Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a washing machine having a plurality of washtubs and a control method thereof. In the washing machine having a plurality of washtubs, if it is determined that a washtub that is not in operation is present, dozens of liters of water used in a washtub that is in operation are moved into and stored in the non-operating washtub rather than being discharged to the outside. The moved water may be utilized in a following washing or rinsing stage of the washtub, or a washing or rinsing stage of the other washtub.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2009-41234, filed May 12, 2009, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]This application generally relates to a washing machine that is capable of recycling rinse water.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Generally, a washing machine (i.e. a conventional drum washing machine) includes a single washtub, in which dirty laundry is washed using water and detergent. To wash laundry, the washing machine performs a series of operations, such as a washing stage, rinsing stage, dehydrating stage, etc.[0006]With respect to laundry washing, it may often be impossible to wash all laundry in a single washtub due to differences in the type or quality thereof. Thus, in the case of a washing machine having a single washtub, a user may need to sort different clothing that is difficult to wa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a washing machine with multiple washtubs and a control method to reduce the amount of water used in the machine. The control method includes determining which washtub is in operation and if movement of water is needed. The water is then moved to another washtub that is not in operation. This reduces the amount of water needed for the washing process. The invention also includes a water moving device to transfer water between the washtubs and a controller to manage the movement of water. The technical effects of the invention include reducing water consumption, improving energy efficiency, and improving the overall performance of the washing machine.

Problems solved by technology

With respect to laundry washing, it may often be impossible to wash all laundry in a single washtub due to differences in the type or quality thereof.

Thus, in the case of a washing machine having a single washtub, a user may need to sort different clothing that is difficult to wash together, to wash the clothing separately.

This causes inconvenience due to separate washing and forces the user to operate the washing machine several times (e.g., two times), resulting in a serious waste of time and energy.

In addition, if a large-capacity washtub is used to wash only a small quantity of laundry, operating the large-capacity washtub causes unnecessary power consumption.

The entire washing operation of a washing machine is divided into a washing stage, rinsing stage, and dehydrating stage, and causes consumption of considerable water because wash water used in the rising stage is directly discharged to the outside rather than being recycled.

Moreover, the rinsing stage may be carried out at least three times and in the extreme case, five or six times based on the quantity of laundry or the user's selection, causing an increase in the consumption of water.

In particular, disposing water used in the last one of several rinsing strokes without recycling despite the water being relatively clean may problematically increase the usage of water in a washing machine.

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