Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[007] The present disclosure discloses a washing machine with a steam injection 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 steam injection system for generating the steam inside the drum and for spraying the steam onto the laundry inside the drum. The steam injection system comprises, an air nozzle connected to the drum through a connecting component, a water nozzle connected to the drum through the connecting component, a fan housing with a fan for collecting and feeding warm air from the tub to the air nozzle, a circulation pipe and a water circulation pump, for circulating warm water from the tub to the water nozzle, wherein, the air nozzle and the water nozzle are configured to inject the warm air and the warm water respectively into the drum so that the warm air and the warm water are mixed to generate a steam inside 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 steam injection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0012] Figure 2B shows an arrangement of the fan housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a ribbed nozzle;

[0014] Figure 3B shows an outlet of the ribbed nozzle;

[0015] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the ribbed nozzle;

[0016] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0017] Figure 4B shows an outlet of the ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0018] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the ellipsoidal nozzle;

[0019] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a deflection nozzle;

[0020] Figure 5B shows an outlet of the deflection nozzle; and

[0021] Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the deflection nozzle.

[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 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

[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 "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.

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

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a washing machine with a steam injection system. The washing machine comprises a tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and a steam injection system for generating and spraying steam into the drum of the washing machine. The steam injection system disclosed in the present disclosure uses two jets (hereinafter referred to as an air nozzle and a water nozzle) in which the air nozzle receives warm air from the tub and the water nozzle receives warm water from the tub through a circulation pipe and a circulation pump, and the air nozzle and the water nozzle injects the warm air and the warm water respectively into the drum so that the warm air and warm water are mixed to generate a steam inside the drum.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with a steam injection 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 steam injection system. However, the steam injection 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 steam injection 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the steam injection system 115 is configured for generating and spraying the steam inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100, wherein the steam injection system 115 uses the warm air inside the tub 105 and the warm water from the tub 105 to generate the steam inside the drum 110.

[0034] Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the steam injection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the steam injection system 115 comprises an air nozzle 205, a water nozzle 210, a fan housing 215 with a fan, a circulation pipe 220 and a circulation pump 225. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air nozzle 205 is connected to the drum 110 through a connecting component. Further, the water nozzle 210 is connected to the drum 110 through the connecting component. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting component is a rubber sleeve 230 which forms a watertight seal between the drum 110 and the door of the washing machine 100. That is, the rubber sleeve 230, which is also known as a door gasket or a seal, is used for connecting the air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 to the drum 110, as shown in Figure 2A. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 are arranged so as to inject the warm on the warm water injecting from the water nozzle 210 and hence to generate the spray inside drum 110 and to spray the steam on the laundry inside the drum 110.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fan housing 215 is disposed between the tub 105 and the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. The fan housing 215 comprises a fan and configured for collecting and feeding warm air from the tub 105 to the air nozzle 205. In other words, the input to the air nozzle 205 is connected to the fan housing 215 through a first flexible hose 235 as shown, and the rotation of the fan draws warm air from the tub 105 through a second hose 240 and feeds the warm to the air nozzle 205 through the first flexible hose 235. The warm air is then injected into the drum 110 through the air nozzle 205. Hence, the warm air circulation is made by drawing warm air from the tub 105 for uniform circulation of humid air inside the drum 110. It is to be noted that the fan is rotated using a motor and the rotation is controlled using a microcontroller (not shown). That is, based on the wash cycle, the steam injection system 115 can be enabled or disabled using the microcontroller.

[0036] As described, the water nozzle 210 is connected to the drum 110 through the connecting component, for example through the rubber sleeve 230. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inlet of the water nozzle 210 is connected to one end of the circulation pipe 220 and the other end of the circulation pipe 220 is connected to an outlet of the circulation pump 225 as shown in Figure 2A. The circulation pump 225 circulates the warm water from the tub 105 to the water nozzle 210 through the circulation pipe 220 and water nozzle 210 injects the warm water into the drum 110 for forming the stream spray. It is to be noted that a flexible circulation pipe is used to withstand the vibration caused during the operation of the washing machine 100. 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 nozzle 210. A suitable valve is provided to control the flow of the warm water and the valve may be controlled using the microcontroller. Hence, a single dedicated microcontroller or a microcontroller of the washing machine may be used to control the steam spray system, that is, to control the warm air and the warm water injection into the drum 110 of the washing machine 100 for generating the stem spray.

[0037] Figure 2B shows an arrangement of the fan housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fan housing 215 is mounted on the tub 105 of the washing machine 100. The fan housing 215 draws the warm air from the tub 105 through the second hose 240 and feeds the warm air to the air nozzle 205 through the first flexible hose 235. Alternatively, the fan housing 215 may be directly connected to the tub 105 to draw the warm air. Further, as described, the air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 are connected to the drum 110 through the rubber sleeve 230. Furthermore, the air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 are arranged to inject the warm air on to the warm water injecting from the water nozzle 210 and hence to form the steam spray inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100.

[0038] As described, the steam injection system 115 is controlled using the microcontroller for generating the steam spray inside the drum 110. That is, the microcontroller is used to turn ON or OFF the fan and used to turn ON or OFF the valve or the circulation pump 225. During operation, the fan housing 215 with the fan collects and feeds the warm air from the tub 105 to the air nozzle 205 and the circulation pump 225 circulates the warm water from the tub 105 to the water nozzle 210 through the circulation pipe 220. The air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 injects the warm air and the warm water respectively into the drum 110 so that the warm air and warm water are mixed to generate a steam inside the drum 110 and the steam is sprayed over the laundry inside the drum 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the water nozzle 210 is configured to inject a sheet of warm water into the drum 110 and the warm air is injected or blown onto the sheet of warm water to generate the steam spray. This increases the humidification process and the quality of wet steam spray inside the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. To optimize the washing process, it is generally recommended to control the relative humidity levels in the washing environment. This can be achieved by ensuring proper air circulation, and the me is facilitated through the arrangement of fan housing. Controlling the relative humidity levels at different temperatures, such as 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C, during the injection of the warm air and the warm water into the drum is essential. In one embodiment, the microcontroller is utilized to regulate these conditions, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the washing process.

[0039] 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, a combination of said nozzles may be used for the air nozzle 205 and the water nozzle 210 to achieve different spray patterns. In one implementation, a deflection nozzle is used as the air nozzle for blowing the warm air onto the warm water, and one of the ribbed nozzle, an ellipsoidal nozzle, or a deflection nozzle is used for injecting the warm water into the drum 110 of the washing machine 100.

[0040] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a ribbed nozzle. Figure 3B shows an outlet of the ribbed nozzle. Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the ribbed nozzle. Referring to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the ribbed nozzle 300 features a straight convergent section 305, 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 305, an angled open-ended section 310 is provided, incorporating ribs or slots 315 for directing the controlled flow into the drum 110. The ribs 315 and the open-ended section 310 facilitate the formation of a foaming sheet of fluid, spreading it angularly. This unique feature improves the fluid distribution and coverage. Such type of nozzle can be used for both injecting the warm air and the warm water into the drum 110 for generating the steam and spraying the steam onto the laundry.

[0041] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an ellipsoidal nozzle. Figure 4B shows an outlet of the ellipsoidal nozzle. Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the ellipsoidal nozzle. Referring to Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, the ellipsoidal nozzle 400 comprises a straight convergent section 405, gradually reducing in diameter (as shown by the dotted arrow) for increased fluid velocity and flow control. At the end of the convergent section 405, an angled open-ended ellipsoidal section 410 directs the fluid flow into the drum 110 or desired destination. This configuration ensures efficient flow with minimal turbulence or pressure losses. The ellipsoidal nozzle 400 enables precise targeting and distribution of the fluid (the warm water). In addition, the ellipsoidal nozzle 400 creates the fluid to foam a sheet kind of structure, such angled open-ended ellipsoidal section 410 helps sheet of fluid spread angularly. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, ellipsoidal nozzle 400 is used for injecting the warm water into the drum 110.

[0042] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a deflection nozzle. Figure 5B shows an outlet of the deflection nozzle. Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the deflection nozzle. Referring to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the deflection nozzle 500 a straight convergent section 505 that gradually narrows, enabling controlled fluid flow. At the end of straight convergent section 505, an angled surface 510 is introduced to enhance fluid flow. Such a design ensures precise and efficient direction of the fluid flow. The addition of the angled surface 510 promotes the formation of a fluid sheet, which spreads at a greater angle compared to other nozzle types such as ellipsoidal nozzle 400 and the ribbed nozzle 300. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, deflection nozzle 500 is used for injecting the warm water into the drum 110.

[0043] As described, the steam injection system 115 disclosed in the present disclosure uses the warm air from the tub 105 and recirculated warm water for generating the steam inside the drum 110 and spraying the steam onto the laundry inside the drum 110 of the of the washing machine 100. Such an arrangement of steam generation and spray inside the drum 110 increases the quality of wet steam spray inside the drum 110. Further, the humidification process is improved by injecting warm air over a sheet of warm water and the steam spray generated by the system disclosed in the present disclosure reduces the frictional resistance between the laundry.

[0044] Furthermore, the steam injection system disclosed in the present disclosure achieves relative humidity levels at lower temperature, higher heating temperature of the water can be eliminated in comparison with the conventional steam generation systems.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 steam injection system (115), characterized in that the steam injection system (115) comprises:
an air nozzle (205) connected to the drum (110) through a connecting component (230);
a water nozzle (210) connected to the drum (110) through the connecting component (230);
a fan housing (215) with a fan for collecting and feeding warm air from the tub (105) to the air nozzle (205);
a circulation pipe (220) and a water circulation pump (225), for circulating warm water from the tub (105) to the water nozzle (210);
wherein;
the air nozzle (205) and the water nozzle (210) are configured to inject the warm air and the warm water respectively into the drum (110) so that the warm air and the warm water are mixed to generate a steam inside the drum (110).

2. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan housing (215) is disposed between the tub (105) and the drum (110) of the washing machine (100).

3. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting component (230) is a rubber sleeve.

4. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan housing (215) is mounted on the tub (105) of the washing machine (100).

5. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air nozzle (205) is an ellipsoidal nozzle (400).

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water nozzle (210) is a ribbed nozzle (300).

7. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water nozzle (210) is an ellipsoidal nozzle (400).

8. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water nozzle (210) is a deflection nozzle (500).

9. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein ribbed nozzle (300) comprises a straight convergent section (305) and an angled open-ended section (310) with ribs (315) for injecting the warm water.

10. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ellipsoidal nozzle (400) comprises a straight convergent section (405) and an angled ellipsoidal open-ended section (410) for injecting the warm water.

11. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the deflection nozzle (500) comprises a straight convergent section (505) and an angled surface (510) at a narrow end of the straight convergent section (505).

12. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steam injection system (115) is controlled using a microcontroller.