TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] 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.

[0002] Particularly this invention relates to laundry washing machines which compress and de compress 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.

BACK GROUND

[0003] ^* Presently 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. [0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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 INVENTION

[0007] The 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 tinie, water and detergent.

[0008] 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. SUMMARY

[0009] This 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.

[0010] 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.

[001 1] 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 (PI, P2) protrude from the diametrically opposite inside walls of the cylindrical basket inward towards the center of the basket.

[0012] A central shaft (G) is disposed in the said cylindrical basket (F) concentrically and rotatably. A pair of fins (HI , H2) protrude outward from diametrically opposite sides of the central shaft radia lly outward towards the walls of the cylindrical basket (F). The fins of the central shaft (HI, H2) interpose between the fins of the cylindrical basket (PI, P2).

[0013] The closed ends of the extension of the shaft ( ) and the extension tube (V) of the cylindrical basket are connected to drive means (Kl) through transmission means (Jl , 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 ©ther sweeping and compressing the clothes between them or decompressing them.

[0017] 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,

[0018] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

[0019] Drawings referred to in the accompanyi ng description of a top loading and front loading embodiments of the disclosed washing machine is listed below.

[0020] Figure 1 , illustrates a sectional view of an automatic washing machine with a top loading configuration in accordance with the top loading embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2, illustrates a top view of the perforated cylindrical basket with fins of the automatic washing machines with top loading configuration.

[0022] Figure 3, illustrates a sectional view of the perforated cylindrical basket with fins of the automatic washing machine with top loading configuration.

[0023] Figure 4, illustrates a top view of shaft fins associated with the central vertical shaft of the top loading embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5, illustrates a sectional view of the shaft fins associated with the central vertical shaft of the top loading embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6, illustrates a top view of cylindrical basket with shaft fins of the vertical shaft interposed between basket fins of the cylindrical basket in a top loading embodiment. [0026] Figure 7, illustrates a top view of cylindrical basket and central shaft with fins interposed and clothes submerged in water in decompressed state in a top loading embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8, illustrates a top view of cylindrical basket and central shaft with fins and clothes in water in compressed state in a top loading embodiment,

[0028] Figures 9 to 12 trace the top view of the movement of the shaft fins moving faster than the basket fins in anti clockwise direction to progressively compress the clothes from full space of the cylindrical basket to quarter space in a top loading embodiment.

[0029] Figures 13 to 15 trace the top view of the movement of basket fins moving faster than the shaft fins in anti clockwise direction to progressively decompress the clothes from quarter space of the cylindrical basket to full space in a top fading embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16 illustrates the top view of the movement of basket fins moving faster than the shaft fins in clockwise direction to progressively compress the clothes from full space of the cylindrical basket to three quarter space in a top loading embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17 illustrates a sectional view of an automatic washing machine with a front loading configuration in accordance with the front loading embodiment of the present disclosure. [0032] Figure 18 illustrates an end view of the perforated cylindrical basket with fins in a front loading configuration of the automatic washing machine.

[0033] Figure 19 illustrates a sectional view of the perforated cylindrical basket with fins in a front loading configuration of the automatic washing machine.

[0034] Figure 20 illustrates an end view of the central horizontal shaft with fins in a front loading embodiment of the washing machine.

[0035] Figure 21 illustrates a sectional view of the central horizontal shaft with fins in a front loading embodiment of the washing machine.

[0036] Figure 22 illustrates an end view of cylindrical basket with it's fins interposed between fins of the central horizontal shaft and the fins positioned vertically, parallely and close to each other.

[0037] Figure 23 illustrates an end view of cylindrical basket and central shaft with fins and clothes submerged in water in decompressed state.

[0038] Figure 24 illustrates an end view of cylindrical basket and central shaft with fins and clothes in compressed state.

[0039] Figure 25 to 27 illustrate the end view of the clothes immersed in water shifted from one half (SI) of the cylindrical basket to the other half (S2) and back by rotating together the fins positioned parallel and close to each other in anticlockwise and clockwise direction alternately. [0040] Figure 28 illustrates the end view of the clothes being compressed between the basket fins and shaft fins by the anti clockwise rotation of shaft fins (H3, H4) against steady basket fins (P3, P4).

[0041] Figure 29 illustrates the end view of the shaft fins (H3, H4) moving clockwise, back to basket fins (P3, P4) decompressing the clothes.

[0042] Figure 30 shows the end view ofthe basket fins (P3, P4) rotating clockwise compressing the clothes against steady shaft fins (H3, H4).

[0043] Figure 31 shows the top view of fins (HI 1, H12) curved and basket fins (PI, P2) straight.

[0044] Figure 32 shows the top view of shaft fins (HI 1, H12) curved abd basket fins (P 11 , P 12) curved correspondingly.

[0045) Figure 33 shows the top view of cylindrical basket (F) with only one fin (PI 3) and central shaft (G) with only one fin (HI 3).

[0046] Figure 34 shows the top of the cylindrical basket (F) with three fins (PI 4, P15, P16) and shaft (G) with three corresponding fins (H14.H15, H16).

[0047] Figure 35 shows sectional view of a fin made of wire mesh (R3) with flexible edges (Q3). [0048] Figure 36 shows sectional view of shaft (G3) with inclined shaft fin (HI 7).

[0049] Figure 37 shows top view of the cylindrical basket (S3) with shaft fins (HI 8, H20) and with pivot (HI 9, H21). Also basket fins (PI 8, P20) pivoted on pivots (P 19, P21).

[0050] Figure 38 shows sectional view of the front loading washing machine with shaft (G) pivoted at it's free end by cross bar (T) and socket (U).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] 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 ag¾.tes, 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.

[0052] Referring to figures 1 to 16 a top loading embodiment of an automatic washing machine comprises an outer support frame Ά' (Fig. l) . The support frame 'A' has a water inlet 'D' (Fig.l) , a water outlet 'E'(Fig. l) at ifs sides, a control panel and power connections. At it's top side it has a door with a shutter 'L' (Fig.l). [0053] Inside the said outer support frame a water tub 'C (Fig.l) is disposed vertically and concentrically by means of anti vibration suspenders 'W (Fig.l). The water tub 'C ⁵ (Fig. l) has a wide mouth at it's top side and connections to water inlet 'D' (Fig. l) for fresh water and water outlet Έ' (Fig.l) for used water connected to pumps. The bottom side has a hole at it's center opening into an 'extension tube' 'B' (Fig.l) protruding downward into the bottom portion of the support frame 'A' (Fig. l). The said extension tube 'B' (Fig. l) seats bearings 'X' (Fig.l) and water seals 'Q' (Fig. l) inside it.

[0054] Inside the said water tub 'C (Fig. l) a perforated cylindrical basket 'F' (Fig. l) is disposed vertically, concentrically and rotatably. The cylindrical basket 'F' (Fig. l) has a mouth at it's top side wide enough to load and unload clothes. At the bottom side it has a hole opening into an attached extension tube 'V (Fig. l) protruding downward into the extension tube 'B' (Fig. l ) of the said water tub. There are bearings 'X' (Fig. l) and seals 'Q' (Fig.l) seated inside the extension tube of tfce cylindrical basket 'F' (Fig. l) also. The extension tube 'V (Fig. l) of the cylindrical basket is engaged by the said bearings 'X' (Fig. l) in the extension tube 'B' (Fig. l) of the water tub which hold it concentrically, vertici..! y and rotatably. The-said water seals 'Q' (Fig.l) in the extension tube of the water tub 'C prevent the leakage of water from the water tub. A pair of perforated fins 'PI and P2' (Figs.1,2 & 3) protrude inward from the diametrically opposite inside walls of the cylindrical basket towards the center of the basket 'F' (Figs. 1,2&3).

[0055] A central shaft 'G' (Fig. l) is disposed in the said cylindrical basket 'F' (Fig. l) vertically, concentrically and rotatably. The lower portion of the shaft ^£ G' (Fig. l) protrudes into the extension tube 'V (Fig. l) of the cylindrical basket. The bearings inside the extension tube 'V (Fig. l) is engaged to the shaft extension 'N' (Fig. l ) and hold it concentrically, vertically and rotatably. The seals 'Q' (Fig. l ) inside the extension tube 'V (Fig.l) of the cylindrical basket prevent the leakage of the water from the cylindrical basket 'F' (Fig. l). A pair of fins 'HI and H2' (Fig. l, 4 & 5) protrude outward from diametrically opposite sides of the shaft 'G' (Fig.l) radially towards the walls of the cylindrical basket 'F'(Fig.l). The fins of the shaft 'HI and H2' and the fins of the basket 'PI and P2' interpose between each other (Fig.6).

[0056] The lower ends of shaft extension 'N' (Fig.l) and the extension tube 'V (Fig.l) of cylindrical basket 'F' are connected to drive means 'Kl and K2' (Fig. l) through transmission means 'Jl and J2' (Fig.l) which can rotate the shaft 'G ⁵ (Fig. l) and the basket 'F' (Fig.l) with their fins individually or together at uniform or different speeds in the same or opposite direction for any period of time.

[0057] The electrical equipment in the machine are connected to power source and a control panel on the support frame Ά'. 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.

[0058] 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 Fig. l) is removed to open the machine. Shaft fins 'HI and H2' (Figs 4 & 5) interposed between basket fins PI & P2 (Figs 2, 3 and 6) are rotated and positioned close to the basket fins to form two large vacant horizontal chambers 'SI and S2' (Fig. 6) opposite to each other. Clothes to be washed is divided into approximately equal lots and loaded into the two large chambers. SI and S2 (Fig. 7). Detergent is added. The cylindrical basket 'F (Fig. 1) and water tub 'C (Fig. 1) are filled with water through the inlet 'D' (Fig. 1) to a level required to soak and immerse the clothes in water. The drive motors 'Kl and K2' (Fig. 1) are started to rotate the shaft 'G' with fins HI and H2 (Fig. 4 & 5) and cloths basket 'F' with fins PI and P2 (Fig. 2 & 3) through transmission gears Jl and J2 (Fig. 1).

[0059] 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 anti clockwise. 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" (Fig. 8 & 12). After squeezing the clothes the basket and basket fins are made to rotate faster than the shaft fins in the same anti clockwise direction. As a result the basket fins move away from the shaft fins decompressing the clothes (Figs. 13 to 15). 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.

[0060] On account of simultaneous squeezing, de squeezing and spinning motions the relative positions of fins and their relative angles continuously change to alter Ike 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 "E" (Fig. 1) and fresh water is filled through inlet "D" (Fig.l). The clothes are rinsed with an operation similar to the washing operation which is repeated with change of water to complete rinsing. At the end of rinsing the fins are again brought close to each other to hold steady the clothes in compressed state. The rotation of the machine is stopped. The basket is drained of extracted water holding the clothes in compressed state between the fins in balancing position. Then the shaft and basket are rotated at uniform high speed in the same direction to dehydrate the clothes by centrifugal force. The squeezed out water is drained out. The washed, rinsed and dehydrated clothes are then dried and used.

[0061] Referring to figures 17 to 30 a front loading embodiment of an automatic washing machine which compresses, de compresses, agitates, oscillates and spins water soaked clothes to wash, rinse and dehydrate is described below. The disclosed invention comprises an outer support frame (Al Fig.17) . The support frame (Al) has a water inlet (Dl Fig.17) , a water outlet (El Fig. l7)at it's sides, and control panel with power connections. At it's front side it has a door with a shutter (LI Fig.17).

[0062] Inside the said outer support frame (A l) a water tub (CI, Fig.17) is disposed horizontally and concentrically by means of anti vibration suspenders (W l, Fig.17). The water tub (CI, Fig.17) has a wide mouth at it's front side and connections to water inlet (D 1 , Fig.17) for fresh water and water outlet (E 1 , Fig, 17) for used water connected to pumps. The rear side has a hole at it's center opening into an 'extension tube' (B ί . _. . Fig.17) protruding backward into the rear portion of the support frame ( A 1, Fig.17). The said extension tube (Bl, Fig.17) seats bearings (XI, Fig.17) and water seals (Ql, Fig.17) inside it.

[0063] Inside the said water tub (C 1 , Fig.17) a perforated cylindrical basket (Fl , Fig.17) is disposed horizontally, concentrically and rotatably. The cylindrical basket (Fl , Fig.17) has a mouth at it's front side wide enough to load and unload clothes. At the rear side it has a hole opening into an attached extension tube (VI, Fig.17) protruding backward into the extension tube (Bl, Fig.17) of the said water tub. There are bearings (XI, Fig.17) and seals (Ql, Fig.17) seated inside the extension tube of the cylindrical basket (F 1 , Fig.17) also. The extension tube (V 1 , Fig.17) of the cylindrical basket is engaged by the said bearings (XI , Fig.17) in the extension tube (Bl, Fig.17) of the water tub which hold it concentrically, horizontally and rotatably. The said water seals (Ql, Fig.17) in the extension tube of water tub (CI) prevent the leakage of water from the water tub. A pair of perforated fins (P3 & P4, Figs.17, 18 & 19) protrude inward from the diametrically opposite inside walls of the cylindrical basket towards the center of the basket (Fl , Fig.17).

[0064] A central shaft (G 1 , Fig.17) is disposed in the said cylindrical basket (F 1 , Fig.17) horizontally, concentrically and rotatably. The lower portion of the shaft (Gl, Fig.17) protrudes into the inner extension tube (VI , Fig.17) of the cylindrical basket. The bearings inside the extension tube (VI, Fig.17) is engaged to the shaft extension (Nl, Fig.17) and hold it concentrically, horizontally and rotatably. The seals (Ql , Fig.17) inside the extension tube (VI, Fig.17) of the cylindrical basket prevent the leakage of the water from the cylindrical basket (Fl , Fig.17). A pair of fins (H3 & H4, (Figs.17, 20 & 21) protrude outward from diametrically opposite sides of the shaft (Gl, Figs.20 & 21) radially towards the walls of the cylindrical basket (Fl, Fig.22). The fins of the shaft (H3, H4) and the fins of the basket (P3 & P4) interpose between each other (Fig.22).

[0065] The rear ends of shaft extension (Nl, Fig.17) and the extension tube (VI, Fig.17) of cylindrical.basket (Fl) are connected to drive means (K3 & 4, Fig.17) through transmission means (J3, J4, Fig.17) which can rotate the shaft (Gl , Fig.17) and the basket (Fl, Fig.17) with their fins individually or together at uniform or different speeds in the same or opposite direction for any period of time.

[0066] The electrical equipment in the machine are connected to power source and a control panel on the support frame (Al). 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. [0067] 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 (LI, fig. 17) is removed to open the machine. Shaft fins (H3 & H4, Figs 20 & 21) interposed between basket fins (P3 & P4, Figs 17,18 & 19) are rotated and positioned close to the basket fins to form two large vacant vertical chambers (S3 & S4, Fig. 22) opposite to each other. Clothes to be washed is divided into approximately equal lots and loaded into the two large chambers (S3 & S4, Fig. 23). Detergent is added. The cylindrical basket (F 1 , Fig. 17) and water tub (C 1 , Fig. 17) are filled with water through the inlet (Dl, Fig. 17) to a level required to soak and immerse the clothes in water. The drive motors (K3 & K4, Fig. 17) are started to rotate the shaft (Gl , Fig. 17,20 & 21) with fins (H3, H4) and cylindrical basket (Fl) with fins (P3 & P4, Fig. 17,18 & 19) through transmission gears (J3 & J4, Fig. 17).

[0068] The shaft fins and basket fins which are positioned close and parallel to each other as in figs. 22 fii 25 are rotated together at the same speed through 180° in anticlock wise direction agitating the clothes in water and shifting the position of clothes from one chamber to the other (S3, S4) in decompressed state (Fig.26). Next the fins are rotated back to original position rotating thein together in clockwise direction agitating the clothes in water and shifting the position of clothes back to their original chambers (S3, S4) in decompressed state (Fig.27). The process is repeated as many times as required.

[0069] Next the shaft fins (H3 & H4, Fig. 28) are rotated through 1350 in anticlockwise direction while the basket fins (P3, P4) are held steady thereby compressing the clothes between the basket fins and shaft fins from one half occupied space to one quarter occupied space. [0070] Thereafter the shaft fins are rotated back 135° clockwise close to basket fins restoring the clothes to decompressed state (Fig.29). Next the shaft fins (H3, H4) are held steady and basket fins (P3, P4) are rotated 135° clockwise to compress the clothes against the shaft fins.

[0071] The cycle of movements is reversed repeatedly to agitate, compress and decompress intermittently the clothes in water to squeeze out dirt speedily and efficiently.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 (El , Fig. 17) and fresh water is filled through inlet (Dl, Fig.17). The clothes are rinsed with an operation similar to the washing operation which is repeated with change of water to complete rinsing. At the end of rinsing the fins are again brought close to each other to hold steady the clothes in compressed state. The rotation of the machine is stopped. The basket is drained of extracted water holding the clothes in compressed state between the fins in balancing position. Then the shaft and basket are rotated at uniform high speed in the same direction to dehydrate the clothes by centrifugal force. The squeezed out water is drained out. The washed, rinsed and dehydrated clothes are then dried and used. [0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (Hl l, Hi 2) are curved (Fig. 31).

[0077] In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (HI 1, HI 2) basket fins (P 1 1 , P 12) are curved (Fig. 32).

[0078] In another embodiment of this invention (Fig. 33) is having only one rotatable shaft fin (HI 3) and one rotatable basket fin (P I 3).

[0079] In another embodiment of this invention more than two sets of fins (Hi 4, H15, H16, P14, P15, P16) form more than two chambers to load clothes (Fig.34).

[0080] In another embodiment of this invention the fins are made of wire mesh (R3) with rigid frames ^' (Fig. 35) with flexible edges (Q3). [0081] In another embodiment of this invention the shaft fins (HI 7) are in inclined position on vertical shaft (G3, Fig.36) and the basket fins are inclined correspondingly.

[0082] In another embodiment (Fig.37) of this invention the fins (HI 8, H20) of the central shaft and the fins (PI 8, P20) of the cylindrical basket are mounted on pivots (HI 9, H21 & PI 9, P21) on arms extending from the shaft (G) outward and from the inside walls of the cylindrical basket inward so that the fins can tilt in the vertical as well as horizontal plane.

[0083] In another embodiment of this invention a cross bar (T) (Fig. 38) is disposed at the open end of the machine with a pivot (U) rotatably disposed to add to the stability of shaft (G) of high capacity machines.