CN112154232A

CN112154232A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN112154232A
Application number: CN201980034051.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 柴田辽; 坂元仁; 下口浩二
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2018-05-24
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-22
Also published as: TWI794421B; JPWO2019225093A1; WO2019225093A1; TW202003954A; CN112154232B

Abstract

The washing machine (100) washes laundry. The washing machine (100) includes a storage section (30). The housing section (30) can house an external device (50). The housing section (30) has a shape recessed from the outer surface of the washing machine (100). The washing machine (100) preferably further includes a charging section (11). The external device (50) is housed in the housing section (30), and the charging section (11) charges the external device (50).

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

The washing machine described in patent document 1 includes a partial washing device including an ultrasonic vibrator, an ultrasonic vibration horn, and a water supply pipe. The ultrasonic vibration horn amplifies the ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator. The water supply pipe supplies water to the front end of the ultrasonic vibration horn. The partial washing device can be assembled and disassembled relative to the washing machine body.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2000-308788 "

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the washing machine described in patent document 1, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of convenience for the user. For example, if a partial washing device (external device) is attached to a casing of a washing machine, the partial washing device may be provided so as to protrude from the washing machine. In this case, it is desirable to suppress the protrusion of the partial washing device.

The invention aims to provide a washing machine, which can restrain the projection from the washing machine under the state that an external device is accommodated in an accommodating part arranged on the washing machine.

Means for solving the problems

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a washing machine washes laundry. The washing machine includes a receiving portion. The housing portion can house an external device. The receiving portion has a shape recessed from an outer surface of the washing machine.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the external device from protruding from the washing machine in a state where the external device is housed in the housing portion provided in the washing machine.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine showing a door opened.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the washing machine in which the external device is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the washing machine.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the housing portion.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the housing portion.

Fig. 7 is an end view of the housing and the housing showing a mounting structure of the housing to the housing.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the housing portion.

Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an operation of a user accommodating an external device in the accommodating unit. (b) The figure is a diagram showing an external device accommodated in the accommodating portion.

Detailed Description

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

A washing machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 with the door 2 closed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 with the door 2 open.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 1, a door 2, an input part 3, a water supply hose connection part 4, and a drain hose connection part 5.

Hereinafter, as shown in fig. 1, the front, rear, left, right, and up-down directions are defined with the user position of washing machine 100 when input unit 3 is operated in a normal posture with respect to the user as the front.

The case 1 has a hollow substantially quadrangular prism shape. The case 1 includes a front surface 1a, a rear surface 1b, a pair of side surfaces 1c, and a top surface 1 d. The front portion 1a is positioned forward of the rear portion 1 b. The pair of side surface parts 1c are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction. One of the pair of side surface parts 1c is provided continuously with the left side part of the front surface part 1a and the left side part of the back surface part 1 b. The other of the pair of side surface parts 1c is provided continuously with the right side part of the front surface part 1a and the right side part of the back surface part 1 b. The top 1d is connected to the upper portion of the front 1a, the upper portion of the back 1b, and the upper portions of the pair of side portions 1 c.

The case 1 includes an opening 1 a. An opening 1e is formed in the outer surface of the case 1. In the first embodiment, the opening 1e is formed in the outer surface of the front surface 1 a. The opening 1e forms an inlet of the housing portion 30. The storage section 30 will be described later.

The door 2 is a substantially plate-shaped member. The door 2 is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 1. The door 2 is provided in front of the front surface 1 a.

In fig. 1, the door 2 of the washing machine 100 is in a closed state a. The closed state a represents a state in which the door 2 is closed. In fig. 2, the door 2 of the washing machine 100 is in an open state B. The open state B indicates a state in which the door 2 is opened.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the door 2 is rotatably attached to the cabinet 1 via a hinge mechanism 6. By the rotation of the door 2, the state of the door 2 is switched to either the closed state a or the open state B.

The door 2 includes a surface portion 21a and a back surface portion 21 b. The inner surface portion 21b is located on the back side of the surface portion 21 a. When the door 2 is in the closed state a, the surface portion 21a faces forward. When the door 2 is in the closed state a, the back surface portion 21b faces rearward and faces the case 1.

The input unit 3 receives an instruction to the washing machine 100. The instruction to the washing machine 100 is, for example, an instruction for using a function provided to the washing machine 100. The input unit 3 includes, for example, operation keys. The user instructs washing machine 100 via input unit 3 to perform operations such as a washing operation, a flushing operation, a spin-drying operation, and a drying operation.

The input unit 3 includes a washing machine information display unit. The washing machine information display unit displays information indicating the operating state of the washing machine 100.

The input portion 3 is provided on the surface portion 21a of the door 2. The position where the input unit 3 is provided is not particularly limited. The input unit 3 may be provided in the case 1.

A water supply hose (not shown) can be connected to the water supply hose connection portion 4. The water supply hose is connected with the water plug. Water used in a washing operation such as a washing operation and a flushing operation is supplied to the inside of the casing 1 through a water supply hose. The inside of the case 1 represents a space surrounded by the front surface 1a, the back surface 1b, the pair of side surfaces 1c, and the top surface 1 d.

A drain hose (not shown) can be connected to the drain hose connection portion 5. The washing machine 100 discharges water used in a washing operation to the outside of the cabinet 1 through a water supply hose.

Washing machine 100 also includes a receptacle 30.

The housing portion 30 can house an external device 50. The external device 50 is separated from the washing machine 100. The external device 50 is, for example, a portable washing device such as an ultrasonic washer (registered trademark). The external device 50 is not limited to a portable washing machine as long as it is an object that can be stored in the storage section 30.

The housing portion 30 is formed in the case 1. In the first embodiment, the housing portion 30 is formed in the front surface 1a of the case 1. The housing portion 30 is formed of, for example, resin. The housing portion 30 has a shape recessed from the outer surface of the case 1 toward the inside of the case 1. The storage portion 30 communicates with the outside of the washing machine 100 through the opening 1 e. Therefore, when the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the external device 50 is inserted into the case 1 through the opening 1 e. As a result, the external device 50 can be prevented from protruding from the washing machine 100 in a state where the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30.

In addition, since the protrusion of the external device 50 is suppressed, the difficulty of work for securing the installation space of the washing machine 100 can be reduced.

When the door 2 is in the closed state a, the door 2 faces the accommodating portion 30 from the front. As a result, when the door 2 is in the closed state a, the storage section 30 is covered with the door 2. On the other hand, when the door 2 is in the open state B, the housing portion 30 is exposed. As a result, when the door 2 is in the open state B, the external device 50 can be taken out of and put into the storage unit 30.

Washing machine 100 further includes opening 8, rotary drum 9, and a water tank (not shown).

The opening 8 communicates the inside of the case 1 with the outside of the case 1. An opening 8 is formed in the case 1. In the first embodiment, the opening 8 is formed in the front surface 1 a.

The door 2 opens and closes the opening 8. When the door 2 is in the closed state a, the door 2 faces the opening 8. As a result, when the door 2 is in the closed state a, the opening 8 is closed by the door 2. On the other hand, when the door 2 is in the open state B, the opening 8 is opened.

The rotary drum 9 and the water tank are disposed inside the case 1.

The rotary drum 9 can store laundry. The rotary drum 9 is rotatably supported. The rotary drum 9 communicates with the opening 8. The rotary drum 9 is an example of the washing tub of the present invention. The water tank is disposed outside the rotary drum 9.

The laundry is taken out through the opening 8 and put into the rotary drum 9. In a state where the laundry, water, and detergent are contained in the rotary drum 9, the rotary drum 9 rotates, and the laundry is washed.

Next, referring to fig. 3, the washing machine 100 will be further described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 showing a state in which the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30.

As shown in fig. 3, the housing 30 houses an external device 50. In a state where the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the external device 50 is located behind the front surface portion 1 a. As a result, the door 2 can be in the closed state a (see fig. 1) without interfering with the external device 50 in a state where the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30.

Next, the washing machine 100 will be further described with reference to fig. 1, 4, and 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the washing machine 100.

As shown in fig. 4, the washing machine 100 further includes a charging unit 11 and a detecting unit 12.

The charging unit 11 outputs a charging current for charging the external device 50. Charging unit 11 includes a circuit that generates a charging current from a commercial power supply voltage supplied to washing machine 100, for example.

The detecting portion 12 is a sensor for detecting whether the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30.

The washing machine 100 further includes a display part 13.

The display unit 13 displays information related to the external device 50. The information on the external device 50 includes, for example, information indicating the charging state of the external device 50 and/or information indicating whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating section 30. The display section 13 includes a Light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), for example. The display portion 13 is provided on the surface portion 21a of the door 2.

As shown in fig. 4, the washing machine 100 further includes a storage part 14 and a control part 15.

The storage unit 14 includes a main storage device (e.g., a semiconductor Memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The storage unit 14 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 15.

The control Unit 15 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 15 controls various elements of the washing machine 100. Specifically, the processor of the control unit 15 executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 14, thereby controlling the input unit 3, the charging unit 11, the detection unit 12, the display unit 13, and the storage unit 14.

Next, the storage unit 30 will be described with reference to fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the housing portion 30.

Fig. 5 shows a housing apparatus 51. The housing device 51 is the external device 50 housed in the housing unit 30.

As shown in fig. 5, the housing apparatus 51 includes a first mounting portion 51a, a second mounting portion 51b, and an intermediate portion 51 c. The intermediate portion 51c is located between the first mounting portion 51a and the second mounting portion 51 b. In the first embodiment, the first placement portion 51a is a right end portion of the storage device 51. In the first embodiment, the second placement unit 51b is a left end portion of the storage device 51. In the first embodiment, the intermediate portion 51c is a left and right central portion of the storage device 51.

The receiving portion 30 includes a first placed portion 31, a second placed portion 32, and a recessed portion 33.

The first mounting part 31 and the second mounting part 32 are disposed at a distance from each other. The first placing portion 51a of the housing apparatus 51 is placed on the first placed portion 31. The second placing portion 51b of the housing apparatus 51 is placed on the second placed portion 32.

The recess 33 is located between the first mounting target portion 31 and the second mounting target portion 32. The recessed portion 33 forms a gap Z with a part of the housing apparatus 51 while facing the part of the housing apparatus 51. In the first embodiment, the recessed portion 33 forms a gap Z with the intermediate portion 51c of the housing apparatus 51.

Next, the structure of attaching the housing portion 30 to the case 1 will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 7.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the housing portion 30 shown in fig. 3. Fig. 7 is an end view of the housing 1 and the housing 30 showing a mounting structure of the housing 30 to the housing 1.

As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the receiving portion 30 further includes a protruding end portion 34, a protruding portion 35, a groove portion 36, a plurality of first engaging portions 37, and a plurality of second engaging portions 38.

The protruding end portion 34 is located at the rear of the housing apparatus 51. The projecting end portion 34 has a shape projecting upward. The projection 35 is located forward of the protruding end 34. The projection 35 has a shape protruding upward. The groove portion 36 is a gap formed between the protruding end portion 34 and the convex portion 35. The second engaging portion 38 is formed at the protruding end portion 34. The second engaging portion 38 includes an engaging hole portion 38 a.

The first engaging portion 37 is located at the front of the housing device 51. The first engaging portion 37 is formed in a substantially hook shape. The plurality of first engaging portions 37 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

The case 1 further includes a lower edge 1f and an inner wall 1 g.

The lower edge 1f represents the lower edge of the opening 1 e. A first engaged portion (not shown) engageable with the first engaging portion 37 is provided on the back side of the lower edge portion 1 f. The first engaging portion 37 engages with the first engaged portion. As a result, the front portion of the storage device 51 is attached to the case 1. The back side of the lower edge 1f indicates a surface facing the inside of the case 1 in the lower edge 1 f.

The inner wall 1g protrudes from the opening 1e toward the inside of the case 1. The front end 1h of the inner wall 1g is inserted into the groove 36 of the housing 30. As a result, the housing space V is separated from the inner region of the case 1. The housing space V is located inside the opening 1e and shows a space in which the housing device 51 is housed.

An engagement projection (not shown) formed on the back surface 1j of the inner wall portion 1g is inserted into the engagement hole 38a of the second engagement portion 38. As a result, the rear part of the storage device 51 is attached to the case 1.

The mounting structure of the housing 30 to the case 1 is not limited to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. Further, the case 1 and the housing 30 may be integrally formed.

Next, the storage unit 30 and the external device 50 will be further described with reference to fig. 2 and 8 to 9 (b). Fig. 8 is a plan view of the housing portion 30. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an operation of a user accommodating the external device 50 in the accommodating unit 30. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the external device 50 housed in the housing unit 30.

As shown in fig. 8 to 9(b), the charging unit 11 includes a housing 11a and a power transmission unit 11 b. The housing 11a accommodates the power transmission unit 11 b. The power transmission unit 11b includes, for example, a power transmission coil. The housing 11a is provided in the housing portion 30. In the first embodiment, the housing 11a is provided to the right of the second mount receiving portion 32 in a plan view on the paper surface of fig. 9 (b).

The external device 50 includes a first end 50a, a second end 50b, and a power receiving portion 52. When the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the first end portion 50a and the second end portion 50b are located on opposite sides to each other. The power receiving unit 52 includes a power receiving coil, for example. The power receiving portion 52 is provided at the first end portion 50 a.

Fig. 9(b) shows the external device 50 in the charging posture α. The charging posture α represents a posture in which the power receiving unit 52 of the external device 50 and the power transmitting unit 11b of the charging unit 11 face each other.

When the external equipment 50 is housed in the housing portion 30 in the charging posture α, the power receiving portion 52 receives the electric power output from the power transmitting portion 11b through the magnetic field without a connection point. As a result, the battery (not shown) of the external device 50 is charged.

As shown in fig. 2, 8 and 9(a), the washing machine 100 further includes a pressing portion 40.

The pressing portion 40 is provided in the accommodating portion 30. In the first embodiment, the pressing portion 40 is provided to the left of the first placed portion 31 in a plan view of the paper surface of fig. 9 (b).

The external device 50 is housed between the pressing portion 40 and the power transmitting portion 11 b.

The pressing portion 40 includes a support shaft 41, a rotating member 42, and an elastic member 43 (see fig. 8).

The support shaft 41 is attached to the accommodating portion 30. The support shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the housing portion 30. The rotary member 42 is located above the first placement target portion 31. In a plan view of the paper surface of fig. 9(b), the support shaft 41 is located leftward from the first placed portion 31. The support shaft 41 extends in the front-rear direction.

The rotary member 42 has a shape obtained by bending a plate-like member. The rotating member 42 is fixed to the support shaft 41. The rotating member 42 rotates together with the support shaft 41. The rotary member 42 rotates about the support shaft 41. The rotating member 42 is rotatably supported by the receiving portion 30 via the support shaft 41.

The rotary member 42 includes a base end portion 42a, an intermediate portion 42b, and a tip end portion 42 c.

The base end portion 42a is attached to the rotary member 42. The intermediate portion 42b is provided continuously with the base end portion 42 a. The intermediate portion 42b protrudes from the base end portion 42a toward the power transmission portion 11 b. The intermediate portion 42b projects downward in the horizontal direction. The front end portion 42c is provided continuously with the intermediate portion 42 b. The tip portion 42c protrudes from the intermediate portion 42b toward the power transmitting portion 11 b. The tip end portion 42c protrudes downward from the intermediate portion 42 b.

When the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30 (see fig. 9 b), the distal end portion 42c of the rotary member 42 contacts the external device 50.

The elastic member 43 is, for example, a coil torsion spring. The elastic member 43 is attached to the housing portion 30. In addition, the elastic member 43 is attached to the rotating member 42. Further, the elastic member 43 is wound around the support shaft 41.

In a state where the external force does not act on the rotating member 42, the intermediate portion 42b and the distal end portion 42c of the rotating member 42 are positioned above the first placed portion 31.

When the external force does not act on the rotating member 42 (see fig. 9 a), the distal end portion 42c of the rotating member 42 is closer to the power transmission portion 11b than when the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30 (see fig. 9 b). Therefore, when the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the restoring force of the elastic member 43 is generated on the side where the distal end portion 42c of the rotary member 42 is close to the power transmission portion 11 b.

Next, the procedure in which the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30 will be described with reference to fig. 9(a) and 9 (b).

As shown in fig. 9(a), the user inserts the external instrument 50 between the rotating member 42 and the power transmitting unit 11b from above while holding the external instrument 50.

When the user inserts the external equipment 50 between the rotary member 42 and the power transmitting portion 11b, the external equipment 50 comes into contact with the intermediate portion 42b of the rotary member 42.

When the external device 50 is in contact with the rotary member 42, the rotary member 42 receives downward pressure from the external device 50. As a result, the rotary member 42 rotates downward Y2.

The intermediate portion 42b protrudes downward from the base end portion 42a in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the intermediate portion 42b receives a downward pressure from the external apparatus 50, the rotary member 42 can easily rotate downward Y2.

As shown in fig. 9(b), the external device 50 is inserted from above between the rotary member 42 and the discharge portion 11b, and the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30.

When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, the second end portion 50b of the external device 50 contacts the front end portion 42c of the rotary member 42.

When the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the power receiving portion 52 faces the power transmitting portion 11 b. Therefore, the external device 50 can be charged only by housing the external device 50 in the housing portion 30. As a result, the external device 50 can easily receive power.

In the charging posture α, the first end 50a of the external instrument 50 faces the power transmitting unit 11b, and the second end 50b of the external instrument 50 faces the rotary member 42. Therefore, when the user accommodates the external device 50 in the accommodating portion 30, the second end portion 50b only needs to be provided on the rotating member 42 side, and thus the direction of the external device 50 can be easily determined. As a result, the external device 50 can be prevented from being accommodated in the accommodating portion 30 in a posture opposite to the left and right.

When the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the rotary member 42 generates a restoring force of the elastic member 43 in a direction rotating upward Y1. When the restoring force of the elastic member 43 is generated, the restoring force acts on the rotating member 42 so that the distal end portion 42c of the rotating member 42 rotates from the position shown in fig. 9(b) to the position shown in fig. 9 (a). Then, a restoring force acts on the rotating member 42, whereby the rotating member 42 applies a pressing force to the external equipment 50 in the approaching direction W. Therefore, the external device 50 can maintain the state in which the power receiving unit 52 is brought close to the power transmitting unit 11 b. As a result, power reception unit 52 can efficiently receive the electric power output from power transmission unit 11 b.

When the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the distal end portion 42c of the rotary member 42 and the second end portion 50b of the external device 50 are substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the contact area of the distal end portion 42c with respect to the second end portion 50b can be increased. Therefore, the rotary member 42 can effectively apply pressure to the external device 50.

When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, a hand for gripping the external device 50 is accommodated in the gap Z. Therefore, the user's hand can be prevented from contacting the accommodating portion 30. As a result, the user can smoothly store the external device 50 in the storage unit 30.

In the second embodiment, the power transmission unit 11 may be provided on the rotary member 42. In this case, the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30 in a posture that is opposite to the posture shown in fig. 9 (b).

Next, the detection unit 12 will be described with reference to fig. 4, 9(a), and 9 (b).

As shown in fig. 4, 9(a), and 9(b), the detecting portion 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the rotating member 42. The detecting portion 12 includes, for example, a photoelectric sensor or a microswitch. The detection unit 12 detects whether the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 30 based on the rotation angle of the rotating member 42.

In the case where the detecting portion 12 includes a micro switch, for example, when the rotation angle of the rotating member 42 is the first rotation angle, the micro switch is disposed in such a manner as to be in contact with the rotating member 42. In contrast, when the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the second rotation angle, the microswitch is provided so as not to contact the rotation member 42.

The first rotation angle indicates the rotation angle of the rotary member 42 when the external device 50 is in the charging posture α (see fig. 9 (b)). The second rotation angle indicates the rotation angle of the rotary member 42 when the external device 50 is not in the charging posture α (see fig. 9 (a)).

In addition, in the case where the detection section 12 includes a photosensor, for example, the photosensor is provided as follows. When the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the first rotation angle, the photosensor is disposed in such a manner that the rotation member 42 shields the emitted light of the photosensor. In contrast, when the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the second rotation angle, the photosensor is provided so that the rotation member 42 does not shield the emitted light of the photosensor. The emission light is light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the photosensor toward the light-receiving portion.

As described above with reference to fig. 4, 9(a), and 9(b), the detection unit 12 is provided, so that whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 30 can be detected.

Further, by displaying the detection result of the detection unit 12 on the display unit 13 (see fig. 1), the user can see the storage information through the display unit 13. The storage information is information indicating whether or not the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30.

When the detection result of the detection unit 12 and the information indicating the charging status with respect to the external device 50 are displayed on the display unit 13, the user can see the reverse stored information through the display unit 13. The opposite storage information is information indicating whether or not the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30 in an opposite posture. In this case, for example, although the external device 50 is housed in the housing unit 30, the display unit 13 displays information that the charging unit 11 cannot supply power to the external device 50.

The embodiments of the present invention are explained above with reference to the drawings (fig. 1 to 9 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented in various embodiments (for example, (1) to (6)) within a range not departing from the gist thereof. Further, a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined to form various inventions. For example, several components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are schematically illustrated mainly for ease of understanding, and the number of components and the like illustrated in the drawings may be different from those in reality. The constituent elements shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

(1) The washing machine 100 of the first embodiment has a charging function of the external device 50 and a detecting function of the external device 50. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The washing machine 100 may also have at least one of a charging function of the external device 50 and a detecting function of the external device 50.

The charging function of the external device 50 is a function of the charging unit 11 to charge the external device 50 accommodated in the accommodating unit 30. The detection function of the external device 50 indicates a function of the detection unit 12 to detect the external device 50 accommodated in the accommodating unit 30.

(2) The external device 50 of the first embodiment is a chargeable device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the third embodiment, the external device 50 may be a device having no charging function.

(3) In the first embodiment, as shown in fig. 2(a), an opening 1e for providing the housing portion 30 is formed in the case 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The opening 1e may be formed on the outer surface of the washing machine 100. The outer surface of washing machine 100 indicates an exposed portion of washing machine 100 in a state where door 2 is in at least one of closed state a and open state B. The outer surface of the washing machine 100 represents, for example, at least one of a surface portion 21a of the door 2, a back surface portion 21b of the door 2, a top surface portion 1d of the cabinet 1, a front surface portion 1a of the cabinet 1, and a pair of side surface portions 1c of the cabinet 1.

The receiving portion 30 may have a shape recessed from the outer surface of the washing machine 100. For example, when the opening 1e is formed in the outer surface of the case 1, the housing 30 has a shape recessed from the outer surface of the case 1 toward the inside of the case 1. When the opening 1e is formed in the outer surface of the door 2, the receiving portion 30 has a shape recessed inward of the door 2 from the outer surface of the door 2.

(4) In the first embodiment, the external device 50 is charged without a connection point (see fig. 9 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. If the external device 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the external device 50 may be configured to be electrically connected to the charging portion 11. The electrical connection indicates a state in which power can be supplied from charging unit 11 to external device 50. In the fourth embodiment, the external device 50 may also be charged with a connection point using a cradle (cradle), for example. In this case, for example, when the external instrument 50 is housed in the housing portion 30, the power receiving terminal provided in the external instrument 50 comes into contact with the power transmitting terminal provided in the housing portion 30. As a result, the external device 50 is charged via the power transmitting terminal and the power receiving terminal.

As described above, when the external device 50 is housed in the housing unit 30, the external device 50 is configured to be electrically connected to the charging unit 11. Therefore, between the external device 50 and the washing machine 100, there is no line of a charging line (cord) as connecting the external device 50 and the washing machine 100 to each other. Accordingly, the external device 50 can be used for the washing machine 100 in a wireless manner.

(5) The pressing portion 40 of the first embodiment presses the external device 50 using the rotation of the rotating member 42 (see fig. 9 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the fifth embodiment, in fig. 9(b), a slide member may be used instead of the rotary member 42. Hereinafter, the sliding member will be described.

And a sliding member supported slidably in the left-right direction. In addition, an elastic body such as a coil spring is mounted on the slide member. When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, the elastic body contracts, and a restoring force of the elastic body is generated in the left direction with respect to the slide member. Therefore, the slide member applies a pressing force in the approaching direction W with respect to the external device 50. As a result, the power receiving unit 52 can be kept in a state close to the power transmitting unit 11b by the pressure from the slide member.

(6) The washing machine 100 of the first embodiment is a drum-type washing machine. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the sixth embodiment, the washing machine 100 may also be a vertical type washing machine.

[ possibility of Industrial use ]

The invention is applicable to the field of washing machines.

Description of the reference numerals

1e … opening part; 11 … a charging part; 11b … power transmission unit; 12 … a detection part; 30 … accommodating part; 33 … recess; 40 … a pressing portion; 42 … a rotating member; 43 … an elastic member; 50 … external devices; 52 … power receiving portion; 100 … washing machine; w … approach direction; a Z … gap; alpha … charging posture

Claims

1. A washing machine for washing laundry, comprising:

a housing part which can house external equipment; wherein

The receiving portion has a shape recessed from an outer surface of the washing machine.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

and a charging unit configured to charge the external device when the external device is accommodated in the accommodating unit.

3. A washing machine according to claim 2,

the charging unit has a power transmission unit provided in the housing unit;

the external device has a power receiving unit that receives electric power;

the external device is housed in the housing portion in a charging posture, and the power receiving portion receives electric power output from the power transmitting portion;

the charging posture indicates a posture in which the power receiving unit and the power transmitting unit face each other.

4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, further comprising:

a pressing part arranged on the accommodating part; wherein

The pressing portion applies a pressing force to the external device in a direction of approach in a state where the external device is accommodated in the accommodating portion in the charging posture;

the approaching direction indicates a direction in which the power receiving portion approaches the power transmitting portion.

5. A washing machine according to claim 4,

the pressing portion includes:

a rotating member rotatably supported by the housing portion;

an elastic member attached to the rotating member;

the rotating member applies a pressing force to the external device in the approaching direction by a restoring force of the elastic member in a state where the external device is accommodated in the accommodating portion in the charging posture.

6. The washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

the detection part detects whether the external equipment is accommodated in the accommodating part.

7. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the receiving part is provided with a concave part which is opposite to one part of the receiving equipment and forms a gap with one part of the receiving equipment;

the housing device represents the external device housed in the housing portion.