AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE WHICH SIMULTANEOUSLY AGITATES, SQUEEZES AND SPINS WATER SOAKED CLOTHES TO WASH AND DEHYDRATE
An automatic washing machine which can compress and decompress clothes during washing process comprises an enclosed support frame, a water tub mounted in the support frame, a cylindrical basket rotatably mounted in the water tub, a central shaft rotatably mounted in the cylindrical basket, variable speed drive motors connected to central shaft and cylindrical basket, shaft fins projecting radially outward from the central shaft and basket fins projecting radially inward towards the central shaft interposed between each other and a control panel equipped to rotate the interposed fins of the shaft and cylindrical basket independently or together at uniform or different speeds in the same or different directions in order to compress, decompress, agitate, hold and spin water soaked clothes to wash, rinse and dehydrate.
The present invention relates in general to laundry washing machines which automatically wash, rinse, and dehydrate clothes by agitating, oscillating and spinning water soaked clothes.
Particularly this invention relates to laundry washing machines which compress and decompress clothes in addition to agitating, oscillating and spinning them in order to increase the efficiency and speed of washing, rinsing and dehydrating process saving time, water and detergent.
BACKGROUNDPresently laundry is washed manually by hand or automatically by top loading or front loading washing machines. In manual washing, clothe soaked in detergent—water solution is beaten, squeezed, twisted, wringed and agitated in water by hand. The compression of clothes caused by these actions dilates the pores of fabric squeezing out water and soap suds through the pores to remove even embedded dirt efficiently and quickly. In machine washing the clothes are only agitated vigorously by the oscillation of clothes soaked in detergent-water solution by an oscillator basket with or without the aid of agitator plates or axial shaft with fins.
After washing dehydrating is done in machines by spinning the clothes at very high speed. Machines generate severe vibration and noise while spinning at high speeds on account of imbalance caused by the uneven distribution and unrestricted movement of clothes in the basket.
In washing machines having only vertical or horizontal oscillators and agitators, improved efficiency can be achieved by incorporating a mechanism which can compress clothes in addition to agitating and oscillating them.
In washing machines dehydrating clothes by high speed spinning severe vibration and noise generated due to imbalance can be minimized by incorporating a mechanism to hold clothes in steady, compressed and balanced state.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONThe primary object of the invention is to impart to automatic top loading and front loading laundry washing machines a capability for compressing water soaked clothes in addition to agitating and spinning them in order to wash, rinse and dehydrate clothes more efficiently saving time, water and detergent.
Another object of this invention is to impart to automatic top loading and front loading laundry washing machines a capability to hold clothes in steady, compressed, evenly distributed state during spinning process in order to minimize imbalance, vibration and noise in the machine.
SUMMARYThis invention comprises an outer support frame (A) having an open mouth with a shutter (L) at one end, provisions for a water inlet (D), a water outlet (E), control panel and power connections.
Inside the said outer frame (A) a water tub (C) is disposed concentrically by means of anti vibration mountings and suspenders (W). The water tub (C) has a wide mouth at it's open end and provision for water inlet (D) for fresh water and water outlet (E) for used water connected to pumps.
Inside the said water tub (C) a perforated cylindrical basket (F) is disposed concentrically and rotatably. The cylindrical basket (F) has a mouth at it's open end wide enough to load and unload clothes. A pair of perforated fins (P1, P2) protrude from the diametrically opposite inside walls of the cylindrical basket inward towards the center of the basket.
A central shaft (G) is disposed in the said cylindrical basket (F) concentrically and rotatably. A pair of fins (H1, H2) protrude outward from diametrically opposite sides of the central shaft radially outward towards the walls of the cylindrical basket (F). The fins of the central shaft (H1, H2) interpose between the fins of the cylindrical basket (P1, P2).
The closed ends of the extension of the shaft (N) and the extension tube (V) of the cylindrical basket are connected to drive means (K1) through transmission means (J1, J2) which can rotate the central shaft (G) and the cylindrical basket with their fins individually or together at uniform or different speeds in the same or opposite direction for any period of time.
A control panel equipped with programs that operate and control the rotation of shaft and basket with their fins to hold, agitate, compress, decompress and spin clothes soaked in water inside the basket in order to wash, rinse and dehydrate them is provided on the support frame.
The said control panel is also programmed to operate the water pumps and other electrical equipment like indicators and switches in synch with other operations of the machine.
When the fins of the shaft and cylindrical basket are rotated at different speeds in the same direction or in opposite directions they move close to each other or away from each other sweeping and compressing the clothes between them or decompressing them.
When the fins of the central shaft and the cylindrical basket are rotated at uniform speed in the same direction they rotate the clothes agitating them in water,
When the fins of the central shaft and the cylindrical basket hold the clothes between them in steady, compressed state and spin them at uniform high speed in one direction to dehydrate, the imbalance in the machine is minimized.
Drawings referred to in the accompanying description of a top loading and front loading embodiments of the disclosed washing machine is listed below.
An automatic washing machine with a top loading configuration and a front loading configuration is disclosed in the present disclosure. The automatic washing machine simultaneously agitates, squeezes and spins water soaked clothes to wash, rinse and dehydrate washed clothes. The present disclosure also discloses a method of washing clothes using the automatic machines with top loading configuration and front loading configuration.
Referring to
Inside the said outer support frame a water tub ‘C’ (
Inside the said water tub ‘C’ (
A central shaft ‘G’ (
The lower ends of shaft extension ‘N’ (
The electrical equipment in the machine are connected to power source and a control panel on the support frame ‘A’. The control panel is equipped with programs that operate and control the rotation of shaft and basket with their fins which agitate, compress, decompress and spin clothes soaked in water inside the basket to wash, rinse and dehydrate them.
The present disclosure also discloses one of the many programs for working of the top loading embodiment of the machine as described below with the help of drawings. The shutter (L
The speed of rotation of the shaft fins is greater than the speed of rotation of basket fins. The direction of rotation of both shaft fins and basket fins is anticlockwise. As a result the shaft fins approach the basket fins sweeping the water soaked, clothes to the basket fins and compressing them against the basket fins and squeezing them “S3” and “S4” (
On account of simultaneous squeezing, de squeezing and spinning motions the relative positions of fins and their relative angles continuously change to alter the direction and force of flow of water and clothes in the basket. The resultant vigorous agitation of water and clothes in the basket adds to the speed and efficiency of washing and rinsing. The process is repeated to complete the wash. Thereafter the fins are brought closer to hold the clothes in compressed state. The rotation of the shaft and basket is stopped. The extracted water is drained through outlet “E” (
Referring to
Inside the said outer support frame (A1) a water tub (C1,
Inside the said water tub (C1,
A central shaft (G1,
The rear ends of shaft extension (N1,
The electrical equipment in the machine are connected to power source and a control panel on the support frame (A1). The control panel is equipped with programs that operate and control the rotation of shaft and basket with their fins which agitate, compress, decompress and spin clothes soaked in water inside the basket to wash, rinse and dehydrate them.
One of the many programs for working of the front loading embodiment of the machine is described below with the help of drawings. The shutter (L1,
The shaft fins and basket fins which are positioned close and parallel to each other as in
Next the shaft fins (H3 & H4,
Thereafter the shaft fins are rotated back 135° clockwise close to basket fins restoring the clothes to decompressed state (
The cycle of movements is reversed repeatedly to agitate, compress and decompress intermittently the clothes in water to squeeze out dirt speedily and efficiently.
Repeated compressing and decompressing action by changing the speed or changing the direction of rotation not only agitates but also squeezes to remove dirt from the clothes.
On account of simultaneous squeezing, de squeezing and spinning motions the relative positions of fins and their relative angles continuously change to alter the direction and force of flow of water and clothes in the basket. The resultant vigorous agitation of water and clothes in the basket adds to the speed and efficiency of washing and rinsing. The process is repeated to complete the wash. There after the fins are brought closer to hold the clothes in compressed state. The rotation of the shaft and basket is stopped. The extracted water is drained through outlet (E1,
The operations described above in top loading and front loading embodiment of the disclosure are automated, computerized and programmed by known electrical and electronic technology and necessary addition of known components.
The many variable factors available in the invention like independent rotation of multiple components, variable speed of components, variable direction of rotation, variable pressure of compression, variable angles of fins and variable periods of rotation offer wide scope for programming it's operations to suit wide range of needs of laundry washing.
In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (H11, H12) are curved (
In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (H11, H12) and basket fins (P11, P12) are curved (
In another embodiment of this invention (
In another embodiment of this invention more than two sets of fins (H14, H15, H16, P14, P15, P16) form more than two chambers to load clothes (
In another embodiment of this invention the fins are made of wire mesh (R3) with rigid frames'(
In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (H17) are in inclined position on vertical shaft (G3,
In another embodiment (
In another embodiment of this invention a cross bar (T) (
Claims
1. An automatic washing machine comprising:
- a rigid enclosed support frame (A) having an open mouth with a shutter (L) at one end;
- a water inlet (D) for fresh water and a water outlet (E) for used water on side of the said support frame;
- a control panel connected to source of power and equipment in the machine mounted on it;
- a water tub (C) mounted with anti vibration mountings inside the said support frame having an open mouth at it's end near the mouth of the said support frame and a central hole at it's closed opposite side opening into an extension tube (B) attached concentric to the hole;
- a perforated cylindrical basket (F) mounted concentrically and rotatably in the water tub having an open, wide mouth at it's end near the mouth of the water tub. and a central hole at (the closed opposite end;
- a drive extension tube (V) concentric to the central hole of the cylindrical basket protruding outward into the said extension tube of the water tub and engaging rotatably inside it;
- a pair of fins (P1, P2) protruding from diametrically opposite inside walls of the said cylindrical basket towards it's axis;
- a central shaft (G) mounted concentrically and rotatably inside the said cylindrical basket with a drive extension (N) engaged concentrically and rotatably inside the extension tube of the cylindrical basket;
- a pair of fins (H1, H2) protruding from the diametrically opposite sides of the central shaft outward towards the side walls of the said cylindrical basket and interposed between the said fins of the cylindrical basket, wherein, the fins of the central shaft and cylindrical basket being interposed between each other are configured to be aligned to form chambers to receive clothes and to be rotated individually or together at uniform or different speeds in the same or different directions so as to compress, decompress, agitate, hold and spin clothes during, washing, rinsing and dehydrating cycle of the automatic washing machine; and
- one or more variable speed drive motors (K1, K2) connected to the drive extension of central shaft and drive extension tube of cylindrical basket through transmission means (J1, J2).
2. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the least two shaft fins (H1, H2) are interposed between the at least two basket fins (P1, P2) of the cylindrical basket.
3. The automatic washing machine has claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least two primary bearings mounted inside extension tube (B) of the water tub engaging and holding the drive tube extension (V) of the cylindrical basket concentrically and rotatably.
4. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of secondary bearings mounted inside the drive tube extension (V) of the cylindrical basket engaging and holding the shaft extension (N) concentrically and rotatably.
5. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of water seals mounted inside the extension tubes of the said water tub and cylindrical basket are provided to prevent leakage of water from the cylindrical basket (F) and water tub (C).
6. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft are in a curved form (H11, H12) and the corresponding fins of the cylindrical basket are in straight form (P11, P12).
7. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft and the fins of the cylindrical basket are in a correspondingly curved forms (H11, H12 & P11, P12).
8. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central shaft and the cylindrical basket have a single fin each projecting from one side of the shaft outward and from one side of the basket inward (H13, P13).
9. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central shaft have more than two fins and the cylindrical basket having corresponding number of fins (H14, H15, H16, P14, P15, P16).
10. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft and the fins of the cylindrical basket are made of wire mesh (R3).
11. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft and the fins of the cylindrical basket have flexible edges (Q3).
12. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft further have their fins inclined to it's axis and the fins of the cylindrical basket are inclined correspondingly (H17).
13. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fins of the central shaft and cylindrical basket are pivoted on arms protruding from the central shaft and cylindrical basket which pivot fin plates enabling them to tilt in vertical and horizontal planes (H18, H19, H20, H21 & P18, P19, P20, P21).
14. The automatic washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central shaft is pivoted by means of a stabilizer pivot on a cross bar (T) fixed to the open end of the water tub by means of a socket (U) provided at the free end of the central shaft.
15. An automatic washing machine comprising:
- a perforated cylindrical basket (F) having a pair of perforated fins (P1, P2) protruding inward from it's diametrically opposite side walls towards it's center;
- a mouth wide enough to load and unload clothes at the top side and a central hole opening into an attached extension tube (V) protruding downward at the bottom side of the said cylindrical basket (F);
- an upper portion of a central shaft (G) having a pair of perforated fins (H1, H2) protruding radially outward from it's diametrically opposite sides disposed vertically, concentrically and rotatably inside the said cylindrical basket (F), wherein the said fins (H1, H2) of the central shaft being interposed between the fins (P1, P2) of the said cylindrical basket;
- a water tub (C) having an opening at the top, provisions for water inlet (D) and water outlet (E) on it's sides and a central hole opening into an attached extension tube (B) protruding downward from it's bottom side;
- an outer enclosed support frame (A) having an opening with a shutter (L) at it's top side, provisions for water inlet (D) for fresh water and water outlet (E) for used water on it's sides;
- bearings (X) inside extension tube (V) of the said cylindrical basket (F) engaging the shaft extension (N) vertically, concentrically and rotatably,
- a bearings (X) inside the extension tube (B) of the said water tub (C) engaging the extension tube (V) of the cylindrical basket (F) vertically, concentrically and rotatably,
- an anti vibration suspenders (W) inside the outer support frame (A) mounting the water tub (C) inside it;
- a drive motor (K1) capable of rotating the central shaft (G) and cylindrical basket (F) with fins (H1, H2 & P1, P2) together or individually at uniform or different speeds, clockwise or anti clockwise for any period of time;
- a transmission means (J1, J2) connecting the drive motors and the driven central shaft (G) and cylindrical basket (F),
- a water pumps to pump in fresh water into the water tub (C) and drain out used water from the water tub (C); and
- a control panel connected to source of power and electrical equipment in the machine equipped to operate, control and synchronize the movement of drive motors enabling the fins of the central shaft (H1, H2) and the cylindrical basket (P1, P2) to compress, agitate, spin and hold clothes to wash and dehydrate them.
16. An automatic washing machine comprising:
- a perforated cylindrical basket (F1) having a pair of perforated fins (P3, P4) protruding inward from it's diametrically opposite side walls towards it's center;
- a mouth wide enough to load and unload clothes at the front side and a central hole at it's rear side opening into an attached extension tube (V1) protruding backward at the rear side of the said cylindrical basket (F1);
- a front portion of a central shaft (G1) having a pair of perforated fins (H3, H4) protruding radially outward from it's diametrically opposite sides disposed horizontally, concentrically and rotatably inside the said cylindrical basket (F1), wherein the said fins (H3, H4) of the central shaft being interposed between the fins (P3, P4) of the said cylindrical basket;
- a water tub (C1) having an opening at the front, provisions for water inlet (D1) and water outlet (E1) on it's sides and a central hole opening into an attached extension tube (B1) protruding backward from it's rear side;
- an outer enclosed support frame (A1) having an opening with a shutter (L1) at it's front side, provisions for water inlet (D1) for fresh water and water cutlet (E1) for used water on it's sides;
- bearings (X1) inside extension tube (V1) of the said cylindrical basket (F1) engaging the shaft extension (N1) horizontally, concentrically and rotatably,
- bearings (X1) inside the extension tube (B1) of the said water tub (C1) engaging the extension tube (V1) of the cylindrical basket (F1) horizontally, concentrically and rotatably;
- anti vibration suspenders (W1) inside the outer support frame (A1) mounting the water tub (C1) inside it;
- drive motors (K3, K4) capable of rotating the central shaft (G1) and cylindrical basket (F1) with fins (H3, H4, P3, P4) together or individually at uniform or different speeds, clockwise or anticlockwise for any period of time;
- transmission means (J3, J4) connecting the drive motors (K3, K4) and the driven central shaft (G1) and cylindrical basket (F1);
- water pumps to pump in fresh water into the water tub (C1) and drain out used water from the water tub (C1); and
- a control panel connected to source of power and electrical equipment in the machine equipped to operate, control and synchronize the movement of drive motors (K3, K4) enabling the fins of the central shaft (H3, H4) and the cylindrical basket (P3, P4) to compress, agitate, spin and hold clothes to wash and dehydrate them.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 14, 2017
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2018
Inventor: Wilson VARGHESE (Mumbai)
Application Number: 15/770,188