Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to washing machines, and particularly, the present disclosure relates to a water pocket for a washing machine.

BACKGROUND

Dryer systems are known to be used in washing and drying systems for articles. The dryer systems use air circulation for drying the articles therein. The air is first heated by a heating assembly and is then passed into a drum for drying of clothes therein. After drying the clothes, the moisture-filled air is passed through a condensation duct, wherein the moisture and air are separated. The moisture is drained out through a drain pump and a water outlet, and the dry air is sucked up by a fan assembly and further circulated into the washing machine for a continuation of the drying cycle.

However, in such conventional dryers, during the drying cycle, the condensation duct gets heated up due to the continuous circulation of hot air therethrough. Due to heat from the air, the condensation duct gets heated up, which may compromise with functioning of components in the vicinity of the condensation duct. Further, heating up the condensation duct results in a decrease in condensation efficiency thereof.

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 key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a water pocket for a washing machine. The water pocket includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber. The chamber is adapted to receive water via an inlet. At least one flap is hinged to a wall of the plurality of walls. The at least one flap is adapted to divide the chamber into a plurality of compartments. Each of the plurality of compartments has a predetermined volume and the at least one flap forms a bottom wall of a first compartment of the plurality of compartments. The at least one flap is adapted to pivot with respect to the wall upon receipt of a predetermined volume of water to release the water in a second compartment underneath the at least one flap.

The present disclosure further relates to a washing machine including a condensation duct, and at least one water pocket. The water pocket includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber. The chamber is adapted to receive water via an inlet. At least one flap is hinged to a wall of the plurality of walls. The at least one flap is adapted to divide the chamber into a plurality of compartments. Each of the plurality of compartments has a predetermined volume and the at least one flap forms a bottom wall of a first compartment of the plurality of compartments. The at least one flap is adapted to pivot with respect to the wall upon receipt of a predetermined volume of water to release the water in a second compartment underneath the at least one flap.

The water pocket helps in increasing an effective condensation area of the condensation duct, specifically a back wall of the condensation duct, which in turn improves moisture removal from the air. Water intake and outflow happen at a same flow rate, thereby eliminating the need for a control circuit and simplifying the design of the condensation duct. Despite using the same amount of water as supplying water directly to the bottom of the condensation duct, the water pocket allows for the entire back wall of the condensation duct to be in contact with a greater volume of flowing water, resulting in better heat transfer, which conventionally required high water consumption.

To further clarify 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 representing a water pocket attached to a front side of a condensation duct in a washing machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2a illustrates a schematic diagram representing the water pocket attached to a back side of the condensation duct, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2b illustrates an exploded view of the water pocket attached to the condensation duct, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3a illustrates an inner view of the water pocket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3b illustrates a front view of the water pocket attached to the condensation duct, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3c illustrates a resting position of at least one flap in the water pocket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3e illustrates an open position of the at least one flap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4a illustrates an exploded view of the at least one flap attached to the back wall of the water pocket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4b illustrates a detailed diagram of the at least one flap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4c illustrates an exploded view of the at least one flap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5a illustrates a side view of the condensation duct, depicting functioning of the condensation duct, wherein a single water pocket may be attached, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5b illustrates a side view of the condensation duct, depicting functioning of the condensation duct, wherein double water pockets may be attached, according to 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 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.

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having a condensation duct for condensation of moisture from air flowing therethrough during a drying cycle of the washing machine. The present disclosure mainly focuses on increasing condensation efficiency of the condensation duct and preventing components in vicinity thereof from damage due to heat. The present disclosure provides a water pocket that may be attached to the condensation duct, which helps in achieving the aforementioned objectives.

Structural aspects of the water pocket attached to the condensation duct will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 2b. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a water pocket 200 attached to a front wall 100-1 of a condensation duct 100 in a washing machine. The water pocket 200 may include a housing 220, an inlet 204, an outlet 206, a breather hose 246, a jet spray tube 248, and a transfer tube 214 connecting the water pocket 200 to the condensation duct 100. Specifically, Figure 2a illustrates a schematic diagram representing the water pocket 200 attached to the back wall 100-2 of the condensation duct 100, and Figure 2b illustrates an exploded view of the water pocket 200 attached to the condensation duct 100. The water pocket 200 may be adapted to receive a continuous flow of water therethrough, and control flow of the water therein by closing and opening of flaps (explained later) present therein. The flaps are adapted to open on experiencing a predetermined volume of water thereon, thereby dividing the flow of water into volumetric sections inside the water pocket 200. Dividing the flow of water in volumetric section helps in providing a continuous flow of water through the water pocket 200 without consuming excess water.

In one example, the condensation duct 100 may be attached to a wall of a drum (not shown) of the washing machine (not shown) by means of an attachment structure 106 formed externally on a back wall 100-2 of the condensation duct 100. Further, the water pocket 200 may be attached to a back wall 100-2 of the condensation duct, as depicted in Figure 2a. In one example, the water pocket may be attached to the back wall 100-2 of the condensation duct by, but is not limited to, an adhesive, a mechanical structure, and magnets. The breather hose 246 may be adapted to exchange air with the atmosphere to prevent formation of vacuum inside the water pocket 200, during functioning thereof. The jet spray tube 248 may be adapted to spray water into the water pocket 200 to clean off lint deposition and other debris therein.

Structural aspects of the water pocket 200 will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 3a-3e. Specifically, Figure 3a illustrates an inner view of the water pocket 200, and Figure 3b illustrates a front view of the water pocket 200 attached to the condensation duct 100. Specifically, Figure 3c illustrates a resting position of at least one flap 216A, 216B. Specifically, Figure 3e illustrates an open position of the at least one flap 216A, 216B. The water pocket 200 may include a housing 220 having a plurality of walls 236 defining a chamber 234. A back wall 236A of the housing 220 from the plurality of walls 236 may be adapted to be disposed parallelly onto the wall 100-1, 100-2 of the condensation duct 100. The at least one flap 216A, 216B may be hinged to the back wall 236A of the plurality of walls 236. The at least one flap 216A, 216B may be adapted to divide the chamber 236 into a plurality of compartments 222A, 222B, 222C.

In one embodiment, the water pocket 200 may include two flaps 216A, 216B, as shown in Figure 3a. In such a scenario, the plurality of compartments 222A, 222B, 222C may include a first compartment 222A, a second compartment 222B, and a third compartment 222C, divided by the two flaps 216A, 216B. The first compartment 222A may be defined above a first flap 216A of the at least one flap 216A, 216B, such that the first flap 216A may form a bottom wall of the first compartment 222A. The second compartment 222B may be defined between the first flap 216A and a second flap 216B of the at least one flap. A third compartment from the plurality of compartments may be defined underneath the second flap 216
B.

In one embodiment, the at least one flap 216A, 216B may be attached to the back wall 236A of the housing 220 with the help of a spring lock 218A, 218B provided between a joint of the at least one flap 216A, 216B and the back wall 236A of the housing 220, as depicted in Figures 4a-4c. Specifically, Figure 4a illustrates an exploded view of the at least one flap 216A, 216B attached to the back wall 236A of the water pocket 200, and Figure 4b illustrates a detailed diagram of the at least one flap 216A, 216B. Specifically, Figure 4c illustrates an exploded view of the at least one flap 216A, 216B. The spring locks 218A, 218B may be attached to the at least one flap 216A, 216B with help of mandrels 238.

In one embodiment, the at least one flap 216A, 216B may be hinged to the back wall 236A with the help of at least one hinge 240 and at least one pin 242. The flap may be attached to slots 250 formed in the back wall 236A. Further, the at least one flap 216A, 216B may be held in a rest position (shown in Figure 3d) with the help of at least one spring lock 218A, 218B and at least one torsional spring 248, until the predetermined volume of water is reached. The torsional spring 248 may be attached to the at least one flap 216A, 216B with the help of a mandrel 244. The torsional spring 248 may have different spring constant for the first flap 216A and for the second flap 216B. Different spring constants of the torsional spring 248 may help in opening the first flap 216A, and the second flap 216B based on different volumes of water experienced thereon. The at least one flap 216A, 216B may be adapted to return to an original arrangement after opening downwards, with aid of the spring lock 218A, 218B.

Functional aspects of the water pocket 200 shall now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 4a-4b, and Figures 5a-5b. Specifically, Figure 5a illustrates a side view of the condensation duct 100, depicting functioning of the condensation duct 100 wherein a single water pocket 200 may be attached, and Figure 5b illustrates a side view of the condensation duct 100, depicting functioning of the condensation duct 100 wherein double water pockets 200A, 200B may be attached.

In one embodiment, the chamber 234 of the water pocket 200 may be adapted to receive a continuous flow of water therein via an inlet 204 formed at a top 200-1 of the chamber 234. Each of the plurality of compartments 222A, 222B, 222C may have a predetermined volume. In one example, the first compartment 222A may constitute 10 % volume of a total volume of the chamber 234, the second compartment 222B may constitute 30 % volume of the total volume of the chamber 234, and the third compartment 222C may constitute 60 % volume of the total volume of the chamber 234.

The water may be adapted to flow in a downward direction from the top 200-1 of the water pocket 200 towards the bottom 200-2 of the water pocket 200. Upon receipt of a predetermined volume of the water on the first flap 216A, i.e., once the first compartment 222A is filled with the water received from the inlet 204 (10 % volume of a total volume of the chamber 234), the first flap 216A of the at least one flap 216A, 216B may be adapted to pivot downwards along the hinge 240 with respect to the back wall 236A, as depicted in Figures 3d and 3e. The opening up of the first flap 216A downwards releases the water into the second compartment 222B. The water may be received into the second compartment 222B thereby filling 10% of the second compartment with water. Now, the first flap 216A may return to the original position thereof with help of the spring lock 218A. The process of completely filling of the first compartment 222A may repeat three times to fill the second compartment 222B fully (10% + 10% + 10% = 30% volume of the total volume of the chamber 234).

Once the predetermined volume of water is reached, the second flap 216B may be adapted to pivot and open downwards, thereby releasing the water in the third compartment 222C underneath the second flap 216B. The third compartment 222C may be defined between the second flap 216B and the bottom 200-2 of the water pocket 200. The at least one flap 216A, 216B may be adapted to return to an original arrangement after releasing water into the second compartment 222B with aid of the spring lock 218A, 218B. Similarly, the second flap 216B may be adapted to return to an original arrangement after releasing water into the third compartment 222C with the aid of the spring lock 218A, 218B..Similar to the operation of the first flap 216A, the second flap 216B may pivot with respect to the back wall 236A upon completely filling of the second compartment 222B. The predetermined volume of water for the second flap 216B maybe 30 % volume of the total volume of the chamber 234.

In one embodiment, the water pocket 200 may include more than two flaps 216A, 216B based on the number of compartments required in the water pocket 200. In such a scenario, the flaps may be adapted to work similarly to the first and second flaps 216A, 216B as explained above. However, the predetermined volume of water experiencing which the flaps may open to release the water into the next compartment may change on such an increase in the number of compartments in the water pocket 200.

The outlet 206 may be adapted to release water from the third compartment 222C continuously on receipt of the water. The condensation duct 100 may be fluidically connected with the water pocket 200 with the help of the transfer tube 214. A first end 214-1 of the transfer tube 214 may be adapted to be connected to the outlet 206 of the water pocket 200. A second end 214-2 of the transfer tube 214 may be adapted to be connected to a water inlet 108 of the condensation duct 100. The transfer tube 214 may therefore be adapted to transfer the water from the third compartment 222B of the water pocket 200 to the condensation duct 100, thereby cooling down the walls 100-1, 100-2 of the condensation duct 100.

The condensation duct 100 may be adapted to receive hot moist air 228 which rises up therein. Due to the cooling down of the wall(s) of the condensation duct 100 by the water pocket 200, moisture from the hot moist air 228 may condense on the wall(s) of the condensation duct 100, thereby helping to cool down the condensation duct 100 without increasing an overall water consumption in the drying cycle of the washing machine.

The water pocket 200 helps in increasing an effective condensation area of the condensation duct 100, specifically the back wall 236A of the condensation duct 100, which in turn improves moisture removal from the air. Water intake and outflow happen at a same flow rate, thereby eliminating the need for a control circuit and simplifying the design of the condensation duct 100. Despite using the same amount of water as supplying water directly to a bottom of condensation duct 100, the water pocket 200 allows for the entire back wall 236A to be in contact with a greater volume of flowing water, resulting in better heat transfer, which conventionally required high water consumption.

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. , C , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A water pocket (200) for a washing machine, the water pocket (200) comprising:
a housing (220) having a plurality of walls (236) defining a chamber (234), the chamber (234) adapted to receive water via an inlet (204); and
at least one flap (216A, 216B) hinged to a wall (236A) of the plurality of walls (236), the at least one flap (216A, 216B) adapted to divide the chamber (234) into a plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C), each of the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C) having a predetermined volume and the at least one flap (216A, 216B) forms a bottom wall of a first compartment (222A) of the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C),
wherein the at least one flap (216A, 216B) is adapted to pivot with respect to the wall (236A) upon receipt of a predetermined volume of water to release the water in a second compartment (222B) underneath the at least one flap (216A, 216B).

2. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall (236A) of the housing (220) from the plurality of walls (236) is adapted to be disposed parallelly onto a wall (100-1, 100-2) of the condensation duct (100).

3. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a spring lock (218A, 218B) between a joint of the at least one flap (216A, 216B) and the back wall of the housing (220), wherein the at least one flap (216A, 216B) is adapted to return to an original arrangement after releasing water into the second compartment (222B) with aid of the spring lock (218A, 218B).

4. The water pocket 200 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C) comprises:
the first compartment (222A) defined above a first flap (216A) of the at least one flap (216A, 216B);
the second compartment (222B) defined between the first flap (216A) and a second flap (216B) of the at least one flap (216A, 216B); and
a third compartment (222C) from the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C) defined underneath the second flap (216B).

5. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
the first compartment (222A) constitutes 10 % volume of a total volume of the chamber (234),
the second compartment (222B) constitutes 30 % volume of the total volume, and
the third compartment (222C) constitutes 60 % volume of the total volume.

6. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 5, comprising an outlet (206) in the chamber (234), the outlet (206) adapted to release water from the water pocket (200).

7. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a transfer tube (214), wherein:
a first end (214-1) of the transfer tube (214) is adapted to be connected to the outlet (206) of the water pocket (200), and
a second end (214-2) of the transfer tube (214) is adapted to be connected to a water inlet (108) of the condensation duct (100).

8. The water pocket (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transfer tube (214) is adapted to transfer water from the water pocket (200) to the condensation duct (100).

9. A washing machine comprising:
a condensation duct (100); and
at least one water pocket (200) comprising:
a housing (220) having a plurality of walls (236) defining a chamber (234), the chamber (234) adapted to receive water via an inlet (204); and
at least one flap (216A, 216B) hinged to a wall (236A) of the plurality of walls (236), the at least one flap (216A, 216B) adapted to divide the chamber (234) into a plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C), each of the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C) having a predetermined volume and the at least one flap (216A, 216B) forms a bottom wall of a first compartment (222A) of the plurality of compartments (222A, 222B, 222C),
wherein the at least one flap (216A, 216B) is adapted to pivot with respect to the wall (236A) upon receipt of a predetermined volume of water to release the water in a second compartment (222B) underneath the at least one flap (216A, 216B).

10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein a back wall (236A) of the housing (220) from the plurality of walls (236) is adapted to be disposed parallelly onto a wall (100-1, 100-2) of the condensation duct (100).