Washing water storage unit, washing system

Abstract

The water purification unit of the washing water storage unit can be easily replaced. [Solution] The washing water storage unit 1 comprises a main body 3 and a water purification unit 8. The main body 3 has a tank 4 for storing water used for washing. The water purification unit 8 is detachably connected to the main body 3. The main body 3 has a main body connecting portion 7 arranged along the front, side, or back of the main body 3. The water purification unit 8 has a unit connecting portion 81 formed at the upper end of the water purification unit 8 and detachably connected to the main body connecting portion 7. The main body connecting portion 7 and the unit connecting portion 81 are connected when the water purification unit 8 is brought closer to the main body connecting portion 7 from below.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing water storage unit and a washing system having a water purification unit for purifying water used for washing.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that a washing machine purifies water discharged from a washing tub and returns the purified water to the washing tub again (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By connecting the washing machine to a washing water storage unit including a water purification unit for purifying water used for washing and a tank for storing water, the washing machine can be used in places where there is no water tap, such as a disaster area.

[0004] For example, it is conceivable that the water purification unit purifies the drainage of the washing machine and the tank stores the purified water. Thereby, it is possible to reuse the drainage of the washing machine for washing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, when the water purification unit is a consumable such as a filtration unit including a filter, it is desirable that the water purification unit can be easily replaced.

[0007] Furthermore, in specific locations such as disaster-stricken areas, it is conceivable that multiple washing water storage units connected to multiple washing machines may be used in a stacked state. In such cases, it is desirable that the water purification unit in each of the washing water storage units can be easily replaced.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a laundry water storage unit and laundry system in which the water purification unit can be easily replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A washing water storage unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main body and a water purification unit. The main body has a tank for storing water used for washing and a front channel and a rear channel through which water supplied to the tank flows, respectively. The water purification unit is detachably connected to the main body, purifies the water flowing in from the front channel, and discharges the purified water to the rear channel. The main body has a main body connecting portion arranged along the front, side, or back of the main body and communicating with the front channel and the rear channel. The water purification unit has a unit connecting portion formed at the upper end of the water purification unit and detachably connected to the main body connecting portion, with a water inlet communicating with the front channel and a drain outlet communicating with the rear channel. The main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion are connected when the water purification unit is brought closer to the main body connecting portion from below, and the connection between the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion is released when the water purification unit is moved away from the main body connecting portion downward.

[0010] A laundry system relating to another aspect of this disclosure comprises one or more laundry water storage units and one or more washing machines that wash laundry using water supplied from the laundry water storage units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure makes it possible to provide a washing water storage unit and washing system in which the water purification unit can be easily replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a washing system including a washing water storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the washing water storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main body and the detached water purification unit in the washing water storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the first embodiment and the connected water purification unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the second embodiment, and the detached water purification unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the second embodiment and the connected water purification unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the unit guide section in the washing water storage unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the third embodiment, and the detached water purification unit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the fourth embodiment, and the detached water purification unit. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the fourth embodiment and the connected water purification unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front view of the main body of the washing water storage unit according to the fifth embodiment, and the detached water purification unit. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a front view of a main part of a main body of a washing water storage unit according to the fifth embodiment and a water purification unit in a connected state.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments and the like are examples of embodiments and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] In the embodiments shown below, the "washing machine" generally means all devices that perform various processes such as washing on the laundry. Examples of the treatment of the laundry include, for example, washing, rinsing, drying, deodorizing, or sterilizing.

[0015] The laundry is not particularly limited. Examples of the laundry include, for example, fabric products. Specific examples of the laundry include, for example, clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; miscellaneous clothing items such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; interior items such as curtains and carpets; bedding such as blankets, towel quilts, and futon covers; and toys such as stuffed animals.

[0016] [First Embodiment] The washing water storage unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a water purification unit 8 and a tank 4 for storing water (see FIG. 1). The water purification unit 8 purifies the water used for washing in the washing machine 2.

[0017] The washing water storage unit 1 is used as a washing system 10 together with the washing machine 2 (see FIG. 1). The washing system 10 includes one or more washing water storage units 1 and one or more washing machines 2.

[0018] The washing machine 2 washes the laundry using the water supplied from the washing water storage unit 1. By connecting the washing machine 2 to the washing water storage unit 1, it is possible to use the washing machine 2 in places where there is no water tap, such as disaster areas.

[0019] In this embodiment, the water purification unit 8 purifies the wastewater from the washing machine 2, and the tank 4 stores the purified water. This makes it possible to reuse the wastewater from the washing machine 2 for washing.

[0020] By the way, if the water purification unit 8 is a consumable item such as a filtration unit equipped with a filter, it is desirable that the water purification unit 8 be easily replaceable.

[0021] Furthermore, in specific locations such as disaster-stricken areas, it is conceivable that multiple laundry water storage units 1 may be used stacked next to or away from multiple washing machines 2 (see Figure 1). Even in such cases, it is desirable that each water purification unit 8 in each laundry water storage unit 1 can be easily replaced.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 2, the washing system 10 includes a plurality of washing water storage units 1 and a plurality of washing machines 2 corresponding to the plurality of washing water storage units 1.

[0023] Each of the multiple washing water storage units 1 is connected to each of the multiple washing machines 2 by a water supply hose 21 and a drain hose 22 (see Figure 1).

[0024] The water stored in each of the washing water storage units 1 is supplied to each of the washing machines 2 through each of the water supply hoses 21. The water used for washing in each of the washing machines 2 is discharged to each of the washing water storage units 1 through each of the drain hoses 22.

[0025] Each washing machine 2 performs the washing or rinsing using water supplied from each washing water storage unit 1.

[0026] In addition, during the washing process, for example, a detergent may be added to or mixed into the water supplied from each of the washing water storage units 1 to each of the washing machines 2. Examples of the detergent include alkaline ionized water or detergents such as surfactants. Each of the washing water storage units 1 may directly supply the water containing the detergent to each of the washing machines 2. Furthermore, a plurality of detergent supply devices (not shown) may be provided separately from the plurality of washing water storage units 1 and washing machines 2. Each of the detergent supply devices mixes the detergent with the water supplied from each of the washing water storage units 1 to each of the washing machines 2.

[0027] [Configuration of each part of the washing water storage unit 1] Each washing water storage unit 1 comprises a main body 3 including a tank 4, and one or more water purification units 8 that are detachably connected to the main body 3.

[0028] Furthermore, the main body 3 has one or more main body connecting parts 7 corresponding to one or more water purification units 8, and a plurality of flow paths 6 through which water supplied to the tank 4 flows (see Figure 1). Each of the flow paths 6 is, for example, a pipe made of metal or synthetic resin. The plurality of flow paths 6 function as either or both of the water inflow passages to the water purification units 8 and / or the water outflow passages from the water purification units 8.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 1, each washing water storage unit 1 has a plurality of water purification units 8, each with different water purification characteristics, and a plurality of main body connecting parts 7 to which the plurality of water purification units 8 are connected.

[0030] In this embodiment, each water purification unit 8 is a filtration unit comprising a container 80, a unit connecting part 81, and a filter 82 (see Figure 4).

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 1, the multiple water purification units 8 include a first water purification unit 8h, a second water purification unit 8i, and a third water purification unit 8j, each with different filter coarseness. The second water purification unit 8i has a finer filter coarseness than the first water purification unit 8h, and the third water purification unit 8j has a finer filter coarseness than the second water purification unit 8i.

[0032] For example, the filter 82 of the third water purification unit 8j is an activated carbon filter that includes a cylindrical filter sheet and an activated carbon layer laminated on the outer surface of the filter sheet.

[0033] Furthermore, some or all of the multiple water purification units 8 may be sterilization units that perform water sterilization using photocatalysts or the like.

[0034] The multiple main unit connecting sections 7 include a first main unit connecting section 7h to which the first water purification unit 8h is connected, a second main unit connecting section 7i to which the second water purification unit 8i is connected, and a third main unit connecting section 7j to which the third water purification unit 8j is connected (see Figure 1).

[0035] Multiple flow paths 6 connect multiple main unit connecting parts 7 in series. That is, the multiple flow paths 6 include a first flow path 61 connected to the first main unit connecting part 7h, a second flow path 62 connected to the first main unit connecting part 7h and the second main unit connecting part 7i, a third flow path 63 connected to the second main unit connecting part 7i and the third main unit connecting part 7j, and a fourth flow path 64 connected to the third main unit connecting part 7j (see Figure 1).

[0036] The first channel 61 is the channel for water flowing into the first main body connection section 7h. The second channel 62 is the channel for water flowing out of the first main body connection section 7h and also for water flowing into the second main body connection section 7i. The third channel 63 is the channel for water flowing out of the second main body connection section 7i and also for water flowing into the third main body connection section 7j. The fourth channel 64 is the channel for water flowing out of the third main body connection section 7j.

[0037] In the following description, the water flow path into each of the main unit connecting sections 7 will be referred to as the upstream flow path 6x, and the water flow path out of each of the main unit connecting sections 7 will be referred to as the downstream flow path 8y (see Figure 4). The upstream flow path 6x and the downstream flow path 8y are the water flow paths through which the water supplied to the tank 4 flows.

[0038] The first channel 61 and the second channel 62 are the preceding channel 6x and the succeeding channel 8y, respectively, corresponding to the first main body connection 7h. The second channel 62 and the third channel 63 are the preceding channel 6x and the succeeding channel 8y, respectively, corresponding to the second main body connection 7i. The third channel 63 and the fourth channel 64 are the preceding channel 6x and the succeeding channel 8y, respectively, corresponding to the third main body connection 7j.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first channel 61, which is located furthest upstream of the multiple channels 6, is connected to the drain hose 22. The fourth channel 64, which is located furthest downstream of the multiple channels 6, is connected to the tank 4.

[0040] Each washing water storage unit 1 includes a first pump 5a that sends the wastewater from the washing machine 2 flowing in through the drain hose 22 to the first flow path 61, and a second pump 5b that sends the purified water in the tank 4 to the washing machine 2 through the water supply hose 21 (see Figure 1).

[0041] The wastewater from washing machine 2 is sent to the first flow path 61 by the first pump 5a. As a result, the wastewater from washing machine 2 flows into tank 4 via multiple water purification units 8. The wastewater from washing machine 2 is purified by the multiple water purification units 8.

[0042] Each of the main body connecting sections 7 is positioned along the front surface of the main body section 3 and communicates with the preceding flow path 8x and the succeeding flow path 8y. In Figures 2-13, the first direction D1 is the width direction of the main body section 3, the second direction D2 is the depth direction of the main body section 3, and the third direction D3 is the height direction of the main body section 3. One side of the second direction D2 is the front side FR of the main body section 3.

[0043] Furthermore, some or all of the multiple main body connecting parts 7 may be arranged along the side or back of the main body part 3.

[0044] Each of the water purification units 8 purifies the water flowing in from the upstream channel 6x and discharges the purified water into the downstream channel 6y.

[0045] Each unit connecting portion 81 of the water purification unit 8 is a portion that is detachably connected to each main body connecting portion 7 (see Figure 5). The unit connecting portion 81 is formed at the upper end of each water purification unit 8 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0046] The unit connection section 81 is formed with a water inlet 8p that communicates with the upstream flow path 6x and an outlet 8q that communicates with the downstream flow path 6y (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0047] In each water purification unit 8, the filter 82 divides the container 80 into a first region A1 and a second region A2 (see Figures 4 and 5). In this embodiment, the area outside the cylindrical filter 82 is the first region A1, and the area inside the filter 82 is the second region A2.

[0048] The water inlet 8p is the entrance to the first region A1, and the outlet 8q is the exit to the second region A2. Water flows from the upstream flow path 6x through the water inlet 8p into the first region A1, then through the filter 82 into the second region A2, and finally out of the second region A2 through the outlet 8q into the downstream flow path 6y.

[0049] Each water purification unit 8 is brought closer to each main body connecting section 7 from below, thereby connecting each main body connecting section 7 with the unit connecting section 81 of each water purification unit 8.

[0050] On the other hand, as each water purification unit 8 is moved downward away from each of the main unit connecting parts 7, the connection between each of the main unit connecting parts 7 and each of the unit connecting parts 81 of the water purification unit 8 is released.

[0051] Figure 4 shows the detached state before one of the multiple water purification units 8 is connected to one of the multiple main unit connecting parts 7. Figure 5 shows the connected state after one of the multiple water purification units 8 is connected to one of the multiple main unit connecting parts 7.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the main body connecting parts 7 and each of the water purification units 8 have a screw-type connecting part 81. Each of the main body connecting parts 7 has a cap part 71 that covers the unit connecting part 81. A spiral projection 71a centered on a first reference line L1 is formed on the inner surface of the cap part 71 (see Figure 4). The first reference line L1 is a straight line that passes through the main body connecting part 7 and runs in the vertical direction.

[0053] A spiral projection 81a is formed on the outer surface of the unit connecting portion 81 of each water purification unit 8, centered on the second reference line L2 (see Figure 4). The second reference line L2 is a straight line passing through the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the water purification unit 8. The spiral projection 81a of the unit connecting portion 81 engages with the spiral projection 71a of the cap portion 71.

[0054] Furthermore, a sealing material 72 is placed on the inner surface of the cap portion 71 to fill the gap between the cap portion 71 and the upper end of the unit connecting portion 81.

[0055] Each water purification unit 8 is connected to the main unit connecting section 7 such that the second reference line L2 coincides with the first reference line L1 (see Figure 5).

[0056] Each unit connecting portion 81 of the water purification unit 8 is pressed against each main body connecting portion 7 from below, while each water purification unit 8 is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 around the first reference line L1. As a result, each main body connecting portion 7 and each unit connecting portion 81 of the water purification unit 8 are connected (see Figure 5).

[0057] Meanwhile, with each main unit connecting section 7 connected to each water purification unit 8's unit connecting section 81, each water purification unit 8 is rotated in the second rotational direction R2 around the first reference line L1. This releases the connection between each main unit connecting section 7 and each water purification unit 8's unit connecting section 81 (see Figure 4).

[0058] For example, the first rotation direction R1 is clockwise from below toward each of the main body connecting parts 7. The second rotation direction R2 is in the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1.

[0059] The adoption of the washing water storage unit 1 makes it possible to easily replace each of the water purification units 8.

[0060] Furthermore, each water purification unit 8 can be connected to and detached from each main body connecting section 7 within the height range of each main body section 3. Therefore, even when multiple washing water storage units 1 are installed, each water purification unit 8 can be easily replaced.

[0061] Furthermore, the main body 3 includes a frame 31 that supports the load of the tank 4 and the load of other washing water storage units 1 placed on top of the main body 3 (see Figure 3). For example, the frame 31 is made of metal.

[0062] The frame 31 has legs 31a that protrude downward. A recess 32a is formed on the upper surface of the main body 3 on which the legs 31a of other laundry water storage units 1 stacked on top are placed (see Figure 3). The portion of the upper surface of the frame 31 that overlaps with the recess 32a is a load-bearing portion 31b that receives the load of the other laundry water storage units 1 stacked on top.

[0063] Multiple main body connecting parts 7 are located on the outside of the frame 31 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the multiple main body connecting parts 7 are located on the front side FR relative to the upper part of the frame 31. This prevents the portion of the main body 3 where the multiple main body connecting parts 7 are located from being distorted by the load of other washing water storage units 1 stacked on top of it.

[0064] Therefore, even when multiple washing water storage units 1 are loaded, it is less likely that connection problems will occur between each water purification unit 8 due to distortion of each main unit connecting section 7.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figures 6-8, the laundry water storage unit 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. The following describes the configuration of the laundry water storage unit 1A that differs from that of the laundry water storage unit 1.

[0066] The main body 3 of the washing water storage unit 1A has a configuration in which multiple main body connecting parts 7 are replaced with multiple main body connecting parts 7A, and multiple connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74 are added. Each of the connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74 is positioned below each of the main body connecting parts 7A (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0067] In this embodiment, each of the connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74 is positioned on the upper surface of a base portion 34 that is formed to protrude forward at the lower end of the front surface of the main body portion 3 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0068] Each main body connecting section 7A has a cap section 71 that covers the unit connecting section 81 of each water purification unit 8A, similar to each main body connecting section 7. However, the cap section 71 of each main body connecting section 7A does not have a spiral projection 71a.

[0069] The washing water storage unit 1A has multiple water purification units 8A instead of multiple water purification units 8. Each water purification unit 8A has a configuration in which the spiral protrusion 81a of the water purification unit 8 is replaced with a sealing material 81b, and an engaging portion 84 is added (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0070] The sealing material 81b fills the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the unit connecting portion 81 and the inner circumferential surface of the cap portion 71. The engaged portion 84 engages with a part of each of the main body connecting portions 7A.

[0071] Each of the main body connecting sections 7A has an engagement mechanism 73 (see Figures 6 and 7). The engagement mechanism 73 engages with the engaged section 84 of each water purification unit 8, thereby holding each water purification unit 8 connected to each of the main body connecting sections 7A.

[0072] In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the engagement mechanism 73 includes a swinging member 731, an operating member 732, an interlocking mechanism 733, and a biasing member 734. The swinging member 731 has an engaging portion 731a that engages with the engaged portion 84 and is supported so as to be swingable around the support shaft 730.

[0073] The oscillating member 731 is pivotable between an operating position in which the engaging portion 731a engages with the engaged portion 84 and a retracted position away from the engaged portion 84. The operating member 732 rotates or moves in response to an operation. In this embodiment, the operating member 732 rotates in response to an operation.

[0074] The interlocking mechanism 733 oscillates the rocking member 731 between the operating position and the retracted position in conjunction with the rotation or movement of the operating member 732. In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the interlocking mechanism 733 is a gear mechanism including a pinion gear integrated with the operating member 732 and a pair of rack gears connected to a pair of rocking members 731.

[0075] The biasing member 734 is an elastic member that biases the oscillating member 731 toward the operating position. For example, the biasing member 734 is a torsion coil spring that biases the operating member 732 toward a predetermined first operating direction. In this case, the biasing member 734 biases the oscillating member 731 toward the operating position via the operating member 732 and the interlocking mechanism 733.

[0076] Each water purification unit 8A is pressed against each main body connecting portion 7A from below, thereby connecting each main body connecting portion 7A with the unit connecting portion 81 of each water purification unit 8A. At this time, the oscillating member 731 temporarily swings to the retracted position by contacting the engaged portion 84, and then returns to the operating position, and the engagement mechanism 73 holds each water purification unit 8 connected to each main body connecting portion 7A.

[0077] On the other hand, when the operating member 732 is operated in the second operating direction against the biasing force of the biasing member 734, the swinging member 731 swings from the operating position to the retracted position, and the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 is released. With the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 released, each water purification unit 8A is moved downward away from the main body connecting portion 7A, thereby releasing the connection between each main body connecting portion 7A and the unit connecting portion 81 of each water purification unit 8A.

[0078] Each connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 has a plurality of inclined surfaces 741 and a plurality of top surfaces 742 connected to the ends of each of the plurality of inclined surfaces 741 (see Figures 6-8). The plurality of inclined surfaces 741 are surfaces that incline from bottom to top along a circular arc centered on the first reference line L1. The plurality of inclined surfaces 741 are an example of a plurality of first inclined surfaces.

[0079] On the other hand, each water purification unit 8A has a plurality of protrusions 85 formed at the lower end of each water purification unit 8A, which contact a plurality of inclined surfaces 741. The plurality of protrusions 85 are examples of contact portions that contact a plurality of inclined surfaces 741.

[0080] In the examples shown in Figures 6-8, each connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 has two inclined surfaces 741 and two top surfaces 742. Alternatively, each connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 may have three or more inclined surfaces 741 and three or more top surfaces 742.

[0081] When each water purification unit 8A is rotated in a first rotational direction R1 around a first reference line L1 with multiple protrusions 85 in contact with multiple inclined surfaces 741, the multiple protrusions 85 slide along the multiple inclined surfaces 741 and receive an upward force from the multiple inclined surfaces 741 toward each of the main body connecting parts 7A. Each water purification unit 8A is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 until the multiple protrusions 85 reach each of the multiple top surfaces 742. As a result, each water purification unit 8A is pushed upward from below toward each of the main body connecting parts 7A, and the unit connecting part 81 of each water purification unit 8A is connected to each of the main body connecting parts 7A.

[0082] Meanwhile, with the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 released, each water purification unit 8A is rotated in the second rotational direction R2 around the first reference line L1 and pulled downward, causing the multiple protrusions 85 to slide downward on the multiple inclined surfaces 741, and each water purification unit 8A gradually descends.

[0083] By employing the washing water storage unit 1A, the load of each water purification unit 8A is supported by multiple inclined surfaces 741, making it easier to replace each water purification unit 8A.

[0084] Furthermore, each water purification unit 8A can be connected to and detached from each main unit connecting section 7A within the height range of each main unit 3. Therefore, even when multiple washing water storage units 1A are installed, each water purification unit 8A can be easily replaced.

[0085] In addition, in the washing water storage unit 1A, either the engagement mechanism 73 or the connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 may be omitted. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism 73 may be provided in the connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 instead of being provided in the main body connecting portion 7A.

[0086] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the washing water storage unit 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. The washing water storage unit 1B is a modified version of the washing water storage unit 1A. The following describes the differences in configuration between the washing water storage unit 1B and the washing water storage unit 1A.

[0087] The main body 3 of the washing water storage unit 1B has a configuration in which the multiple connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74 of the washing water storage unit 1A are replaced with multiple connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74x. Each of the connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74x is located below each of the main body connecting parts 7A.

[0088] Furthermore, the washing water storage unit 1B includes multiple water purification units 8B instead of multiple water purification units 8A. Each water purification unit 8B has a configuration in which the multiple protrusions 85 of each water purification unit 8A are replaced by multiple inclined surfaces 85x.

[0089] Each of the connecting auxiliary mechanisms 74x has a plurality of protruding portions 743 that are arranged along an arc centered on the first reference straight line L1 and project upward.

[0090] Multiple inclined surfaces 85x are formed at the lower end of each water purification unit 8B. The multiple inclined surfaces 85x are formed to slope from the lower end to the upper end of the water purification unit 8B along an arc centered on the second reference line L2. The multiple inclined surfaces 85x are an example of multiple second inclined surfaces.

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 9, each connecting auxiliary mechanism 74x has two protrusions 743, and each water purification unit 8B has two inclined surfaces 85x. Alternatively, each connecting auxiliary mechanism 74x may have three or more protrusions 743, and each water purification unit 8B may have three or more inclined surfaces 85x.

[0092] When each water purification unit 8B is connected to each main unit connecting section 7A, each water purification unit 8B is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 around the first reference line L1, with the second reference line L2 aligned with the first reference line L1 and multiple inclined surfaces 85x in contact with multiple protrusions 743.

[0093] When each water purification unit 8B is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 around the first reference line L1, the multiple protrusions 743 slide against the multiple inclined surfaces 85x, and the multiple inclined surfaces 85x receive a force from the multiple protrusions 743 that causes each water purification unit 8B to move upward toward each of the main body connecting parts 7A.

[0094] Each water purification unit 8A is pushed upward from below towards each main body connecting section 7A by the force received from the multiple protrusions 743, and each main body connecting section 7A is connected to the unit connecting section 81 of each water purification unit 8B.

[0095] Meanwhile, with the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 released, each water purification unit 8B is rotated in the second rotational direction R2 around the first reference line L1 and pulled downward, causing the multiple protrusions 743 to slide upward along the multiple inclined surfaces 85x, and each water purification unit 8B gradually descends.

[0096] When the washing water storage unit 1B is used, the same effect as when the washing water storage unit 1A is used can be obtained.

[0097] In addition, in the washing water storage unit 1B, either the engagement mechanism 73 or the connecting auxiliary mechanism 74x may be omitted. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism 73 may be provided on the connecting auxiliary mechanism 74x instead of being provided on the main body connecting portion 7A.

[0098] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figures 10-11, the laundry water storage unit 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The laundry water storage unit 1C is a modified version of the laundry water storage unit 1. The following describes the configuration of the laundry water storage unit 1C that differs from that of the laundry water storage unit 1.

[0099] The main body 3 of the washing water storage unit 1C has a configuration in which a locking mechanism 75 is added to the main body connecting part 7 of the washing water storage unit 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the washing water storage unit 1C is equipped with multiple water purification units 8C instead of multiple water purification units 8. Each water purification unit 8C has a configuration in which an engaged portion 86 is added to the water purification unit 8.

[0101] In the washing water storage unit 1C, the unit connection portion 81 of each water purification unit 8 is pressed from below against the main body connection portion 7, while each water purification unit 8C is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 around the first reference line L1. As a result, each of the main body connection portions 7 and each of the unit connection portions 81 of the water purification unit 8C are connected (see Figure 11).

[0102] The anti-rotation mechanism 75 restricts the rotation of each water purification unit 8C in the second rotational direction R2 by engaging with the engaged portion 86 of each water purification unit 8C while each main body connecting portion 7 is connected to the unit connecting portion 81 of each water purification unit 8C.

[0103] On the other hand, the anti-rotation mechanism 75 releases its engagement with the engaged portion 86 when it receives a release operation.

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 11, the anti-rotation mechanism 75 includes a swinging member 751 and a biasing member 752. The swinging member 751 has an engaging portion 751a and an operating portion 751b and is supported so as to be swingable around a pivot shaft 750.

[0105] The swinging member 751 is supported so as to be able to swing between an engagement position in which the engaging portion 751a engages with the engaged portion 86 and a release position in which the engaging portion 751a separates from the engaged portion 86.

[0106] The biasing member 752 is an elastic member that biases the oscillating member 751 toward the engagement position. For example, the biasing member 752 is a compression coil spring, a torsion coil spring, or a leaf spring.

[0107] The oscillating member 751 receives a force in a predetermined release direction from the operating part 751b, causing it to oscillate from the engaged position to the released position against the biasing force of the biasing member 752.

[0108] As each water purification unit 8C is rotated in the first rotational direction R1, each main body connecting portion 7 and each unit connecting portion 81 of the water purification unit 8 are connected. At this time, the oscillating member 751 temporarily swings to the release position by contacting the engaged portion 86, then returns to the engaged position and engages with the engaged portion 86. As a result, the rotation-preventing mechanism 75 restricts the rotation of each water purification unit 8C in the second rotational direction R2.

[0109] In this embodiment, the engaged portion 86 has a recess 86b into which the engaging portion 751a fits. The engaging portion 751a engages with the engaged portion 86 by fitting into the recess 86b of the engaged portion 86. Therefore, the anti-rotation mechanism 75 restricts the rotation of each water purification unit 8C in the first rotational direction R1 and the second rotational direction R2 by the engagement of the engaging portion 751a with the engaged portion 86.

[0110] The operating section 751b is the part that receives the release operation. The release operation is the operation of swinging the oscillating member 751 from the engagement position to the release position.

[0111] When the oscillating member 751 is in the released position by the release operation on the operating unit 751b, each of the water purification units 8C is rotated in the second rotation direction R2 around the first reference line L1, thereby releasing the engagement between the spiral projection 71a and the spiral projection 81a.

[0112] By employing the washing water storage unit 1C, the same effect as when the washing water storage unit 1 is employed can be obtained.

[0113] Furthermore, a rotation-preventing mechanism 75 may be provided for each of the water purification units 8C. In this case, the rotation-preventing mechanism 75 restricts the rotation of each of the water purification units 8C in the first rotational direction R1 and the second rotational direction R2 by engaging with an engaged portion formed on each of the main body connecting portions 7.

[0114] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figures 12-13, the laundry water storage unit 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The laundry water storage unit 1D is a modified version of the laundry water storage unit 1A. The following describes the configuration of the laundry water storage unit 1D that differs from that of the laundry water storage unit 1A.

[0115] The main body 3 of the washing water storage unit 1D has a configuration in which the connecting auxiliary mechanism 74 of the washing water storage unit 1A is replaced with a lifting mechanism 76. Furthermore, the washing water storage unit 1D is equipped with multiple water purification units 8D instead of multiple water purification units 8A.

[0116] Each water purification unit 8D has a configuration in which multiple protrusions 85 are removed from each water purification unit 8A.

[0117] The lifting mechanism 76 is located below the main body connection section 7A. When the lifting mechanism 76 receives the first operation with the water purification unit 8D placed on it, it raises the water purification unit 8D toward the main body connection section 7A (see Figure 13).

[0118] Furthermore, upon receiving the second operation, the lifting mechanism 76 moves the water purification unit 8D downward from the main body connecting portion 7A (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 76 receives the second operation with the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 by the engagement mechanism 73 released.

[0119] For example, the lifting mechanism 76 includes a movable platform 761, a movable platform guide 762, an operating member 763, and a drive mechanism 764.

[0120] The movable platform 761 is the part on which the water purification unit 8D is placed, and it is movable up and down. The movable platform guide 762 guides the movable platform 761 in the vertical direction. The water purification unit 8D rises or falls in accordance with the movement of the movable platform 761.

[0121] The operating member 763 is a member that receives the first operation or the second operation. The operating member 763 rotates or moves in response to the operation. In this embodiment, the operating member 763 rotates in response to the operation.

[0122] The drive mechanism 764 raises and lowers the movable platform 761 in conjunction with the rotation or movement of the operating member 763. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the drive mechanism 764 includes a plurality of arm members 7641 and a transmission mechanism 7642.

[0123] Multiple arm members 7641 support the movable base 761 and are rotatable between a tilted position and an upright position. Figure 12 shows the multiple arm members 7641 in the upright position, and Figure 13 shows the multiple arm members 7641 in the upright position.

[0124] The movable platform 671 rises as the multiple arm members 7641 rotate from the tilted position to the upright position. Conversely, the movable platform 671 lowers as the multiple arm members 7641 rotate from the upright position to the tilted position.

[0125] The transmission mechanism 7642 transmits the movement of the operating member 763 to a plurality of arm members 7641, causing the plurality of arm members 7641 to rotate.

[0126] Specifically, when the operating member 763 receives the first operation and rotates in the forward direction, the transmission mechanism 7642 rotates the multiple arm members 7641 from the tilted position to the upright position. On the other hand, when the operating member 763 receives the second operation and rotates in the reverse direction, the transmission mechanism 7642 rotates the multiple arm members 7641 from the upright position to the tilted position.

[0127] For example, the transmission mechanism 7642 is a gear mechanism including a bevel gear mechanism and a worm gear mechanism. The bevel gear mechanism transmits the rotation of a first rotating shaft connected to the operating member 763 to a second rotating shaft arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first rotating shaft. The bevel gear mechanism transmits the rotation of the second rotating shaft to the rotation axes of a plurality of arm members 7641.

[0128] The drive mechanism 764 raises the water purification unit 8D together with the movable base 761 in response to the first operation on the operating member 763, thereby connecting the unit connecting portion 81 of the water purification unit 8D with the main body connecting portion 7A.

[0129] Meanwhile, with the engagement between the engaging portion 731a and the engaged portion 84 by the engagement mechanism 73 released, the drive mechanism 764 lowers the water purification unit 8D together with the movable base 761 in response to the second operation on the operating member 763. This releases the connection between the unit connecting portion 81 and the main body connecting portion 7A of the water purification unit 8D.

[0130] The same effect can be obtained when the washing water storage unit 1D is used as when the washing water storage unit 1A is used.

[0131] In addition, in the washing water storage unit 1D, either the engagement mechanism 73 or the lifting mechanism 76 may be omitted. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism 73 may be provided on the lifting mechanism 76 instead of being provided on the main body connecting portion 7A.

[0132] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0133] <Note 1> A main body having a tank for storing water used for washing, and a front channel and a rear channel through which water supplied to the tank flows, The system includes a water purification unit that is detachably connected to the main body and purifies the water flowing in from the upstream channel and discharges the purified water to the downstream channel, The main body portion has a main body connecting portion that is arranged along the front, side, or back of the main body portion and communicates with the preceding flow path and the succeeding flow path, The water purification unit has a unit connecting portion formed at the upper end of the water purification unit, which is detachably connected to the main body connecting portion and has a water inlet that communicates with the upstream flow path and a drain outlet that communicates with the downstream flow path. A laundry water storage unit, wherein the water purification unit is brought closer to the main body connecting portion from below the main body connecting portion, thereby connecting the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion, and the connection between the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion is released when the water purification unit is moved away from the main body connecting portion downward.

[0134] <Note 2> The washing water storage unit as described in Appendix 1, wherein the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion are screw-type connecting portions, which are connected when the water purification unit is rotated in a first rotational direction while the unit connecting portion is pressed against the main body connecting portion from below, and the connection is released when the water purification unit is rotated in a second rotational direction.

[0135] <Note 3> The washing water storage unit according to Appendix 2, wherein one of the main body connecting portion and the water purification unit is provided with a rotation-preventing mechanism that restricts the rotation of the water purification unit in the second rotational direction by engaging with the other of the main body connecting portion and the water purification unit when the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion are connected, and releases the engagement when a release operation is performed.

[0136] <Note 4> The main body is positioned below the main body connecting portion and has a plurality of first inclined surfaces that slope upward from below along an arc centered on a first reference straight line that passes through the unit connecting portion and runs vertically. The water purification unit has a plurality of contact portions formed at the lower end of the water purification unit that contact the plurality of first inclined surfaces, A washing water storage unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein when the water purification unit is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction about the first reference straight line while the plurality of contact parts are in contact with the plurality of first inclined surfaces, the plurality of contact parts slide along the plurality of first inclined surfaces and receive a force from the plurality of first inclined surfaces that causes the water purification unit to rise toward the main body connecting part.

[0137] <Note 5> The main body portion has a plurality of protrusions that are arranged below the main body connecting portion along an arc centered on a first reference straight line that passes through the unit connecting portion and extends vertically, and that protrude upward. The water purification unit has a plurality of second inclined surfaces formed at the lower end of the water purification unit, which are inclined from the lower end side to the upper end side of the water purification unit along an arc centered on a second reference straight line passing through the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the water purification unit. A washing water storage unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein when the water purification unit is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction around the first reference line with the second reference line aligned with the first reference line and the plurality of second inclined surfaces in contact with the plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions slide along the plurality of second inclined surfaces and the plurality of second inclined surfaces receive a force from the plurality of protrusions that causes the water purification unit to move upward toward the main body connecting portion.

[0138] <Note 6> The washing water storage unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the main body is positioned below the main body connecting portion and has a lifting mechanism that, upon receiving a first operation with the water purification unit placed on it, raises the water purification unit toward the main body connecting portion, and upon receiving a second operation, separates the water purification unit downward from the main body connecting portion.

[0139] <Note 7> The system includes a frame that supports the load of the tank and the load of other units loaded on top of it, The main body connecting portion is a washing water storage unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, which is located on the outside of the frame.

[0140] <Note 8> One or more washing water storage units as described in any one of the above appendices 1 to 7, A washing system comprising one or more washing machines that wash laundry using water supplied from the aforementioned washing water storage unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0141] 1,1A~1D: Washing water storage unit 2: Washing machine 3: Main body 4: Tank 6x: Pre-flow channel 6y: downstream flow path 7,7A: Main body connection part 8,8A~8D: Water purification unit 8p: Water inlet 8q: Outlet 8x: Pre-flow channel 8y: downstream channel 10: Laundry System 21: Water supply hose 22: Drain hose 31: Frame 71: Cap part 73: Engagement mechanism 74,74x: Connection auxiliary mechanism 75: Anti-rotation mechanism 76: Lifting mechanism

Claims

1. A main body having a tank for storing water used for washing, and a front channel and a rear channel through which water supplied to the tank flows, The system includes a water purification unit that is detachably connected to the main body and purifies the water flowing in from the upstream channel and discharges the purified water to the downstream channel, The main body portion has a main body connecting portion that is arranged along the front, side, or back of the main body portion and communicates with the preceding flow path and the succeeding flow path, The water purification unit has a unit connecting portion formed at the upper end of the water purification unit, which is detachably connected to the main body connecting portion and has a water inlet that communicates with the upstream flow path and a drain outlet that communicates with the downstream flow path. A laundry water storage unit, wherein the water purification unit is brought closer to the main body connecting portion from below the main body connecting portion, thereby connecting the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion, and the connection between the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion is released when the water purification unit is moved away from the main body connecting portion downward.

2. The washing water storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion are screw-type connecting portions that are connected when the water purification unit is rotated in a first rotational direction while the unit connecting portion is pressed against the main body connecting portion from below, and the connection is released when the water purification unit is rotated in a second rotational direction.

3. The washing water storage unit according to claim 2, wherein one of the main body connecting portion and the water purification unit is provided with a rotation-preventing mechanism that restricts the rotation of the water purification unit in the second rotation direction by engaging with the other of the main body connecting portion and the water purification unit when the main body connecting portion and the unit connecting portion are connected, and releases the engagement when a release operation is performed.

4. The main body is positioned below the main body connecting portion and has a plurality of first inclined surfaces that slope upward from below along an arc centered on a first reference straight line that passes through the unit connecting portion and runs vertically. The water purification unit has a plurality of contact portions formed at the lower end of the water purification unit that contact the plurality of first inclined surfaces, The washing water storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the water purification unit is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction about the first reference straight line while the plurality of contact parts are in contact with the plurality of first inclined surfaces, the plurality of contact parts slide along the plurality of first inclined surfaces and receive a force from the plurality of first inclined surfaces that causes the water purification unit to rise toward the main body connecting part.

5. The main body portion has a plurality of protrusions that are arranged below the main body connecting portion along an arc centered on a first reference straight line that passes through the unit connecting portion and extends vertically, and that protrude upward. The water purification unit has a plurality of second inclined surfaces formed at the lower end of the water purification unit, which are inclined from the lower end to the upper end of the water purification unit along an arc centered on a second reference line passing through the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the water purification unit. The washing water storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the water purification unit is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction about the first reference line with the second reference line aligned with the first reference line and the plurality of second inclined surfaces in contact with the plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions slide along the plurality of second inclined surfaces and the plurality of second inclined surfaces receive a force from the plurality of protrusions that causes the water purification unit to move upward toward the main body connecting portion.

6. The washing water storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body is positioned below the main body connecting portion and has a lifting mechanism that, upon receiving a first operation with the water purification unit placed on it, raises the water purification unit toward the main body connecting portion, and upon receiving a second operation, separates the water purification unit downward from the main body connecting portion.

7. The system includes a frame that supports the load of the tank and the load of other units loaded on top of it, The washing water storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the main body connecting portion is located outside the frame.

8. One or more washing water storage units according to claim 1 or claim 2, A washing system comprising one or more washing machines that wash laundry using water supplied from the washing water storage unit.

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