JP2021053305A - Clothing treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment apparatus configured so as to be able to clean a pump for sucking a clothing treatment agent from a tank without causing problems such as increase in size, increase in production cost, and complication of control.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus according to this embodiment includes a clothing treatment tub that houses clothing, a tank that stores a clothing treatment agent for treating the clothing, a pump that sucks the clothing treatment agent from the tank and supplies it to the clothing treatment tub, a clothing-treatment-agent path that communicates between the tank and the pump, a water path that is connected with the middle of the clothing-treatment-agent path, and a check valve that is provided in the clothing treatment agent path closer to the tank side with respect to the part connected with the water path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garment processing device.

In recent years, in a washing machine, which is an example of a clothes treatment device, development of a configuration having a function of automatically charging a clothes treatment agent such as a detergent or a softener into a tub has been promoted. Then, in this type of washing machine, it is considered to supply water from the inside of the tank to the inside of the pump for sucking the clothes treatment agent so that the inside of the pump can be washed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ..

Special Table 2017-509464

The configuration of Patent Document 1 is such that the state in which the clothing treatment agent is supplied into the pump and the state in which water is supplied into the pump are switched by a solenoid valve. However, since the size of this type of solenoid valve is relatively large, the size of the water supply unit is increased, and the size of the entire washing machine is increased. Further, since the solenoid valve is expensive, it causes an increase in the manufacturing cost of the washing machine. Also. There is also a concern that the control of the solenoid valve will be complicated.

Therefore, the present embodiment provides a clothing processing apparatus capable of cleaning a pump that sucks a clothing processing agent from the inside of a tank without causing problems such as an increase in size, an increase in manufacturing cost, and complicated control.

The garment processing apparatus of the present embodiment sucks the garment processing agent from the garment processing tank for accommodating the garment, the tank for storing the garment processing agent for processing the garment, and supplies the garment processing agent to the garment processing tank. A clothing treatment agent path connecting the pump, the tank and the pump, a water path connected in the middle of the clothing treatment agent path, and a portion of the clothing treatment agent path connecting to the water path. It is provided with a check valve provided on the tank side.

Longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration example of a washing machine according to this embodiment The figure which shows the structural example of the water supply part which concerns on this embodiment The figure which shows the structural example of the connection part of the tank and the pump which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the peripheral part thereof schematicly. Longitudinal front view schematically showing a configuration example of the washing machine according to the second embodiment The figure which shows the structural example of the connection part of the tank and the pump which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the peripheral part thereof schematicly. The figure which shows the structural example of the connection part of the tank and the pump which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the peripheral part thereof schematicly. A flowchart illustrating a control example of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments relating to the garment processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In a plurality of embodiments, substantially the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothes processing device capable of performing a predetermined treatment, in this case, at least a washing treatment, a rinsing treatment, and a dehydration treatment on clothes. Further, the washing machine 1 is a so-called drum type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotary tub extends in a horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

The washing machine 1 is provided with a washing tub 3 for washing clothes inside a rectangular box-shaped outer box 2 constituting the outer shell. The washing tank 3 is an example of a garment processing tank, and has a configuration in which a bottomed cylindrical drum is rotatably provided inside a bottomed cylindrical water tank. A large number of small holes are provided in the peripheral wall of the drum, and a baffle for scooping up clothes is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The front opening of the cleaning tank 3 can be opened and closed by a door 5 provided on the front surface of the outer box 2. By opening the door 5, the user can put clothes in and out of the washing tank 3 through the front opening of the washing tank 3.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a water supply unit 4 for supplying water into the washing tub 3 and a drainage unit 6 for draining the water in the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve unit 10 or the like, which will be described later, in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) such as a water supply to the washing tank 3. Further, the drainage unit 6 is configured to include a drainage valve 7 or the like in the middle of the drainage path 6a extending from the bottom of the cleaning tank 3 to the outside of the machine. When the drain valve 7 is closed and the water supply unit 4 supplies water to the cleaning tank 3, a predetermined amount of water is stored in the cleaning tank 3. Further, when the drain valve 7 is opened, the water in the washing tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage path 6a.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve unit 10, an automatic charging unit 11, a water injection case 12, and the like in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) to the washing tank 3. .. The inlet of the water supply valve unit 10 is connected to a water source (not shown) such as a water supply. Further, the water supply valve unit 10 has a plurality, in this case, at least three water supply valves 10a, 10b, 10c. The water supply valve 10a is an example of a manual water supply valve, and is connected to the water injection case 12 via a manual supply path 13a. The water supply valve 10b is an example of an automatic water supply valve, and is connected to the water injection case 12 via the automatic supply path 13b. The water supply valve 10c is an example of a pump cleaning water supply valve, and is connected to a clothing treatment agent path 100, which will be described later, via a pump cleaning path 13c. Hereinafter, the water supply valve 10a will be referred to as a manual water supply valve 10a, the water supply valve 10b will be referred to as an automatic water supply valve 10b, and the water supply valve 10c will be referred to as a pump cleaning water supply valve 10c. The outlet of the water injection case 12 is connected to the cleaning tank 3 via the water supply hose 14.

The automatic charging unit 11 includes a tank 15. The tank 15 is detachably provided with respect to the water supply unit 4. Specifically, the tank 15 is detachably provided inside a tank accommodating portion (not shown) constituting the water supply portion 4. In this case, the tank accommodating portion is integrally provided in the water injection case 12. In the tank 15, a clothes treatment agent for a plurality of operations, in this case, a detergent for washing clothes in the washing tank 3, a softener for softening the clothes in the washing tank 3, and the like are stored. It is possible.

The tank 15 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b via the pump 17. The pump 17 is configured to suck and deliver a liquid by driving a piston by, for example, an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The pump 17 sucks a predetermined amount, in this case, an amount of the clothing treatment agent used for one operation from the tank 15, and sends the sucked clothing treatment agent into the automatic supply path 13b. Then, the clothing treatment agent delivered into the automatic supply path 13b is introduced into the water injection case 12 together with the water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10. Then, the clothing treatment agent introduced into the water injection case 12 is supplied to the washing tank 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water injection case 12. As a result, the garment treatment agent is automatically charged from the tank 15 into the washing tank 3.

Further, in the water injection case 12, a manual charging case 12a is housed so that it can be taken in and out. In the manual loading case 12a, a manual loading section (not shown) is provided in which the clothing treatment agent is manually charged by the user. The clothing treatment agent charged into the manual charging section is supplied from the water supply valve unit 10 into the washing tank 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water injected into the water injection case 12 via the manual supply path 13a. ..

In the water supply unit 4 configured as described above, the manual supply path 13a constitutes a supply path for supplying the clothing treatment agent manually added by the user into the washing tank 3. Further, the automatic supply path 13b constitutes a supply path for supplying the clothing treatment agent automatically charged by the automatic charging unit 11 into the washing tank 3.

Next, a configuration example of the connection portion between the tank 15 and the pump 17 and the peripheral portion thereof will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tank 15 and the pump 17 are connected by a garment treatment agent path 100. The upstream end of the garment treatment agent path 100 is connected to the garment treatment agent outlet 15a provided in the tank 15. On the other hand, the downstream end of the garment treatment agent path 100 is connected to the suction port 17a provided in the pump 17. The discharge port 17b provided in the pump 17 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b.

The pump 17 is provided with a piston 17d reciprocating in a cylindrical cylinder portion 17c. The piston 17d is driven, that is, reciprocates by an actuator (not shown). Further, the pump 17 is provided with a check valve 17e at the suction port 17a and a check valve 17f at the discharge port 17b. The check valve 17e opens by receiving the suction pressure generated when the piston 17d moves upward in the cylinder portion 17c, and the pressing force generated when the piston 17d moves downward in the cylinder portion 17c. It is configured to close upon receiving. On the other hand, the check valve 17f is closed by receiving the suction pressure generated when the piston 17d moves upward in the cylinder portion 17c, and is generated when the piston 17d moves downward in the cylinder portion 17c. It is configured to open when it receives a pressing force.

A downstream end of the pump cleaning path 13c described above is connected to the middle portion of the clothing treatment agent path 100. Hereinafter, the portion where the clothing treatment agent path 100 and the pump cleaning path 13c are connected is referred to as a connection point J. The pump cleaning path 13c is an example of a water path, and the water supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c flows into the clothing treatment agent path 100. In the present embodiment, when water is supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c into the clothing treatment agent path 100 via the pump cleaning path 13c, the water branches at the connection point J, and one of them is a tank. It flows to the 15 side, that is, the upstream side of the garment treatment agent path 100, and the other flows to the pump 17 side, that is, the downstream side of the garment treatment agent path 100.

In addition, the garment treatment agent path 100 includes a check valve 101. The check valve 101 is provided on the tank 15 side of the clothing treatment agent path 100, that is, on the upstream side of the clothing treatment agent path 100, with respect to the connection portion J with the pump cleaning path 13c. The check valve 101 is configured to be opened by receiving the suction pressure generated when the pump 17 described above sucks the liquid, that is, when the piston 17d is moved upward. Therefore, as the pump 17 moves the piston 17d upward, both the check valve 101 and the check valve 17e of the suction port 17a open, so that the clothing treatment agent in the tank 15 is passed through the clothing treatment agent path 100. It becomes possible to suck into the cylinder portion 17c of the pump 17 through the pump 17.

Further, the check valve 101 flows from the connection point J to the tank 15 side, that is, to the upstream side of the clothing treatment agent path 100 in a situation where water is supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c via the pump cleaning path 13c. It is configured to close under the pressure of water. As a result, the water supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c via the pump cleaning path 13c is prevented from flowing to the tank 15 side of the check valve 101. Then, most of the water supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c via the pump cleaning path 13c flows to the pump 17 side. The check valve 101 may be configured to be closed by receiving the lowest water pressure assumed in general tap water, for example, a water pressure of 0.03 MPa or more.

A check valve 102 is also provided in the middle of the pump cleaning path 13c. The check valve 102 is an example of a check valve. The check valve 102 is configured to open by receiving the pressure of the liquid when the liquid flows from the upstream side, that is, the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c side to the downstream side, that is, the connection point J side in the pump cleaning path 13c. Has been done. Further, when the liquid flows from the downstream side, that is, the connection point J side to the upstream side, that is, the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c side in the pump cleaning path 13c, the check valve 102 is closed by receiving the pressure of the liquid. It is configured in. As a result, the check valve 102 prevents the liquid from flowing to the upstream side opposite to the clothing treatment agent path 100 side in the pump cleaning path 13c.

Further, a fine bubble water generator 103 is provided in the middle of the pump cleaning path 13c. The fine bubble water generator 103 is an example of a fine bubble generator, and is a device that generates fine bubble water by including fine bubbles in water passing through the inside. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the fine bubble water generator 103 includes a flow path having a throttle portion and a protrusion portion. The water flowing through this flow path is throttled when passing through the throttle portion, and the flow velocity and pressure gradually increase, and the water collides with the protrusion in a state of high flow velocity and high pressure. Then, when water having a high flow velocity and high pressure collides with the protrusion and passes through the protrusion, the pressure of the water drops sharply. The cavitation effect caused by the rapid pressure drop, into the water, several tens nm~ number μm size in diameter, for example less fine cell diameter 50μm are many, for example 10 ⁶ or more / ml, occurring.

The fine bubbles generated in this way are called microbubbles, nanobubbles, ultrafine bubbles, and the like. Here, fine bubbles are generally classified as follows according to the particle size of the bubbles. For example, bubbles having a particle size of about several μm to 50 μm, that is, micro-order bubbles, are called microbubbles or fine bubbles. On the other hand, bubbles having a particle size of several hundred nm to several tens of nm or less, that is, nano-order bubbles, are called nanobubbles or ultrafine bubbles.

When the particle size of the bubble is several hundred nm to several tens of nm or less, it becomes smaller than the wavelength of light and cannot be visually recognized, and the liquid becomes transparent. The nano-order fine cells have characteristics such as a large total interface area, a slow ascent rate, and a large internal pressure as compared with cells of the micro-order or higher. For example, a bubble having a particle size of micro order rises rapidly in the liquid due to its buoyancy, bursts at the surface of the liquid and disappears, so that the residence time in the liquid is relatively short. On the other hand, fine cells having a particle size of nano-order have a small buoyancy and therefore have a long residence time in a liquid.

Water containing such fine bubbles has an excellent surface-active effect and contributes to improvement of cleaning performance. That is, the fine bubble water generated by the fine bubble water generator 103 has a function of improving the cleaning performance by the fine bubbles. Further, according to the fine bubble water, the dirt is emulsified and easily dispersed in the water, so that the effect of preventing the dirt from reattaching can be expected. Further, according to the fine bubble water, the effect of adsorbing a clothing treatment agent such as a detergent or a softener can be expected.

Next, in the above-mentioned configuration example, an operation example when the pump 17 sucks and delivers the clothing treatment agent from the inside of the tank 15 and an operation example when the inside of the pump 17 is washed will be described.

(Example of operation when the pump 17 sucks and delivers the clothing treatment agent from the tank 15)
According to the pump 17 configured as described above, the check valve 17e of the suction port 17a opens and the discharge port 17b receives the suction pressure generated as the piston 17d moves upward in the cylinder portion 17c. Check valve 17f closes. Further, the check valve 101 of the garment treatment agent path 100 also opens in response to the suction pressure generated by the pump 17. Therefore, the clothing treatment agent in the tank 15 is sucked into the cylinder portion 17c from the suction port 17a through the clothing treatment agent path 100. At this time, a part of the clothing treatment agent flowing in the clothing treatment agent path 100 flows from the connection point J into the pump cleaning path 13c. That is, in the pump cleaning path 13c, the clothing treatment agent flows to the upstream side of the pump cleaning path 13c. That is, the garment treatment agent flows back in the pump cleaning path 13c. Then, the check valve 102 is closed under the pressure of the backflowing clothing treatment agent. Therefore, the check valve 102 prevents the backflow of the clothing treatment agent in the pump cleaning path 13c.

Further, according to the pump 17 configured as described above, the check valve 17e of the suction port 17a closes and discharges due to the pressing force generated as the piston 17d moves downward in the cylinder portion 17c. The check valve 17f at the outlet 17b opens. As a result, the clothing treatment agent sucked into the cylinder portion 17c is sent out from the discharge port 17b into the automatic supply path 13b.

A control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 repeats the reciprocating movement of the piston 17d in the pump 17 by controlling the drive of the actuator. As a result, the pump 17 repeats suction of the clothing treatment agent from the tank 15 and delivery of the sucked clothing treatment agent into the automatic supply path 13b.

(Example of operation when cleaning the inside of the pump 17)
A control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 turns on the water supply valve 10c for cleaning the pump when cleaning the inside of the pump 17. As a result, water is supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c into the clothing treatment agent path 100 via the pump cleaning path 13c. In this case, the control device is set not to drive the pump 17.

The water supplied into the clothing treatment agent path 100 when the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c is turned on branches at the connection point J, and one of the water flows to the tank 15 side, that is, the upstream side of the clothing treatment agent path 100. As a result, the check valve 101 is closed under the pressure of the water flowing to the tank 15 side, and the water is prevented from flowing to the tank 15 side. Further, the other water branched at the connection point J flows to the pump 17 side, that is, the downstream side of the clothing treatment agent path 100. Then, the check valve 17e of the pump 17 is opened by receiving the pressure of the water flowing to the pump 17 side. As a result, water is supplied into the cylinder portion 17c of the pump 17, and the water cleans the inside of the pump 17, particularly the inside of the cylinder portion 17c. Further, when a certain amount of water is accumulated in the cylinder portion 17c of the pump 17, the check valve 17f of the pump 17 is opened under the pressure of the accumulated water. As a result, the water in the cylinder portion 17c of the pump 17 is discharged from the discharge port 17b.

As described above, by supplying water from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c into the pump 17 via the pump cleaning path 13c and the clothing treatment agent path 100, the inside of the pump 17, particularly the inside of the cylinder portion 17c is cleaned. be able to. According to the present embodiment, the fine bubble water generator 103 is provided in the middle of the pump cleaning path 13c. Therefore, fine bubble water exhibiting excellent cleaning ability can be supplied into the pump 17, and the inside of the pump 17 can be cleaned more effectively.

According to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, water can be supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c into the pump 17 via the pump cleaning path 13c and the clothing treatment agent path 100. Then, the water supply into the pump 17 is not the conventionally used "solenoid valve", but is opened by the suction pressure generated by the pump 17, and receives the pressure of the water flowing from the pump cleaning path 13c. It is configured to be performed by using the "check valve 101" which is configured to be closed by. This type of check valve 101 is smaller in size and cheaper than the solenoid valve, and it is not necessary to control the opening / closing of the check valve 101 by a control device. Therefore, unlike the conventional configuration using a solenoid valve, the inside of the pump 17 that sucks the clothing treatment agent from the inside of the tank 15 is sufficiently cleaned without causing problems such as an increase in size, an increase in manufacturing cost, and complicated control. Can be done.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the check valves 101, 102, 17e, and 17f are controlled to open and close only by the pressure of the water supplied from the water supply valve 10c for cleaning the pump without driving the pump 17. It is possible to supply water inside. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for electric power for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, and it is possible to suppress the consumption of electric power required for cleaning the inside of the pump 17.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, a check valve 102 is provided in the pump cleaning path 13c to prevent the liquid from flowing to the upstream side opposite to the clothing treatment agent path 100 side. According to this configuration, when the pump 17 sucks the clothing treatment agent from the tank 15, the sucked clothing treatment agent flows in the pump cleaning path 13c to the upstream side, that is, to the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c side. That is, it is possible to prevent the clothing treatment agent from flowing back in the pump cleaning path 13c, and eventually to the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, a fine bubble water generator 103 is provided in the pump cleaning path 13c. According to this configuration, fine bubble water having excellent cleaning performance can be supplied into the pump 17. Therefore, the dirt adhering to the inside of the pump 17, particularly the cylinder portion 17c, can be efficiently removed, and the inside of the pump 17 can be cleaned more effectively.

(Second Embodiment)
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a circulation water channel 200. The circulation water channel 200 is provided so as to communicate with the inside of the cleaning tank 3 outside the cleaning tank 3. Specifically, the upstream end of the circulation water channel 200 is connected to the middle part of the drainage path 6a, in this case, the upstream side of the drainage path 6a, that is, the part on the cleaning tank 3 side. .. Further, the downstream end of the circulation water channel 200 is branched into two, and one end 200a is connected to the circulation water discharge port 3a provided in the washing tank 3. In this case, the circulating water discharge port 3a is provided around the upper portion of the front opening of the cleaning tank 3 and faces the inside of the cleaning tank 3. Further, a circulation pump 201 is provided in the middle of the circulation water channel 200. The circulation pump 201 pumps the water in the washing tank 3 through the circulation water channel 200 and circulates the water in the washing tank 3 in a shower shape from the circulating water discharge port 3a.

The other end 200b of the downstream end of the circulation water channel 200 is connected to the water supply unit 4, more specifically, the pump cleaning path 13c as illustrated in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the upstream end of the pump cleaning path 13c is connected to the downstream end 200b of the circulation channel 200 instead of the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c.

According to this embodiment, a part of the circulating water circulating in the circulating water channel 200 can be supplied into the pump 17 via the pump cleaning path 13c. Therefore, the inside of the pump 17 can be cleaned by using the circulating water, and the amount of water used for cleaning the inside of the pump 17 can be suppressed. Further, the backflow of the liquid in the pump cleaning path 13c can be prevented by the water pressure of the circulating water supplied from the circulating water channel 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the check valve 102 in the pump cleaning path 13c.

(Third Embodiment)
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 is provided with a water storage unit 300 in the middle of the pump cleaning path 13c. The water storage unit 300 is an example of a backflow prevention unit, and in this case, the water storage unit 300 is formed in a box shape having a space capable of storing water inside. Further, the water storage unit 300 is provided at least at a position higher than the pump 17. In this case, the entire water storage unit 300 is provided at a position higher than the upper end of the pump 17. Further, the water storage unit 300 is provided with an overflow route 301. The upper end of the overflow path 301 is connected to an overflow port 300a provided on the side surface of the water storage unit 300. Further, the lower end of the overflow path 301 is connected to the downstream side of the pump cleaning path 13c with respect to the water storage section 300, that is, the clothing treatment agent path 100 side.

The water supplied from the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c into the pump cleaning path 13c flows to the clothing treatment agent path 100 side while being stored in the water storage unit 300. At this time, when the water level of the water stored in the water storage unit 300 reaches the height of the overflow port 300a, the water in the water storage unit 300 also flows out from the overflow port 300a. Therefore, the water level in the water storage unit 300 does not exceed the height of the overflow port 300a, whereby a space is formed in the water storage unit 300 at least at a position higher than the overflow port 300a. It has become so. The height position of the overflow port 300a in the water storage unit 300 can be changed as appropriate, but by providing the water storage unit 300 at a higher position, more water can be stored in the water storage unit 300. ..

According to this embodiment, since a space is formed in the water storage unit 300, the pump cleaning path 13c is located on the upstream side, that is, the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c side and the downstream side, that is, the clothing treatment agent path. It can be divided into 100 sides. As a result, even if a backflow of liquid occurs in the pump cleaning path 13c, the backflow can be blocked in the water storage unit 300. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the check valve 102 in the pump cleaning path 13c.

Further, since the water storage unit 300 is provided at least at a position higher than the pump 17, the water in the water storage unit 300 at a higher position can be efficiently transferred to the pump 17 at a lower position by utilizing the so-called head pressure. It can be flushed, and the inside of the pump 17 can be efficiently cleaned.

(Fourth Embodiment)
This embodiment is an embodiment in which the pump 17 is driven while supplying water into the pump 17 via the pump cleaning path 13c. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 turns on the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c, that is, connects the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c to the pump cleaning path 13c. When the water supply is started via (S1), the driving of the pump 17 is started (S2). Then, the control device maintains a state in which both the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c and the pump 17 are driven for a predetermined time. As a result, the state in which the piston 17d reciprocates while water is being supplied into the cylinder portion 17c of the pump 17 is continued, and the inside of the pump 17, particularly the cylinder portion 17c, is cleaned. Further, by repeating the reciprocating movement of the piston 17d, the inside of the pump 17 is washed while the water in the pump 17 is appropriately replaced. The time for cleaning the inside of the pump 17, in other words, the length of the predetermined time described above can be appropriately changed and set.

Then, when the predetermined time elapses, the control device stops driving the pump 17 (S3). Then, the control device turns off the pump cleaning water supply valve 10c (S4). As a result, the cleaning operation in the pump 17 is completed. In the flow of this cleaning operation, the control device may change the execution order of steps S1 and S2 described above, or may change the execution order of steps S3 and S4. Further, the control device may execute the above-mentioned steps S1 and S2 at the same time, or may execute steps S3 and S4 at the same time.

According to this embodiment, the pump 17 is driven while supplying water into the pump 17 via the pump cleaning path 13c. As a result, it is possible to more effectively clean the inside of the pump 17, particularly the inside of the cylinder portion 17c, by utilizing the mechanical force and the water flow generated by the reciprocating movement of the piston 17d. Further, the cleaning can be performed while appropriately replacing the water in the pump 17, and therefore, the cleaning in the pump 17 can be performed more effectively while suppressing the reattachment of dirt.

(Other embodiments)
The present embodiment is not limited to the plurality of embodiments described above, and various changes and extensions can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the tank 15 may be a tank for storing detergent or a tank for storing softener. Further, in the above-described embodiment, one tank 15 is shown for convenience of explanation, but the washing machine 1 may be configured to include a plurality of tanks, for example, a tank for storing detergent and a tank for storing softener. Good. Then, it is possible to apply the configuration example of the above-described embodiment to each tank and the pump corresponding to each tank.

Further, the tanks that can be adopted in the present embodiment are not limited to the detergent tank that stores the detergent and the softener tank that stores the softener, and for example, the deodorant tank that stores the deodorant and the disinfectant. Various types of tanks can be appropriately adopted as long as they are tanks for storing various treatment agents for treating clothing, such as a disinfectant tank for storing clothes. When the water supply unit 4 is provided with a plurality of tanks, the plurality of tanks may be tanks for storing the same type of treatment agent or tanks for storing different types of treatment agents.

Further, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotary tub extends in the vertical direction. The present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. The present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having no drying function. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to various clothing processing devices as long as they are devices that perform some treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, and sterilizing clothing.

Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

In the drawing, 1 is a washing machine (clothing processing device), 3 is a washing tank (clothing processing tank), 13c is a pump cleaning route (water route), 15 is a tank, 17 is a pump, 100 is a clothing processing agent route, 101. Is a check valve, 102 is a check valve (backflow prevention unit), 103 is a fine bubble water generator (fine bubble generation part), 200 is a circulation path, and 300 is a water storage part (backflow prevention part).

Claims (6)

A garment processing tank for storing garments and
A tank for storing clothing treatment agents that process clothing, and
A pump that sucks the garment treatment agent from the tank and supplies it to the garment treatment tank.
A garment treatment agent path connecting the tank and the pump,
A water route connected in the middle of the clothing treatment agent route and
A check valve provided on the tank side of the clothing treatment agent path with respect to the connection portion with the water path.
A garment processing device equipped with. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water path includes a backflow prevention unit that prevents a liquid from flowing to an upstream side opposite to the clothing treatment agent path side in the water path. Further provided with a circulation path for circulating water in the garment treatment tank,
The garment treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water circulating in the circulation path can be supplied to the water path. The check valve is configured to open by receiving a suction pressure generated when the pump sucks a liquid and close by receiving the pressure of water flowing through the clothing treatment agent path. The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of 3. The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a fine bubble generating portion for generating fine bubbles in the water path. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump is driven while supplying water through the water path.

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