Washing machine and method of controlling the same

Abstract

A washing machine which prevents wash water in a plurality of tubs from being simultaneously drained, and a method of controlling the washing machine. The washing machine includes a plurality of tubs, a plurality of drain devices to discharge wash water in the plurality of tubs to the outside, and a control device connected to the plurality of tubs to selectively drain the wash water in the plurality of tubs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2009-0038562, filed on Apr. 30, 2009 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]Embodiments relate to a drain structure of a washing machine with a plurality of tubs, in which laundries are divisionally washed according to volumes and kinds of laundry, and a method of controlling drainage of the washing machine.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In general, washing machines (usually, drum washing machines) are apparatuses which include one tub and wash contaminated laundry using water and a detergent. Each washing machine performs washing of laundry through a series of cycles including a wash cycle, in which laundry is put into a tub and contaminants are removed from the laundry using water containing a detergent (specifically, wash water), a rinse cycle, in which foam an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a washing machine with multiple tubs that can selectively drain wash water from each tub to the outside, using drain devices and a control device to selectively open and close the tubs. This prevents simultaneous draining of the tubs, reducing manufacturing expenses. Additionally, the invention includes a method to selectively drain the tubs using a single drain device and a single drain valve, which simplifies the control device. The technical effects of the invention include improved drainage efficiency, reduced manufacturing expenses, and simplified control device.

Problems solved by technology

However, laundries may not be put into one tub due to difference in kinds or materials of the laundries.

In this case, since the separate washing causes inconvenience and the washing machine needs to be operated several times (for example, twice), time and energy waste is severe.

Further, in a case where a small amount of laundry needs to be washed, a washing machine having a large-capacity tub causes unnecessary power waste due to the driving of the large-capacity tub.

However, when the two washing machines simultaneously perform drain or spin-dry cycles respectively, wash water may overflow a sewer due to a limited sewerage capacity of a mounting space.

Further, since each washing machine requires a drain device, manufacturing expenses are increased, and drain cycles of the two washing machines cannot be articulately controlled.

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