Claims:
1. A semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance comprising:
a lower metal body cabinet (1);
a plastic body top housing (2) with door assembly (3); and
a washing tub (11) enclosed in the cabinet (1) for washing articles.

2. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top housing (2) comprises:
a liquid storage tank (4) for liquid detergent filling;
a pump (7) for liquid detergent transfer from the liquid storage tank (4) to the detergent tray (8);
the detergent tray (8), with dedicated compartments for both powder and liquid detergent;
a sliding cover (9), for access to the detergent tray (8);
rubber hoses (13) as liquid detergent transfer medium; and
die-casted, chrome-plated hinges (15) for door support.

3. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid storage tank (4) stores the liquid detergent for multiple washes, thus eliminating the necessity to refill after each wash cycle.

4. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 2, wherein multiple washes can be achieved after a one-time fill of the liquid storage tank (4).

5. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mechanism of semi-automatic detergent dispensing, wherein the mechanism of semi-automatic detergent dispensing comprises setting a correct dosage of the liquid detergent required for washing the articles.

6. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dosage is defined by the stroke length and diameter of the piston.

7. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the amount dispensed is considered at the inlet of the detergent tray (8).

8. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mechanism of semi-automatic detergent dispensing comprises:
a. Filling the liquid storage tank (4) with the liquid detergent; and
b. Operating the pump (7) to fill the hoses and attain the liquid detergent transfer to the detergent tray (8).
c. Washing off the detergent from the detergent tray (8) to the washing tub (11) where washing will take place.

9. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing washing machine appliance as claimed in claim 8, wherein the initial strokes after the first-time filling of the liquid storage tank (4) are more than the later filling times, provided the complete drain condition of the liquid storage tank (4) is prevented.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure refers to washing machines, with features to dispense the correct dosage to articles therein, and a structure and mechanism for operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Existing fully automatic washing machine, shown in FIG. 1 comprises a sheet metal outer covering, called the cabinet, which encloses the complete rotary assembly and supports top stationary assembly. The rotary drum cleans the articles using detergent whether Liquid or Powder, which is manually inputted to the detergent tray as shown in FIG. 2. Water through the inlet valve 10 carries the detergent from the detergent tray 8 and throws it in the washing tub 11 where articles are washed. Correct detergent dosage must be utilized for better wash quality and life of clothes.

[003] In existing washing machines, the consumer measures the volume of liquid and powder detergent required for washing, using a measuring cup, and stores the detergent bottle in a pedestal which makes it a tiresome process. After every wash cycle, the powder and liquid detergent are manually inputted into the detergent tray required for washing, making human skin more vulnerable to chemicals.

[004] The present disclosure eliminates the above-mentioned concerns. The correct dosage is also taken care of in this. An inbuilt tank is necessary for the storage facility and a dispensing mechanism is required for achieving it. One can use gravity as a dispensing mechanism, but it depends on the system that is designed to accommodate it. The present disclosure considers an inbuilt liquid storage tank for detergent with a pre-defined volume. After each wash cycle, the level of liquid experiences a drop within, which should be visible to the customer. A bottom level should be set for this, as an indicative line where the liquid storage tank would need a refill. This would prevent a complete drain situation for the liquid storage tank and detergent-less washing. The present disclosure favors a level indicator for the same. Nowadays, liquid detergent is more preferred over powder detergent because of its better dissolving ability, no residue lumps, better scrubbing action, no bleach presence, and many more. So, the detergent dispensing tray needs to have a dedicated compartment for the same to avoid mixing with another type/state of detergent. The present disclosure takes care of a specially designed detergent tray for achieving the mechanism. Accordingly, a washing machine with features would be useful. Also, a top-load washing machine with a storage facility within with level indicator would be useful. In particular, a top-load washing machine with correct dosage dispense would also be useful.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[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] The present disclosure provides a detergent dispensing mechanism, where the liquid detergent travels from the liquid storage tank to the detergent tray using a manually operated pump. The present disclosure defines a manually operated pump, as dispensing using a push button. The desired liquid amount can be transferred to the dedicated compartment, from where it is thrown into the washing tub.

[007] In the present disclosure, the correct detergent dosage is maintained for each wash cycle. It can be manually adjusted, depending on the load selected for the wash. A predefined volume of liquid helps to maintain the desired dosage.

[008] The present disclosure carries the liquid detergent using hoses and the dosage is decided as per the stroke length. Minimum hose length would be useful for this system in terms of the number of strokes. The discharge through the hose is manually controlled.

[009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a level indicating mechanism, to maintain the required liquid level in the liquid storage tank. The level would be visible to the naked eye and mark an indicative feature for re-fill requirements.

[0010] The provision for filling the liquid storage tank is yet another addition to the present disclosure. Top housing holds that provision and is well in reach.

[0011] It is further added to the present disclosure, a dedicated detergent tray with a compartment for powder and liquid detergent to avoid any mixing, and a water inlet is directly provided within. It is covered with a sliding cover mechanism for access to the compartments.

[0012] In accordance with the present disclosure, detergent mixed water is discharged to the washing tub with the correct dosage requirement. It will prevent damage to the articles and keep the fabric life longer.

[0013] In further addition to the present disclosure, top housing consists of a chrome-plated, die-casted hinge to support the door operational movement. The opened door gives better reach to the above-said invention components for better and clear understanding.

[0014] To further clarify the 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

[0015] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional fully automatic top-load washing machine;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a sectional view along cross-section A-A of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the top housing of the top-loading washing machine with semi-automatic detergent dispensing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3, depicting various parts of the top-loading washing machine with semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart for the semi-automatic detergent dispensing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] 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 top-loading washing machine with semi-automatic detergent dispensing 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 the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The terms "comprise", "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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The present invention corresponds to the top-load washing machine, which can accommodate the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism and the related components.

[0029] FIG. 1 refers to a conventional top-load washing machine where manual input of powder or liquid detergent is done as per the requirement. Generally, in existing washing machines, the lower metal base called cabinet 1 holds the plastic top housing 2 which supports the door assembly 3, liquid storage tank 4, controller assembly 5, as shown in FIG. 1, and other related components necessary for the working (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0030] The present disclosure indent to have same structural design as FIG. 1. The present disclosure contains Liquid storage tank 4 to store the detergent in a pre-defined volume, required for washing. It is assembled with the top housing 2 and provided with both input and output units with an opening well in reach. A mechanism has been provided to transfer and indicate the liquid level within.

[0031] Repeated washing continues to use the detergent and lowers the liquid level within liquid storage tank 4. When the level drops, level indicator 6 is utilized to indicate the decrease and the minimum level indication mark on level indicator 6 helps to prevent the complete drain situation. It helps to understand the need and time for a refill. Level indicator 6 works on the principle of hydrostatic equilibrium, indicating the same level.
[0032] The liquid detergent needs to be dispensed in a pre-defined dosage for washing. The dosage is decided based on the considerable load parameters and pump 7 is dedicated to it. Pump 7 is manually controlled where dosage quantity is based on the diameter of the piston and piston stroke length. A pre-defined liquid volume through liquid storage tank 4 is discharged to detergent tray 8.

[0033] The present disclosure intends to focus on the detergent tray 8 for accommodating different types of detergents. It has a provision for separate dedicated compartments for each. Thus, the present disclosure intends to cover all the modifications required in the top housing 2. It also encloses the sliding cover 9 for covering the detergent tray 8 to avoid any foreign particles falling into it and also preventing the water splash onto the top housing 2. The sliding cover 9 is further covered with the plate (not mentioned in the drawing) to cover reciprocating motion.

[0034] FIG. 2 describes the water flow for a conventional washing machine through the inlet 10 passing through the detergent tray 8. It carries detergent with it and falls over the articles in the washing tub 11. The articles are thereafter washed using the rubbing action against the pulsator 12 and washing tub 11.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the Water inlet for the detergent compartments is defined by a specific water flow path by considering the minimum number requirement for water inlet valves. Single water passage to multiple compartments washes off the detergent required for washing.

[0036] FIG. 3 represents the isometric view of top housing 2 according to the present disclosure. It is covered with the door assembly 3. The detergent wash-off process resembles the conventional washing machine. It comprises an inlet 10 that allows water to flow to the specific compartment in the detergent tray 8 through hoses 13 and later on discharge the detergent mixed water to the washing tub 11 for washing the articles.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts the present disclosure with a more detailed and clear view. Detergent tray 8 has dedicated compartments for both solid and liquid detergents as per required quantity and liquid detergent is dispensed using the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism.

[0038] Opening for the liquid detergent feeding into the liquid storage tank 4 is provided on the top flat surface of top housing 2 for easy access and easy pouring. The top opening is protected with the flap cover 14 to avoid any foreign impurity input into the liquid storage tank 4 apart from liquid detergent. It will prevent detergent splash when washing tub 11 is rotated at a higher rotational speed.

[0039] Liquid storage tank 4 can be filled once for the multiple washes. The pre-defined tank volume ensures no need for storing the detergent bottle in the pedestal.

[0040] The detergent level within the liquid storage tank 4 is not depicted visually because of its assembly underneath the top housing 2. The present disclosure suggests a simple mechanism of hydrostatic equilibrium to ensure the same level outside the liquid storage tank 4 as within it. It is suggested by a name Level indicator 6 assembled with the top housing 2 and connected to the liquid storage tank 4.

[0041] The liquid detergent within the liquid storage tank 4 fills the hoses 13 connected to pump 7. Gravity might also play role in liquid detergent discharge through liquid storage tank 4.

[0042] Pump 7 is responsible to discharge the detergent to detergent tray 8 in a pre-defined dosage. The quantity dispensed is based on the article's load, soil level, etc.

[0043] FIG. 5 represents the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism. Liquid storage tank 4 has an opening on the top, which allows filling the liquid detergent. The hose 13 attached from the liquid storage tank 4 to pump 7 completes one path and from pump 7 to the detergent tray 8 completes the second path for liquid detergent transfer.

[0044] The volume of liquid detergent in hoses 13 is also taken into consideration for defining the liquid dispensing in each stroke and the number of strokes. Hoses 13 will always contain the liquid detergent once liquid storage tank 4 is filled, provided no complete drain situation exists. Both paths for the liquid detergent follow the same effect and consideration for the liquid transfer. In further addition to the present disclosure, top housing consists of a chrome-plated, die-casted hinge 15 to support the door operational movement.

[0045] FIG. 5 depicts the components required for achieving the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism. The transfer path for liquid detergent can be understood better. It also defines a path for the transfer of liquid detergent from the liquid storage tank 4 to the detergent tray 8.

[0046] Water from the inlet 10 to the respective compartments of the detergent tray 8 carries the detergent as per the set algorithm and falls into the washing tub 11 for cleaning the articles.

[0047] FIG. 6 defines the process flow for the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism from start to end. The first step includes the filling of liquid storage tank 4, with a pre-defined volume from the top opening. Liquid detergent reaches the suction pump using hose 13 and level indicator 6.

[0048] A manually operated push button is provided to pump 7 for dispensing the defined volume. Dispensed volume depends on the piston parameters like piston diameter and the stroke length. Detergent is dispensed from liquid storage tank 4 to the detergent tray 8.

[0049] After the detergent is dispensed to detergent tray 8, water through inlet 10 enters the dedicated compartments and washes away the detergent with it. The detergent mixed with water falls into the washing tub 11 for washing the articles.

[0050] The present disclosure can be scoped to the other type of detergents using a suitable or similar dispensing mechanism.

[0051] In the present disclosure, a fixed dosage can be defined or set for the liquid detergent necessary for washing based on the wash load and other factors. It prevents damage to the articles by preventing the washing against fewer detergent conditions, where articles are rubbed harshly. In the present disclosure, filling the liquid storage tank 4 with liquid detergent once increases the ease of washing the articles. It doesn’t require manual input of the liquid detergent after every wash and multiple washes can be accomplished using it. The need for storing liquid detergent bottles is eliminated using this invention. The semi-automatic detergent dispensing here describes the mechanism required to achieve the same.

[0052] The top-loading washing machine with semi-automatic detergent dispensing has a less complex structure than washing machines having automatic detergent dispensing. Automatic dispensing involves a pump, motor making it costlier, but semi-automatic detergent dispensing includes only a pump, and no motor. In the automatic washing machine, there will be failing of pump and motor (electrically controlled) with time, whereas in semi-automatic, manually controlled pump works and there is no motor provision, thus reducing the failure chances.

[0053] In automatic, the liquid dispensing might not happen due to electrical error, and not known to the customer because dispensing takes place once the operation has started. But in semi-automatic, the customer can confirm the liquid dispensing visually. In an automatic pump, the cassettes which contain the tubing, are rated for a limited lifetime because the tubing will stretch to a certain degree due to roller contacts. It can worse or rupture the tubing, which further requires periodic replacement. But the semi-automatic detergent dispensing mechanism of the present disclosure doesn’t have a tubing system in contact with the rollers, which further prevents the liquid tubes from rupturing, thus increasing the lifetime.

[0054] In automatic pumps, the flow is pulsed, particularly at low rotational speeds. Therefore, these pumps are less suitable where a smooth consistent flow is required. The frequency and amplitude of oscillations required to obtain a given flow rate vary between pumps by the number of rollers, their rotation frequency, and the diameter of tubes. Further, in automatic pumps, the drive motor is under a constant load to keep squeezing pressure on the tube, causing more power usage.

[0055] Generally, peristaltic pumps are used in automatic detergent dispensing, where shims adjustment is critical for the hose to be properly squeezed for efficient operation. The position of the shoes and the revolving wheels that squeeze the hose are adjusted by shims. The shims must be set to just close the inside face of the rubber hose together without heavy compression and a pressure gauge is used on the suction side to set and check the shims. Whereas, in semi-automatic detergent dispensing of the present disclosure, the customer needs to control only the stroke length for the desired dosage dispensing.

[0056] Pumps that are used for automatic dispensing, have disadvantages by design that their volume ranges are not suitable for micro dispensing because it is difficult to effectively overcome cohesive forces of the liquid for accurate dispensing at very low volume levels. Whereas piston/suction pump used in semi-automatic detergent dosing can dispense volume at the micro-level.

[0057] Semi-automatic detergent dispensing pump can change the liquid dispensing dosage by adjusting the stroke length, whereas the automatic dispensing cannot. Automatic washing machines have to replace the pump with different roller diameters, tube diameters, etc, each time, when dosing quantity is to be changed or adjusted which is not there is manual dispensing.

[0058] 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 to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0059] The figures and the forgoing 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.