CN112154232B - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine (100) washes laundry. The washing machine (100) includes a housing portion (30). The housing part (30) can house an external device (50). The storage part (30) has a shape recessed from the outer surface of the washing machine (100). The washing machine (100) preferably further includes a charging portion (11). The external device (50) is accommodated in the accommodating section (30), and the charging section (11) thereby 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 ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic vibrator. The water supply pipe supplies water to the front end of the ultrasonic vibration horn. The partial cleaning device can be assembled and disassembled relative to the washing machine body.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

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

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to solve the technical problems

However, in the washing machine described in patent document 1, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of convenience for users. For example, if a part of the washing device (external device) is attached to a casing of the washing machine, the part of the 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 cleaning device.

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

Solution to the problem

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a washing machine washes laundry. The washing machine includes a receiving portion. The housing portion is capable of housing 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, the external device can be prevented from protruding from the washing machine in a state where the external device is accommodated in the accommodation portion provided in the washing machine.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration 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 the operation of a user who houses an external device in the housing section. (b) The external device is shown in the housing portion.

Detailed Description

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and the 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 a washing machine 100 in which a door 2 is closed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 with the door 2 opened.

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

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

The case 1 has a hollow substantially square column shape. The case 1 includes a front surface portion 1a, a rear surface portion 1b, a pair of side surface portions 1c, and a top surface portion 1d. The front portion 1a is located in front of the rear portion 1b. The pair of side surfaces 1c are arranged at a distance from each other in the lateral direction. One of the pair of side surfaces 1c is connected to the left side of the front surface 1a and the left side of the rear surface 1b. The other of the pair of side surfaces 1c is connected to the right side of the front surface 1a and the right side of the rear surface 1b. The top surface portion 1d is connected to the upper portion of the front surface portion 1a, the upper portion of the back surface portion 1b, and the upper portions of the pair of side surface portions 1c.

The case 1 includes an opening 1a. An opening 1e is formed in an outer surface of the case 1. In the first embodiment, the opening 1e is formed in the outer surface of the front surface 1a. The opening 1e constitutes an inlet of the housing portion 30. The housing portion 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 the front of the front portion 1a.

In fig. 1, a door 2 of a 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 opened state B. The open state B represents a state in which the door 2 is open.

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

The door 2 includes a front surface portion 21a and a rear surface portion 21b. The inner surface portion 21b is located on the back side of the surface portion 21a. 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 rear portion 21b faces rearward and is opposed to the case 1.

The input unit 3 receives an instruction to the washing machine 100. An instruction to the washing machine 100 is, for example, an instruction to use a function possessed by the washing machine 100. The input unit 3 includes, for example, operation keys. The user instructs the washing machine 100 to perform operations such as a washing operation, a flushing operation, a dehydrating operation, and a drying operation via the input unit 3.

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

The input section 3 is provided on the surface section 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 casing 1.

A water supply hose (not shown) may 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 interior of the case 1 is a space surrounded by a front surface portion 1a, a back surface portion 1b, a pair of side surface portions 1c, and a top surface portion 1d.

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

The washing machine 100 further includes a receiving portion 30.

The housing unit 30 can house the 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 device, as long as it is an object that can be accommodated in the accommodating portion 30.

The housing 30 is formed in the case 1. In the first embodiment, the housing portion 30 is formed on the front surface portion 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 housing portion 30 communicates with the outside of the washing machine 100 through the opening 1 e. Therefore, when the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, the external device 50 is inserted into the inside of 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 stored in the storage unit 30.

In addition, since the protrusion of the external device 50 is suppressed, the difficulty of the work of 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 housing portion 30 from the front. As a result, when the door 2 is in the closed state a, the housing portion 30 is covered by the door 2. In contrast, 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 from and put into the housing portion 30.

The washing machine 100 further includes an opening 8, a rotary drum 9, and a water tub (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 portion 1a.

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. In contrast, 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 accommodates 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 tank 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, whereby the laundry is washed.

Next, with reference 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 accommodated in the accommodation portion 30.

As shown in fig. 3, the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30. In a state where the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30, the external device 50 is located rearward of the front face portion 1a. As a result, in the state where the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30, the door 2 is not interfered with the external device 50, and can be brought into the closed state a (see fig. 1).

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 portion 11 and a detecting portion 12.

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

The detecting unit 12 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating unit 30.

The washing machine 100 further includes a display part 13.

The display unit 13 displays information about the external device 50. The information about the external device 50 includes, for example, information indicating a charging state of the external device 50 and/or information about whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 30. The display portion 13 includes, for example, a light source such as LED (Light Emitting Diode). 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 portion 14 and a control portion 15.

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

The control section 15 includes a processor such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 15 controls each element 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 housing portion 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 device 51. The housing device 51 is an external device 50 housed in the housing portion 30.

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

The housing portion 30 includes a first mounted portion 31, a second mounted portion 32, and a recess 33.

The first placed portion 31 and the second placed portion 32 are arranged with a gap therebetween. The first placement portion 51a of the housing device 51 is placed on the first placed portion 31. The second placement portion 51b of the housing device 51 is placed on the second placed portion 32.

The recess 33 is located between the first placed portion 31 and the second placed portion 32. The recess 33 is opposed to a part of the housing device 51, and forms a gap Z with the part of the housing device 51. In the first embodiment, the recess 33 forms a gap Z with the intermediate portion 51c of the housing device 51.

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

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 housing 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 34 is located at the rear of the housing device 51. The protruding end 34 has a shape protruding upward. The convex portion 35 is located in front of the protruding end portion 34. The convex portion 35 has a shape protruding upward. The groove 36 is a gap formed between the protruding end 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 38a.

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 portion 1f and an inner wall portion 1g.

The lower edge 1f represents a lower edge of the opening 1 e. A first engaged portion (not shown) engageable with the first engaging portion 37 is provided on the rear 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 housing device 51 is mounted to the casing 1. The back side of the lower edge 1f is a surface facing the inside of the case 1 among the lower edge 1 f.

The inner wall portion 1g protrudes from the opening portion 1e toward the inside of the case 1. The distal end portion 1h of the inner wall portion 1g is inserted into the groove 36 of the housing portion 30. As a result, the accommodation space V is partitioned 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 portion 38a of the second engagement portion 38. As a result, the rear portion of the housing device 51 is mounted to the casing 1.

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

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

As shown in fig. 8 to 9 (b), the charging unit 11 includes a case 11a and a power transmitting unit 11b. The case 11a accommodates the power transmission unit 11b. The power transmitting unit 11b includes, for example, a power transmitting coil. The housing 11a is provided in the housing portion 30. In the first embodiment, the housing 11a is provided right of the second placed portion 32 in a plan view of 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 accommodated in the accommodation portion 30, the first end 50a and the second end 50b are located on opposite sides to each other. The power receiving unit 52 includes, for example, a power receiving coil. The power receiving portion 52 is provided at the first end 50a.

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 faces the power transmitting unit 11b of the charging unit 11.

The external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30 in the charging posture α, and thereby the power receiving portion 52 receives the electric power output from the power transmitting portion 11b through a 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 housing portion 30. In the first embodiment, the pressing portion 40 is provided on the left side of the first placed portion 31 in a plan view of the paper surface of fig. 9 (b).

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

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

The support shaft 41 is mounted to the housing portion 30. The support shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the housing portion 30. The rotating member 42 is located above the first placed portion 31. In the plane view of fig. 9 (b), the support shaft 41 is positioned to the left of 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 rotary member 42 is fixed to the support shaft 41. The rotation member 42 rotates together with the support shaft 41. The rotation member 42 rotates around the support shaft 41. The rotary member 42 is rotatably supported by the housing portion 30 via the support shaft 41.

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

The base end 42a is attached to the rotary member 42. The intermediate portion 42b is provided in connection with the base end portion 42 a. The intermediate portion 42b protrudes from the base end portion 42a toward the power transmitting portion 11b. The intermediate portion 42b protrudes downward in the horizontal direction. The distal end portion 42c is connected to the intermediate portion 42 b. The distal end portion 42c protrudes from the intermediate portion 42b toward the power transmitting portion 11b. The distal end portion 42c protrudes downward from the intermediate portion 42 b.

When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30 (see fig. 9 b), the tip end 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, an elastic member 43 is mounted to the rotary member 42. 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 located 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 transmitting 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 accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, a restoring force of the elastic member 43 is generated on a side of the distal end portion 42c of the rotating member 42 close to the power transmitting portion 11b.

Next, with reference to fig. 9 (a) and 9 (b), a description will be given of a procedure in which the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating section 30.

As shown in fig. 9 (a), the user inserts the external device 50 between the rotation member 42 and the power transmitting unit 11b from above in a state of holding the external device 50.

When the user inserts the external device 50 between the rotation member 42 and the power transmitting portion 11b, the external device 50 contacts the intermediate portion 42b of the rotation member 42.

When the external device 50 is in contact with the rotary member 42, the rotary member 42 is subjected to downward pressure from the external device 50. As a result, the rotation 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 device 50, the rotary member 42 can be easily rotated downward Y2.

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

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

When the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30, the power receiving unit 52 faces the power transmitting unit 11b. 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 be easily made to receive electric power.

In the charging posture α, the first end 50a of the external device 50 faces the power transmission unit 11b, and the second end 50b of the external device 50 faces the rotating member 42. Therefore, when the user stores the external device 50 in the storage unit 30, the second end 50b is 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 stored in the storage unit 30 in a posture opposite to the left and right.

When the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30, the rotational member 42 generates a restoring force of the elastic member 43 in the upward direction Y1. When the restoring force of the elastic member 43 is generated, the restoring force acts on the rotary member 42 so that the tip end portion 42c of the rotary 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 rotary member 42, whereby the rotary member 42 applies pressure to the external device 50 in the approaching direction W. Therefore, the external device 50 can maintain a state in which the power receiving unit 52 is brought close to the power transmitting unit 11b. As a result, the power receiving unit 52 can efficiently receive the electric power output from the power transmitting unit 11b.

When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30, the front end 42c of the rotary member 42 and the second end 50b of the external device 50 become substantially parallel. Therefore, the contact area of the distal end portion 42c with respect to the second end portion 50b can be increased. Accordingly, the rotary member 42 can effectively apply pressure to the external device 50.

When the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30, a hand holding the external device 50 is stored in the gap Z. Therefore, contact between the user's hand and the housing portion 30 can be suppressed. As a result, the user can smoothly house the external device 50 in the housing portion 30.

In the second embodiment, the power transmission unit 11 may be provided to the rotation member 42. In this case, the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30 in a posture 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 detection unit 12 is provided near the rotation member 42. The detection unit 12 includes, for example, a photoelectric sensor or a micro switch. The detecting unit 12 detects whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating unit 30 based on the rotation angle of the rotation 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 that the micro switch contacts the rotating member 42. In contrast, when the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the second rotation angle, the micro switch is provided so that the micro switch does not contact the rotation member 42.

Further, the first rotation angle represents the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 when the external device 50 is in the charging posture α (refer to fig. 9 (b)). In addition, the second rotation angle represents the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 when the external device 50 is not in the charging posture α (refer to fig. 9 (a)).

In the case where the detection unit 12 includes a photosensor, the photosensor is provided as follows, for example. When the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the first rotation angle, the photoelectric sensor is disposed in such a manner that the rotation member 42 shields the emission light of the photoelectric sensor. In contrast, when the rotation angle of the rotation member 42 is the second rotation angle, the photoelectric sensor is provided so that the rotation member 42 does not shield the emission light of the photoelectric sensor. The emitted light is 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 to detect whether or not the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 30.

Further, the detection result of the detection unit 12 is displayed on the display unit 13 (see fig. 1), whereby the user can see the storage information via the display unit 13. The housing information is information indicating whether or not the external device 50 is housed in the housing section 30.

When the detection result of the detection unit 12 and information indicating the state of charge of the external device 50 are displayed on the display unit 13, the user can see the opposite storage information via the display unit 13. The opposite housing information is information indicating whether or not the external device 50 is housed in the housing section 30 in the opposite posture. In this case, for example, although the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30, the display unit 13 displays information that the charging unit 11 cannot energize the external device 50.

The embodiments of the present invention are described 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. In addition, a plurality of the constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined to form various inventions. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are schematically shown with each component as a main body for easy understanding, and the number of components and the like shown in the drawings may be different from those in practice. The components shown in the above embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the examples, 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 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 means a function of the charging unit 11 to charge the external device 50 stored in the storage 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 accommodation 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 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 the washing machine 100 represents an exposed portion of the washing machine 100 in a state where the door 2 is in at least one of the closed state a and the open state B. The outer surface of the washing machine 100 represents, for example, at least one location among the surface portion 21a of the door 2, the inner surface portion 21b of the door 2, the top surface portion 1d of the casing 1, the front surface portion 1a of the casing 1, and the pair of side surface portions 1c of the casing 1.

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

(4) In the first embodiment, the external device 50 is charged in a connectionless manner (see fig. 9 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. When the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 30, the external device 50 may include a configuration electrically connected to the charging unit 11. The electrical connection is a state in which power can be supplied from the charging unit 11 to the external device 50. In the fourth embodiment, the external device 50 may also be charged in a manner having a connection point, for example, using a cradle (cradle). In this case, for example, when the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, the power receiving terminal provided in the external device 50 is brought into contact with the power transmitting terminal provided in the accommodating portion 30. As a result, the external device 50 is charged via the power transmission terminal and the power reception terminal.

As described above, when the external device 50 is stored in the storage unit 30, the external device 50 is electrically connected to the charging unit 11. Therefore, between the external device 50 and the washing machine 100, there is no line such as a charging line (cord) 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 rotation of the rotary member 42 (see fig. 9 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the fifth embodiment, in fig. 9 (b), a sliding member may be used instead of the rotating member 42. The sliding member will be described below.

A sliding member supported slidably in the left-right direction. In addition, an elastic body such as a coil spring is mounted on the sliding member. Then, when the external device 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 30, the elastic body contracts, and thereby a restoring force of the elastic body is generated in the left direction with respect to the slide member. Thus, the sliding member applies pressure 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 of being brought 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 be an upright type washing machine.

[ possibility of industrial use ]

The present invention is applicable to the field of washing machines.

Description of the reference numerals

1e … opening portions; 11 … charging section; 11b … power transmission unit; 12 … detection part; 30 … receiving portion; 33 … depressions; 40 … pressing part; 42 … rotary member; 43 … resilient member; 50 … external device; 52 … power receiving portions; 100 … washer; w … approach direction; z … gap; alpha … charging gesture

Claims (6)

1. A washing machine for washing laundry, comprising:

an accommodation space in which an external device can be accommodated so that the external device becomes an accommodation device; wherein the method comprises the steps of

The receiving space has a shape recessed from an opening formed at an outer surface portion of the washing machine,

the containing space is provided with an inner wall part and a containing part,

the inner wall portion is formed by projecting a part of the outer surface portion from the opening portion to the inner side,

the receiving portion is constituted by a member different from the outer face portion,

the housing part includes: a first mounted part, a second mounted part and a concave part,

the housing device is mounted on the first mounted portion and the second mounted portion, the recess portion faces a part of the housing device and forms a gap with the part of the housing device, the gap houses a hand of a user holding the external device,

the recess is located between the first and second placed portions, is formed on the opposite side of the opening through the housing device,

the inner wall portion is disposed so as to cross from opposite sides of the first portion to be placed and the second portion to be placed to opposite sides of the opening portion through the housing device.

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

and a charging unit configured to charge the external device by being accommodated in the accommodating unit.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that,

the charging part is provided with a power transmission part arranged in the accommodating part;

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

the external device is stored in the storage unit in a charging posture, and the power receiving unit receives the electric power output from the power transmitting unit;

the charging posture indicates a posture in which the power receiving unit faces the power transmitting unit.

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

a pressing part arranged on the accommodating part; wherein the method comprises the steps of

The pressing portion applies pressure 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 unit approaches the power transmitting unit.

5. A washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

the pressing portion includes:

a rotary member rotatably supported by the housing portion;

an elastic member mounted to the rotating member;

in a state where the external device is stored in the storage portion in the charging posture, the rotating member applies pressure to the external device in the approaching direction by a restoring force of the elastic member.

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

and a detecting unit configured to detect whether or not the external device is accommodated in the accommodating unit.