Water supply device and washing system

Abstract

A washing system (100) comprises: a tank (21) that stores water supplied to a washing tub of a washing machine (1); a second circulation path part (32) that forms a second circulation path (R2) for water passing through the tank (21) and the washing tub; a first circulation path part (31) that forms a first circulation path (R1) for water passing through the tank (21) but not passing through the washing tub; and a first filter (23E) that purifies water circulating through the first circulation path (R1) by a third pump (24B).

Description

Water supply equipment, washing systems

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A washing machine is known that includes a tank for storing water to be supplied to a washing tub (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2015-62509 A

[0004] In the washing machine, the water in the tank may become dirty. To cope with this, the water in the tank can be purified by circulating the water through the washing tub and a circulation path that passes through a filter.

[0005] However, in a configuration in which the water in the tank is circulated along a circulation path that passes through the washing tub and the filter, the water in the tank cannot be purified when there is laundry in the washing tub.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a water supply device and a washing system that can purify water supplied to a washing tub regardless of whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub.

[0007] A water supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank, a first circulation path, and a first filter. The tank stores water. The first circulation path passes through the tank but not through a washing machine. The first filter purifies the water circulating through the first circulation path.

[0008] A washing system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a water supply device and a washing machine. The water supply device includes a tank, a first circulation path, a first filter, and a second circulation path. The tank stores water. The first circulation path passes through the tank and does not pass through the washing machine. The first filter purifies the water circulating through the first circulation path. The second circulation path passes through the tank and the washing machine. The first filter is positioned to be able to purify the water circulating through the second circulation path. The washing machine is supplied with water from the tank via the second circulation path.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to purify water supplied to a washing tub regardless of whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub.

[0010] 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 of 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 laundry operation control process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first cleaning process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second cleaning process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third cleaning process executed in the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the laundry system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laundry system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] 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.

[0012] First Embodiment First, the configuration of a laundry system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 1, a first circulation route R1 and a second circulation route R2 are each indicated by a dashed line.

[0013] 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 by a washing machine on items to be washed include washing, drying, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The items to be washed are not particularly limited. 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; bedding such as blankets, towelettes, and futon covers; and toys such as stuffed animals.

[0014] 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.

[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 unit 18, operation display unit 19, and control unit 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 top of the housing 11. The water supply port 11B is connected to the first water passage 22 (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 bottom of the housing 11. The drain port 11C is connected to the second water passage 23 (see FIG. 1) of the water circulation device 2. The drain port 11C is used to drain water from the washing tub 13 inside the housing 11.

[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. 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] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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. The RAM 20C is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the 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.

[0027] 1, the water circulation device 2 includes a tank 21, a first water passage 22, a second water passage 23, and a third water passage 24. The water circulation device 2 is an example of a preferred embodiment of the water supply device of the present disclosure.

[0028] The tank 21 stores water to be supplied to the washing tub 13 (see FIG. 2 ) of the washing machine 1. The tank 21 is formed to have a size capable of storing the amount of water required for the washing operation by the washing machine 1. The tank 21 is disposed on the side, bottom, top, or inside of the washing machine 1. For example, the tank 21 stores tap water.

[0029] First water passage 22 is a water passage that leads from tank 21 to water inlet 11B of washing machine 1. In first water passage 22, water flows from tank 21 toward water inlet 11B of washing machine 1. First water passage 22 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose. As shown in Fig. 1 , first water passage 22 is provided with first on-off valve 22A, first pump 22B, and ionized water supply unit 22C.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, the first on-off valve 22A is disposed in the first water passage 22 near the connection between the first water passage 22 and the tank 21. The first on-off valve 22A is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass through and a closed state that prohibits water from passing through. As shown in Fig. 3, the first on-off valve 22A is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0031] 1, first pump 22B is disposed downstream of first on-off valve 22A in the water flow direction in first water passage 22 and upstream of ionized water supply unit 22C in the water flow direction. First pump 22B causes water to flow from tank 21 to washing machine 1 along first water passage 22. As shown in FIG. 3, first pump 22B is connected to control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by control unit 20.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , the ionized water supply unit 22C is disposed downstream of the first pump 22B in the first water channel 22 in the direction of water flow. The ionized water supply unit 22C generates alkaline ionized water for laundry and supplies it to the first water channel 22. Specifically, the ionized water supply unit 22C generates alkaline ionized water for laundry by supplying a predetermined amount of concentrate alkaline ionized water into the first water channel 22. For example, the ionized water supply unit 22C includes a concentrate storage unit, a concentrate supply channel, and a concentrate supply pump. The concentrate storage unit stores concentrate alkaline ionized water. For example, the concentrate alkaline ionized water is alkaline ionized water with 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 storage unit to the confluence with the first water channel 22. The concentrate supply pump is provided in the concentrate supply path and flows concentrate alkaline ionized water along the concentrate supply path from the concentrate storage section side to first water channel 22 side. The concentrate supply pump is connected to control unit 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and is driven and controlled by control unit 20. For example, when first pump 22B is driven to store water for a washing step (described later) in washing tub 13, control unit 20 drives the concentrate supply pump to supply concentrate alkaline ionized water into first water channel 22 in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH value of the water stored in washing tub 13 to approximately 12.0.

[0033] Second water passage 23 is a water passage that extends from drain outlet 11C of washing machine 1 to tank 21. In second water passage 23, water flows from drain outlet 11C of washing machine 1 toward tank 21. Second water passage 23 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose. As shown in FIG. 1 , second water passage 23 is provided with second pump 23A, neutralization unit 23B, second filter 23C, check valve 23D, first filter 23E, and check valve 23F.

[0034] 1, second pump 23A is disposed upstream of neutralization section 23B in the water flow direction in second water passage 23. Second pump 23A causes water to flow from washing machine 1 to tank 21 along second water passage 23. As shown in FIG. 3, second pump 23A is connected to control section 20 and is driven and controlled by control section 20.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , the neutralization unit 23B is located downstream of the second pump 23A in the second water passage 23 in the water flow direction and upstream of the second filter 23C in the water flow direction. The neutralization unit 23B neutralizes the alkaline ionized water used for washing by supplying a predetermined amount of acidic water into the second water passage 23. For example, the neutralization unit 23B includes an acidic water reservoir, an acidic water supply passage, and an acidic water supply pump. The acidic water reservoir stores acidic water having a pH value of 4.0 or less. The acidic water supply passage is a passage for acidic water extending from the acidic water reservoir to the confluence with the second water passage 23. The acidic water supply pump is provided in the acidic water supply passage and flows acidic water from the acidic water reservoir side to the second water passage 23 side along the acidic water supply passage. The acidic water supply pump is connected to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20. For example, when the second pump 23A is driven to return the water used in the washing process described below to the tank 21, the control unit 20 drives the acidic water supply pump to supply the acidic water into the second water channel 23 in an amount sufficient to make the pH value of the water in the tank 21 approximately 7.0.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 , the second filter 23C is disposed downstream of the neutralization section 23B in the second water passage 23 in the water flow direction and upstream of the check valve 23D in the water flow direction. The second filter 23C is a filter that can capture foreign matter of a smaller minimum size than the drain filter 17B (see FIG. 2 ) of the washing machine 1. The second filter 23C captures small foreign matter contained in the water used for washing that is not captured by the drain filter 17B. The second filter 23C includes a mesh filter that traps foreign matter. For example, the second filter 23C is a nonwoven fabric filter. The second filter 23C is replaceable in the second water passage 23. The second filter 23C may be a mesh filter or the like. The second filter 23C may also include multiple filters with different minimum sizes of foreign matter that can be captured.

[0037] 1, the check valve 23D is disposed downstream of the second filter 23C in the second water passage 23 in the water flow direction and upstream of the first filter 23E in the water flow direction. The check valve 23D is also disposed upstream of a junction P1 (see FIG. 1) between the second water passage 23 and the third water passage 24 in the water flow direction. The check valve 23D prevents water flowing from the third water passage 24 into the junction P1 from flowing back toward the second filter 23C.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first filter 23E is located downstream of the check valve 23D in the second water passage 23 in the water flow direction and upstream of the check valve 23F in the water flow direction. The first filter 23E is a filter that can capture foreign matter with a smaller minimum size than the second filter 23C. The first filter 23E captures small foreign matter contained in the water used for washing that is not captured by the second filter 23C. The first filter 23E is an adsorption filter containing an adsorbent. For example, the first filter 23E is an activated carbon filter. The first filter 23E is replaceable in the second water passage 23. The first filter 23E may be a hollow fiber membrane filter, a ceramic filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, an ion exchange resin filter, or the like. The first filter 23E may also be a combination of multiple types of filters.

[0039] 1, the check valve 23F is disposed in the second water passage 23 near the connection between the second water passage 23 and the tank 21. The check valve 23F prevents water in the tank 21 from flowing back into the second water passage 23.

[0040] The tank 21, the first water channel 22, the internal flow path of the washing machine 1, and the second water channel 23 constitute a second circulation path portion 32 (see FIG. 1 ). The second circulation path portion 32 forms a second circulation path R2 (see FIG. 1 ) for water passing through the tank 21 and the washing machine 1.

[0041] Specifically, the second circulation route R2 is a route that runs from the tank 21 along the first water passage 22 through the first on-off valve 22A, the first pump 22B, and the ionized water supply unit 22C, through the water supply passage 16, the washing tub 13, and the drainage passage 17 within the washing machine 1, and further along the second water passage 23 through the second pump 23A, the neutralization unit 23B, the second filter 23C, the check valve 23D, the first filter 23E, and the check valve 23F to the tank 21.

[0042] In the second circulation path R2, first pump 22B and second pump 23A cause water to flow along second circulation direction D2 shown in FIG. 1 . First filter 23E is arranged to purify the water circulating in second circulation path R2. Specifically, first filter 23E is arranged downstream of washing tub 13 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of tank 21 in the second circulation direction D2 in second circulation path R2. Second filter 23C is arranged upstream of first filter 23E and purifies the water circulating in second circulation path R2. Specifically, second filter 23C is arranged upstream of first filter 23E in the second circulation path R2 and downstream of washing tub 13 in the second circulation direction D2 in second circulation direction D2 in second circulation path R2. Water is supplied to washing machine 1 from tank 21 via second circulation path R2.

[0043] In the laundry system 100, the water in the tank 21 may become dirty. In response to this, the water in the tank 21 can be purified by circulating the water in the tank 21 along the second circulation path R2.

[0044] However, in the method of circulating the water in the tank 21 along the second circulation route R2, it is not possible to purify the water in the tank 21 when there is laundry in the washing tub 13.

[0045] In contrast, in the laundry system 100, as will be described below, it is possible to purify the water supplied to the washing tub 13 regardless of whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13.

[0046] The third water passage 24 is a water passage extending from the tank 21 to a junction position P1 (see FIG. 1 ) in the second water passage 23. The junction position P1 is located downstream of the check valve 23D in the second water passage 23 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the first filter 23E in the second circulation direction D2. In the third water passage 24, water flows from the tank 21 toward the junction position P1 in the second water passage 23. The third water passage 24 is formed of a tubular member such as a resin hose. For example, at the junction position P1, two tubular members included in the second water passage 23 and one tubular member included in the third water passage 24 are connected by a pipe fitting that opens in three directions. As shown in FIG. 1 , the third water passage 24 is provided with a second on-off valve 24A, a third pump 24B, and a check valve 24C.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the second on-off valve 24A is disposed in the third water passage 24 near the connection between the third water passage 24 and the tank 21. The second on-off valve 24A is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass through and a closed state that prohibits water from passing through. As shown in Fig. 3, the second on-off valve 24A is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the third pump 24B is disposed downstream of the second on-off valve 24A in the third water passage 24 in the direction of water flow, and upstream of the check valve 24C in the direction of water flow. The third pump 24B causes water to flow along the third water passage 24 from the tank 21 side toward the joining position P1 of the second water passage 23. As shown in Fig. 3, the third pump 24B is connected to the control unit 20, and is drive-controlled by the control unit 20.

[0049] 1, the check valve 24C is disposed near the confluence position P1 in the third water passage 24. The check valve 24C prevents the water circulating along the second circulation route R2 from flowing back into the third water passage 24.

[0050] The first common section SE11 (see FIG. 1 ) of the tank 21, the third water channel 24, and the second water channel 23 constitutes the first circulation path portion 31 (see FIG. 1 ). The first common section SE11 is a section of the second circulation path R2 that is downstream of the washing tub 13 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the first filter 23E in the second circulation direction D2 to the tank 21. Specifically, the first common section SE11 is a section of the second circulation path R2 from the junction position P1 to the tank 21. The first circulation path portion 31 forms the first circulation path R1 (see FIG. 1 ) of water that passes through the tank 21 but does not pass through the washing machine 1.

[0051] Specifically, the first circulation route R1 is a route that runs from the tank 21 along the third water passage 24, via the second opening / closing valve 24A, the third pump 24B, and the check valve 24C, and further along the second water passage 23, via the confluence point P1, the first filter 23E, and the check valve 23F, to the tank 21.

[0052] In the first circulation route R1, the third pump 24B causes the water to flow along a first circulation direction D1 shown in FIG.

[0053] In the water circulation device 2, the first filter 23E is provided downstream in the second circulation direction D2 of the junction position P1 in the second water channel 23. This allows the first filter 23E to purify the water circulating through the first circulation route R1 by the third pump 24B.

[0054] The confluence position P1 may be located upstream of the second filter 23C in the second circulation direction D2 in the second water passage 23. In this case, the check valve 23D may be provided upstream of the confluence position P1 in the second water passage 23.

[0055] Furthermore, the confluence position P1 may be located downstream of the first filter 23E in the second water passage 23 in the second circulation direction D2. In this case, a filter having the same function as the first filter 23E may be provided in the third water passage 24. Furthermore, the check valve 23D may be provided upstream of the confluence position P1 in the second water passage 23.

[0056] Water circulator 2 may include a housing that houses tank 21, first on-off valve 22A, first pump 22B, ionized water supply unit 22C, second pump 23A, neutralization unit 23B, second filter 23C, check valve 23D, first filter 23E, check valve 23F, second on-off valve 24A, third pump 24B, check valve 24C, part of first water channel 22, part of second water channel 23, and all of third water channel 24. In this case, water circulator 2 may be connected to washing machine 1 by a tubular member that forms a portion of first water channel 22 extending outside the housing and a tubular member that forms a portion of second water channel 23 extending outside the housing. Water circulator 2 may also be housed inside housing 11 of washing machine 1.

[0057] [Configuration of Control Unit 20] As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 20 includes a washing processing unit 41, a detection processing unit 42, and a cleaning processing unit 43.

[0058] Specifically, an operation control program for causing the control unit 20 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the ROM 20B of the control unit 20. The CPU 20A of the control unit 20 executes the operation control program to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units.

[0059] Note that some or all of the processing 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 processing units shown in FIG.

[0060] The laundry processing unit 41 executes a first laundry process or a second laundry process in response to a user's operation on the operation display unit 19. Hereinafter, the first laundry process and the second laundry process may be collectively referred to as "laundry processes."

[0061] The first washing process includes a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step, and a drying step.

[0062] The second washing process includes the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step, but does not include the drying step.

[0063] The washing process is a process of washing the items contained in the washing tub 13 using water supplied from tank 21. Specifically, in the washing process, a predetermined amount of alkaline ionized water is supplied to the washing tub 13 using water supply valve 16A, drain valve 17A, first on-off valve 22A, first pump 22B, and the concentrate supply pump of ionized water supply unit 22C. In addition, in the washing process, motor 15 is used to tumble the rotating drum 14, thereby beating and washing the items in the rotating drum 14. In addition, in the washing process, drain valve 17A, second pump 23A, and the acidic water supply pump of neutralization unit 23B are used to discharge alkaline ionized water from the washing tub 13, neutralize the discharged alkaline ionized water, and return it to tank 21. Note that foreign matter originating from the items to be washed, such as dirt contained in the alkaline ionized water discharged from the washing tub 13, is captured by second filter 23C and first filter 23E. In the washing step, the supply of alkaline ionized water to the washing tub 13, the beating of the laundry, and the discharge of alkaline ionized water from the washing tub 13 are repeated multiple times.

[0064] In addition, water may be circulated along the second circulation path while beating the laundry items in the washing process. This allows the beating wash to be performed while replacing the water containing the dirt removed from the laundry items with clean water. This improves the cleaning effect of the laundry items in the washing process.

[0065] The rinsing process is a process of rinsing the laundry using water supplied from tank 21. Specifically, in the rinsing process, water supply valve 16A, drain valve 17A, first on-off valve 22A, and first pump 22B are used to supply a predetermined amount of water (neutral water) to washing tub 13. In addition, in the rinsing process, motor 15 is used to tumble rotating drum 14, thereby rinsing the laundry in rotating drum 14. In addition, in the rinsing process, drain valve 17A and second pump 23A are used to drain water from washing tub 13 and return the drained water to tank 21. The acidic water supply pump of neutralization unit 23B may be driven to adjust the pH value of the water discharged from washing tub 13.

[0066] In the washing process, for example, a detergent may be added to or mixed with the water supplied from the water circulator 2 to the washing machine 1. Examples of detergents include detergents such as surfactants, and alkaline ionized water. The water circulator 2 may directly supply water containing a detergent to the washing machine 1. Alternatively, a detergent supplying device may be provided separately from the water circulator 2. In this case, the detergent supplying device mixes the detergent with the water supplied from the water circulator 2 to the washing machine 1.

[0067] The spin-drying process is a process of spin-drying the laundry contained in the washing tub 13. Specifically, in the spin-drying process, the motor 15 is used to rotate the rotary drum 14 at high speed, and centrifugal force is applied to the laundry in the rotary drum 14, thereby removing moisture from the laundry.

[0068] The drying process is a process of drying the articles to be washed contained in the washing tub 13. Specifically, in the drying process, the fan, the heater, and the heat exchanger of the drying section 18 are used to blow dry hot air onto the articles to be washed in the rotating drum 14, thereby drying the articles to be washed.

[0069] The detection processing unit 42 detects whether or not there is an article to be washed in the washing tub 13 and the amount of the article to be washed contained in the washing tub 13 .

[0070] For example, when the washing process is performed, detection processing unit 42 rotates rotating drum 14 using motor 15 before the execution of the washing step. Then, detection processing unit 42 determines the presence or absence of articles to be washed in washing tub 13 and the amount (weight) of the articles to be washed contained in washing tub 13 based on the current flowing through motor 15 when rotating drum 14 is rotating. Detection processing unit 42 detects the presence or absence of articles to be washed in washing tub 13 and the amount of articles to be washed contained in washing tub 13 before water is supplied to washing tub 13.

[0071] The purification treatment unit 43 drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation route R1.

[0072] Specifically, when the laundry process is performed, the purification treatment unit 43 drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation path R1 before the execution of the washing step. For example, the purification treatment unit 43 circulates the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation path R1 until a third period predetermined based on the capacity of the tank 21 has elapsed. The third period is determined so that the amount of water passing through at least the first filter 23E is equal to or greater than the capacity of the tank 21. For example, the third period is determined so that the amount of water passing through the first filter 23E is three to five times the capacity of the tank 21.

[0073] Furthermore, after the washing step is performed and before the rinsing step is performed, the purification processing unit 43 drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation route R1.

[0074] Here, the purification processing unit 43 circulates the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation path R1 from when the water circulation starts until a first period has elapsed that is set based on the amount of laundry detected by the detection processing unit 42. For example, the first period is a period calculated by multiplying the third period by a coefficient of 1.0 or more that corresponds to the amount of laundry detected by the detection processing unit 42.

[0075] For example, in the laundry system 100, first table data showing the correspondence between the amount of laundry to be washed and the coefficient is stored in advance in the ROM 20B of the control unit 20. The first table data defines the correspondence between the amount of laundry to be washed and the coefficient so that the larger the amount of laundry to be washed, the larger the corresponding coefficient value. This allows the control unit 20 to set the first period based on the amount of laundry detected by the detection processing unit 42.

[0076] Furthermore, the cleaning treatment unit 43 drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water in the tank 21 via the first circulation route R1 after a predetermined second period has elapsed since the end of the immediately preceding washing treatment. For example, the second period is a time that can be set arbitrarily between 1 day and 7 days.

[0077] The control unit 20 may set the second period based on the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed. For example, if the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is located in a tropical region, the control unit 20 may set the second period to a time shorter than a predetermined reference time. Alternatively, if the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is located in a cold region, the control unit 20 may set the second period to a time longer than the reference time. Alternatively, if the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is located in a region with a climate that is neither tropical nor cold, the control unit 20 may set the second period to the reference time. The control unit 20 may determine the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed based on the type of language displayed on the operation display unit 19, which is specified by a user's operation on the operation display unit 19. The control unit 20 may also accept an operation to input the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed on the operation display unit 19. In addition, the control unit 20 determines the climate of the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed using second table data, which is stored in advance in ROM 20B and indicates the correspondence between the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed and the climate of that region (or country).

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 20 may set the second period based on a calendar when the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is in a temperate region. For example, the control unit 20 may set the second period to a time shorter than the reference time when the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is in summer. The control unit 20 may set the second period to a time longer than the reference time when the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is in winter. The control unit 20 may set the second period to the reference time when the region (or country) where the laundry system 100 is installed is in spring or autumn. In this case, the control unit 20 may have a clock function for measuring the current time (year, month, date, and time). The control unit 20 may also obtain the current time (year, month, date, and time) from an information processing device such as a server connected via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 20 may set the second period based on the temperature of the location where the laundry system 100 is installed. For example, the control unit 20 may set the second period based on the average temperature in a predetermined determination period, such as the past 24 hours or the previous day. In this case, third table data indicating a correspondence relationship between the average temperature and the second period may be stored in advance in the ROM 20B of the control unit 20. The third table data may define a correspondence relationship between the average temperature and the second period such that the higher the average temperature, the shorter the corresponding second period.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 20 may set the second period based on the humidity of the installation location of the laundry system 100. For example, the control unit 20 may set the second period based on the average humidity during the determination period. In this case, fourth table data indicating a correspondence relationship between the average humidity and the second period may be stored in advance in the ROM 20B of the control unit 20. The fourth table data may define a correspondence relationship between the average humidity and the second period such that the higher the average humidity, the shorter the corresponding second period.

[0081] In addition, when the washing process is performed, the purification processing unit 43 may omit the process of circulating water along the first circulation path R1 before the washing process if the elapsed time since the end of the water circulation along the previous first circulation path R1 does not exceed a predetermined time.

[0082] [Laundry Operation Control Process] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the laundry operation control 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.

[0083] The washing operation control process is executed when an instruction to execute the first washing process is inputted on the operation display unit 19 .

[0084] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 20 executes the first purification process (see FIG. 5 ) by driving the third pump 24B to circulate the water along the first circulation route R1 until the third period has elapsed. The process of step S11 is executed by the purification processing unit 43 of the control unit 20.

[0085] <Step S12> In step S12, control unit 20 detects whether or not there is an article to be washed in washing tub 13, and the amount of the article to be washed contained in washing tub 13. The process of step S12 is executed by detection processing unit 42 of control unit 20. Note that the process of step S12 may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S11.

[0086] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 20 executes the washing process. The process of step S13 is executed by the washing processing unit 41 of the control unit 20.

[0087] In step S14, the control unit 20 executes the second cleaning process (see FIG. 6 ) by driving the third pump 24B to circulate the water along the first circulation route R1 until the first period based on the amount of laundry detected in step S12 has elapsed. The process of step S14 is executed by the cleaning processing unit 43 of the control unit 20.

[0088] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 20 executes the rinsing process. The process of step S15 is executed by the washing processing unit 41 of the control unit 20.

[0089] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 20 executes the spin-drying process. The process of step S16 is executed by the washing processing unit 41 of the control unit 20.

[0090] <Step S17> In step S17, the control unit 20 executes the drying process. The process of step S17 is executed by the washing processing unit 41 of the control unit 20.

[0091] [First Cleaning Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the procedure of the first cleaning process executed in step S11 of the washing operation control process will be described in detail.

[0092] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the closed state to the open state.

[0093] <Step S22> In step S22, the purification processing unit 43 starts driving the third pump 24B.

[0094] <Step S23> In step S23, the purification processing unit 43 determines whether or not the third period has elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven.

[0095] If the purification processing unit 43 determines that the third period has elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (Yes in S23), the process proceeds to step S24. If the third period has not elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (No in S23), the purification processing unit 43 waits in step S23 for the third period to elapse since the third pump 24B started to be driven.

[0096] <Step S24> In step S24, the purification processing unit 43 stops driving the third pump 24B.

[0097] <Step S25> In step S25, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the open state to the closed state.

[0098] [Second Cleaning Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the procedure of the second cleaning process executed in step S14 of the washing operation control process will be described in detail.

[0099] <Step S31> First, in step S31, the cleaning processing unit 43 sets the first period based on the amount of laundry detected in step S12 of the washing operation control process.

[0100] <Step S32> In step S32, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the closed state to the open state.

[0101] <Step S33> In step S33, the purification processing unit 43 starts driving the third pump 24B.

[0102] <Step S34> In step S34, the purification processing unit 43 determines whether or not the first period set in the process of step S31 has elapsed since the start of driving of the third pump 24B.

[0103] If the purification processing unit 43 determines that the first period has elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (Yes in S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If the first period has not elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (No in S34), the purification processing unit 43 waits in step S34 for the first period to elapse since the third pump 24B started to be driven.

[0104] <Step S35> In step S35, the purification processing unit 43 stops driving the third pump 24B.

[0105] <Step S36> In step S36, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the open state to the closed state.

[0106] [Third Cleaning Process] Next, an example of the procedure of the third cleaning process executed by the cleaning process unit 43 of the control unit 20 in the laundry system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] The third cleaning process is executed when the washing machine 1 is in a standby state where it is not performing a washing operation.

[0108] <Step S41> First, in step S41, the purification processing unit 43 determines whether or not the time has come to circulate the water along the first circulation route R1.

[0109] Specifically, the cleaning processing unit 43 determines that the circulation timing has arrived when the time elapsed since the end of the immediately preceding washing process reaches a multiple of the second period.

[0110] If the purification processing unit 43 determines that the circulation timing has arrived (Yes in S41), the process proceeds to step S42. If the circulation timing has not arrived (No in S41), the purification processing unit 43 waits for the arrival of the circulation timing in step S41.

[0111] <Step S42> In step S42, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the closed state to the open state.

[0112] <Step S43> In step S43, the purification processing unit 43 starts driving the third pump 24B.

[0113] <Step S44> In step S44, the purification processing unit 43 determines whether or not the third period has elapsed since the start of driving the third pump 24B.

[0114] If the purification processing unit 43 determines that the third period has elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (Yes in S44), the process proceeds to step S45. If the third period has not elapsed since the third pump 24B started to be driven (No in S44), the purification processing unit 43 waits in step S44 for the third period to elapse since the third pump 24B started to be driven.

[0115] <Step S45> In step S45, the purification processing unit 43 stops driving the third pump 24B.

[0116] <Step S46> In step S46, the purification processing unit 43 changes the state of the second on-off valve 24A from the open state to the closed state.

[0117] As described above, the washing system 100 includes the first circulation path portion 31 that forms the first circulation path R1 that passes through the tank 21 and the first filter 23E but does not pass through the washing tub 13. As a result, by circulating water along the first circulation path R1, the water supplied to the washing tub 13 can be purified regardless of whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13.

[0118] Furthermore, in the laundry system 100, the first filter 23E is provided in a first common section SE11 included in both the second circulation route R2 passing through the tank 21 and the washing tub 13 and the first circulation route R1. As a result, the first filter 23E can purify both the water circulating along the first circulation route R1 and the water circulating along the second circulation route R2. Therefore, the number of filters can be reduced compared to a configuration in which a filter for purifying the water circulating along the first circulation route R1 and a filter for purifying the water circulating along the second circulation route R2 are provided separately.

[0119] Furthermore, in the laundry system 100, the second filter 23C, which has a larger minimum size of foreign matter that can be captured than the first filter 23E, is provided upstream of the first filter 23E in the second circulation direction D2 on the second circulation path R2. This makes it possible to prevent relatively large foreign matter from reaching the first filter 23E, thereby preventing clogging of the first filter 23E.

[0120] The washing system 100 also includes a purification treatment unit 43 that drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water along the first circulation route R1. This allows the water supplied to the washing tub 13 to be automatically purified.

[0121] In addition, in the laundry system 100, the purification unit 43 drives the third pump 24B to circulate the water along the first circulation path R1 after the washing step and before the rinsing step, which makes it possible to make the water used in the rinsing step cleaner than in a configuration in which the water is not circulated along the first circulation path R1 after the washing step and before the rinsing step.

[0122] In addition, in the laundry system 100, the purification processing unit 43 circulates water after the washing step and before the rinsing step until the first period set based on the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 13 has elapsed. This makes it possible to set the water circulation time according to the amount of foreign matter, such as dirt, removed from the laundry in the washing step. This makes it possible to efficiently purify the water used in the rinsing step.

[0123] In addition, in laundry system 100, when the laundry process is performed, purification processor 43 drives third pump 24B to circulate water along first circulation path R1 before the execution of the washing step. This makes it possible to avoid the washing step being performed using dirty water if the water in tank 21 becomes dirty before the laundry process is performed.

[0124] Furthermore, in washing system 100, purification treatment unit 43 drives third pump 24B to circulate water along first circulation path R1 every time the second period elapses since the end of the previous washing process. This makes it possible to periodically remove dirt from the water in tank 21 that accumulates over time. Therefore, even if the washing process is not performed for a long period of time, the water in tank 21 can be kept clean.

[0125] 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 cannot be used, such as a disaster area, rainwater, river water, lake water, or pond water may be stored in tank 21. This makes it possible to cleanly wash laundry even in a place where tap water cannot be used.

[0126] The third period may also be modified based on the type of water stored in tank 21. For example, if the water stored in tank 21 is rainwater, river water, lake water, or pond water, the third period may be extended compared to when the water stored in tank 21 is tap water. The type of water stored in tank 21 may be set by the user's operation on operation display unit 19.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Furthermore, the laundry system 100 does not necessarily have to include the ionized water supply unit 22C and the neutralization unit 23B. That is, the laundry system 100 may wash (wash) the laundry using neutral water.

[0129] Furthermore, the washing system 100 may not include the ionized water supply unit 22C and the neutralization unit 23B, and may include a drainage channel leading to a sewer instead of the second water channel 23. That is, the washing system 100 may not include the second circulation path unit 32. In this case, the washing system 100 may wash the laundry using water containing laundry detergent. Furthermore, the third water channel 24 may be formed by two tubular members connecting the tank 21 and the third pump 24B.

[0130] 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.

[0131] [Modification] The water circulator 2 may include a fourth on-off valve 23G, a check valve 22D, and a fourth water passage 25 shown in FIG.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 8, the fourth on-off valve 23G is disposed in the vicinity of a branch position P2 (see Fig. 8) in a section of the second water passage 23 downstream in the second circulation direction D2 from the branch position P2 where the second water passage 23 branches into the second water passage 23 and the fourth water passage 25. The fourth on-off valve 23G is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass and a closed state that prohibits water from passing. The fourth on-off valve 23G is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0133] 8, the check valve 22D is disposed in the first water passage 22 in a section upstream of the confluence position P3 (see FIG. 8) where the first water passage 22 and the fourth water passage 25 confluence, in the second circulation direction D2, near the confluence position P3. The check valve 22D prevents water flowing from the fourth water passage 25 through the confluence position P3 into the first water passage 22 from flowing back toward the first pump 22B.

[0134] The fourth water passage 25 is a water passage extending from a branching position P2 (see FIG. 8 ) in the second water passage 23 to a merging position P3 (see FIG. 8 ) in the first water passage 22. As shown in FIG. 8 , the branching position P2 is downstream of the first filter 23E in the second water passage 23 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the fourth on-off valve 23G in the second circulation direction D2. As shown in FIG. 8 , the merging position P3 is downstream of the check valve 22D in the first water passage 22 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the ionized water supply unit 22C in the second circulation direction D2. In the fourth water passage 25, water flows from the branching position P2 in the second water passage 23 toward the merging position P3 in the first water passage 22. The fourth water passage 25 is formed by a tubular member such as a resin hose. As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth water passage 25 is provided with a third on-off valve 25A and a check valve 25B.

[0135] 8, the third on-off valve 25A is disposed near the branch position P2 in the fourth water passage 25. The third on-off valve 25A is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass and a closed state that prohibits water from passing. The third on-off valve 25A is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0136] 8, the check valve 25B is disposed near the confluence position P3 in the fourth water passage 25. The check valve 25B regulates the backflow of water from the first water passage 22 to the fourth water passage 25.

[0137] 8, water can be circulated through the washing tub 13 of the washing machine 1, along a circulation path that does not pass through the tank 21. Specifically, in the washing system 100 shown in FIG. 8, water can be circulated along the path that passes through the second pump 23A, neutralization unit 23B, second filter 23C, check valve 23D, first filter 23E, and branch position P2 along the second water passage 23, the third on-off valve 25A and check valve 25B along the fourth water passage 25, the junction position P3 and ionized water supply unit 22C along the first water passage 22, and the water supply path 16, washing tub 13, and drainage path 17 within the washing machine 1. This allows water to be circulated through the washing tub 13 during the beating wash of the laundry in the washing process, without driving the first pump 22B.

[0138] Second Embodiment Next, a configuration of a laundry system 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0139] Washing system 200 differs from washing system 100 in that washing system 200 includes a water circulating device 201 shown in Fig. 9 instead of water circulating device 2. Note that other points are common between washing system 100 and washing system 200.

[0140] The water circulation device 201 differs from the water circulation device 2 in that it includes a fifth water passage 202 shown in Figure 9 instead of the third water passage 24. The water circulation device 201 also differs from the water circulation device 2 in that a fifth on-off valve 203 is additionally provided in the first water passage 22. Note that the water circulation device 2 and the water circulation device 201 are the same in all other respects.

[0141] As shown in Fig. 9, the fifth on-off valve 203 is disposed in the vicinity of a branch position P4 (see Fig. 9) in a section of the first water passage 22 downstream of the branch position P4 in the second circulation direction D2 where the first water passage 22 and the fifth water passage 202 branch off. The fifth on-off valve 203 is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass through and a closed state that prohibits water from passing through. The fifth on-off valve 203 is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0142] The fifth water passage 202 is a water passage extending from a branching position P4 (see FIG. 9 ) in the first water passage 22 to a merging position P1 (see FIG. 9 ) in the second water passage 23. The branching position P4 is located downstream of the first pump 22B in the first water passage 22 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the fifth on-off valve 203 in the second circulation direction D2. The fifth water passage 202 is formed of a tubular member such as a resin hose. For example, at the branching position P4, two tubular members included in the first water passage 22 and one tubular member included in the fifth water passage 202 are connected by a pipe joint that opens in three directions. As shown in FIG. 9 , the fifth water passage 202 is provided with a sixth on-off valve 204 and a check valve 205.

[0143] 9 , the sixth on-off valve 204 is disposed near the branch position P4 in the fifth water passage 202. The sixth on-off valve 204 is an electrically operated valve that changes state between an open state that allows water to pass and a closed state that prohibits water from passing. The sixth on-off valve 204 is connected to the control unit 20 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 20.

[0144] 9 , the check valve 205 is provided near the confluence position P1 in the fifth water passage 202. The check valve 205 prevents the water circulating along the second circulation route R2 from flowing back into the fifth water passage 202.

[0145] In the washing system 200, the first circulation path section 31 is configured by the tank 21, the second common section SE12 (see FIG. 9) of the first water channel 22, the fifth water channel 202, and the first common section SE11 (see FIG. 9) of the second water channel 23. The second common section SE12 is a section on the second circulation path R2 that extends from the tank 21 to a section downstream of the first pump 22B in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the washing tub 13 in the second circulation direction D2. Specifically, the second common section SE12 is a section on the second circulation path R2 that extends from the tank 21 to the branch position P4.

[0146] In addition, in the laundry system 200, when water is circulated along the second circulation route R2, the fifth on-off valve 203 is opened and the sixth on-off valve 204 is closed.

[0147] In addition, in the laundry system 200, when water is circulated along the first circulation route R1, the fifth on-off valve 203 is closed and the sixth on-off valve 204 is opened.

[0148] Furthermore, in the washing system 200, a first pump 22B is provided on the second circulation route R2 downstream of the tank 21 in the second circulation direction D2 and upstream of the washing tub 13 of the washing machine 1 in the second circulation direction D2, and the water is circulated along the first circulation route R1. That is, in the washing system 200, the first pump 22B is used for circulating the water along both the first circulation route R1 and the second circulation route R2. This allows the number of pumps to be reduced compared to the washing system 100.

[0149] [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.

[0150] <Supplementary Note 1> A water supply device comprising: a tank for storing water; a first circulation path that passes through the tank but not through a washing machine; and a first filter that purifies the water circulating through the first circulation path.

[0151] <Supplementary Note 2> The water supply device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a second circulation path passing through the tank and the washing machine, wherein the first filter is arranged to purify the water circulating through the second circulation path.

[0152] <Supplementary Note 3> The water supply device according to Supplementary Note 2, further including a pump provided in the second circulation path downstream of the tank in the water circulation direction and upstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction, wherein the first circulation path includes a common section from the tank to the second circulation path downstream of the pump in the water circulation direction and upstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction.

[0153] <Appendix 4> The water supply device according to appendix 2 or 3, further comprising a second filter arranged upstream of the first filter and purifying the water circulating through the second circulation path, wherein the first filter is configured as an adsorption filter containing an adsorbent, and the second filter includes a mesh filter that traps foreign matter.

[0154] <Supplementary Note 5> The water supply device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the minimum size of foreign matter that can be captured by the second filter is larger than the minimum size of foreign matter that can be captured by the first filter.

[0155] <Supplementary Note 6> A laundry system including: the water supply device according to Supplementary Note 2; and the washing machine to which the water is supplied from the tank via the second circulation path.

[0156] <Supplementary Note 7> The washing system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the washing machine includes a washing processing unit that performs a washing process to wash items accommodated in a washing tub using the water supplied from the tank, and a purification processing unit that circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path.

[0157] <Supplementary Note 8> The laundry system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the laundry processing unit further performs a rinsing step of rinsing the items to be washed using the water supplied from the tank, and the cleaning processing unit circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path after the washing step and before the rinsing step.

[0158] <Supplementary Note 9> The laundry system according to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising a detection processing unit that detects an amount of the laundry contained in the washing tub, wherein the purification processing unit circulates the water from when the circulation of the water starts until a first period that is set based on the amount of the laundry detected by the detection processing unit has elapsed.

[0159] <Supplementary Note 10> The laundry system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, wherein the cleaning treatment unit circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path before the washing step is performed.

[0160] <Supplementary Note 11> The washing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 10, wherein the purification processing unit circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path after a predetermined second period has elapsed since the end of the immediately preceding washing process.

Claims

1. A water supply device comprising: a tank for storing water; a first circulation path that passes through the tank but not through a washing machine; and a first filter that purifies the water circulating through the first circulation path.

2. The water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a second circulation path passing through the tank and the washing machine, wherein the first filter is positioned so as to be able to purify the water circulating through the second circulation path.

3. A water supply device as described in claim 2, further comprising a pump provided in the second circulation path downstream of the tank in the water circulation direction and upstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction, and the first circulation path includes a common section from the tank in the second circulation path downstream of the pump in the water circulation direction and upstream of the washing machine in the water circulation direction.

4. A water supply device as described in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second filter arranged upstream of the first filter for purifying the water circulating through the second circulation path, the first filter being constituted by an adsorption filter containing an adsorbent, and the second filter including a mesh filter for trapping foreign matter.

5. The water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the minimum size of foreign matter that can be captured by the second filter is greater than the minimum size of foreign matter that can be trapped by the first filter.

6. A washing system comprising: the water supply device according to claim 2; and the washing machine to which the water is supplied from the tank via the second circulation path.

7. The washing system according to claim 6, wherein the washing machine comprises: a washing processing unit that performs a washing process for washing items contained in a washing tub using the water supplied from the tank; and a purification processing unit that circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path.

8. The laundry system of claim 7, wherein the laundry processing unit further performs a rinsing step of rinsing the items to be washed using the water supplied from the tank, and the cleaning processing unit circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path after the washing step and before the rinsing step.

9. The laundry system according to claim 8, further comprising a detection processing unit that detects the amount of the laundry contained in the washing tub, and the purification processing unit circulates the water from when the circulation of the water starts until a first period set based on the amount of the laundry detected by the detection processing unit has elapsed.

10. The laundry system according to claim 7, wherein the purification processing section circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path before the washing step is performed.

11. The washing system according to claim 7, wherein the purification treatment section circulates the water in the tank via the first circulation path after a predetermined second period has elapsed since the end of the immediately preceding washing process.

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