Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method of operating the washing machine for improved detergent mixing.

BACKGROUND

Washing laundry in the washing machine typically includes supplying water and initiating the washing cycle of the washing machine. However, supplying detergent water in the washing cycle leads to incomplete mixing of detergent water with the laundry. In addition, the detergent is not evenly mixed with the laundry and may lead to some localized spots having high detergent concentration and some localized spots having low detergent concentration. In addition, the unmixed detergent is rinsed after the washing resulting in excess use of detergent per washing cycle and incomplete cleaning in the washing cycle of the washing machine. The time of the washing cycle is also increased for the same efficiency of cleaning.

Therefore, there is a need for a detergent mixing method that facilitates improved and even mixing of detergent water with the laundry to facilitate improved cleaning.

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

The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a washing machine. The method comprises receiving a laundry in a tub, spinning the tub with the laundry at a predetermined time, and a predetermined rotation per minute (RPM) to push the laundry against an inner wall of a tub. The pushing of the laundry forms a well at a centre of the tub. An inner wall of the well is formed by the laundry. The method further comprises supplying a detergent water to the well.

The present disclosure further relates to a washing machine comprising a housing, and a tub rotatably installed within the housing. The tub comprises a base, and an inner wall extends upwardly from the base. The tub receives a laundry and spins with the laundry at a predetermined rotation per minute (RPM) to push the laundry against an inner wall of the tub to form a well. An inner wall of the well is formed by the laundry and the well is supplied with a detergent water.

The washing machine facilitates better detergent mixing thereby eliminating all residue dirt and suds inside the washing machine. The washing machine facilitates easy and fast detergent mixing than a conventional washing machine having conventional washing cycles. In addition, the washing machine reduces the cycle time for each program and each washing cycle at same or improved cleaning efficiency. Also, the reduction in cycle time for each washing cycle reduces the energy consumption of the washing machine. Further, the water consumption will be reduced due to better mixing of detergent using uniform load distribution of the laundry. Furthermore, equal washing efficiency is achieved from top-to-bottom laundry due to better detergent mixing and this prevents detergent from remaining on the laundry. Rinsing performance is also improved for the washing machine improves because of better detergent mixing.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a processor of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart explaining a method of controlling the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a tub of the washing machine before and after spinning at 30 % of the total load capacity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the tub of the washing machine before and after spinning at 50 % of the total load capacity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the tub of the washing machine before and after spinning at 80 % of the total load capacity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A washing machine 100 has been referred to in Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 facilitates the cleaning of a laundry 500. In one example, the washing machine 100 is a top-load washing machine having a housing 102, a tub 104 rotatably installed inside the housing 102, a door 106 coupled with the housing 102 that is adapted to selectively access the tub 104, and a processor 108 to facilitate the operations of the washing machine 100.

Further, the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 includes a base 109 adapted to be positioned inside the housing 102 and disposed proximate to a floor/ground (not shown), an inner wall 110 extending upwardly from the base 109, and an opening 112 defining an access to the tub 104. As shown, the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 is aligned vertically along an axis of rotation A1 of the tub 104.

In addition, the washing machine 100 includes a pulsator 114 installed on the base 109 of the tub 104. The pulsator 114 is adapted to rotate to facilitate the cleaning and mixing of the laundry while a cleaning cycle of the washing machine 100 is in the process. Further, the washing machine 100 includes a sprinkler 120 securely coupled with the housing 102 and disposed spaced apart from the tub 104, such that the sprinkler 120 is disposed over and above the opening 112 of the tub 104. In an example, the sprinkler 120 is installed on the housing 102, such that the sprinkler 120 is positioned above the tub 104. In one example, the sprinkler 120 is installed on the housing 102, such that the sprinkler 120 is positioned eccentrically above the tub 104 and disposed offset from a central portion of the tub 104. In an example, the sprinkler 120 facilitates the supplying of a detergent water or any other cleaning agent into the tub 104 of the washing machine 100. In an example, the sprinkler 120 may be a jet spray, or any other water-supplying mechanism known in the art.

Further, the washing machine 100 includes a weighing system 122 coupled with the tub 104 of the washing machine 100. The weighing system 122 includes one or more weight sensors (not shown) to facilitate measuring the weight of the laundry 500 to determine the determine the predetermined time based on the measured weight of the laundry resting inside the tub 104. In addition, the processor 108 of the washing machine 100 is configured to actuate in communication with the weighing system 122, the tub 104, the door 106, the sprinkler 120, and the pulsator 114. The processor 108 facilitates the actuation of the tub 104 at a predetermined time and predetermined rpm based on the weight of the laundry measured by the weighing system 122. Further, the processor 108 of the washing machine actuates the sprinkler 120 to facilitates the supply of the detergent water, and the pulsator 114 for washing the laundry 500.

Referring to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of the processor 108 of the washing machine 100 is shown. The processor 108 includes a plurality of modules 124 to facilitate execution of a plurality of instructions related to the cleaning and supply of the detergent water in the tub 104 of the washing machine 100. As shown, the processor 108 includes a determination module 126, and a communication module 128. In addition, the processor 108 includes a data 130 for serving amongst other things, such as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules of the processor 108. In addition, the data 130 may include a predefined data set or a set of predefined instructions related to the weight of the laundry and the corresponding values related to the predetermined time of rotation of the tub 104 and the predetermined rotation per minute (rpm) of the tub 104 for the corresponding weight of the laundry 500.

As shown, the determination module 126 of the processor 108 is adapted to determine the rpm and the time of rotation of the tub 104 based on the weight measured by the weighing system 122 of the laundry 500. The determination module 126 compares the weight of the laundry 500 received in the tub 104 with the data 130 values stored in the processor 108 and selects the corresponding value of the time for rotation and the rpm of the rotation of the tub 104 to be rotated at.

In addition, the processor 108 having the communication module 128 facilitates the transmission of the one or more signals from the processor 108 to the tub 104, the pulsator 114, and the sprinkler 120. The communication module 128 may include a network to facilitate the transmission/receiving of the data from the communication module 128. In an example, the network may be a wired network or a wireless network. In addition, the network may include, but is not limited to, a mobile network, a broadband network, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), and a Personal Area Network. The communication module 128 facilitates the transmission of the data related to the weight of the laundry 500 from the weighing system 122 to the processor 108. In addition, the communication module 128 of the processor 108 facilitates the transmission of the data related to the rpm and the time of the actuation of the tub 104.

In an embodiment, the processor 108 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. In another embodiment, the processor 108 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 108 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in a memory 132.

Referring to Figure 3, a flow chart 300 explaining a method of controlling the washing machine 100 is shown. The flow chart 300 includes a step 302. In the step 302, receiving of the laundry 500 in the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 is performed. For, so doing, the door 106 of the washing machine 100 is opened and the laundry 500 is put inside the tub 104 and the method moves to a step 304.

At step 304, the sensing of the weight of the laundry 500 by the weighing system 112 is performed. For so doing the one or more sensors weighing system 122 is activated and the weight of the laundry 500 is sensed. The data related to the determined weight of the laundry 500 is sent to the processor 108 and stored in the memory 132 of the processor 108 and the method moves to step 306.

At step 306, comparing the load of the laundry 500 with pre-stored data is data 130 modules is performed. The data received by the weighing system 122 is compared with the pre-stored data in the data 130 module and the comparison of the weight determined is performed. The corresponding value of the rpm of the tub 104 and the time of rotation of the tub is determined based on the corresponding value in the pre-stored data. In this manner, the rpm and the time of rotation of the tub 104 are determined and the method moves to a step 308.

At step 308, spinning of the tub 104 is performed by the processor 108. The spinning of the tub 104 is performed at the rpm determined by the determination module 126 of the processor 108 and the and for the time determined by the determination module 126. In an example, the spinning of the tub 104 is done with the laundry 500 at a predetermined time and a predetermined rotation per minute to push the laundry 500 against an inner wall 110 of the tub 104. The spinning of the tub 104 facilitates the outward pushing due to the centrifugal forces acting on the laundry 500 while spinning. The outward pushing of the laundry 500 facilitates the resting of the laundry 500 along the inner wall 110 of the tub 104 and the method moves to step 310.

At step 310, creation of a well 134 is done in response to the spinning/rotation of the laundry 500 in the tub 104. The well 134 defines a space extending between the laundry 500 such that the laundry 500 is spread along the inner wall 110 of the tub 104. The rotation of the tub 104 push the laundry 500 against an inner wall 110 of the tub 104 to form the well 134 at a centre of the tub 104. Further, an inner wall of the well 134 of the is formed by the laundry 500. In an example, the creation of the well 134 facilitates a partial exposure of pulsator 114 from a top of the tub 104.

At step 312, supplying a stream of the detergent water is performed in the tub 104 of the washing machine 100. The supply of the water or the detergent water is performed via the sprinkler 120 disposed on the top portion of the tub 104. The detergent water is adapted to fall within the well 134 created between the laundry 500 to facilitate mixing and even distribution of the water or the detergent water in the tub 104. In another example, the detergent water or water being supplied in the tub 104 is adapted to rest/land on the pulsator 114 to facilitate mixing and even distribution of the water or the detergent water in the tub 104 and on the laundry 500. In another example, the detergent water is supplied on the inner wall of the well formed by the laundry along the center of the tub.

At step 314, initiating the washing cycle is performed. The supplying and the mixing of the water or the detergent water in the washing machine is performed and the cleaning cycle of the washing machine 100 is initiated. The washing cycle may be any washing cycle stored in the processor 108. In addition, during the washing cycle the pulsator 114 is actuated and the spinning of the pulsator 114 results in the cleaning of the laundry 500 in the washing machine 100.

Referring to Figure 4 to Figure 6, a top perspective view of the washing machine 100 before the spinning of the laundry 500 and after the spinning of the laundry 500 in the tub 104 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4, illustrates the laundry 500 resting inside the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 at 30% of the total load capacity of the washing machine 100. As shown, after the spinning of the laundry 500 in the washing machine 100, the well 134 is created between the laundry 500 thereby partially exposing the pulsator 114 from the top portion of the tub 104. The supply of the detergent water or the water may be performed on the pulsator 114 thereby enabling improved mixing of the detergent water in the tub 104 and with the laundry 500.

Figure 5, illustrates the laundry 500 resting inside the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 at 50% of the total load capacity of the washing machine 100. As shown, after the spinning of the laundry 500 in the washing machine 100, the well 134 is created between the laundry 500 thereby partially exposing the pulsator from the top portion of the tub 104. However, the exposed portion of the pulsator 114 at 50% of the total load capacity is less as compared to the exposed portion of the pulsator 114 at 30% of the total load capacity. The supply of the detergent water or the water may be performed on the pulsator 114 thereby enabling improved mixing of the detergent water in the tub 104 and with the laundry 500.

Similarly, Figure 6, illustrates the laundry 500 resting inside the tub 104 of the washing machine 100 at 80% of the total load capacity of the washing machine 100. As shown, after the spinning of the laundry 500 in the washing machine 100, the well 134 is created between the laundry 500. However, the exposure of the pulsator 114 is low and the detergent water is supplied in the well 134 and there is equal distribution and spreading of the water in the tub 104 of the washing machine 100.

The advantages of the washing machine 100 are now explained. The washing machine 100 facilitates better detergent thereby eliminating all residue dirt and suds inside the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 facilitates easier and faster detergent mixing than a conventional washing machine having conventional washing cycles. In addition, the washing machine 100 reduces the cycle time for each program and each washing cycle at the same or improved cleaning efficiency. Also, the reduction in cycle time for each washing cycle reduces the energy consumption of the washing machine 100. Further, the water consumption will be reduced due to better mixing of detergent using uniform load distribution of the laundry 500. Furthermore, equal washing efficiency is achieved from top-to-bottom laundry due to better detergent mixing and this prevents detergent from remaining on the laundry 500. Rinsing performance is also improved for the washing machine 100 improves because of better detergent mixing.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings 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. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A method of controlling a washing machine (100), the method comprising:
receiving a laundry (500) in a tub (104);
spinning the tub (104) with the laundry (500) at a predetermined time and a predetermined rotation per minute (rpm) to push the laundry (500) against an inner wall (110) of the tub (104) to form a well (134) at a centre of the tub (104), wherein an inner wall of the well (134) is formed by the laundry (500);
supplying a detergent water to the well (134).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a weighing system (122) to measure a weight of the laundry (500) to determine the predetermined time based on the measured weight.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predetermined rpm is determined based on the weight of the laundry measured by the weighing system (122).

4. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a housing (102); and
a tub (104) rotatably installed within the housing (102), the tub (104) comprising a base (109), and an inner wall (110) extends upwardly from the base (109), wherein the tub (104) receives a laundry (500) and spins with the laundry (500) at a predetermined rotation per minute (rpm) to push the laundry (500) against an inner wall (110) of the tub (104) to form a well (134),
wherein an inner wall of the well (134) is formed by the laundry (500), and the well (134) is supplied with detergent water.

5. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a pulsator (114) installed on the base (109) of the tub (104) and adapted to rotate in the washing cycle.

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a sprinkler (120) coupled with the housing (102) and disposed on the tub (104) to supply the detergent water in the tub (104).

7. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the creation of the well (134) between the laundry (500) facilitates a partial exposure of the pulsator (114).

8. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a weighing system (122) to measure a weight of the laundry (500) to determine the predetermined time based on the measured weight.

9. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predetermined rpm is determined based on the weight of the laundry measured by the weighing system (122).

10. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a processor (108), the processor is configured to actuate:
the pulsator (114) for washing the laundry (500);
the sprinkler (120) to facilitate the supply of the detergent mixed water; and
the tub (104) at a predetermined time and predetermined rpm based on the load of the laundry (500).