embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a semi automatic washing machine.
[0019] The washing machine 100 includes a storage system 102. The storage system 102 stores liquids required for the functioning of the washing machine 104. In an embodiment, the liquid stored in the storage system 102 is liquid washing soap. In another embodiment, the liquid stored in the storage system 102 is soap dissolved in water. In yet another embodiment, the liquid stored in the storage system 102 is water.
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a storage system 200 and flow of water in the storage system 200, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The functions and capabilities of the storage system 200 is the same as the functions and capabilities of the storage system 102. The storage system 200 includes a storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 includes a storage tank 208. The storage tank 208 receives liquids necessary of the functioning of washing cabinet 206. In an embodiment, the liquid received by the storage tank 208 is liquid soap. In another embodiment, the input received by the storage tank 208 is soap dissolved in water. In yet another embodiment, the input received by the storage tank 208 is water. In an embodiment, the input unit 208 receives the input from a source 204. In another embodiment, the storage tank 208 receives input from the washing cabinet 206. The input received from the washing cabinet 206 is residue water from a previous wash. The input received from the washing cabinet 206 is stored in a second storage tank 210.
[0021] The storage unit 202 includes the first storage tank 208. The first storage tank is used to store liquid from the source 204. The storage unit 202 includes the second storage tank 210. The second storage tank 210 is used to store liquid from the washing cabinet 206. In an embodiment, a filter is provided between the washing cabinet 206 and the first storage tank 208. The filter member is provided in order to block solid particles from entering the first storage tank 208 after the wash cycle. In another embodiment, liquid from the second storage tank 210 is used by the washing cabinet 206 in one or more rinse cycles.
[0022] The storage unit 202 includes a monitoring unit 214. The monitoring unit 214 is used to monitor the liquid levels in the first storage tank 208 and the second storage tank 210. In an embodiment, the monitoring of liquid levels in the first storage tank 208 and the second storage tank 210 is done at predetermined intervals. In an embodiment, the monitoring unit 214 controls flow of liquid between the first storage tank 208 and the second storage tank 210. In case of the liquid level being less than a predetermined level in the second storage tank 210, the additional water is transferred from the first storage tank 208.
[0023] The storage unit 202 includes a suction apparatus 212. The suction apparatus 212 is used to provide the necessary liquid to the washing machine 206. In an embodiment, the suction apparatus 212 is used to draw liquid from the second storage tank 210 into the washing cabinet 206. The liquid from the first storage tank 208 is provided to the washing cabinet 206 as input.
[0024] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative flow of liquid in a storage system 300, in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention. The functions and capabilities of the storage system 300 is the same as the functions and capabilities of the storage system 200. The storage system 300 includes a storage unit 302. The storage unit 302 includes an input unit 308. The storage tank 308 receives liquids necessary of the functioning of a washing cabinet 306. In an embodiment, the liquid received by the storage tank 308 is liquid soap. In another embodiment, the input received by the storage tank 308 is soap dissolved in water. In yet another embodiment, the input received by the storage tank 308 is water. In an embodiment, the storage tank 308 receives the input from a source 304. In another embodiment, the input unit receives input from the washing cabinet 306. The input received from the washing machine 306 is residue liquid from a previous wash. The input received from the washing machine 306 is stored in second storage tank 310.
[0025] The storage unit 302 includes the first storage tank 308. The first storage tank is used to store liquid from the source 304. The storage unit 302 includes the second storage tank 310. The second storage tank 310 is used to store liquid from the washing cabinet 306. In an embodiment, a filter is provided between the washing cabinet 306 and the first storage tank 308 to block solid particles from entering the washing cabinet 306 during the wash cycle. In another embodiment, liquid from the second storage tank is used by the washing cabinet 306 in one or more rinse cycles.
[0026] The storage unit 302 includes a monitoring unit 312. The monitoring unit 312 is used to monitor the liquid levels in the first storage tank 308 and the second storage tank 310. In an embodiment, the monitoring of liquid levels in the first storage tank 308 and the second storage tank 310 is done at predetermined intervals. In an embodiment, the monitoring unit 316 controls flow of liquid to a suction apparatus 314 from the first storage tank 308 and the second storage tank 310. In case of the liquid level being less than a predetermined level in the second storage tank 310, the remaining water is transferred from the first storage tank 308. In case of the liquid level being more than the threshold level in the first storage tank 308, liquid is stopped entering into the first storage tank 308 by auto shut off mechanism.
[0027] The storage unit 302 includes an output unit 316. The output unit 316 is used to provide the necessary liquid to the washing cabinet 306. The flow of liquid from the first storage tank 310 and the second storage tank 310 into the washing cabinet 306 is controlled by the monitoring unit 316. The input into the output unit 316 is given as input to the washing cabinet 306.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in efficient management of water or liquids circulated in the washing machine. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous for wash applications in areas of water scarcity. As a further advantage, certain embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms for re-using water for wash purposes thereby safeguarding environmental concerns.
[0029] This written description uses examples to describe the subject matter herein, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.