U.S. patent application number 12/292556 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Jong Hee Han, Ho II Jeon, Myung Shik Kim.
Application Number | 20090145174 12/292556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40267947 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Myung Shik ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
Washing machine
Abstract
The present invention relates a washing machine having two
laundry holding spaces within one cabinet. The washing machine
includes a cabinet, a main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet
having a space for holding laundry, and a supplementary drum
rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding
laundry.
Inventors: |
Kim; Myung Shik;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Jeon; Ho II; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Han; Jong Hee; (Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Yeongdeungpo-gu
KR
|
Family ID: |
40267947 |
Appl. No.: |
12/292556 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/145 20130101;
D06F 39/125 20130101; D06F 23/02 20130101; D06F 29/005 20130101;
D06F 31/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/27 |
International
Class: |
D06F 31/00 20060101
D06F031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0118963 |
Claims
1. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a main drum rotatably
mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; and a
supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space
for holding laundry.
2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cabinet
includes a partition for dividing an inside space of the cabinet to
enable mounting of the main drum and the supplementary drum.
3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
supplementary drum is positioned under the main drum.
4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main
drum and a second water supply unit for supplying the washing water
to the supplementary drum.
5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
first drain unit for draining the washing water from the main drum
and a second drain unit for draining the washing water from the
supplementary drum.
6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
door mounted to the supplementary drum for introducing laundry to
the supplementary drum.
7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
supplementary drum includes a rotation shaft mounted in a direction
vertical to a bottom surface of the cabinet.
8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
first driving unit for transmitting power to the main drum and a
second driving unit for transmitting power to the supplementary
drum.
9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a
water holding tub for holding the washing water, the water holding
tub having the supplementary drum housed therein and a rotation
shaft passed therethrough and the second driving unit is mounted on
one side of the water holding tub.
10. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a main drum rotatably
mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding laundry; a
supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space
for holding laundry; and a drawer for housing the supplementary
drum, the drawer being drawable in a front direction of the
cabinet.
11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cabinet
includes a partition for dividing an inside space of the cabinet to
enable mounting of the main drum and the supplementary drum.
12. The washing machine as claimed in claim 10, further comprising
a first water supply unit for supplying washing water to the main
drum and a second water supply unit for supplying the washing water
to the supplementary drum.
13. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second
water supply unit includes; a water holding tub in the drawer for
holding the washing water supplied to the supplementary drum, the
water holding tub housing the supplementary drum, and a water
supply pipe connected to the water holding tub for flowing of the
washing water.
14. The washing machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water
supply pipe is constructed of a material which is extendable in a
drawing direction of the drawer with respect to the cabinet.
15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
supplementary drum includes a rotation shaft mounted in a direction
vertical to a bottom surface of the cabinet.
16. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, further comprising
a first driving unit for transmitting power to the main drum and a
second driving unit for transmitting power to the supplementary
drum.
17. The washing machine as claimed in claim 16, further comprising
a water holding tub in the drawer for holding the washing water
supplied to the supplementary drum, the water holding tub having
the supplementary drum housed therein, and the second driving unit
is mounted on one side of the water holding tub.
18. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, further comprising
a door on a top of the supplementary drum, the door can be
opened/closed for introduction of the laundry into the
supplementary drum when the drawer is drawn out of the cabinet.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the Patent Korean
Application No. 10-2007-0118963, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, which is
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to washing machine, and more
particularly, to a washing machine having two laundry holding
spaces within one cabinet.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] In general, the washing machine is a device for washing or
drying laundry or washing and drying the laundry. Recently, the
washing machines are provided with steam supply units additionally
for performing a refresh function for removing wrinkles or smell
from the laundry.
[0006] In the meantime, in related art washing machines, there are
front loading type washing machines and top loading type washing
machines depending on a direction of laundry introduction, and
vertical shaft type washing machines in which pulsators or washing
tubs rotate and horizontal type washing machines in which
horizontally laid drums rotate depending on a washing type.
[0007] In general, each home has one large sized washing machine.
Therefore, if it is intended to wash the laundry sorted by kinds,
it is required to operate the washing machine many times.
[0008] For an example, if it is intended to wash the laundry,
sorting the laundry into large volume laundry, such as laundry from
grown-up persons and blankets, and small volume laundry, such as
baby clothes and undergarments, it is required to operate the
washing machine once more for washing the small sized laundry after
finishing washing of the large sized laundry.
[0009] Accordingly, the washing and drying by using only one
washing machine causes the following problems.
[0010] First, the many times of operation of the washing machine
for washing the small volume laundry increases power consumption
and a washing time period.
[0011] Second, since a general washing machine has no washing
course for fine laundry, washing fine laundry, such as undergarment
which is susceptible to damage, with the general washing machine is
not suitable.
[0012] Third, if a user purchase a small sized washing machine for
washing the small volume laundry additionally, an additional space
for installation of the small sized washing machine and an expense
therefor is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing
machine.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing
machine which can wash laundry, sorting the laundry into large
volume laundry and small volume laundry for saving a washing time
period and an energy required for washing.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
washing machine which has a simple structure and can reduce a
production cost by forming two laundry holding spaces within one
washing machine body.
[0016] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0017] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a washing machine includes a cabinet, a
main drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for
holding laundry, and a supplementary drum rotatably mounted in the
cabinet having a space for holding laundry.
[0018] The cabinet may include a partition for dividing an inside
space of the cabinet to enable mounting of the main drum and the
supplementary drum.
[0019] The supplementary drum may be positioned under the main
drum.
[0020] The washing machine may further include a first water supply
unit for supplying washing water to the main drum and a second
water supply unit for supplying the washing water to the
supplementary drum.
[0021] The washing machine may further include a first drain unit
for draining the washing water from the main drum and a second
drain unit for draining the washing water from the supplementary
drum.
[0022] The washing machine may further include a door mounted to
the supplementary drum for introducing laundry to the supplementary
drum.
[0023] The supplementary drum may include a rotation shaft mounted
in a direction vertical to a bottom surface of the cabinet.
[0024] The washing machine may further include a first driving unit
for transmitting power to the main drum and a second driving unit
for transmitting power to the supplementary drum.
[0025] The washing machine may further include a water holding tub
for holding the washing water, the water holding tub having the
supplementary drum housed therein and a rotation shaft passed
therethrough and the second driving unit is mounted on one side of
the water holding tub.
[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, a washing
machine includes a cabinet, a main drum rotatably mounted in the
cabinet having a space for holding laundry, a supplementary drum
rotatably mounted in the cabinet having a space for holding
laundry, and a drawer for housing the supplementary drum, the
drawer being drawable in a front direction of the cabinet.
[0027] The cabinet includes a partition for dividing an inside
space of the cabinet to enable mounting of the main drum and the
supplementary drum.
[0028] The washing machine may further include a first water supply
unit for supplying washing water to the main drum and a second
water supply unit for supplying the washing water to the
supplementary drum.
[0029] The second water supply unit may include a water holding tub
in the drawer for holding the washing water supplied to the
supplementary drum, the water holding tub housing the supplementary
drum, and a water supply pipe connected to the water holding tub
for flowing of the washing water.
[0030] The water supply pipe may be constructed of a material which
is extendable in a drawing direction of the drawer with respect to
the cabinet.
[0031] The supplementary drum may include a rotation shaft mounted
in a direction vertical to a bottom surface of the cabinet.
[0032] The washing machine may further include a first driving unit
for transmitting power to the main drum and a second driving unit
for transmitting power to the supplementary drum.
[0033] The washing machine may further include a water holding tub
in the drawer for holding the washing water supplied to the
supplementary drum, the water holding tub having the supplementary
drum housed therein, and the second driving unit is mounted on one
side of the water holding tub.
[0034] The washing machine may further include a door on a top of
the supplementary drum, the door can be opened/closed for
introduction of the laundry into the supplementary drum when the
drawer is drawn out of the cabinet.
[0035] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a washing machine in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer in a
washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] The washing machine in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 1.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 includes a
cabinet 20 which forms an exterior of the washing machine 10, and a
control panel 15 on a top surface of the cabinet 20.
[0045] The control panel 15 includes a control unit for controlling
operation of the washing machine, and a display unit for displaying
an operation state. According to this, by handling the control
panel 15, the user can treat the laundry.
[0046] In the meantime, the washing machine 10 may include a
support 30 for supporting the cabinet 20. The cabinet 20 is placed
on a top of the support 30.
[0047] The support 30 serves to support the washing machine.
However, since the support 30 is separate from the cabinet 20, to
require fastening the cabinet 20 to the support 30 with fastening
means, such as bolts, and so on, to require components
additionally, fabrication of the washing machine becomes
complicate.
[0048] Therefore, it is preferable that the support 30 is
fabricated as one unit with the cabinet 20. Accordingly, a washing
machine will be described, which has the support 30 fabricated as
one unit with the cabinet 20.
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a washing
machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0050] The washing machine in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing machine 100 includes
a cabinet 200 which forms an exterior of the washing machine 100, a
main drum 300 rotatably mounted in the cabinet 200 for forming a
space for holding large volume laundry, and a supplementary drum
500 rotatably mounted to the cabinet 200 for forming a space for
holding small volume laundry.
[0052] Accordingly, since both the large volume laundry and the
small volume laundry can be treated with one washing machine
without requiring a washing machine for treating the small volume
laundry additionally, user's convenience can be improved. Moreover,
in comparison to a case when both the large volume laundry and the
small volume laundry are washed with separate washing machines
respectively, the washing time period and the power consumption can
be reduced.
[0053] Both the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500 are
mounted to one cabinet 200 which forms an exterior of the laundry
washing machine 100, wherein a partition 210 (See FIG. 3) separates
mounting positions of the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum
500.
[0054] According to this, since the main drum 300 and the
supplementary drum 500 can be mounted to one cabinet 200 together,
the cabinet 200 can have a simple structure, and cost and time
required for fabrication of an additional cabinet can be saved.
[0055] The washing machine of the present invention will be
described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. The main drum
300, positioned over the supplementary drum 500, washes or dries
the large volume laundry. The main drum 300 has a rotation shaft at
one side for rotating the main drum 300. The rotation shaft is
mounted in the cabinet 200 parallel to the partition 210.
[0056] An outer tub 360 is mounted to an outside of the main drum
300 additionally for holding washing water, and a main drum door
310 may be mounted to a front of the cabinet 200 for the main drum
300 for introduction of the laundry to the main drum 300.
[0057] The main drum door 310 can be opened/closed for enabling
introduction of the laundry to the main drum 300. Doors of types
other than shown in the drawing may be employed as far as above
function can be made.
[0058] In the meantime, though not shown, a vertical shaft type
washing machine is also viable, in which the main drum 300 rotates
round a vertical shaft which is vertical to the partition 210 for
washing or drying the laundry.
[0059] The control panel 110 is mounted on a top of the cabinet
200. The control panel 110 controls operation of the main drum 300
and the supplementary drum 500, and displays operation states of
the main drum 300 and the supplementary drum 500. Therefore, by
handling the control panel 110, the user can wash or dry the
laundry.
[0060] In the meantime, the supplementary drum 500 has a
configuration for washing or drying the small volume laundry. The
supplementary drum is rotated by a rotation shaft which is vertical
to a bottom surface of the cabinet 200, and has a plurality of pass
through holes in a side wall for flow in/out of the washing
water.
[0061] The supplementary drum 500 has a water holding tub 530 on an
outside of the supplementary drum 500 for holding the washing
water, additionally.
[0062] The supplementary drum 500 may be positioned over or under
the main drum 300. However, because frequency of washing the small
volume laundry is lower than frequency of washing the large volume
laundry, it is preferable that the supplementary drum 500 is
positioned under the main drum 300.
[0063] In addition to this, the washing machine 100 includes a
drawer 400 for housing the supplementary drum 500 and being
drawable in a front direction of the cabinet 200. The drawer 400
includes a front panel 410 which forms a front exterior of the
drawer, and a drum housing portion 420 which is a space for housing
the supplementary drum 500 therein.
[0064] The drawer 400 includes a frame 524 for covering the drawer
400, and it is preferable that the frame 524 and the water holding
tub 530 are formed as one unit. A supplementary drum door 510 (See
FIG. 4) may be mounted to a top of the water holding tub 530 for
introduction of the small volume laundry.
[0065] Though not shown in the drawing, the supplementary drum door
510 may include a variety of locking device for locking the
supplementary drum door 510. The supplementary drum door 510 can
prevent the washing water from splashing to an outside of the
supplementary drum 500.
[0066] In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3, the drawer 400 has a
second driving unit mounted therein for transmission of a driving
power to the supplementary drum 500. The second driving unit may be
provided separate from the first driving unit 350 which transmits a
driving power to the main drum 300.
[0067] For an example, the second driving unit includes a motor 150
for transmission of rotating force to the supplementary drum 500,
together with a driving pulley 152 connected to the rotation shaft
of the motor 150, a follower pulley 156 connected to a rotation
shaft of the supplementary drum 500, and a belt 154 which connects
the driving pulley 152 to the follower pulley 156.
[0068] If the motor 150 rotates, the follower pulley 156 rotates
through the driving pulley 152 and the belt 154, and if the
supplementary drum 500 rotates accordingly, washing functions, such
as washing, rinsing and spinning courses, can be performed. In the
meantime, it is preferable that the motor 150 is reversible.
[0069] In a case only the supplementary drum 500 is put into
operation for washing the small volume laundry, the control unit
(not shown) drives only the second driving unit which is provided
separate from the first driving unit 350. According to this, power
consumption required for the washing can be reduced.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer in a
washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. A position of the motor 150 will be described in
detail with reference to FIG. 4. If the supplementary drum 500 is
housed in the drawer 400, there can be spaces S formed at corners
of the drawer 400. Therefore, the motor 150 can be mounted on a
side of the supplementary drum 500.
[0071] In other words, the motor 150 can be mounted in the space S
formed between the water holding tub 530 and the drawer 400.
[0072] Though not shown, the motor 150 may be mounted to an outside
surface of the water holding tub 530.
[0073] In this case, the washing machine of the present invention
can reduce a size of the drawer 400 in comparison to a case when
the motor 150 is mounted under the supplementary drum 500.
[0074] Another configuration of the washing machine of the present
invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3, wherein the
first driving unit 350 is mounted in rear of the main drum 300, and
only the main drum 300 is driven when the large volume laundry is
washed.
[0075] In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3, a second water supply
unit is mounted in the drawer 400 for supplying the washing water
to the supplementary drum 500. The second water supply unit may be
provided separate from a first water supply unit 330 which supplies
the washing water to the main drum 300.
[0076] For an example, the second water supply unit includes a
water supply pipe 134 and a water supply valve 132 for supplying
the washing water to an upper portion of the water holding tub 530.
The water supply pipe 134 has one end connected to the upper
portion of the water holding tub 530, and the other end fixed to an
outside wall of the drawer 400. The water supply valve 132 may be
mounted to the water supply pipe 134.
[0077] Particularly, it is preferable that the water supply pipe
134 is constructed of a material, or has a structure which is
extendable in a drawing direction of the drawer, because it is
required that the water supply pipe is extendable when the drawer
400 is drawn in a front direction of the cabinet 200.
[0078] The first water supply unit 330 is connected to a top of the
main drum 300 for supplying the washing water to the main drum.
[0079] In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3, a second drain unit is
mounted in the drawer 400 for draining the washing water from the
supplementary drum 500 to an outside of the washing machine. The
second drain unit may be provided separate from a first drain unit
320 which drains the washing water from the main drum 300 to an
outside of the washing machine.
[0080] For an example, the second drain unit may include a drain
pipe 124 and a drain pump 122 for draining the washing water. The
drain pipe 124 has one end connected to an underside of the water
holding tub 530, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the
drawer 400. The drain pipe 124 has a drain pump 122 mounted
thereto, and alike to the water supply pipe 134, it is preferable
that the drain pipe 124 is constructed of a material, or has a
structure which is extendable in a drawing direction of the
drawer.
[0081] The first drain unit is connected to an underside of the
main drum 300 for draining the washing water having finished the
washing to an outside of the washing machine.
[0082] The operation of the washing machine in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0083] If the user intends to wash the large volume laundry, the
main drum door 310 is opened, the laundry is introduced through the
main drum door 310, and the main drum door 310 is closed.
[0084] Then, upon applying an operation order for operating the
main drum to the control panel 110, the control unit (not shown)
controls to supply the washing water from the first water supply
unit 330 to the outer tub 360.
[0085] Then, after washing the laundry by rotating the main drum
300 with the first driving unit 350, the washing water is drained
to an outside of the washing machine through the first drain unit
320.
[0086] On the other hand, if the user intends to wash the small
volume laundry, after the user draws the drawer in the cabinet 100
in a front direction of the cabinet 100, the user opens the
supplementary drum door 510. Then, the user closes the
supplementary drum door 510 after introducing the small volume
laundry, and pushes the drawer 400 into the cabinet 100.
[0087] Thereafter, the user applies an operation order for the
supplementary drum 500 to the control panel 110, and supplies the
washing water from the second water supply unit to the water
holding tub 530 under the control of the control unit. Once the
supply of the washing water is finished, the motor 150 rotates the
supplementary drum 500 to wash the laundry in the supplementary
drum 500, and the washing water used in the washing is drained to
an outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe 124.
[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0089] As has been described, the washing machine of the present
invention has the following advantages.
[0090] First, the provision of single washing machine which can
treat the laundry, sorting the laundry into large volume laundry
and small volume laundry, permits to reduce a washing time period
and an energy required for the washing.
[0091] Second, since no additional space for installation of the
small capacity washing machine is required, the washing deice has
no limitation on an installation space.
[0092] Third, the two spaces for holding laundry within one body
permits to provide a washing machine which can reduce a production
cost and have a simple structure.
* * * * *