Claims:We Claim:

1. A washing machine (100) with sterilization function, the washing machine (100) comprising:
an Ultraviolet-C (UVC) source (105) mounted on inner surface (115) of washing machine door;
a power supply assembly integrated on the washing machine (100); and
a controller (110) configured to power the UVC source (105) based on one or more criteria.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC source provides the sterilization function, wherein the sterilization function comprises disinfecting clothes and objects.

3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein disinfecting clothes and objects comprises applying UVC radiation directly on clothes and objects.

4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein applying UVC radiation directly on clothes and objects removes requirement of water for sanitization of clothes.

5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC source produces UV rays in range of 100 – 280 nm.

6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more criteria comprises at least one of:
switching ON the UVC source when the washing machine is operating in disinfection mode;
switching OFF the UVC source when the washing machine is operating in non-disinfection mode; and
switching OFF the UVC source if the washing machine door is open.

7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply assembly comprises a first connector mounted on front cabinet and a second connector mounted on the washing machine door, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are pressed against each other contact will be established, and when separated out the contact will be broken.

8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the UVC source is powered ON when the first connector and the second connector are in contact and is powered OFF when the first connector and the second connector is separated.

9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the power supply assembly comprising the first connector and the second connector transfers power from the front cabinet which is stationary to the washing machine door which is movable.

10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pedestal unit, wherein the pedestal unit comprises a UVC source to disinfect objects.

11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer surface of the washing machine door is one of tinted or transparent to prevent UVC rays from coming outside.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to washing machine for cleaning laundry, and more specifically, relates to a washing machine for sterilizing clothes and other objects without using water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Washing machines clean and disinfect laundry items. Cleaning in washing machine involves removing dirt and germs from clothes, whereas disinfection involves use of chemicals to kill the germs. Germs can be any microorganism, for example, bacteria, fungi, virus etc.

[003] Typically, in existing washing machines sterilization of clothes is achieved by means of washing the clothes using disinfecting chemicals, such as for example, chlorine bleach, pine oil, phenolic disinfectants, or quaternary ammonium disinfectants. However, using chemicals in clothes can cause allergy and other side effects in some people.

[004] Another method of sterilizing clothes in washing machines is by passing the clothes through one or more hot water cycles. Typically, water temperatures between 40°C to 90°C is recommended to kill the germs. However, higher temperatures can damage or shrink clothes made of delicate fabric. Moreover, sterilization of clothes using hot water consumes energy as well as lead to wastage of water. It is desired to have a washing machine which can disinfect objects like mobile phones, keys, cards, wallets etc.

[005] There is an unmet need for a washing machine to sterilize clothes and other objects without the use of water and chemicals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001] 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.

[002] The present disclosure discloses a washing machine with sterilization function. The washing machine comprises an Ultraviolet-C (UVC) source mounted on inner surface of washing machine door. The washing machine comprises a power supply assembly integrated on the washing machine. The washing machine comprises a controller configured to power the UVC source based on one or more criteria.

[003] 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

[004] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can be 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:

[005] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C illustrates a washing machine with sterilization function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[006] FIG. 2 illustrates block diagram of electrical connection of UVC source in the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[007] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C illustrates a power supply assembly in the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[008] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C illustrates a washing machine with a pedestal unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[009] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the washing machine, one or more components of the washing machine 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 invention so as not to obscure the figures 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 THE INVENTION

[0010] For promoting an understanding, the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures 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.

[0011] 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 invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0012] 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 comprise only those steps but may comprise other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or 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.

[0013] 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 invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0014] In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure describes a washing machine that includes sterilization function. The following paragraphs describe the various aspects of how the washing machine disinfects clothes and other objects.

[0016] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C illustrates a washing machine with sterilization function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The washing machine 100 includes an Ultraviolet-C (UVC) source 105 mounted on inner surface 115 of washing machine door as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B illustrates an orthogonal view of the washing machine door assembly. The door assembly view from inside the washing machine drum is also illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0017] The UVC source provides the sterilization function. The sterilization function comprises disinfecting clothes and objects. Examples of objects include, but is not limited to keys, key chain, mobile phones, mobile chargers, watch, face masks, wallet, bank cards, currencies, etc. Disinfecting clothes include applying UVC radiation directly on clothes and the objects. It is to be noted that applying UVC radiation directly on clothes removes requirement of water for sanitization of clothes. In one embodiment, in a disinfection mode, washing machine 100 sanitizes the clothes without any need of water. In another mode, the washing machine 100 sanitizes the objects. The washing machine 100 performs normal washing with water in other modes to clean the clothes and when combined with UVC disinfection, brings about the best hygiene level.

[0018] UV disinfection is a technology that uses Ultra-Violet source in the germicidal wavelength range between 100 and 280 nanometers. The optimum UV wavelength for UV disinfection is 264 nanometers which is located within the UV-C spectrum. When microorganisms are exposed to germicidal wavelengths, they are destroyed outright or rendered incapable of reproducing. The high energy associated with UV-C source is absorbed by the DNA of bacteria, viruses, spores, and other pathogens. This absorption causes abnormalities within the DNA to occur, resulting in the microorganism being incapable of reproducing and infecting.

[0019] Owing to the benefits of UVC germicidal source when incorporated into the washing machine, it helps to disinfect fabric along with the most refined algorithm for maximum fabric surface exposure with an optimum time limit. In one embodiment the optimum time limit is 20 to 30 mins approximately. The specification of the UVC source in accordance with one embodiment is given below, however, it should be noted that these specifications are not limited but can be optimized with different values in other embodiments.
Specification Details:
Distance UVC source to disinfection surface = 400 mm (approx.)
UVC source Spec:11 watt

[0020] A controller 110 is configured to power the UVC source 105 based on one or more criteria. The one or more criteria include at least one of switching ON the UVC source 105 when the washing machine is operating in disinfection mode, switching OFF the UVC source 105 when the washing machine is operating in non-disinfection mode, and switching OFF the UVC source 105 if the washing machine door is open.

[0021] The UVC source 105 can be powered by wired as well wireless means. The power supply source can be mounted anywhere on the washing machine, for example, on washing machine door, cabinet, or any other structural part. In one embodiment, a power supply assembly can be integrated on the washing machine to provide a contact mechanism to power the UVC source 105. The power supply assembly comprises a first connector mounted on front cabinet and a second connector mounted on the washing machine door. When the first connector and the second connector are pressed against each other contact will be established, and when separated out the contact will be broken. The UVC source is powered ON when the first connector and the second connector are in contact and is powered OFF when the first connector and the second connector is separated. The power supply assembly comprising the first connector and the second connector transfers power from the front cabinet which is stationary to the washing machine door which is movable.

[0022] Only when door is closed, and the controller 110 switches supply, the UVC source 105 will get powered ON after the appropriate mode selection is done (In door open condition UVC source can never get powered ON). Tinted door window 120 as shown in FIG. 1C is used to prevent UVC light from being viewed directly by the customer thus preventing damage to the eyes. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the washing machine door can be transparent.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates block diagram of electrical connection of UVC source in the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A controller is configured to power the UVC source based on one or more criteria. The one or more criteria include at least one of switching ON the UVC source when the washing machine is operating in disinfection mode, switching OFF the UVC source when the washing machine is operating in non-disinfection mode, and switching OFF the UVC source if the washing machine door is open. The door lock mechanism is further explained in conjunction with FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C.

[0024] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C illustrates a power supply assembly in the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In one embodiment, a power supply assembly can be integrated on the washing machine to provide a contact mechanism to power the UVC source. The power supply assembly comprises a first connector mounted on front cabinet and a second connector mounted on the washing machine door. When the first connector and the second connector are pressed against each other contact will be established, and when separated out the contact will be broken. The UVC source is powered ON when the first connector and the second connector are in contact and is powered OFF when the first connector and the second connector is separated. The power supply assembly comprising the first connector and the second connector transfers power from the front cabinet which is stationary to the washing machine door which is movable.

[0026] FIG. 3A represents a male connector and FIG. 3B represents a female connector. Female connector is mounted on front cabinet and male connector is mounted on moving door assembly as shown in FIG. 3C. In one embodiment, female connector is mounted on moving door assembly and male connector is mounted on the front cabinet.

[0027] In one embodiment, the power source resides inside the cabinet and provides power to multiple components for the washing machine functioning. In this type of conventional method both the power source and respective components sits at a static location, so it becomes easy to transmit the power.

[0028] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C illustrates a washing machine with a pedestal unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any kind of object can fit into the pedestal unit. Examples of objects include, but is not limited to keys, key chain, mobile phones, mobile chargers, watch, face masks, wallet, bank cards, currencies, etc. In one embodiment, the washing machine includes the pedestal unit, wherein the washing machine and the pedestal unit each has a UVC source. In another embodiment, the washing machine is not integrated with the pedestal unit and the UVC source will be mounted on the washing machine door. In yet another embodiment, the washing machine includes a pedestal unit, wherein the UVC source is integrated only to the pedestal unit and not to the washing machine door. FIG. 4A illustrates three different views of a washing machine with pedestal unit: one view is of UVC sources (one UVC source on washing machine door and one UVC source in pedestal unit) view/position in washing machine, another is UVC sources assembly structure view without tinted glass and third view is of UVC sources assembly structure view with tinted glass. FIG. 4B illustrates various views of the pedestal unit. The pedestal unit includes a mesh stand to keep the objects. FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of the pedestal unit with the UVC source and the mesh stand.

[0029] The advantages of the washing machine include the following:

[0030] 1. The UVC source in the washing machine disinfects the clothes and other objects, maintaining good hygiene and preventing diseases.
[0031] 2. The washing machine eliminates the need for water during sterilization, thus saving water and environmentally friendly.

[0032] 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 to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0033] 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 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.