Washing machine with auxiliary washing unit

Abstract

A washing machine with an auxiliary washing unit includes a main body having a first opening and a first main washing space communicated with the first opening, a first auxiliary washing unit and a first cover, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit is juxtaposedly arranged with the first cover to jointly and portionly cover the first opening, and the first opening is capable of being portionly opened by opening the first cover for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space.

Claims

1. A washing machine with auxiliary washing unit for washing laundries, comprising: a main washing machine body having a first main washing space therein, a first opening formed on a top of said main washing machine body and communicated with said first main washing space, a drain outlet formed at a bottom of said first main washing space, and a drain pipe communicating with said drain outlet for discharging washing water contained in said first main washing space to outside, wherein said first opening is divided into a first portion and a second portion; a first cover configured to open and close a first portion opening of said first opening; and a first auxiliary washing unit positioned on top of said main washing machine body and configured for hand-washing laundries, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit has a first auxiliary washing space therein and a first auxiliary drain outlet provided at a bottom portion thereof and communicated with said drain pipe for discharging a washing water contained in said first auxiliary washing space through said first auxiliary drain outlet to outside via said drain pipe, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit and said first cover are arranged juxtaposedly that jointly cover the first opening, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit is positioned over said second portion of said first opening and covers said second portion of said first opening while said first cover is configured to cover said first portion of said first opening, such that said first cover is able to be closed to cover said first portion of said first opening and to be opened to open said first portion of said first opening for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of said main washing space through said first portion of said first opening.

2. The washing machine, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second auxiliary washing unit and a second cover, wherein said main washing machine body further has a second main washing space therein and a second opening communicated with said second auxiliary washing unit, wherein said second cover is configured to cover said second opening such that said second opening is able to be opened by opening said second cover for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of said second main washing space.

3. The washing machine, as recited in claim 2, wherein said second cover is configured to open and close a first portion of said second opening, and said first auxiliary washing unit and said second cover are arranged juxtaposedly that jointly cover the second opening, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit is also positioned over said second opening and covers a second portion of said second opening and said second cover is configured to cover said first portion of said second opening, such that said second cover is able to be closed to cover said first portion of said second opening and to be opened to open said first portion of said second opening for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of said second main washing space through said first portion of said second opening.

4. The washing machine, as recited in claim 2, further comprising a second auxiliary washing unit arranged on top of said main washing machine body, wherein said second auxiliary washing unit has a second auxiliary washing space therein and a second auxiliary drain outlet provided at a bottom portion thereof and communicated with said drain pipe for discharging a washing water contained in said second auxiliary washing space through said second auxiliary drain outlet to outside via said drain pipe, wherein said second opening is divided into a first portion and a second portion and said second cover is configured to cover said first portion of said second opening, wherein said second auxiliary washing unit and said second cover are arranged juxtaposedly that jointly cover the second opening, wherein said second cover is configured to open and close said first portion of said second opening, and that said second auxiliary washing unit is positioned over said second portion of said second opening and covers said second portion of said second opening, such that said second cover is able to be closed to cover said first portion of said second opening and to be opened to open said first portion of said second opening for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of said second main washing space through said first portion of said second opening.

5. The washing machine, as recited in claim 2, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further has a side portion defining a unit body with said bottom portion thereof, wherein said unit body has a predetermined depth forming a hand-washing container, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further comprises a water supply device comprising an auxiliary water supply pipe having an auxiliary water supply outlet provided at one side of said first auxiliary washing unit for supplying washing water through said auxiliary water supply pipe into said first auxiliary washing unit for laundry washing, hand washing and face washing.

6. The washing machine, as recited in claim 2, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further has a side portion defining a unit body with said bottom portion thereof, wherein said unit body has a predetermined depth forming a hand-washing container, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further comprises a water supply device comprising an auxiliary water supply pipe having an auxiliary water supply outlet provided at one side of said first auxiliary washing unit for supplying washing water through said auxiliary water supply pipe into said first auxiliary washing unit for laundry washing, hand washing and face washing.

7. The washing machine, as recited in claim 3, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further has a side portion defining a unit body with said bottom portion thereof, wherein said unit body has a predetermined depth forming a hand-washing container, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit further comprises a water supply device comprising an auxiliary water supply pipe having an auxiliary water supply outlet provided at one side of said first auxiliary washing unit for supplying washing water through said auxiliary water supply pipe into said first auxiliary washing unit for laundry washing, hand washing and face washing.

8. The washing machine, as recited in claim 4, wherein each of said first and second auxiliary washing units further has a side portion defining a unit body with said bottom portion thereof, wherein said unit body has a predetermined depth forming a hand-washing container, wherein each of said first and second auxiliary washing units further comprises a water supply device comprising an auxiliary water supply pipe having an auxiliary water supply outlet provided at one side thereof for supplying washing water through said auxiliary water supply pipe into said corresponding first and second auxiliary washing units for laundry washing, hand washing and face washing.

9. The washing machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

10. The washing machine, as recited in claim 2, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

11. The washing machine, as recited in claim 3, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

12. The washing machine, as recited in claim 4, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

13. The washing machine, as recited in claim 5, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

14. The washing machine, as recited in claim 6, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

15. The washing machine, as recited in claim 7, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

16. The washing machine, as recited in claim 8, wherein said first main washing space is defined by a washing tub selected from the group consisting of a rotary tub for washing laundries and a dryer tub for drying laundries.

17. The washing machine, as recited in claim 5, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit has an overflow opening formed at an upper positioned of said side portion for discharging overflowing washing water in said first auxiliary washing unit.

18. The washing machine, as recited in claim 6, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit has an overflow opening formed at an upper positioned of said side portion for discharging overflowing washing water in said first auxiliary washing unit.

19. The washing machine, as recited in claim 7, wherein said first auxiliary washing unit has an overflow opening formed at an upper positioned of said side portion for discharging overflowing washing water in said first auxiliary washing unit.

20. The washing machine, as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said first and second auxiliary washing units has an overflow opening formed at an upper positioned of said side portion for discharging overflowing washing water in said corresponding first and second auxiliary washing units.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the washing machine according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views illustrating different alternative modes of the washing machine with several tubs and the auxiliary washing unit according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the washing machine according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the main washing space of the washing machine with washing function only and without drying function.

(10) FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the washing machine according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the main washing space of the washing machine with drying functional only.

(11) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the washing machine according to an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(13) The following description is disclosed to enable any user skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

(14) Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a washing machine 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a main washing machine body 10 providing a housing of the washing machine 1, a suspension device 15, a stationary tub 11 supported in the main washing machine body 10 by means of the suspension device 15 and configured for receiving washing water therein, a rotary tub 12a rotatably arranged within the stationary tub 11 to define a first main washing space 11a therein, and a pulsator 50 arranged in the rotary tub 12a for generating water flow in the rotary tub 12a.

(15) The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a formed on a top of the main washing machine body 10, wherein the first opening 24a is communicated with the first main washing space 11a of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 further comprises a first auxiliary washing unit 120 which is juxtaposedly arranged with the first cover 110a to jointly cover the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a. That is, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is positioned over the first opening and covers a first portion of the first opening 24a while the first cover 110a covers another second portion of the first opening 24a such that the first cover 110a is able to be opened to open a portion of the first opening 24a (that is the second portion of the first opening 24a) for ease of taking laundries out or putting laundries into the first main washing space 11a, and that the laundries to be washed may be putted into the rotary tub 12a by opening the first cover 110a, wherein the means for connecting the first cover with the main washing machine body can be appropriate traditional art.

(16) The above-mentioned first auxiliary washing unit 120 is also defined as a hand-washing container 120a which can be used for soaking laundry for softening hard dirt and stains on the laundry, washing laundries or washing face of the user.

(17) The position illustrated as R in FIG. 1 is the position where the user stands. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundry to be washed is putted into the rotary tub 12a by opening the first opening 24a. Apparently, the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a will not interrupt and affect the soaking of the laundries and the softening of hard dirt and stains thereon in the hand-washing container 120a without wasting washing water.

(18) The washing machine 1 according to the present invention can achieve synergies of user's space requirements for laundries 200 inside the laundry basket, laundries in the first main washing space 11a, and laundries in the hand-washing container 120a.

(19) The present invention does not increase floor space for the washing machine 1 and does not occupy much of the user's living space while obtaining multiple washing operation spaces. Moreover, the washing machine allows the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a without interrupting the softening or soaking work in the upper hand-washing container 120a.

(20) Therefore, the washing machine provides available coordination functions for users to achieve efficient washing, save time and reduce operation intensity.

(21) Optionally, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be made of thermoplastic resin. The components of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) material or ceramic material or pottery, or stainless steel made by molding as required. However, the present invention is not limited in materials, and the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be made of any material having sufficient impact resistance and rigidity for hand-washing.

(22) The hand-washing container 120a comprises a bottom portion 124a and a side portion 126a forming a unit body 122a.

(23) The bottom portion 124a as a factor determining a depth of the hand-washing container 120a may be shaped as a flat or curved configuration. Alternatively, the side portion 126a may be shaped to be inclined towards the bottom portion 124a.

(24) The bottom portion 124a and the side portion 126a form the recessed hand-washing container 120a, enabling hand-washing operation independently while washing water is stored and contained in the hand-washing container 120a.

(25) The hand-washing container 120a further comprises one or more frictional protrusions (not shown in drawings) protruded on the unit body 122a to promote assistance for washing. Specifically, the one or more friction protrusions may be protruded from the side portion 126a, or protruded from at any position on the inner surface of the hand-washing container 120a. The one or more friction protrusions increase the friction force between the laundries during hand-washing, so that the dirt and stains are easily washed off the laundries. However, the shape and arrangement of the friction protrusion are not limited in the present invention.

(26) The first hand-washing unit 120 (hand-washing container 120a) comprises an external water supply valve 18. A water supply pipe (not shown in drawings) for supplying washing water into the stationary tub 11 is mounted in an upper portion of the stationary tub 11, wherein one end of the water supply pipe is configured to be connected with the external water supply valve 18. Preferably, the other end of the water supply pipe is connected with a detergent supply device. The washing water supplied through the water supply pipe is injected into the stationary tub 11 together with the detergent from a detergent supply unit (not shown in drawings).

(27) The stationary tub 11 has a drain outlet 20 formed at a bottom of the stationary tub 11 for discharging washing water received therein, and comprises a first drain pipe 21 connected to the drain outlet 20. The stationary tub 11 further comprises a drain valve 22 mounted on the first drain pipe 21 to control drainage of washing water. An outlet of the drain valve 22 may be connected with a second drain pipe 34 for discharging washing water to outside.

(28) The first main washing space 11a and the hand-washing container 120a are separated and independent from each other, so that washing can be performed in the first main washing space 11a and the hand-washing container 120a independently. In addition, the washing in the first main washing space 11a and the hand-washing container 120a may be operated separately or simultaneously.

(29) Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention further comprises a water supply device 160, wherein one end of the water supply pipe is connected with the water supply valve 18 for supplying water to the water supply device 160 of the hand-washing container 120a and into the first main washing space 11a.

(30) The water supply device 160 of the hand-washing container 120a comprises an auxiliary water supply pipe or faucet 166a having an auxiliary water supply outlet 60 provided at one side of the hand-washing container 120a to supply washing water through the auxiliary water supply pipe 166a into the hand-washing container 120a for laundry washing or hand washing. The hand-washing container 120a may simply provide the auxiliary water supply outlet 60 at one side thereof for supplying washing water into the hand-washing container 120a directly via the auxiliary water supply outlet 60.

(31) The hand-washing container 120a further has an auxiliary drain outlet 33 provided at the bottom portion 124a thereof for discharging the washing water contained in the hand-washing container 120a.

(32) The auxiliary drain outlet 33 may be embodied as a hole formed in the bottom 124a of the hand-washing container 120a, or may be embodied as an individual switch member.

(33) The hand-washing container 120a further has an overflow opening 130 formed at an upper position of the side portion 126a so that the overflowing washing water in the hand-washing container 120a can be discharged therethrough when it is overfull preventing water contained in the hand-washing container 120a from overflowing from the top edge of the side portion 126a.

(34) The washing machine body 10 further comprises a third drain pipe 23 arranged therein, which has one end connected to the overflow opening 130 and another end being join and communicate with the second drain pipe 34, wherein the overflowing water flowing out of the overflow opening 130 is discharged through the second drain pipe 33 to outside.

(35) In the present invention, the third drainage pipe 23 may also preferably be configured to directly and individually discharge to the outside.

(36) Alternatively, the first main washing space 11a of the washing machine 1 as shown in this embodiment is not limited to the structure comprising the rotary tub 12a, the stationary tub 11 and the pulsator 50. In other words, as shown in FIG. 11, the first main washing space 11a may be embodied as the stationary tub 11a provided with the pulsator 50 therein but not the rotary tub 12a, and thus no rotary tub 12a is provided in the washing machine as shown in FIG. 11. Or, as shown in FIG. 12, the first main washing space 11a may be embodied as a single dehydration, spin-drying, or dryer function of drying laundries without washing function, wherein the main washing machine body 10 is merely a dryer machine.

(37) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein those components and configurations having same structure as the above first preferred embodiment is not repeatedly described in the following.

(38) Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine 1 according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a main washing machine body 10 and a first auxiliary washing unit 120. The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a formed at one top side thereof, a first main washing space 11a communicated with the first opening 24a, a second opening 24b provided at another top side thereof, and a second main washing space 11b communicated with the second opening 24b. The first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are arranged juxtaposedly to collectively cover the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a. The first cover 110a is configured to be capable of opening or closing a portion of the first opening 24a for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a. The second cover 110b is configured to be capable of opening or closing the second opening 24b for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second main washing space 11b.

(39) The main washing machine body 10 of the washing machine 1 is also provided with the stationary tubs 11 and rotary tubs 12 corresponding to the first main washing space 11a and the second main washing space 11b. The rotary tubs 12 are correspondingly defined as a first rotary tub 12a and a second rotary tub 12b. Each of the rotary tubs 12a, 12b comprises the pulsator 50 arranged therein.

(40) The position illustrated as R2 in FIG. 3 is the position where the user stands. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundry to be washed can be putted into the rotary tub 12a by opening the first opening 24a. It is apparent that the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a would not interrupt or affect the laundry soaking and softening works within the hand-washing container without wasting washing water.

(41) The first auxiliary washing unit 120 is also defined as a hand-washing container 120a which can be used for soaking laundries to soften hard dirt and stains thereon, face washing or teeth brushing.

(42) The above-mentioned washing machine can achieve synergies of user's space requirements of different kinds of laundries 200 operation inside the laundry basket, the first main washing space 11a, and the hand-washing container 120a, and the second main washing space 11b.

(43) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 3 in comparison with the washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 provides more coordination functions for users to choose, and may better achieve efficient washing, save time, and reduce operation intensity.

(44) Optionally, the washing machine with multiple tubs according to the second preferred embodiment can be embodied in structure as a two-tub, three-tub, four-tub, or five-tub configuration.

(45) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the washing machine with multiple tubs according to this embodiment is not limited to the structure comprising the rotary tub 12a, the stationary tub 11 and the pulsator 50. The first main washing space 11a and the second washing space 11b may be embodied with a single dehydration, spin-drying, or dryer function for drying laundries without washing function.

(46) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11, the washing machine with multiple tubs according to this embodiment is not limited to the structure comprising the rotary tub 12a, the stationary tub 11 and the pulsator 50. The first main washing space 11a or the second washing space 11b may be embodied with washing function only for washing laundries without drying function.

(47) The washing machine according to the second preferred embodiment can be operated by two users standing at the R1 and R2 positions respectively as illustrated in FIG. 3 for operations simultaneously.

(48) One user standing at the position R1 may perform face washing or hand washing laundries for softening hard dirt and soaking laundries inside the hand-washing container 120a. Another user standing at the position R2 may perform the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second main washing space 11b, wherein both users would not interfere with each other.

(49) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the components and configurations which are the same as the above first and second preferred embodiments are not being repeatedly described in the following.

(50) Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main washing machine body 10 and a first auxiliary washing unit 120. The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a formed at one top side thereof, a first main washing space 11a communicated with the first opening 24a, and a second opening 24b formed at another top side thereof, and comprises a second dryer unit 18b communicated with the second opening 24b. The first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are arranged juxtaposedly to collectively cover the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a. The first cover 110a is configured to be capable of opening or closing a portion the first opening 24a so that the laundries are able to be putting into or taking out of the first main washing space 11a through the portion of first opening 24a after opening the first cover 110a. The second cover 110b is configured to be capable of opening or closing the second opening 24b for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second dryer unit 18b.

(51) Similarly, the main washing machine body 10 of the washing machine 1 is provided with the stationary tub and the rotary tub at a position corresponding to the first main washing space 11a, and the pulsator is also provided in the rotary tub correspondingly.

(52) The above-mentioned first auxiliary washing unit 120 is also defined as a hand-washing container 120a which can be used for soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon, washing laundries, or washing user's face.

(53) The position illustrated as R1 in FIG. 4 is the position where the user stands. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundries 200 to be washed would be putted into the rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a by opening the first cover 110a. The operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a would not interrupt or affect the laundry works in the hand-washing container, including the soaking of the laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon without wasting washing water.

(54) The above-mentioned washing machine can achieve synergies of user's space requirements of different kinds of laundries 200 operation inside the laundry basket, the first main washing space 11a, the hand-washing container 120a, and the second dryer unit 18b.

(55) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 4 in comparison with the washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 has more coordination functions for users to choose, and may achieve better efficient washing, save time, and reduce operation intensity.

(56) The washing machine in this embodiment can be operated at the same time by two users standing at the positions illustrated as the marks R1 and R2 respectively, wherein both users would not interfere with each other. In other words, one user standing at the position R1 may conduct face washing or hand washing laundries such as soaking laundries to soften the hard dirt and stains thereon inside the hand-washing container 120a, while another user standing at the position R2 may operate the putting in and taking out the laundries from the second dryer unit 18b.

(57) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein those component and configuration which are the same as the above first, second and third preferred embodiments are not repeatedly described in the following.

(58) Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a main washing machine body 10, a first cover 110a, a second cover 110b, and a first auxiliary washing unit 120. The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a provide at one top side thereof, a first main washing space 11a communicated with the first opening 24a, a second opening 24b provided at another top side thereof, and a second main washing space 11b communicated with the second opening 24b, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is arranged on the main washing machine body 10 and positioned between the first main washing space 11a and the second main washing space 11b and configured to cover a portion of the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a and a portion of the second opening 24b of the second main washing space 11b. In other words, a portion of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are arranged juxtaposedly and cover the first opening 24a, and another portion of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the second cover 110b are arranged juxtaposedly and cover the second cover 110b.

(59) The above-mentioned first auxiliary washing unit 120 is also defined as a hand-washing container 120a which is used for hand washing operation, including soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains, or washing user's face.

(60) The position illustrated as R1 in FIG. 5 is the position where the user stands. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundries to be washed may be putted into the first rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a by opening the first cover 110a, wherein the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a would not interrupt or affect the laundries in the hand-washing container to be soaked for softening the hard dirt and stains without wasting washing water.

(61) When the user opens the second cover 110b, the laundries to be washed may be putted into the second rotary tub 12b through the second opening 24b after opening the second cover 110b, wherein the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second rotary tub 12b through the second opening 24b would not interrupt or affect the laundries in the hand-washing container to be soaked for softening the hard dirt and stains without wasting washing water.

(62) The above-mentioned washing machine can achieve synergies of user's space requirements of different kinds of laundries 200 operation inside the laundry basket, the first main washing space 11a, the hand-washing container 120a, and the second main washing space 11b.

(63) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 5 in comparison with Compared with the washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 has more coordination functions for users to choose, and may achieve better efficient washing, save time, and reduce operation intensity.

(64) The present invention does not increase the floor space for the washing machine 1 and does not occupy much of the user's living space while obtaining multiple washing operation spaces. Moreover, the washing machine allows the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a and the second main washing space 11b while the hand washing operation, such as soaking laundries to soften the hard dirt and stains thereon, in the upper hand-washing container 120a would not be interrupted.

(65) Optionally, the washing machine with multiple tubs according to this embodiment can be embodied in structure of a two-tub, three-tub, four-tub, or five-tub configuration.

(66) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the washing machine with multiple tubs as shown in this fourth preferred embodiment is not limited to the structure comprising the rotary tub 12a, the stationary tub 11 and the pulsator 50. In other words, the first main washing space 11a and the second washing space 11b may be embodied with a single dehydration, spin-drying, or dryer function of drying laundries without washing function.

(67) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the washing machine with multiple tubs as shown in this fourth preferred embodiment is not limited to the structure comprising the rotary tub 12a, the stationary tub 11 and the pulsator 50. In other words, the first main washing space 11a or the second washing space 11b is embodied to have the washing function only without the drying function.

(68) The washing machine according to this embodiment can be operated by two users standing at the positions illustrated by the marks R1 and R2 respectively.

(69) One user standing at the position R1 is adapted to operate face washing or hand washing laundries including soaking the laundries to soften hard dirt and stains thereon inside the hand-washing container 120a, while another user standing at the position R2 performs washing operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second main washing space 11b for washing operation, wherein both users would not interfere with each other.

(70) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the components and configuration which are the same of the above first, second, third, and fourth preferred embodiment are not repeatedly described in the following.

(71) Referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a main washing machine body 10, a first cover 110a, a second cover 110b, and a first auxiliary washing unit 120. The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a provided at one top side thereof, a first main washing space 11a communicated with the first opening 24a, and a second opening 24b provided at another top side thereof, and comprises a second dryer unit 18b communicated with the second opening 24b, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is arranged on the main washing machine body 10 and positioned between the first main washing space 11a and the second dryer unit 18b in such a manner that the first auxiliary washing unit 120 covers a portion of the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a and a portion of the second opening 24b of the second dryer unit 18b. Correspondingly, the first cover 110a is configured to open and close another portion of the first opening 24a and the second cover 110b is configured to open and close another portion of the second opening 24b. In other words, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are arranged juxtaposedly to cover the first opening 24a, while the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the second cover 110b are arranged juxtaposedly that cover the second opening 24b.

(72) The above-mentioned first auxiliary washing unit 120 is also defined as a hand-washing container 120a which can be used for soaking laundries to soften hard dirt and stains thereon, hand-washing laundries or washing faces.

(73) The position illustrated as R1 in FIG. 6 is the position where the user stands. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundries to be washed are putted into the rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a by opening the first cover 110a, wherein the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a would not interrupt or affect the hand-washing operation in the hand-washing container to soak the laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon without wasting washing water.

(74) When the user opens the second cover 110b, the laundries to be washed would be putted into the second dryer unit 18b through the second opening 24b after opening the second cover 110b. The operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second dryer unit 18b through the second opening 24b would not interrupt or affect the hand-washing operation in the hand-washing container 120a including soaking the laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon without wasting washing water.

(75) The above-mentioned washing machine can achieve synergies of user's space requirements of different kinds of laundries 200 operation inside the laundry basket, the first main washing space 11a, the hand-washing container 120a, and the second dryer unit 18b.

(76) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 6 in comparison with the washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 has more coordination functions for users to choose, and may better achieve efficient washing, save time, and reduce operation intensity.

(77) The washing machine 1 according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention does not increase the floor space of the washing machine 1 and does not occupy much of the user's living space while obtaining multiple washing operation spaces. Moreover, the washing machine allows the operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a and/or the second dryer unit 18b while the hand-washing laundry work or the soaking to soften hard dirt and stains on the laundry work in the upper hand-washing container would not be interrupted.

(78) The washing machine according to this fifth preferred embodiment can be operated by two users standing at the positions illustrated as the marks R1 and R2 respectively.

(79) One user standing at the position R1 may perform face washing or hand-washing such as soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon inside the hand-washing container 120a, while another user standing at the position R2 performs operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second dryer unit 18b for drying operation, wherein the two users would not interfere with each other.

(80) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein those components and configuration which are the same as the above first to fifth preferred embodiments would not be repeatedly described in the following.

(81) Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a main washing machine body 10, a first cover 110a, a second cover 110b, a first auxiliary washing unit 120a and a second auxiliary washing unit 120b. The main washing machine body 10 has a first opening 24a formed at one top side thereof, a first main washing space 11a communicated with the first opening 24a, a second opening 24b formed at another top side of thereof, and a second main washing space 11b communicated with the second opening 24b. The first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are arranged juxtaposedly that cover the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 covers a portion of the first opening 24a and the first cover 24a is configured for covering another portion of the first opening 24a so that the first cover 110a is configured to be capable of opening and closing the another portion of the first opening 24a for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a through the another portion of the first opening 24a after opening the first cover 110a. The second auxiliary washing unit 120b and the second cover 110b are arranged juxtaposedly that cover the second opening 24b of the second main washing space 11b, wherein the second auxiliary washing unit 120b covers a portion of the second opening 24b and the second cover 24b is configured for covering another portion of the second opening 24b so that the second cover 110b is configured to be capable of opening and closing the another portion of the second opening 24b for putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second main washing space 11b through the another portion of the second opening 24b after opening the second cover 110b.

(82) The first auxiliary washing unit 120 is defined as a hand-washing container 120a. Both the hand-washing container 120a and the second auxiliary washing unit 120b can be used for hand-washing operation such soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stain thereon, hand washing laundry, or face washing. And, the second auxiliary washing unit 120b can be manufactured with the same structure as the hand-washing container 120a. In other words, the second auxiliary washing unit 120b comprises a unit body 122a having a bottom portion 124a and a side portion 126a. The washing water can be supplied via the auxiliary water supply pipe 166a, 166b in the first and second auxiliary washing units 120a, 120b respectively. According to the requirement of user, the second auxiliary washing unit 120b can be configured in different structure to perform similar function.

(83) The positions illustrated as R1 and R2 in FIG. 7 are the positions where one or two users stand. When the user opens the first cover 110a, the laundries to be washed could be putted into the first rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a after opening the first cover 110a. The operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first rotary tub 12a through the first opening 24a would not interrupt or affect the hand washing operation in the first hand-washing container 120a, such as soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon without wasting washing water.

(84) When the user opens the second cover 110b, the laundries to be washed could be putted into the second rotary tub 12b through the second opening 24b after opening the second cover 110b. The operation of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the second rotary tub 12b through the second opening 24b would not interrupt or affect the hand washing operation in the second hand-washing container 120b, such as soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon without wasting washing water.

(85) The above-mentioned washing machine can achieve synergies of user's space requirements of different kinds of laundries 200 operation inside the laundry baskets, the first main washing space 11a, the hand-washing container 120a, the second main washing space 11b, and the second auxiliary washing unit 120b.

(86) The washing machine in this sixth preferred embodiment can be operated by two users standing at the positions illustrated by the marks R1 and R2 respectively.

(87) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 7 in comparison with the washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 has more coordination functions for users to choose, and may achieve efficient washing, save time, and reduce operation intensity.

(88) The washing machine 1 according to the sixth preferred embodiment of present invention does not increase the floor space for the washing machine 1 and does not occupy much of the user's living space while obtaining multiple washing operation spaces. Moreover, it allows the operations of putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a and the second main washing space 11b while the hand-washing work, including soaking laundries for softening hard dirt and stains thereon, in the upper hand-washing container would not be interrupted.

(89) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the following.

(90) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the washing machine according to this seventh preferred embodiment is illustrated as a three-tub configuration. Of course, it may also be other four-tub, five-tub, or multi-tub configurations according to the needs. In addition, the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the structure with the first rotary tub 12a, the second rotary tub 12b, the third rotary tub 12c, the corresponding stationary tub, and the pulsator. The main washing space could be a laundry operation tub having the dehydration, spin-drying or dryer function only.

(91) In FIG. 8, a third opening 24c is communicated with a third main washing space 11c of the washing machine, and a third cover 110c is configured to be capable of opening and closing the third opening 24c. The first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the first cover 110a are juxtaposedly arranged to jointly cover the first opening 24a of the main washing space 11a, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is arranged covering a portion of the first opening 110a and the first cover 24a is configured to cover another portion of the first opening 110a. Other components and configurations are the same as those in the above first to sixth preferred embodiments.

(92) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 9 is different from the washing machine as shown in FIG. 8 in that, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is arranged on the main washing machine body 10 and positioned between the first main washing space 11a and the second main washing space 11b, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 covers a portion of the first opening 24a of the first main washing space 11a and a portion of the second opening 24b of the second main washing space 11b.

(93) The washing machine as shown in FIG. 10 is different from the washing machine as shown in FIG. 8 in further comprising a second auxiliary washing unit 120b, wherein the second auxiliary washing unit 120b and the second cover 110b are arranged juxtaposedly to jointly cover the second opening 24b of the second main washing space 11b.

(94) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described in the following.

(95) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment illustrates that the laundry operation tub as shown in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, the sixth embodiment, the seventh embodiment, and the eighth embodiment is not limited to a structure having a rotary tub, a stationary tub, and a pulsator. In other words, the first main washing space 11a or the second washing space 11b is embodied as an individual washing functional structure without the dehydration, spin-drying or dryer function.

(96) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described in the following.

(97) Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, this embodiment illustrates that the laundry operation tub as shown in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, the sixth embodiment, the seventh embodiment, or the eighth embodiment is not limited to a structure having a rotary tub, a stationary tub, and a pulsator. In other words, the first main washing space 11a or the second washing space 11b is embodied as an individual dryer structure without water washing function.

(98) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 13, a different structure of an auxiliary washing unit of a washing machine according to the tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

(99) Optionally, a height difference is provided between a top surface of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and an upper surface of the main washing space 11a and designed according to user needs. As shown in FIG. 13, the top surface of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the upper surface of the first cover 110a provided above the main washing space are in same height level.

(100) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described.

(101) Optionally, the hand-washing container 120a is provided with a washboard (not shown) on its upper surface, and a size of the washboard is not configured to cover the space communicating with the hand-washing container 120a, so as to allow the laundries being putted into or taken out of the hand-washing container 120a below the washboard while washing laundry thereon.

(102) Optionally, the size of the washboard may also made to fully cover the hand-washing container 120a so as to maximize the washing area of the washboard 110a.

(103) Optionally, according to the requirement of the user, the washboard is hinged with the hand-washing container 120a, wherein the hinge connection position can be set close to a position where the user works and stands. It can also be set at the left side, right side or rear side of the main washing machine body 10.

(104) Optionally, the washboard may comprises one or more friction protrusions (not shown) protruded thereon according to the requirement of the user.

(105) The protruded friction protrusions can promote auxiliary washing during scrubbing. The friction protrusions can be designed to form anywhere on the surface of the washboard. The friction protrusions are used to increase the frictional force with the laundry to be washed during hand-washing, so that the dirt and stain thereon are easily washed out from the laundry to be washed. However, the shape and arrangement of the friction protrusions are not limited.

(106) Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 14, in order to easily putting laundries into or taking laundries out of the first main washing space 11a, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is movably arranged on the main washing machine body 10. In this embodiment, an installation pulley (not shown) is provided in between the bottom surface of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the main washing machine body 10, so that even if the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is filled with water and laundries, the first auxiliary washing unit 120 can be easily slid away sidewardly. Alternatively, a slide rail and a slider may be provided between the bottom surface of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 and the main washing machine body 10.

(107) Optionally, the main washing machine body 10 further comprises a front wing located on the front side of the first auxiliary washing unit 120, or/and a rear wing located on the rear side of the first auxiliary washing unit 120, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be connected to the front wing or/and the rear wing by slide rail and slider, so that the first auxiliary washing unit 120 can be moved to the left and away from the first opening 24a.

(108) During operation, when the first auxiliary washing unit 120 is pulled to the left in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 14, the entrance to the first main washing space 11a for putting or taking laundries will be enlarged, as can be shown in FIG. 14. The first opening 24a can be completely exposed without affecting the insertion speed of the putting laundries.

(109) Of course, the main washing machine body 10 further comprises a left side wing on the left side of the first auxiliary washing unit 120, wherein the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be connected to the slide unit to the left wing, so that the first auxiliary washing unit 120 may be moved forward or backward away from the first opening 24a. In other words, such a solution can also achieve the purpose of the first auxiliary washing unit 120 moved away from the first opening 24a.

(110) Similarly, when the washing machine comprises a second auxiliary washing unit 120b (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10), the second auxiliary washing unit 120b can also be moved in relative to the main washing machine body 10, and the moving structure of the second auxiliary washing unit 120b may be same as the above, and details are not described herein again.

(111) One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention comprises all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.