washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that allows an ultrasonic cleaning device to be easily housed in or withdrawn from a housing portion and suppresses washing water from scattering from the ultrasonic cleaning device when housing the ultrasonic cleaning device in the housing portion.SOLUTION: A fully automatic washing machine has an ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has a water storage tub 210 in which washing water can be stored and removes dirt adhered to an object to be washed by applying ultrasonic wave generated by an ultrasonic generator 110 to the object to be washed immersed in the washing water in the water storage tub 210, a housing portion 17 that is provided on an upper surface plate and houses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, a motor 91 capable of rotating in a first direction and a second direction, and a moving mechanism 92 that moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 housed in the housing portion 17 into an input port by rotation in the first direction of the motor 91 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 withdrawn into the input port by the rotation in the second direction of the motor 91 to the inside of the housing portion 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that uses ultrasonic waves to clean objects to be cleaned.

[0003] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, a storage section for storing an ultrasonic cleaning device is provided inside a top panel having an inlet. When a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage section to inside the inlet.

[0004] The ultrasonic cleaning device includes a water tank that stores cleaning water and an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves. The dirty part of the object to be cleaned is immersed in the cleaning water in the water tank. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator act on the dirty part that has been penetrated by the cleaning water, removing the dirt from the object to be cleaned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23547 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the washing machine described above, the ultrasonic cleaning device is manually inserted and removed from inside the top panel. This can be a hassle for the user. Furthermore, if the ultrasonic cleaning device is inserted and removed from the storage compartment too quickly, cleaning water in the water tank may splash onto the user's hands or adhere to the inside of the storage compartment.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the ultrasonic cleaning device can be easily taken in and out of the storage section and in which cleaning water is less likely to splash out from the ultrasonic cleaning device when it is stored in the storage section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing tub for accommodating laundry, a top panel disposed above the washing tub and having a laundry inlet for feeding laundry into the washing tub, and a water tank for storing cleaning water containing at least water, and an ultrasonic cleaning device for applying ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to an object to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water in the water tank to remove dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned, a storage section provided on the top panel for accommodating the ultrasonic cleaning device, a motor rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and a moving mechanism for moving the ultrasonic cleaning device stored in the storage section into the inlet by rotating the motor in the first direction, and for moving the ultrasonic cleaning device drawn into the inlet into the storage section by rotating the motor in the second direction. a device holding unit that holds the ultrasonic cleaning device, which has been pulled out to a pull-out position within the insertion port, at the pull-out position with a holding force that is weaker than the force with which the moving mechanism moves the ultrasonic cleaning device; a pull-out detection unit that detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device has been pulled out into the insertion port; and a control unit that controls the motor. Equipped with. The device holder releases the ultrasonic cleaning device when the movement mechanism moves the ultrasonic cleaning device from the pulled-out position toward the storage unit. The pull-out detection unit detects the pull-out of the ultrasonic cleaning device when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out to a position closer to the storage unit than the pulled-out position held by the device holder. After rotating the motor in the first direction, the control unit stops the motor based on the elapse of a predetermined time from when the pull-out detection unit detects the pull-out of the ultrasonic cleaning device until the ultrasonic cleaning device stops at the pulled-out position.

[0009] According to the present invention, the user does not need to manually take the ultrasonic cleaning device in and out of the storage unit when using it. This makes it easy to take the ultrasonic cleaning device in and out of the storage unit. Furthermore, the cleaning water in the water tank does not get on the user's hands when storing the ultrasonic cleaning device. Furthermore, since the ultrasonic cleaning device can be moved at an appropriate speed when storing it, cleaning water is less likely to splash out of the water tank. In addition, the ultrasonic cleaning device can be reliably pulled out into the insertion port. Furthermore, by adjusting the specified time according to the actual position of the ultrasonic cleaning device when the pull-out detection unit detects the pull-out of the ultrasonic cleaning device, it is possible to accurately stop the pulled-out ultrasonic cleaning device at the position where it is held by the device holding unit based on the pull-out detection by the pull-out detection unit.

[0010] In the washing machine of the present invention, the moving mechanism may be configured to include a pinion fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a rack that engages with the pinion and moves linearly in a direction to pull the ultrasonic cleaning device into the inlet and in a direction to store it in the storage section as the pinion rotates.

[0011] According to the present invention, the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion, and the ultrasonic cleaning device can be moved linearly between the storage section and the insertion opening.

[0012] In the washing machine according to the present invention, ,before a storage detection unit for detecting that the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage unit; Department In this case, the control unit may further include ,before The motor may be stopped based on the detection by the storage detector that the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored after the motor is rotated in the second direction.

[0013] According to the present invention, the ultrasonic cleaning device can be reliably , collection It can be stored in the storage compartment.

[0016] In the washing machine according to the present invention, a water supply device for supplying the washing water to the water tank is provided. Place In this case, the control unit may be configured to start supplying the cleaning water from the water supply device while the ultrasonic cleaning device is moving toward the inlet side due to rotation of the motor in the first direction.

[0017] According to the present invention, the time from when the supply of cleaning water into the water tank is completed until the ultrasonic generator becomes operable can be shortened.

[0018] In the washing machine of the present invention, a configuration may be adopted in which the top panel is provided with an entrance / exit for inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device into and from the storage section, and a cover for covering the entrance / exit when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage section. In this case, the moving mechanism may be configured to include: a first slider connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device; a second slider connected to the cover so that it can rotate in the direction in which the cover opens and closes the entrance; a holding portion that holds the first slider and the second slider slidably in a withdrawal direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is withdrawn from the storage portion and a storage direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage portion; a link that has one end connected to the first slider and the other end connected to the second slider, and that slides the second slider in the direction opposite to the sliding direction of the first slider by moving the other end in the direction opposite to the direction in which the one end moves; and a transmission mechanism that slides the first slider in the withdrawal direction and slides the second slider in the storage direction when the motor rotates in the first direction, and slides the first slider in the storage direction and slides the second slider in the withdrawal direction when the motor rotates in the second direction. The cover can be opened when the second slider slides in the storage direction, and can be closed when the second slider slides in the extraction direction.

[0019] According to the present invention, the moving mechanism opens and closes the cover in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device into and from the storage section, making it possible to simplify the configuration to achieve the function of automatically inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device and the function of automatically opening and closing the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which the ultrasonic cleaning device can be easily taken in and out of the storage section and in which cleaning water is less likely to splash out from the ultrasonic cleaning device when it is stored in the storage section.

[0021] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate when stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate when pulled out from the storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment, in which the water storage unit is detached from the base unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front part of the ultrasonic cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views of an ultrasonic cleaning device, a cover, and an automatic inlet / outlet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the ultrasonic cleaning device and the cover are connected by a first slider, a second slider, and a link according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of a link holding member according to the embodiment, and Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of a cover guide member according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of a cover guide member in which a motor, a rack and pinion mechanism, a storage detection switch, and a drawer detection switch are arranged according to an embodiment, and Fig. 8(b) is a perspective view of a rack and a connecting member as seen from the rear according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams for explaining a storage detection switch and a drawer detection switch, respectively, according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing how the cover opens in the embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the device holder in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the control unit in a flushing operation according to an embodiment. Fig. 12(b) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the control unit in a water-drawing / water-supplying step according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 13(a) and 13(b) are flowcharts illustrating control processes executed by the control unit in a cleaning step and a storing step, respectively, according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the drawing operation of ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the drawing / water supplying step according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0025] The fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 that forms an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom faces, a top panel 12 that covers the top face of the body 11, and a base 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is disposed inside the front of the top panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0026] An outer tub 20 with an open top is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 equipped with vibration-isolating devices. A washing and spin-drying tub 22 with an open top is disposed within the outer tub 20. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis extending vertically. A large number of spin-drying holes 22a are formed around the entire inner circumferential surface of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided on the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 corresponds to the washing tub of the present invention.

[0027] The upper panel 12 is disposed above the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and laundry is put into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the loading port 14.

[0028] A drive unit 30 that generates torque to drive the washing / spinning tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 integrally during the spinning process.

[0029] A drain outlet 20a is formed on the outer bottom of outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in drain outlet 20a. Drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When drain valve 40 is opened, water stored in washing / spinning tub 22 and outer tub 20 is drained outside the machine through drain hose 41.

[0030] An overflow outlet 20b is formed at the top of the outer tub 20. When water accumulates in the outer tub 20 above a predetermined overflow level, the water is discharged from the overflow outlet 20b. An overflow receiver 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow outlet 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiver 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow outlet 20b is received by the overflow receiver 25, and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

[0031] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed approximately in the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation to remove dirt partially adhering to the object to be cleaned prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0032] A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the upper panel 12, and a drainage receiver 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 can store water containing detergent supplied to the water storage tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water. The storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 that opens and closes the outlet for cleaning water from the storage tank 60. A supply nozzle 62 connected to the supply valve 61 extends forward from the storage tank 60 and is disposed above the water storage tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0033] The drainage receiving portion 70 has a tray shape and receives water drained from the water tank 210. A discharge hole 71 is formed in the drainage receiving portion 70, through which the received water is discharged. One end of a drainage pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71. The other end of the drainage pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drainage receiving portion 70 is discharged into the drainage hose 41 through the drainage pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

[0034] A water supply device 80 is disposed behind the top panel 12 so as to surround the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a water faucet and has the function of supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The water supply device 80 also has a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank (not shown) that contain liquid detergent and fabric softener, respectively, and functions as an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses the detergent and fabric softener into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The water supply device 80 also has the function of generating wash water from water from the water faucet and detergent from the detergent tank, and supplying the water to the storage tank 60.

[0035] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 when stored in the storage section 17. Figs. 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the main parts of the top plate 12 when pulled out from the storage section 17. In Fig. 2(c), the cover 19 is not shown so that the inside of the storage section 17 can be seen. In Figs. 2(a) and 2(c), the supply nozzle 62 is not shown.

[0036] A storage section 17 for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. The top panel 12 opens in front of the storage section 17 as an entrance / exit 18. A substantially square cover 19 having light-transmitting properties is provided at the entrance / exit 18.

[0037] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a base unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 that is located below the ultrasonic generator 110 and stores cleaning water. Cleaning water generated by the water supply device 80 and temporarily stored in a storage tank 60 is supplied into the water storage tank 210 through a supply nozzle 62.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2(a), when a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage section 17 and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), when a cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The entrance / exit 18 of the storage section 17 is closed by the cover 19. At this time, the lower end of the cover 19 abuts against the front end of the water storage section 200.

[0039] An automatic access device 90 is provided inside the top panel 12. At the start of a cleaning operation, the automatic access device 90 pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the storage section 17 into the input port 14. Furthermore, at the end of the cleaning operation, the automatic access device 90 stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has been pulled out into the input port 14, back into the storage section 17.

[0040] Furthermore, the automatic access device 90 opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and from the storage section 17. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, the cover 19 moves from the storage position stored in the storage section 17 to a closed position that closes the entrance / exit 18. That is, the cover 19 closes. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage section 17, the cover 19 moves from the closed position to the storage position. That is, the cover 19 opens. The storage section 17 is divided into an equipment storage section 17a in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored, and a cover storage section 17b adjacent to and above the equipment storage section 17a in which the open cover 19 is stored.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with water storage unit 200 detached from base unit 300. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front part of ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. Fig. 3 shows water storage unit 200 with drain outlet 211 open.

[0042] In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the base unit 300, and the water storage unit 200 is removably attached to the base unit 300.

[0043] The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111.

[0044] The housing 120 has an arm shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction and has a tip 121 that is bent downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is disposed in the front part of the housing 120. The tip of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 in the housing 120.

[0045] A rear portion 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper portion of the base portion 300. A rectangular plate-shaped detection target portion 124 that protrudes upward is provided on the rear portion of the housing 120.

[0046] A water tank 210 having a shape that conforms to the shape of the water storage section 200 is formed in the water storage section 200. A drain outlet 211 is formed in the water storage section 210 at the bottom of the rear surface. The drain outlet 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. A rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward beyond the water storage section 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased by a spring (not shown) in the rearward direction so that the valve body 220 closes.

[0047] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage section 17, the drain outlet 211 is closed by the valve body 220. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drain receptacle 70 and moves forward. This causes the valve body 220 to move forward, opening the drain outlet 211, as shown in FIG. 3 . When the drain outlet 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drain receptacle 70. The valve body 220 and the valve movable member 230 are included in an automatic opening / closing mechanism that automatically opens and closes the drain outlet 211 in response to the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and from the storage section 17.

[0048] Next, the cover 19 and the automatic access device 90 will be described in detail.

[0049] 5(a) and (b) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the cover 19, and the automatic access device 90. FIG. 5(a) shows the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the device storage section 17a. FIG. 5(b) shows the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out from the device storage section 17a. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the cover 19 connected by a first slider 440, a second slider 450, and a link 460. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the link holding member 420. FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the cover guide member 430. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the cover guide member 430 in which the motor 91, the rack and pinion mechanism 500, the storage detection switch 710, and the pull-out detection switch 720 are arranged. FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the rack 520 and the connecting member 530 as seen from the rear.

[0050] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is automatically inserted into and removed from the storage section 17 by the automatic insertion / removal device 90. The forward direction is the pull-out direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage section 17. The rearward direction is the storage direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17.

[0051] The automatic access device 90 is provided around the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and includes a motor 91 and a movement mechanism 92. The motor 91 is, for example, a motor with a reducer and is rotatable forward and reverse, i.e., rotatable in opposite first and second directions. The movement mechanism 92 uses the motor 91 as a power source, and moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the storage unit 17 into the insertion port 14 by rotating the motor 91 in the first direction, and moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 drawn into the insertion port 14 back into the storage unit 17 by rotating the motor 91 in the second direction. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 92 opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and from the storage unit 17.

[0052] The movement mechanism 92 includes two link mechanisms 410 (left and right), a link holding member 420 , a cover guide member 430 , and a rack and pinion mechanism 500 .

[0053] 5(a) to 7(b), the two link mechanisms 410 have opposite shapes on the left and right. Inside the top plate 12, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is covered from the left and right directions and from below by a link holding member 420, and from above by a cover guide member 430. The space surrounded by the link holding member 420 and the cover guide member 430 becomes the device storage section 17a, and the space above the cover guide member 430 becomes the cover storage section 17b. The link holding member 420 corresponds to the "holding section" of the present invention.

[0054] Each link mechanism 410 includes a first slider 440 , a second slider 450 , and a link 460 .

[0055] The first slider 440 has a substantially oval plate shape and is fixed to the lower side of the base unit 300 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. Two cylindrical sliding portions 441 are provided on the first slider 440 and aligned in the front-to-rear direction between the first slider 440 and the base unit 300. In addition, a shaft portion 442 that protrudes outward is provided on the front side of the first slider 440.

[0056] The second slider 450 has a substantially oval plate shape. Two cylindrical sliding portions 451 that protrude inward are provided on the second slider 450 and aligned in the front-to-rear direction. A cylindrical protrusion 452 protrudes inward from the rear sliding portion 451. The second slider 450 also has an attachment portion 453 between the two sliding portions 451, the attachment portion 453 having a rectangular plate with an inverted U-shaped cross section. An attachment hole 453a is formed in the attachment portion 453. The second slider 450 also has a shaft portion 454 that protrudes outward at its rear end, and a boss hole 455 at its front end. The right second slider 450 also has an engagement piece 456 that extends outward.

[0057] The link 460 has a long, thin plate shape. An elongated, oval connecting hole 461 is formed on one end of the link 460. The shaft 442 of the first slider 440 is slidably fitted into the connecting hole 461. This connects one end of the link 460 to the first slider 440. The link 460 also has a connecting boss 462 on the other end. The shaft 454 of the second slider 450 is rotatably fitted into the connecting boss 462. This connects the other end of the link 460 to the second slider 450. The link 460 also has an oval fixing hole 463 formed on the other end.

[0058] The link holding member 420 holds the two left and right link mechanisms 410. The link holding member 420 is composed of a metal base member 471 and a resin left side surface member 472 and right side surface member 473. The left side surface member 472 and right side surface member 473 have opposite shapes on the left and right sides.

[0059] The base member 471 includes a bottom surface portion 471a and a left side surface portion 471b and a right side surface portion 471c that rise from the left and right ends of the bottom surface portion 471a. A left side surface member 472 and a right side surface member 473 are attached to the outside of the left side surface portion 471b and the right side surface portion 471c, respectively. The left side surface portion 471b and the left side surface member 472 form the left side surface portion 420a of the link holding member 420. The right side surface portion 471c and the right side surface member 473 form the right side surface portion 420b of the link holding member 420.

[0060] A drainage receiver 70 is attached to the rear side of the base member 471. A front portion of the drainage receiver 70 overlaps the bottom surface 471a of the base member 471.

[0061] A first slide hole 421 and a second slide hole 422 are formed at the bottom and top of the left side surface 420a and the right side surface 420b of the link holding member 420. The first slide hole 421 and the second slide hole 422 have an elongated oval shape and extend in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is inserted into and removed from the device storage section 17a.

[0062] The sliding portion 441 of the first slider 440 is inserted into the first slide hole 421. As the sliding portion 441 slides inside the first slide hole 421, the first slider 440 is guided by the first slide hole 421 and can slide in the front-to-rear direction. The sliding portion 451 of the second slider 450 is inserted into the second slide hole 422. As the sliding portion 451 slides inside the second slide hole 422, the second slider 450 is guided by the second slide hole 422 and can slide in the front-to-rear direction. In this way, the first slider 440 and the second slider 450 are held by the link holding member 420 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., the pulling-out direction, and the rearward direction, i.e., the storing direction.

[0063] A cylindrical fixed shaft 423 is formed in the center of the upper part of left side surface portion 420a and right side surface portion 420b. Fixed shaft 423 is inserted into fixed hole 463 of link 460. Link 460 is rotatable in the front-to-rear direction around fixed shaft 423, and when one end moves forward or backward, the other end moves backward or forward in the opposite direction to the one end.

[0064] A washer 480 having an outer diameter larger than that of the fixing hole 463 is attached to the tip of the fixed shaft 423. The link 460 does not slip out from the fixed shaft 423 because the peripheral portion of the fixing hole 463 is stopped by the washer 480.

[0065] Mounting bosses 424 are formed at the front and rear ends of the upper portions of the left side surface portion 420a and the right side surface portion 420b, and mounting holes 425 are formed near the mounting bosses 424 at the rear ends. The two mounting bosses 424 and the mounting holes 425 are used when attaching the cover guide member 430 to the link holding member 420. Each mounting boss 424 is hollow, and has an opening 424a on the inside of the left side surface portion 420a and the right side surface portion 420b.

[0066] The cover guide member 430 includes a top surface portion 430a, and a left side surface portion 430b and a right side surface portion 430c that hang down from the left and right ends of the top surface portion 430a.

[0067] Top surface 430a has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. Flat rail surfaces 431 extending from the front end to the rear are formed on the left and right ends of top surface 430a. Additionally, mounting bosses 432 are formed on top surface 430a behind rail surfaces 431 so as to face outward.

[0068] A rack guide groove 433 is formed in the center of the top surface 430a so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction. A rectangular cover portion 433a is formed at the rear of the rack guide groove 433 to cover the top of the groove. Furthermore, a motor mounting portion 434 and a pinion support portion 435 are provided on the left and right sides of the rear of the rack guide groove 433, respectively. The motor mounting portion 434 includes a motor support portion 434a that faces the pinion support portion 435. The pinion support portion 435 has a support shaft 435a that protrudes toward the motor support portion 434a.

[0069] A first switch mounting portion 436 is provided on the top surface portion 430a slightly to the right of the center of the rear end, and a second switch mounting portion 437 is provided slightly behind the center of the right end. A pair of claws 436a and a pair of pins 436b that protrude upward are formed on the first switch mounting portion 436. A pair of claws 437a and a pair of pins 437b that protrude rightward are formed on the second switch mounting portion 437.

[0070] The left side surface portion 430b and the right side surface portion 430c have fitting bosses 438 formed at the front and rear ends.

[0071] The cover guide member 430 is attached to the upper end of the link holding member 420. At this time, the two fitting bosses 438 on the left side surface portion 430b of the cover guide member 430 are fitted from the inside into the two mounting bosses 424 on the left side surface portion 420a of the link holding member 420, and the two fitting bosses 438 on the right side surface portion 430c of the cover guide member 430 are fitted from the inside into the two mounting bosses 424 on the right side surface portion 420b of the link holding member 420.

[0072] Furthermore, the mounting boss 432 on the left side surface 430b of the cover guide member 430 is aligned with the mounting hole 425 on the left side surface 420a of the link holding member 420, and the mounting boss 432 on the right side surface 430c of the cover guide member 430 is aligned with the mounting hole 425 on the right side surface 420b of the link holding member 420. On both the left and right sides, the mounting bosses 424 and the fitting bosses 438 are fastened with screws (not shown), and the mounting bosses 432 are fastened to the mounting holes 425 with screws (not shown).

[0073] 5(a), (b) and 8(a), (b), a motor 91 is attached to the motor attachment portion 434 of the cover guide member 430. The tip of the motor 91 is supported by the motor support portion 434a. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the motor 91 is covered from above by a motor cover 93.

[0074] The rack and pinion mechanism 500 includes a pinion 510, a rack 520, and a connecting member 530, and converts the rotational motion of the motor 91 into linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the link mechanism 410. Specifically, the rack and pinion mechanism 500 slides the second slider 450 in the front-rear direction in accordance with the rotation of the motor 91. The rack and pinion mechanism 500 corresponds to the transmission mechanism of the present invention.

[0075] The pinion 510 is attached to the rotary shaft 91a of the motor 91. A support shaft 435a of the pinion support portion 435 is inserted into a shaft hole 511 formed in the tip surface of the pinion 510. This allows the tip side of the pinion 510 to be rotatably supported by the support shaft 435a. The rack 520 is long in the front-rear direction, and is housed in the rack guide groove 433 to mesh with the pinion 510. A cover portion 433a covers the rear side of the rack 520 from above.

[0076] Connecting member 530 is elongated in the left-right direction and includes a resin main body member 531 and a metal reinforcing member 532. Rack 520 is formed integrally with main body member 531 so as to extend rearward from the center of main body member 531.

[0077] Main body member 531 has rectangular parallelepiped mounting bosses 533 and circular insertion holes 534 that open to the outside at its left and right ends. Mounting hole 533a is formed in mounting boss 533. Main body member 531 has detected portion 535 on the inside of its right end. Detected portion 535 has a rectangular plate shape with a bulging rear end.

[0078] Reinforcing member 532 is fixed to main body member 531 with three screws 536 so as to cover the front and top surfaces of main body member 531. Main body member 531 is reinforced with reinforcing member 532, thereby increasing the rigidity of connecting member 530.

[0079] The left and right ends of the connecting member 530 are attached to the left and right second sliders 450. At this time, the left and right mounting bosses 533 of the connecting member 530 are fitted into the mounting portions 453 of the left and right second sliders 450 from below and fixed with screws (not shown). The protrusions 452 of the left and right second sliders 450 are inserted into the left and right insertion holes 534 of the connecting member 530.

[0080] Automatic access device 90 is provided with a storage detection switch 710 that detects when ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in storage section 17, and a withdrawal detection switch 720 that detects when ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is withdrawn into insertion port 14. Storage detection switch 710 and withdrawal detection switch 720 are, for example, microswitches. Storage detection switch 710 corresponds to the storage detection unit of the present invention, and withdrawal detection switch 720 corresponds to the withdrawal detection unit of the present invention.

[0081] 8(a), the storage detection switch 710 is mounted on the first switch mounting portion 436 and fixed by a pair of claws 436a and a pair of pins 436b. The withdrawal detection switch 720 is mounted on the second switch mounting portion 437 and fixed by a pair of claws 437a and a pair of pins 437b.

[0082] 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams for explaining the storage detection switch 710 and the withdrawal detection switch 720, respectively.

[0083] 9(a), the storage detection switch 710 has a push button 712 that protrudes outward from a switch main body 711, and a lever 713 that comes into contact with the push button 712. The storage detection switch 710 is attached to the first switch attachment portion 436 so that the push button 712 and the lever 713 are located on the left side of the switch main body 711. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17, the detection target portion 124 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 moves rearward and comes into contact with the lever 713, and the push button 712 is pushed into the switch main body 711. This turns on the storage detection switch 710, and an ON signal is output.

[0084] 9(b), the withdrawal detection switch 720 has a push button 722 that protrudes outward from the switch main body 721, and a lever 723 that comes into contact with the push button 722. The withdrawal detection switch 720 is attached to the second switch attachment portion 437 so that the push button 722 and the lever 713 are located below the switch main body 721. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is withdrawn into the insertion port 14, the detection target portion 535 of the connecting member 530 that has moved rearward comes into contact with the lever 723, and the push button 722 is pushed into the switch main body 721. This turns on the withdrawal detection switch 720, and an ON signal is output.

[0085] 5(a), (b) and 6, cover 19 is made of a translucent resin material. Cover 19 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body 610 that covers entrance 18, and side face portions 620 that are provided on both the left and right ends of main body 610 and extend rearward. The rear edge of side face portion 620 has, at the top, a recess 621 that is recessed forward, and, below recess 621, a linear portion 622 that extends linearly.

[0086] A pivot shaft 630 that protrudes outward is provided at the upper end of each side surface portion 620. The pivot shaft 630 is rotatably fitted into a boss hole 455 of the second slider 450. As a result, the upper end of the cover 19 is connected to the second slider 450 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction that opens and closes the entrance 18. A torsion spring 640 is attached to the pivot shaft 630 on the right side of the cover 19.

[0087] One end of torsion spring 640 engages with engagement body 650 attached to rotation shaft 630, and the other end engages with engagement piece 456 of second slider 450. Torsion spring 640 biases cover 19 in a direction in which entrance 18 is closed.

[0088] Next, the operation of taking the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and out of the storage section 17 and the operation of opening and closing the cover 19 in association with this operation will be described.

[0089] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing the state in which the cover 19 is opened. Fig. 10(b) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the device holder 428. In Fig. 10(a), for convenience, the front end of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is shown by a dashed line.

[0090] 5(a), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, i.e., the device storage section 17a, the first slider 440 is located at the rear end of the first slide hole 421. One end of the link 460 connected to the first slider 440 is located at the rear, and the other end is located at the front, and the second slider 450 connected to the other end is located at the front end of the second slide hole 422. In the rack and pinion mechanism 500, the connecting member 530 connected to the second slider 450 is located at the frontmost position, and the rack 520 is located at the frontmost position.

[0091] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the device storage section 17a is pulled out into the insertion port 14, the motor 91 rotates in a first direction, i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the right side of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and the pinion 510 rotates in the same direction. When the pinion 510 rotates in the first direction, the rack 520 moves rearward, which is the direction for pulling the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into the insertion port 14. This causes the connecting member 530 and the second slider 450 to move rearward. The link 460 rotates, and the other end moves rearward, and the one end moves forward. The first slider 440 slides forward, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the device storage section 17a as shown in FIG. 5(b). The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 protrudes inside the insertion port 14.

[0092] 10(a), when the second slider 450 starts to slide rearward, the recessed portion 621 of the side surface portion 620 of the cover 19 comes into contact with the front end portion of the cover guide member 430. Then, as the second slider 450 slides rearward, the cover 19 opens and is stored in the cover storage portion 17b while the recessed portion 621 remains in contact with the front end portion of the cover guide member 430. When the cover 19 opens to a substantially horizontal position, the straight portion 622 of the side surface portion 620 of the cover 19 rides up onto the rail surface 431 and then moves rearward on the rail surface 431.

[0093] At this time, the side surface 620 of the cover 19, which protrudes rearward beyond the main body 610, comes into contact with the front end of the cover guide member 430. As a result, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has moved forward, does not come into contact with the main body 610 of the cover 19, and the cover 19 reaches a substantially horizontal state. This prevents the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from colliding with the main body 610 of the cover 19.

[0094] In this way, when the second slider 450 slides rearward, the side surface portion 620 of the cover 19 abuts against the cover guide member 430, and the cover 19 is guided into the cover storage portion 17b while being opened.

[0095] 5(b), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out all the way and the first slider 440 reaches the front end of the first slide hole 421, the second slider 450 reaches the rear end of the second slide hole 422. As a result, the cover 19 is stored in the cover storage portion 17b all the way. The bottom end of the cover 19 slightly protrudes forward from the cover storage portion 17b.

[0096] 10(b), a pair of upper and lower protrusions 427 are provided at the tip of a peripheral rib 426 surrounding the first slide hole 421 on the left side surface 420a and the right side surface 420b of the link holding member 420. In addition, a pair of recesses 443 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the front part of each first slider 440. The pair of protrusions 427 and the pair of recesses 443 form a device holding portion 428.

[0097] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled all the way into the insertion port 14, the pair of protrusions 427 engage with the pair of recesses 443. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is held in the final pulled-out position by the device holding part 428. This makes it difficult for the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out into the insertion port 14 to move toward the storage part 17. When the front part of the first slider 440 passes the position of the pair of protrusions 427, the pair of protrusions 427 are pushed apart vertically by the front part of the first slider 440.

[0098] The holding force of device holder 428 is weaker than the force with which moving mechanism 92 moves ultrasonic cleaning device 50 using the power of motor 91. Therefore, when ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves rearward by the operation of moving mechanism 92, the holding by device holder 428 is released.

[0099] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has been pulled into the input port 14, is stored in the device storage section 17a, the motor 91 rotates in the second direction, i.e., the clockwise direction when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is viewed from the right side, and the pinion 510 rotates in the same direction. When the pinion 510 rotates in the second direction, the rack 520 moves forward, which is the direction for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage section 17a.

[0100] As a result, the connecting member 530 and the second slider 450 move forward. The link 460 rotates, and the other end moves forward, and the one end moves rearward. The first slider 440 slides rearward, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the device storage section 17a, as shown in FIG. 5(a). The cover 19 closes, and the entrance 18 is closed by the cover 19.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0102] The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 810, a display unit 820, and a water level sensor 830 in addition to the above-described configuration.

[0103] The operation unit 810 includes various operation buttons such as a power button 811 for turning on and off the power of the fully-automatic washing machine 1, a start button 812 for starting and pausing operation, a course selection button 813 for selecting an operation course from a plurality of operation courses related to washing operation, a wash button 814 for selecting a wash operation, etc. The operation unit 810 outputs an input signal to the control unit 16 in accordance with the operation button operated by the user.

[0104] The display unit 820 has display elements such as LEDs, and performs various displays such as displaying the operation course selected by the course selection button 813, displaying the progress of the washing operation process, and displaying abnormalities.

[0105] Water level sensor 830 detects the water level in washing and spin-drying tub 22, that is, in outer tub 20, and outputs a water level signal to control unit 16 according to the detected water level.

[0106] The storage detection switch 710 turns on when it detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, and outputs an ON signal to the control section 16. The storage detection switch 710 turns off while it does not detect that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored, and outputs an OFF signal to the control section 16.

[0107] When the withdrawal detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been withdrawn into the insertion port 14, it turns on and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 16. When the withdrawal detection switch 720 does not detect that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been withdrawn, it turns off and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 16.

[0108] The control unit 16 includes a microcomputer, various drive circuits, etc., and controls the display unit 820, drive motor 31, clutch mechanism 32a, water supply device 80, drain valve 40, supply valve 61, ultrasonic vibrator 111, motor 91, etc. based on signals from the operation unit 810, water level sensor 830, storage detection switch 710, withdrawal detection switch 720, etc.

[0109] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform various washing operations. In the washing operation, a washing step, an intermediate spin-drying step, a rinsing step, and a final spin-drying step are performed in this order.

[0110] During the washing and rinsing processes, the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise while water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. During the washing process, laundry is washed with the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, laundry is rinsed with the generated water flow. When water is supplied during the washing process, detergent is automatically dispensed into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by the water supply device 80. When water is supplied during the rinsing process, fabric softener is automatically dispensed into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by the water supply device 80.

[0111] In the intermediate spin-drying step and the final spin-drying step, the washing / dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The action of centrifugal force generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 22 dehydrates the laundry.

[0112] In the fully automatic washing machine 1, a cleaning operation can be performed using an ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0113] When performing the cleaning operation, the user presses the cleaning button 814 to select the cleaning operation, and then presses the start button 812. This starts the cleaning operation. Note that when the cleaning operation starts, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the device storage section 17a, i.e., in the storage section 17.

[0114] FIG. 12(a) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the control unit 16 during the cleaning operation.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 12(a), when the flushing operation is started, the control unit 16 sequentially executes a drawing-out / water supplying step, a flushing step, and a storing step (S1 to S3).

[0116] Fig. 12(b) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by control unit 16 in the drawing-out / water supply process. Fig. 13(a) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by control unit 16 in the cleaning process. Fig. 13(b) is a flowchart showing the control process executed by control unit 16 in the storing process. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the drawing operation of ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the drawing-out / water supply process.

[0117] 12(b), when the withdrawal / water supply process is started, the control unit 16 rotates the motor 91 in the first direction to start the automatic loading / unloading device 90 to withdraw the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into the inlet 14 (S101). Next, the control unit 16 determines whether the storage detection switch 710 is turned off (S102).

[0118] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is completely stored in the storage section 17, as shown in Figure 9(a), the storage detection switch 710 is turned on by contact with the detection target 124. At this time, the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the wastewater receiving section 70, and the drain outlet 211 of the water tank 210 is open. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves forward, i.e., toward the inlet 14, the detection target 124 moves away, and the storage detection switch 710 is turned off. Furthermore, the valve movable member 230 moves away from the rear wall of the wastewater receiving section 70, and the drain outlet 211 is closed by the valve body 220, allowing cleaning water to accumulate in the water tank 210.

[0119] When the control unit 16 determines that the storage detection switch 710 has turned off (S102: YES), it starts the operation of the water supply device 80 and starts supplying flush water into the water tank 210 (S103). The flush water produced by the water supply device 80 is temporarily stored in the storage tank 60. The control unit 16 then opens the supply valve 61, and the flush water in the storage tank 60 is supplied into the water tank 210 via the supply nozzle 62. As a result, flush water begins to accumulate in the water tank 210.

[0120] As described above, after it is confirmed that the storage detection switch 710 is turned off, that is, after it is confirmed that the drain outlet 211 is in a closed state, the supply of cleaning water into the water tank 210 begins, thereby preventing cleaning water from being supplied while the drain outlet 211 is left open.

[0121] Next, the control unit 16 determines whether the withdrawal detection switch 720 is turned on (S104). When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is withdrawn into the insertion port 14, the withdrawal detection switch 720 is turned on by contact with the detection target portion 535, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0122] In this embodiment, when the withdrawal detection switch 720 is turned on, that is, when the withdrawal detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been withdrawn into the inlet 14, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has not been fully withdrawn, and as shown in the left diagram of Figure 14, the device holding portion 428 is located closer to the storage portion 17 than the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is held by the engagement between the pair of protrusions 427 and the pair of recesses 443.

[0123] When the control unit 16 determines that the withdrawal detection switch 720 is turned on (S102: YES), the control unit 16 waits for a predetermined time to elapse (S105). When the predetermined time has elapsed (S105: YES), the control unit 16 stops the motor 91 to stop the withdrawal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into the insertion port 14 (S106).

[0124] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 continues to move for a predetermined time, the pair of protrusions 427 engages with the pair of recesses 443, and the device holder 428 holds the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, as shown in the right diagram of FIG.

[0125] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the automatic loading / unloading device 90 are actually assembled, the position of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., the first slider 440, when the pull-out detection switch 720 detects that the device has been pulled out is unlikely to be as designed due to factors such as the precision of the parts. Therefore, if the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is configured to stop moving when the pull-out detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been pulled out, it is difficult to accurately stop the pulled-out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at a position where it is held by the device holder 428.

[0126] In this embodiment, the predetermined time is adjusted depending on the actual position of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the pull-out detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out. This allows the pulled-out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to be accurately stopped at the position where it is held by the device holder 428, based on the pull-out detection by the pull-out detection switch 720.

[0127] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stops being drawn into the inlet 14, the drawing and water supply process is completed.

[0128] Normally, the time required to collect cleaning water in the water tank 210 is longer than the time required to draw out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage section 17 into the inlet 14. Therefore, when the drawing-out and water supply process is completed, the supply of cleaning water into the water tank 210 continues.

[0129] In step S101, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 starts to be withdrawn into the insertion port 14, the control unit 16 determines whether the time limit has elapsed since the start of the withdrawal (S107). It is possible that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 will not move due to an abnormality in the automatic loading / unloading device 90, such as the motor 91 not rotating. In this case, the time limit elapses without the storage detection switch 710 being turned off. When the time limit has elapsed (S107: YES), the control unit 16 stops the cleaning operation (S108) and notifies the abnormality on the display unit 820 (S109).

[0130] When the drawing-out and water supplying step (S1) is completed, the washing step (S2) starts.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 13(a), the control unit 16 determines whether or not the timing for starting energization of the ultrasonic transducer 111 has arrived (S201).

[0132] For example, if supply nozzle 62 is configured so that the flush water discharge port provided at its tip enters water tank 210 from above, when the water level in water tank 210 rises to the height of the lower end of the discharge port and the discharge port is blocked by flush water, the water pressure of the flush water from within storage tank 60 and atmospheric pressure will be balanced, and water supply from storage tank 60 will stop with supply valve 61 remaining open. In this case, when a predetermined waiting time longer than the time required to supply flush water to water tank 210 has elapsed after supply valve 61 was opened, control unit 16 determines that the time to start power supply has arrived.

[0133] Between the time when cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210 and the time when power is turned on, the user places the dirty part of the object to be cleaned between the water tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110. The dirty part of the object to be cleaned is immersed in the cleaning water, and the cleaning water that has penetrated into the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibration horn 112 comes into contact with this water layer.

[0134] When the timing to start energizing arrives (S201: YES), the control unit 16 starts energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 111 (S202). The ultrasonic generator 110 is activated, and ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 112. The action of the ultrasonic waves peels off dirt from the object to be cleaned. At this time, the power of the detergent is added, thereby increasing the cleaning power.

[0135] When a predetermined operation time has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 started operating (S203: YES), the control unit 16 stops the power supply to the ultrasonic vibrator 111 (S204), thus completing the cleaning process.

[0136] When the cleaning step (S2) is completed, the storing step (S3) is started. Note that a storing button may be provided on the operation unit 810, and the storing step may be started when the storing button is pressed after the cleaning step is completed.

[0137] 13(b), control unit 16 rotates motor 91 in the second direction to start storing ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in storage unit 17 by automatic loading / unloading device 90 (S301). Next, control unit 16 determines whether storage detection switch 710 is turned on or not (S302).

[0138] 9(a), the storage detection switch 710 is turned on by contact with the detection target portion 124. When the control unit 16 determines that the storage detection switch 710 is turned on (S302: YES), the control unit 16 stops the motor 91 to stop the storage of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage unit 17 (S303). In this way, the storage process is completed.

[0139] In step S301, ultrasonic cleaning device 50 starts to be stored in storage unit 17. Control unit 16 determines whether the time limit has elapsed since the start of storage (S304). If an abnormality in automatic loading / unloading device 90 prevents ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from moving, the time limit will elapse without storage detection switch 710 being turned on. When the time limit has elapsed (S304: YES), control unit 16 stops the cleaning operation (S305) and notifies the abnormality on display unit 820 (S306).

[0140] When the storing step (S3) is completed, the cleaning operation is completed.

[0141] When ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., water storage section 200, is stored in storage section 17, valve movable member 230 operates to move valve body 220 away from drain outlet 211, opening drain outlet 211. This causes cleaning water in water storage tank 210 to be discharged through drain outlet 211 into drain receiver 70, and then flows through drain pipe 72, overflow pipe 26, and drain hose 41 before being discharged outside the machine.

[0142] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, according to the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 92 moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the storage unit 17 into the insertion port 14 by rotating the motor 91 in the first direction, and moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out into the insertion port 14 into the storage unit 17 by rotating the motor 91 in the second direction. This eliminates the need for the user to manually insert or remove the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage unit 17 during use. This makes it easier to insert or remove the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage unit 17.

[0143] In addition, when storing, the cleaning water in water tank 210 does not splash on the user's hands. Furthermore, since ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be moved at an appropriate speed when stored, cleaning water is less likely to splash from water tank 210, and the inside of storage section 17 is prevented from getting wet with cleaning water.

[0144] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, moving mechanism 92 includes pinion 510 fixed to rotation shaft 91 a of motor 91, and rack 520 that meshes with pinion 510 and moves linearly in a direction for pulling ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into inlet 14 and a direction for storing ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into storage unit 17 by rotation of pinion 510. As a result, the rotational motion of motor 91 can be converted into linear motion, and ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be moved linearly between storage unit 17 and inlet 14.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, motor 91, which rotates in the first direction, is stopped based on the fact that pull-out detection switch 720 detects that ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been pulled out into insertion port 14, and motor 91, which rotates in the second direction, is stopped based on the fact that storage detection switch 710 detects that ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been stored in storage section 17. This allows ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to be reliably pulled out into insertion port 14 and stored in storage section 17.

[0146] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out to a position closer to the storage section 17 than the position where it is held by the device holding section 428, the pull-out detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been pulled out, and the motor 91 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pull-out detection switch 720 detected that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been pulled out. Therefore, by adjusting the predetermined time according to the actual position of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the pull-out detection switch 720 detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been pulled out, it is possible to accurately stop the pulled-out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at a position where it is held by the device holding section 428, based on the pull-out detection by the pull-out detection switch 720.

[0147] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the supply of cleaning water by the water supply device 80 is started while the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is moving toward the inlet 14 by the rotation of the motor 91 in the first direction. This shortens the time from when the cleaning operation is started until the supply of cleaning water into the water tank 210 is completed and the ultrasonic generator 110 becomes operable.

[0148] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 19 is opened and closed by the moving mechanism 92 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and from the storage section 17. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration that realizes the function of automatically inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the function of automatically opening and closing the cover 19.

[0149] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention are possible.

[0150] For example, in the above embodiment, the moving mechanism 92 is configured to include two left and right link mechanisms 410, a link holding member 420, a cover guide member 430, and a rack and pinion mechanism 500. However, the moving mechanism 92 may have any configuration as long as it can move the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 stored in the storage unit 17 into the inlet 14 by rotating the motor 91 in the first direction, and move the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out into the inlet 14 back into the storage unit 17 by rotating the motor 91 in the second direction. For example, the moving mechanism 92 may be configured such that the rack 520 and the pinion 510 are disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and the tip of the rack 520 is connected to the rear of the water storage unit 200 or the base unit 300 directly or via a connecting member.

[0151] In this case, motor 91 is disposed behind ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and pinion 510 is fixed to rotation shaft 91a of motor 91. Rotation of motor 91 in a first direction moves rack 520 forward, i.e., in the pull-out direction, thereby pulling out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into inlet 14, and rotation of motor 91 in a second direction moves rack 520 backward, i.e., in the retracted direction, thereby storing ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in storage section 17.

[0152] However, when the moving mechanism 92 is configured as in the above embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism 500 and the motor 91 can be arranged on the top surface portion 430a that forms the upper part of the storage section 17, so the size of the rear part of the top panel 12 in the front-to-rear direction does not increase.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, connecting member 530 is connected to second slider 450, so that second slider 450 slides in accordance with the movement of rack 520. However, a configuration may be adopted in which connecting member 530 is connected to first slider 440, so that first slider 440 slides in accordance with the movement of rack 520.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the withdrawal detection switch 720 is used as a withdrawal detection unit that detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been withdrawn into the insertion port 14, and the storage detection switch 710 is used as a storage detection unit that detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has been stored in the storage unit 17. However, sensors of other configurations, such as a photosensor or a reed switch, may be used as the withdrawal detection unit and the storage detection unit.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the moving mechanism 92 is configured to open and close the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and from the storage section 17. However, the moving mechanism 92 may be configured not to open and close the cover 19. In this case, for example, the cover 19 may not be connected to the second slider 450 but may be rotatably fixed to another support section, and may be configured to be pushed by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 of the pulled-out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to rotate upward and open.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, flush water produced by water supply device 80 is temporarily stored in storage tank 60 and then supplied from storage tank 60 to water tank 210. However, storage tank 60 may not be provided and flush water may be supplied directly from water supply device 80 to water tank 210.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cover 19 is opened and closed in the vertical direction, but the cover 19 may be opened and closed in the horizontal direction.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the moving mechanism 92 stores the opened cover 19 in the cover storage portion 17b. However, the moving mechanism 92 may not store the opened cover 19 in the cover storage portion 17b.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage section 17 is provided at the rear of the top plate 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out forward. However, the storage section 17 may be provided at the left or right part of the top plate 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be pulled out to the right or left.

[0160] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may have a configuration different from that of the above embodiment, as long as it has a water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored, and applies ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110 to the object to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water in the water tank 210 to remove dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned.

[0161] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, water containing detergent is stored as the wash water in the water tank 210. However, water not containing detergent may also be stored in the water tank 210 as the wash water.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a fully automatic washing machine 1 is shown that includes the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a fully automatic washer-dryer having a drying function.

[0163] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 12 Top plate 14 Inlet 16 Control Unit 17 Storage area 18 Entrance / exit 19 Cover 22 Washing spin tub (washing tub) 50 Ultrasonic cleaning equipment 80 Water supply equipment 90 Automatic entrance and exit device 91 Motor 92 Moving mechanism 110 Ultrasonic generator 210 Water Tank 410 Link Mechanism 420 Link holding member (holding part) 428 Device holding part 440 First Slider 450 Second Slider 460 Links 500 Rack and pinion mechanism (transmission mechanism) 510 Pinion 520 racks 710 Storage detection switch (storage detection part) 720 Drawer detection switch (Drawer detection part)

Claims

1. a washing tub for storing laundry; an upper surface plate disposed above the washing tub and having an opening for inserting laundry into the washing tub; an ultrasonic cleaning device having a water tank for storing cleaning water containing at least water, and applying ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to an object to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water in the water tank to remove dirt adhering to the object; a storage section provided on the top plate for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device; a motor rotatable in a first direction and a second direction; a moving mechanism that moves the ultrasonic cleaning device stored in the storage unit into the insertion port by rotating the motor in the first direction, and moves the ultrasonic cleaning device that has been drawn into the insertion port into the storage unit by rotating the motor in the second direction; a device holder that holds the ultrasonic cleaning device, which has been pulled out to a pull-out position within the insertion port, at the pull-out position with a holding force that is weaker than the force with which the moving mechanism moves the ultrasonic cleaning device; a draw-out detection unit that detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device is drawn into the insertion port; a control unit that controls the motor, the device holder releases the hold of the ultrasonic cleaning device when the ultrasonic cleaning device moves from the drawn-out position toward the storage section by the operation of the movement mechanism; the pull-out detection unit detects the pull-out of the ultrasonic cleaning device when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out to a position closer to the storage unit than the pull-out position at which the ultrasonic cleaning device is held by the device holding unit, the control unit, after rotating the motor in the first direction, stops the motor based on a lapse of a predetermined time from when the pull-out detection unit detects that the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out until the ultrasonic cleaning device stops at the pull-out position. A washing machine characterized by:

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The moving mechanism includes: a pinion fixed to a rotation shaft of the motor; a rack that meshes with the pinion and that moves linearly in a direction for pulling the ultrasonic cleaning device into the insertion port and a direction for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device in the storage portion by rotation of the pinion; A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, a storage detection unit that detects when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage unit; the control unit stops the motor based on the detection by the storage detection unit of the ultrasonic cleaning device being stored after rotating the motor in the second direction. A washing machine characterized by:

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Further provided is a water supply device for supplying the flush water to the water tank, the control unit causes the water supply device to start supplying the cleaning water while the ultrasonic cleaning device is moving toward the inlet by rotation of the motor in the first direction. A washing machine characterized by:

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an entrance provided on the top plate for inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device into and from the storage section; a cover that covers the entrance when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage section, The moving mechanism includes: a first slider connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device; a second slider connected to the cover so as to be rotatable in a direction in which the cover opens and closes the entrance; a holding portion that holds the first slider and the second slider slidably in a pull-out direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage portion and in a storage direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage portion; a link having one end connected to the first slider and the other end connected to the second slider, the other end moving in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one end moves, thereby causing the second slider to slide in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first slider slides; a transmission mechanism that causes the first slider to slide in the extension direction and the second slider to slide in the storage direction when the motor rotates in the first direction, and that causes the first slider to slide in the storage direction and the second slider to slide in the extension direction when the motor rotates in the second direction, The cover opens when the second slider slides in the storage direction, and closes when the second slider slides in the extraction direction. A washing machine characterized by:

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