Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates to a flow control assembly. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to the flow control assembly for a washing machine to recycle water during washing and drying of laundry.

BACKGROUND

In a fully automatic washing machine, both the washing and drying actions of laundry are carried out in a tub of the automatic washing machine. The automatic washing machine is also equipped with an air heater and a blower capable of drying laundry after washing. During the drying cycle, air is circulated from the blower via the air heater to the tub. The hot air is then passed over the wet laundry in the tub Generally, the efficiency of the drying cycle depends on a) rate at which the moisture from the hot moist air is removed, and b) duration for which the air heater is ON for the removal of moisture. However, the conventional washing machine the hot moist air gets saturated as the drying cycle progress thereby reducing the capacity to capture the moisture. Moreover, the saturated and hot moist air tends to retain more heat which causes the air heater to switch off early thereby hampering the drying efficiency.

To mitigate this problem, the hot moist air is then transferred to a condensation duct where the process of condensation occurs in which the hot moist air is passed through a water supply in the condensation duct. In the condensation duct, the hot moist air loses moisture and heat after coming in contact with the water and reaches the air heater for reheating. On the other hand, the water supply upon absorption of moisture is drained. This allows the heater to remain switched ON for a longer duration thereby improving the drying efficiency. However, the continuous supply of water significantly increases water consumption during the drying cycle.

SUMMARY

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

The present subject matter is a self-actuated flow control assembly adapted to re-route the flow of a first fluid with a change in weight of a piston disposed inside it. The flow control assembly has an outer housing, an inner housing, and the piston. The outer housing includes an inlet adapted to receive the first fluid. The inner housing disposed concentrically within the outer housing defining an annulus region adapted to receive the first fluid through the inlet. The inner housing includes a first outlet chamber, a second outlet chamber, a set of first ports adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region to the first outlet chamber, and a set of second ports adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region to the second outlet chamber. The piston is slidably disposed inside the inner housing. The piston includes a first plunger head, a second plunger head, and a piston chamber. The first plunger head defines an end of the first outlet chamber and is adapted to selectively cover the set of first ports. The second plunger head defines an end of the second outlet chamber and is adapted to selectively cover the set of second ports. The piston chamber formed between the first plunger head and the second plunger head is adapted to receive a second fluid to change the weight of the piston which thereupon slides the piston into the inner housing.

The present subject matter further relates to a washing machine having a flow control assembly for recirculating water during a washing cycle and a drying cycle. The washing machine includes a wash tub to hold the dirty laundry, a pump assembly, and the flow control assembly. The pump assembly includes a recirculation pump to recirculate water from the wash tub and a drain pump to drain the water. The flow control assembly controlling a first portion of the water includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a piston. The outer housing has an inlet to receive the first portion of water from the recirculation pump. The inner housing is disposed of concentrically within the outer housing defining an annulus region adapted to receive the first portion of water. The inner housing includes a first outlet chamber, a second outlet chamber, a set of first ports, and a set of second ports. The first outlet chamber is fluidically coupled with the wash tub and the second outlet chamber is fluidically coupled with the drain pump. The set of first ports fluidically couple the annulus region to the first outlet chamber. The set of second ports fluidically couples the annulus region to the second outlet chamber. The set of first ports supplies the first portion of water to the wash tub during the washing cycle and the set of second ports supplies the second portion of water to a condensation duct during the drying cycle. Furthermore, the piston is slidably disposed inside the inner housing. The piston includes a first plunger head, a second plunger head, and a piston chamber. The first plunger head defines an end of the first outlet chamber and the second plunger head defines an end of the second outlet chamber. The first plunger head is adapted to selectively cover the set of first ports during the drying cycle and the second plunger head is adapted to selectively cover the set of second ports during the washing cycle. A piston chamber formed between the first plunger head and the second plunger head is adapted to receive a second portion of water to change a weight of the piston which thereupon slides the piston into the inner housing. In an embodiment, the drain pump drains the second portion of water from the piston chamber during the drying cycle which aids the piston to regain its original position and covers the set of first ports.

According to the present subject matter, the flow control assembly provides a simple and cost-effective way to recycle water in the washing machine. The flow control assembly does not require complex circuitry to function since the flow control assembly is self-actuated. Therefore, the flow control assembly takes less space during installation in the washing machine. This further reduces the part count and saves costs on manufacturing and servicing. The flow control assembly can work with water containing lint, foam, and other impurities; therefore, it is easy to maintain. The flow control assembly is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not require the need of a skilled technician or complex machinery. Furthermore, the flow control assembly equips the washing machine to provide an improved and economic washing and drying operation.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a washing machine having a flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an assembled flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow control assembly taken along lines X-X’ in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5A illustrates an outer housing of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the outer housing taken along lines Y-Y’ in Figure 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6A illustrates an inner housing of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner housing of the flow control assembly taken along lines Z-Z’ in Figure 6A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7A illustrates a piston of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the piston taken along lines A-A’ in Figure 7A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a spring for the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a connecting pipe of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10A illustrates a perspective view of a top plate of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10B illustrates a bottom view of the top plate of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 10C illustrates a side view of a bottom plate of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

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

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

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

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

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

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

Figure 1 illustrates a washing machine 100 having a flow control assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The washing machine 100 can be a top-loading or a front loading having a washer and a dryer function. The washing machine 100 utilizes a negligible amount of water during a drying cycle and is capable of drying clothes completely after washing them. The washing machine 100 is cost-effective and provides an improved and economic washing and drying operation due to functioning of a flow control assembly 102 installed inside the washing machine 100.

The washing machine 100 may include, but is not limited to, a wash tub 101, a rotatable drum (not shown) within the wash tub 101, a recirculation pump 103, a drain pump 104, a condensation duct 105, a drain duct 106, and the flow control assembly 102. The flow control assembly 102 fluidically connected to the wash tub 101, the recirculation pump 103, the drain pump 104, and the condensation duct 105. In addition, the washing machine 100 may include a pre-wash valve 108, a main-wash valve 109, and a condensation valve 110 adapted to receive a fresh water supply from a tap. The tap water 107 is introduced to a detergent dispenser tray 111 from the pre-wash valve 108 and the main-wash valve 109, and the water is further dispatched to the wash tub 101 during a washing cycle. The tap water 107 is introduced to the condensation valve 110 during the drying cycle and from the condensation valve 110 the water flows to the condensation duct 105.

The washing machine 100 having above-mentioned components forms two types of circuits i.e., a recirculation circuit and a drain circuit used for the washing and the drying cycle. The recirculation circuit includes the wash tub 101, the flow control assembly 102, and the recirculation pump 103. Further, the recirculation pump 103 is fluidly connected to the wash tub 101 and positioned downstream to the wash tub 101. Thus, when operating the recirculation pump 103, water from the bottom of the wash tub 101 is re-circulated through the flow control assembly 102 to an upper or middle portion of the tub to be sprayed or sprinkled on the laundry in the wash tub 101. The washing machine 100 recirculates the water from the wash tub 101 to reduce the quantity of water required for wash and rinse cycles. Furthermore, the recirculation of water also increases the washing performance due to the detergent being more active when soaked into the clothes.

The drain circuit includes the drain pump 104, the recirculation pump 103, the flow control assembly 102, and the condensation duct 105. The drain pump 104 is fluidically connected to the flow control assembly 102 and aids in re-routing the flow of water received from the recirculation pump 103 towards the condensation duct 105 during the drying cycle.

In an embodiment, the recirculation pump 103 and the drain pump 104 are provided in a common space present downstream to the wash tub 101. Both the recirculation pump 103 and the drain pump 104 have separate motor circuitry to drive the recirculation circuit and the drain circuit respectively.

During the operation, the flow control assembly 102 receives the water from the recirculation pump 103 from an inlet 205. Upon receiving a first portion of water or a first fluid from the recirculation pump, the flow control assembly 102 dispenses the water to the wash tub 101 during the washing cycle and the condensation duct 105 during the drying cycle through a first outlet 203 and a second outlet 207 respectively. A second portion of water or a second fluid is transmitted to the flow control assembly 102 from the wash tub 101. The transmission of the second portion of the water by the wash tub 101 via a top plate port 202 and removal of the second portion of the water through a suction created by the drain pump 104 from the flow control assembly 102 via a bottom plate port 208, aids the process of selectively dispensing the first portion of water to the wash tub 101 and the condensation duct 105 respectively. The flow control assembly 102 is fluidically connected to the drain pump 104 to remove the second portion of water during the drying cycle.

In one example, a temperature sensor (not shown) is positioned at an inlet of the condensation duct 105 for comparing a temperature of the recirculated first portion of water from the flow control assembly 102 to a set temperature of the water. The condensation duct 105 is fluidically connected to the wash tub 101 and when the temperature of the water is above the set temperature of the water, the recirculated water is drained from the wash tub 101 through the drain pump 104.

In addition, a pressure sensor and a level sensor (not shown) are in communication with the flow control assembly 102. The pressure sensor and the level sensor measure a level of water in the wash tub 101 and compare it with a set level of water. Based on the level of water in the wash tub 101, the flow control assembly 102 recirculates the first portion of water received from the recirculation pump 103 to either the wash tub 101 or the condensation duct 105.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4 that illustrate various aspects of the flow control assembly 102. Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the flow control assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, Figure 3 illustrates a cut-section of the flow control assembly taken along the lines X-X’ in Figure 2, and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the flow control assembly 102 respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow control assembly 102 includes, but is not limited to, an outer housing 204, an inner housing 301, and a piston 305.

In one example, the outer housing 204 has the inlet 205. The inlet 205 is fluidically connected to the recirculation pump 103. The flow control assembly 102 receives the first portion of water from the recirculation pump 103 through the inlet 205. The outer housing 204 is detachably attached to a top plate 201 from a top end and a bottom plate 206 from a bottom end with the help of fasteners such as nut, bolt, washers, screw, anchors, or rivets. This aids in ease of assembling and disassembling of the entire flow control assembly 102 without the need for a skilled technician or complex machinery.

The top plate 201 comprises the first outlet 203 and the top plate port 202. Similarly, the bottom plate 206 comprises the second outlet 207 and the bottom plate port 208. The first portion of water flows into the flow control assembly 102 through the inlet 205, and the recirculated water flows out through the first outlet 203 during the washing cycle and the second outlet 207 during the drying cycle. The top plate port 202 is fluidically connected to the wash tub 101. The flow control assembly 102 receives the second portion of water through the top plate port 202. The bottom plate port 208 is fluidically connected to the drain pump 104. The second portion of water is drained out due to the suction pressure created by the drain pump 104 from the bottom plate port 208.

In one example, the flow control assembly 102 includes the inner housing 301. The inner housing 301 is concentrically disposed inside the outer housing 204 and is assembled with the outer housing 204 through a plurality of threads 304. The plurality of threads 304 is formed on an inner surface of the outer housing 204 and formed on an outer surface of the inner housing 301 (Shown in Figure 5b and 8a respectively). An annulus region 312 is formed between the inner housing 301 and the outer housing 204.

Details of the outer housing 204 are now explained with respect to Figure 5A and 5B. Specifically, Figure 5A illustrates an isometric view of the outer housing 204, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing 204 taken along the lines Y-Y’ in Figure 5A. The outer housing 204 is a cylindrical shaped structure having a first rim 501a on the top end and a second rim 501b on the bottom end. The first rim 501a acts as a seat for the top plate 201 and the second rim 501b acts as a seat for the bottom plate 206. The first rim 501a and the second rim 501b has a predefined space to place a gasket 401 (shown in Figure 4) in between the top plate 201 and the bottom plate 206 respectively. Further, the inlet 205 is inclinedly positioned on the outer housing 204 for a smooth flow of the first portion of water received from the recirculation pump 103. Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer housing 204 has the plurality of threads 304 to provide ease of assembling and disassembling the outer housing 204 with the inner housing 301.

In one example, the inner housing 301 is installed inside the outer housing 204. Details of the inner housing 301 are explained with respect to Figure 6A and Figure 6B in conjunction with Figure 3 and Figure 4. Figure 6A illustrates an isometric view of the inner housing 301, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the inner housing 301 taken along the lines Z-Z’ in Figure 6A. The inner housing 301 comprises a set of first ports 310a, a set of second ports 310b, a first outlet chamber 311a, a second outlet chamber 311b, the piston 305, a first connecting pipe 302a, a second connecting pipe 302b, a spring 303, a piston seat 313. The set of first ports 310a are adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region 312 to the first outlet chamber 311a. Similarly, the set of second ports 310b adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region 312 to the second outlet chamber 311b. The first outlet chamber 311a is fluidically connected with the wash tub 101 and the second outlet chamber 311b is fluidically coupled with the condensation duct 105. The inner housing 301 is a cylindrical shaped structure having the piston 305 slidably disposed within it.

In one example, the piston 305 is slidably disposed inside the inner housing 301 as shown in Figure 3. Details of the piston are now provided with respect to Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A illustrates a piston of the flow control assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the piston taken along lines A-A’ in Figure 7A. The piston 305 includes a first plunger head 308a, a second plunger head 308b, and a piston chamber 306. The first plunger head 308a defines an end of the first outlet chamber 311a and is adapted to selectively cover the set of first ports 310a. On the other hand, the second plunger head 308b defines one end of the second outlet chamber 311b and is adapted to selectively cover the set of second ports 310b. The piston chamber 306 formed between the first plunger head 308a and the second plunger head 308b adapted to receive the second portion of water from the wash tub 101 to change a weight of the piston 305 which thereupon slide the piston 305 into the inner housing 301.

In one example, the first plunger head 308a is connected to an end of the first connecting pipe 302a which is further fluidically coupled to the wash tub 101. Similarly, the second plunger head 308b is connected to an end of the second connecting pipe 302b. Another end of the second connecting pipe 302b is attached to the bottom plate port 208 which is further fluidically connected to the drain pump 104. The first connecting pipe 302a and the second connecting pipe 302b are bellow-shaped pipes (an enlarged view of the connecting pipe 302 is shown in Figure 9).

The piston 305 also includes a float valve 307, an ingress port 309a, and an egress port 309b. The ingress port 309a is formed at the first plunger head 308a and adapted to allow the second portion of water to enter the piston chamber 306 therethrough. Further, the ingress port 309a is connected to the first connecting pipe 302a. The egress port 309b connects the second connecting pipe 302b to the piston chamber 306. The egress port 309b is formed at the second plunger head 308b and adapted to drain the second portion of water from the piston chamber 306 because of the suction pressure of the drain pump 104. The drain pump 104 further sends the second portion of water out of the washing machine 100 through the drain duct 106.

In one example, the float valve 307 is fluidically coupled to the egress port 309b and disposed inside the piston chamber 306, such that the float valve 307 seals off a portion of the piston chamber for retaining the second portion of water. In one example, the float valve 307 has a ball adapted to float and seal off the piston chamber 306. The retention of the second portion of water fluid increases the weight of the piston 305 for sliding the second plunger head 308b to cover the set of second ports 310b and to uncover the set of first ports 310a.

In one example, the piston may include a U-shaped hook 701 is provided at the first plunger head 308a to attach the spring 303 to the piston 305. The spring 303 has a helical shape as shown in shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, the spring 303 is coupled to the top plate 201 and the first plunger head 308a. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the helical shape of the spring 303 and may be in any other shape or form. The spring 303 exerts an opposite force when it is extended due to the slidable movement of the piston 305.

Details of the connecting pipes are provided with respect to Figure 9. The connecting pipe 302 has a bellow-shaped structure 314 which allows the connecting pipe 302 to expand or contract to accommodate the movements of the piston 305. Specifically, when the piston 305 slides downwards inside the inner housing 301, the bellow-shaped structure 314 in the first connecting pipe 302a expands and the bellow-shaped structure 314 of the second connecting pipe 302b contracts. Similarly, when the piston 305 regains its original position, the bellow-shaped structure 314 in the first connecting pipe 302a contracts and the bellow-shaped structure 314 in the second connecting pipe 302b expands. This allows the piston 305 to move freely within the inner housing 301.

Referring to Figure 10A and Figure 10B illustrate a perspective view of the top plate 201 and a bottom view of the top plate 201 respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The top plate 201 comprises the first outlet 203 on a top surface of the top plate 201. The top plate 201 comprises the top plate port 202 protruding outwards from the top surface and a bottom surface of the top plate 201. The top plate port 202 protruding outwards from the top surface is connected to an outlet of the wash tub 101 for receiving the second portion of water from the wash tub 101. The top plate port 202 protruding outwards from the bottom surface is connected to the first connecting pipe 302a. Further, as can be viewed in Figure 10B, a plurality of holes 702 are provided to detachably attach the top plate 201 with the first rim 501a. Furthermore, another U-shaped hook 701 is provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 201. The spring 303 is extended from the U-shaped hook 701 (as shown in Figure 3). One end of the spring 303 is attached to the top plate 201 and other end of the spring 303 is attached to the piston 305 through the U-shaped hooks 701.

Referring to Figure 10C illustrates a side view of the bottom plate 206 of the flow control assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bottom plate 206 comprises the second outlet 207 and the bottom plate port 208. The bottom plate port 208 is protruding outwards from the top surface and a bottom surface of the bottom plate 206. The bottom plate port 208 protruding outwards from the top surface is connected to the second connecting pipe 302b. The bottom plate port 208 protruding outwards from the bottom surface is fluidically connected to the drain pump 104.

The operation of the washing machine 100 and the flow control assembly 102 is now explained. Initially, during the washing cycle, water is fed to the wash tub 101 through the pre-wash valve 108 and main-wash valve 109. As mentioned above, the first portion of water from the wash tub 101 is supplied to the flow control assembly 102 through the recirculation pump 103. The first portion of water enters inside the flow control assembly 102 through the inlet 205 of outer housing 204. The first portion of water fills the annulus region 312 formed between the outer housing 204 and the inner housing 301.

At the same time, the second portion of water from the wash tub 101 flows toward the piston 305 through the top plate port 202. The second portion of water starts filling the piston chamber 306 through the ingress port 309a. As the piston chamber 306 fills the float valve 307 seal off the piston chamber 306, thereby preventing the second portion of water to exit through the egress port 309b of the piston 305. As soon as the piston chamber 306 starts filling with water, the weight of the piston 305 changes and the piston 305 starts sliding downwards. The downward movement of the piston 305 is supported by the first connecting pipe 302a by expanding and the second connecting pipe 302b by contracting. The spring 303 also expands due to the change in the weight of the piston 305 and therefore gets energized. The piston finally lands on the piston seat 313, such that the second plunger head 308b covers the set of second ports 310b.

Simultaneously, the first plunger head 308a uncovers the set of first ports 310a. The set of first ports 310a thus fluidically connects the annulus region 312 with the first outlet chamber 311a. The first portion of water is then transmitted from the first outlet chamber 311a to the wash tub 101 through the first outlet 203. The recirculation circuit is completed with the first portion of water redirected to the wash tub 101 via the flow control assembly 102. This configuration is maintained during the washing cycle. Hence, the recirculation circuit starts when the first portion of the water is released into the flow control assembly 102 from the wash tub 101 via the recirculation pump 103 and ends when the first portion of water is transmitted back to the wash tub 101 from the flow control assembly 102.

The washing machine 100, then, initiates the drain cycle to dry the laundry. During this cycle, the drain pump 104 creates the suction pressure at the bottom plate port 208 and eventually at the egress port 309b of the piston 305 via the second connecting pipe 302b. The suction pressure pulls the ball down thereby unsealing the piston chamber 306. As the piston chamber 306 unseals the second portion of the water is pumped out from the piston chamber 306 via the second connecting pipe 302b by the drain pump 104. In addition, water is also pumped out of the wash tub 101 due to the suction pressure of the drain pump 104.

The draining of the second portion from the piston chamber 306 results in a decrease in the weight of the piston 305. The reduction in the weight causes the energized spring 303 to regain its original position thereby applying a spring force on the piston 105 to start its sliding in the upward direction. As the piston moves upward, the first plunger head 308a covers the first set of ports 310a, and the second plunger head 308b uncovers the second set of ports 310b.

Accordingly, the set of second ports 310b fluidically connects the annulus region 312 with the second outlet chamber 311b thereby completing the drain circuit. During the drain circuit, the water is recirculated from the wash tub 101 to the condensation duct 105.

This is how the flow control assembly 102 provides a simple and cost-effective way to recycle water in the washing machine 100 during the washing cycle and the drying cycle. Further, the flow control assembly 102 does not require complex circuitry, takes less space, has a lower part count, saves extra costs on manufacturing and servicing, and provides an improved and economic washing and drying operation.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A flow control assembly (102) for controlling a bi-directional flow of a first fluid, comprising:
an outer housing (204) comprising an inlet (205) adapted to receive the first fluid;
an inner housing (301) disposed concentrically within the outer housing (204), defining an annulus region (312) adapted to receive the first fluid through the inlet (205), the inner housing (301) comprising:
a first outlet chamber (311a);
a second outlet chamber (311b);
a set of first ports (310a) adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region (312) to the first outlet chamber (311a); and
a set of second ports (310b) adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region (312) to the second outlet chamber (311b); and
a piston (305) slidably disposed inside the inner housing (301), the piston (305) comprising:
a first plunger head (308a) defining an end of the first outlet chamber (311a) and adapted to selectively cover the set of first ports (310a);
a second plunger head (308b) defining an end of the second outlet chamber (311b) and adapted to selectively cover the set of second ports (310b); and
a piston chamber (306) formed between the first plunger head (308a) and the second plunger head (308b) adapted to receive a second fluid to change a weight of the piston (305) which thereupon slide the piston (305) in the inner housing (301).

2. The flow control assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston (305) comprising:
an ingress port (309a) formed at the first plunger head (308a) and adapted to allow the second fluid to enter the piston chamber (306);
an egress port (309b) formed at the second plunger head (308b) and adapted to drain the second fluid from the piston chamber (306); and
a float valve (307) disposed at the egress port (309b) and adapted to seal off a portion of the piston chamber (306) for retaining the second fluid wherein retention of fluid increases the weight of the piston (305) for:
sliding the second plunger head (308b) to cover the set of second ports (310b); and
sliding the first plunger head (308a) to uncover the set of first ports (310a).

3. The flow control assembly (102) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a top plate (201) disposed on an end of the inner housing (301) having a first outlet (203) fluidically coupled to the first outlet chamber (311a);
a bottom plate (206) disposed on another end of the inner housing (301) having a second outlet (207) fluidically coupled to the second outlet chamber (311b);
a first connecting pipe (302a) having:
a first end fluidically coupled to a top plate port (202); and
a second end fluidically coupled to the ingress port (309a);
a second connecting pipe (302b) having:
a first end fluidically coupled to a bottom plate port (208); and
a second end fluidically coupled to the egress port (309b); and
a spring (303) coupled to the top plate (201) and the first plunger head (308a),
wherein the float valve (307) unseals the sealed portion upon application of a suction pressure in the second connecting pipe (302b) to drain the sealed portion, the spring (303) is adapted to:
slide the first plunger head (308a) to cover the set of first ports (310a); and
slide the second plunger head (308b) to uncover the set of second ports (310b).

4. The flow control assembly (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inner housing (301) comprising a piston seat (313) adapted to receive the first plunger head (308a) to rest thereupon.

5. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a wash tub (101) adapted to hold laundry;
a pump assembly having a recirculation pump (103) to recirculate water from the wash tub (101) and a drain pump (104) to drain the water from the wash tub (101); and
a flow control assembly (102) for controlling a flow of a first portion of the water, the flow control assembly (102) comprising:
an outer housing (204) comprising an inlet (205) adapted to receive the first portion of water from the recirculation pump (103);
an inner housing (301) disposed concentrically within the outer housing (204), defining an annulus region (312) adapted to receive the first portion of water, the inner housing (301) comprising:
a first outlet chamber (311a) fluidically coupled with the wash tub (101);
a second outlet chamber (311b);
a set of first ports (310a) adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region (312) to the first outlet chamber (311a); and
a set of second ports (310b) adapted to fluidically couple the annulus region (312) to the second outlet chamber (311b); and
a piston (305) slidably disposed inside the inner housing (301), the piston (305) comprising:
a first plunger head (308a) defining an end of the first outlet chamber (311a) and adapted to selectively cover the set of first ports (310a);
a second plunger head (308b) defining an end of the second outlet chamber (311b) and adapted to selectively cover the set of second ports (310b); and
a piston chamber (306) formed between the first plunger head (308a) and the second plunger head (308b) adapted to receive a second portion of water to change a weight of the piston (305) which thereupon slide the piston (305) in the inner housing (301).

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the piston (305) comprising:
an ingress port (309a) formed at the first plunger head (308a) and adapted to allow the second portion of water from the wash tub (101) to enter the piston chamber (306);
an egress port (309b) formed at the second plunger head (308b) and adapted to drain the second portion of water from the piston chamber (306) through the drain pump (104); and
a float valve (307) disposed at the egress port (309b) and adapted to seal off a portion of the piston chamber (306) for retaining the second portion of water wherein retention of fluid increases the weight of the piston (306) for:
sliding the second plunger head (308b) to cover the set of second ports (310b) in a wash cycle; and
sliding the first plunger head (308a) to uncover the set of first ports (310a).

7. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a condensation duct (105) fluidically coupled to:
the second outlet chamber (311b) adapted to supply the first portion of water to the condensation duct (105) during the drying cycle; and
the wash tub (101) wherein the condensation duct (105) is adapted to supply the first portion of water to the wash tub (101) during a drying cycle.

8. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wash tub (101) is fluidically connected to the drain pump (104) adapted to remove the first portion of water during a drying cycle.

9. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising:
a top plate (201) disposed on an end of the inner housing (301) having a first outlet (203) fluidically coupled to the first outlet chamber (311a) wherein the first outlet (203) dispenses the first portion of the water into the wash tub (101);
a bottom plate (206) disposed on another end of the inner housing (301) having a second outlet (207) fluidically coupled to the second outlet chamber (311b) wherein the second outlet (207) dispenses the first portion of the water into the condensation duct (105);
a first connecting pipe (302a) adapted to supply the second portion of the water from the wash tub (101) and having:
a first end fluidically coupled to a top plate port (202) and
a second end fluidically coupled to the ingress port (309a);
a second connecting pipe (302b) adapted to drain the second portion of the water from the piston chamber (306) and having:
a first end fluidically coupled to a bottom plate port (208) and
a second end fluidically coupled to the egress port (309b); and
a spring (303) coupled to the top plate (201) and the first plunger head (308a),
wherein the float valve (307) unseals the sealed portion upon application of a suction pressure in the second connecting pipe (302b) applied by the drain pump (104) to drain the sealed portion, the spring (303) is adapted to:
slide the first plunger head (308a) to cover the set of first ports (310a) during a drying cycle; and
slide the second plunger head (308b) to uncover the set of second ports (310b).

10. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inner housing (301) comprising a piston seat (313) on an inner surface adapted to receive the first plunger head (308a) to rest thereupon.