Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can suppress electricity charges while achieving water saving by reusing washing water.SOLUTION: A washing machine, for example, includes: an outer tub capable of storing washing water inside; a washing tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, and for storing clothing; a drive mechanism for rotating the washing tub; a water storage tank for storing the washing water from the outer tub; a first water delivery part for performing water delivery to the water storage tank from the outer tub; a second water delivery part for performing water delivery to the outer tub from the water storage tank; a battery charged by power from a system power source; and a control part for controlling the charge of the battery, and for selectively using the power source of the first water delivery part, the second water delivery part and the drive mechanism. The control part uses the system power source and the battery in a coordinating manner as the power source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 is known as a technology for purifying washing water used in washing and reusing it for washing. In the same document, paragraph 0021 states that "As shown in FIG. 1, the additionally usable water treatment device includes a water treatment tank 2 having a water inlet and a drain. The water in the water treatment tank 2 can enter the washing machine through a pipe, and the water in the washing machine can enter the water treatment tank through a pipe," and paragraph 0022 states that "The water treatment device is a water coagulation treatment device 9, which purifies the water by a coagulant." Then, paragraph 0026 states that "The water treated by the water treatment device is discharged again into the washing tank 1 via a filtration device 6 and a water pump 5, and is reused. A three-way valve 7 is further provided in the drainage path from the water treatment tank 2, and the water used to wash the water treatment tank 2 can be discharged to the outside." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-520100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of this document, the water treated in the water treatment device is discharged again into the cleaning tank 1 via the filtration device 6 and the water pump 5, which requires electricity to drive the water pump 5 and the three-way valve 7, resulting in high electricity bills.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can reduce electricity charges while realizing water saving by reusing wash water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the washing machine of the present invention includes, for example, an outer tub capable of storing wash water therein, a washing tub rotatably supported in the outer tub and in which clothes are stored, a drive mechanism for rotating the washing tub, a water storage tank for storing the wash water from the outer tub, a first water supply unit for supplying water from the outer tub to the water storage tank, a second water supply unit for supplying water from the water storage tank to the outer tub, a battery charged with power from a power grid, and a control unit for controlling the charging of the battery and for selectively using the power sources of the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit, and the drive mechanism, and the control unit cooperatively uses the power grid and the battery as the power source. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can reduce electricity charges while realizing water saving by reusing wash water. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine according to Example 1 [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine according to Example 2 [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine according to a third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, although the following description will be given using a washing machine as an example, the same applies to a washer-dryer having a drying function. In addition, although each figure has coordinate axes indicating up, down, left, and right, these are directions set for the sake of convenience in the description, and all of the embodiments described below are not limited to only these axial directions. EXAMPLES

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a washing machine of Example 1. The washing machine of this Example includes a washing machine main body 1 and a subunit 50. The washing machine main body 1 includes an outer tub 2 capable of storing washing water therein, a washing tub 3 rotatably supported in the outer tub 2 and accommodating clothes, a drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the washing tub, and a control unit 4. The outer tub 2 and the washing tub 3 are formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape and each includes an opening (not shown) for putting clothes in and taking them out, and the opening of the outer tub 2 is water-sealed by closing the washing machine door (not shown), and the clothes are washed, rinsed, dehydrated, and the like. In addition, a power supply line 9 from a system power source is connected to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 receives power from the system power source during normal times when no power outage or the like occurs. In FIG. 1, the arrows indicate water channels, and the dashed lines indicate electrical connections.

[0011] The washing machine main body 1 is electrically and water-wise connected to the subunit 50. The subunit 50 includes a battery (secondary battery) 11 that is 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 that stores wash water from the outer tub 2. Here, the battery 11 is arranged vertically above the water tank 35. With this arrangement, even if water leaks from the water tank 35 or a water channel, water will not drip onto the battery 11, and damage to the battery 11 can be prevented. Note that the components and electrical parts that constitute the battery 11 may be subjected to a waterproofing treatment such as potting. This waterproofing treatment can further increase the reliability of the product.

[0012] The sub-unit control unit 55 is electrically connected to the control unit 4 via a connection line 10. The connection line 10 is responsible for transmitting control signals and power from the control unit 4 to the sub-unit control unit 55, and transmitting control signals and power from the sub-unit control unit 55 to the control unit 4. If necessary, the connection line 10 may be composed of multiple power lines and signal lines.

[0013] When the subunit control unit 55 transmits power from the control unit 4 to the battery 11, charging of the battery 11 progresses. Here, a signal line that transmits the charge amount (ratio) of the battery 11 from the subunit control unit 55 to the control unit 4 may be included in the connection line 10, and the control unit 4 may adjust the amount of power transmitted to the subunit control unit 55 according to the charge amount (ratio) of the battery 11. This makes it possible to prevent an oversupply of power to the battery 11, and to extend the life of the battery 11. Note that the subunit control unit 55 may issue an instruction to adjust the amount of power transmitted. In other words, the control unit 4 or the subunit control unit 55 controls the charging of the battery 11.

[0014] The control unit 4 includes a power adjustment unit 6, and the subunit control unit 55 includes a subunit power adjustment unit 12. The power adjustment unit 6 and the subunit power adjustment unit 12 may be configured as a so-called inverter that converts AC current to DC current, a so-called converter that converts DC current to AC current, a DC current amplification or attenuation circuit, an AC current amplification or attenuation circuit, or a circuit having a combination of these functions. Depending on the functions of the power adjustment unit 6 and the subunit power adjustment unit 12, even if the form of power required by the control unit 4 and the battery 11 is different, it is possible to properly transmit and receive power. On the other hand, for the electrical components arranged in the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50, components that can be driven by either a DC power source or an AC power source may be adopted. In this case, the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50 can be operated regardless of the form of power supply.

[0015] Subunit 50 includes power outlet 13 for supplying the power stored in battery 11 to an external device. Specifically, subunit 50 includes power outlet 13 exposed on its outer casing. A user of washing machine main body 1 can connect an electrical device to power outlet 13 at any time to obtain general-purpose power. Note that the power obtained from power outlet 13 may be either DC or AC, and multiple outlets may be provided by combining these in any desired manner.

[0016] The control unit 4 includes a time management unit 5, which has a function of processing and holding time information. Here, the time management unit 5 is configured to include, for example, a small storage battery (not shown), or to always receive a minimum power supply from a battery 11, or to always receive a minimum power supply from a power supply line 9 from a system power source, and always holds the time information.

[0017] An operation panel (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 4 is provided on the top of the washing machine main body 1. The user can operate the operation panel to make various settings related to the operation of the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50, and the operation panel can display the operating status of the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50, which the user can check.

[0018] At the top of the washing machine main body 1, a water supply passage 20 from a water supply or the like is connected to a water supply valve 22, and by opening the water supply valve 22, wash water is supplied into the outer tub 2. Note that a detergent / fabric softener container (not shown) may be provided between the water supply valve 22 and the outer tub 2, and wash water may be supplied to the outer tub 2 via this detergent / fabric softener container.

[0019] A stop valve 25 and a wash water drain valve 26 are provided downstream of the outer tub 2, and by opening these, the wash water in the outer tub 2 can be drained outside the machine. Here, a lint filter (not shown) for collecting lint and small objects may be provided between the outer tub 2 and the wash water drain valve 26. The stop valve 25 is connected to the wash water supply pump 30 on the downstream side. A three-way valve 45 is provided downstream of the wash water supply pump 30. The three-way valve 45 connects the wash water supply pump 30, the upper part of the outer tub 2, and the wash water supply channel 31, and by controlling the three-way valve 45 to make the channel connecting the wash water supply pump 30 and the outer tub 2 active, the wash water can be pumped up to the top of the outer tub 2 and sprayed on the clothes in the washing tub 3.

[0020] On the other hand, by controlling the three-way valve 45 to enable the connection between the wash water supply pump 30 and the wash water supply channel 31, wash water or wash drained water can be sent to the water storage tank 35 of the subunit 50. The stop valve 25, the wash water drain valve 26, the wash water supply pump 30, the three-way valve 45, the channel connecting them, and the wash water supply channel 31 function as a first water supply section that sends water from the outer tub 2 to the water storage tank 35. The power source of the first water supply section, i.e., the power source (system power supply, battery 11) of the stop valve 25, the wash water drain valve 26, the wash water supply pump 30 and the three-way valve 45, is controlled by the control section 4 as described later.

[0021] Washing water supply channel 31 can be made of, for example, a flexible hose. With this configuration, compared to a case where washing water supply channel 31 is made of, for example, a rigid pipe, etc., main body vibrations generated by the operation of washing machine main body 1 are less likely to be transmitted to subunit 50, and damage to subunit 50 can be prevented in advance.

[0022] In this embodiment, a water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32 is provided between the three-way valve 45 and the water storage tank 35. Specifically, the water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32 is connected to a wash water supply channel 31 connected to the three-way valve 45, and wash water from the outer tub 2 is supplied to the water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32. The water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32 has a purification function to remove dirt components detached from clothes by washing, so-called "metal soap" generated when hardness (metal ion) components in tap water react with detergent components, residual components of detergent, bleach, fabric softener, etc., fine fibers, microplastics, etc. from the supplied wash water or wash wastewater, and an accumulation function to accumulate and store these unnecessary substances.

[0023] The purification function may be implemented by implementing physicochemical processes such as coagulation / sedimentation, membrane separation / filtration, flotation separation, adsorption, ion exchange, oxidation, etc. Any process may be implemented alone, or a combination of processes may be implemented to provide the purification function. The accumulation function may be implemented by implementing, for example, a mesh filter or an evaporation dish that captures unnecessary substances. The function of the water reforming unit / unnecessary matter accumulation unit 32 can prevent deterioration of the quality of the stored water over time, and can supply purified water when the stored water is reused.

[0024] Here, as described above, if the water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32 has a function of removing metal soap, the hardness components in the water will be reduced, and the cleaning performance can be expected to be improved when the purified water is reused for washing. For example, if the hardness of the water stored in the water storage tank 35 is lower than that of tap water due to the purification function of the water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulating section 32, when this water is reused for washing, it is possible to reduce the amount of metal soap generated by reaction with the detergent components, and it is expected that the detergent effect will be enhanced.

[0025] The water reforming / unwanted material collecting section 32 may also have a function of reforming the water delivered thereto so that the water will have higher washing performance when reused for washing. For example, it may be possible to implement a function of making the liquid alkaline or of adding fine bubbles to the liquid. In this case, the water tank 35 stores water with enhanced washing performance, and reusing this water in the washing machine main body 1 not only saves water but also further improves the washing performance of clothes.

[0026] The water that has been purified (unnecessary substances removed) and has had its cleaning performance enhanced in the water reforming unit and unnecessary material collecting unit 32 is sent to the water storage tank 35. In this case, for example, the water reforming unit and unnecessary material collecting unit 32 may be disposed above the water storage tank 35 and the water may be sent by gravity, or a separate water sending pump (not shown) may be provided.

[0027] A maintenance door 33 may be provided near the water reforming unit / unwanted material accumulation unit 32 and on the outer casing of the subunit 50. By opening the maintenance door 33, the water reforming unit / unwanted material accumulation unit 32 can be easily accessed, and maintenance of the water reforming unit / unwanted material accumulation unit 32 and disposal of the unwanted material can be easily performed. In this embodiment, the water reforming unit / unwanted material accumulation unit 32 that purifies water, enhances the cleaning performance of water, and accumulates unwanted material has been described, but a water reforming unit that purifies water or enhances the cleaning performance of water and an unwanted material accumulation unit that accumulates unwanted material may be provided separately. Furthermore, a water reforming unit that purifies water and a water reforming unit that enhances the cleaning performance of water may be provided separately.

[0028] Downstream of the water storage tank 35, a manual valve 37, a stop valve 36, a water storage drain valve 48, a water storage pump 38, and a three-way valve 39 are provided. By opening the stop valve 36 and the water storage drain valve 48, the water in the water storage tank 35 can be drained outside the machine. The three-way valve 39 connects the water storage pump 38, the circulation water channel 40, and the reuse water channel 41, and the circulation water channel 40 is connected to the water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulation section 32, and the reuse water channel 41 merges with the downstream water channel of the water supply valve 22 and is connected to the upper part of the outer tub 2. The manual valve 37 is exposed on the outer casing of the subunit 50, and the user of the washing machine main body 1 can open the manual valve 37 at any time to take out the water in the water storage tank 35 to the outside. For example, when the washing machine main body 1 is not operated for a long period of time due to going out for a long period of time, the manual valve 37 can be opened to empty the water storage tank 35. Immediately following the manual valve 37, for example, a hose connection or the like may be provided.

[0029] By controlling the three-way valve 39 to enable the water channel connecting the storage water supply pump 38 and the circulation water channel 40, the stored water can be recursively sent to the water reforming section / unwanted material collecting section 32, where purification, improved cleaning performance, and collection of unwanted materials can be performed again, thereby improving the quality of the water stored in the storage tank 35.

[0030] On the other hand, by controlling the three-way valve 39 to enable the water channel connecting the storage water supply pump 38 and the reuse water channel 41, the stored water can be supplied to the outer tub 2 and used as wash water to perform washing. The stop valve 36, the storage water drain valve 48, the storage water supply pump 38, the three-way valve 39, the water channel connecting them, and the reuse water channel 41 function as a second water supply unit that supplies water from the storage tank 35 to the outer tub 2. The circulation water channel 40 also functions as the second water supply unit, so that the second water supply unit can supply water stored in the storage tank 35 to the water reforming unit / unwanted material accumulation unit 32. The power source of the second water supply unit, i.e., the power source (system power source, battery 11) of the stop valve 36, the storage water drain valve 48, the storage water supply pump 38, and the three-way valve 39, is controlled by the control unit 4 as described later.

[0031] The water tank 35 is provided with a water level sensor (not shown) that can 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 subunit control unit 55 and the connection line 10. For example, when the water tank 35 is full, the control unit 4 controls the stop valve 25, the wash water drain valve 26, the wash water supply pump 30, the three-way valve 45, etc., so that the wash water is not sent from the outer tub 2 to the subunit 50, and it is possible to prevent overflow of water from the water tank 35. When the water tank 35 is full and the wash water is sent to the water tank 35, the control unit 4 may control the stop valve 36 and the water drain valve 48 so that the water in the water tank 35 is discharged by the amount of water sent. Based on the above configuration, an example of operation of the washing machine during normal times when no disaster or the like has occurred will be described.

[0032] A user of the washing machine main body 1 specifies a time period when electricity rates are low or a time period when the amount of power generated by a solar power generator or the like installed in the house is large as a priority charging time period for the battery 11. For example, the user operates an operation panel to store the priority charging time period for the battery 11 in the control unit 4. Thereafter, the control unit 4 charges the battery 11 with power from the grid power source during the priority charging time period for the battery 11. For example, on a daily basis, when the time management unit 5 detects the start of the priority charging time period for the battery 11, the control unit 4 starts charging the battery 11. Also, when the time management unit 5 detects the end of the priority charging time period for 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.

[0033] Here, the control unit 4 of the washing machine main body 1 may be equipped with a communication unit 7. In this case, for example, the communication unit 7 is configured to be able to communicate with an information transmission medium 8 by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The information transmission medium 8 is, for example, a base station operated by a telecommunications carrier or a smartphone owned by a user. The communication unit 7 receives information on electricity charges and information on the tightness of the power supply of the power grid transmitted from the information transmission medium 8, and the control unit 4 analyzes the information, making it possible to automatically and flexibly set the charging priority time period for the battery 11, thereby further improving the convenience of the washing machine main body 1.

[0034] As described above, the control unit 4 controls the charging of the battery 11, and also uses different power sources for the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50. In addition, the control unit 4 uses the system power supply and the battery 11 cooperatively as the power sources for the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50.

[0035] Specifically, when a user uses washing machine main body 1, if the charge rate of battery 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, control unit 4 provides some or all of the power required by washing machine main body 1 and subunit 50 with power from battery 11. Part of the required power may be provided by power from the system power supply. On the other hand, if the charge rate of battery 11 is less than a predetermined value, the system power supply is used as the power source for washing machine main body 1 and subunit 50. The predetermined value used to determine whether or not to use battery 11 as the power source may be set between 0% and 100% charge rate of battery 11, for example, 1%, 5%, 10%, etc.

[0036] The determination of whether the battery or the grid power source is to be used as the power source may be made based on whether the time when the washing machine 1 is used is included in the charging priority time period of the battery 11. As described above, the battery 11 and the grid power source may be used together as the power source for the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50. For example, when the washing machine main body 1 is used during the charging priority time period of the battery 11, the power consumption cost is considered to be relatively low, so the proportion of the power from the grid power source that covers the power of the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50 may be increased, and the proportion of the power supplied from the battery 11 may be reduced or set to zero. Conversely, when the washing machine main body 1 is used outside the charging priority time period of the battery 11, the power consumption cost is considered to be relatively high, so the proportion of the power from the battery 11 that covers the power of the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50 may be increased, and the proportion of the power supplied from the grid power source may be reduced or set to zero. The power sources of the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50 include a power source for the first water supply unit, a power source for the second water supply unit, a power source for the drive mechanism, a power source for the water reforming unit / unwanted material collecting unit 32, and the like.

[0037] As described above, by using the grid power supply and battery 11 cooperatively, the power stored in battery 11 during a time period when the power consumption cost is relatively low can be used at any time when the user uses washing machine main body 1, realizing time shifting of electricity charges. Note that time shifting of electricity charges means using electricity during a time period when the electricity charge is relatively high at the electricity charge for a time period when the electricity charge is relatively low (including a substantial form of power interchange using a battery, etc.).

[0038] The user of washing machine main body 1 may be able to set, for example, by operating the operation panel, whether to enable the wash water storage function and the reuse function in a situation where the system power supply and battery 11 are used cooperatively. The operation when the user has enabled the wash water storage function and the reuse function will be described below.

[0039] At the end of the washing or rinsing process of washing clothes, the stop valve 25 is opened while the wash water drain valve 26 is closed, and the three-way valve 45 is controlled to activate the water channel connecting the wash water supply pump 30 and the wash water supply channel 31, and then the wash water supply pump 30 is driven. The water reforming section and unnecessary material accumulation section 32 purifies the wash water supplied from the wash water supply pump 30, enhances the cleaning performance, and accumulates unnecessary material, and puts the water that has been purified, enhanced in cleaning performance, and accumulated unnecessary material into the storage tank 35. In this way, the wash water is stored in the storage tank 35.

[0040] Then, when a certain amount of water or more is stored in water storage tank 35, at the timing when wash water is needed in the washing process or rinsing process of washing machine main body 1, control unit 4 controls stored water supply pump 38 and three-way valve 39 via subunit control unit 55 to supply the water in water storage tank 35 to outer tub 2. It is possible to reduce the supply of tap water by the amount of water supplied from water storage tank 35, thereby realizing water conservation in washing clothes.

[0041] If necessary, the water storage tank 35 may be controlled to recursively send water to the water reforming unit / unwanted material collecting unit 32 by controlling the water storage pump 38 and the three-way valve 39, 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 held by the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor, and when the amount of stored water does not change for a predetermined period of time, for example, the water in the water storage tank 35 may be recursively sent to the water reforming unit / unwanted material collecting unit 32 to perform purification again. Note that a water quality sensor 42 may be provided in the water storage tank 35, and recursive purification may be performed when the water quality sensor 42 detects that the water quality has decreased to a predetermined level or lower.

[0042] Furthermore, if the water in the water tank 35 has been left for a long period of time, based on the time stored in the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor, the water stop valve 36 and the water drain valve 48 may be opened to drain the purified water outside the machine. Alternatively, drainage may be triggered by the water quality sensor 42 indicating that the water quality has dropped below a predetermined level.

[0043] The control unit 4 may transmit the time held by the time management unit 5 and the water level information from the water level sensor to an external server via the communication unit 7. In this case, the external server may perform time management of the water in the water storage tank 35 and issue a drainage instruction to the control unit 4. A lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light may be provided in the water storage tank 35, and the water in the water storage tank 35 may be constantly disinfected and sterilized with ultraviolet light.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both power management and water saving aimed at washing with a low environmental impact.

[0045] Next, an example of operation of washing machine main body 1 in an emergency (power outage / water outage) caused by a disaster or the like will be described. If the charge rate of battery 11 is equal to or higher than a certain level, power can be transmitted from battery 11 to control unit 4 to operate washing machine main body 1, and if a certain amount of water or more is stored in water storage tank 35, washing water can be supplied to washing machine main body 1, so that washing clothes can be continued even during a power outage or water outage.

[0046] When washing machine main body 1 is operating from the power grid, if control unit 4 detects a voltage drop in the power grid and determines that a power outage has occurred, it automatically switches to a mode in which washing machine main body 1 and subunit 50 are driven only by battery 11, and may display on the operation panel, for example, whether or not to continue washing with power supplied from battery 11, allowing the user to select this.

[0047] In addition, a water pressure detection unit 21 may be provided in the washing machine main body 1, and if the water pressure detection unit 21 detects a drop in the tap water supply pressure and the control unit 4 determines that a water outage has occurred, the washing machine automatically switches to a wash water supply mode from the water storage tank 35, and, for example, the operation panel may display a message allowing the user to select whether or not to continue washing with water supplied from the water storage tank 35.

[0048] Here, the capacity of battery 11 may be set to be equal to or greater than the amount of power required for the standard operation (washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes) of washing machine main body 1, and the capacity of water tank 35 may be equal to or greater than the amount of water required for the standard operation of washing machine main body 1. In this configuration, for example, when a disaster occurs with battery 11 fully charged and water tank 35 full, washing machine main body 1 can be operated at least once, and clothes can be kept clean, for example, when living at home as an evacuation shelter.

[0049] In addition, since the sub-unit 50 is equipped with a power outlet 13 and a manual valve 37, in an emergency, it is possible to obtain power to use and charge communication devices, for example, and to obtain water for daily use, such as flushing the toilet and keeping the body clean.

[0050] Battery 11 and water tank 35 may be configured to be detachable from subunit 50, and battery 11 and water tank 35 may be provided with a power outlet and a manual valve for general-purpose power and water supply. In this case, the power or water can be used by moving from the vicinity of washing machine main body 1 to a place where it is needed, thereby further improving convenience in life in an emergency.

[0051] The operation panel may also function as a display unit and display the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 35 and the amount of charge in the battery 11. In this case, for example, the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 35 and the amount of charge in the battery 11 may be displayed in a user-friendly manner, such as "three washes remaining." In addition, since the power of the battery 11 is used for an external device via the power outlet 13, the amount of charge in the battery 11 may be displayed, for example, as "three smartphone charges." The operation panel may also display the quality of the water in the water storage tank 35 (water quality information) based on the value of the water quality sensor 42. For example, the quality of the water may be displayed by presenting information such as "water for toilet use" and "water for hand washing." The content displayed by the operation panel may be transmitted from the communication unit 7 to the information transmission medium 8, and may be confirmed by the information transmission medium 8 or an external device that communicates with the information transmission medium 8.

[0052] In this embodiment, the case has been described where the control unit 4 performs main control and the control unit 4 controls the subunit 50 via the subunit control unit 55, but this is not limiting. For example, the subunit control unit 55 may perform main control and the subunit control unit 55 may control the washing machine main body 1 via the control unit 4.

[0053] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can reduce electricity charges while realizing water saving by reusing wash water. In addition, it is possible to provide water for daily life and emergency power even in the event of a power outage, for example. EXAMPLES

[0054] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine of Example 2. In the following, explanations and reference numerals for parts that are substantially the same as those in Example 1 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0055] In this embodiment, subunit control unit 55 is provided with subunit communication unit 56 and subunit time management unit 57, and further configured to connect power supply line 17 from a system power supply to subunit control unit 55. Here, subunit communication unit 56 corresponds to communication unit 7 in the first embodiment, and subunit time management unit 57 corresponds to time management unit 5 in the first embodiment. Subunit control unit 55 in this embodiment can set a priority charging time period for battery 11 without going through control unit 4 of washing machine main body 1, by operating an operation panel (not shown) provided in subunit 50 or by receiving information from information transmission medium 8.

[0056] Also, according to the configuration of this embodiment, power is directly supplied from the system power supply to the subunit control unit 55, eliminating the need for a connection line 10 for power transmission between the control unit 4 and the subunit control unit 55. Furthermore, since the communication unit 7 of the control unit 4 and the subunit communication unit 56 of the subunit control unit 55 are capable of wireless communication, the connection line 10 for transmitting control signals between the control unit 4 and the subunit control unit 55 is also unnecessary. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the connection between the control unit 4 and the subunit control unit 55 can be made wireless.

[0057] In addition, in the first embodiment, the washing machine main body 1 receives power from the power grid via a power supply line 9. By connecting this power supply line 9 to a power outlet 13 of the subunit 50, the power grid and the battery 11 can be used cooperatively as the power source for the washing machine main body 1 and the subunit 50, as in the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0058] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine of Example 3. In the following, explanations and reference numerals for parts that are substantially the same as those in Example 1 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0059] In this embodiment, the battery 11 and the water tank 35 are not made into subunits, but are incorporated in the washing machine main body 1. According to this embodiment, it is possible to configure a washing machine with a reduced dimension of the outer shell of the subunit, and since the wash water supply channel 31 and the reuse water channel 41 can be arranged inside the machine body of the washing machine main body 1, it is possible to improve the ease of installation of the washing machine.

[0060] In addition, since washing machine main body 1 and subunit 50 are integrated, subunit control unit 55 is integrated into control unit 4, as shown in Fig. 3. Note that control unit 4 and subunit control unit 55 may be provided separately inside washing machine main body 1.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Washing machine body 2 Outer tank 3 Washing tub 4. Control section 5 Time management department 6 Power adjustment section 7. Communications Department 8. Information Dissemination Media 9 Power supply line 10 Connecting wire 11. Battery 12 Subunit power adjustment section 13 Power Outlet 17 Power supply line from the power system 20 Water supply lines from waterworks, etc. 21 Water pressure detector 22 Water supply valve 25 Water stop valve 26 Washing water drain valve 30 Washing water supply pump 31 Laundry Water Supply Channel 32 Water reforming section and waste collection section 33 Maintenance Door 35 Water Tank 36 Water stop valve 37 Manual valve 38 Water storage and delivery pump 39 Three-way valve 40 Circulation waterway 41 Reuse waterway 42 Water quality sensor 45 Three-way valve

Claims

1. An outer tub capable of storing washing water therein; A washing tub that is rotatably supported in the outer tub and that receives clothes; A drive mechanism for rotating the washing tub; a water storage tank for storing the wash water from the outer tub; 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 tub; A battery that is charged by power from a grid; a control unit that controls charging of the battery and uses different power sources for the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit, and the drive mechanism; The control unit is configured to cooperatively use the system power supply and the battery as the power source.

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The control unit uses the system power supply as the power source at a predetermined time. A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, The control unit charges the battery with power from the system power supply at the predetermined time. A washing machine characterized by:

4. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, A water reforming unit is provided for pouring water from the outer tank into the water storage tank after purifying or enhancing the cleaning performance of the water, The first water supply unit supplies the wash water to the water reforming unit, The control unit selectively uses the power source of the water reforming unit together with the power source, and cooperatively uses the system power supply and the battery as power sources for the first water supply unit, the second water supply unit, the drive mechanism, and the water reforming unit.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, The second water supply unit supplies the water stored in the water storage tank back to the water reforming unit. A washing machine characterized by:

6. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The battery includes a power outlet for supplying the power stored in the battery to an external device. A washing machine characterized by:

7. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, A valve is provided for removing the water stored in the water tank to the outside. A washing machine characterized by:

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

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

10. The washing machine according to claim 8 or 9, A water quality sensor for acquiring the water quality information A washing machine characterized by:

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