JP2008534112A - Tandem laundry system configuration that reuses detergent and water - Google Patents

Abstract

  A tandem configuration of an automatic washing machine is disclosed. A microprocessor controls a solenoid valve to direct waste water from each selected cycle of one washing machine to another washing machine for reuse. Both washing machines operate in tandem by applying preset microprocessor logic that can be further programmed for various options while keeping the interlocking characteristics intact. Further reuse is achieved by placing the washing machine on the rooftop.

Description

  The present invention relates to a detergent and water-saving device that is incorporated into the construction of an automatic washing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a tandem washing system configuration.

  In a broad sense, the present invention utilizes the technology of an automatic washing machine to apply for home, community, commercial and industrial use, for example at home, hotel, cleaning, office, factory. The present invention is also involved in environmental pollution prevention technology by applying it.

  A typical automatic washing machine is controlled via a programmable integrated circuit combined with variable speed electric motors, solenoid valves, and other electro-mechanical means, eg, spare There are various cycles such as washing, washing, rinsing and dewatering. Such a washing machine is also provided with an electric water heater. These various cycles can be programmed based on washable load and availability of resources such as water, electricity, time. For example, a typical automatic washing machine can wash a predetermined amount of clothes in 30 minutes to 2 hours by rinsing only once or more and washing with hot water or without hot water. Can be programmed as follows. In each wash or rinse cycle, a typical washing machine draws in fresh tap water and drains used water through a drain line when the cycle is complete. As a result, a large amount of resources are used, and then used water containing various amounts of detergents and impurities is discharged.

  The inventor of the present invention has found that an effective method of reclaiming effluent with various levels of detergent saves costs and reduces environmental pollution.

  Prior art devices disclose storing some sort of waste water from a washing machine, commonly known as gray water, where the detergent is limited to very little rinse water. Various means such as overhead tanks or reservoirs connected to the washing machine are used to store such gray water. The pooled gray water is then circulated back to the same washing machine for pre-washing or used for flushing and the like. None of these prior art devices are suitable for economical use of resources due to additional structural and piping problems. Most of these prior art devices are being considered for reuse only in rinse water. Furthermore, storage of used water for a long period of time can lead to pathogen growth. This does not save detergent or input energy. Overall, the cost / benefit disadvantageous ratio of prior art devices prevents their large scale application.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a tandem laundry system configuration that can recycle wastewater containing various levels of detergent.

  Another object of the present invention is a tandem comprising at least two identically structured automatic washing machines operatively connected and controlled by a single system controller so that the gray water generated in each cycle can be reused individually. To provide a mold laundry system configuration.

  Yet another object of the present invention is that the constituting automatic washing machine can operate in tandem depending on the amount of washing, the type of washable material and the resources available, thereby optimizing the consumption of resources. It is to provide such a tandem laundry system configuration.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tandem laundry system configuration that eliminates graywater storage and stops pathogen growth, thereby acting as an environmentally friendly laundry system.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to accommodate the system even in small spaces by allowing installation and operation without special infrastructure requirements such as additional water access sources, plumbing means, and energy input points. It is to provide a tandem type washing system configuration that enables the above.

  Therefore, it has the same structure and is composed of at least two automatic washing machines arranged adjacent to each other in parallel or vertically, and can be distributed through a flow passage means having a bidirectional solenoid valve. Each of the two automatic washing machines are designed identically with a separate tap water inlet, a separate waste water outlet, a disposable tray with detergent, an individual heating device and a separate processor A tandem laundry system configuration having a rotatable means is provided. In this system configuration, the discharged water in at least one cycle of the first washing machine fed through the flow paths mutually connected by the bidirectional solenoid valve is used as an input. A microprocessor-based control device is provided that allows the second automatic washing machine to be used. The controller tandems the automatic washing machine upon selecting one of a plurality of characteristics available for the wash cycle, wash volume, washable material, predetermined resource consumption, selected time and duration for work. It is operable to function, thereby optimizing work input and improving laundry quality.

  The first washing machine may be used for laundry with little dirt such as clothes, and the second washing machine may be used for laundry with heavy dirt such as linen, towels, mops, shoe wipes, and mats. preferable.

  Discharge at various cycles of the first washing machine can be selected to pass through the second washing machine for reuse through the flow path means. Similarly, the discharge of either cycle in both washing machines can be selected to pass through a discharge pipe as waste water. The various cycles in both washing machines can be operated in tandem to complement each other in an interlocking fashion. Furthermore, both washing machines can operate independently and / or in combination.

  In FIG. 1, a twin assembly of washing machines indicated by reference numerals (100 and 200) is shown. The washing machines (100, 200) are connected via passage means (300) having bidirectional solenoid valve means for passing water from one to the other. The input to the passageway (300) is a sieve and / or filtration device (310) to remove suspended impurities such as lint and other large particles. ) Further, the channel means passes through an irradiation chamber (320) of ultraviolet rays or gamma rays to remove pathogens. The channel is provided with a back-flush device that takes in water from the water supply and discharges back-washed water to the outlet.

  Both washing machines (100, 200) have independent tap water inlets (110, 210) and waste water discharge pipes (130, 230).

  Both washing machines (100, 200) can be modified via pre-programmed logic and electronic push buttons (410) and knobs (420) and are attached to the washing machine (100, 200) Controlled by a single controller (400) with default settings displayed through the electronic panels (430, 440).

  The first washing machine (100) is used for less dirty, for example, clothing, and the second washing machine (200) is used for dirty clothes such as linen, towels, mops, shoe wipes, door mats, etc. be able to.

  The controller (400) is programmed to actuate a bi-directional solenoid valve to direct waste water in each selected cycle of the first washing machine (100) as an input to the second washing machine (200). It has become. Furthermore, waste water in each cycle of the washing machine (100, 200) can be discharged as sewage through the solenoid valve means (300) that guides the flow to the discharge pipe (130, 230).

  The controller (400) is programmed with interlocking logic through an exemplary exemplary scenario, as described below.

  The pre-wash option for the first washing machine (100) is to extract fresh water from the first water intake (110), aspirate the stored chemical from the disposable tray (140), and dissolve the clothes And soaking in water and rotating the water used for pre-washing during dehydration to the second washing machine (200). The second washing machine (200) performs its prewash cycle while the first washing machine (100) completes the wash cycle after aspirating fresh water through the first water intake (110). Completed and re-used pre-washed water is programmed to dehydrate and release through outlet (230). For example, if the high temperature washing option is selected for the first washing machine (100) by selecting "cotton" in the knob (410), the controller (400) 200) a built-in electric heater equipped with a thermostat causes the water temperature to be controlled to a desired level. When the first washing machine (100) completes its washing cycle, the hot / cold water (with the detergent remaining) is dehydrated and passed through the flow path (300) to the second washing machine (200). Here, the first washing machine (100) starts the rinsing cycle, while the second washing machine (200) starts the washing cycle. Again, if the hot wash option is selected for the second washing machine (200), the reused wash water temperature is maintained at the desired level via the built-in heating device as described above. It is. When the second washing machine (200) completes its washing cycle, the second washing machine (200) is dehydrated while discharging the reused washing water through the outlet (230), and is used for rinsing from the first washing machine. Wait for water to enter. Similarly, at any stage, the first washing machine (100) also performs a cycle with a second washing machine and waits until it is ready to take in a predetermined gray water. Next, the first washing machine (100) dehydrates the rinsed water and passes it through the second washing machine (200). The second washing machine (200) then performs a rinsing operation using the recycled water. Similarly, the first and second washing machines (100, 200) repeat the above steps if the second rinse is selected. Eventually, when the first washing machine (100) has completed all selected cycles, its door can be opened and ready for the next laundry. In the final cycle, the second washing machine (200) uses a specific amount of fresh so as to perform a final rinse with or without a specific disinfectant stored in the disposable tray (240). Aspirate tap water. The second washing machine (200) then completes the cycle by finally dewatering the laundry at a specific RPM. A typical program cycle is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  In addition, the second washing machine (200) can be operated to perform as many fresh water wash cycles as desired. For example, if selected, the electronic panel (440) may include a second washing machine (200) to initiate a fresh water wash cycle prior to the final fresh water rinse in the previous example. ) Can be provided with a “double wash” option. In this manner, any fresh water wash cycle discharge can be stored and reused as desired.

  The rinse cycle consists of several short rinse shots in which a small amount of water is used, which water may be discharged through the discharge pipe (130, 230), while the rinsed water in a complete rinse cycle. Only can be passed into the next washing machine.

  Between the two washing machines (100, 200) there is also provided a reservoir chamber for temporarily storing water in each cycle, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It can be actuated via a second set of solenoid valve means connected to (100, 200). In that case, the flow path (300) may be located between the intermediate reservoir and the second washing machine (200). In another configuration, the first filter / sieve (310) is disposed between the first washing machine (100) and the intermediate reservoir, while the irradiation device (320) is connected to the intermediate reservoir and the second reservoir. It can be configured to be placed between the washing machine (200). Both washing machines (100, 200), the intermediate reservoir containing the flow path, can be configured to be a vertically stacked system as shown in FIG. 2B.

  The filter / sieve (310) can be equipped with known backwashing means. If an intermediate reservoir is provided, the program logic is set accordingly, for example if the intermediate reservoir is not ready to take in the selected gray water for recycling. Hold to release. Thus, the system can operate to reserve gray water in any particular cycle in any washing machine for later use in any washing machine start cycle as desired. If a washing machine is used in one unit, the gray water that has been stored for later use can be used in either cycle, in which case one washing machine can be used again. If used, the pooled water is also reused for any cycle selected in the controller. For example, if the washing machine (100, 200) is selected to operate alone, the wash water in the washing cycle of the first washing machine (100) is bi-directional as shown in FIG. 2A. By actuating the solenoid valve, it may be selected for use as a reclaimed wash water for the second washing machine (200) or again for the next laundry of the first washing machine (100).

  The flow path (300) is also provided with an electronic sensor (330) for checking the turbidity of prewashed water and / or rinsed water that has passed through the first washing machine (100). If the specified limit value is exceeded, the control device (400) displays an alarm signal and / or causes the operation to be suspended. Alternatively, the controller (400) can be programmed to actuate the solenoid valve (340) to release excess turbid water as waste water, as shown in FIG. 3B. In such a procedure, the controller (400) is further operable to cause the second washing machine (200) to extract fresh tap water at the water intake (210) for the next cycle. is there. In either cycle, the second washing machine (200) is also operable to pump another detergent stored in the disposable tray (240).

  Additional sterilization means such as gamma irradiation may be provided in the first washing machine before the start of the first cycle and / or in the second washing machine (200) after the final cycle.

  For example, separate motors are provided to operate both washing machines (100, 200) in tandem under the control of a common control device (400) incorporating interdependent logic as described above. It has been.

  Similarly, whenever the second washing machine (200) is not ready to receive a predetermined amount of gray water from the first washing machine (100), the next of the first washing machine (100). The second washing machine (200) holds the next cycle until the cycle remains on hold, or vice versa, until the first washing machine (100) has performed the selected task. In such a manner, there may be another option that basically links the wash cycles in the first and second washing machines (100 and 200). There may also be an option to switch the interlocking program. Accordingly, both washing machines (100, 200) are independent washing machines that can be operated individually like a conventional washing machine.

  In that case, the control device (400) operates both washing machines (100, 200) independently, or two conventional separate control devices of the washing machine (100, 200) each washing machine individually. Can be activated.

  FIG. 4A shows a state of a typical example of characters displayed on the panels (430, 440). The knob (410) preferably has options for the type of washing for the first washing machine (100), such as cotton, synthetic fibers and the like. Similarly, the knob (420) has options for the second washing machine (200), such as dirt (mop, door mat, shoes, etc.), linen, etc.

  Display panels (430, 440) show typical initial settings and maneuverability of individual cycles of each washing machine. In a typical display panel, five cycles of each washing machine can be selected as a yes / no (y / n) option. For each of these five cycles in the display panel (430), there is another option choice, namely “Recycle or Not Reuse” in the display panel (430). Similarly, for each of the five options on the display panel (440), it is displayed whether to use reclaimed water or fresh water depending on the selection in the first washing machine (100). Yes. Selecting an option for a particular cycle in one washing machine automatically selects an option in the other washing machine. For example, any selected cycle in the display panel (430) that is also selected for reuse automatically corresponds to the corresponding cycle of the other display panel (440) that is automatically selected as "y" and "reuse". It leads to. Similarly, if any cycle in the display panel (440) is selected as “fresh water”, the corresponding previous cycle in the other display panel (430) is “ n "and thus actuate the first washing machine (100). Accordingly, various substitutions and combinations can be applied by selecting options on the knobs (410) (420) and the display panels (430, 440). A typical time-series sequence of tandem operation of the two washing machine cycles corresponding to the default selection shown in FIG. 4A is shown in FIG. 4B.

  To simplify the panel options on the display panels (430, 440), the preset combination is, for example, a letter like “maximum washing + low water savings” for the default settings shown here. It can be made selectable via the display. However, if all cycles are selected to be reused in a typical state, the character display can be “maximum wash + maximum water saving”. Similarly, if a cycle of washing and rinsing only is selected, and both are selected to be reused, the character can be "minimum wash + maximum water savings". However, if pre-washing is further selected, then “medium washing + maximum water saving”, and if another fresh water rinse is selected in the display panel (440), then “ Laundry + low water savings ". Also known as fuzzy logic in an automatic washing machine that automatically reduces the length of the wash cycle if each of these choices is “minimum wash + maximum power saving”, etc. Different program logic may be applied.

  The tandem configuration of the laundry system is preferably horizontal as shown here, or twins stacked vertically to save space or for any other desired reason, ie the first washing machine (100 ) May be stacked on top of the second washing machine (200).

  A typical wash cycle for both washing machines (100, 200) operating in tandem and controlled by a common controller (408) is, for example:

Various advantageous features of the washing machine are as follows.
1. The water in any cycle of the first washing machine (100) can be discharged as waste water, and the rest can be reused as input for the second washing machine (200).
2. For example, fresh water is optionally used in any cycle of the second washing machine (200), such as the last rinse described above as an example.
3. Any selected cycle of the first washing machine (100) can also be selected as “reuse” in the second washing machine (200).
4). The washing machine (100, 200) can be temperature controlled independently.
5. For example, the first and second washing machines (100, 200) such as “delicate” in the first washing machine 100 and “hard fiber” in the second washing machine (200). ), Different washing logic can be selected.
6). For example, in response to selecting a washable type such as Cotton in the first washing machine (100) and a moist kitchen mop in the second washing machine (200). , 200).
7). The washing machine (100, 200) is started at a specific time or, for example, after the preliminary washing in the first washing machine (100), the washing machine is operated in a delayed manner to stop at a specific stage. it can. Furthermore, the first washing machine (100) is kept in the “pending” state until the second washing machine (200) is not ready to take in a predetermined amount of gray water from the first washing machine (100). .
8). At the end of the preceding particular washing machine cycle, the washed laundry is removed and the door can be opened for the next laundry to be washed.
9. After removing the washed material, the gray water is returned from the washing machine still in use to the empty washing machine for further use in any selected washing machine. The second rinse water is temporarily stored and returned to the first washing machine (100) for later use for the first cycle of the next laundry in the second washing machine (200). be able to.
10. Similarly, when only the first washing machine (100) is in use, the second washing machine (200) is used and later used in any cycle of the first washing machine (100). For this purpose, any cycle of gray water, such as washing or rinsing, can be stored.
11. When the interlocking logic is turned off, both washing machines (100, 200) can operate independently as two conventional washing machines.
12 Detergents, bleach, and other solvents are drained intermittently through disposable trays (140, 240) in both washing machines (100, 200), ie, both cycles are stored in disposable trays (140, 240). The operation of the washing machine can be interrupted in order to extract specific materials.

  Many combinations of one or more types of automatic washing machines are possible, such as, for example, a front loading table or a top loading agitator. For example, the first washing machine may be a front throwing roll suitable for delicate clothing, and the second washing machine may be a top throwing washing suitable for dirty linen or the like.

  The tandem laundry system is for further reuse of the waste water of the first washing machine (100) and / or the second washing machine (200) discharged through the combined discharge pipe (130, 230). Can be placed on the rooftop. In such a configuration, the discharge pipes (130, 230) are connected to a storage device such as a reservoir (500). The reservoir can pass wastewater through channel means, which here can be similar to channel means (300), shown at (505). The flow path means (505) is a reservoir tank (510) which may have a filtering means such as a partition plate in which a porous or non-porous plate is positioned at an inclined level in such a manner that an overflow portion can flow to the next chamber. ). In addition, the reservoir tank may have a transparent panel that allows sunlight to pass through the stored water to prevent and further attenuate pathogens. If it is desired to heat the water, a solar heater can also be employed.

  The greatest advantage of such a new configuration is that there is no need to pump up any gray water that is drained and stored on the rooftop. The fresh water used for washing is generally already stored on the roof, resulting in a net saving of energy. Greywater is further processed using sunlight and may be supplied through separate piping for flushing (520), horticulture (530), car washing (540), and the like. Furthermore, washing on the roof makes it easy to dry the clothes under the sunlight, and saves the trouble of transporting the washed clothes to the roof. Additional drain piping extending through the bottom (550) of all compartments is connected to the hydrant (560) for any application including groundwater refill via a pit (pit: 570) and (580 ) Can be connected to additional water sources in emergency situations such as fires.

  In different procedures, more than two washing machines are interconnected in series, for example so that a third washing machine extracts selected wastewater from the second and / or first washing machine, and so on. Can work. This type of modular configuration can be even more useful in industrial environments with more heavily soiled laundry.

  Many known devices and processes can be used to clean the final wastewater of a tandem washing machine located on the rooftop. Additional mechanical means can provide an alternative emission and safety system against accidents such as power outages, system disruptions, and / or overflows.

  Although the invention has been described in detail herein, various modifications, substitutions and alternatives can be readily ascertained by those skilled in the art from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. It can be carried out herein without departing. Furthermore, the invention is not intended to be limited by any statement in the specification which is not specifically reflected in the claims.

A simple configuration of a tandem laundry system configuration according to the present invention having a flow path means including a solenoid valve and a filter and operably connected to each other is shown as an example. 2 shows a similar configuration of a laundry system according to the present invention. In this example, an additional reservoir is added between the two automatic washing machines. 1 shows a vertically stacked configuration of a tandem laundry system. An example of the flow path means of the present invention comprising a bidirectional solenoid valve device according to the present invention for directing spent water to be discharged or reused if it is turbid. Indicate. Figure 3 shows data displayed on an electronic panel and knob according to the present invention. 2 shows a time-series flowchart of tandem operation of two automatic washing machines in a tandem laundry system configuration according to the present invention. 2 shows a configuration of a system in which two automatic washing machines are arranged on the roof to further reuse the used water.

Claims (11)

  At least two of the same structure, arranged parallel to each other or adjacent to each other in the vertical direction and connected to each other through a flow passage means having a bidirectional solenoid valve (300) An automatic washing machine (100, 200), the two automatic washing machines (100, 200) having individual tap water inlets (110, 210), separate waste water discharge outlets (130, 230), and detergent. In a tandem laundry system configuration having a disposable disposable tray (140, 240), an individual heating device, a separate processor, and a similarly designed rotatable means, the system configuration is bidirectional The second automatic washing machine using the discharged water in at least one cycle of the first washing machine (100) sent through the flow paths connected to each other by the solenoid valve (300) as input. 200) comprising a microprocessor based controller (400) to be used, said controller (400) comprising a wash cycle, a wash quantity, a washable material, an intended consumption of resources, a selected time. , And any of a plurality of available characteristics regarding duration of operation, the automatic washing machine (100, 200) is operable to function in tandem, thereby reducing the input and the quality of the laundry. Tandem-type laundry system configuration characterized by improving.   2. System configuration according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a filtration device (310) with backwashing means to remove suspended impurities.   The system configuration according to claim 1, further comprising an irradiation device for removing pathogens from the discharged water.   The flow path means is provided with a sensor (330) for detecting the turbidity of water discharged from the first washing machine (100) being fed to the second washing machine (200). The system configuration according to claim 1, wherein:   The solenoid valve means (340) for releasing additional turbid water when the sensor (330) detects that the turbidity of the discharged water is below a predetermined level. System configuration described in 1.   The control device (400) is pre-configured with an initial setting that can be changed by a push button (410) and a knob (420), and at least two display panels (430, 440) are connected to the washing machine (100, 200). The system configuration according to claim 1, wherein the system configuration is provided in association with each of 200).   2. An intermediate reservoir chamber provided between said first and second washing machines (100, 200) for temporarily storing drainage in each cycle. The system configuration described.   The controller (400) is operable to coordinate the operating cycle of at least two washing machines (100, 200), thereby completing the selected cycle of either of the two washing machines; The next selected cycle of the washing machine is when the other of the two washing machines is allowed to extract the discharged water of the completed cycle of one of the two washing machines. The system configuration according to claim 6, wherein the system is configured to remain in a suspended state.   When the controller (400) detects that the turbidity of the discharged water from the first washing machine (100) exceeds a limit value by the sensor (330), the second washing machine (200) 6. System configuration according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the system configuration is operable to hold.   The system of claim 1, wherein the controller (400) is configured to operate the first and second automatic washing machines (100, 200) alone or in combination. Constitution.   A tandem laundry system, described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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