Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to washing machines and more particularly to a washing machine with a premix steam spray system for enhancing the steam spray in the washing machine.

BACKGROUND

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

[003] In addition to the above-mentioned components, modern washing machines further comprise steam spray systems to provide a steam feature into the washing machines’ washing process. The steam spray system typically involves the generation of steam, which is then sprayed onto the laundry during certain cycles or stages of the wash. The steam generally helps to remove stubborn stains, wrinkles, and odors from clothes, providing enhanced cleaning and freshness. Hence, the steam spray system is often used as an additional feature in modern washing machines to provide more advanced cleaning options and steam spray may be particularly beneficial for items that require gentle treatment, such as delicate fabrics or heavily soiled garments.

[004] The conventional washing machines use a dedicated steam spray system which includes a heating cavity and an ultrasonic cavity. A heating disc heats liquid flow contained in the heating cavity to form hot steam, an ultrasonic generator heats liquid flow contained in the ultrasonic cavity to form water mist, the hot steam flows into the ultrasonic cavity from the heating cavity and is mixed with the water mist to form steam. The steam is conveyed into an inner barrel to achieve steam washing of clothes. Other types of systems include heating unit and atomizing unit with water storage, water inlet, atomizer unit and an atomization outlet, etc., for generating steam spray. Hence, the conventional steam spray system comprises at least a heating duct, an air heater, a water supply unit which receives water from an inlet and a water heater for generating the steam. However, the conventional washing machine has a problem in that the at least the air heater and the water heater are individually included in the washing machine, thereby increasing the material costs. Further, large space is required to mount the steam spray system elements.

BRIEF SUMMARY

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

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

[007] The present disclosure discloses a washing machine with a premix steam spray system for enhancing the steam spray in the washing machine. The washing machine comprises a tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and a premix steam spray system. The premix steam spray system comprises, a T-joint disposed on the tub, wherein the T-joint comprises an air inlet, a water inlet, and an outlet, a spray nozzle connected to the outlet of the T-joint, and to the drum through a connecting component, a circulation pipe, a first end of the circulation pipe connected to the tub through a circulation pump and a second end connected to the water inlet of the T-joint, for circulating warm water from the tub to the water inlet, wherein, the T-joint is configured to mix warm air and the warm water to generate steam outside the drum, and the spray nozzle is configured to inject the generated steam into the drum.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

[0010] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with a premix steam spray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the premix steam spray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2B shows an exemplary T-joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2C shows venturi type T-joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 shows the inlets and outlet connections of the T-joint.

[0015] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a ribbed nozzle;

[0016] Figure 4B shows an outlet of the ribbed nozzle;

[0017] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the ribbed nozzle;

[0018] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0019] Figure 5B shows an outlet of the ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0020] Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0021] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a deflection nozzle;

[0022] Figure 6B shows an outlet of the deflection nozzle; and

[0023] Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the deflection nozzle.

[0024] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the joining ring and one or more components of the bearing assembly may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements, other structures, other components, additional devices, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a washing machine with a premix steam spray system. The washing machine comprises a tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and a premix stream spray system for generating the steam and spraying steam into the drum of the washing machine. The premix stream spray system disclosed in the present disclosure uses a single jet (hereinafter referred to as a spray nozzle) connected to an outlet of a T-joint, wherein the T-joint is configured to mix warm air and warm water to generate steam outside the drum and the generated steam is injected into the drum through the spray nozzle so as to spray on the laundry inside the drum.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with a premix steam spray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that a front load (horizontal axis washing machine) is taken as an exemplary washing machine for explaining the premix steam spray system. However, the premix steam spray system may be implemented with a top load washing machine (vertical axis washing machine) with minor modifications. As shown, the washing machine 100 comprises a tub 105, a drum 110 rotatably disposed inside the tub 105, and a premix steam spray system 115. It is to be noted that the washing machine 100 includes other elements such as water pump, control valves, motors, power circuitries, user interface modules, and heating elements, etc. However, only the essential parts are shown and described for the sake of simplicity and understanding.

[0033] The tub 105 is an outer container that holds the drum 110. The tub 105 is typically made of durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic. The tub 105 holds the wash water and provides structural support to the washing machine 100 and houses the drum 110 inside. The tub 105 is designed to prevent water leakage and maintain the stability of the machine during operation.

[0034] The drum 110 is the cylindrical container inside the washing machine 100 where the clothes are placed for washing. The drum 110 is rotatably disposed inside the tub 105 and driven using a motor. The drum 110 rotates during the washing cycle to agitate and clean the laundry. The drum 110 is typically made of stainless steel or durable plastic and comprises holes or perforations to allow water to enter and drain out.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the premix steam spray system 115 is configured for generating the steam outside the drum 110 and spraying the steam inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100, wherein the premix steam spray system 115 uses the warm air inside the tub 105 and the warm water from the tub 105 to generate the steam outside the drum 110.

[0036] Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the premix steam spray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the premix steam spray system 115 comprises a T-joint 205 disposed on the tub 105, a spray nozzle 210 circulation pipe 215 and a circulation pump 220. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the spray nozzle 210 is connected to the drum 110 through a connecting component. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting component is a rubber sleeve 225 which forms a watertight seal between the drum 110 and the door of the washing machine 100. That is, the rubber sleeve 225, which is also known as a door gasket or a seal, is used for connecting the spray nozzle 210 to the drum 110, as shown in Figure 2A. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the spray nozzle 210 is arranged to spray the steam on the laundry inside the drum 110.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the T-joint 205 is configured for mixing the warm air from the tub 105 and the warm water from the tub 105 to generate the steam outside the drum 110. Figure 2B shows an exemplary T-joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the T-joint 205 comprises an air inlet 230, a water inlet 235 and an outlet 240. Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the air inlet 230 configured to draw the warm air from the tub 110 and the water inlet 235 is configured to draw warm water from the tub 110 through a circulation pipe 215 and the circulation pump 220. Figure 3 shows the inlets and outlet connections of the T-joint. As shown, the T-joint 205 is mounted on the tub 105 and the air inlet 230 is connected to the tub 105 through a flexible hose 305, wherein the flexible hose 305 draws the warm air from the tub 105. Further, the water inlet 235 is connected to one end of the circulation pipe 215 and the other end of the circulation pipe 215 is connected to an outlet of the circulation pump 220. The circulation pump 220 pumps the warm water in the tub 105 to the T-joint 205, wherein warm water and the warm air are mixed in the T-joint 205 to generate the steam. The generated steam is sprayed through the spray nozzle 210 onto the laundry inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. It is to be noted that the T-joint 205 may be made of metals and the circulation pipe 215 and the flexible hose 305 and the circulation pipe 215 are made of corrosion and heat resistant materials, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In one implementation, a flexible circulation pipe is used to withstand the vibration caused during the operation of the washing machine 100.

[0038] Figure 2C shows venturi type T-joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the T-joint 205 comprises a venturi section 245 (a small orifice) at the water inlet 235, preferably close to the T-junction, wherein the venturi section 245 creates a suction at the exit of the venturi section 245 and draws warm air from the tub 105 through the air inlet 230. The T-joint 205 with venturi section 245 draws more warm air than the T-joint 205 disclosed in Figure 2B, and the warm water and the warm air from the tub 105 are mixed in the T-joint and injected into the drum 110 through the spray nozzle 210. In one implementation, the air inlet 230 is configured to draw the warm air from the tub 105 through a suction fan. That is, a fan housing with a fan may be provided on the tub 105 to draw the warm air from the tub 105 and to feed the warm air to the air inlet 230 of the T-joint 205. It is to be noted that the fan is rotated using a motor and the rotation is controlled using a controller (not shown). Further, a valve may be provided to control the warm air flow into the air inlet 230 of the T-joint 205.

[0039] Further, an existing circulation pump, which is used for recirculating the water, may be used for circulating the water from the tub 105 to the water inlet 235 of the T-joint 205. A suitable valve is provided to control the flow of the warm water and the valve may be controlled using the controller. Hence, a single dedicated controller or a controller of the washing machine may be used to control the steam spray system, that is, to control the warm air (if a fan is used) and the warm water injection into the T-joint 205 for generating the stem spray. Further, the controller is configured for operating the circulation pump 220. That is, based on the wash cycle, the premix steam spray system 115 can be enabled or disabled using the controller, that is, by either controlling the fan or the valve of circulation pump 220 or the circulation pump 220.

[0040] As described, the premix steam spray system 115 is controlled using the controller for generating the steam spray inside the drum 110. That is, the controller is used to turn ON or OFF the valve of the circulation pump 220 or the fan or used to turn ON or OFF the circulation pump 220 itself. The T-joint 205 draws the warm air from the tub 105 through the air inlet 230 and the circulation pump 220 circulates the warm water from the tub 105 to water inlet 235 of the T-joint 205 through the circulation pipe 215. The warm air and the warm water get mixed in the T-joint 205 to generate the spray and then sprayed onto the laundry through the spray nozzle 210. It is to be noted that a sufficient mixing length is provided between the T-junction and the outlet 240 of the T-joint 205 for the heat exchange by creating a temperature gradient. Due to enthalpy of evaporation, some amount of fluid gets evaporated, and steam (mist) is generated, and the generated steam is sprayed through the spray nozzle 210. Further, during washing process, the warm air and the warm water is mixed at various temperature to generate the mist or steam. By mixing both the warm air and warm water at various temperatures (50oC, 60oC, 70oC, and 80oC for example) the relative humidity levels can be generated inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. Controlling the relative humidity levels in the washing environment is typically advised to optimize the washing process. This may be done by maintaining appropriate air flow, which is made easier by the placement of the fan housing. It is crucial to regulate the relative humidity levels when injecting mixture of the warm air and the warm water into the drum at various temperatures, including 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C. In one implementation, the microcontroller is used to adjust these variables, increasing the washing process' overall efficacy.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, different types of nozzles are used to produce different types of spray patterns. For example, a ribbed nozzle, an ellipsoidal nozzle, or a deflection nozzle may be used to achieve different types of spray patterns. That is, one or the ribbed nozzle, the ellipsoidal nozzle, or the deflection nozzle is used as a spray nozzle 210 for spraying the steam inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100.

[0042] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a ribbed nozzle. Figure 4B shows an outlet of the ribbed nozzle. Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the ribbed nozzle. Referring to Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, the ribbed nozzle 400 features a straight convergent section 405, which is a specialized pipe configuration that gradually reducing in diameter (as shown by the dotted arrow) to enhance fluid velocity and control flow. At the end of the convergent section 405, an angled open-ended section 410 is provided, incorporating ribs or slots 415 for directing the controlled flow into the drum 110. The ribs 415 and the open-ended section 410 facilitate the formation of a foaming sheet of fluid, spreading it angularly. This unique feature improves the steam spray distribution and coverage. Such type of nozzle can be used spraying the steam onto the laundry.

[0043] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an ellipsoidal nozzle. Figure 5B shows an outlet of the ellipsoidal nozzle. Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the ellipsoidal nozzle. Referring to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the ellipsoidal nozzle 500 comprises a straight convergent section 505, gradually reducing in diameter (as shown by the dotted arrow) for increased fluid velocity and flow control. At the end of the convergent section 505, an angled open-ended ellipsoidal section 510 directs the steam spray into the drum 110 or desired destination. This configuration ensures efficient flow with minimal turbulence or pressure losses. The ellipsoidal nozzle 500 enables precise targeting and distribution of the steam spray. In addition, the ellipsoidal nozzle 500 creates the steam to foam a sheet kind of structure, such angled open-ended ellipsoidal section 510 helps sheet of steam spread angularly.
[0044] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a deflection nozzle. Figure 6B shows an outlet of the deflection nozzle. Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the deflection nozzle. Referring to Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, the deflection nozzle 600 comprises a straight convergent section 605 that gradually narrows, enabling controlled fluid flow. At the end of straight convergent section 605, an angled surface 610 is introduced to enhance fluid flow. Such a design ensures precise and efficient direction of the steam spray. The addition of the angled surface 610 promotes the formation of a steam sheet, which spreads at a greater angle compared to other nozzle types such as ellipsoidal nozzle 500 and the ribbed nozzle 400. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, deflection nozzle 600 is used for injecting steam spray into the drum 110.

[0045] As described, the premix steam spray system 115 disclosed in the present disclosure uses the warm air from the tub 105 and recirculated warm water for generating the steam in the T-joint 205 located outside the drum 110 and the generated steam is sprayed into the laundry inside the drum 110 through the spray nozzle 210. Such an arrangement of steam generation and spray increases the quality of wet steam spray inside the drum 110.

[0046]

[0047] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0048] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a tub (105);
a drum (110) rotatably disposed inside the tub (105); and
a premix steam spray system (115), characterized in that the premix steam spray system (115) comprises:
a T-joint (205) disposed on the tub (105), wherein the T-joint (205) comprises an air inlet (230), a water inlet (235), and an outlet (240);
a spray nozzle (210) connected to the outlet of the T-joint (205), and to the drum (110) through a connecting component (225);
a circulation pipe (215), a first end of the circulation pipe (215) connected to the tub (105) through a circulation pump (220) and a second end connected to the water inlet (235) of the T-joint (205), for circulating warm water from the tub (105) to the water inlet (235);
wherein;
the T-joint (205) is configured to mix warm air and the warm water to generate steam outside the drum (110); and
the spray nozzle (210) is configured to inject the generated steam into the drum (110).

2. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, the air inlet (230) is configured to draw warm air from the tub (105).

3. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air inlet (230) is configured to draw the warm air from the tub (105) through a suction fan.

4. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water inlet (235) of the T-joint (205) comprises a venturi section (245).

5. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein connecting component (225) is a rubber sleeve.

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle (210) is a ribbed nozzle (400).

7. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle (210) is an ellipsoidal nozzle (500).

8. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle (210) is a deflection nozzle (600).

9. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ribbed nozzle (400) comprises a straight convergent section (405) and an angled open-ended section (410) with ribs (415) for injecting the warm water.

10. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ellipsoidal nozzle (500) comprises a straight convergent section (505) and an angled open-ended section (510) for injecting the warm water.

11. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the deflection nozzle (600) comprises a straight convergent section (605) and an angled surface (610) at a narrow end of the straight convergent section (605).