JP2018183196A - Washing machine and piping unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which does not use surplus water for washing a filter, in a washing machine which includes a filter and which reuses water in a water tub by returning it to the water tub.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a water tub 12, a filter part 26, a first pump 27, a first pipeline 21, a second pipeline 22, a third pipeline 23, a fourth pipeline 24, and a fifth pipeline 25. The first pipeline 21, the second pipeline 22 and the third pipeline 23 form a first flow passage in which water from the water tub 12 flows from one side of the filter part 26 to the other side and is returned to the water tub 12. The fourth pipeline 24 and the fifth pipeline 25 form a second flow passage in which the water discharged from the water tub 12 flows from the other side to the one side of the filter part 26 and is discharged to the outside. The washing machine also includes a switching part for switching between a state in which the water from the water tub 12 flows in the first flow passage and a sate in which the water flows in the second passage. Thus, the water of the water tub 12 can be used for washing the filter 26, and water saving can be achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine and a piping unit.

  Conventionally, a washing machine that can reuse water used for washing is known. For example, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pipeline that supplies water once drained from the washing tub to the washing tub again. A filter is disposed in the pipeline. In the washing machine, water can be saved because the washing water can be purified and used as rinsing water.

  Moreover, the washing machine disclosed by patent document 1 is provided with the switching valve which switches the state which supplies water to a washing tub from a water supply valve, and the state which supplies water to a filter from a water supply valve. The direction in which water flows into the filter from the water supply valve is opposite to the direction in which water after washing flows into the filter. By supplying water to the filter from the water supply valve, dust or the like clogged in the filter can be pushed out by water pressure. In the said washing machine, a filter can be wash | cleaned by supplying water to a filter from a water supply valve, and the replacement frequency of a filter can be reduced.

JP-A-6-79094

  In the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to supply water from the outside in order to wash the filter. That is, extra water other than the water used for washing is required to wash the filter. Considering the recent global water saving regulations, a washing machine that uses as little water as possible is desired.

  An object of this invention is to provide the technique which can aim at the further water saving in the washing machine provided with the filter which makes reusable the water used for washing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a piping unit that can save water.

  An exemplary washing machine of the present invention includes a water tank, a filter part, a first pump, a first pipe connected to the water tank and one side of the filter part, and the other side of the filter part. A second pipe connected to the first pump; a third pipe connected to the first pump and a supply port for supplying water to the water tank; and the water tank or the first pipe. And a fourth pipe connected to the second pipe or the third pipe, and a fifth pipe connecting the one side of the filter part and the outside. The first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe are a first pipe that allows water from the water tank to flow from the one side to the other side of the filter unit and return to the water tank. A flow path is formed. The fourth pipe and the fifth pipe form a second flow path for allowing water discharged from the water tank to flow from the other side of the filter portion toward the one side and to drain to the outside. A switching unit is further provided for switching between a state in which water from the water tank is caused to flow through the first channel and a state in which the water is caused to flow through the second channel.

  An exemplary piping unit of the present invention is a piping unit connected to a water tank, and includes a filter section, a pump, a first pipe connected to one side of the water tank and the filter section, and the filter. A second pipe connected to the other side of the section and the pump, a third pipe connected to the pump, the water tank or the first pipe, the second pipe or the third pipe. 4th piping connected to piping, and 5th piping which connects the one side and the exterior of the said filter part are provided. The first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe are a first pipe that allows water from the water tank to flow from the one side to the other side of the filter unit and return to the water tank. A flow path is formed. The fourth pipe and the fifth pipe form a second flow path for allowing water discharged from the water tank to flow from the other side of the filter portion toward the one side and to drain to the outside.

  According to the washing machine and the piping unit according to the present invention, not only can the water in the water tank be returned to the water tank for reuse, but also the water in the water tank can be used for cleaning the filter. That is, the washing machine and the piping unit of the present invention can save water.

FIG. 1 is a front external view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the piping unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a filter unit provided in the piping unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Drawing 4 is a mimetic diagram showing the 1st use state of the piping unit concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a second usage state of the piping unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a third usage state of the piping unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a piping unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a modification of the piping unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a washing machine and a piping unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present application, the front-rear direction is defined with the front of the washing machine shown in FIG. Moreover, the left-right direction is defined with respect to the front surface of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, the lid body is set upward with respect to the casing of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, and the vertical direction is defined. This application demonstrates the shape and positional relationship of each part using this front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. However, from the definition of this direction, there is no intention to limit the direction of the washing machine according to the present invention.
<1. General configuration of washing machine>

  FIG. 1 is a front external view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a portion that is not originally visible from the outside is schematically shown by a broken line. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 and a lid 11 that opens and closes an upper opening of the housing 10. The washing machine 1 is an electric washing machine, and includes a control circuit (not shown) including a microcomputer at an appropriate position in the housing 10.

  In the housing 10, there are provided a water tank 12 for storing water and a washing tank 13 that is rotatably disposed in the water tank 12. The washing tub 13 is a tub in which clothes and the like to be washed are placed, and also serves as a dehydration tub. A rotating blade 14 is arranged at the bottom of the washing tub 13. A driving unit 15 for rotating the washing tub 13 and the rotating blades 14 is provided on the lower side of the water tub 12. The drive unit 15 includes, for example, a motor, a pulley, a belt, a speed reducer, and the like (all not shown).

A piping unit 20 that purifies water discharged from the water tank 12 and returns it to the water tank 12 is provided at the rear portion of the washing machine 1. As for the piping unit 20, all the units may be accommodated in the housing | casing 10, and a part of unit may be arrange | positioned out of the housing | casing 10. FIG. Moreover, the piping unit 20 is not limited to the rear part of the washing machine 1, For example, you may arrange | position in the left or right side part. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the piping unit 20 in the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to a plurality of embodiments.
<2. First Embodiment of Piping Unit>

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the piping unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the washing machine 1 includes the piping unit 20. Referring to FIG. 2, more specifically, the pipe unit 20 includes a first pipe 21, a second pipe 22, a third pipe 23, a fourth pipe 24, and a fifth pipe. 25. The piping unit 20 also includes a filter unit 26 and a pump 27.

  The first pipe 21 connects the water tank 12 and one side 26 a of the filter unit 26. The second pipe 22 connects the other side 26 b of the filter unit 26 and the first pump 27. The third pipe 23 connects the first pump 27 and the supply port 16 that supplies water to the water tank 12. The first pipe 21, the second pipe 22, and the third pipe 23 are a first pipe that allows water from the water tank 12 to flow from one side 26 a to the other side 26 b of the filter unit 26 and return to the water tank 12. A flow path is formed. The first flow path is a circulation flow path for returning the water from the water tank 12 back to the water tank 12 and circulating it.

  In addition, it is preferable that the 1st piping 21 is connected to the bottom part of the water tank 12, and may be connected to the side surface of the water tank 12 depending on the case. Moreover, the supply port 16 may be provided in the outer wall of the housing | casing 10, for example, and may be provided in the wall part in the housing | casing 10 as another example.

  The fourth pipe 24 connects the water tank 12 and the second pipe 22. The fifth pipe 25 connects one side 26 a of the filter unit 26 and the outside 2. The external 2 is, for example, a drain outlet or a drain pipe provided outside the washing machine 1. The 4th piping 24 and the 5th piping 25 form the 2nd flow path which flows the water discharged | emitted from the water tank 12 toward the one side 26a from the other side 26b of the filter part 26, and drains it to the exterior 2. To do. As will be described later, the second flow path is a filter cleaning flow path.

  In addition, it is preferable that the connection part 28 where the 4th piping 24 is connected to the water tank 12 is arrange | positioned above the filter part 26. FIG. The fourth pipe 24 is not limited to the bottom surface of the water tank 12 and may be connected to the side surface. Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st piping 21 and the 5th piping 25 are provided with the share part S which shares a flow path. Therefore, the configuration of the piping can be simplified. However, this is only an example, and the two pipes 21 and 25 may not have the shared portion S.

  A water supply unit 3 is connected to the middle of the third pipe 23. The water supply unit 3 includes a water tap (not shown). By opening and closing the faucet, water such as tap water can be supplied to the third pipe 23 or stopped. The faucet also allows the flow rate to be adjusted. By connecting the water supply unit 3 in the middle of the third pipe 23, the pipe configuration can be simplified. However, such a configuration is merely an example. Depending on the case, the structure by which the water supplied from the water supply part 3 enters the water tank 12 without passing through the 3rd piping 23 may be employ | adopted.

  The washing machine 1 further includes a switching unit that switches between a state in which the water from the water tub 12 is caused to flow in the first flow path and a state in which the water is caused to flow in the second flow path. More specifically, the switching unit is provided in the piping unit 20. The switching unit includes a direction control valve V1, an on-off valve V2, an on-off valve V3, and an on-off valve V4. By appropriately adjusting the states of all these valves V1 to V4, it is possible to switch between a state in which water from the water tank 12 is caused to flow in the first flow path and a state in which the water is caused to flow in the second flow path.

  The direction control valve 1 can switch the direction of water flow. The direction control valve V <b> 1 is provided at a branch point between the direction from the water tank 12 toward the outside 2 and the direction toward the filter unit 12. The branch point is included in the sharing unit S. By switching the direction control valve V <b> 1, a state where the bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the one side 26 a of the filter unit 26 are connected via the first pipe 21 can be obtained. Further, by switching the direction control valve V1, a state where the bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the outside 2 are connected via a part of the first pipe 21 and a part of the fifth pipe 25 can be obtained. Further, by switching the direction control valve V <b> 1, a state where the outside 2 and the one side 26 a of the filter unit 26 are connected via the fifth pipe 25 can be obtained. In addition, in this state, the water tank 12, the filter part 26, and the exterior 2 are interrupted | blocked by the direction control valve V1.

  The two on-off valves V <b> 2 and V <b> 3 are disposed at both ends of the fourth pipe 24. However, this is only an example, and either one of the two on-off valves V2 and V3 may be omitted. Further, the positions of the on-off valves V <b> 2 and V <b> 3 are not limited to the end of the fourth pipe 24, and may be arranged near the center of the fourth pipe 24, for example.

  The on-off valve V4 is disposed in the middle of the third pipe 23. The on-off valve V4 is disposed upstream of the portion where the water supply unit 3 and the third pipe 23 are connected. In the case where water flows from the first pump 27 toward the supply port 16, the first pump 27 side is the upstream side, and the supply port 16 side is the downstream side. Thereby, when water is supplied from the water supply unit 3, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing toward the first pump 27. When the water supply part 3 is not connected in the middle of the 3rd piping 23, the on-off valve V4 does not need to be provided.

  The valves V <b> 1 to V <b> 4 provided in the piping unit 20 may be configured to be manually switched, but are preferably configured to be automatically switched by a control circuit included in the washing machine 1. The valves V1 to V4 constitute a switching unit of the present invention. The direction control valve V1 is an example of the first valve of the present invention. The on-off valves V2 and V3 are examples of the second valve of the present invention. That is, the switching unit included in the washing machine 1 includes the first valve V1 disposed in the first pipe 21 and the second valves V2 and V3 disposed in the fourth pipe 24. In addition, the driving of the first pump 27 is also preferably automatically controlled using a control circuit included in the washing machine 1.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the filter unit 26 provided in the piping unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the filter unit 26 includes a plurality of filters 261 to 263 having different meshes. The meshes become finer in the order of the first filter 261, the second filter 262, and the third filter 263. That is, the plurality of filters 261 to 263 are arranged in order from the one side 26a of the filter unit 26 toward the other side 26b. And the mesh of the filter part 26 becomes fine as it goes to the other side 26b from the one side 26a.

  For example, the first filter 261 and the second filter 262 purify rough dirt such as lint and earth and sand. For example, the third filter 263 purifies fine dirt such as a surfactant. In the present embodiment, the filter unit 26 includes three filters, but this is only an example. The number of filters included in the filter unit 26 may be one, or a plurality other than three.

  Next, the usage example of the piping unit 20 of 1st Embodiment in the washing machine 1 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first use state of the piping unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The direction control valve V <b> 1 blocks the water tank 12 from the filter unit 26 and the outside 2. All the three on-off valves V2, V3, and V4 are closed. For this reason, when water is supplied from the water supply unit 3 to the third pipe 23, water is poured into the water tank 12 from the supply port 16, and water is accumulated in the water tank 12. Washing of clothes is performed using a detergent or the like in a state where water is stored in the water tank 12.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a second usage state of the piping unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the one side 26 a of the filter unit 26 are connected via the first pipe 21 by the direction control valve V <b> 1. Further, the two on-off valves V2 and V3 provided in the fourth pipe 24 are both closed. The on-off valve V4 provided in the third pipe 23 is opened.

  The sewage discharged from the water tank 12 is poured into the filter unit 26 via the first pipe 21. The water that has entered the filter unit 26 is first cleaned of rough dirt such as lint by the first filter 261. Next, fine dirt that could not be removed by the first filter 261 is purified by the second filter 262. Finally, the third filter 263 purifies fine dirt such as a surfactant that could not be removed by the first filter 261 and the second filter 262. The water purified by the filter unit 26 reaches the first pump 27 via the second pipe 22. The water discharged from the first pump 27 is poured into the water tank 12 from the supply port 16 through the third pipe 23. After such a flow of water is repeated for a while, at least the directional control valve V1 and the on-off valve V2 are operated, and water in which the sewage after washing is purified is stored in the water tank 12. Rinsing is performed using water stored in the water tank 12.

  In the present embodiment, the sewage discharged from the water tank 12 flows into the first pump 27 after passing through the filter unit 26. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the sewage after washing from directly entering the first pump 27, and the possibility of clogging occurring in the first pump 27 can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a third usage state of the piping unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The outside 2 and one side 26 a of the filter portion 26 are connected via the fifth pipe 25 by the direction control valve V <b> 1. Further, the two on-off valves V2 and V3 provided in the fourth pipe 24 are both open. The on-off valve V4 provided in the third pipe 23 is closed.

  The rinsed water discharged from the water tank 12 flows into the filter unit 26 via the fourth pipe 24 and the second pipe 22. Since the connection part 28 to which the water tank 12 and the fourth pipe 24 are connected is provided above the filter part 26, water flows into the filter part 26 by its own weight. The water flow at this time is opposite to the state shown in FIG. 5, and water flows from the other side 26 b of the filter portion 26 toward the one side 26 a. The water flowing into the filter unit 26 removes dirt attached to the filters 261 to 263 with water pressure. The water from which the filter section 26 is removed is discharged to the outside 2 through the fifth pipe 25.

  In the piping unit 20 of the present embodiment, both the water after washing using the detergent and the water after rinsing can be discharged to the outside 2 without passing through the filter unit 26. A part of the first pipe 21 and a part 25 of the fifth pipe also serve as a pipe connecting the water tank 12 and the outside 2. The direction control valve V <b> 1 brings the bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the outside 2 into a connected state via a part of the first pipe 21 and a part of the fifth pipe 25. Further, the on-off valve V2 provided in the fourth pipe 24 is closed. Thereby, both the water after washing | cleaning using a detergent and the water after a rinse can be discharged | emitted to the exterior 2 without passing the filter part 26. FIG. In addition, in order to discharge | emit the water after washing | cleaning using a detergent, and the water after a rinse directly to the exterior 2, the piping connected to the bottom part of the water tank 12 may be arrange | positioned separately. However, the configuration as in the present embodiment is preferable because the piping configuration is simplified.

As described above, in the washing machine 1 including the piping unit 20 of the first embodiment, the water after washing including the detergent can be purified by the filter unit 26 and used for rinsing. Further, the water after rinsing can be used for cleaning the filter unit 26. For this reason, the washing machine 1 provided with the piping unit 20 of 1st Embodiment is excellent in a water-saving function.
<3. Second Embodiment of Piping Unit>

  Next, the piping unit of 2nd Embodiment with which the washing machine 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the piping unit 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. From the comparison between FIG. 7 and FIG. 2, the piping unit 201 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. For this reason, the description of the overlapping part is omitted, and only the different part will be described.

  In the piping unit 201 of the second embodiment, the second pump 29 is arranged in the fourth piping 24. More specifically, the second pump 29 is disposed in the middle of the fourth pipe 24. This is different from the configuration of the first embodiment. The driving of the second pump 29 is preferably automatically controlled by a control circuit included in the washing machine 1.

  The piping unit 201 of the second embodiment can be used in the same manner as the piping unit 20 of the first embodiment. In the configuration of the second embodiment, the second pump 29 can be driven particularly when the filter unit 26 is cleaned using the water after rinsing. For this reason, compared with the structure of 1st Embodiment, the water pressure added to each filter 261-263 can be enlarged, and the cleaning efficiency of the filters 261-263 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, water can be sent from the water tank 12 to the filter unit 26 by the force of the second pump 29. For this reason, the fourth pipe 24 may be positioned lower than the filter unit 26. The connection part 28 between the water tank 12 and the fourth pipe 24 may be positioned lower than the filter part 26.
<4. Third Embodiment of Piping Unit>

  Next, the piping unit of the third embodiment provided in the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the piping unit 202 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. From the comparison between FIG. 8 and FIG. 2, the piping unit 202 of the third embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in the mounting position of the fourth piping 24. The configuration of other parts of the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the different parts.

  In the piping unit 202 of the third embodiment, the fourth piping 24 is connected to the water tank 12 and the third piping 23. More specifically, the fourth pipe 24 is connected to the side surface of the water tank 12. The connection position between the fourth pipe 24 and the water tank 12 is higher than the connection position between the fourth pipe 24 and the third pipe 23. For this reason, the water in the water tank 12 flows toward the third pipe 23 by its own weight. In addition, the 4th piping 24 may be connected not to the side surface of the water tank 12, but to the bottom face of the water tank 12 similarly to 1st Embodiment.

The piping unit 202 of the third embodiment can be used in the same manner as the piping unit 20 of the first embodiment. As the pump 27 ′ disposed between the second pipe 22 and the third pipe 23, a pump that can reverse the water absorption side and the water discharge side by reverse rotation may be employed. When such a configuration is adopted, similarly to the piping unit 201 of the second embodiment, the water pressure applied to the filters 261 to 263 can be increased, and the cleaning efficiency of the filters 261 to 263 can be improved. In the said structure, pump 27 'serves as the 1st pump and 2nd pump of this invention.
<5. Fourth Embodiment of Piping Unit>

  Next, the piping unit of 4th Embodiment with which the washing machine 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit 203 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the piping unit 203 of the fourth embodiment, the water storage tank 30 is arranged in the middle of the first piping 21. This is different from the configuration of the first embodiment (see also FIG. 2). The configuration of other parts of the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the different parts.

  The water storage tank 30 has a size that can store all the water stored in the water tank 12. In the piping unit 203 of the fourth embodiment, an open / close valve V <b> 5 is added to the first piping 21 with the addition of the water storage tank 30. The on-off valve V5 is preferably automatically controlled by a control circuit provided in the washing machine 1. When the on-off valve V5 is closed, water does not flow from the water tank 12 to the water tank 30. The water in the water tank 12 can be transferred to the water storage tank 30 by opening the on-off valve V5. When water is stored in the water storage tank 30, the direction control valve V <b> 1 needs to be in a state in which water does not flow to the outside 2 and the filter unit 26.

  Since the piping unit 203 of the fourth embodiment includes the water storage tank 30, the usage method in the case where the water discharged from the water tank 12 is purified by the filter unit 26 and returned to the water tank 12 is the same as the case of the first embodiment. Different. The other usage of the piping unit 203 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the sewage after washing is once transferred from the water tank 12 to the water tank 30 before being purified by the filter unit 26. After the sewage is transferred to the water storage tank 30, the on-off valve V5 is closed. Thereafter, the water in the water storage tank 30 sequentially flows into the filter unit 26 to be purified by the operation of the direction control valve V1. The water purified by the filter unit 26 is stored in the water tank 12.

  In the structure of 1st Embodiment, when purifying the dirty water after washing using a detergent with the filter part 26, it is repeated that the water previously purified with the filter part 26 passes the filter part 26 again. On the other hand, in the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the sewage after washing with the detergent can be prevented from returning to the filter unit 26 again after being purified by the filter unit 26. For this reason, in the structure of 4th Embodiment, the time which purification | cleaning of sewage can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, the water tank 30 is provided in the middle of the first pipe 21, but the water tank 30 may be disposed in the middle of the second pipe 22 in some cases. Even in this case, the same effect can be obtained.
<6. Fifth embodiment of piping unit>

  Next, the piping unit of 5th Embodiment with which the washing machine 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the piping unit 204 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the piping unit 204 of the fifth embodiment, the sixth piping 31 connected to the outside 2 is provided in the filter unit 26. This is different from the configuration of the first embodiment (see also FIG. 2). The structure of other parts of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the different parts.

  The sixth pipe 31 connects the vicinity of the downstream side of each of the filters 261 to 263 to the outside when water flows from the other side 26b of the filter unit 26 toward the one side 26a. Specifically, the sixth pipe 31 includes three narrow tubes 31a, 31b, and 31c. The thin tubes 31a, 31b, and 31c are connected to the vicinity of the downstream side of the filters 261 to 263 when water flows from the other side 26b of the filter unit 26 toward the one side 26a. The three thin tubes 31 a to 31 c are thinner than the second pipe 22 and the fifth pipe 25. When the pipes 31a to 31c are thicker than the second pipe 22 and the fifth pipe 25, there is a possibility that water from the fourth pipe 24 may not reach a filter with a coarse mesh (for example, the first filter 261). . Since the three narrow tubes 31a to 31c are thinner than the second piping 22 and the fifth piping 25, the water from the fourth piping 24 can be supplied to all the filters 261 to 263.

  The sixth pipe 31 is connected to the fifth pipe 25. Specifically, the sixth pipe 31 includes a common pipe 31d connected to the three narrow pipes 31a to 31c. The common pipe 31d is connected to the fifth pipe 25. That is, the sixth pipe 31 is connected to the outside 2 through the fifth pipe 25.

  Note that the sixth pipe 31 may be connected to the outside 2 without going through the fifth pipe 25. In the present embodiment, the three thin tubes 31a to 31c are connected to the common tube 31d, but the common tube 31d may not be provided. In this case, for example, the thin tubes 31a to 31c may be separately connected to the fifth pipe 25 or the like.

  The three narrow tubes 31a are provided with on-off valves V6, V7, and V8, respectively. The three on-off valves V6 to V8 are preferably automatically controlled by a control circuit provided in the washing machine 1. The on-off valves V6 to V8 are opened when water from the water tank 12 is used to remove the dirt of the filter unit 26, but are closed in other cases. Note that the number of on-off valves provided in the sixth pipe 31 may be other than three, or may be one in some cases.

  When the water from the water tank 12 flows from the other side 26b of the filter unit 26 to the one side 26a, the dirt removed from each of the filters 261 to 263 is surrounded by a downstream position of the filters 261 to 263 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 10). There is a risk of accumulating at (position). In this regard, if the sixth pipe 31 is provided as in this embodiment, the dirt accumulated in the downstream positions of the filters 261 to 263 can be discharged to the outside by opening the on-off valves V6 to V8. become.

As an example, the on-off valves V6 to V8 may be opened simultaneously when the water from the water tank 12 flows from the other side 26b of the filter unit 26 to the one side 26a. As another example, the opening / closing valve V8, the opening / closing valve V7, and the opening / closing valve V6 may be opened with a time difference. In this alternative, if one valve is opened, the remaining two valves may be closed.
<7-1. Sixth Embodiment of Piping Unit>

  Next, the piping unit of the sixth embodiment provided in the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a piping unit 205 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. From a comparison between FIG. 11 and FIG. 2, the piping unit 205 of the sixth embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in the mounting position of the fourth piping 24. The configuration of other parts of the sixth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the different parts.

  In the piping unit 205 of the sixth embodiment, the fourth piping 24 connects the first piping 21 and the second piping 22. A connection position 28 between the fourth pipe 24 and the first pipe 21 is provided at a position higher than the filter unit 26. For this reason, it is possible to clean the filter part 26 using the weight of water. The fourth pipe 24 may be connected to the third pipe 23 instead of the second pipe 22.

The piping unit 205 of the sixth embodiment can be used in the same way as the piping unit 20 of the first embodiment. Further, when the configuration of the piping unit 205 of the sixth embodiment is employed, it is not necessary to provide a hole in the water tank 12 for connecting the fourth piping 24. For this reason, the piping unit 205 of the sixth embodiment is easy to be retrofitted.
<7-2. Modification of Sixth Embodiment of Piping Unit>

In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the fourth pipe 24 is configured to connect the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22. However, this is merely an example, and the fourth pipe 24 may be configured to connect the first pipe 21 and the third pipe 23. Even in this configuration, it is preferable that the connection position between the fourth pipe 24 and the first pipe 21 is provided higher than the filter portion 26. The connection position between the fourth pipe 24 and the first pipe 21 is preferably provided higher than the connection position between the fourth pipe 24 and the third pipe 23. If these structures are employ | adopted, it will be easy to wash | clean the filter part 26 using the dead weight of water.
<8. Other>

  The configuration of each embodiment described above is merely an example of the present invention. The configuration of each embodiment may be changed as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Each embodiment and the fine modification in embodiment can also be implemented combining in the possible range.

  For example, the types, number, and arrangement of valves provided in the piping units of the embodiments described above are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the directional control valve V1 provided in the piping unit 20 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, two on-off valves V9 and V10 may be arranged. In this case, the switching unit included in the washing machine 1 includes the on-off valve V2, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve V9, and the on-off valve V10. In FIG. 12, the on-off valve V <b> 9 is disposed at the end of the first pipe 21 on the side connected to the water tank 12. The on-off valve V <b> 10 is disposed outside the shared portion S of the fifth pipe 25 with the first pipe 21. The on-off valve V9 is an example of the first valve of the present invention. The on-off valve V10 is an example of the third valve of the present invention. That is, in addition to the 1st valve V9 arrange | positioned at the 1st piping 21, and the 2nd valves V2 and V3 arrange | positioned at the 4th piping 24, the switching part with which the washing machine 1 is provided is 5th. A third valve V10 disposed in the pipe 25 is further included. The modification of the first embodiment may be applied to other embodiments as far as possible.

  Moreover, in the above, the case where the piping unit of this invention was applied to a washing machine was shown. However, this is only an example. The piping unit of the present invention can be applied to other than a washing machine, and may be applied to, for example, a water tank set for raising fish.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Washing machine, 2 ... Outside, 3 ... Water supply part, 10 ... Case, 11 ... Cover body, 12 ... Water tank, 13 ... Washing tank, 14 ...・ Agitating blade, 15... Drive unit, 16... Supply port, 20, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205... Piping unit, 21. , 23... Third pipe, 24... Fourth pipe, 25... Fifth pipe, 26. The other side of the filter part, 27 ... first pump, 27 '... pump, 28 ... connecting part, 29 ... second pump, 30 ... water tank, 31 ... Sixth piping, 31a, 31b, 31c ... narrow tube, 31d ... common tube, 261, 262, 263 ... filter, S ... sharing unit, V1 ... directional control valve, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10 ···-off valve

Claims (13)

A tank,
A filter section;
A first pump;
A first pipe connected to the water tank and one side of the filter unit;
A second pipe connected to the other side of the filter unit and the first pump;
A third pipe connected to the first pump and a supply port for supplying water to the water tank;
A fourth pipe connected to the water tank or the first pipe and the second pipe or the third pipe;
A fifth pipe connecting the one side of the filter part and the outside;
A washing machine comprising:
The first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe are a first pipe that allows water from the water tank to flow from the one side to the other side of the filter unit and return to the water tank. Forming a flow path,
The fourth pipe and the fifth pipe form a second flow path for draining the water discharged from the water tank from the other side of the filter part toward the one side and draining to the outside.
A washing machine, further comprising a switching unit that switches between a state in which water from the water tank flows through the first flow path and a state in which water flows through the second flow path.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a connection portion between the water tank or the first pipe and the fourth pipe is disposed above the filter section.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pipe and the fifth pipe include a shared portion that shares a flow path.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the first pipe and a part of the fifth pipe also serve as a pipe connecting the water tank and the outside.   5. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a first valve disposed in the first pipe and a second valve disposed in the fourth pipe. 6. Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the switching unit further includes a third valve disposed in the fifth pipe.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second pump is disposed in the fourth pipe.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fourth pipe is connected to the water tank and the third pipe.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a water storage tank is disposed in the middle of the first pipe or the second pipe.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter unit is provided with a sixth pipe connected to the outside. The filter unit includes a plurality of filters,
The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the sixth pipe connects the vicinity of the downstream side of each filter and the outside when water flows from the other side of the filter part toward the one side.   The washing machine according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sixth pipe is connected to the fifth pipe. A piping unit connected to a water tank,
A filter section;
A pump,
A first pipe connected to the water tank and one side of the filter unit;
A second pipe connected to the other side of the filter unit and the pump;
A third pipe connected to the pump;
A fourth pipe connected to the water tank or the first pipe and the second pipe or the third pipe;
A fifth pipe connecting the one side of the filter part and the outside;
With
The first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe are a first pipe that allows water from the water tank to flow from the one side to the other side of the filter unit and return to the water tank. Forming a flow path,
The fourth pipe and the fifth pipe form a second flow path that drains water discharged from the water tank from the other side of the filter unit toward the one side and drains the water to the outside. Piping unit.

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