JPH09313767A - Two-tub washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the rush currents generated when motors are driven in a two-tub washing machine provided with two washing tubs each having a motor respectively. SOLUTION: This two-tub washing machine 1 is provided with a main washing device 20 driving a motor 25 to rotate a stirring vane 23 and a sub-washing device 40 driving a motor 44 to rotate a stirring vane 42. The motor 25 and the motor 44 are adjusted so that their on-timings do not coincide with each other, their rush currents are not superimposed, the loads on the motors 25, 44 and drive circuits can be reduced, and the two-tub washing machine 1 having high reliability can be provided.

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 equipped with two washing tubs, and more particularly to control of motor drive and washing process control in a washing operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, two washing tubs are provided and, for example, different washing tubs are used for washing depending on the difference in the material of the laundry, the color and the white, and the degree of dirt. 2. Description of the Related Art A two-tub type washing machine capable of performing so-called separate washing is known. The two washing tubs provided in the two-tub type washing machine are respectively provided with a stirring blade for stirring laundry and washing water, and a motor for rotating or rotating the stirring blade. In such a two-tub washing machine, when washing or rinsing is performed, the stirring blade is intermittently rotated to stir the laundry and the washing water. In order to rotate the stirring blade intermittently, it is necessary to alternately turn the motor on and off.

At this time, when the motor is turned on, an inrush current having a value that is at least twice the motor current value during steady energization is generated. Then, when the driving of the motors of the two washing tubs is started at substantially the same time, the inrush current is superimposed. Therefore, there is a problem in that the load on the motor and the drive circuit is increased, which is not preferable. Further, in the two-tub type washing machine, a hanging type fully automatic washing machine washing tub is used as one of the two washing tubs, and the other washing tub has a washing tub. There is one in which a stirring blade is provided on the side surface of the tank (for example, see JP-A-6-277386). In such a two-tub washing machine, the transmission of the rotational force to the stirring blades provided on the side surface is performed by a belt that is stretched in a substantially vertical direction.

In such a two-tub type washing machine, since the hanging type washing tub shakes due to vibration during dehydration, when the stirring blades of the other washing tub are rotated in parallel, the belt of the other washing tub is rotated. May come off. Furthermore, the washing tub of the above-mentioned fully automatic washing machine (hereinafter referred to as "fully automatic washing tub") and the washing tub as an auxiliary tub (hereinafter simply referred to as "auxiliary tub")
Say. In a two-tub type washing machine equipped with and), washing, rinsing and dehydration can be performed in a fully automatic washing tub,
Washing and rinsing can be performed in the auxiliary tank.

For example, in the case of laundering heavily soiled laundry, if the laundry is washed in the same washing tub as the less soiled laundry, the wash water becomes muddy, and the less soiled laundry cannot obtain a sufficient cleaning effect. Therefore, there is a case where the laundry with less dirt is washed and rinsed with the fully automatic washing tub, and the laundry with much dirt is washed and rinsed with the auxiliary tank, respectively. In this case, since dehydration cannot be performed in the auxiliary tub, it is sometimes desirable to transfer the laundry that has been washed and rinsed in the auxiliary tub to the fully automatic washing tub and perform only dehydration in the fully automatic laundry tub. At this time, you may dehydrate together with the laundry that has been washed and rinsed in the fully automatic washing tub, or after dehydration in the fully automatic washing tub, dehydrate to the fully automatic washing tub for laundry in the auxiliary tub. You may want to add an action.

Further, all the operations for washing and rinsing in the auxiliary tank have to be performed manually, and the operation is troublesome. Therefore, only washing in the auxiliary tank is completed, and rinsing and dehydration are fully automatic washing. Sometimes you want to do it in a tank. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to suppress an inrush current when a motor for driving a stirring blade of each washing tub is driven in a two-tub washing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-tub washing machine in which the belt for driving the agitating blade is improved so as not to come off. Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-tub washing machine with improved usability so that laundry washed in an auxiliary tub without a dehydration function can be dehydrated in a fully automatic washing tub.

[0008]

A two-tub washing machine according to claim 1 for achieving the above object comprises a first washing device and a second washing device which are arranged adjacent to each other, and The first washing device is a device including an agitating blade provided in the washing tub and a motor that is intermittently driven to intermittently rotate the agitating blade. A device provided with a stirring blade provided and a motor that is intermittently driven to intermittently rotate the stirring blade, and drive start timings of both motors so that the drive start timings of the motors of both devices do not match. It is characterized by comprising an adjusting means for adjusting.

According to the above construction, the drive start timings of the motors provided in the first and second washing machines can be adjusted so as not to coincide with each other, so that the drive of both motors starts simultaneously. It will not be done. Therefore, for example, the inrush current generated at the drive start timing of both motors is not superimposed. Further, the two-tub washing machine according to claim 2 has a first
And a second washing device, the first washing device is a device capable of performing dewatering, and the second washing device is provided with stirring blades on the inner surface of the washing tub to stir the water. The rotating shaft of the blade protrudes to the outside of the side surface of the washing tub, and the driving force is transmitted by a belt stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the protruding rotating shaft. And a control means for stopping the driving of the belt of the second washing machine in response to the output of the dehydration determining means.

According to the above construction, it is possible to stop the driving of the belt provided in the second washing machine while the first washing machine is dehydrating. Since vibration occurs when dehydration is performed in the first washing machine, it is possible to prevent the belt from coming off due to the vibration by stopping the driving of the belt of the second washing machine. A two-tub washing machine according to a third aspect is the two-tub washing machine according to the second aspect, wherein the dehydration determining means performs the dehydration within a predetermined time from the start of the dehydration or at a certain point during the dehydration. The feature is that it is to determine within a predetermined time until the end.

According to the above construction, the belt provided on the second washing machine is driven within a predetermined time from the start of the dehydration or within a predetermined time from a certain point during the dehydration to the end of the dehydration. It can be stopped. Within the above-mentioned predetermined time, the vibration generated in the first washing machine is particularly severe as compared with the steady-state dehydration except the above-mentioned predetermined time when the rotation speed of the stirring blade is constant. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the belt from being detached from the second washing device due to the vibration generated within the predetermined time.

In addition, during normal dehydration except during the predetermined time, the belt provided in the second washing machine can be driven, so that the washing time of the second washing machine is not prolonged. Further, the two-tub type washing machine according to claim 4,
It is provided with a first washing device and a second washing device disposed adjacent to each other, the first washing device is a device capable of performing dehydration, and the second washing device is an inner surface of a washing tub. The stirring blade is provided on the side of the washing tub, and the rotation axis of the stirring blade protrudes to the outside of the side surface of the washing tub, and the driving force is transmitted by a belt stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the protruding rotation axis. And a device capable of performing rinsing, a dehydration determining unit that determines that the first washing device is dehydration, and a laundry determining unit that determines that the second washing device is washing or rinsing. In response to the output of the dehydration determining means, the second washing machine waits for washing or rinsing, and / or in response to the output of the washing determining means, the first washing machine enters dehydration. With control means to wait for It is characterized in further comprising.

According to the above construction, while the first washing machine is dehydrating, it is possible to wait for the second washing machine to start washing or rinsing. Further, while the second washing device is washing or rinsing, the first washing device can wait for dehydration. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the belt from being detached from the second washing device due to the vibration generated during dehydration in the first washing device.

Further, in the second washing apparatus, the washing or rinsing operation is not interrupted on the way, so that the washing or rinsing efficiency is not lowered. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 5 comprises a first washing device and a second washing device which are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first washing device automatically performs washing, intermediate dehydration, and rinsing. And the second washing device is a device capable of performing washing and rinsing excluding dehydration, and the first washing device is configured to perform intermediate dehydration or dehydration. It is characterized in that it is provided with a judging means for judging, and a controlling means for causing a waiting state for a predetermined time before the first washing device enters intermediate dehydration or dehydration.

According to the above construction, the first washing machine can be put on standby for a predetermined time before the first washing machine enters intermediate dehydration or dehydration. Therefore, for example, the user can transfer the laundry that has been washed or rinsed by the second washing device to the first washing device, and after a predetermined time elapses,
It can be dehydrated with the first washing device. A two-tub washing machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the two-tub washing machine according to the fifth aspect, in response to the output of the determination means, the fact that the intermediate dehydration or the standby state before the dehydration is informed. It is characterized in that it further comprises notifying means.

According to the above construction, it is possible to notify that the first washing machine has entered the standby state before the intermediate dehydration or the dehydration. Therefore, the notification allows, for example, the user to know the opportunity to transfer the laundry from the second laundry machine.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a two-tub washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The two-tub washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 having a rectangular plan shape, a main washing device 20 housed in the housing 10, a sub-washing device 40 disposed adjacent to the main washing device 20, and a main washing device 40. The washing machine 20 and the sub-washing machine 40 are provided with a control unit (not shown). The control unit includes the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 4
0 and 0 can be operated independently, and separate washing can be performed according to the difference in the material of the laundry, the degree of dirt, and the like.

The main washing machine 20 has substantially the same construction as a well-known fully automatic washing machine, and can perform washing, rinsing and dehydration according to a command from the control section. The main washing device 20 includes an outer tub 21 for storing washing water therein, an inner tub 22 rotatably provided in the outer tub 21 for accommodating laundry, and a bottom portion in the inner tub 22. The inner tank 22
And a stirring blade 23 for stirring the washing water and the laundry therein. The outer tub 21 is supported by the housing 10 by a plurality of, for example, four suspension bars 28 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 21.

At the bottom of the outer tank 21, a drive mechanism 24 for driving the inner tank 22 and the stirring blades 23 is provided. The drive mechanism 24 includes a bearing portion 26 that rotatably supports the motor 25 as a drive source, the inner tank 22, and the stirring blade 23.
In addition, the belt 27 and the like are provided. The rotation of the motor 25 is transmitted to the bearing portion 26 via the belt 27, and is switched by a clutch (not shown) incorporated in the bearing portion 26 in accordance with washing or dehydration, so that the inner tub 22 and the stirring blade 2 are rotated.
3 is transmitted. The drive mechanism 24 rotates or rotates only the stirring blade 23 at the time of washing or rinsing, and rotates the inner tank 22 and the stirring blade 23 at a high speed in one direction at the time of dehydration.

A drain port 31 is formed on the bottom surface of the outer tank 21, and a drain pipe 32 is connected to the drain port 31. A drain valve 33 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 32, and by opening and closing the drain valve 33, the outer tank 2
The washing water can be stored in the inside of the container 1, or the washing water can be discharged from the outer tub 21. The sub-washing device 40 can perform washing and rinsing according to a command from the control unit. The sub-washing device 40 has a washing tub 41 for accommodating the washing water and the laundry therein, a stirring blade 42 for stirring the washing water and the laundry in the washing tub 41, and driving the stirring blade 42. And a drive mechanism 43 of.

The washing tub 41 has a bottom surface 41a and a bottom surface 41a.
A pair of opposing long side surfaces 41 rising from the periphery of the
b, 41c and a pair of opposing short side surfaces (not shown). The stirring blade 42 has a rotating shaft 4 extending in the horizontal direction.
6 is provided so as to be orthogonal to the long side surface 41b of the washing tub 41.

The drive mechanism 43 includes a motor 44 attached to the bottom surface of the housing 10, a small pulley 49 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 44, a large pulley 47 fixed to the rotating shaft 46 of the stirring blade 42, and a small pulley 49. A belt 48 is provided around the large pulley 47 in a substantially vertical direction. The rotation of the motor 44 is transmitted to the stirring blade 42 via the small pulley 49, the belt 48, and the large pulley 47.

A drainage port 34 is formed on the bottom surface of the washing tub 41, and a drainage pipe 35 is connected to the drainage port 34, and the drainage pipe 35 is extended integrally with the drainage pipe 32 to the outside of the machine. ing. A drain valve 36 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 35, and by opening and closing the drain valve 36, it is possible to store the wash water in the washing tub 41 or to discharge the washing water from the washing tub 41. You can

Further, the two-tub type washing machine 1 is provided with a water supply mechanism for supplying washing water to the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40. The water supply mechanism has one end connected to an external water supply facility (not shown) and the other end branched to a water supply pipe 51 led to the upper portions of the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40, the main washing device 20 and Water supply valves 52 and 53 for controlling the water supply to the sub-washing device 40 are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the connection structure of the control unit of the two-tub type washing machine 1. The control unit includes a microcomputer 71 as a control center, and the microcomputer 71 has a timer 71a built therein. An operation unit 72 for executing the washing operation of the main washing device 20 or the sub-washing device 40 is connected to the microcomputer 71. The operation unit 72 includes an operation key for operating the main washing machine 20 to perform a washing operation.
A "standard start" key 72a for independently executing 0 and a "pause / restart" key 72b for stopping or restarting the washing operation are provided. Further, in the operation unit 72, a "wash / rinse" key 72c for executing washing or rinsing, and a "water flow" for setting the water flow in the washing tub 41 are used as operation keys for the washing operation of the sub-washing device 40. A "set" key 72d, a "water supply" key 72e for supplying washing water, and a "drainage" key 72f for discharging washing water are provided.

A drive circuit 74 is connected to the microcomputer 71, and the drive circuit 74 is connected to the motor 2
5, a motor 44, a torque motor 29 for operating the clutch, a water supply valve 52, a water supply valve 53, a drain valve 33, a drain valve 36 and a buzzer 75 are connected. An input signal from the operation unit 72 is given to the microcomputer 71, and a control signal is given to the drive circuit 74 at a predetermined timing based on a program or data stored in a ROM, a RAM or the like (not shown), so that a motor and a valve Etc. operate and a predetermined washing operation is performed.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the on / off switching of the motors 25 and 44 and the flowing current. When washing or rinsing is performed, the motor 2
After being turned on for a fixed time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds), 5,44 are turned off for a fixed time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds), and this on / off is alternately repeated. Normally, the motor 25,4
Since 4 is driven intermittently as described above, the stirring blades 23, 4
2 is rotated intermittently.

When the motors 25 and 44 are turned on (see A in FIG. 3 (a)), an inrush current having a value that is at least twice the current value during steady energization of the motors 25 and 44 flows. After that, the motor current stabilizes as time passes (for example, 0.3 to 0.5 seconds). The on / off time of the motors 25 and 44, that is, the stirring blade 2
The rotation / stop time of 3, 42 is changed according to the strength of the water flow of the washing water in the outer tub 21 or the washing tub 41. The strength of the water flow can be set automatically or by the user's input operation of the "water flow setting" key 72d. When the water flow is set to be strong, the on time is lengthened,
When the water flow is set to weak, the on time is shortened. That is, the ON / OFF cycle of the motors 25 and 44 changes depending on the set water flow and is not always constant.

The feature of the motor drive control of this embodiment is that when the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 perform washing or rinsing in parallel, the timings of turning on the motor 25 and the motor 44 do not coincide. It has been adjusted to. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), for example, the motor 25 is turned on (see A _{1 in} FIG. 4 (a)) and the motor 44 is turned on.
The rising edge of ON (see B _{1 in} FIG. 4B) is shifted for a predetermined time.

In this way, the on-rising of each motor 25, 44 is shifted for a predetermined time, so that the motor 2
5 and the inrush current generated when the motor 44 is turned on are no longer superposed (see FIG. 4 (c)). Therefore, the load on the motors 25 and 44, the drive circuit 74, and the like can be reduced. In FIG. 4, for convenience, the ON / OFF cycles of the motor 25 and the motor 44 are the same, but in reality, the ON / OFF cycles of the motor 25 and the motor 44 are different from each other. When the rising edges of ON match, the timing of turning on one of them is delayed so that the rising edges of ON do not match.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the control of, for example, the sub-washing device 40 for realizing the motor drive control as described above. First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the motor 25 of the main washing machine 20 is on. If it is on, it waits for a certain time (step S
2) If not turned on, the process proceeds to step S3. This waiting time is a time (for example, 0.3 to 0.5 seconds) for shifting the rising edges of the motor 25 and the motor 44, and is measured by the timer 71a, for example.

Next, the motor 44 of the sub-washing device 40 is turned on (step S3), and if the on time of the motor 44 has elapsed (YES in step S4), the motor 44 is turned off (step S5). Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time for washing or rinsing preset by the user has elapsed (step S6). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1 and the series of processes is continued until the predetermined time for washing or rinsing elapses.

The above control contents are always performed during the washing and rinsing operation of the main washing device 20 or the sub-washing device 40, and are also performed in the washing and rinsing operation under the control of the washing operation described later. Is. Next, the features of the two-tub washing machine 1 relating to the washing operation will be described. The main features of the washing operation are the main washing machine 20.
During the dehydration, the sub-washing device 40 is put on standby for washing or rinsing.

When the main washing machine 20 is dehydrated, the inner tub 2
2 and the stirring blade 23 are rotated in one direction at high speed. Therefore, this rotation causes vibration in the outer tub 21 and the housing 10 which are suspended and supported by the suspension rod 28. At this time, if washing or rinsing is performed by the sub-washing device 40, that is, if the stirring blade 42 is rotated, the large pulley 47 is affected by the vibration.
Also, there is a possibility that the belt 48, which is stretched around the small pulley 49 in a substantially vertical direction, may come off. Therefore, while the main washing device 20 is dehydrating, the detachment of the belt 48 can be prevented by waiting for the washing or rinsing of the sub washing device 40, that is, by stopping the rotation of the stirring blade 42.

FIG. 6 is a schematic process diagram showing an example of the washing process of the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40. In this figure, a case where the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 are operated in parallel is shown. In the main washing machine 20,
As described above, a series of washing steps including washing, rinsing and dehydration is automatically performed. According to FIG. 6, first, a washing process including water supply, washing, drainage and intermediate dehydration is performed, and a shower rinsing process including shower water injection and intermediate dehydration is repeated twice to supply water, pool rinse,
A reservoir rinsing process consisting of drainage and dehydration is performed. Here, the intermediate dehydration is dehydration in which the washing water absorbed in the laundry is drained in advance in order to improve the rinsing efficiency by shower rinsing or pool rinsing. In addition, shower water injection is water injection in which the inner tub 22 is slowly rotated to soak the laundry evenly in order to loosen the laundry clinging to the inner tub 22 during the intermediate dehydration.

On the other hand, washing in the sub-washing device 40 is performed in response to the operation key provided on the operation section 72 being pressed by the user. According to FIG. 6, first, a washing process including water supply, washing, and drainage is performed, and a rinsing process including water supply, rinsing, and drainage is repeated three times. Since the sub-washing device 40 does not have a dehydration function, the laundry that has been rinsed is transferred to the main washing device 20 by the user and dehydrated (see C in FIG. 6) in the main washing device 20.

In this embodiment, when the sub-washing device 40 enters, for example, a rinse, if the main washing device 20 is subjected to, for example, intermediate dehydration, the sub-washing device 40 waits for the rinse until the end. (See D in FIG. 6). Also,
In this embodiment, even if the secondary washing device 40 is performing rinsing, for example, when the main washing device 20 enters intermediate dehydration, the operation of the main washing device 20 is prioritized and the rinsing of the secondary washing device 40 is on standby. (See E in FIG. 6). And
After the intermediate dewatering of the main washing device 20 is completed, the sub washing device 4
The 0 rinse is restarted. The sub-washing device 40 waits for its operation depending on the operating state of the main washing device 20,
The actual operating time of washing or rinsing does not change.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the control for washing or rinsing the sub-washing device 40, which realizes the above-mentioned washing operation control. First, the sub-washing device 40
It is determined whether or not is washing or rinsing (step S11). This determination is made based on whether or not the "wash / rinse" key 72c provided on the operation unit 72 is pressed.

If the result of the determination is that it is washing or rinsing, it is determined whether or not the main washing device 20 is dehydrating (step S12). This determination is made based on whether the torque motor 29 is turned on and the clutch is engaged. As a result of the determination, during the dehydration of the main washing machine 20,
It does not proceed to step S13. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the main washing device 20 is not dehydrated, the motor 44 of the sub washing device 40 is driven (step S13).

Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the sub-washing device 40 has been washed or rinsed for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is a time preset by the user as a time for washing or rinsing (for example, 10 minutes).
Minutes), during which washing or rinsing is performed. If the result of the determination in step S14 is that the predetermined time has not elapsed, it returns to step S12 and it is determined whether or not the main washing device 20 is dehydrated. That is, the secondary washing device 40
Even if the washing machine is in the middle of washing or rinsing, the main washing machine 20
If a person enters dehydration, that dehydration will be prioritized.

As described above, the state of the main washing device 20 is constantly monitored during the washing or rinsing by the sub washing device 40, and the washing or rinsing of the sub washing device 40 is performed while the main washing device 20 is dehydrated. Is stopped. As a result, it is possible to prevent the belt 48 of the sub-washing device 40 from coming off due to the vibration generated when the main washing device 20 is dehydrated. Next, a second embodiment of the washing operation control will be described with reference to FIG.

In the second embodiment, the washing or rinsing of the sub-washing device 40 is not waited for the entire dewatering period of the main washing device 20, but the washing of the sub-washing device 40 is performed only when the vibration is particularly large during the dewatering period. Or wait for rinsing. Specifically, the vibration of the inner tank 22 is large during the predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute) from the start of the dehydration due to the rising. Further, the vibration of the inner tank 22 is large during a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute) until the dehydration is completed. Therefore,
The main washing device 20 is dehydrating, and during the above time, for example, the secondary washing device 40 waits for rinsing (see G and F in FIG. 8). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the belt 48 of the sub-washing device 40 from coming off due to the influence of the vibration.

In addition, during the normal rotation of dehydration except for the above-mentioned predetermined time, the sub-washing device 40 is operated, so the washing operation time of the sub-washing device 40 is not so long. Such control is performed by performing step S12 of FIG. 7 and step S2 of FIG.
It can be realized by changing to 2. That is, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the main washing device 20 is within a predetermined time from the start of dehydration or within a predetermined time until the end of dehydration. In this determination, the timer 71a is started at the same time as the start of dehydration and the elapsed time of dehydration is measured,
It is determined whether or not the time point being clocked is within the predetermined time.

As a result of the determination in step S22, if the main washing device 20 is dehydrated within the predetermined time, step S13 in FIG.
Do not go to Next, a third embodiment of the washing operation control will be described. The feature of the third embodiment is that, while the main washing machine 20 is being dehydrated, the sub-washing machine 40 is kept waiting for washing or rinsing, and conversely, the main washing machine 20 is washed while the sub-washing machine 40 is being washed or rinsed. To wait for him to enter dehydration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, while the main washing device 20 is performing intermediate dewatering, for example, the sub-washing device 40 waits for rinsing (see H in FIG. 10). On the contrary, while the sub washing device 40 is rinsing, for example, the main washing device 20 waits for the intermediate dehydration (see J in FIG. 10). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detachment of the belt 48 of the sub washing device 40 due to the vibration caused by the dehydration of the main washing device 20. Further, since the sub-washing device 40 waits for intermediate dehydration or dehydration of the main washing device 20 during the washing or rinsing, the washing or rinsing of the sub-washing device 40 is not interrupted. Therefore, the washing operation time of the sub-washing device 40 can be saved and the efficiency of washing or rinsing is not reduced.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for realizing the washing operation control shown in FIG. First, in the control for washing and rinsing the sub-washing device 40 (see 11 (a)),
Although the control is substantially the same as the control according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the result processing in the determination of step S34 is different from step S14 of FIG. That is, if the predetermined time for washing or rinsing has not elapsed, the main washing device 2
Instead of proceeding to the process of determining whether 0 is dehydration (step S32), the process of driving the motor 44 of the sub-washing device 40 (step S33) is performed. This treatment allows uninterrupted washing or rinsing.

The control for dehydrating the main washing machine 20 (see 11 (b)) will be briefly described.
Is determined to be dehydrating (YES in step S41)
S), it is determined whether the sub-washing device 40 is washing or rinsing (step S42). If the result of the determination is that it is washing or rinsing, the process does not proceed to step S43.
If the result of determination in step S42 is not washing or rinsing, the motor 25 of the main washing device 20 is driven for dehydration for a predetermined time (steps S43, S4).
4).

Next, a fourth embodiment of the washing operation control will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, when the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 are operated in parallel, each dehydration of the main washing device 20 is temporarily held. While waiting, the user can transfer the laundry that has been washed or rinsed in the secondary washing device 40 to the main washing device 20, and then finish the washing or rinsing of the transferred laundry in the main washing device 20. Can be dehydrated with laundry.

In FIG. 12, a mode in which the main washing machine 20 is independently operated (hereinafter, referred to as "standard mode") and a mode in which the sub-washing apparatus 40 is operated (hereinafter, referred to as "simultaneous proceeding mode"). Are shown respectively. Whether the washing is performed in the standard mode or the simultaneous progress mode is determined by, for example, the operation of the setting key by the user.

In the simultaneous advancing mode, when the main washing device 20 enters the intermediate dehydration or dehydration, the intermediate washing or dehydration of the main washing device 20 is awaited (see K, L, M and N in FIG. 12). At this time, the user can transfer the laundry that has been washed or rinsed by the sub-washing device 40 to the main washing device 20 (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 12. Note that the broken line arrow corresponds to any of the arrows. Indicates that the laundry should be moved in). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, intermediate dehydration or dehydration is automatically performed.

According to this embodiment, for example, a laundry having a large amount of dirt is washed and rinsed by the sub-washing apparatus 40, and when the dirt is sufficiently removed, it is transferred to the main washing apparatus 20 and washed by the main washing apparatus 20. Dewatering can be done with the rinsed laundry. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately perform dewatering only for the laundry that has been washed and rinsed in the sub-washing device 40, and it is possible to save the washing time as a whole. Therefore,
It can be used as a two-tank washing machine that is easy to use.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the above washing operation control. In the control, first, it is determined whether the main washing device 20 is in the intermediate dehydration or the dehydration (step S).
51). If the result of the determination is that there is intermediate dehydration or dehydration, the buzzer 75 sounds to notify (step S).
52). This notification allows the user to know the opportunity to move the laundry.

In step S53, the auxiliary washing device 40
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) for moving the laundry to the main washing machine 20 has passed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has passed, the motor 25 is driven for a fixed time in the main washing machine 20 for the dehydration operation (steps S54 and S55). FIG. 14 shows the main washing machine 2
It is a flowchart for switching the washing operation mode of 0 (standard mode or simultaneous progress mode).

When the washing operation mode is switched from the standard mode to the simultaneous advancing mode, any operation key relating to the sub-washing device 40 is input while the main washing device 20 is being washed. According to FIG. 14, when any operation key is input, the operation key is the operation key related to the main washing machine 20,
Alternatively, it is determined whether the operation key is for the sub-washing device 40 (step S61 or S68). For example, if any operation key for the sub-washing device 40 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S69, and it is determined whether or not the main washing device 20 is operating.

Since the main washing machine 20 is operating in the standard mode, the process proceeds to step S70 and the washing mode is changed from the standard mode to the simultaneous advancing mode. Then, the input operation key is discriminated (step S71), and the process corresponding to the input operation key is executed (steps S72 to S7).
5). Also, when the main washing machine 20 is not in operation (NO in step S69), the process proceeds to step S71, and the process corresponding to the operation key is executed.

When the washing operation mode is switched from the simultaneous operation mode to the standard mode, the program is temporarily stopped and the operation key for executing the standard mode is input.
While the main washing machine 20 is operating in the simultaneous advancing mode, the main washing machine 20 waits before intermediate dehydration and after the laundry is moved from the sub-washing machine 40, the main washing machine 20 waits before the next intermediate dehydration. It's a waste of time. Therefore, it is possible to switch from the simultaneous mode to the standard mode.

According to FIG. 14, when it is determined in step S61 that the operation key for the main washing machine 20 has been input, it is determined whether the main washing machine 20 is operating (step S62). Since the main washing machine 20 is operating in the simultaneous progress mode, the process proceeds to step S66, it is determined whether or not the "pause / restart" key 72b is pressed, and if the key is pressed, the program is stopped. (Step S67).

In order to restart the main washing machine 40,
Press the "standard start" key 72a or the "pause / restart" key 72b. That is, step S6
1, it is determined that the operation key for the main washing machine 20 has been input, and in step S62, the main washing machine 20 is pressed.
Is not operating. Then, in step S63
In, for example, if the "standard start" key 72a is pressed, the main washing machine 20 is operated in the standard mode thereafter (step S64). If the "pause / restart" key 72b is pressed, the stopped program is restarted (step S65). That is, the simultaneous progress mode is restarted.

Although the description of the present embodiment has been given above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are made within the scope of the technical matters described in the claims. It is possible.

[0060]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the drive start timings of the motors of the first washing machine and the second washing machine can be adjusted so as not to coincide with each other. For example, an inrush current generated at the timing of starting the driving of each motor is not superimposed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on, for example, the motor and the drive circuit, and to provide a highly reliable two-tub washing machine.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the drive of the belt provided in the second washing device can be stopped while the first washing device is being dehydrated. It is possible to prevent the belt from being detached from the second washing device due to the vibration generated during the dehydration. Therefore, a two-tub washing machine with improved device reliability can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the vibration on the side of the first washing machine becomes particularly violent within a predetermined time from the start of the dehydration or within a predetermined time from a certain point during the dehydration to the end of the dehydration. Since the driving of the belt provided in the second washing machine can be stopped, it is possible to prevent the belt from being detached from the second washing machine due to, for example, the vibration generated during the dehydration of the first washing machine. Further, during the normal dehydration except during the predetermined time, the belt provided in the second washing device can be driven, so that the washing time of the second washing device is not prolonged. According to the invention of claim 4, while the first washing machine is dehydrating, it is possible to wait for the second washing machine to start washing or rinsing. Also, while the second washing machine is washing or rinsing,
It is possible to wait for the first washing machine to enter dehydration. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the belt of the second washing device from coming off due to the vibration that occurs during the dehydration of the first washing device, and to wash the second washing device while the first washing device is on standby. Since the rinsing is performed, the washing time of the second washing machine is not prolonged.

According to the fifth or sixth aspect of the present invention, the first washing machine can be put on standby for a predetermined time before the first washing machine starts the intermediate dehydration or the start of dehydration. The laundry that has been washed or rinsed in the second washing machine can be transferred to the first washing machine,
After the lapse of a predetermined time, it can be dehydrated by the first washing device. Therefore, the two-tub type washing machine can be easily used.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 6, the first
It is possible to notify that the washing machine has entered the standby state before intermediate dehydration or dehydration is started. Therefore, the notification allows the user to know the opportunity to transfer the laundry from the second laundry machine. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient two-tub washing machine.

[Brief description of 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 block diagram showing a connection configuration of a control unit of this two-tub washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the on / off switching of the motor and the flowing current.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are timing charts showing on / off times of the motors in the two motors, and FIG. 4 (c) is a schematic waveform chart of the two superimposed motor currents.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control of the sub-washing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic process diagram showing a washing process of the main washing device and the sub-washing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control for washing or rinsing the sub-washing device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic process diagram showing a washing process of a main washing device and a sub-washing device of the two-tub washing machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control for washing or rinsing the sub-washing device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic process diagram showing a washing process of a main washing device and a sub washing device of the two-tub washing machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control for washing or rinsing the sub-washing device and control for dehydrating the main washing device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic process diagram showing a washing process of a main washing device and a sub-washing device of the two-tub washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing control for dehydration of the main washing device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for switching a washing operation mode according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 Main Washing Machine 23,42 Stirring Blade 25,44 Motor 40 Sub-Washing Machine 71 Microcomputer 75 Buzzer

Front page continued (72) Inventor Shigeki Yoshida 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Naoki Kitayama 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A first washing device and a second washing device, which are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the first washing device rotates a stirring blade provided in a washing tub and the stirring blade intermittently. The second washing device includes an agitator provided in the washing tub and a motor that is intermittently driven to rotate the agitator intermittently. A two-tub washing machine, which is provided with an adjusting unit that adjusts the drive start timings of both motors so that the drive start timings of the motors of both machines do not match. 2. A first washing device and a second washing device, which are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the first washing device is a device capable of performing dehydration, and the second washing device is A stirring blade is provided on the inner side surface of the washing tub, and the rotating shaft of the stirring blade projects to the outside of the side surface of the washing tub, and the driving force is transmitted by a belt stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the protruding rotating shaft. And a control means for stopping the driving of the belt of the second washing machine in response to the output of the dehydration determining means. A two-tub washing machine characterized by comprising: 3. The dehydration determination means determines within a predetermined time from the start of dehydration or within a predetermined time from a certain point during the dehydration to the end of the dehydration. Two-tank washing machine. 4. A first washing device and a second washing device arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the first washing device is a device capable of performing dehydration, and the second washing device is A stirring blade is provided on the inner side surface of the washing tub, and the rotating shaft of the stirring blade projects to the outside of the side surface of the washing tub, and the driving force is transmitted by a belt stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the protruding rotating shaft. The device is a device that can perform washing and rinsing, and is configured to determine that the first washing device is dehydration and that the second washing device is washing or rinsing. In response to the outputs of the laundry determining means and the spin-drying determining means, the second washing device is put on standby for washing or rinsing, and / or the first laundry is responsive to the output of the laundry determining means. Wait for equipment to enter dehydration Double-chamber type washing machine, characterized in that it comprises a control means for causing. 5. A first washing device and a second washing device disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the first washing device can automatically perform washing, intermediate dewatering, rinsing and dewatering sequentially. The second washing device is a device that can perform washing and rinsing except dehydration, and a determining unit that determines whether the first washing device enters intermediate dehydration or dehydration; A two-tank type washing machine comprising: a control unit that causes a standby state for a predetermined time before the washing device enters intermediate dehydration or dehydration. 6. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 5, further comprising an informing unit in response to the output of the determining unit, for informing that the intermediate dehydration or the standby state before the dehydration is in progress.