KR20080005222A - Tandem washing system configuration for recycling detergent & water - Google Patents

Abstract

A tandem configuration of automated washing machines is disclosed. A microprocessor controls solenoid valves to direct effluent of each selected cycle of one machine, into another machine for reuse. Both the machines operate in tandem applying pre-set microprocessor logic, which is further programmable for various options, keeping interlocking features Intact. By placing the washing apparatus on rooftops, further recycling is achieved.

Description

Tandem washing system apparatus and method for recycling detergent and water {TANDEM WASHING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR RECYCLING DETERGENT & WATER}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for saving detergent and water in connection with the construction of an automatic washing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to the construction of a tandem laundry system.

In general, the present invention uses automatic washing machine technology applied to home, community, commercial and industrial use, such as homes, hotels, laundry, offices and factories. The present invention also relates to environmental pollution prevention technology.

Typical automatic washing machines include various cycles such as, for example, Prewash, Wash, Rinse and Spin. The cycles are regulated via programmed integrated circuits associated with variable speed electric motors, solenoid valves and other electromechanical means. Such machines are also provided with an electric water heater. These various cycles are programmed according to the amount of laundry and the needs of the resources available, such as water, electricity, time and the like. For example, a typical automatic washing machine is programmed with 30 minutes to 2 hours and only one or more rinses, with or without hot water to wash a certain amount of clothes (washing amount). In each rinse and wash cycle, a typical washing machine puts tap water and drains used water through a drainage pipe at the completion of the cycle. As a result, waste of resources and continuous discharge of used water, including many detergents and impurities, occur.

The inventors of the present invention have observed that an effective method of recycling the discharged water, including various detergents, reduces costs and reduces environmental pollution.

Prior art devices disclose the storage of a constant discharge of a washing machine, commonly known as gray water. But it is only limited to rinse water with little detergent. Various means such as expensive tanks or reservoirs connected to the washing machine are used for the storage of such heavy water. The stored heavy water is recycled back to the same washing machine for prewash, or used for flushing and the like. These prior art devices are not suitable for the economic use of resources because of the additional structural requirements or features of water pipe laying. In addition, most of these prior art devices use only rinse water for recirculation. In addition, prolonged storage of the used water can lead to the growth of pathogens. And detergents and energy input are not saved. Overall, the disadvantageous cost return of the devices according to the prior art makes it impossible for them to be applied on a larger scale.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tandem laundry system configuration capable of recirculating discharged water comprising various levels of detergent.

Another object of the present invention is a series comprising at least two identically structured automatic washing machines controlled and operatively connected by one system controller allowing the individual recycling of the gray water produced in each cycle. It is to provide a laundry system configuration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tandem laundry system configuration in which the components of the automatic washing machine can be operated in series according to the amount of laundry, the type of material to be washed and the resources available to optimize resource consumption. have.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tandem laundry system configuration that can be operated as an environmentally friendly laundry system by removing the storage step of the water in the middle water to block the growth of pathogens.

Yet another object of the present invention is a tandem laundry that can be installed and operated without the need for any special infrastructure, such as additional water inlet / outlet, water pipe laying means and energy input points. To provide a system configuration.

Thus, there is provided a configuration of a tandem laundry system in which at least two automatic washing machines having the same configuration are arranged in parallel or vertically adjacent to each other and connected through a channel means having a two-way solenoid valve. Each of the two automatic washing machines includes a respective inlet for each wash water, a wastewater outlet, disposal trays containing laundry chemicals, a respective heating device, a separate processor, and the same designed rotating means. Equipped. The configuration of the system is provided with a control unit based on a micro-processor, the control unit comprising at least a first washing machine in which a second automatic washing machine is delivered via a channel interconnected by a two-way solenoid valve. Allow discharged water to be used as input water in one cycle. The control device allows the automatic washing machine to operate in series by selecting any of a number of available features in terms of washing cycle, amount of laundry, material of laundry, intended resource consumption, selected time and duration of operation. Operable doses and improved laundry quality can be optimized.

Preferably, the first washing machine is used for less dirty laundry such as clothing and the like, and the second washing machine is used for heavily dirty laundry such as linen products, towels, mops, shoes, carpets and mats and the like.

It is optional that the discharged water discharged in the various cycles of the first washing machine is transferred to the second washing machine through the channel means for recycling. Likewise, the discharge of water from any cycle of the two washing machines is also passed through the drain pipe. The various cycles of the two washing machines are carried out in series to complement each other in an interlocking fashion. In addition, the two washing machines can be operated independently and / or in combination.

1 shows a schematic configuration of a tandem laundry system interconnected by channel means with solenoid valves and filters according to the invention.

2A shows a similar configuration of a laundry system according to the invention, in which an additional reservoir is added between two automatic washing machines.

2B shows a configuration in which the tandem laundry system is arranged vertically.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the channel means of the present invention comprising the configuration of a bidirectional solenoid valve for discharging used water if it becomes cloudy or for circulating the water for recycling.

4A shows the data displayed on the control electrical panels and knobs according to the invention.

4B shows, for example, a sequential flow chart of the tandem operation of two automatic washing machines in the configuration of the tandem laundry system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a system configuration in which two automatic washing machines are placed on rooftops for further recirculation.

1 shows an assembly of a pair of washing machines assigned reference numerals 100 and 200. The washing machines 100, 200 are connected via channel means having a bidirectional solenoid valve means 300 for transferring water from one washing machine to another. The injection into the channel 300 is passed through a sieve and / or filtration device to remove impurities such as lint and other large particles. The channel means also passes through an ultraviolet and gamma radiation chamber 320 to remove pathogens. The channel is provided with a back-flush device that receives the wash water from the tap and drains back-flushed water into the drain.

The two washing machines 100 and 200 including the first and second washing machines have independent tap water inlets 110 and 210 and discharge drain pipes 130 and 230.

The two washing machines 100 and 200 are controlled by one control unit 400 having pre-programmed logic and default settings, which can be changed via electronic push buttons 410. Is displayed through the electronic panels 430, 440 associated with the washing machines 100, 200.

The first washing machine 100 is used for less dirty laundry such as clothing, and the second washing machine 200 is used for heavily dirty laundry such as linen products, towels, mops, shoes, shoe dusters, and the like.

The control device 400 operates the bidirectional solenoid valve means 300 and is programmed to release the effluent of each selected cycle of the first washing machine 100 into the second washing machine 200. In addition, the discharge of each of the washing machine (100, 200) may be discharged as a discharge through the solenoid valve means 300 to lead the flow to the drain pipe.

The control device 400 is programmed with interlocking logic through a typical example operational sequence as described below.

The pre-wash option of the first washing machine 100 may include receiving clean water from the first inlet 110, extracting chemicals stored in the treatment tray 140, and disposing clothing in water. Wet and invert, and sending the pre-washed water to the second washing machine 200 upon dehydration. The second washing machine 200 receives the pre-washed water reused through the drain pipe 230 while the first washing machine 100 completes the washing cycle after drawing clean water through the first inlet 110. It is programmed to discharge and complete the pre-laundry cycle and dehydration. If, for example, a hot wash option is selected in the first washing machine 100 by selecting 'cotton' in the knob, the control unit 400 is connected to a thermostat (thermostat) in the washing machine. This built-in electric heater leads to regulating the desired level of water temperature. When the washing cycle 100 is completed, the first washing machine 100 dehydrates and sends hot / cold wash water (detergent remaining) to the second washing machine 200 through the channel 300. While the second washing machine starts its washing cycle, the first washing machine 100 starts a rinse cycle. In addition, if a hot wash option is selected for the second washing machine 200, as described above, the temperature of the recycled wash water is maintained at an appropriate level through the built-in heating device. When the washing cycle is completed, the second washing machine 200 discharges the reused washed water through the drain pipe 230 and at the same time, dehydrates the washing machine. Wait for inflow. Similarly, at some stage the first washing machine 100 waits until the second washing machine 200 is ready to take the intended gray water throughout the cycle. Then, the first washing machine 100 dehydrates and sends the rinsing water to the second washing machine 200. Then, the second washing machine 200 performs a rinse operation using the recycled water. Likewise, if the second row is selected, the first washing machine and the second washing machines 100 and 200 repeat the above process. Finally, the first washing machine 100, after all selected cycles have been completed, opens its door and is ready to receive another laundry. In the final cycle, the second washing machine 200 draws in a certain amount of clean tap water for final rinsing with or without a particular disinfectant stored in the treatment tray 240. The second washing machine 200 then completes the cycle through final dehydration at a particular RPM. A typical program cycle is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In addition, the second washing machine 200 may be performed with as much clean water as desired. For example, there is a "double wash" option in the electrical panel 440. If it is selected, the second washing machine 200 will begin a clean water wash cycle before the final clean water rinse shown in the example. In such an operating procedure, the discharged water in the cycle using any clean water can preferably be stored and recycled.

The rinse cycle consists of several short rinse bursts that use less water. It is discharged through drainage pipes 130 and 230 while the rinsed water is sent to the next washing machine in the entire rinse cycle.

A reservoir chamber is provided between the two washers 100, 200 to temporarily store water in each cycle, and the reservoir and the two washers 100, 200 on both sides as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Is operated via a second set of solenoid valve means. In this case, the channel 300 can be located between the intermediate reservoir and the second washing machine 200. In another configuration, a filter / sheave 310 may be disposed between the first washer 100 and the intermediate reservoir while an radiation device 320 may be designed between the intermediate reservoir and the second washer 200. . The intermediate reservoir including the channel and the two washing machines 100, 200 may be designed as a vertically stacked system as shown in FIG. 2B.

The filter / sieve 310 may be provided with known back-flush means. In the provided intermediate reservoir, the program logic is set to prevent the discharge of the selected heavy water for recycling, for example if the intermediate reservoir is not ready to accept. In addition, the system may store heavy water from certain cycles of a washing machine for later use in starting a cycle of a washing machine. If the washing machine is used alone, the heavy water stored for later use is used in some cycles in that case. If one washing machine is used again, the stored water is recycled in any cycle selected in the control. For example, if the washing machines 100, 200 are selected to operate alone, the bidirectional solenoid valve may be operated as shown in FIG. 2A, thereby washing the laundry from the washing cycle of the first washing machine 100. The water may be selected for use as recycled wash water for the second washing machine 200 or again for the next load of the first washing machine.

The channel 300 measures the turbidity of pre-washing and / or rinsing water sent from the first washing machine 100, and when the initial value is exceeded, the control unit 400 warns. And / or an electrical sensor 330 may be provided to induce a shutdown. Alternatively, the control device 400 may be programmed to operate a solenoid valve 340 for discharging excess turbid water as discharge, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this scenario, the control device 400 may additionally induce the second washing machine 200 to receive clean water 210 for the next cycle. In any cycle, the second washing machine 200 may draw out additional detergent stored in the processing tray 240.

Additional disinfection means, such as gamma ray irradiation, may be provided before the start of the first cycle of the first washer and / or after the last cycle of the second washer 200.

Separate motors, which are controlled via a common control unit 400 integrated with interdependent logic such as the manner described in the above example, are provided for operating the two washing machines 100, 200 in series.

Likewise, when the second washing machine 200 is not ready to receive the intended input of gray water from the first washing machine 100, the next cycle of the first washing machine 100 is suspended, and vice versa. The second washing machine 200 is an essential interlock of the washing cycles of the first washing machine 100 and the second washing machine 200 in such a manner as to hold the next cycle until the first washing machine completes the selected corresponding task. There may be other options with). There may also be other options to block the interlock program. In such a case, the two washing machines 100 and 200 can be operated independently from each other like conventional washing machines.

In such a case, the control device 400 may independently adjust the two washing machines 100 and 200. Alternatively, two separate conventional controls of the two washing machines 100 and 200 may individually adjust each washing machine.

4A illustrates a typical example situation of text displayed on panels 430 and 440. Preferably, the control switch 410 is provided with a laundry type option such as cotton, synthetic fiber, or the like. Similarly, the control switch 420 has options for the second washing machine 200, such as dirty laundry (for badly dirty laundry such as mops, mops, shoes, etc.), linen products, and the like.

Display panels 430 and 440 represent typical default settings and the maneuverability of individual cycles in each washing machine. In the display panel shown in the embodiment, five cycles of each washing machine may be selected as a yes / no option. Each of the five cycles in the display panel 430 has additional selection options such as 'Recycle' or 'Not Recycle'. Similarly, the same is true for each of the five options in display panel 440. The use of recycled or clean water is indicated according to the selection in the first washing machine 100. When a specific cycle option is selected in one washing machine, the specific option is automatically selected in another washing machine. For example, any selected cycle in the display panel 430 selected for recycling will automatically lead to a cycle corresponding to another display panel 440 selected as 'y' and 'Recycled'. Likewise, if a cycle in display panel 440 is selected as "Freshwater", the corresponding previous cycle in another display panel 430 is set to 'N' for 'Recycle'. Is displayed and thus activates the first washing machine 100. In such cases, various permutations and combinations may be applied by selecting options in the control switches 410 and 420 and the display panels 430 and 440. A typical chronological sequence for the tandem operation of cycles of two washing machines corresponding to the selection of the preference values in FIG. 4A is shown in FIG. 4B.

To simplify panel selection on the display panels 430 and 440, one example is when the preset combination is set to the default value shown here, as shown in "Max cleaning + Low Water Saving" and It can be selected via the same text display. However, if in the case of the embodiment all cycles are selected for recycling, the text display would be "Max cleaning + Highest Water Saving." Likewise, if only washing and one rinse cycle are selected and two washing machines are selected for recycling, the text may be "Min cleaning + Max Water Saving". However, if an additional Pre-Wash is chosen, it may be "Medium cleaning + Max Water Saving". And if another fresh rinse is already selected in the display panel 440, it may be "Medium cleaning + Low Water Saving" or the like. In each of these choices, if the choice is "Min cleaning + Max Power Saving," then the fuzzy logic in an automatic washing machine such as automatically shortening the length of the wash cycle Additional program logic, known as logic, may be applied.

Preferably, the tandem configuration of the laundry system is arranged horizontally as shown here to reduce space or for other desirable reasons, or to vertically place the first washing machine 100 above the second washing machine 200. Are arranged as.

A typical washing cycle for two washing machines 100, 200 operating in series controlled via a common control unit 408 is for example:

Various advantageous features of the washing machine are as follows:

1. A specific cycle of the first washing machine 100 that can be provided to the second washing machine 200 and discharged as discharges and rests that can be recycled.

2. Clean water at a particular cycle option of the second washing machine 200, for example for final rinsing as illustrated above.

3. The second washing machine 200 may be selected as a "recycle" by a specific selection cycle of the first washing machine 100.

4. Independent temperature controls of the two washing machines 100, 200.

5. For example, the first washing machine 100 is selected from the first washing machine 100 and the second washing machine 200, such as "delicate laundry" and the second washing machine 200 "heavy and hard laundry". Other wash logic possible.

6. For example, two washing machines 100 and 200 may be used, depending on the type of washing, for example, washing the cotton in the first washing machine 100 and washing a very dirty kitchen mop in the second washing machine 200. The cycle of can be adjusted.

7. Interlocked interlocked work functions such as stopping at a certain stage, for example after pre-washing of the first washing machine 100 or operating the two washing machines 100, 200 at a particular time. delay operation). In addition, the first washing machine 100 may be maintained in a "stopped" state until the second washing machine 200 is ready to receive gray water from the first washing machine 100.

8. If a specific washing machine cycle is completed earlier, the door will open to allow the laundry to be removed and the next one to be loaded.

9. After removing the laundry, gray water is sent from the washing machine to an empty washing machine which will still be used for further use in another washing machine of choice. The second rinse water may be returned back to the first washer 100 for temporary use and temporary storage for the first cycle of the next laundry of the second washer 200.

10. Similarly, when only the first washer 100 is used, the second washer 200 may later be used for a particular cycle of the first washer 100 for a particular cycle of deionized water such as, for example, washing or rinsing. It is used to store it.

11. Blocking the interlocking logic, the two washing machines 100, 200 can operate independently as two conventional washing machines.

12. Disposal of detergents, bleaches and other solvents via treatment trays 140 and 240 in both washing machines 100 and 200; In other words, certain cycles may cause the washing machine to stop operating to draw out certain materials stored in the processing trays 140 and 240.

Various combinations may have one or more specific types of automatic washing machines, such as front loading tumble or top loading agitator. For example, the first washing machine may be a front loading rotary suitable for delicate garments and the second washing machine may be a top loading stirrer suitable for severely dirty linen products and the like.

The tandem laundry system is mounted on a roof-top for further recirculation of effluent from the first washer 100 and / or the second washer 200 discharged through the associated drainage pipes 130, 230. Can be installed. In this form, the drain pipes 130, 230 are connected to a storage device such as a reservoir 500. The reservoir can pass effluent through channel means similar to channel means 300 as shown in the figure 505. The channel means 505 is connected to the storage tank 510, which has a distributor plate having an inclined level plate in the form of porous or free of holes arranged in such a way that it is possible to flow into the next chamber. filtration means such as divider plates. The storage tank also has a transparent panel so that the sun's rays can penetrate the stored water for the prevention and destruction of pathogens. If it is necessary to heat the water, solar can also be used.

The main advantage of this new configuration is that the discharged and stored discharged gray water on the roof does not require any pumping. Clean water, which is used for washing, is usually already stored on the roof, resulting in a complete saving of energy. The gray water is additionally treated with solar light and provided through separate pipelines for flushing 520, gardening 530, car-wash 540 and the like. Can be. In addition, washing on the roof is easy to dry the laundry under the sun and will reduce the effort of transporting the laundry. An additional drain pipe connected through the bottom of all compartments 550 may be connected to a hydrant 560, which includes ground water refilled through the pit 570 in FIG. 580. As can be seen it can be used as an additional source of water in an emergency such as a fire.

In another embodiment, three or more washing machines may be interconnected in series. For example, the third washing machine is operable to draw out selected waste water, such as the second and / or first washing machine. This type of module configuration will be more useful in industrial sites with heavy dirty laundry.

Many known devices and processes can be used to clean the final discharge of the tandem washer installed on the roof. By way of additional mechanical means, alternative drains and more complete fool-proofing systems can be provided in case of unexpected accidents such as power-failure, system failure and / or leakage of water.

While the invention has been described in detail above, modifications, substitutions, and modifications thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The present invention is not limited in any way to those described herein, which are not otherwise described in the claims below.

Claims (11)

At least two first and second automatic washing machines (100, 200) of the same configuration which are arranged adjacent to each other in parallel or vertically and connected to be flowable through a channel means having a bidirectional solenoid valve (300); Each of the one or two automatic washing machines (100, 200) has a respective tap water inlet (110, 210), separate waste water outlet (130, 230), treatment trays 140, 240 containing laundry chemicals, individual heating devices In a tandem laundry system apparatus comprising a separate processor and the same designed rotating means, The tandem washing system device may be configured to input discharge water discharged from at least one cycle of the first washing machine 100 in which the second automatic washing machine 200 is transmitted through the channel interconnected by the bidirectional solenoid valve 300. And a control unit 400 based on a micro-processor which makes it possible to use as a machine, the control unit 400 having a washing cycle, amount of laundry, material of laundry, consumption of intended resources, selected time and operation. Inline laundry characterized in that the automatic washing machine (100, 200) is operated in tandem by selecting any one of a variety of available properties, including duration, thereby optimizing the improvement of the work input and the washing quality. System unit. 2. The laundry system apparatus of claim 1, comprising a filtration device (310) having a back flush means for removing suspended impurities. The laundry system apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an irradiation device for removing pathogens from the discharged water. The method according to claim 1, wherein the channel means is provided with a sensor 330 for measuring the turbidity of the discharged water from the first washing machine 100 delivered to the second washing machine 200. Characterized in a laundry system device. 4. A solenoid valve means (340) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (330) includes solenoid valve means (340) for discharging additional turbid water when the sensor (330) determines that the turbidity of the discharged water is lower than a predetermined level. Laundry system apparatus characterized in that. 2. The control device (400) of claim 1, wherein the control device (400) is preset to a default setting that can be changed by a push button (410) and an adjustment switch (knob) 420, and at least two Laundry system apparatus characterized in that two display panels (430, 440) are provided in association with each washing machine (100, 200). The laundry system apparatus of claim 1, comprising an intermediate reservoir chamber provided between the first and second washing machines (100, 200) for the temporary storage of effluent water of each cycle. According to claim 6, wherein the control device 400 can interlock the operating cycle of at least two washing machines (100, 200), when the selected cycle of any of the two washing machines is completed, the next selection cycle of the washing machine And said other one of said two washing machines is controlled to stand by until it becomes possible to extract the discharged water of said one completed cycle of said two washing machines. According to claim 4 or 5, When the turbidity of the water discharged from the first washing machine 100 measured by the sensor 330 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control device 400 Laundry system device, characterized in that the control to wait for the second washing machine (200). The laundry system apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (400) is configured to operate the first and second automatic washing machines (100, 200) alone or in combination. Tandem laundry system apparatus as described and illustrated above in connection with the accompanying drawings.

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