Patent application title: WASHING MACHINE WITH A PLURALITY OF TANKS AND WASHING METHOD THEREOF
Inventors:
Hsiao-Hsuan Chou (Hsinchu County, TW)
IPC8 Class: AD06F3900FI
USPC Class:
1 1
Class name:
Publication date: 2017-06-08
Patent application number: 20170159226
Abstract:
A washing machine with a plurality of tanks and the washing method
thereof are disclosed. In the present invention, the tanks of the washing
machine are determined to wash individually or alternately, water and
washing medium are also determined to be recycled or not. By using the
washing machine of the present invention, water, washing medium and the
washing procedures can be reduced.Claims:
1. A washing method comprising steps of: putting washing into a first
tank and a second tank; providing a washing medium and water into the
first tank; driving the first tank to perform a first washing procedure;
draining water and the washing medium out of the first tank and
conducting the water and the washing medium to the second tank; driving
the second tank to perform a second washing procedure; and draining the
water and the washing medium out of the second tank.
2. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of conducting the water and the washing medium to a third tank after the step of draining the water and the washing medium out of the second tank.
3. The washing method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a step of driving the third tank to perform a third washing procedure.
4. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of conducting the water and the washing medium to the first tank.
5. A washing machine with a plurality of tanks, comprising: a first tank and a second tank; an inlet pipe connected to the first tank for conducting water into the first tank; a first main pipe connected between the first tank and the second tank for conducting the water from the first tank to the second tank; an outlet pipe connected to the second tank for conducting the water out of the second tank; at least one driving unit connected to the first tank and the second tank; and a control system connected to the at least one driving unit for controlling the at least one driving unit to drive the first tank and the second tank to rotate.
6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second main pipe connected between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe for conducting the water from the second tank to the first tank.
7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a first inlet device disposed in the inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct the water to the inlet pipe from the second main pipe or the inlet opening.
8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second inlet device disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the second tank and connected to the control system, wherein the second inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct the water to the second tank from the first main pipe or the inlet opening.
9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a first outlet device disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the first tank and connected to the control system, wherein the first outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the first tank to the first main pipe or out of the first main pipe through the outlet opening.
10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a second outlet device disposed in the outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the second tank to the second main pipe or out of the outlet pipe through the outlet opening.
11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, further comprising at least one pump disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the first tank, the outlet pipe, or both of the first main pipe at the end adjacent to the first tank and the outlet pipe.
12. A washing machine with a plurality of tanks, comprising: a first tank and a second tank; a main pipe; a first inlet pipe and a first outlet pipe connected between the first tank and the main pipe respectively; a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe connected between the second tank and the main pipe respectively; at least one driving unit connected to the first tank and the second tank; and a control system connected to the at least one driving unit for controlling the at least one driving unit to drive the first tank and the second tank to rotate.
13. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a first inlet device disposed in the first inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the first tank from the first inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the first inlet device.
14. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a second inlet device disposed in the second inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the second tank from the second inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the second inlet device.
15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a first outlet device disposed in the first outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct water from the first tank to the first outlet pipe or out of the first outlet pipe through the outlet opening of the first outlet device.
16. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a second outlet device disposed in the second outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct water from the second tank to the second outlet pipe or out of the second outlet pipe through the outlet opening of the second outlet device.
17. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising at least one pump disposed in the first outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe or both of the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.
18. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a third tank connected to the at least one driving unit; a third inlet pipe and a third outlet pipe connected between the third tank and the main pipe; a third inlet device disposed in the third inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the third inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the third tank from the third inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the third inlet device; and a third outlet device disposed in the third outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the third outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the third tank to the third pipe or out of the third pipe through the outlet opening of the third outlet device.
19. The washing machine as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a guiding device disposed in the main pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the guiding device has two ends and a guiding opening, the two ends are connected to the main pipe respectively, the guiding opening is connected to the second inlet pipe, and the guiding device is configured to conduct the water between any two of the guiding opening and the two ends of the guiding device.
Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to a washing machine with a plurality of tanks and the washing method thereof, more particularly to a washing machine which recycles water and washing medium, and the washing method thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A washing machine is commonly used in daily life. It is usually used to wash dirty washing, not only clothes, but also cleaning rags, mats, sneakers, etc. According to the classifications (such as colors, dirt levels of the washing for hygiene considerations, etc.), it may be necessary to operate a washing machine for several times or several washing machines at one time for all washing.
[0003] However, it consumes a lot of time or space, water, and detergents. And it is not environment-friendly.
[0004] For environment-friendly consideration, the present invention provides a washing machine which recycles water and washing medium and the washing method thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a washing machine which recycles water and washing medium and the washing method thereof.
[0006] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a washing machine with a plurality of tanks, wherein the piping is configured for water and washing medium recycling.
[0007] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a washing method of the washing machine for reducing the washing procedures.
[0008] The present invention provides a washing method comprising steps of: putting washing into a first tank and a second tank; providing a washing medium and water into the first tank; driving the first tank to perform a first washing procedure; draining water and the washing medium out of the first tank and conducting the water and the washing medium to the second tank; driving the second tank to perform a second washing procedure; and draining the water and the washing medium out of the second tank.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of conducting the water and the washing medium to a third tank after the step of draining the water and the washing medium out of the second tank.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of driving the third tank to perform a third washing procedure.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of conducting the water and the washing medium to the first tank.
[0012] The present invention further provides a washing machine with a plurality of tanks, comprising: a first tank and a second tank; an inlet pipe connected to the first tank for conducting water into the first tank; a first main pipe connected between the first tank and the second tank for conducting the water from the first tank to the second tank; an outlet pipe connected to the second tank for conducting the water out of the second tank; at least one driving unit connected to the first tank and the second tank; and a control system connected to the at least one driving unit for controlling the at least one driving unit to drive the first tank and the second tank to rotate.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a second main pipe connected between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe for conducting the water from the second tank to the first tank.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a first inlet device disposed in the inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct the water to the inlet pipe from the second main pipe or the inlet opening.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a second inlet device disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the second tank and connected to the control system, wherein the second inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct the water to the second tank from the first main pipe or the inlet opening.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a first outlet device disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the first tank and connected to the control system, wherein the first outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the first tank to the first main pipe or out of the first main pipe through the outlet opening.
[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a second outlet device disposed in the outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the second tank to the second main pipe or out of the outlet pipe through the outlet opening.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises at least one pump disposed in the first main pipe at an end adjacent to the first tank, the outlet pipe, or both of the first main pipe at the end adjacent to the first tank and the outlet pipe.
[0019] The present invention further provides a washing machine with a plurality of tanks, comprising: a first tank and a second tank; a main pipe; a first inlet pipe and a first outlet pipe connected between the first tank and the main pipe respectively; a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe connected between the second tank and the main pipe respectively; at least one driving unit connected to the first tank and the second tank; and a control system connected to the at least one driving unit for controlling the at least one driving unit to drive the first tank and the second tank to rotate.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a first inlet device disposed in the first inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the first tank from the first inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the first inlet device.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a second inlet device disposed in the second inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the second tank from the second inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the second inlet device.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a first outlet device disposed in the first outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the first outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct water from the first tank to the first outlet pipe or out of the first outlet pipe through the outlet opening of the first outlet device.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a second outlet device disposed in the second outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the second outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct water from the second tank to the second outlet pipe or out of the second outlet pipe through the outlet opening of the second outlet device.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises at least one pump disposed in the first outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe or both of the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a third tank connected to the at least one driving unit; a third inlet pipe and a third outlet pipe connected between the third tank and the main pipe; a third inlet device disposed in the third inlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the third inlet device has an inlet opening and is configured to conduct water to the third tank from the third inlet pipe or the inlet opening of the third inlet device; and a third outlet device disposed in the third outlet pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the third outlet device has an outlet opening and is configured to conduct the water from the third tank to the third pipe or out of the third pipe through the outlet opening of the third outlet device.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine further comprises a guiding device disposed in the main pipe and connected to the control system, wherein the guiding device has two ends and a guiding opening, the two ends are connected to the main pipe respectively, the guiding opening is connected to the second inlet pipe, and the guiding device is configured to conduct the water between any two of the guiding opening and the two ends of the guiding device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic diagrams showing an inlet device, an outlet device and a guiding device respectively in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing washing machines with a plurality of tanks in accordance with two embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention provides a washing machine with a plurality of tanks and a washing method thereof. By using the washing machine of the present invention, washings of different classifications (such as colors, dirt levels, etc.) can be washed by operating one washing machine. The hygiene considerations are satisfied, the washing procedures are reduced, water and washing medium are recycled and retrenched, and the time consumed for operation one washing machine for several times or the space needed for disposing several washing machines is also reduced in the present invention.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing medium is selectively one of water, soap, liquid soap, washing powders, disinfectant, bleach, fabric softener, tank cleaning agent or the combination thereof The additives could be in the form of powder, solution, block, sheet, or emulsion.
[0036] In the present invention, the washing medium is added to the water and can be delivered in the pipes among the tanks.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7A, there are shown a block diagram and a schematic diagram showing a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine 1 of the present invention comprises a first tank 11, a second tank 12 and at least one driving unit 18.
[0038] The washing 900 to be cleaned, such as clothes, pants or sneakers, is put into the first tank 11 and the second tank 12 respectively according to classifications (colors, dirt levels, etc) of the washing 900. The washing mediums according to different functions, such as cleaning ability, disinfecting, brightening, softening or flavoring, are also put into the first tank 11 and the second tank 12.
[0039] An inlet pipe 151 and a first main pipe 15 are connected to the first tank 11; the first main pipe 15 and an outlet pipe 154 are connected to the second tank 12. The inlet pipe 151 is configured to conduct water into the first tank 11. The first main pipe 15 is configured to conduct water from the first tank 11 to the second tank 12. The outlet pipe 154 is configured to conduct water out from the second tank 12.
[0040] Since the water that is conducted form the first tank 11 to the second tank 12 may contain washing medium which is originally put in the first tank 11, water and washing medium can be reused in the second tank 12.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 1 further comprises a second main pipe 150, a first inlet device 161, a second inlet device 163, a first outlet device 162 and a second outlet device 164.
[0042] The second main pipe 150 is connected between the inlet pipe 151 and the outlet pipe 154. The first inlet device 161 is disposed in the inlet pipe 151; the second inlet device 163 is disposed in the first main pipe 15 at the end adjacent to the second tank 12. The first outlet device 162 is disposed in the first main pipe 15 at the end adjacent to the first tank 11; the second outlet device 164 is disposed in the outlet pipe 154.
[0043] Each inlet device 161, 163 is configured to conduct water to a predetermined direction in a pipe or conduct water from an inlet opening (please refer to element 2610 in FIG. 3A) to the predetermined direction of the pipe. Each outlet device 162, 164 is configured to conduct water to a predetermined direction in a pipe or conduct water out of the pipe from an outlet opening (please refer to element 2620 in FIG. 3B).
[0044] The first inlet device 161 conducts water to the inlet pipe 151 and the first tank 11 from the inlet opening 2610 of the first inlet device 161 or the second main pipe 150. The second inlet device 163 conducts water to the second tank 12 from the first main pipe 15 or the inlet opening 2610 of the second inlet device 163.
[0045] The first outlet device 162 conducts water from the first tank 11 to the first main pipe 15 or out of the first outlet device 162 through the outlet opening 2620 of the first outlet device 162. The second outlet device 164 conducts water from the outlet pipe 154 to the second main pipe 150 or out of the second outlet device 164 through the outlet opening 2620 of the second outlet device 164.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 1 further comprises at least one pump 169 disposed in the outlet pipe 154 and/or the first main pipe 15 for driving water from a low position to a high position.
[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 1 further comprises a control system 19 connected to the inlet devices 161 and 163 and the outlet devices 162 and 164 (the control signal paths are not shown in the figure) for controlling the inlet devices and the outlet devices to open, close or adjust the flow rate of water.
[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 1 further comprises at least one driving unit 18 connected to the first tank 11, the second tank 12 and the control system 19 for driving the first tank 11 and the second tank 12 to perform washing procedures respectively according to the control signal from the control system 19. In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing procedures comprise making static, immersion, disturbing, shocking, rolling and beating washing 900 with washing medium.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7B, there are shown a block diagram and a schematic diagram showing a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine 2 of the present embodiment comprises a first tank 21 and a second tank 22.
[0050] The washing 900 to be cleaned is put into the first tank 21 and the second tank 22 respectively according to classifications, colors or dirt levels of the washing 900.
[0051] A first inlet pipe 251 and a first outlet pipe 252 are connected between the first tank 21 and a main pipe 25; a second inlet pipe 253 and a second outlet pipe 254 are connected between the second tank 22 and the main pipe 25. A first inlet device 261 is disposed in the first inlet pipe 251; a second inlet device 263 is disposed in the second inlet pipe 253. A first outlet device 262 is disposed in the first outlet pipe 252; a second outlet device 264 is disposed in the second outlet pipe 254.
[0052] Each inlet device 261, 263 is configured to conduct water to a predetermined direction in a pipe or conduct water from an inlet opening 2610 (please refer to FIG. 3A) to the predetermined direction of the pipe. Each outlet device 262, 264 is configured to conduct water to a predetermined direction in a pipe or conduct water out of the pipe from an outlet opening 2620 (please refer to FIG. 3B).
[0053] The first inlet device 261 conducts water to the first inlet pipe 251 and the first tank 21 from the inlet opening 2610 of the first inlet device 261 or the main pipe 25. The second inlet device 263 conducts water to the second inlet pipe 253 and the second tank 22 from the inlet opening 2610 of the second inlet device 263 or the main pipe 25.
[0054] The first outlet device 262 conducts water from the first tank 21 and the first outlet pipe 252 to the main pipe 25 or out of the first outlet pipe 252 through the outlet opening 2620 of the first outlet device 262. The second outlet device 264 conducts water from the second tank 22 and the second outlet pipe 254 to the main pipe 25 or out of the second outlet pipe 254 through the outlet opening 2620 of the second outlet device 264.
[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises at least one pump 269 disposed in the second outlet pipe 254 and/or first outlet pipe 252 for driving water from a low position to a high position.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises a control system 29 connected to the inlet devices 261 and 263 and the outlet devices 262 and 264 (the control signal paths are not shown in the figure) for controlling the inlet devices and the outlet devices to be open or close, or adjust the flow rate of water.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises at least one driving unit 28 connected to the first tank 21, the second tank 22 and the control system 29 for driving the first tank 21 and the second tank 22 to perform washing procedures respectively according to the control signal form the control system 29. In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing procedures comprise making static, immersion, disturbing, shocking, rolling and beating washing 900 with washing medium.
[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises a third tank 23, a third inlet pipe 255 and a third outlet pipe 256. The third inlet pipe 255 and the third outlet pipe 256 are connected between the third tank 23 and the main pipe 25. A third inlet device 265 is disposed in the third inlet pipe 255; a third outlet device 266 is disposed in the third outlet pipe 256.
[0059] The third inlet device 256 is configured to conduct water to the third inlet pipe 255 and the third tank 23 from the inlet opening (please refer to element 2610 in FIG. 3A) of the third inlet device 256 or the main pipe 25; the third outlet device 266 is configured to conduct water from the third tank 23 and the third outlet pipe 256 to the main pipe 25 or out of the third outlet pipe 256 through the outlet opening (please refer to element 2620 in FIG. 3B) of the third outlet device 266.
[0060] The third inlet device 256 and the third outlet device 266 are connected to the control system 29 (the control signal paths are not shown in the figure) and are controlled to be open or close, or adjust the flow rate of water. The third tank 23 is connected to a driving unit 28, and is driven to perform washing procedures according to the control signal form the control system 29.
[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises a pump 269 disposed in the third outlet pipe 256 for driving water from a low position to a high position.
[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises a guiding device 268 disposed in the middle of the main pipe 25 and is connected to the second inlet pipe 253 by a guiding opening 2680 (please refer to FIG. 3C).
[0063] The guiding device 268 is connected to the control system 29 and is configured to conduct water between any two of the guiding opening 2680 and the two ends of the guiding device 268 according to the control signal from the control system 29.
[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, each tank 11, 12, 21, 22, 23 comprises an inner drum 801 and an outer drum 802. The inner drum 801 is configured to carry washing 900. The outer drum 802 is configured to contain the inner drum 801, water and washing medium. The driving unit 18, 28 is connected to the inner drum 801 and/or the outer drum 802 by belts, pulley assembly, gear assembly or clutch mechanism to drive the inner drum 801 and/or the outer drum 802 to rotate.
[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 2 further comprises a plurality of filters 280 disposed in the first inlet pipe 251, the second inlet pipe 253 and the third inlet pipe 255 respectively for removing batting, scraps of paper, or impurities.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine of the present embodiment comprises a first tank and a second tank. In the present invention, the washing is firstly put into the first tank or the second tank according to classifications, as shown in step S301. The washing mediums according to different functions, such as cleaning ability, disinfecting, brightening, softening or flavoring, are also put into the first tank and the second tank, as shown in step S302.
[0067] For example, washing which needs to be strongly cleaned is put into the first tank; the other is put into the second tank. For another example, washing which needs to be brightened is put into the first tank; washing which needs to be disinfected is put into the second tank. The washing medium with corresponding function is put into the corresponding tank.
[0068] The driving unit drives the first tank to perform washing procedures, as shown in step S303. After a predetermined washing procedure, water with the washing medium in the first tank is drained out of the first tank by controlling the first outlet device and conducted to the second tank through the main pipe and the second inlet device, as shown in step S304.
[0069] The driving unit drives the second tank to perform washing procedures, as shown in step S305. And then, water with washing medium is drained out of the second tank by controlling the second outlet device, as shown in step S306.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine of the present embodiment comprises a first tank, a second tank, and a third tank.
[0071] In the present invention, the washing is firstly put into the first tank, the second tank and the third tank according to classifications, as shown in step S401. And then, washing medium of corresponding function is put into the first tank also, as shown in step S402.
[0072] The first tank is driven to perform washing procedures, as shown in step S403. After a predetermined washing procedure, water with the washing medium is drained out of the first tank and conducted to the second tank, as shown in step S404. The second tank is driven to perform washing procedures, as shown in step S405. After a predetermined washing procedure, water with the washing medium is drained out of the second tank and conducted to the third tank, as shown in step S406. And then, the third tank is driven to perform washing procedures, as shown in step S407.
[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, by using the control system to control inlet devices and outlet devices to be open or close, water and washing medium can be conducted into or out of each tank for recycling water and washing medium during washing procedures.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart showing a washing method of a washing machine with a plurality of tanks in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the washing method is applied to the washing machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0075] In the present embodiment, the washing to be cleaned is put into the first tank 11 and/or the second tank 12, as shown in step S501.
[0076] The control system 19 determines that whether the first tank 11 is used to wash, as shown in step S502. If the first tank 11 is not used to wash, the control system 19 determines that whether the second tank 12 is used to wash, as shown in step S507. By the abovementioned steps, the control system 19 determines that whether the first tank 11 or the second tank 12 is used to wash alone. If the first tank 11 is determined to wash in step 502, the washing medium is put into the first tank 11, and water is conducted to the first tank 11 by the first inlet device 161 from the inlet opening 2610 of the first inlet device 161, as shown in step S503. And then, the first tank 11 is driven to perform washing procedures by the driving unit 18, as shown in step S505.
[0077] The control system 19 determines that whether the water with washing medium in the first tank 11 is drained out, as shown in step S506. If the water with washing medium is determined to be drained out, the first outlet device 162 is controlled to conduct water out from the outlet opening 2620 of the first outlet device 162, as shown in step S514. If the water with washing medium is determined not to be drained out, the first outlet device 162 is controlled to conduct water to the first main pipe 15, and the second inlet device 163 is controlled to conduct water with washing medium to the second tank 12, as shown in step S508. And then, the second tank 12 is driven to perform washing procedures by the driving unit 18, as shown in step S511.
[0078] If the second tank 12 is determined to wash in step S507, washing medium is put into the second tank 12, as shown in step S509. And then, the second tank 12 is driven to perform washing procedures by the driving unit 18, as shown in step S511.
[0079] The control system 19 determines that whether the water with washing medium in the second tank 12 is drained out, as shown in step S512. If the water with washing medium is determined to be drained out, the second outlet device 164 is controlled to conduct water out from the outlet opening 2620 of the second outlet device 164, as shown in step S515. If the water with washing medium is determined not to be drained out, the second outlet device 164 is controlled to conduct water to the second main pipe 150, and the first inlet device 161 is controlled to conduct water with washing medium to the first tank 11, as shown in step S513.
[0080] By using the washing machine with a plurality of tanks of the present invention and the washing method thereof, each tank can be determined to wash or not, water and washing medium can be recycled between different tanks, and the washing procedures is reduced.
[0081] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention specified by the claims.
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