Washing machine

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of saving water by reusing washing water and suppressing electric charge. A washing machine according to the present invention is provided, for example, with: an outer tub capable of storing washing water therein; a washing tub which is rotatably supported in the outer tub and accommodates laundry; a drive mechanism that rotates the washing tub; a water storage tank for storing the washing water from the outer tank; a first water supply unit that supplies water from the outer tank to the water storage tank; a second water supply unit that supplies water from the water storage tank to the outer tank; a battery charged with power from a system power source; and a control unit that controls charging of the battery and separately uses power sources of the first water delivery unit, the second water delivery unit, and the drive mechanism, the control unit cooperatively using the system power source and the battery as the power sources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] As a technique for purifying washing water used for washing and reusing it for washing, Patent Document 1 is known. In this document, it is described in paragraph 0021 that " Figure 1 As shown, the water treatment device that can be additionally used includes a water treatment tank 2 with a water supply port and a drain port. The water in the water treatment tank 2 can enter the washing machine through a pipeline, and the water in the washing machine can enter the water treatment tank through a pipeline." In paragraph 0022, it is recorded that "the water treatment device is a water coagulation treatment device 9, which uses a coagulant to purify the water." And in paragraph 0026, it is recorded that "the water treated by the water treatment device is discharged again into the cleaning tank 1 through the filter device 6 and the water pump 5 for reuse. A three-way valve 7 is also provided on the drainage path from the water treatment tank 2, which can discharge the water that has cleaned the water treatment tank 2 to the outside."

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-520100 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the technology of this document, water treated by the water treatment device is discharged again into the washing tank 1 via the filter device 6 and the water pump 5. Therefore, electric power is required to drive the water pump 5 and the three-way valve 7, which has a problem of increasing the electricity cost.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of achieving water saving by reusing washing water and suppressing electricity costs.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the washing machine of the present invention, for example, comprises: an outer tank, which can store washing water inside; a washing tank, which is rotatably supported in the outer tank and stores clothes; a driving mechanism, which rotates the washing tank; a water storage tank, which stores the washing water from the outer tank; a first water supply unit, which supplies water from the outer tank to the water storage tank; a second water supply unit, which supplies water from the water storage tank to the outer tank; a battery, which is charged with power from a system power supply; and a control unit, which controls the charging of the battery and separately uses the power sources of the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit and the driving mechanism, and the control unit coordinately uses the system power supply and the battery as the power source.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of achieving water saving by reusing washing water and suppressing electricity costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a cross section of the washing machine of Example 1

[0014] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the washing machine of Example 2.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the washing machine of Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following description is made using a washing machine as an example, but the same is true for a washing and drying machine with a drying function. In addition, coordinate axes indicating up, down, left, and right are marked in each figure, but these are directions set for the convenience of description, and all embodiments described below are not limited to these axial directions.

[0017] [Example 1]

[0018] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the washing machine of Example 1. The washing machine of this embodiment includes a washing machine body 1 and a subunit 50. The washing machine body 1 includes: an outer tank 2 capable of storing washing water inside; a washing tank 3 rotatably supported in the outer tank 2 and storing clothes; a driving mechanism (not shown) for rotating the washing tank; and a control unit 4. The outer tank 2 and the washing tank 3 are formed, for example, in a roughly cylindrical shape, and each includes an opening (not shown) for taking out and putting in clothes. The opening of the outer tank 2 is sealed with water by closing the washing machine door (not shown), and the clothes are washed, rinsed, and dehydrated. In addition, a power supply line 9 from a system power supply is connected to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 receives power from the system power supply during normal times when there is no power outage. In addition, in Figure 1 In the figure, arrow lines represent water paths and dashed lines represent electrical connections.

[0019] The washing machine body 1 is electrically and water-connected to the subunit 50. The subunit 50 includes: a battery (secondary battery) 11 charged with power from a system power supply; a subunit control unit 55 including a subunit power adjustment unit 12; and a water tank 35 for storing washing water from the outer tank 2. Here, the battery 11 is arranged at a position vertically above the water tank 35. With this arrangement, even if water leakage occurs from the water tank 35, water channels, etc., water will not drip onto the battery 11, and damage to the battery 11 can be prevented before it happens. In addition, the parts and electrical components constituting the battery 11 can also be subjected to waterproof treatment such as potting. This waterproof treatment can further improve the reliability of the product.

[0020] The subunit control unit 55 is electrically connected to the control unit 4 via the connection line 10. The connection line 10 is responsible for the transmission of control signals and power from the control unit 4 to the subunit control unit 55, and the transmission of control signals and power from the subunit control unit 55 to the control unit 4. If necessary, the connection line 10 may also be composed of a plurality of power lines and signal lines.

[0021] When the sub-unit control unit 55 transmits power from the control unit 4 to the battery 11, the battery 11 is charged. Here, the connection line 10 may include a signal line that transmits the charge amount (ratio) of the battery 11 from the sub-unit control unit 55 to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 may adjust the amount of power transmitted to the sub-unit control unit 55 according to the charge amount (ratio) of the battery 11. In this way, it is possible to prevent oversupply of power to the battery 11, and to extend the life of the battery 11. In addition, the instruction to adjust the amount of power transmitted may also be given by the sub-unit control unit 55. That is, the control unit 4 or the sub-unit control unit 55 controls the charging of the battery 11.

[0022] In addition, the control unit 4 includes a power adjustment unit 6, and the sub-unit control unit 55 includes a sub-unit power adjustment unit 12. The power adjustment unit 6 and the sub-unit power adjustment unit 12 may be configured as a so-called inverter that converts AC current into DC current, a so-called converter that converts DC current into AC current, a DC current amplification or attenuation circuit, an AC current amplification or attenuation circuit, or a circuit having a function of combining them. Through the functions of the power adjustment unit 6 and the sub-unit power adjustment unit 12, for example, even when the forms of power required by the control unit 4 and the battery 11 are different, power can be appropriately sent and received. On the other hand, for the electrical installation parts arranged in the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50, components that can be driven by both DC power supply and AC power supply can also be used. In this case, regardless of the power supply method, the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 can be operated.

[0023] The subunit 50 has a power outlet 13 for supplying the power charged in the battery 11 to an external device. Specifically, the subunit 50 has a power outlet 13 exposed to the outside. The user of the washing machine body 1 connects the electrical device to the power outlet 13 at any timing, thereby universally taking out power. In addition, the power output from the power outlet 13 can be either direct current or alternating current, and can also be combined arbitrarily to have multiple outlets.

[0024] The control unit 4 includes a time management unit 5, which has the function of processing and maintaining time information. Here, the time management unit 5 is configured to have a small storage battery (not shown), or is configured to always receive a minimum power supply from the battery 11, or is configured to always receive a minimum power supply via a power supply line 9 from a system power supply, and always maintains the time information.

[0025] An operation panel (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 4 is provided on the upper portion of the washing machine body 1. By operating the operation panel, the user can make various settings related to the operation of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50. In addition, the operation status of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 is displayed on the operation panel, and the user can confirm it.

[0026] At the upper part of the washing machine body 1, a water supply passage 20 from a water pipe or the like is connected to a water supply valve 22, and by opening the water supply valve 22, washing water is supplied to the outer tub 2. In addition, a detergent / softener container (not shown) may be provided between the water supply valve 22 and the outer tub 2, and washing water may be supplied to the outer tub 2 via the detergent / softener container.

[0027] A water stop valve 25 and a washing water drain valve 26 are provided on the downstream side of the outer tub 2. By opening them, the washing water in the outer tub 2 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. Here, it is also possible to have a thread filter (not shown) for capturing thread ends, small objects, etc. between the outer tub 2 and the washing water drain valve 26. The water stop valve 25 is connected to the washing water supply pump 30 on the downstream side. A three-way valve 45 is provided on the downstream side of the washing water supply pump 30. The three-way valve 45 connects the washing water supply pump 30, the upper part of the outer tub 2, and the washing water supply path 31. If the three-way valve 45 is controlled to make the water path connecting the washing water supply pump 30 and the outer tub 2 effective, the washing water can be drawn to the upper part of the outer tub 2 and spread on the clothes in the washing tub 3.

[0028] On the other hand, if the three-way valve 45 is controlled to make the connection between the washing water supply pump 30 and the washing water supply path 31 effective, washing water or washing waste water can be supplied to the water storage tank 35 of the sub-unit 50. In addition, the water stop valve 25, the washing water drain valve 26, the washing water supply pump 30, the three-way valve 45, the water path connecting them, and the washing water supply path 31 function as a first water supply unit that supplies water from the outer tub 2 to the water storage tank 35. In addition, the power source of the first water supply unit, that is, the power source (system power supply, battery 11) of the water stop valve 25, the washing water drain valve 26, the washing water supply pump 30, and the three-way valve 45 is controlled by the control unit 4 as described later.

[0029] The washing water supply passage 31 can be formed of, for example, a flexible hose. According to this structure, compared with a case where the washing water supply passage 31 is formed of, for example, a rigid pipe, the main vibration generated during the operation of the washing machine main body 1 is less likely to be transmitted to the sub-unit 50, and damage to the sub-unit 50 can be prevented before it occurs.

[0030] In this embodiment, a water reforming unit and waste collection unit 32 is provided between the three-way valve 45 and the water storage tank 35. Specifically, the water reforming unit and waste collection unit 32 is connected to the washing water supply path 31 connected to the three-way valve 45, and conveys washing water from the outer tank 2. The water reforming unit and waste collection unit 32 has: a purification function to remove dirt components detached from clothes due to washing, so-called "metal soaps" generated by the reaction of hardness (metal ions) components in tap water with detergent components, residual components such as detergents, bleaching agents, softeners, tiny fibers, microplastics, etc., from the conveyed washing water or washing wastewater; and a collection function to collect and store these useless substances.

[0031] As a purification function, for example, physical and chemical treatments such as coagulation and precipitation, membrane separation and filtration, flotation separation, adsorption, ion exchange, oxidation, etc. can be implemented. In addition, any one of the treatments can be performed alone, and a plurality of treatments can be combined to have a purification function. As an accumulation function, for example, a mesh filter or an evaporating dish for capturing unnecessary substances can be installed. Through the function of the water reforming section and useless substance accumulation section 32, the water quality of the stored water can be prevented from deteriorating over time, and purified water can be supplied when the stored water is reused.

[0032] Here, as described above, if the water reformer and waste collection unit 32 has a metal soap removal function, the hardness component in the water is reduced, so the cleaning performance of the purified water when it is reused for washing can be expected to be improved. This is because, for example, when the hardness of the water stored in the water storage tank 35 is lower than the hardness of tap water due to the purification function of the water reformer and waste collection unit 32, when the water is reused for washing, the amount of metal soap generated by the reaction with the detergent component can be reduced, and the effect of the detergent can be expected to be higher.

[0033] In addition, the water reforming unit and waste collection unit 32 may also have a function of reforming the water delivered so that the water can be reused for washing to achieve a higher cleaning performance. For example, it is considered to install a function of making the liquid alkaline or a function of making the liquid contain fine bubbles. In this case, since the water with enhanced cleaning performance is stored in the water storage tank 35, by reusing the water in the washing machine body 1, it is possible to save water and further improve the cleaning performance of the clothes.

[0034] In the water reforming section and waste collection section 32, the water that has been purified (wasteful substances removed) and has enhanced cleaning performance is sent to the water storage tank 35. At this time, for example, the water reforming section and waste collection section 32 may be arranged above the water storage tank 35 to send water by gravity, or may be configured to include another water pump (not shown).

[0035] In addition, a maintenance door 33 may be provided near the water reforming section and waste collection section 32 and the outer contour of the subunit 50. By opening the maintenance door 33, the water reforming section and waste collection section 32 can be easily approached, and the maintenance of the water reforming section and waste collection section 32 and the disposal of waste can be easily carried out. In addition, in the present embodiment, the entire water reforming section and waste collection section 32 for purifying water, enhancing the cleaning performance of water, and accumulating waste is described, but a water reforming section for purifying water or enhancing the cleaning performance of water and a waste collection section for accumulating waste may be provided separately. Furthermore, a water reforming section for purifying water and a water reforming section for enhancing the cleaning performance of water may be provided separately.

[0036] A manual valve 37, a stop valve 36, a water storage and drainage valve 48, a water storage and water supply pump 38, and a three-way valve 39 are provided on the downstream side of the water storage tank 35. By opening the stop valve 36 and the water storage and drainage valve 48, the water in the water storage tank 35 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. The three-way valve 39 connects the water storage and water supply pump 38, the circulating water path 40, and the reuse water path 41. The circulating water path 40 is connected to the water reforming section and waste collection section 32. The reuse water path 41 merges with the downstream side water path of the water supply valve 22 and is connected to the upper part of the outer tub 2. In addition, the manual valve 37 is provided so as to be exposed from the outer contour of the subunit 50. The user of the washing machine body 1 opens the manual valve 37 at any time to take the water in the water storage tank 35 out. For example, when the washing machine body 1 is not operated for a long time due to going out for a long time, the manual valve 37 can be opened to empty the water storage tank 35. It may also be provided just behind the manual valve 37, such as a connection portion of a hose.

[0037] If the three-way valve 39 is controlled to make the water path connecting the water storage and water supply pump 38 and the circulating water path 40 effective, the stored water can be circulated to the water reforming section and useless matter collection section 32, and can be purified again, the cleaning performance can be enhanced, and useless matters can be collected, thereby improving the quality of the water stored in the water tank 35.

[0038] On the other hand, if the three-way valve 39 is controlled so that the water path connecting the water storage and water supply pump 38 and the reuse water path 41 becomes effective, the stored water can be supplied to the outer tub 2 and used as washing water for washing. In addition, the water stop valve 36, the water storage and water discharge valve 48, the water storage and water supply pump 38, the three-way valve 39, the water path connecting them, and the reuse water path 41 function as a second water supply unit for supplying water from the water storage tank 35 to the outer tub 2. In addition, the circulation water path 40 also functions as the second water supply unit, so that the second water supply unit can supply the water stored in the water storage tank 35 to the water reforming part and waste collection part 32. The power source of the second water supply unit, that is, the power source (system power supply, battery 11) of the water stop valve 36, the water storage and water discharge valve 48, the water storage and water supply pump 38 and the three-way valve 39 is controlled by the control unit 4 as described later.

[0039] The water tank 35 is provided with a water level sensor (not shown) to grasp the amount of water stored in the water tank 35. The water level sensor can transmit water level information such as the amount of water stored in the water tank 35 to the control unit 4 via the sub-unit control unit 55 and the connection line 10. For example, when the water tank 35 is full, if the control unit 4 controls the water stop valve 25, the wash water drain valve 26, the wash water feed pump 30, the three-way valve 45, etc. respectively so that wash water is not fed from the outer tub 2 to the sub-unit 50, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the water tank 35. In addition, when the water tank 35 is full, the control unit 4 may control the water stop valve 36 and the water storage drain valve 48 so that the water in the water tank 35 is drained by the amount of water fed when washing water is fed to the water tank 35. Based on the above configuration, an example of the operation of the washing machine in normal times when no disaster or the like occurs will be described.

[0040] The user of the washing machine body 1 specifies a time period when electricity is cheap or a time period when the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation system or the like in the house is high as a time period for charging the battery 11. For example, by operating the operation panel, the control unit 4 stores the time period for charging the battery 11. Then, the control unit 4 charges the battery 11 with electric power from the system power supply during the time period for charging the battery 11. For example, when the time management unit 5 detects the start of the time period for charging the battery 11 every day, the control unit 4 starts charging the battery 11. In addition, when the time management unit 5 detects the end of the time period for charging the battery 11, or when the control unit 4 detects that the battery 11 is fully charged, the control unit 4 stops charging the battery 11.

[0041] Here, the control unit 4 of the washing machine body 1 may also be equipped with a communication unit 7. In this case, for example, the communication unit 7 is configured to be able to communicate with the information transmission medium 8 through, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The information transmission medium 8 is, for example, a base station operated by a communication operator, a smart phone owned by a user, etc. The communication unit 7 receives information on electricity charges, power supply shortage information of the system power supply, etc. sent from the information transmission medium 8, and the control unit 4 analyzes the information, thereby being able to automatically and flexibly set the charging priority time period of the battery 11, and the convenience of the washing machine body 1 is further improved.

[0042] The control unit 4 controls the charging of the battery 11 as described above, and separately uses the power sources of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50. The control unit 4 uses the system power supply and the battery 11 as the power sources of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 in coordination.

[0043] Specifically, when the user uses the washing machine body 1, if the charge ratio of the battery 11 is above a specified value, the control unit 4 supplies part or all of the power required by the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 through the power from the battery 11. A part of the required power can also be provided by the power from the system power supply. On the other hand, when the charge ratio of the battery 11 is less than the specified value, the power source of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 is set to the system power supply. The predetermined value for determining whether to use the battery 11 as the power source can be set between 0% and 100% of the charge ratio of the battery 11, and can be set to, for example, 1%, 5%, 10%, etc.

[0044] In addition, it is also possible to determine which of the battery and the system power supply is used as the power source based on whether the time when the washing machine 1 is used is included in the charging priority time period of the battery 11. In addition, as described above, as the power source of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50, the battery 11 and the system power supply can be used together. For example, when the washing machine body 1 is used in the charging priority time period of the battery 11, it is considered that the power consumption cost is relatively low, so the proportion of the power supplied to the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 using the power from the system power supply can be increased, and the proportion of the power supplied from the battery 11 can be reduced or set to zero. On the contrary, when the washing machine body 1 is used in the case of not the charging priority time period of the battery 11, it is considered that the power consumption cost is relatively high, so the proportion of the power supplied to the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 using the power from the battery 11 can be increased, and the proportion of the power supplied from the system power supply can be reduced or set to zero. In addition, the power sources of the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 include the power source of the first water supply unit, the power source of the second water supply unit, the power source of the drive mechanism, the power source of the water reforming unit and the useless matter collection unit 32, etc.

[0045] As described above, by using the system power supply and the battery 11 in a coordinated manner, the power stored in the battery 11 during a time period when the power consumption cost is relatively low can be used at any time when the user uses the washing machine body 1, and the time shift of the power cost can be realized. In addition, the time shift of the power cost refers to using power during a time period when the power cost is relatively high at a time period when the power cost is relatively low (including a substantial power balancing method such as effectively using batteries, etc.).

[0046] The user of the washing machine body 1 can also set whether to enable the storage function and the reuse function of washing water by operating the operation panel, for example, while using the system power supply and the battery 11 in coordination. The following describes the operation when the user enables the storage function and the reuse function of washing water.

[0047] When the washing process or rinsing process of washing clothes is finished, the water stop valve 25 is opened while the washing water drain valve 26 is closed, and the three-way valve 45 is controlled to make the water path connecting the washing water supply pump 30 and the washing water supply path 31 effective, and then the washing water supply pump 30 is driven. The water reforming unit and waste collection unit 32 purifies the washing water delivered from the washing water supply pump 30, enhances the cleaning performance, and collects waste, and delivers the purified, enhanced, and waste-collected water to the water storage tank 35. In this way, the washing water is stored in the water storage tank 35.

[0048] Furthermore, when a certain amount of water or more is stored in water storage tank 35, when washing water is needed in a washing process or a rinsing process of washing machine body 1, control unit 4 controls water storage and water supply pump 38 and three-way valve 39 via sub-unit control unit 55 to supply water in water storage tank 35 to outer tub 2. The supply of tap water can be reduced by the amount of water supplied from water storage tank 35, and water saving can be achieved in washing clothes.

[0049] It is also possible to control the water storage and delivery pump 38 and the three-way valve 39 as needed to circulate and deliver the water in the water storage tank 35 to the water reforming part and waste collection part 32, thereby improving the quality of the water in the water storage tank 35. For example, the control unit 4 performs time management of the water in the water storage tank 35 based on the time stored in the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor. For example, when the amount of stored water does not change during a prescribed period, the water in the water storage tank 35 is circulated and delivered to the water reforming part and waste collection part 32 for purification again. In addition, a water quality sensor 42 may be provided in the water storage tank 35, and the water quality of the water quality sensor 42 may be reduced to below a prescribed level as a trigger to implement circulation purification.

[0050] In addition, based on the time stored in the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor, when the water in the water storage tank 35 is left for a long time, the water stop valve 36 and the water storage drain valve 48 may be opened to discharge the purified water to the outside of the machine. Alternatively, the water quality of the water quality sensor 42 may be reduced to a predetermined level or below as a trigger to perform drainage.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 4 may transmit the time stored in the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor to the external server from the communication unit 7. In this case, the external server may also perform time management of the water in the water storage tank 35 and issue a drainage instruction to the control unit 4. Furthermore, a lamp irradiating ultraviolet rays may be provided in the water storage tank 35 to sterilize and disinfect the water in the water storage tank 35 constantly using ultraviolet rays.

[0052] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both power management and water conservation for the purpose of washing with a low environmental load.

[0053] Next, an operation example of the washing machine body 1 in an emergency (power outage or water outage) such as a disaster will be described. If the charge ratio of the battery 11 is above a certain level, power can be supplied from the battery 11 to the control unit 4 to operate the washing machine body 1, and if a certain amount of water is stored in the water storage tank 35, washing water can be supplied to the washing machine body 1, so that clothes can be washed continuously even in the case of a power outage or water outage.

[0054] In addition, when the washing machine body 1 is operating from the system power supply, if the control unit 4 detects a decrease in the voltage of the system power supply and determines that a power outage has occurred, it can also automatically switch to a mode in which the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 are driven only by the battery 11, for example, by displaying on the operation panel whether to continue washing with the power from the battery 11 to allow the user to make a choice.

[0055] In addition, a water pressure detection unit 21 may be provided on the washing machine body 1. When the water pressure detection unit 21 detects a decrease in the supply water pressure of the tap water and the control unit 4 determines that a water outage has occurred, the washing machine automatically switches to a washing water supply mode from the water tank 35. For example, whether to continue washing using the water supplied from the water tank 35 may be displayed on the operation panel to allow the user to make a selection.

[0056] Here, the capacity of the battery 11 may be set to be greater than the amount of electricity required for the operation (washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes) of the standard course of the washing machine body 1, and the capacity of the water storage tank 35 may be set to be greater than the amount of water required for the operation of the standard course of the washing machine body 1. In this configuration, when a disaster occurs, for example, when the battery 11 is fully charged and the water storage tank 35 is full, the washing machine body 1 can be operated at least once, and the cleanliness of the clothes can be maintained when taking shelter at home, for example.

[0057] In addition, the subunit 50 includes the power outlet 13 and the manual valve 37, so that in an emergency, for example, power can be obtained for use and charging of communication equipment, and domestic water can be obtained for flushing the toilet or keeping the body clean.

[0058] In addition, the battery 11 and the water tank 35 may be detachable from the subunit 50, and the battery 11 and the water tank 35 may be provided with a power outlet and a manual valve for obtaining power and water in a common manner. In this case, the user can move from the vicinity of the washing machine body 1 to a place where power or water is needed to use the power or water, thereby further improving the convenience of life in an emergency.

[0059] In addition, the operation panel may also function as a display unit to display the amount of water stored in the water tank 35 and the amount of charge in the battery 11. In this case, for example, the amount of water stored in the water tank 35 and the amount of charge in the battery 11 may be displayed again as a user-friendly expression such as "3 washes remaining". In addition, since the power of the battery 11 is used for external devices via the power outlet 13, the amount of charge in the battery 11 may be expressed as "3 times of charging the smartphone". In addition, the operation panel may also display the quality of water (water quality information) in the water tank 35 based on the value of the water quality sensor 42. For example, the quality of water may be displayed by prompting information such as "water for toilet use" and "water for hand washing". In addition, the content displayed on the operation panel may be sent from the communication unit 7 to the information transmission medium 8, and can be confirmed through the information transmission medium 8 and an external device that communicates with the information transmission medium 8.

[0060] In this embodiment, the control unit 4 performs the main control and controls the sub-unit 50 via the sub-unit control unit 55, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-unit control unit 55 may perform the main control and the sub-unit control unit 55 may control the washing machine body 1 via the control unit 4.

[0061] As described above, according to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided which can save water by reusing washing water and suppress electricity charges. In addition, for example, in the event of a power outage, domestic water and emergency electricity can be provided.

[0062] [Example 2]

[0063] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine according to Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, description and reference numerals are omitted for parts substantially the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0064] In this embodiment, a subunit communication unit 56 and a subunit time management unit 57 are provided in the subunit control unit 55, and a power supply line 17 from a system power supply is connected to the subunit control unit 55. Here, the subunit communication unit 56 corresponds to the communication unit 7 of the first embodiment, and the subunit time management unit 57 corresponds to the time management unit 5 of the first embodiment. The subunit control unit 55 of this embodiment can set the charging priority time period of the battery 11 without going through the control unit 4 of the washing machine body 1 by operating an operation panel (not shown) provided in the subunit 50 or receiving information from the information transmission medium 8.

[0065] In addition, according to the structure of this embodiment, since the power from the system power supply is directly supplied to the sub-unit control unit 55, the connection line 10 for power transmission between the control unit 4 and the sub-unit control unit 55 is not required. Moreover, since the communication unit 7 of the control unit 4 and the sub-unit communication unit 56 of the sub-unit control unit 55 can perform wireless communication, the connection line 10 for transmitting the control signal between the control unit 4 and the sub-unit control unit 55 is also not required. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the connection between the control unit 4 and the sub-unit control unit 55 can be made wireless.

[0066] In addition, the washing machine body 1 receives power from the system power supply through the power supply line 9 in Example 1, but by connecting the power supply line 9 to the power output port 13 of the sub-unit 50, as in Example 1, the system power supply and the battery 11 can be used in a coordinated manner as the power source for the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50.

[0067] [Example 3]

[0068] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine according to Embodiment 3. Hereinafter, description and reference numerals are omitted for parts substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0069] In this embodiment, the battery 11 and the water storage tank 35 are not made into sub-units, but are assembled in the washing machine body 1. According to this embodiment, a washing machine with a reduced size of the outer contour of the sub-unit can be constructed, and the washing water supply channel 31 and the reuse water channel 41 can be arranged in the body of the washing machine body 1, so that the installation performance of the washing machine can be improved.

[0070] In addition, since the washing machine body 1 and the sub-unit 50 are integrated, Figure 3 As shown, the sub-unit control unit 55 is integrated in the control unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 and the sub-unit control unit 55 may be separately provided inside the washing machine body 1.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned implementation examples are examples described in detail in order to easily explain the present invention, and are not limited to all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, with respect to a part of the structure of each embodiment, the structure of other embodiments can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0072] Explanation of symbols

[0073] 1: Washing machine body

[0074] 2: External groove

[0075] 3: Sink

[0076] 4: Control Department

[0077] 5: Time Management Department

[0078] 6: Power adjustment department

[0079] 7: Ministry of Communications

[0080] 8: Information sending medium

[0081] 9: Power supply line

[0082] 10: Connecting wire

[0083] 11: Battery

[0084] 12: Sub-unit power adjustment unit

[0085] 13: Power outlet

[0086] 17: Power supply line from system power supply

[0087] 20: Water supply from water pipes, etc.

[0088] 21: Water pressure detection department

[0089] 22: Water supply valve

[0090] 25: Water stop valve

[0091] 26: Washing water drain valve

[0092] 30: Washing water supply pump

[0093] 31: Washing water supply line

[0094] 32: Water improvement department and useless material collection department

[0095] 33: Maintenance door

[0096] 35: Water storage tank

[0097] 36: Water stop valve

[0098] 37: Manual valve

[0099] 38: Water storage and delivery pump

[0100] 39: Three-way valve

[0101] 40: Circulating water circuit

[0102] 41: Reuse of waterways

[0103] 42: Water quality sensor

[0104] 45: Three-way valve

[0105] 48: Water storage and drainage valve

[0106] 50: Subunit

[0107] 55: Sub-unit control unit

[0108] 56: Sub-unit communication unit

[0109] 57: Sub-unit time management department

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: have: an outer tank capable of storing wash water internally; A washing tank, which is rotatably supported in the outer tank and stores clothes; a drive mechanism that rotates the washing tub; a water storage tank storing the wash water from the outer tank; a first water supply unit for supplying water from the outer tank to the water storage tank; a second water supply unit for supplying water from the water storage tank to the outer tank; a battery that is charged using power from the system power supply; and a control unit that controls charging of the battery and separately uses the power source of the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit, and the driving mechanism, The control section cooperatively uses the system power supply and the battery as the power source.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit uses the system power supply as the electric power source for a predetermined time.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit charges the battery with electric power from the system power supply within the predetermined time.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water reforming unit is provided, which purifies the water from the outer tank or puts the water with enhanced cleaning performance into the water storage tank, The first water supply unit supplies the washing water to the water reforming unit. The control unit separately uses the power source of the water reforming unit together with the power source, and coordinately uses the system power supply and the battery as the power source of the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit, the driving mechanism, and the water reforming unit.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second water supply unit circulates and supplies the water stored in the water storage tank to the water reforming unit.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A power outlet is provided, and the power outlet supplies the power charged in the battery to an external device.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A valve is provided for taking out the water stored in the water storage tank to the outside.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A display unit is provided, the display unit displaying the charge level of the battery, the water level of the water storage tank, or water quality information in the water storage tank.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A communication unit is provided for transmitting the charge amount of the battery, the water amount of the water storage tank, or the water quality information in the water storage tank to an information transmission medium.

10. The washing machine according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: A water quality sensor is provided, and the water quality sensor acquires the water quality information.

Images