Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of preventing loss of a cap removed from a hose connection port. 【Solution means】The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a connection port 60 provided in the housing 10 to which a hose extending from a bath water pump is removably connected, a power cord 310 extending outside the housing 10, and a power socket 320 provided at the tip of the power cord 310 to which a power plug of the bath water pump is removably connected. The portion of the power cord 310 extending outside the housing 10 has a length such that the power socket 320 reaches the connection port 60. A cap 330 that closes the connection port 60 to which no hose is connected is integrally formed on the power socket 320.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a washing machine having a connection port to which a hose extending from an external bath water pump is connected, and capable of supplying the bath water taken in from the connection port to a washing tub. An example of this type of washing machine is described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, a water supply pump system including a water supply pump, a hose, a wiring terminal, and a joint is provided as a separate component of the washing machine body. In the washing machine body, at a water supply port which is a water supply path to the washing tub, a branch is provided between a water supply opening which is a water injection port and a water supply valve, and a hose of the water supply pump system is connected to a connection port which is an inlet of the branched water path via a joint. The wiring terminal of the water supply pump system is a plug and is connected to a socket provided in the washing machine body. At the time of water supply, it is selected whether to energize the water supply valve or the wiring terminal (plug).

[0004] When the hose is not connected to the connection port, the connection port is sealed with a lid. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust etc. into the connection port when the water supply pump system is not used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, there is a concern about the loss of the lid removed from the washing machine body when the water supply pump system is used.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing loss of a cap removed from a connection port of a hose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub disposed in a housing, a connection port provided in the housing to which a hose extending from a bath water pump is removably connected, a bath water supply path for guiding bath water taken in from the connection port to the washing tub, a power cord extending outside the housing, and a power socket provided at the tip of the power cord to which a power plug of the bath water pump is removably connected. Here, the portion of the power cord extending outside the housing has a length such that the power socket reaches the connection port. An integrally formed cap for closing the connection port to which the hose is not connected is provided on the power socket, and in a state where the cap closes the connection port, the insertion port exists inside the connection port.

[0009] According to the configuration of the washing machine according to this aspect, since the cap is integrated with the power socket, loss of the cap can be prevented when the cap is removed from the connection port.

[0010] The washing machine according to this aspect further includes an insertion port provided in the power socket into which a plug terminal of the power plug is inserted, and a configuration may be adopted such that the insertion port exists inside the connection port in a state where the cap closes the connection port.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the power plug is not connected to the power socket, the insertion port of the power socket exists inside the connection port, so that intrusion of dust or the like into the insertion port is prevented.

[0012] When configured as described above, further, the cap may be configured to include a fitting portion that fits into the connection port and a covering portion that covers the connection port. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the power socket penetrates the cap in the arrangement direction of the fitting portion and the covering portion, and the insertion port is provided on a surface of the power socket that is located on the fitting portion side and faces in the arrangement direction.

[0013] With such a configuration, when the connection port is closed by the cap so that the fitting portion is fitted into the connection port and the connection port is covered by the covering portion, the insertion port of the power socket can be accommodated inside the connection port.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can prevent the loss of the cap removed from the connection port of the hose.

[0015] The effects or significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to those described in the following embodiments at all.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a fully automatic washing machine 1 which is an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0019] The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 that constitutes the exterior. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body portion 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, an upper surface plate 12 that covers the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a pedestal 13 that supports the body portion 11. An inlet 14 for laundry is formed in the upper surface plate 12. The inlet 14 is covered by an openable and closable upper lid 15.

[0020] Inside the housing 10, an outer tub 20 with an open upper surface is arranged. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having a vibration isolation device. Inside the outer tub 20, a washing and dewatering tub 22 with an open upper surface is arranged. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dewatering holes 22a are formed over the entire circumference on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22. Also, a large number of discharge holes 22b are formed on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0021] A balance ring 23 is provided above the washing and dewatering tub 22. Also, a pulsator 24 is rotatably arranged at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. Note that the outer tub 20 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 constitute the "washing tub" of the present invention.

[0022] The dewatering tub 22 is connected to a dewatering tub shaft 25 which serves as the rotation axis of the dewatering tub 22. The pulsator 24 is connected to a blade shaft 26 which serves as the rotation axis of the pulsator 24. The dewatering tub shaft 25 is hollow, and the blade shaft 26 is inserted into the interior of the dewatering tub shaft 25.

[0023] At the outer bottom of the outer tub 20, a drive unit 30 that generates torque for driving the dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is arranged. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism unit 32. The transmission mechanism unit 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a. By means of the switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, in the washing process and the rinsing process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the blade shaft 26 to rotate only the pulsator 24, and in the dewatering process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the blade shaft 26 and the dewatering tub shaft 25 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the dewatering tub 22 integrally.

[0024] At the outer bottom of the outer tub 20, a drain port 20a is formed. A drain valve 41 is provided at the drain port 20a. The drain valve 41 is connected to a drain hose 42. When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water stored in the dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain hose 42. The drain valve 41 and the drain hose 42 constitute a drain unit 40 for draining water from the interior of the outer tub 20.

[0025] A water level detection unit 50 for detecting the water level inside the outer tub 20 is provided in the outer tub 20. The water level detection unit 50 includes an air trap 51 formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20 and a water level sensor 53 connected to the air trap 51 via a hose 52. The water level sensor 53 is a diaphragm type water level sensor, and detects the water level inside the outer tub 20 by detecting the air pressure inside the air trap 51 that changes according to the water level inside the outer tub 20.

[0026] At the rear of the top panel 12, a water supply device 100 is arranged. The water supply device 100 is connected to a water tap and has a function of supplying water into the dewatering tub 22, that is, into the outer tub 20. Further, the water supply device 100 has a function of automatically injecting washing treatment agents such as liquid detergents and liquid softeners into the dewatering tub 22, that is, into the outer tub 20.

[0027] An external type bath water pump 200, which is a separate part, can be installed in the fully automatic washing machine 1. The water supply device 100 has a function of taking in the bath water sucked up by the bath water pump 200 from a bathtub or the like and supplying it into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply device 100.

[0029] The water supply device 100 has a water supply part 100a for supplying water and bath water into the outer tub 20, and a chemical agent input part 100b for inputting a chemical agent into the outer tub 20. The water supply part 100a includes a water supply valve 110, a water injection port part 120, a water supply path 130, and a bath water supply path 140. The chemical agent input part 100b includes a first chemical agent supply unit 150 and a second chemical agent supply unit 160.

[0030] The inlet of the water supply valve 110 protrudes outside the housing 10 and is connected to a water tap via a water supply hose (not shown). A filter 111 for capturing foreign matters (solidified impurities, fine rust flakes, etc.) contained in the tap water from the water tap is arranged at the inlet of the water supply valve 110. The filter 111 can be cleaned from the outside by removing the water supply hose.

[0031] The water injection port part 120 is formed in a box shape and is located above the rear part of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A water injection port 121 is formed on the bottom surface of the water injection port part 120. The water injection port 121 opens downward and faces into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. One end of the water supply path 130 is connected to the outlet of the water supply valve 110, and the other end is connected to the water injection port part 120. One end of the bath water supply path 140 is connected to a connection port 60 provided on the housing 10, and the other end is connected to the water injection port part 120. A hose 210 extending from the bath water pump 200 is detachably connected to the connection port 60. Thereby, the hose 210 and the bath water supply path 140 are connected.

[0032] The bath water pump 200 is provided with a power cord 220. At the tip of the power cord 220, a power plug 230 having a pair of plug terminals 231 is provided. The power plug 230 is connected to a power socket (described later) provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. Power is supplied to the bath water pump 200 from the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0033] The first treatment agent supply unit 150 includes a first treatment agent tank 151, a first supply path 152, a first pump 153, and a first check valve 154. In the first treatment agent tank 151, a liquid treatment agent for a plurality of washing operations is stored. One end of the first supply path 152 is connected to an outlet provided at the bottom surface of the first treatment agent tank 151. The other end of the first supply path 152 is connected to the water supply path 130. The first pump 153 is, for example, a piston pump and is disposed in the first supply path 152. The first check valve 154 is, for example, a check valve with a spring and is disposed in the first supply path 152 on the side of the water supply path 130 rather than the first pump 153.

[0034] When the first pump 153 operates, the treatment agent in the first treatment agent tank 151 is sent to the water supply path 130 through the first supply path 152. At this time, the first check valve 154 is opened. The first check valve 154 is in a closed state when water from the water supply path 130 flows into the first supply path 152 and flows toward the first treatment agent tank 151 side. Thereby, the intrusion of water into the first treatment agent tank 151 is prevented.

[0035] The configuration of the second treatment agent supply unit 160 is the same as the configuration of the first treatment agent supply unit 150. That is, the second treatment agent supply unit 160 includes a second treatment agent tank 161, a second supply path 162, a second pump 163, and a second check valve 164. The second supply path 162 is connected to the water supply path 130 on the downstream side rather than the connection position of the first supply path 152.

[0036] In this embodiment, liquid detergent is stored in the first treatment agent tank 151, and liquid fabric softener is stored in the second treatment agent tank 161. Therefore, the first treatment agent tank 151 and the second treatment agent tank 161 function as a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank, respectively.

[0037] When water is supplied into the outer tub 20, the water supply valve 110 is opened at the water supply unit 100a. The water flowing out from the water supply valve 110 flows through the water supply passage 130 and reaches the water injection port portion 120, and is discharged from the water injection port 121 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, that is, into the outer tub 20.

[0038] In the washing step, at the time of water supply, the detergent is sent from the first treatment agent supply unit 150 of the treatment agent input unit 100b to the water supply passage 130. The detergent is introduced into the outer tub 20 together with the water flowing in the water supply passage 130.

[0039] In the rinsing step, at the time of water supply, the fabric softener is sent from the second treatment agent supply unit 160 of the treatment agent input unit 100b to the water supply passage 130. The fabric softener is introduced into the outer tub 20 together with the water flowing in the water supply passage 130.

[0040] When bath water is supplied into the outer tub 20, the bath water pump 200 operates. The bath water sucked up from the bathtub by the bath water pump 200 flows through the hose 210 and the bath water supply passage 140 and reaches the water injection port portion 120, and is discharged from the water injection port 121 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, that is, into the outer tub 20.

[0041] Note that the treatment agent input unit 100b may not be provided in the water supply device 100. In this case, for example, the water supply device 100 may be provided with a treatment agent case that contains the detergent and the fabric softener for one washing operation.

[0042] FIG. 3(a) is a plan view showing the left rear part of the fully automatic washing machine 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the connection port 60 of the top panel 12 taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 3(a). FIGS. 4(a) and (b) are perspective views of the tip portion of the power cord 310, the power socket 320, and the cap 330, and FIG. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the power cord 310, the power socket 320, and the cap 330.

[0043] In the housing 10, the connection port 60 is provided at the rear upper surface of the top panel 12. The connection port 60 is, for example, separate from the top panel 12 and is provided integrally with the bath water supply passage 140. The connection port 60 may be provided integrally with the top panel 12 and separately from the bath water supply passage 140.

[0044] The connection port 60 includes a first hole 61 having a circular cross-sectional shape with a part protruding in a square shape, and a second hole 62 having a circular cross-sectional shape and continuous downward from the first hole 61 and smaller than the first hole 61. A protrusion 63 protruding toward the circular portion side is provided at the upper end of the square portion of the first hole 61. The upper end of the second hole 62 has a tapered shape that expands upward. The bath water supply passage 140 is connected to the second hole 62.

[0045] The power cord 310 extends out of the housing 10 from a position near the connection port 60 on the rear surface of the top panel 12. The power cord 310 has a configuration in which a pair of lead wires 311 are covered by an outer covering portion 312. A power socket 320 to which the power plug 230 of the bath water pump 200 is removably connected is provided at the tip of the power cord 310.

[0046] The power socket 320 has a structure in which a pair of socket terminals 321 are covered by an outer covering portion 322 and is integrally formed with the power cord 310. A pair of lead wires 311 of the power cord 310 are connected to the pair of socket terminals 321 of the power socket 320. The power socket 320 has a shape close to a rectangular parallelepiped and has a pair of insertion openings 323 on its front end face 320a. The pair of insertion openings 323 extend into the power socket 320 and have a length capable of accommodating the pair of plug terminals 231 of the power plug 230. Each socket terminal 321 is exposed inside each insertion opening 323.

[0047] Commercial AC power (for example, 100V) separated within the housing 10 is supplied to the power socket 320 through the power cord 310 from the power cord of the fully automatic washing machine 1 connected to the commercial AC power supply.

[0048] A cap 330 for closing the connection port 60 is integrally formed on the power socket 320. The cap 330 includes a fitting portion 331 fitted to the connection port 60 and a covering portion 332 covering the connection port 60. The fitting portion 331 has a shape corresponding to the first hole 61 of the connection port 60. That is, the fitting portion 331 is formed as a circular cylindrical body with a part protruding in a square shape. The outer dimension of the fitting portion 331 is approximately equal to the size of the first hole 61. The covering portion 332 is provided on the end face of the fitting portion 331 on the power cord 310 side. The covering portion 332 is formed in a substantially square plate shape and has a size larger than the first hole 61 of the connection port 60.

[0049] The power socket 320 penetrates the cap 330 in the arrangement direction of the fitting portion 331 and the covering portion 332. The tip of the power socket 320 protrudes forward of the fitting portion 331. The front end face 320a having the pair of insertion openings 323 in the power socket 320 is located on the fitting portion 331 side and faces the above arrangement direction. The inner wall surface of the fitting portion 331 and the power socket 320 are connected by a plurality of ribs 333.

[0050] The portion of the power cord 310 that extends outside the housing 10 has a length L such that the power socket 320 can reach the connection port 60. As a result, the cap 330 can reach the connection port 60 and block the connection port 60 with the cap 330.

[0051] The materials of the power cord 310 (outer covering portion 312), the power socket 320 (outer covering portion 322), and the cap 330 are, for example, resins such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0052] In the fully automatic washing machine 1, washing operations for various operation courses are performed. In the washing operation, a washing step, an intermediate dehydration step, a rinsing step, and a final dehydration step are executed in sequence. Depending on the washing course, the rinsing step may be executed twice. In this case, an intermediate dehydration step is executed after the first rinsing step.

[0053] In the washing step and the rinsing step, with water accumulated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 up to the water level set according to the load amount, the pulsator 24 rotates forward and backward. Due to the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In the washing step, a detergent is put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, and the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent. In the rinsing step, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow. Also, in the rinsing step, a softener is put in, so the softener acts on the laundry and the laundry is finished soft.

[0054] In the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at a predetermined dehydration rotation speed at high speed. Due to the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the laundry is dehydrated.

[0055] Figures 5(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the state in which the hose 210 of the bath water pump 200 is connected to the connection port 60.

[0056] When the bath water pump 200 is installed in the fully automatic washing machine 1, the hose 210 of the bath water pump 200 is connected to the connection port 60. The tip of the hose 210 is fitted into the connection port 60, that is, the first hole 61 and the second hole 62, and its tip is connected to the second hole 62. The claw 211a of the hook portion 211 provided at the tip of the hose 210 engages with the protruding portion 63 of the connection port 60 from below, preventing the hose 210 from coming off the connection port 60. The bath water from the bath water pump 200 can flow into the bath water supply path 140 through the hose 210 and the connection port 60.

[0057] Furthermore, the power plug 230 of the bath water pump 200 is connected to the power socket 320. The pair of plug terminals 231 of the power plug 230 are inserted into the insertion port 323 of the power socket 320 and come into contact with the pair of socket terminals 321. Thereby, power supply from the fully automatic washing machine 1 to the bath water pump 200 becomes possible.

[0058] Since the cap 330 removed from the connection port 60 is integrated with the power socket 320, it does not need to be stored anywhere. Therefore, there is no risk of the cap 330 being lost.

[0059] Figs. 6(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a state where the connection port 60 is closed by the cap 330.

[0060] When the bath water pump 200 is not installed in the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the hose 210 is not connected to the connection port 60, the connection port 60 is closed by the cap 330. The fitting portion 331 of the cap 330 fits into the first hole 61 of the connection port 60, and the covering portion 332 of the cap 330 covers the first hole 61 of the connection port 60. The insertion port 323 of the power socket 320 exists inside the connection port 60, that is, inside the first hole 61. Thereby, the intrusion of dust and the like into the inside of the connection port 60 is prevented, and the intrusion of dust and the like into the insertion port 323 is prevented.

[0061] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a power cord 310 extending outside the housing 10 and a power socket 320 provided at the tip of the power cord 310 to which the power plug 230 of the bath water pump 200 is removably connected. The portion of the power cord 310 extending outside the housing 10 has a length L such that the power socket 320 reaches the connection port 60. An integrally formed cap 330 for closing the connection port 60 to which the hose 210 is not connected is provided on the power socket 320.

[0062] According to this configuration, since the cap 330 is integrated with the power socket 320, loss of the cap 330 can be prevented when the cap 330 is removed from the connection port 60.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the power socket 320 further includes a insertion port 323 into which the plug terminal 231 of the power plug 230 is inserted. In a state where the cap 330 closes the connection port 60, the insertion port 323 is present inside the connection port 60.

[0064] According to this configuration, when the power plug 230 is not connected to the power socket 320, the insertion port 323 of the power socket 320 is present inside the connection port 60, so that entry of dust or the like into the insertion port 323 is prevented.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cap 330 includes a fitting portion 331 fitted to the connection port 60 and a covering portion 332 covering the connection port 60. The power socket 320 penetrates the cap 330 in the arrangement direction of the fitting portion 331 and the covering portion 332, and the insertion port 323 is provided on the front end surface 320a of the power socket 320 located on the fitting portion 331 side and facing the above arrangement direction.

[0066] According to this configuration, when the connection port 60 is closed by the cap 330 such that the fitting portion 331 is fitted to the connection port 60 and the connection port 60 is covered by the covering portion 332, the insertion port 323 of the power socket 320 can be accommodated inside the connection port 60.

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above are possible for the embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the power cord 310 extends outward from the rear surface of the upper panel 12 in the housing 10, but it may extend outward from any position of the housing 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connection port 60 is provided on the upper rear surface of the upper panel 12 in the housing 10, but it may be provided at any position of the housing 10.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cap 330 is configured to include a fitting portion 331 and a covering portion 332. However, as long as the cap 330 can block the connection port 60, it may have any configuration.

[0071] Furthermore, the connection port 60 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as the hose 210 of the bath water pump 200 can be connected.

[0072] Furthermore, the power socket 320 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as the power plug 230 of the bath water pump 200 can be connected.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the bath water supply path 140 supplies bath water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 via the water injection port portion 120. However, the bath water supply path 140 may directly supply bath water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the fully automatic washing machine 1 including the vertical-axis type washing and dehydrating tub 22 is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to a drum-type washing machine including a horizontal-axis type drum. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a fully automatic washing and drying machine and a drum-type washing and drying machine having a drying function.

[0075] In addition, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims of the utility model registration.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1 Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 20 Outer tub (washing tub) 22 Washing and dewatering tub (washing tub) 60 Connection port 140 Bath water supply path 200 Bath water pump 210 Hose 230 Power plug 231 Plug terminal 310 Power cord 320 Power socket 323 Insertion port 330 Cap 331 Fitting part 332 Cover part

Claims

1. A washing tub disposed within a housing, a connection port provided on the housing to which a hose extending from a bath water pump is removably connected, a bath water supply path that guides bath water taken in from the connection port to the washing tub, a power cord extending outside the housing, and a power socket provided at the tip of the power cord to which a power plug of the bath water pump is removably connected. The portion of the power cord extending outside the housing has a length such that the power socket reaches the connection port. A cap that closes the connection port to which the hose is not connected is integrally formed on the power socket. A washing machine characterized by the above.

2. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, further comprising an insertion port provided in the power socket into which a plug terminal of the power plug is inserted, wherein the insertion port is inside the connection port when the cap closes the connection port. A washing machine characterized by the above.

3. In the washing machine according to Claim 2, the cap includes a fitting portion that fits into the connection port and a covering portion that covers the connection port, the power socket penetrates the cap in the arrangement direction of the fitting portion and the covering portion, and the insertion port is provided on a surface of the power socket located on the fitting portion side and facing the arrangement direction. A washing machine characterized by the above.

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