Abstract:
A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/137,245 filed on Jun. 11, 2008 which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-57876, filed on Jun. 13, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a multiple laundry machine, and more particularly to a multiple laundry machine capable of separately washing a small amount of laundry. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Generally, a laundry machine means an apparatus for washing, drying, or washing and drying laundry. One laundry machine can perform only a washing function or a drying function or can perform both the washing and drying functions. Recently, a laundry machine, which includes a steam supplier, to have a refresh function for, for example, removal of wrinkles, odor, static electricity, etc. from laundry, has been available. 
         [0006]    Meanwhile, conventional laundry machines are classified into a front loading type and a top loading type in accordance with the direction that laundry is taken out. Also, conventional laundry machines are classified into a vertical-axis type, in which a pulsator or an inner tub rotates, and a horizontal-axis type, in which a horizontally-extending drum rotates. The representative example of such a horizontal-axis type laundry machine is a drum washing machine or a drum drying machine. 
         [0007]    Such laundry machines have a tendency to have a large size, in order to meet the recent demand of users. That is, laundry machines used for domestic purposes have a tendency to have a large outer size. 
         [0008]    Generally, only one large-capacity washing machine is equipped in a home. When it is desired to wash different kinds of laundry in an independent manner, using the washing machine, it is necessary to operate the washing machine several times. For example, when it is desired to wash laundry such as adult clothes and laundry such as underclothes or baby clothes in an independent manner, the washing machine operates two times to individually wash the two different kinds of laundry. For this reason, the washing time increases. 
         [0009]    Furthermore, it is undesirable to use the large-capacity washing machine in washing a small amount of laundry, in terms of saving of energy, as in conventional cases. This is because the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for the case, in which the amount of laundry to be washed is large, so that the amount of water to be consumed in the washing course is large. Also, a large amount of electricity is consumed because it is necessary to rotate a large-size drum or pulsator. In additional, since the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for the case, in which the amount of laundry to be washed is large, the washing time is relatively long. 
         [0010]    Also, the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for general clothes. For this reason, the large-capacity washing machine may be unsuitable for the washing of delicate clothes such as underclothes or baby clothes. 
         [0011]    In addition, the large-capacity washing machine is unsuitable in the case in which washing of a small amount of laundry should be frequently performed. Generally, users collect laundry for several days, in order to wash the collected laundry at one time. 
         [0012]    However, leaving laundry, in particular, underclothes or baby clothes, without immediately washing them, is undesirable in terms of cleanliness. Furthermore, when such clothes are left for a long period of time, there is a problem in that they cannot be cleanly washed because dirt may be fixed to the clothes. 
         [0013]    In this regard, it is necessary to use a small-size washing machine having a capacity much smaller than the conventional large-capacity washing machine. However, where two small-size washing machines are equipped in a home, and they are laterally arranged in parallel, there are problems associated with space utility and beauty, even though the size of the washing machines is small. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a multiple laundry machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0015]    An object of the present invention is to provide a multiple laundry machine capable of achieving a washing operation for a small amount of laundry, and separately washing laundry in accordance with the kind of the laundry. 
         [0016]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a multiple laundry machine comprises: a casing; and a plurality of laundry machines arranged in the casing, to conduct washing operations in different manners, respectively. 
         [0017]    The casing may comprise an accommodating space defined in the casing, to accommodate the plurality of laundry machines. 
         [0018]    The accommodating space may be vertically partitioned into sub-spaces to receive the laundry machines, respectively. 
         [0019]    The plurality of laundry machines may comprise a first laundry machine to conduct a washing operation for laundry while maintaining the laundry in a fixed state, and a second laundry machine to conduct a washing operation for laundry while applying a rotating force to the laundry. 
         [0020]    The first laundry machine may comprise a drainage pipe, and the second laundry machine may comprise a water supply pipe connected to the drainage pipe of the first laundry machine. 
         [0021]    The first and second laundry machines may be forwardly slidable from the casing. Alternatively, the first laundry machine may be of a top loading type, and the second laundry machine may be slidably installed. 
         [0022]    The first laundry machine may comprise: a tub for providing a washing space; a rack for holding laundry in a fixed state; and a sprayer rotatably installed to spray wash water to the rack. 
         [0023]    The tub may be formed to be partially opened at a front side of the tub. 
         [0024]    The first laundry machine may further comprise a door for opening/closing the opened portion of the tub. 
         [0025]    The rack may be provided with guide protrusions, and the tub may be provided with guide grooves engaged with the guide protrusions, to allow the rack to be outwardly ejectable through the opened portion of the tub, and to allow the rack to be adjusted in level. 
         [0026]    The first laundry machine may comprise: a tub for providing a washing space; a rack for holding laundry in a fixed state in the tub; and a plurality of spray ports formed through a wall of the tub, to spray wash water to the rack. 
         [0027]    The first laundry machine may comprise: a tub for receiving wash water; and an ultrasonic washer for vibrating the wash water received in the tub, to wash laundry. 
         [0028]    The second laundry machine may comprise: a tub for receiving wash water; a pulsator rotatably mounted in the tub, to pulsate the wash water; and a motor for applying a rotating force to the pulsator. 
         [0029]    The second laundry machine may comprise: an outer tub for receiving wash water; an inner tub rotatably installed in the outer tub, to pulsate laundry contained in the inner tub; and a motor for providing a rotating force to the inner tub. 
         [0030]    The second laundry machine may comprise a steam generator for supplying steam to the tub. 
         [0031]    Each of the laundry machines may comprise a heater for heating wash water, to achieve a laundry boiling function. 
         [0032]    The multiple laundry machine may further comprise: a controller for controlling overall operation of each of the laundry machines such that the laundry machines are simultaneously controlled; a key input unit for inputting a user command associated with each of the laundry machines; and a display for displaying the user command input through the key input unit or an operation state. 
         [0033]    The multiple laundry machine may further comprise: a controller for controlling operations of each of the laundry machines such that the laundry machines are independently controlled; a key input unit for inputting a user command associated with each of the laundry machines; and a display for displaying the user command input through the key input unit or an operation state. 
         [0034]    At least one of the laundry machines may be forwardly slidable from the casing. 
         [0035]    At least one of the laundry machines may comprise a door mounted to a portion of the casing corresponding to an upper portion of the laundry machine. 
         [0036]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a multiple laundry machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a multiple laundry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view illustrating a connecting pipe for re-use of wash water according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view illustrating a first laundry machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a rack provided in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view illustrating a first laundry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view illustrating a first laundry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view illustrating a second laundry machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view illustrating a second laundry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention associated with a multiple laundry machine, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a multiple laundry machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the multiple laundry machine  10  according to the present invention includes a casing  20 , and a plurality of laundry machines arranged in the casing  20 , to conduct washing operations in different manners, respectively. 
         [0050]    An accommodating space  30  is defined in the casing  20 , to accommodate the plural laundry machines therein. 
         [0051]    The multiple laundry machine  10  according to the present invention includes a plurality of laundry machines to separately wash a small amount of laundry, different from conventional laundry machines. In detail, the plural laundry machines comprise a first laundry machine  100  capable of washing easily-deformable delicate clothes such as underclothes or baby clothes, and a second laundry machine  200  capable of washing laundry requiring a strong washing operation, for example, shoes, etc. 
         [0052]    The first laundry machine  100  conducts a washing operation under the condition in which laundry is in a fixed state. On the other hand, the second laundry machine  200  conducts a washing operation under the condition in which a rotating force is applied to laundry. 
         [0053]    Preferably, the accommodating space  30  is vertically partitioned, for efficient space utility. Since the second laundry machine  200  generates high vibration, as compared to the first laundry machine  100 , it is preferred that the second laundry machine  200  be arranged in an accommodating space defined in a lower portion of the accommodating space  30 , and the first laundry machine  100  be arranged in an accommodating space defined in an upper portion of the accommodating space  30 . 
         [0054]    The first and second laundry machines  100  and  200  are slidably installed such that it is forwardly slidable along the casing  20 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first laundry machine  100  may be of a top loading type, in which a door  120  is mounted at a top side of the casing  20 , whereas the second laundry machine  200  may be slidably installed such that it is forwardly slidable. 
         [0056]    The multiple laundry machine  100  may include a control panel  140 . 
         [0057]    That is, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the control panel  140  may comprise a plurality of control panels to independently control respective laundry machines. 
         [0058]    Thus, the laundry machines  100  and  200 , which are installed at upper and lower positions, include control panels  140 , respectively. Accordingly, the laundry machines  100  and  200  are independently controlled to perform desired operations in an independent manner, respectively. 
         [0059]    Preferably, each control panel  140  is arranged at a front side of the corresponding laundry machine  100  or  200 . Of course, each control panel  140  may be arranged at any position, as long as there is no restriction in arranging the control panel  140  at the position. 
         [0060]    Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 2 , for the control panel  140 , a single control panel may be provided at the multiple laundry machine  100 , to control both the overall operation of the first laundry machine  100  and the overall operation of the second laundry machine  200 . 
         [0061]    In this case, the control panel  140  includes a controller (not shown) for controlling operations of the laundry machines  100  and  200 , a key input unit  141  for inputting a user command associated with each of the laundry machines  100  and  200 , and a display  142  for displaying the user command input through the key input unit  141 , and operation states. 
         [0062]    The control panel  140  may also include a sound output unit (not shown) for audibly outputting information representing operation states of the laundry machines  100  and  200 . 
         [0063]    When the laundry machines  100  and  200  simultaneously conduct washing operations, the multiple laundry machine  10  according to the present invention may be controlled such that wash water used for a rinsing operation in the first laundry machine  100  arranged at the upper position can be selectively re-used in the second laundry machine  200  arranged at the lower position. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first laundry machine  100  arranged at the upper position includes a drainage pipe  101  connected to a water supply pipe  201  of the second laundry machine  200  arranged at the lower position. 
         [0065]    A connecting pipe  102  is provided to connect the drainage pipe  101  of the first laundry machine  100  and the water supply pipe  201  of the second laundry machine  200 . 
         [0066]    A first valve  101  is arranged in the drainage pipe  101  of the first laundry machine  100 . A second valve  112  is arranged in the connecting pipe  102 . A third valve  113  is arranged in the water supply pipe  201  of the second laundry machine  200 . 
         [0067]    Since the drainage pipe  101  of the first laundry machine  100  arranged at the upper position and the water supply pipe  201  of the second laundry machine  200  arranged at the lower position are connected, wash water used to rinse delicate clothes contaminated in a low contamination degree can be re-used. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that saving of resources can be achieved. 
         [0068]    When the first laundry machine  100  arranged at the upper position washes laundry contaminated in a high contamination degree, the first valve  101  is opened, and the second valve  112  is closed, to drain wash water used in the first laundry machine  100 , through the drainage pipe  430 , without re-use of the wash water. In this case, the third valve  113  is opened under the condition in which the second valve  112  is in a closed state, to supply water from an external water supply source to the second laundry machine  200 . 
         [0069]    When it is desired to re-use, in the second laundry machine  200 , wash water used in the first laundry machine  100 , the first valve  111  and third valve  113  are closed, and the second valve  112  is opened. Accordingly, wash water used in the first laundry machine  100  is supplied to the second laundry machine  200 . 
         [0070]    Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the multiple laundry machine, in particular, each laundry machine, will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 8 . 
         [0071]    First, an exemplary embodiment of the first laundry machine  100  according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0072]    In the illustrated embodiment, the first laundry machine  100  may include a tub  121  for providing a washing space, a rack  128  for holding laundry in a fixed state, and a sprayer  126  rotatably installed to spray wash water to the rack  128 . 
         [0073]    The tub  121  may be formed to be partially opened at a front side thereof. As shown in the drawings, it is preferred that the tub  121  be opened at an upper portion of the front side thereof, to receive wash water and to allow loading and unloading of laundry and insertion and ejection of the rack  128 . 
         [0074]    It is also preferred that the first laundry machine  100  be provided with a door  129  for opening/closing an opening formed through the front side of the tub  121 . 
         [0075]    The door  129  may be hinged to the casing such that it is vertically pivotable about a hinge in accordance with an operation of the user. The mounting of the door  129  may be achieved through various methods, as long as it does not interfere with the operation of the first laundry machine  100 . 
         [0076]    The sprayer  126  functions to spray wash water at a high pressure toward laundry held by the rack  128 . A plurality of spray nozzles  126   a  are mounted on a top surface of the sprayer  126 , to spray wash water. Lower nozzles (not shown) are mounted to a bottom surface of the sprayer  126  at opposite sides of the sprayer  126 , respectively, to cause the sprayer  126  to be rotated in accordance with the hydraulic pressure of the wash water. 
         [0077]    The sprayer  126  may have a structure enabling the sprayer  126  to be movable in a vertical direction and in a forward/rearward direction. 
         [0078]    As wash water is sprayed onto the laundry held by the rack  128 , a washing operation is carried out. 
         [0079]    On the other hand, the washing operation may be carried out under the condition in which wash water is contained in the tub  121  such that laundry is sunk under the wash water. In this case, the washing operation is achieved through pulsation of the wash water generated by the rotating force of the sprayer  126 . 
         [0080]    The first laundry machine  100  further includes a water supply pipe  122  connected to the external water supply source, to supply wash water to the tub  121 . As described above, the drainage pipe  101  is also included in the first laundry machine  100 , to drain wash water contaminated after being used in a washing operation. 
         [0081]    When wash water is supplied via the water supply pipe  122 , a sump  125  collects the supplied wash water, and supplies the collected wash water to the tub  121  via the sprayer  126 . 
         [0082]    Although not shown, a washing pump is arranged in the sump  125 , to pump the wash water collected in the sump  125 , and thus to supply the wash water to the sprayer  126 . 
         [0083]    The first laundry machine  100  may further include a steam generator  124   a  for supplying steam. 
         [0084]    The steam generator  124   a  may have the same structure as that of a steam generator used in a conventional washing machine. 
         [0085]    In order to control the amount of wash water supplied to the tub  121 , the first laundry machine  100  preferably includes a tub-side valve  122   b  for opening/closing the water supply pipe  122 , and a steam-side valve  124   b  connected to the steam generator  124   a.    
         [0086]    The rack  128  is configured such that laundry is seated on the rack  128 . The rack  128  is also configured such that it can be outwardly ejected through the opening of the tub  121 , and can be adjusted in level within the tub  121 . 
         [0087]    The rack  128  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0088]    The rack  128  includes guide protrusions  128   a  formed at opposite lateral ends of the rack  128 . Guide grooves  128   b  are formed on an inner surface of the tub  121  at opposite sides of the tub  121 , in order to receive the guide protrusions  128   a  such that the guide protrusions  128   a  are movable along the guide grooves  128   b.    
         [0089]    It is preferred that the guide grooves  128   b  be inclined toward the bottom surface of the tub  121  as they extend inwardly from the opening of the tub  121 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , such that the rack  128  can be forwardly ejected through the opening of the tub  121 , to allow the user to lay laundry on the ejected rack  128 , and the laundry laid on the rack  129  can be sunk under the wash water, to be effectively washed. 
         [0090]    Thus, before the execution of a washing operation, the rack  128  is outwardly ejected through the opening of the tub  121 , to allow laundry to be laid on the rack  128 . Thereafter, the rack  128  is inserted into the tub  121  such that the laid laundry is sunk under the wash water in the tub  121 . In this state, the washing operation is executed. 
         [0091]    Another embodiment of the first laundry machine  100  according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first laundry machine  100  includes a tub  150  for receiving wash water therein, and an ultrasonic washer  160  for vibrating the wash water received in the tub  150 , to wash laundry. 
         [0093]    Preferably, the first laundry machine  100  further includes a drawer  130  forwardly ejectable from the casing  20 . 
         [0094]    The casing  20  of the first laundry machine  100  is opened at a top side thereof, to allow loading/unloading of laundry. A door is mounted to the top side of the casing  20 . 
         [0095]    The tub  150  is opened at a top side thereof. A tub door  151  is mounted to the top side of the tub  150  around the opening of the tub  150 . Since the first laundry machine  100  has a relatively low height, wash water contained in the tub  150  may be splashed away from the tub  150 . The tub door  151  prevents such a phenomenon. 
         [0096]    Although not shown, the ultrasonic washer  160  includes a vibrator for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibration energy, to generate ultrasonic waves, a booster coupled to the vibrator, to magnify the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves generated from the vibrator, and a horn coupled to the booster, to transfer the amplitude-magnified, namely, amplified, ultrasonic waves to the wash water contained in the tub  150 . 
         [0097]    When an electrical signal is applied to the vibrator, piezoelectric ceramics arranged in the vibrator vibrate while repeating retraction and expansion. Since the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramics has a low amplitude, the booster coupled to the vibrator receives the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramics, and magnifies the amplitude of the vibration. 
         [0098]    The amplified vibration is transferred to the wash water contained in the tub  150 , by the horn. As the vibration is transferred to the wash water, cavitating air bubbles are created in the wash water. The interior of the cavitating air bubbles is at a high temperature and under a high pressure, so that it is possible to sterilize bacteria existing in the wash water by the cavitating air bubbles. 
         [0099]    The high temperature and pressure of the cavitating air bubbles are generated for a short time of several hundredths of a second to several thousandths of a second. By such a strong force, contaminants are dispersed and decomposed. Thus, a desired washing effect is obtained. 
         [0100]    A drainage pipe  155  is connected to the bottom of the tub  150 , to drain wash water from the tub  150 . 
         [0101]    It is preferred that the drainage pipe  155  include a longitudinally-extendable/contractible bellows tube  156  forming a portion of the drainage pipe  155 . When the drawer  130  is forwardly ejected, the bellows tube  156  is extended. 
         [0102]    In place of the bellows tube structure, a telescopic structure may be used. 
         [0103]    A water supply pipe  153  is connected to an upper portion of the tub  150 , to supply water. Similarly to the drainage pipe  155 , the water supply pipe  153  includes a bellows tube  154 . 
         [0104]    Another embodiment of the first laundry machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0105]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first laundry machine  100  includes a tub  131  for providing a washing space, a rack  138  for holding laundry in a fixed state in the tub  131 , and a plurality of spray ports  132  formed through a wall of the tub  131 , to spray wash water to the rack  128 . 
         [0106]    Preferably, the first laundry machine  100  further includes a drawer  130  forwardly ejectable from the casing  20 . 
         [0107]    The casing  20  of the first laundry machine  100  is opened at a top side thereof, to allow loading/unloading of laundry. A door is mounted to the top side of the casing  20 . 
         [0108]    The tub  131  is opened at a top side thereof. A tub door  139  is mounted to the top side of the tub  131  around the opening of the tub  131 . Since the first laundry machine  100  has a relatively low height, wash water contained in the tub  131  may be splashed away from the tub  131 . The tub door  139  prevents such a phenomenon. 
         [0109]    The spray ports  132  sprays wash water into the tub  131  at a high pressure. The sprayed wash water is again supplied to the spray ports  132 , so that the wash water is circulated. The sprayed wash water is used to achieve a washing operation. 
         [0110]    In order to circulate the wash water, the first laundry machine  100  includes a circulating pump  134   a,  a discharge pipe  134  connected to the circulating pump  134   a,  and a supply pipe  133  connected to an outlet end of the circulating pump  134   a.  The supply pipe  133  extends along the periphery of the tub  131 . 
         [0111]    Preferably, the supply pipe  133  and discharge pipe  134  include longitudinally-extendable/contractible bellows tube  133   a  and  134   b  forming portions of the supply pipe  133  and discharge pipe  134 , respectively. When the drawer  130  is forwardly ejected, the bellows tubes  133   a  and  134   b  are extended. 
         [0112]    In place of the bellows tube structure, a telescopic structure may be used. 
         [0113]    A drainage pipe  135  is connected to the bottom of the tub  131 , to drain wash water. Similarly to the pipes  133  and  134 , the drainage pipe  135  includes a bellows tube  135   a.    
         [0114]    A steam generator  137  may be provided to supply steam to the tub  131 . Although not shown, an air supplier may also be provided to spray air bubbles through the spray ports  132 , together with wash water. 
         [0115]    Since wash water and air bubbles are simultaneously sprayed into the tub  131 , it is possible to perform a washing operation, using friction generated between the laundry and the wash water and air bubbles. 
         [0116]    The washing operation may also be performed under the condition in which wash water is filled in the tub  131 . In this case, the wash water pulsates due to the air bubbles. Accordingly, the washing operation can be more effectively achieved by the sprayed wash water and the pulsation of the wash water. 
         [0117]    The steam generator  175  and air supplier may have the same structures as those of a steam generator and an air supplier used in a conventional washing machine. 
         [0118]    Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the second laundry machine  200  according to the present invention will be described. 
         [0119]    In this embodiment, the second laundry machine  200  includes an outer tub  240  for receiving wash water, an inner tub  250  rotatably installed in the outer tub  240 , to pulsate laundry contained in the inner tub  250 , and a motor  290  for providing a rotating force to the inner tub  250 . 
         [0120]    Preferably, the second laundry machine  200  further includes a drawer  220  forwardly ejectable from the casing  20 . 
         [0121]    The outer tub  240  is supported by the drawer  220 . To support the outer tub  240 , supporters  260  and  262  are preferably provided. 
         [0122]    Preferably, a gasket  222 , which is made of a flexible sealing material, is provided to prevent water and foreign matter from penetrating between the outer tub  240  and the drawer  220 . 
         [0123]    The outer tub  240  is opened at a top side thereof. An outer tub door  241  is mounted to the top side of the outer tub  240  around the opening of the outer tub  240 . Since the second laundry machine  200  has a relatively low height, wash water contained in the outer tub  240  may be splashed away from the outer tub  240 . The outer tub door  241  prevents such a phenomenon. 
         [0124]    The inner tub  250  is arranged within the outer tub  240 . A plurality of through holes are formed through the inner tub  250 , to allow wash water to enter and exit the inner tub  250 . 
         [0125]    A motor  290  is fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the bottom of the outer tub  240 . The motor  290  includes a rotating shaft  291  extending through the bottom of the outer tub  240  so that it is directly connected to the bottom of the inner tub  250 . 
         [0126]    A drainage pipe  270  is connected to the bottom of the outer tub  240 , to drain wash water. A drainage pump  272  is connected to the drainage pipe  270 . 
         [0127]    It is preferred that the drainage pipe  270  include a longitudinally-extendable/contractible bellows tube  271  forming a portion of the drainage pipe  270 . When the drawer  220  is forwardly ejected, the bellows tube  271  is extended. 
         [0128]    In place of the bellows tube structure, a telescopic structure may be used. 
         [0129]    A water supply pipe  280  is connected to an upper portion of the outer tub  240 , to supply water. A water supply valve  282  is arranged in the water supply pipe  280 . Similarly to the drainage pipe  270 , the water supply pipe  280  includes a bellows tube  281 . 
         [0130]    A steam generator  285  may be provided to supply steam to the outer tub  240 . 
         [0131]    A heater  290  may also be provided to heat wash water contained in the outer tub  240 , and thus to achieve a laundry boiling function. 
         [0132]    The steam generator  285  and heater  290  have the same structures as those of a steam generator and a heater used in a conventional washing machine. 
         [0133]    Another embodiment of the second laundry machine  200  according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0134]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the second laundry machine  200  includes a tub  340  for receiving wash water, a pulsator  350  rotatably mounted in the tub  340 , to pulsate the wash water, and a motor  390  for applying a rotating force to the pulsator  350 . 
         [0135]    Preferably, the second laundry machine  200  further includes a drawer  320  forwardly ejectable from the casing  20 . 
         [0136]    The tub  340  is supported by the drawer  320 . To support the tub  340 , supporters  360  and  362  are preferably provided. 
         [0137]    Preferably, a gasket  322 , which is made of a flexible sealing material, is provided to prevent water and foreign matter from penetrating between the tub  340  and the drawer  320 . 
         [0138]    The tub  340  is opened at a top side thereof. A tub door  341  is mounted to the top side of the tub  340  around the opening of the tub  340 . Since the second laundry machine  200  has a relatively low height, wash water contained in the tub  340  may be splashed away from the tub  340 . The tub door  341  prevents such a phenomenon. 
         [0139]    The pulsator  350  is arranged in the tub  340  such that it can wobble. 
         [0140]    Preferably, a guide  345  having a concave shape is formed in the tub  340 . 
         [0141]    The motor  390  is fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the bottom of the tub  340 . The motor  390  includes a rotating shaft  391  extending through the bottom of the tub  340  so that it is directly connected to the bottom of the pulsator  350 . 
         [0142]    A drainage pipe  370  is connected to the bottom of the tub  340 , to drain wash water. A drainage pump  372  is connected to the drainage pipe  370 . 
         [0143]    It is preferred that the drainage pipe  370  include a longitudinally-extendable/contractible bellows tube  371  forming a portion of the drainage pipe  370 . When the drawer  320  is forwardly ejected, the bellows tube  371  is extended. 
         [0144]    In place of the bellows tube structure, a telescopic structure may be used. 
         [0145]    A water supply pipe  380  is connected to an upper portion of the tub  340 , to supply water. A water supply valve  382  is arranged in the water supply pipe  380 . Similarly to the drainage pipe  370 , the water supply pipe  380  includes a bellows tube  381 . 
         [0146]    A steam generator  3285  may be provided to supply steam to the tub  340 . 
         [0147]    Although not shown, a heater  290  may also be provided to heat wash water contained in the tub  340 , and thus to achieve a laundry boiling function. 
         [0148]    The steam generator  385  and heater have the same structures as those of a steam generator and a heater used in a conventional washing machine. 
         [0149]    As apparent from the above description, the multiple laundry machine according to the present invention can perform a washing operation for a small amount of laundry, and can separately wash laundry in accordance with the kind of the laundry. 
         [0150]    When the laundry machines of the multiple laundry machine operate simultaneously, it is possible to re-use wash water used for a rinsing operation, and thus to save resources. 
         [0151]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.