JPH1015276A - Double tub washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to supply and drain water without inconvenience, by equipping a water supply stopping means to stop water supply to a sub-washing tub when a water supply timer means counted a preset time longer than a prescribed time. SOLUTION: This washing machine is equipped with a first water supply passage to a main washing tub and a second water supply passage to a sub- washing tub which are branched from a common water supply passage and a water supply timer means (S2) to count the water supply time from the second water supply passage to the sub-washing tub. When water is fed to the sub- washing tub, whether water is fed to the main washing tub (outer tub) or not is judged (S3), and if water supply is not performed, the water supply timer means (S2) stops water supply to the sub-washing tub when it counted a preset time. If water supply is performed, water supply to the sub-washing tub is stopped (S5) when the water supply timer means (S2) counted time longer than the preset time by a prescribed time. Thus water supply to the sub-washing tub can be suitably performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a two-tub washing machine provided with two washing tubs, and more particularly to control of water supply and drainage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a two-tub washing machine having two washing tubs and capable of so-called shared washing. Among two-tub washing machines, a main washing tub having substantially the same configuration as that of a known fully automatic washing machine is used for one of the washing tubs, and the other washing tub is manually washed and rinsed for auxiliary washing. There is a two-tub washing machine having a configuration using a tub (see, for example, JP-A-6-277386).

[0003]

In such a two-tub washing machine, the source of the water supply channel and the distal end of the drainage channel are shared by both tubs, and when water is supplied to both tubs simultaneously, or When drainage from both tanks is performed at the same time, inconvenience may occur. Specifically, in the auxiliary washing tub,
In some cases, the supply of water to the washing tub was insufficient, or the drainage of the washing tub was incomplete.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a two-tub washing machine which is easy to use and improved so that water can be supplied and drained without inconvenience.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a two-tub washing machine having a first washing tub and a second washing tub arranged adjacent to each other.
A first water supply channel capable of independently supplying water to a first washing tub branched from a common water supply channel, and a second water supply channel capable of independently supplying water to a second washing tub branched from a common water supply channel. A water supply channel, water supply timing means for measuring a water supply time from the second water supply channel to the second washing tub, and determining whether or not water is supplied to the first washing tub when water is supplied to the second washing tub. When the water supply is not being performed, the water supply to the second washing tub is stopped when the water supply timing means measures a predetermined time, and when the water supply is being performed, the water supply timing means sets the predetermined time. A water supply stop means for stopping water supply to the second washing tub when a predetermined time is counted over a predetermined time from a predetermined time.

According to the above configuration, when water is supplied to the second washing tub alone, water is supplied during a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time during which a sufficient amount of water necessary for washing can be supplied. Further, when water is supplied to the second washing tub during the water supply to the first washing tub, the water is supplied to the second washing tub for a predetermined extra time. When water is supplied to both tanks, the water pressure of the water supply source is weakened, and the water supply at the same time may be insufficient. Extra water is provided to improve this.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a two-tub washing machine having a first washing tub and a second washing tub disposed adjacent to each other, an upper end is connected to a bottom of the first washing tub. 1 The first channel for draining the water in the washing tub and the second
A second water passage for draining water from a second washing tub connected to the bottom of the washing tub, a common drainage passage extending by joining a lower end of the first water passage and a lower end of the second water passage, (2) a drainage timer means for measuring the drainage time of the washing tub, and when draining from the second washing tub, it is determined whether or not drainage is being performed from the first washing tub. Drainage from the second washing tub is stopped when the drainage timer measures a predetermined time, and when drainage is being performed, the drainage timer measures a time extra by a predetermined time from the predetermined time. And a drain stop means for stopping drain from the second washing tub when the water is discharged.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when drainage from the second washing tub is performed alone, the drainage is performed during a predetermined time. The predetermined time is the time required for complete drainage. Further, when draining of the second washing tub is performed while draining of the first washing tub, extra draining is performed for a predetermined time. This takes into account that when drainage from both tanks is performed together, it takes time for water to flow through a common drainage channel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dual-tub washing machine according to the first aspect, further comprising a drain for draining water from the first washing tub, the upper end of which is connected to the bottom of the first washing tub. A first waterway, a second waterway for draining water from a second washing tub having an upper end connected to the bottom of the second washing tub, and a lower end of the first waterway and a lower end of the second waterway joined together; An extended common drainage channel, drainage timer means for measuring the drainage time of the second washing tub, and when draining from the second washing tub, determining whether or not draining is being performed from the first washing tub, Is not being performed, the drainage timer means stops the drainage from the second washing tub when the predetermined time is counted, and when drainage is being performed, the drainage timer means sets the predetermined time. Stop draining water from the second washing tub It is characterized in further comprising a water discharge stop means for.

According to the above configuration, the same operation as the operation according to the first or second aspect of the invention is achieved. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first washing tub is configured such that water supply, washing, rinsing, draining, and dewatering are automatically performed. The second washing tub is composed of an automatic washing machine,
It is characterized by comprising a washing machine in which rinsing and draining are performed manually.

According to the above configuration, the manually operated second
Water supply or drainage in the washing tub can be favorably performed.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic internal configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two-tub washing machine includes a housing 1 having a substantially rectangular planar shape, a main washing machine 10 housed in the housing 1, and a sub-washing machine 20 disposed adjacent to the main washing machine 10. I have.

In this two-tub washing machine, a known fully automatic washing machine is used for the main washing machine 10, and a washing tub having stirring blades on the side of the washing tub is used for the sub-washing machine 20. Further, in this two-tub washing machine, the main washing machine 10 and the sub-washing machine 20 can be operated independently of each other, and the washing water can be moved between the main washing machine 10 and the sub-washing machine 20. Can be.

The main washing machine 10 includes an outer tub 11 supported by hanging rods (not shown) for storing washing water therein, and an inner tub 12 rotatably provided in the outer tub 11 for storing laundry. It has. A stirring blade 1 for stirring the washing water and the laundry in the inner tub 12 is provided at the bottom in the inner tub 12.
3 are arranged. A drive mechanism 16 including a motor 14 and a switching clutch 15 for driving the inner tank 12 and / or the stirring blade 13 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 11.

The auxiliary washing machine 20 includes an auxiliary washing tub 21 for storing washing water and laundry therein, a stirring blade 22 for stirring the washing water and the laundry in the auxiliary washing tub 21, and a stirring blade. A drive mechanism 25 including a motor 23 and a transmission mechanism 24 for driving the motor 22 is provided. The auxiliary washing tub 21 includes a bottom surface 21a, a pair of opposed long side surfaces 21b and 21c rising from the periphery of the bottom surface 21a, and a pair of short side surfaces (not shown) arranged on the front side and the depth side in FIG. Have. That is, the auxiliary washing tub 21
Has a rectangular shape whose plane shape is long from the near side toward the depth side.

The stirring blade 22 is provided such that its rotating shaft 26 extending in the horizontal direction is orthogonal to one long side surface 21 b of the sub-washing tub 21. The two-tub washing machine is provided with a water supply mechanism for supplying washing water to the main washing machine 10 and the sub-washing machine 20. The water supply mechanism includes a water passage 40 having one end connected to an external water supply facility (not shown);
A first water supply channel 41 that is branched from the water channel and can supply water to the main washing machine 10, and a second water channel 42 that is branched from the water channel 40 and can supply water to the sub-washing machine 20. 1st water supply channel 41
In the middle of the second water supply passage 42, water supply valves 43 and 44 for independently controlling water supply to the main washing machine 10 and the sub-washing machine 20, respectively, are provided.

With this configuration, water is supplied into the outer tub 11 when the water supply valve 43 is open. When the water supply valve 44 is open, water is supplied into the auxiliary washing tub 21. Further, when the water supply valves 43 and 44 are simultaneously opened, water is supplied into both the outer tub 11 and the sub-washing tub 21. In addition, in this two-tub washing machine,
A drainage mechanism for draining or overflowing washing water from the main washing machine 10 and the sub-washing machine 20 is provided. The drainage mechanism includes a first water passage 31 connected to the bottom of the outer tub 11, a second water passage 32 connected to the bottom of the sub-wash tub 21, and a first water passage 32.
The lower end of the water passage 31 and the lower end of the second water passage 32 are constituted by a common drainage passage 33 which is joined. First waterway 3
Opening / closing valves 34, 35 and 36 are provided in the middle of the first and second water passages 32 and the drainage passage 33, respectively.

With this configuration, the open / close valves 34 and 3
In a state where 6 is opened, the water in the outer tank 11 is drained through the first water channel 31 and the drain channel 33. When the open / close valves 35 and 36 are open, the water in the sub-washing tub 21 is drained through the second water channel 32 and the drain channel 33.
When all of the open / close valves 34, 35 and 36 are open, the water in the outer tub 11 and the sub-wash tub 21 are both drained through the first water channel 31, the second water channel 32 and the drain channel 33. Further, when the open / close valves 34 and 35 are opened and the open / close valve 36 is closed, the water in the outer tub 11 and the water in the sub-wash tub 21 are moved through the first water passage 31 and the second water passage 32 with each other.

The drainage mechanism has an upper end connected to an overflow port 17 composed of a plurality of small holes formed in the upper part of the side surface of the outer tub 11, and an overflow channel 37 having a lower end connected to the first water channel 31.
An upper end is connected to an overflow port 27 formed of a plurality of small holes formed on an upper portion of one short side surface of the sub-washing tub 21, and an overflow path 38 whose lower end is connected to a drainage path 33 is provided. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the two-tub washing machine includes a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer tub 11 in the main washing machine 10. In addition, the sub-washing machine 20 is not provided with a water level sensor, and the configuration is simplified.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operation panel provided on the upper front surface of the housing 1, for example. Various keys for performing the washing operation of the main washing machine 10 or the sub-washing machine 20 are arranged on the operation panel 5, but in FIG. Is described. On the operation panel 5,
A common power key 51 for turning on power to the entire two-tub washing machine is provided. In addition, the operation panel 5 includes:
As operation keys for the washing operation of the sub-washing machine 20, a start / pause key 52 for starting or temporarily stopping the washing operation and a time setting key 53 for setting a washing (or rinsing) time are provided. ing. The time setting key 53 allows a user to set a washing time such as 12 minutes, 6 minutes, or 3 minutes, for example, according to the type of laundry or the degree of dirt.

The operation panel 5 further includes an auxiliary washing tub 21.
Key 55 for starting / stopping the supply of washing water
In addition, a drain key 54 for starting / stopping drainage of the washing water from the auxiliary washing tub 21 is provided. Further, in the two-tub washing machine, as described later, water supply is started and water supply is automatically stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, for example, even if the user forgets to perform an operation for stopping water supply, water supply is automatically stopped. Also, drainage is automatically stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the two-tub washing machine. The two-tub washing machine includes a control unit 2. The control unit 2 includes a microcomputer or the like as a control center. Further, the control unit 2 has a built-in timer 3 for measuring the required time for water supply or drainage at the time of water supply or drainage, and the required time for water supply or drainage longer than the predetermined time by a predetermined time. doing.

Signals from the water supply key 55 and the water discharge key 54 of the operation panel 5 described with reference to FIG. The control unit 2 performs water supply and drainage control based on a given signal. That is, the control unit 2 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valves 43 and 44 and the opening and closing of the opening and closing valves 34, 35 and 36. In addition, the control unit 2
The drive of the motors 14 and 23 is controlled for rinsing and spinning.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a water supply control operation of the sub-washing machine 20 performed by the control unit 2 of FIG. Hereinafter, description will be given according to this flow with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 as needed. When the user turns on the water supply key 55 (see FIG. 2) and the control unit 2 determines that the water supply key 55 is turned on (step S1), the water supply valve 44 is opened to start water supply, and at the same time, the timer 3 measures the water supply time. It is started (step S2).

At this time, it is determined whether or not the outer tub 11 is supplying water (step S3). This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not the water supply valve 43 is open. When the outer tank 11 is not supplying water (N in step S3)
O), that is, when the sub-washing tub 21 is independently supplied with water, water is supplied to the sub-washing tub 21 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) for supplying a sufficient amount of water for washing.

When the timer 3 finishes measuring the predetermined time (step S4), the water supply valve 4
4 is closed and the supply of water to the auxiliary washing tub 21 is stopped. on the other hand,
In step S3, if the outer tub 11 is being supplied with water (YES in step S3), that is, if both tanks are supplied with water at the same time, an extra time is added by a predetermined time from a predetermined time (for example, 6 minutes), Water is supplied to the auxiliary washing tub 21.

Common water channel 4 connected to external water supply system
Water is supplied to the sub-washing tub 21 through a second water supply channel 42 (see FIG. 1) branched from zero. At this time, when the first water supply channel 41 branched from the common water channel 40 is also opened, the water pressure of the water flowing from the common water channel 40 to the second water supply channel 42 is weakened, and it takes time to supply water to the auxiliary washing tub 21. . Therefore, in this embodiment, when water is supplied to both tubs at the same time, the auxiliary washing tub 2 is added for a predetermined time extra than the predetermined time as described above.
Water is supplied to 1.

Since the main washing machine 10 has the water level sensor as described above and can detect the amount of water supplied by the sensor, it is not necessary to manage the amount of water with time. When the time measurement for a predetermined time extra than the predetermined time by the timer 3 is completed (step S5), the water supply valve 44 is closed and the water supply to the auxiliary washing tub 21 is stopped. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a drainage control operation of the sub-washing machine 20 performed by the control unit 2. Hereinafter, according to this flow, if necessary, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The drain key 54 (see FIG. 2) by the user.
Is turned on, and when it is determined by the control unit 2 (step T1), the open / close valves 35 and 36 are opened to start draining, and at the same time, the timer 3 starts counting drainage time (step T2). At this time, it is determined whether or not the outer tub 11 is draining (step T3). This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not both of the open / close valves 34 and 36 are open.

When the outer tub 11 is not draining (step T
(NO in 3), that is, when the sub-washing tub 21 is drained alone, the water is drained for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes and 30 seconds) required for draining from the sub-washing tub 21. Then, when the counting of the predetermined time by the timer 3 is completed (step T4), the opening and closing valves 35 and 36 are closed to stop the drainage from the sub-washing tub 21.

On the other hand, in step T3, when the outer tank 11 is being drained (YES in step T3), that is, when both tanks are drained at the same time, it takes an extra time longer than a predetermined time ( For example, three minutes), drainage is performed from the auxiliary washing tub 21. When the washing water is drained from both tubs, the washing water is discharged out of the machine through the common drainage channel 33 (see FIG. 1) of both tubs. The drainage time of the tank 21 may take a long time. In this embodiment, when the water is drained from both tubs at the same time, the water is drained from the sub-washing tub 21 for a predetermined time longer than the predetermined time as described above. In this way, complete drainage can be performed.

Then, if the counting of the time that is longer than the predetermined time by the timer 3 by a predetermined time is completed (step T)
5) Close the on-off valves 35 and 36 to stop draining water from the auxiliary washing tub 21. In this embodiment, the time of water supply or drainage is specifically shown by a numerical value such as 6 minutes or 3 minutes, but is not limited to these times. For example, the size of the washing tub, the water pressure of the water supply equipment, the thickness of the drainage channel, and the like may be considered, and the water supply or drainage time may be set accordingly.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary washing tub 2
When water supply or drainage was performed in 1, it was simply determined whether or not water supply or drainage was performed in the outer tub 11. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the start of drainage may be detected. Then, the water supply time or the drainage time of the sub-washing tub 21 may be set based on the elapsed time.

Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In this embodiment, a two-tub washing machine in which a washing tub in which stirring wings are arranged on one side of the washing tub is described, but a washing tub in which the position of the stirring wings is provided at the bottom of the washing tub is described. It may be a two-tub washing machine to which a tub is applied. In addition, various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical matters described in the claims.

[0035]

As described above, according to the first or third aspect of the present invention, water is always appropriately supplied to the second washing tub.
Further, since the water supply is automatically stopped, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to operate, for example, and to save water.
Therefore, an easy-to-use two-tub washing machine can be provided.

According to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the drainage from the second washing tub is completely performed in any state. Therefore, for example, the dirty water used in the previous washing is completely drained, so that the washing can be performed without any inconvenience. According to the invention of claim 4, the first washing tub can be a fully automatic washing machine, and the second washing tub can be a two-tank type washing machine that is manually operated and easy to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the two-tub washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing water supply control of a sub-washing machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing drainage control of a sub-washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Timer 11 Outer tub 21 Secondary washing tub 31 First water path 32 Second water path 33 Drainage path 34, 35, 36 Open / close valve 40 Water path 41 First water supply path 42 Second water supply path 43, 44 Water supply valve

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shuji Hotta 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] A first washing tub and a second washing tub arranged adjacent to each other;
In a two-tub washing machine having a washing tub, a first water supply channel capable of independently supplying water to a first washing tub branched from a common water supply channel, and a second washing tub branched from a common water supply channel A second water supply passage capable of independently supplying water to the second washing tub, a water supply timing means for measuring a water supply time from the second water supply passage to the second washing tub, and a first washing tub when supplying water to the second washing tub. It is determined whether or not water supply is being performed. If water is not being supplied, the second time is measured when the water supply timer measures a predetermined time.
Stop supplying water to the washing tub, and when water is being supplied,
A two-tub washing machine, comprising: a water supply stop unit for stopping water supply to the second washing tub when the water supply timer measures a predetermined time longer than the predetermined time. 2. A first washing tub and a second washing tub arranged adjacent to each other.
In a two-tub washing machine having a washing tub, an upper end is connected to a bottom of the first washing tub for draining water from the first washing tub, and an upper end is connected to a bottom of the second washing tub. A second drain for draining the water of the second washing tub, a common drain extending from the lower end of the first water passage and the lower end of the second water passage, and a drainage time of the second washing tub. Drainage timer means for timing; and when draining from the second washing tub, it is determined whether or not drainage is being performed from the first washing tub. When the drainage is stopped, the drainage from the second washing tub is stopped. When the drainage is performed, the drainage timer measures an additional time longer than the predetermined time. Drainage stopping means for stopping drainage from the tank. Double-chamber type washing machine. 3. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a first water passage for draining water in the first washing tub connected to the bottom of the first washing tub; (2) a second water passage for draining water from a second washing tub connected to the bottom of the washing tub; and a common drainage passage extending by joining a lower end of the first water passage and a lower end of the second water passage. A drain timing means for counting the drain time of the second washing tub; and when draining from the second washing tub, it is determined whether or not draining is being performed from the first washing tub. When the drainage timer measures a predetermined time, the drainage from the second washing tub is stopped, and when drainage is being performed, the drainage timer adds a time extra than the predetermined time by a predetermined time. Drainage stopping means for stopping drainage from the second washing tub when time is measured; Double-chamber type washing machine, characterized in that to obtain. 4. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first tub is a fully automatic washing machine in which water supply, washing, rinsing, draining and dewatering are automatically performed. The second washing tub comprises a washing machine in which water supply, washing, rinsing and draining are performed manually.