Claims:We claim:

1. A system (100, 200) for controlling fluid flow in an appliance (10), said system (100, 200) comprising:

a fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) comprising a fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) and a shaft (102S, 202S) connected to said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K);

a slider (106, 206) adapted to receive fluid; and

at least one linkage (104, 204), where one end of said linkage (104, 204) is connected to said shaft (102S, 202S) and another end of said linkage (104, 204) is connected to said slider (106, 206),

wherein

said linkage (104, 204) is adapted to move the slider (106, 206) thereby directing fluid flow from said slider (106, 206) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K).

2. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100, 200) comprises:

an inlet conduit adapter (108, 208); and
a flexible conduit (110, 210), one end of said flexible conduit (110, 210) is connected to said inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) and another end of said flexible conduit (110, 210) is connected to said slider (106, 206),

wherein
said inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) is disposed to rear of a control panel cover (10C) of the appliance (10), where said inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) is external to the control panel cover (10C).

3. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is adapted to be movable between:

a first position in which said slider (106, 206) directs fluid flow to a first compartment though corresponding channel (10X) of the appliance (10); and

a second position in which said slider (106, 206) directs fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) of the appliance (10).

4. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said shaft (102S, 202S) comprises:

a first portion (102SF, 202SF) adapted to be connected to said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K);

a main body (102SM, 202SM);

a second portion (102SR, 202SR) disposed below said main body (102SM, 202SM); and

an arm (102SA, 202SA) extending from said second portion (102SR, 202SR), said arm (102SA, 202SA) is connected to said linkage (104, 204),

wherein

said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is adapted to be locked onto a mounting member (10M) by snap fitting said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) to the mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in one of the first position or the second position; and

said linkage (104) is at least a bracket.

5. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said shaft (102S, 202S) comprises:

a locking portion (102SL, 202SL) having a first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) and a second locking finger (102LS, 202LS),

wherein

said first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) of said shaft (102S, 202S) is adapted to engage with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MP) defined on the mounting member (10M) thereby locking said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in the first position; and

said second locking finger (102LS, 202LS) of said shaft (102S, 202S) is adapted to engage with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) defined on the mounting member (10M) thereby locking said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in the second position.

6. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said system (200) comprises a resilient means (205), one end of said resilient means (205) is connected to said slider (206) and another end of said resilient means (205) is connected to a spring holding member (10H),

wherein

said resilient means (205) is adapted to retain said slider (206) and said fluid inlet selector (202K) in its initial position (first position); and
said linkage (204) is at least one of a string, a rope, a wire and a cable.

7. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is at least a knob;

the first position of said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a wash position;

the second position of said fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a spin position;

the first compartment is a wash tub;

the second compartment is a spin tub; and

the appliance (10) is a semi-automatic washing machine.

8. A method (400) of controlling fluid flow in an appliance (10), said method (400) comprising:

rotating a fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K); and

moving a slider (106, 206) through a linkage (104, 204) to change a position of the slider (106, 206) thereby directing fluid flow from the slider (106, 206) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K).

9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said rotating the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) comprises:

moving the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) between a first position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to a first compartment through corresponding channel (10X) in the appliance (10) and a second position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) in the appliance (10).

10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said method (400) comprises locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with a mounting member (10M) by snap fitting a shaft (102S, 202S) to a mounting member (10M) at the first position or the second position,

wherein

the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is connected to the shaft (102S, 202S);

the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is at least a knob;

the first position of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a wash position;

the second position of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a spin position;

the first compartment is a wash tub;

the second compartment is a spin tub; and

the appliance (10) is a semi-automatic washing machine.

11. A system (300) for controlling fluid flow in an appliance (10), said system (300) comprising:

a fluid inlet selector assembly (302) comprising a fluid inlet selector (302K) and a shaft (302S) connected to said fluid inlet selector (302K);
a slider (306) adapted to receive fluid;
a gear rack (304) adapted to be connected to said slider (306); and
a pinion gear (302G) adapted to be connected to said shaft (302S), where said pinion gear (302G) is movably connected to said gear rack (304),

wherein

said pinion gear (302G) is adapted to move said gear rack (304) which in turn moves said slider (306) thereby directing fluid flow from said slider (306) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of said fluid inlet selector (302K).

12. The system (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said system (300) comprises:

an inlet conduit adapter (308); and
a flexible conduit (310), one end of said flexible conduit (310) is connected to said inlet conduit adapter (308) and another end of said flexible conduit (310) is connected to said slider (306),

wherein

said inlet conduit adapter (308) is disposed to rear of a control panel cover (10C) of the appliance (10), where said inlet conduit adapter (308) is external to the control panel cover (10C).

13. The system (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fluid inlet selector (302K) is adapted to be movable between:

a first position in which said slider (306) directs fluid flow to a first compartment though corresponding channel (10X) of the appliance (10); and

a second position in which said slider (306) directs fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) of the appliance (10).

14. The system (300) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said shaft (302S) comprises:

a first portion (302SF) adapted to be connected to said fluid inlet selector (302K);
a main body (302SM); and
a second portion (302SR) disposed below said main body (302SM), where said pinion gear (302G) is connected to said second portion (302SR),

wherein

said fluid inlet selector (302K) is adapted to be locked onto a mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the first position or the second position by snap fitting said fluid inlet selector (302K) to the mounting member (10M).

15. The system (300) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said shaft (302S) comprises:

a locking portion (302SL) having a first locking finger (302LF) and a second locking finger (302LS),

wherein

said first locking finger (302LF) of said shaft (302S) is adapted to engage with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MP) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking said fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the first position; and

said second locking finger (302LS) of said shaft (302S) is adapted to engage with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking said fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when said fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the second position.

16. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said fluid inlet selector (302K) is at least a knob;

the first position of said fluid inlet selector (302K) is a wash position;
the second position of said fluid inlet selector (302K) is a spin position;
the first compartment is a wash tub;
the second compartment is a spin tub; and
the appliance (10) is a semi-automatic washing machine.

17. A method (500) of controlling fluid flow in an appliance (10), said method (500) comprising:

rotating a fluid inlet selector (302K); and
moving by, a pinion gear (302G), a gear rack (304) thereby moving a slider (306) to change a position of the slider (306) thereby directing fluid flow from the slider (306) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (302K),

wherein

the pinion gear (302G) is connected to a shaft (302S);
the shaft (302S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (302K);
the pinion gear (302G) is movably connected to the gear rack (304); and
the gear rack (304) is connected to the slider (306).

18. The method (500) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said rotating the fluid inlet selector (302K) comprises:

moving the fluid inlet selector (302K) between a first position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to a first compartment through corresponding channel (10X) in the appliance (10) and a second position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) in the appliance (10).

19. The method (500) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said method (500) comprises:

locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with a mounting member (10M) by snap fitting a shaft (302S) to a mounting member (10M) at the first position or the second position,

wherein

the fluid inlet selector (302K) is at least a knob;
the first position of the fluid inlet selector (302K) is a wash position;
the second position of the fluid inlet selector (302K) is a spin position;
the first compartment is a wash tub;
the second compartment is a spin tub; and
the appliance (10) is a semi-automatic washing machine.

Dated this 16th day of April 2020

Ajai Kumar Jain
For Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd

To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office, Mumbai , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine.

BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, a semi-automatic washing machine is a home appliance which is used to wash clothes and requires user’s inputs to complete a wash cycle. The semi-automatic washing machine includes a wash tub, a spin tub and a water inlet selector. The water inlet selector is moved by the user to direct water flow to the wash tub or the spin tub based on the requirement. Most semi-automatic washing machines (W), as shown in fig. 1) use a sliding type water inlet selector (S), as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 2b) for directing water flow to the wash tub or spin tub. Other semi-automatic washing machines use a water inlet selecting lever for directing water flow to the wash tub or spin tub. The aforementioned water inlet selectors and an inlet pipe adapter (A), as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 2b) are inserted onto cutouts provided on a control panel cover of the semi-automatic washing machine. There is a possibility of water flow inside the control panel cover through small gaps, openings and slot areas around any of the sliding type water inlet selector (S), the water inlet selecting lever and the inlet pipe adapter (A). Thus, the water leakage into the control panel may result in short circuit of the electronic control parts disposed in the control panel thereby damaging the electronic control parts. Further, the semi-automatic washing machine is aesthetically undesirable due to visible cuts and slots on the control panel cover. Furthermore, the sliding type water inlet selector (S) may pose difficulty to the user in moving it over a period of time.

[003] Therefore, there exists a need for systems and methods for controlling fluid flow in an appliance, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide systems for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine.

[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine.

[006] A further another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for selecting fluid inlet in an appliance thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (wash tub) and a second compartment (spin tub) in the appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine.

[007] A still another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine, which restricts the possibility of fluid leakage to a control panel of the appliance to restrict short circuit of electronic control parts thereby preventing damage to electronic control parts disposed in the control panel.

[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a rotating type water inlet selecting knob on a control panel cover of an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine, which is aesthetic and easy to install and is reliable and user friendly.

[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide systems for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine, which eliminates any slots or aesthetic misalignment thereby enhancing the fit, feel and finish characteristics of the appliance.
[0010] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0012] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional semi-automatic washing machine with a sliding type water inlet selector;

[0013] Fig. 2a depicts a portion of the conventional semi-automatic washing machine with the sliding type water inlet selector;

[0014] Fig. 2b depicts an exploded view of the sliding type water inlet selector and an inlet pipe adapter, where the inlet pipe adapter is provided on a control panel cover of the conventional semi-automatic washing machine;

[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a system for controlling fluid flow in an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0017] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the system for controlling fluid flow in the appliance, where a fluid inlet selector is in a first position (wash position), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0018] Fig. 6 depicts a top view of the system, where the fluid inlet selector is in a second position (spin position), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0019] Fig. 7 depicts an exploded view of the system, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0020] Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of the system for controlling fluid flow in the appliance, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0021] Fig. 9 depicts an exploded view of the system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0022] Fig. 10 depicts a front view of the system, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0023] Fig. 11 depicts a perspective view of the system for controlling fluid flow in the appliance, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0024] Fig. 12 depicts an exploded view of the system, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 13a depicts a perspective view of a fluid inlet selector which is snap locked onto a mounting member at a first position (wash position), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0026] Fig. 13b depicts a perspective view of the fluid inlet selector which is snap locked onto the mounting member at a second position (spin position), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0027] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for controlling directing fluid flow in the appliance such as the semi-automatic washing machine, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0028] Fig. 15 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for controlling directing fluid flow in the appliance such as the semi-automatic washing machine, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0030] The embodiments herein achieve systems and methods for selecting fluid inlet in an appliance thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (wash tub) and a second compartment (spin tub) in the appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine. Further, embodiments herein achieve rotating type water inlet selecting knob on a control panel cover of an appliance such as a semi-automatic washing machine, which is aesthetic and easy to install and is reliable and user friendly. Referring now to the drawings Figs 3 through 15, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0031] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a system (100) for controlling fluid flow in an appliance (10) such as a semi-automatic washing machine, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 7 depicts an exploded view of the system (100), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. In the first embodiment, the system (100), as shown in fig. 3 to fig. 7) includes a fluid inlet selector assembly (102), at least one linkage (104), a slider (106), an inlet conduit adapter (108) and a flexible conduit (110). Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of the system (200) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 9 depicts an exploded view of the system (200), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. In the second embodiment, the system (200), as shown in fig. 3, fig. 4, fig. 8 to fig. 10) includes a fluid inlet selector assembly (202), at least one linkage (204), a resilient means (205), a slider (206), an inlet conduit adapter (208) and a flexible conduit (210). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the systems (100, 200) is explained herein below with reference to selection of fluid inlet in the appliance (10) thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (not shown) and a second compartment (not shown) in the appliance (10) such as the semi-automatic washing machine, where the first compartment is considered to be a wash tub and the second compartment is considered to be a spin tub and the fluid is considered to be water. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the systems (100, 200) for controlling any of water, liquids and any other types of fluid flow in food processing appliances (mixer juicer grinder and other food processors), food and beverage machines, liquid vending machines, dispensers (beverages maker, juice and drinks maker), drinking water dispensing machines, petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, liquid processing industries, water purification and processing industries, any other type of machines, any other types of appliances and any other applications, where selection of fluid inlet for controlling fluid flow to at least one of a plurality of compartments is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the systems (100, 200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0032] The fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) includes a fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) and a shaft (102S, 202S), as shown in fig. 7, fig. 9 and fig. 10). The fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) is adapted to select the fluid inlet in the appliance (10) for controlling fluid flow to at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment in the appliance (10). For example, the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is manually rotated thereby moving the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) between at least one of a first position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to the first compartment (wash tub) and a second position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to the second compartment (spin tub). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first position and the second position of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) are considered to be a wash position and a spin position respectively. The fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is mounted onto a mounting member (10M), as shown in fig. 13a and fig. 13b) through the shaft (102S, 202S). The fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is adapted to be locked onto the mounting member (10M) at the first position (wash position), as shown in fig. 13a) or the second position (spin position), as shown in fig. 13b) by snap fitting the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) to the mounting member (10M). It is also within the scope of the invention to lock the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) onto the mounting member (10M) by any other temporary joint or any other locking means. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is considered to be at least a rotating type knob. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other rotating type means as fluid inlet selector without otherwise deterring the intended function of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0033] The shaft (102S, 202S) is adapted to move the linkage (104, 204) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K). The shaft (102S, 202S) includes a first portion (102SF, 202SF), as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9), a main body (102SM, 202SM), as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9), a locking portion (102SL, 202SL), as shown in fig. 7, fig. fig. 9 and fig. 10), a second portion (102SR, 202SR), as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9) and an arm (102SA, 202SA), as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9). One end of the shaft (102S, 202S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) and another end of the shaft (102S, 202S) is connected to the linkage (104, 204). The first portion (102SF, 202SF) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K). The main body (102SM, 202SM) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is considered to be a circular member. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the main body (102SM, 202SM) of the shaft (102S, 202S) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the main body (102SM, 202SM) of the shaft (102S, 202S) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The second portion (102SR, 202SR) extends from the main body (102SM, 202SM) in a direction towards the arm (102SA, 202SA) of the shaft (102S, 202S).

[0034] The locking portion (102SL, 202SL) is an arcuate member extending along a circumferential direction of the main body (102SM, 202SM) of the shaft (102S, 202S). The locking portion (102SL, 202L) defines a first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) and a second locking finger (102LS, 202LS), as shown in fig. 7, fig. 10, fig. 13a and fig. 13b). The first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is adapted to engage with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MP) of the mounting member (10M) for locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in the first position (wash position), as shown in fig. 13a). The second locking finger (102LS, 202LS) of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is adapted to engage with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) of the mounting member (10M) for locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in the second position (spin position), as shown in fig. 13b). The second locking finger (102LS, 202LS) is opposite to the first locking finger (102LF, 202LF). The first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) is positioned on one end of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) and the second locking finger (102LS, 202LS) is positioned on another end of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) of the shaft (102S, 202S).

[0035] The arm (102SA, 202SA) is considered to be an elongated bracket. One end of the arm (102SA, 202SA) is connected to the second portion (102SR, 202SR) of the shaft (102S, 202S) and another end of the arm (102SA, 202SA) is connected to corresponding end of the linkage (104, 204). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the arm (102SA, 202SA) is an integral part of the shaft (102S, 202S). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the arm (102SA, 202SA) as a separate part connected to the shaft (102S, 202S) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the arm (102SA, 202SA) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The arm (102SA, 202SA) transversely extends from the second portion (102SR, 202SR) of the shaft (102S, 202S).

[0036] The linkage (104, 204) is adapted to convert rotary movement of the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) into linear movement of the slider (106, 206). The linkage (104, 204) is adapted for connecting the shaft (102S, 202S) of the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) to the slider (106, 206). One end of the linkage (104, 204) is connected to the arm (102SA, 202SA) of the shaft (102S, 202S) and another end of the linkage (104, 204) is connected to the slider (106, 206). In the first embodiment, the linkage (104) is considered to be a bracket. In the second embodiment, the linkage (204) is considered to be at least one of a string, a rope, a wire and cable. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide chains or any other type of linkages for connecting the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) to the slider (106, 206) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the linkage (104, 204) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The linkage (204) is made of non-metallic material such as but not limited to a nylon material.

[0037] In the second embodiment, the resilient means (205) is adapted to maintain the slider (206) in its initial position in which the slider (206) is positioned with respect to the channel (10X) of the first compartment (not shown) of the appliance (10). One end of the resilient means (205) is connected to the slider (206) and another end of the resilient means (205) is connected to a spring holding member (10H) mounted on the control panel inner cover (10CI). The resilient means (205) is adapted to facilitate smooth movement of the slider (206) to position the slider (206) with respect to another channel (10Y) of the second compartment (not shown) when the fluid inlet selector (202K) is moved to the second position. The resilient means (205) is adapted to retain the slider (206) and the fluid inlet selector (202K) to the first position when the fluid inlet selector (202K) is moved from the second position to the first position. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the resilient means (205) is considered to be a spring. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other types of type of resilient or biasing means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the resilient means (205) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0038] The slider (106, 206) is adapted to direct the fluid flow from the flexible conduit (110, 210) to the second compartment or the first compartment when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is moved to the second position or the first position respectively. The slider (106, 206) is slidably connected onto a control panel inner cover (10CI), as shown in fig. 5) of the appliance (10). The slider (106, 206) is connected to the linkage (104,204). The slider (106, 206) is adapted to be moved by the linkage (104, 204) to direct fluid flow to at least one of the second compartment (spin tub) and the first compartment (wash tub) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) between the second position (spin position) and the first position (wash position) respectively. For example, the slider (106, 206) is adapted to direct fluid flow to the second compartment (spin tub) through corresponding channel (10Y), as shown in fig. 5) when the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) is moved to the second position (spin position). The slider (106, 206) is adapted to direct fluid flow to first compartment (wash tub) through corresponding another channel (10X), as shown in fig. 5) when the fluid inlet selector assembly (102, 202) is moved to the first position (wash position).

[0039] The inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) is provided in fluid communication with a water supply tap (not shown) and the flexible conduit (110, 210). The inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) is disposed to rear of a control panel cover (10C), as shown in fig. 4) of the appliance (10). The inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) is external to the control panel cover (10C). One end of the flexible conduit (110, 210) is provided in fluid communication with the inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) and another end of the flexible conduit (110, 210) is provided in fluid communication with the slider (106, 206). The flexible conduit (110, 210) is adapted to allow fluid flow from the inlet conduit adapter (108, 208) to the slider (106, 206). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the flexible conduit (110, 210) is considered to be a flexible hose.

[0040] The working of the system (100, 200) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is moved to the second position (spin position) is as follows. When the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is manually rotated in a first direction (clockwise direction) to position the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) in the second position, the arm (102SA, 202SA) of the shaft (102S, 202S) rotates the linkage (104, 204) which in turn pushes the slider (106, 206) to position the slider (106,206) with respect to corresponding channel (10Y) thereby directing the fluid flow to the second compartment through the channel (10Y), as shown in fig. 6). The second locking finger (102LS, 202LS) of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is engaged with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is moved to the second position.

[0041] The working of the system (100, 200) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is moved to the first position (wash position) is as follows. When the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is manually rotated in a second direction (counterclockwise direction) opposite to the first direction to position the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) in the first position, the arm (102SA, 202SA) of the shaft (102S, 202S) rotates the linkage (104, 204) which in turn pulls the slider (106, 206) to position the slider (106, 206) with respect to corresponding another channel (10X) thereby directing the fluid flow to the first compartment through the channel (10X), as shown in fig. 5). The first locking finger (102LF, 202LF) of the locking portion (102SL, 202SL) of the shaft (102S, 202S) is engaged with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MP) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is in moved to the first position.

[0042] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (400) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10), according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (400) is explained herein below with reference to selecting fluid inlet thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (not shown) and a second compartment (not shown) in the appliance (10) such as the semi-automatic washing machine, where the first compartment is considered to be a wash tub and the second compartment is considered to be a spin tub and the fluid is considered to be water. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the entire steps of the method (400) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (400) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (400) for controlling any of water, liquids and any other types of fluid flow in food processing appliances (mixer juicer grinder and other food processors), food and beverage machines, liquid vending machines, dispensers (beverages maker, juice and drinks maker), drinking water dispensing machines, petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, liquid processing industries, water purification and processing industries, any other type of machines, any other types of appliances and any other applications, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the method (400) includes, rotating a fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K), step (402) and moving a slider (106, 206) through a linkage (104, 204) to change a position of the slider (106, 206) thereby directing fluid flow from the slider (106, 206) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K), step (404).

[0043] The method step (402) of rotating the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) includes moving the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) between a first position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to a first compartment through corresponding channel (10X) in the appliance (10) and a second position in which the slider (106, 206) directs the fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) in the appliance (10).

[0044] The method (400) comprises locking the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) with a mounting member (10M) by snap fitting a shaft (102S, 202S) to a mounting member (10M) at the first position or the second position. The fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is connected to the shaft (102S, 202S). The fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is at least a knob. The first position of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a wash position. The second position of the fluid inlet selector (102K, 202K) is a spin position. The first compartment is a wash tub. The second compartment is a spin tub.

[0045] Fig. 11 depicts a perspective view of the system (300) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10), according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 12 depicts an exploded view of the system (300), according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. In the third embodiment, the system (300), as shown in fig. 3, fig. 4, fig. 11 and fig. 12) includes a fluid inlet selector assembly (302), a gear rack (304), a slider (306), an inlet conduit adapter (308) and a flexible conduit (310). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (300) is explained herein below with reference to selection of fluid inlet in the appliance (10) thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (not shown) and a second compartment (not shown) in the appliance (10) such as the semi-automatic washing machine, where the first compartment is considered to be a wash tub and the second compartment is considered to be a spin tub and the fluid is considered to be water. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the system (300) for controlling any of water, liquids and any other types of fluid flow in food processing appliances (mixer juicer grinder and other food processors), food and beverage machines, liquid vending machines, dispensers (beverages maker, juice and drinks maker), drinking water dispensing machines, petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, liquid processing industries, water purification and processing industries, any other type of machines, any other types of appliances and any other applications, where selection of fluid inlet for controlling fluid flow to at least one of a plurality of compartments is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (300) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0046] The fluid inlet selector assembly (302) includes a fluid inlet selector (302K), a shaft (302S) and a pinion gear (302G), as shown in fig. 12). The fluid inlet selector assembly (302) is adapted to select the fluid inlet in the appliance (10) for controlling fluid flow to at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment in the appliance (10). For example, the fluid inlet selector (302K) is manually rotated thereby moving the fluid inlet selector (302K) between at least one of a first position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to the first compartment (wash tub) and a second position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to the second compartment (spin tub). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first position and the second position of the fluid inlet selector (302K) are considered to be a wash position and a spin position respectively. The fluid inlet selector (302K) is mounted onto a mounting member (10M), as shown in fig. 13a and fig. 13b) through the shaft (302S). The fluid inlet selector (302K) is adapted to be locked onto the mounting member (10M) at the first position (wash position), as shown in fig. 13a) or the second position (spin position), as shown in fig. 13b) by snap fitting the fluid inlet selector (302K) to the mounting member (10M). It is also within the scope of the invention to lock the fluid inlet selector (302K) onto the mounting member (10M) by any other temporary joint or any other locking means. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the fluid inlet selector (302K) is considered to be at least a rotating type knob. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other rotating type means as fluid inlet selector without otherwise deterring the intended function of the fluid inlet selector (302K) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0047] The shaft (302S) is adapted to move the gear rack (304) through the pinion gear (302G) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (302K). The shaft (302S) includes a first portion (302SF), as shown in fig. 12), a main body (302SM), as shown in fig. 12), a locking portion (302SL), as shown in fig. 12) and a second portion (302SR), as shown in fig. 12). One end of the shaft (302S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (302K) and another end of the shaft (302S) is connected to the gear rack (304) through the pinion gear (302G). The first portion (302SF) of the shaft (302S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (302K). The main body (302SM) of the shaft (302S) is considered to be a circular member. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the main body (302SM) of the shaft (302S) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the main body (302SM) of the shaft (302S) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The second portion (302SR) extends from the main body (302SM) in a direction towards the pinion gear (302G).

[0048] The locking portion (302SL) is an arcuate member extending along a circumferential direction of the main body (302SM) of the shaft (302S). The locking portion (302SL) defines a first locking finger (302LF) and a second locking finger (302LS), as shown in fig. 12, fig. 13a and fig. 13b). The first locking finger (302LF) of the locking portion (302SL) of the shaft (302S) is adapted to engage with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MP) of the mounting member (10M) for locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the first position (wash position), as shown in fig. 13a). The second locking finger (302LS) of the locking portion (302SL) of the shaft (302S) is adapted to engage with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) of the mounting member (10M) for locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the second position (spin position), as shown in fig. 13b). The second locking finger (302LS) is opposite to the first locking finger (302LF). The first locking finger (302LF) is positioned on one end of the locking portion (302SL) and the second locking finger (302LS) is positioned on another end of the locking portion (302SL) of the shaft (302S).
[0049] The pinion gear (302G) is movably connected to the gear rack (304). The pinion gear (302G) is disposed at corresponding end of the shaft (302S). In the third embodiment, the pinion gear (302G) is an integral part of the shaft (302S). In another third embodiment, the pinion gear (302G) is a separate part connected to the shaft (302S). The pinion gear (302G) and the gear rack (304) is adapted to convert rotary movement of the fluid inlet selector assembly (302) into linear movement of the slider (306). The pinion gear (302G) and the gear rack (304) are adapted for connecting the shaft (302S) of the fluid inlet selector assembly (302) to the slider (306). The gear rack (304) is connected to the slider (306).

[0050] The slider (306) is adapted to direct the fluid flow from the flexible conduit (310) to the second compartment or the first compartment when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is moved to the second position or the first position respectively. The slider (306) is slidably connected onto a control panel inner cover (10CI), as shown in fig. 5) of the appliance (10). The slider (306) is connected to the pinion gear (302G) through the gear rack (304). The slider (306) is adapted to be moved by the gear rack (304) to direct fluid flow to at least one of the second compartment (spin tub) and the first compartment (wash tub) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector assembly (302) between the second position (spin position) and the first position (wash position) respectively. For example, the slider (306) is adapted to direct fluid flow to the second compartment (spin tub) through corresponding channel (10Y), as shown in fig. 11) when the fluid inlet selector assembly (302) is moved to the second position (spin position). The slider (306) is adapted to direct fluid flow to first compartment (wash tub) through corresponding another channel (10X), as shown in fig.11) when the fluid inlet selector assembly (302) is moved to the first position (wash position).

[0051] The inlet conduit adapter (308) is provided in fluid communication with a water supply tap (not shown) and the flexible conduit (310). The inlet conduit adapter (308) is disposed to rear of a control panel cover (10C), as shown in fig. 4) of the appliance (10). The inlet conduit adapter (308) is external to the control panel cover (10C). One end of the flexible conduit (310) is provided in fluid communication with the inlet conduit adapter (308) and another end of the flexible conduit (310) is provided in fluid communication with the slider (306). The flexible conduit (310) is adapted to allow fluid flow from the inlet conduit adapter (308) to the slider (306). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the flexible conduit (310) is considered to be a flexible hose.

[0052] The working of the system (300) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is moved to the second position (spin position) is as follows. When the fluid inlet selector (302K) is manually rotated in a first direction (clockwise direction) to position the fluid inlet selector (302K) is in the second position, the pinion gear (302G) moves the gear rack (304) which in turn pushes the slider (306) to position the slider (306) with respect to corresponding channel (10Y) thereby directing the fluid flow to the second compartment through the channel (10Y). The second locking finger (302LS) of the locking portion (302SL) of the shaft (302S) is engaged with corresponding locking finger engaging portion (10MQ) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is moved to the second position.

[0053] The working of the system (300) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is moved to the first position (wash position) is as follows. When the fluid inlet selector (302K) is manually rotated in a second direction (counterclockwise direction) opposite to the first direction to position the fluid inlet selector (302K) in the first position, the pinion gear (302G) moves the gear rack (304) which in turn pulls the slider (306) to position the slider (306) with respect to corresponding another channel (10X) thereby directing the fluid flow to the first compartment through the channel (10X), as shown in fig. 12). The first locking finger (302LF) of the locking portion (302SL) of the shaft (302S) is engaged with corresponding another locking finger engaging portion (10MP) of the mounting member (10M) thereby locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with the mounting member (10M) when the fluid inlet selector (302K) is moved to the first position.

[0054] Fig. 15 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (500) for controlling fluid flow in the appliance (10), according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (500) is explained herein below with reference to selecting fluid inlet thereby controlling fluid flow to at least one of a first compartment (not shown) and a second compartment (not shown) in the appliance (10) such as the semi-automatic washing machine, where the first compartment is considered to be a wash tub and the second compartment is considered to be a spin tub and the fluid is considered to be water. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the entire steps of the method (500) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (500) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (500) for controlling any of water, liquids and any other types of fluid flow in food processing appliances (mixer juicer grinder and other food processors), food and beverage machines, liquid vending machines, dispensers (beverages maker, juice and drinks maker), drinking water dispensing machines, petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, liquid processing industries, water purification and processing industries, any other type of machines, any other types of appliances and any other applications, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (500) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the method (500) includes, rotating a fluid inlet selector (302K), step (502), and moving by, a pinion gear (302G), a gear rack (304) thereby moving a slider (306) to change a position of the slider (306) thereby directing fluid flow from the slider (306) to at least one of a plurality of compartments in the appliance (10) on rotation of the fluid inlet selector (302K), step (504). The pinion gear (302G) is connected to a shaft (302S). The shaft (302S) is connected to the fluid inlet selector (302K). The pinion gear (302G) is movably connected to the gear rack (304). The gear rack (304) is connected to the slider (306).

[0055] The method step (502) of rotating the fluid inlet selector (302K) includes, moving the fluid inlet selector (302K) between a first position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to a first compartment through corresponding channel (10X) in the appliance (10) and a second position in which the slider (306) directs the fluid flow to a second compartment through corresponding another channel (10Y) in the appliance (10).

[0056] The method (500) comprises locking the fluid inlet selector (302K) with a mounting member (10M) by snap fitting a shaft (302S) to a mounting member (10M) at the first position or the second position. The fluid inlet selector (302K) is at least a knob. The first position of the fluid inlet selector (302K) is a wash position. The second position of the fluid inlet selector (302K) is a spin position. The first compartment is a wash tub. The second compartment is a spin tub.

[0057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.