Water circulation device and washing system

Abstract

A washing system (100) comprises: a circulation path portion (41) that forms a circulation path (R1) of water that passes through a washing drum and a tank (21) of a washing machine (1); a second pump (27) that is provided downstream of the washing drum in the circulation path (R1) in a water circulation direction (D1) and upstream of the tank (21) in the circulation direction (D1), and causes water to flow along the circulation direction (D1); a sixth water path (31) that connects a first flow path extending from the washing drum to the second pump (27) along the circulation path (R1) and an external water source (200); and a switching valve (25) that switches the water supply source to the tank (21) between the washing drum and the water source (200).

Description

Water circulation system, washing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water circulation device and a laundry system.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A tank for storing wastewater discharged from a washing machine so that the wastewater can be reused in the washing machine is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-218997

[0004] However, when washing is repeated in a washing system that reuses wastewater, the amount of water stored in the tank gradually decreases because the water is taken up by the washed clothes. Therefore, in the washing system, it is necessary to periodically replenish the tank with water.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a water circulation device and a laundry system that can reduce the workload of refilling a tank with water.

[0006] A water circulation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a circulation path section and a water supply section. The circulation path section forms a water circulation path that passes through a washing machine and a tank. The water supply section supplies water to the tank.

[0007] A laundry system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the water circulation device and the washing machine.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the workload of refilling a tank with water.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laundry system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a washing machine in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a water supply process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an emergency stop process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laundry system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a washing machine in the laundry system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] First Embodiment First, a configuration of a laundry system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, a circulation route R1 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0012] In this disclosure, the term "washing machine" refers to a general device that performs various processes, such as washing, on items to be washed. Examples of processes performed in a washing machine include washing, drying, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The items to be washed are not particularly limited as long as they are made of a material suitable for washing with alkaline ionized water. Examples of items to be washed include cloth products. Examples of items to be washed include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; clothing accessories such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; interior furnishings such as curtains and carpets; and bedding such as blankets, towelettes, and futon covers.

[0013] The laundry system 100 washes items such as clothes using water containing a detergent, such as alkaline ionized water. As shown in FIG. 1 , the laundry system 100 includes a washing machine 1 and a water circulator 2.

[0014] [Configuration of Washing Machine 1] Next, the configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0015] 1 and 2, washing machine 1 includes housing 11, door 12, washing tub 13, rotating drum 14, motor 15, water supply channel 16, and drain channel 17. Washing machine 1 also includes drying section 18, operation display section 19, and control section 20 shown in FIG.

[0016] The housing 11 houses each component of the washing machine 1. The housing 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 2 , an inclined surface that slopes toward the top of the housing 11 is provided on the upper side of one side of the housing 11, which corresponds to the front of the washing machine 1. A circular opening 11A is provided on the inclined surface. The opening 11A is used to load laundry into the rotary drum 14 inside the housing 11 and to collect laundry from the rotary drum 14. A water supply port 11B is provided on the rear side of the top surface of the housing 11. The water supply port 11B is connected to the first water passage 23 (see FIG. 1) of the water circulation device 2. The water supply port 11B is used to supply water to the washing tub 13 inside the housing 11. A drain port 11C is provided on the lower left side of the housing 11. The drain port 11C is connected to the second water passage 24 (see FIG. 1) of the water circulation device 2. Drain outlet 11C is used to drain water from washing tub 13 inside housing 11. Four legs 11D (see FIG. 2) are provided on the bottom surface of housing 11. Four legs 11D are arranged at the four corners of the bottom surface of housing 11. Drain outlet 11C may be provided on the lower right side surface of housing 11 or on the bottom surface. Housing 11 may also have five or more legs 11D.

[0017] The door 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 11A. For example, the door 12 is formed in a disk shape. The door 12 is attached to the opening 11A via a hinge (not shown) provided on either the left or right side of the opening 11A.

[0018] Washing tub 13 stores water used for washing. Washing tub 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open only on one side in the axial direction. That is, washing tub 13 has a circular opening 13A (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, washing tub 13 is fixedly disposed inside housing 11 with opening 13A facing opening 11A of housing 11. A water supply port 13B is provided on the upper side surface of washing tub 13. Water supply port 13B communicates with water supply port 11B of housing 11 via water supply channel 16. Water supply port 13B is used to supply water to washing tub 13. A drain port 13C is provided on the lower side surface of washing tub 13. Drain port 13C communicates with drain port 11C of housing 11 via drain channel 17. Drain port 13C is used to drain water from washing tub 13.

[0019] The rotating drum 14 accommodates laundry. The rotating drum 14 is cylindrical and open on only one side in the axial direction. That is, the rotating drum 14 has a circular opening 14A (see FIG. 2 ). The radial size of the rotating drum 14 is smaller than that of the washing tub 13. As shown in FIG. 2 , the rotating drum 14 is disposed inside the washing tub 13 with the opening 14A facing the opening 11A of the housing 11. The rotating drum 14 is disposed inside the washing tub 13 so as to be rotatable around the central axis (rotation axis) of the rotating drum 14. The side of the rotating drum 14 is provided with a number of water passage holes (not shown) for supplying water stored in the washing tub 13 to the inside of the rotating drum 14.

[0020] Washing machine 1 is a so-called inclined drum washing machine in which rotating drum 14 is disposed at an angle. Specifically, rotating drum 14 is disposed in an orientation in which the central axis is perpendicular to the inclined surface of housing 11. The inclination angle of rotating drum 14 with respect to the horizontal plane is set within a range of 5 to 30 degrees, taking into consideration water-saving effect, cleaning power, susceptibility to damage to the laundry, and ease of removing the laundry after washing is completed. Note that washing machine 1 is not limited to a so-called inclined drum washing machine, and may be a so-called horizontal washing machine in which the central axis of rotating drum 14 is disposed horizontally.

[0021] The motor 15 supplies a rotational driving force to the rotating drum 14. The rotating drum 14 rotates around the central axis upon receiving the rotational driving force supplied from the motor 15. As shown in Fig. 3, the motor 15 is connected to the control unit 20 and is drive-controlled by the control unit 20.

[0022] Water supply path 16 is a water path that runs from water supply port 11B of housing 11 to water supply port 13B of washing tub 13. As shown in Fig. 2, water supply path 16 is provided with water supply valve 16A and ionized water supply unit 16B. Water supply valve 16A is an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass and a closed state that prohibits water from passing. As shown in Fig. 3, water supply valve 16A is connected to control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by control unit 20.

[0023] The ionized water supply unit 16B generates alkaline ionized water for laundry and supplies it to the water supply channel 16. Specifically, the ionized water supply unit 16B generates alkaline ionized water for laundry by supplying a predetermined amount of undiluted alkaline ionized water into the water supply channel 16. For example, the ionized water supply unit 16B includes a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate supply channel, and a concentrate supply pump. The concentrate reservoir stores the concentrate alkaline ionized water. For example, the concentrate alkaline ionized water has a pH value of 12.5 or higher. The concentrate supply channel is a channel for the concentrate alkaline ionized water that runs from the concentrate reservoir to a junction with the water supply channel 16. The concentrate supply pump is provided in the concentrate supply channel and causes the concentrate alkaline ionized water to flow along the concentrate supply channel from the concentrate reservoir side to the water supply channel 16 side. The concentrate supply pump is connected to a control unit 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20. For example, when water is supplied to the water supply port 11B by the water circulation device 2 and water for washing is stored in the washing tub 13, the control unit 20 drives the concentrate supply pump to supply an amount of concentrate alkaline ionized water into the water supply path 16 that is sufficient to make the pH value of the water stored in the washing tub 13 approximately 12.0.

[0024] Drain channel 17 is a water channel that runs from drain outlet 13C of washing tub 13 to drain outlet 11C of housing 11. As shown in FIG. 2 , drain channel 17 is provided with drain valve 17A and drain filter 17B. Drain valve 17A is a solenoid valve or an electric valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass and a closed state that prohibits water from passing. As shown in FIG. 3 , drain valve 17A is connected to control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by control unit 20. Drain filter 17B captures foreign matter, such as lint, contained in the water passing through drain channel 17.

[0025] The drying section 18 (see FIG. 3) dries the wet laundry inside the rotating drum 14. The drying section 18 includes a circulation air path that passes through the rotating drum 14, a fan that circulates air along the circulation air path, a heater that heats the air that is supplied to the rotating drum 14, and a heat exchanger that cools and dries the air that has passed through the rotating drum 14. The fan, the heater, and the heat exchanger are connected to the control section 20 (see FIG. 3) and are driven and controlled by the control section 20.

[0026] The operation display unit 19 (see FIG. 3) is a user interface of the laundry system 100. The operation display unit 19 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 20. For example, the display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 20 in response to user operations. For example, the operation unit includes hard keys and a touch panel.

[0027] The control unit 20 (see FIG. 3 ) comprehensively controls the laundry system 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 20 includes a CPU 20A, a ROM 20B, and a RAM 20C. The CPU 20A is a processor that executes various arithmetic operations. The ROM 20B is a non-volatile storage device that pre-stores information such as control programs for causing the CPU 20A to execute various operations. In other words, it is a computer-readable recording medium. The RAM 20C is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various operations executed by the CPU 20A. The CPU 20A executes the various control programs pre-stored in the ROM 20B. In this way, the CPU 20A comprehensively controls the laundry system 100.

[0028] [Configuration of Water Circulation Device 2] Next, the configuration of the water circulation device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG.

[0029] 1, the water circulation device 2 includes a tank 21, a first pump 22, a first water passage 23, a second water passage 24, a switching valve 25, a third water passage 26, a second pump 27, a fourth water passage 28, a filter 29, a fifth water passage 30, and a sixth water passage 31. The water circulation device 2 also includes an operating unit 32, a float sensor 33, and a light sensor 34 shown in FIG.

[0030] Tank 21 stores water to be supplied to washing tub 13 (see FIG. 2 ) of washing machine 1. Tank 21 also stores wastewater discharged from washing tub 13 of washing machine 1 so that the wastewater can be reused in washing machine 1. Tank 21 is formed with a size capable of storing the amount of water required for washing operations by washing machine 1. Tank 21 is disposed on the side, bottom, top, or inside washing machine 1. For example, tank 21 stores tap water.

[0031] Incidentally, when washing is repeated in washing system 100 that reuses the wastewater discharged from washing tub 13, the amount of water stored in tank 21 gradually decreases because the water is taken up by the washed clothes. Therefore, in washing system 100, it is necessary to periodically replenish water in tank 21.

[0032] In contrast, in the laundry system 100, as will be described below, it is possible to reduce the workload of refilling the tank 21 with water.

[0033] Specifically, laundry system 100 includes a water supply unit 60 (see FIG. 1 ) that supplies water to tank 21. Water supply unit 60 includes second pump 27, sixth water passage 31, and switching valve 25.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first pump 22 is provided at the bottom of the tank 21. The first pump 22 is a submersible pump with a built-in motor. The first pump 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a substantially dome-shaped upper end. The first pump 22 includes a water intake section that draws water from the tank 21, a filter section that filters the drawn water, and a water supply section 22A (see FIG. 1 ) that delivers water that has passed through the filter section to the outside. The water intake section is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the first pump 22. The water supply section 22A extends upward from the upper end of the first pump 22, and its extending end is connected to the first water passage 23. The first pump 22 flows water from the tank 21 to the washing machine 1 along a water supply path (see FIG. 1 ) that runs from the inside of the tank 21 through the first pump 22 and the first water passage 23 to the water supply port 11B of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first pump 22 is connected to the control unit 20 and is controlled by the control unit 20 .

[0035] 1, first water passage 23 is a water passage that extends from water supply portion 22A of first pump 22 to water supply port 11B of washing machine 1. First water passage 23 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose.

[0036] 1, second water passage 24 is a water passage that extends from drain outlet 11C of washing machine 1 to switching valve 25. Second water passage 24 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1 , the switching valve 25 is connected to the second water passage 24, the third water passage 26, and the sixth water passage 31. The switching valve 25 is a three-way valve that switches the water passage connected to the third water passage 26 between the second water passage 24 and the sixth water passage 31. The switching valve 25 is an electric valve or a solenoid valve that operates in response to power supply. The switching valve 25 may be configured with two two-way valves provided in the second water passage 24 and the sixth water passage 31, respectively. The switching valve 25 may also be a manual valve.

[0038] 1, the third water passage 26 is a water passage that extends from the switching valve 25 to the second pump 27. The third water passage 26 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose.

[0039] Second pump 27 causes water to flow from washing machine 1 to tank 21 along a drainage path (see FIG. 1 ) that runs from drain outlet 11C of washing machine 1 to tank 21 via second water passage 24, switching valve 25, third water passage 26, second pump 27, fourth water passage 28, filter 29, and fifth water passage 30. As shown in FIG. 3 , second pump 27 is connected to control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by control unit 20. Second pump 27 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the first pump of the present disclosure.

[0040] 1, the fourth water passage 28 is a water passage that extends from the second pump 27 to the filter 29. The fourth water passage 28 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose.

[0041] The filter 29 purifies the water flowing along the drainage path. For example, the filter 29 has a two-layer structure including a first layer made of a nonwoven fabric filter and a second layer made of an activated carbon filter. The first layer is disposed upstream of the second layer in the direction of water flow in the drainage path. The second layer may be a hollow fiber membrane filter, a ceramic filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, an ion exchange resin filter, or the like. The filter 29 may also have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure of three or more layers. When the filter 29 has a multi-layer structure of three or more layers, the filter 29 may include multiple filters of different types. The filter 29 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the first filter of the present disclosure.

[0042] 1 , the fifth water passage 30 is a water passage that extends from the filter 29 to the tank 21. The fifth water passage 30 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose. The end of the fifth water passage 30 on the tank 21 side is positioned so as to open downward above the water surface of the water stored in the tank 21.

[0043] The tank 21, the first pump 22, the first water passage 23, the second water passage 24, the switching valve 25, the third water passage 26, the second pump 27, the fourth water passage 28, the filter 29, and the fifth water passage 30 constitute a circulation path 41 (see FIG. 1 ). The circulation path 41 forms a water circulation path R1 (see FIG. 1 ) that passes through the tank 21 and the washing machine 1.

[0044] Specifically, the circulation route R1 is a route that runs from the tank 21 through the first pump 22 and the first water passage 23, through the water supply passage 16, washing tub 13, and drain passage 17 within the washing machine 1, and further through the second water passage 24, the switching valve 25, the third water passage 26, the second pump 27, the fourth water passage 28, the filter 29, and the fifth water passage 30 to the tank 21.

[0045] In circulation route R1, first pump 22 and second pump 27 cause water to flow along circulation direction D1 shown in Fig. 1. Second pump 27 is provided in an upstream portion of circulation route R1 that is downstream of washing machine 1 in circulation direction D1 and upstream of tank 21 in circulation direction D1, and causes water to flow along circulation direction D1.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 , sixth water channel 31 is a water channel extending from external water source 200 to switching valve 25. Sixth water channel 31 is formed of a tubular member such as a resin hose. Sixth water channel 31 is translucent. Specifically, sixth water channel 31 is formed of a transparent resin material. Sixth water channel 31 is connected to the upstream portion of circulation path R1 and connected to external water source 200. Specifically, sixth water channel 31 connects a first flow path extending from washing machine 1 to second pump 27 along circulation path R1 in the upstream portion to external water source 200. The first flow path is composed of drain path 17 of washing machine 1, second water channel 24, switching valve 25, and third water channel 26. Sixth water channel 31 is an example of a preferred embodiment of a first external water supply flow path of the present disclosure.

[0047] The water source 200 is used to replenish water to the tank 21. For example, the water source 200 is a container such as a bucket filled with replenishment water. The water source 200 may also be a bathtub or a swimming pool filled with water. The water source 200 may also be a river, a lake, a pond, or the like.

[0048] In water circulation device 2, switching valve 25 is provided at the connection between the upstream portion of circulation route R1 and sixth water channel 31, and is switchable between connecting the upstream side and downstream side of the connection and connecting the downstream side of the connection with the flow path. In other words, switching valve 25 switches the source of water supplied to tank 21 between washing tub 13 of washing machine 1 and water source 200.

[0049] 1, the filter 29 is provided on the circulation path R1 between the connection and the tank 21. This allows the water supplied from the water source 200 to the tank 21 to be purified before it reaches the tank 21.

[0050] The operation unit 32 is provided on the outer surface of the tank 21. For example, the operation unit 32 is provided on the top surface or side surface of the tank 21. The operation unit 32 includes an operation switch or an operation button that is operated by the user. As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation unit 32 is connected to the control unit 20. The operation unit 32 inputs an operation acceptance signal to the control unit 20 in response to an operation by the user.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1, float sensor 33 is provided inside tank 21. Float sensor 33 detects whether the water level in tank 21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference position. The reference position is set based on the water level in tank 21 when tank 21 stores the minimum amount of water necessary for a washing operation by washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 3, float sensor 33 is connected to control unit 20. In response to an instruction from control unit 20, float sensor 33 inputs a first detection signal to control unit 20 indicating whether the water level in tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 , optical sensor 34 is provided in sixth water channel 31. For example, optical sensor 34 is a transmission-type optical sensor having light-emitting unit 34A (see FIG. 1 ) and light-receiving unit 34B (see FIG. 1 ) that are provided opposite each other across transparent tubular sixth water channel 31. Optical sensor 34 is used to detect foreign matter contained in water supplied from water source 200. Specifically, in laundry system 100, the presence of the foreign matter is determined when light emitted from light-emitting unit 34A is blocked before it enters light-receiving unit 34B. As shown in FIG. 3 , optical sensor 34 is connected to control unit 20. In response to an instruction from control unit 20, optical sensor 34 inputs a second detection signal to control unit 20 indicating whether light emitted from light-emitting unit 34A has been blocked (whether the foreign matter has been detected).

[0053] In addition, in the laundry system 100, the presence of the foreign object may be determined when the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 34A is blocked for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time. This makes it possible to exclude small foreign objects from detection targets. In addition, in the laundry system 100, the presence of the foreign object may be determined when the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 34B from the light-emitting unit 34A is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. The reference value is a value lower than the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 34B from the light-emitting unit 34A when transparent water flows through the sixth water channel 31. This makes it possible to detect translucent foreign objects such as pieces of plastic bags. It is also possible to detect large amounts of small foreign objects that cloud the water in the water source 200.

[0054] [Configuration of Control Unit 20] Next, the configuration of the control unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 20 includes a drive control unit 51 , a determination processing unit 52 , and a detection processing unit 53 .

[0056] Specifically, an operation control program for causing the control unit 20 to function as each of the above-mentioned functional units is stored in advance in the ROM 20B of the control unit 20. The CPU 20A of the control unit 20 reads out and executes the operation control program from the ROM 20B, thereby functioning as each of the above-mentioned functional units.

[0057] Note that some or all of the functional units included in the control unit 20 may be configured with electronic circuits. Also, the operation control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the functional units shown in FIG.

[0058] The determination processing unit 52 determines whether the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position.

[0059] For example, the determination processing unit 52 determines whether the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position using the float sensor 33. Note that the determination processing unit 52 may use a water level sensor different from the float sensor 33 to determine whether the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position.

[0060] When a predetermined specific operation is received, drive control unit 51 switches the water supply source to tank 21 from washing machine 1 to water source 200 using switching valve 25 , and drives second pump 27 .

[0061] For example, the specific operation is an operation on operation unit 32. When the operation acceptance signal is input from operation unit 32, drive control unit 51 switches the water supply source to tank 21 from washing tub 13 of washing machine 1 to water source 200 using switching valve 25, and drives second pump 27. Note that the specific operation may be a predetermined operation on operation display unit 19 of washing machine 1.

[0062] If a predetermined stop condition is met after receiving the specific operation, the drive control unit 51 stops the drive of the second pump 27 and uses the switching valve 25 to switch the water source to the tank 21 from the water source 200 to the washing machine 1.

[0063] For example, the stop condition is that the determination processing unit 52 determines that the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference level. The stop condition may also be that a predetermined replenishment period has elapsed since the specific operation was accepted. For example, the replenishment period may be set based on the time required for the amount of water replenished to the tank 21 from the start of operation of the second pump 27 to reach the minimum amount of water required for the washing operation. The stop condition may also be one of the two conditions specified by a user's operation on the operation display unit 19 of the washing machine 1. The stop condition may also be that the specific operation is accepted again.

[0064] The detection processing unit 53 detects the foreign matter contained in the water supplied from the water source 200 .

[0065] Specifically, the detection processing unit 53 detects the foreign object using the optical sensor 34. The detection processing unit 53 may detect the foreign object using a camera capable of capturing an image of the sixth water channel 31 from outside the sixth water channel 31.

[0066] Here, when the detection processing unit 53 detects the foreign matter, the drive control unit 51 stops the drive of the second pump 27 regardless of whether the stop condition is satisfied or not. This makes it possible to prevent the foreign matter from entering the second pump 27 and causing a breakdown of the second pump 27. It also makes it possible to prevent the foreign matter from entering the filter 29 and causing damage to the filter 29.

[0067] [Water Replenishment Process] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the water replenishment process executed by the control unit 20 in the laundry system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 20.

[0068] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the specific operation has been accepted.

[0069] Specifically, when the operation acceptance signal is input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 20 determines that the specific operation has been accepted.

[0070] Here, if the control unit 20 determines that the specific operation has been received (Yes in S11), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S12. If the specific operation has not been received (No in S11), the control unit 20 waits for the specific operation to be received in step S11.

[0071] <Step S12 > In step S12, control unit 20 switches the water supply source to tank 21 from washing tub 13 of washing machine 1 to water source 200 using switching valve 25.

[0072] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 20 starts driving the second pump 27. The processes of steps S12 and S13 are executed by the drive control unit 51 of the control unit 20.

[0073] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the foreign object has been detected.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 20 causes the optical sensor 34 to output the second detection signal. Then, the control unit 20 determines that the foreign object has been detected when the second detection signal indicating the detection of the foreign object is output from the optical sensor 34. Here, the process of detecting the foreign object is executed by the detection processing unit 53 of the control unit 20.

[0075] If the control unit 20 determines that the foreign object has been detected (Yes in S14), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S15. If the foreign object has not been detected (No in S14), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S16.

[0076] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 20 executes an emergency stop process, which will be described later.

[0077] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 20 determines whether the stop condition is met.

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 20 causes the float sensor 33 to output the first detection signal at a predetermined cycle. Then, when the float sensor 33 outputs the first detection signal indicating that the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position, the control unit 20 determines that the stop condition has been satisfied. The cycle is set arbitrarily between 0.1 and 10 seconds, for example. Here, the process of determining whether the water level in the tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position is executed by the determination processing unit 52 of the control unit 20.

[0079] If the control unit 20 determines that the stop condition is satisfied (Yes in S16), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S17. If the stop condition is not satisfied (No in S16), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S14.

[0080] <Step S17> In step S17, the control unit 20 stops driving the second pump 27.

[0081] <Step S18> In step S18, control unit 20 uses switching valve 25 to switch the water supply source to tank 21 from water source 200 to washing tub 13 of washing machine 1. Here, the processes of step S17 and step S18 are executed by drive control unit 51 of control unit 20.

[0082] [Emergency Shutdown Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the procedure of the emergency shutdown process executed in step S15 of the water supply process will be described.

[0083] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 20 stops the driving of the second pump 27. Here, the process of step S21 is executed by the drive control unit 51 of the control unit 20.

[0084] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 20 notifies that the foreign object has been detected.

[0085] For example, control unit 20 causes operation display unit 19 of washing machine 1 to display a message including a message that the supply of water to tank 21 has been stopped because the foreign object has been detected in sixth water passage 31, a message that water source 200 needs to be changed, and a message that the supply of water to tank 21 can be resumed by operating operation unit 32 after water source 200 has been changed. Note that control unit 20 may sound a predetermined warning sound instead of or together with displaying the message.

[0086] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the specific operation has been accepted.

[0087] If the control unit 20 determines that the specific operation has been received (Yes in S23), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S24. If the specific operation has not been received (No in S23), the control unit 20 waits for the specific operation to be received in step S23.

[0088] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 20 restarts driving the second pump 27.

[0089] As described above, laundry system 100 includes sixth water passage 31 that connects the first flow path extending from washing tub 13 of washing machine 1 to second pump 27 along circulation route R1 with external water source 200, and switching valve 25 that switches the source of water supplied to tank 21 between washing tub 13 and water source 200. This makes it possible to replenish water from water source 200 to tank 21 using second pump 27. Therefore, laundry system 100 can reduce the workload of replenishing water to tank 21.

[0090] Furthermore, laundry system 100 includes drive control unit 51 that, when the specific operation is received, switches the water source to tank 21 from washing tub 13 to water source 200 using switching valve 25 and drives second pump 27. This reduces the number of operations the user must perform to replenish water from water source 200 to tank 21, compared to a configuration in which an operation to switch the state of switching valve 25 and an operation to drive second pump 27 are separately required.

[0091] Furthermore, in laundry system 100, when the stop condition is satisfied, second pump 27 is stopped from being driven, and switching valve 25 is used to switch the water supply source to tank 21 from water source 200 to washing tub 13. This makes it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to switch the water supply source to tank 21, compared to a configuration in which second pump 27 is stopped from being driven but the water supply source to tank 21 is not switched when the stop condition is satisfied.

[0092] Furthermore, in laundry system 100, when determination processor 52 determines that the water level in tank 21 is equal to or higher than the reference position, it is determined that the stop condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to automatically stop the supply of water to tank 21 when a predetermined amount of water has accumulated in tank 21.

[0093] [Modification] The drive control unit 51, the determination processing unit 52, and the detection processing unit 53 may be provided in the water circulator 2, not in the washing machine 1. In other words, the water circulator 2 may include a control unit that functions as the drive control unit 51, the determination processing unit 52, and the detection processing unit 53.

[0094] Moreover, filter 29 may be provided on circulation route R1 downstream of switching valve 25 in circulation direction D1 and upstream of second pump 27 in circulation direction D1. Moreover, filter 29 may be provided on circulation route R1 downstream of tank 21 in circulation direction D1 and upstream of washing machine 1 in circulation direction D1.

[0095] Furthermore, the water stored in tank 21 is not limited to tap water, but may be rainwater, river water, lake water, or pond water. For example, when washing system 100 is used in a place where tap water is not available, such as a disaster area, rainwater, river water, lake water, or pond water may be stored in tank 21. This allows the laundry to be washed cleanly even in a place where tap water is not available.

[0096] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 is not limited to a so-called drum type washing machine, but may be a so-called vertical type washing machine.

[0097] Furthermore, the laundry system 100 does not necessarily have to include the ionized water supply unit 16B. That is, the laundry system 100 may wash (wash) the laundry using neutral water.

[0098] The water circulation device 2 may also be used in a system other than a laundry system, such as a bath system including a bath device.

[0099] The laundry system 100 may also include a neutralization unit. The neutralization unit neutralizes the alkaline ionized water used for laundry by supplying a predetermined amount of acidic water to drainage. For example, the neutralization unit is connected to the upstream portion of the circulation path R1. For example, the neutralization unit includes an acidic water storage unit, an acidic water supply channel, and an acidic water supply pump. The acidic water storage unit stores acidic water having a pH value of 4.0 or less. The acidic water supply channel is a channel for acidic water extending from the acidic water storage unit to a junction with the upstream portion. The acidic water supply pump is provided in the acidic water supply channel and causes acidic water to flow along the acidic water supply channel from the acidic water storage unit side to the upstream portion side. The acidic water supply pump is connected to a control unit 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20. For example, when water used for washing is returned to the tank 21 (see FIG. 1) of the water circulation device 2, the control unit 20 drives the acidic water supply pump to supply the acidic water into the upstream portion in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH value of the water in the tank 21 to about 7.0. This allows the water in the tank 21 to be kept neutral.

[0100] Second Embodiment Next, a configuration of a laundry system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the laundry system 100 according to the second embodiment, the ionized water supplier 16B is provided outside the washing machine 1.

[0102] 6, the washing system 100 according to the second embodiment includes a water supply unit 70 instead of the water supply unit 60 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the washing system 100 according to the second embodiment includes a seventh water passage 71, a third pump 72, and a filter 73 shown in FIG. 6 instead of the sixth water passage 31 and the switching valve 25 shown in FIG. 1.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, in the laundry system 100 according to the second embodiment, the position of the optical sensor 34 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0104] In addition, in the laundry system 100 according to the second embodiment, the processing of the drive control unit 51 (see FIG. 3) is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0105] The other configurations are common to the first and second embodiments. In the following, only the configurations of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0106] The ionized water supply unit 16B shown in FIG. 6 generates alkaline ionized water for laundry by supplying a predetermined amount of undiluted alkaline ionized water to a tank 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the ionized water supply unit 16B includes a stock solution storage unit 16B1, a stock solution supply path 16B2, and a stock solution supply pump 16B3. The stock solution storage unit 16B1 stores the undiluted alkaline ionized water. The stock solution supply path 16B2 is a water path for the undiluted alkaline ionized water from the stock solution storage unit 16B1 to the tank 21. The stock solution supply pump 16B3 is provided in the stock solution supply path 16B2 and causes the undiluted alkaline ionized water to flow along the stock solution supply path 16B2 from the stock solution storage unit 16B1 side to the tank 21 side. The stock solution supply pump 16B3 is connected to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) and is drive-controlled by the control unit 20. For example, when water discharged from the washing machine 1 is supplied to the tank 21, the control unit 20 drives the concentrate supply pump 16B3 to supply into the tank 21 an amount of concentrate alkaline ionized water that is sufficient to set the pH value of the water stored in the tank 21 to a predetermined value (for example, approximately 11.0). For example, the control unit 20 controls the amount of concentrate alkaline ionized water supplied to the tank 21 using a pH sensor (not shown) that can detect the pH value of the water in the tank 21. Furthermore, when water is supplied to the tank 21 by the water supply unit 70, the control unit 20 drives the concentrate supply pump 16B3 to supply the concentrate alkaline ionized water into the tank 21.

[0107] The water supply unit 70 supplies water to the tank 21. The water supply unit 70 includes a seventh water passage 71, a third pump 72, and a filter 73.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6 , the seventh water channel 71 is a water channel that leads from the external water source 200 to the tank 21. The seventh water channel 71 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose. The seventh water channel 71 is translucent. Specifically, the seventh water channel 71 is formed by a transparent resin material. The seventh water channel 71 is connected to the external water source 200 and to the tank 21. The seventh water channel 71 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the second external water supply flow path of the present disclosure.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6 , the third pump 72 is provided at one end of the seventh water passage 71 on the water source 200 side. The third pump 72 is a submersible pump with a built-in motor. The third pump 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a generally dome-shaped upper end. The third pump 72 includes a water intake section that draws water from the water source 200 and a water delivery section that delivers the water drawn by the water intake section to the outside. The water intake section is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the third pump 72. The water delivery section extends upward from the upper end of the third pump 72, and its extending end is connected to one end of the seventh water passage 71. The third pump 72 flows water along the seventh water passage 71 from the water source 200 side to the tank 21 side. The third pump 72 is connected to the control unit 20 and is drive-controlled by the control unit 20. The third pump 72 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the second pump of the present disclosure.

[0110] The filter 73 is provided in the water absorption section of the third pump 72. The filter 73 filters the water sucked into the water absorption section. For example, the filter 73 is made of nonwoven fabric. The filter 73 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the second filter of the present disclosure. The filter 73 may be the same as the filter 29.

[0111] 6, the optical sensor 34 is provided in the seventh water passage 71. The optical sensor 34 is used to detect foreign matter contained in the water supplied from the water source 200.

[0112] When the drive control unit 51 receives the specific operation, it drives the third pump 72 .

[0113] In the second embodiment, the third pump 72 is used instead of the second pump 27 to supply water to the tank 21. Therefore, in the second embodiment, water can be supplied to the tank 21 regardless of the operating state of the washing machine 1.

[0114] The drive control unit 51 may automatically drive the third pump 72 when the determination processing unit 52 determines that the water level in the tank 21 is below the reference position. In this case, the drive control unit 51 may drive the third pump 72 so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the tank 21. In other words, the drive control unit 51 may control the drive of the third pump 72 based on the determination result by the determination processing unit 52 so that the water level in the tank 21 falls within a predetermined range including the reference position.

[0115] As described above, in the washing system 100 according to the second embodiment, the water supply unit 70 supplies water to the tank 21. Therefore, compared to the case where the user of the washing system 100 supplies water drawn from a bucket or the like to the tank 21, the workload of refilling the tank 21 with water can be reduced.

[0116] [Supplementary Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0117] <Supplementary Note 1> A water circulation device including: a circulation path unit that forms a circulation path for water passing through a washing machine and a tank; and a water supply unit that supplies water to the tank.

[0118] <Supplementary Note 2> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the water supply unit is provided in an upstream portion of the circulation path that is downstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction and upstream of the tank in the water circulation direction, and includes: a first pump that causes the water to flow along the circulation direction; a first external water supply flow path that is connected to the upstream portion and connected to an external water source; and a valve that is provided at a connection portion between the upstream portion and the first external water supply flow path and that is switchable between a configuration that connects the upstream side and the downstream side of the connection portion and a configuration that connects the downstream side of the connection portion and the first external water supply flow path.

[0119] <Supplementary Note 3> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 2, further comprising a first filter provided in the circulation path between the connection portion and the tank.

[0120] <Supplementary Note 4> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the valve operates in response to power supply, and the water circulation device further includes a drive control unit that, when a predetermined specific operation is received, switches the water supply source to the tank from the washing machine to the water source using the valve and drives the first pump.

[0121] <Supplementary Note 5> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the drive control unit stops driving the first pump and switches a water supply source to the tank from the water source to the washing machine using the valve when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied after accepting the specific operation.

[0122] <Supplementary Note 6> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 5, further comprising a determination processing unit that determines whether the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference position, wherein the stop condition includes the determination by the determination processing unit that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than the reference position.

[0123] <Supplementary Note 7> The water circulation device according to Supplementary Note 5 or 6, wherein the stop condition includes the lapse of a predetermined replenishment period from the time the specific operation is accepted.

[0124] <Supplementary Note 8> The water circulation device of any of Supplementary Notes 5 to 7, further including a detection processing unit that detects foreign matter contained in the water supplied from the water source, wherein the drive control unit stops driving the first pump when the foreign matter is detected by the detection processing unit, regardless of whether the stop condition is satisfied.

[0125] <Supplementary Note 9> The water circulation device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the water supply unit is connected to the tank and includes a second external water supply flow path connected to an external water source, and a second pump provided in the second external water supply flow path to cause the water to flow toward the tank.

[0126] <Supplementary Note 10> The water circulating device according to Supplementary Note 9, further comprising a second filter provided in a water intake portion of the second pump.

[0127] <Supplementary Note 11> A laundry system comprising the water circulator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10 and the washing machine.

Claims

1. A water circulation device comprising: a circulation path section that forms a water circulation path passing through a washing machine and a tank; and a water supply section that supplies water to the tank.

2. The water circulation device of claim 1, wherein the water supply unit comprises: a first pump provided in an upstream portion of the circulation path that is downstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction and upstream of the tank in the water circulation direction, for flowing the water along the circulation direction; a first external water supply flow path connected to the upstream portion and connected to an external water source; and a valve provided at a connection portion between the upstream portion and the first external water supply flow path, and capable of switching between a mode connecting the upstream side and downstream side of the connection portion and a mode connecting the downstream side of the connection portion and the first external water supply flow path.

3. The water circulation device according to claim 2, further comprising a first filter provided in the circulation path between the connection portion and the tank.

4. The water circulation device of claim 2, wherein the valve operates in response to power supply, and the water circulation device further comprises a drive control unit that, when a predetermined specific operation is received, uses the valve to switch the water supply source to the tank from the washing machine to the water source and drives the first pump.

5. The water circulation device of claim 4, wherein the drive control unit stops driving the first pump and uses the valve to switch the source of water supply to the tank from the water source to the washing machine when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied after receiving the specific operation.

6. The water circulation device of claim 5, further comprising a judgment processing unit that judges whether the water level in the tank is above a predetermined reference position, and the stop condition includes the judgment processing unit determining that the water level in the tank is above the reference position.

7. The water circulation device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the stop condition includes the lapse of a predetermined replenishment period from the time the specific operation is accepted.

8. The water circulation device of claim 5, further comprising a detection processing unit that detects foreign matter contained in the water supplied from the water source, and wherein the drive control unit stops the drive of the first pump when the foreign matter is detected by the detection processing unit, regardless of whether the stop condition is satisfied or not.

9. The water circulation device as described in claim 1, wherein the water supply unit comprises: a second external water supply flow path connected to the tank and connected to an external water source; and a second pump provided in the second external water supply flow path for causing the water to flow toward the tank.

10. The water circulation device according to claim 9, further comprising a second filter provided in the water intake section of the second pump.

11. A washing system comprising: the water circulation device according to claim 1; and the washing machine.

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