washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of easily drawing out an ultrasonic cleaning device from a storage part.SOLUTION: A fully automatic washing machine includes: an ultrasonic cleaning device 50; a constant load spring for imparting an elastic force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 for moving to a drawing position; a damper 530 for imparting a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moving toward the drawing position by an elastic force; and a rattling prevention part 480 for preventing rattling of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the vertical direction at the drawing position by holding a rear end part of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the vertical direction. The holding by the rattling prevention part 480 with respect to the rear end part of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is started from the position before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the drawing position. The damper 530 stops imparting a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the holding start position where holding by the rattling prevention part 480 starts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A washing machine is described in Patent Document 1, which includes an ultrasonic cleaning device that acts ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator on an object to be cleaned to remove dirt attached to the object to be cleaned, an upper panel having an inlet, and a storage portion provided inside the upper panel and configured to removably store the ultrasonic cleaning device within the inlet.

[0003] In this washing machine, when a cleaning operation for cleaning an object to be cleaned is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage portion and protrudes inside the inlet. On the other hand, when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above - mentioned washing machine, it is necessary for the user to manually take in and out the ultrasonic cleaning device with respect to the storage portion.

[0006] If the user does not need to manually perform the operation of pulling out the ultrasonic cleaning device from the storage portion, the taking in and out of the ultrasonic cleaning device will be easier, and it will be possible to improve the usability of the ultrasonic cleaning device.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can easily pull out an ultrasonic cleaning device from a storage portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A washing machine according to the main embodiment of the present invention includes: an ultrasonic cleaning device that applies ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to an object to be cleaned to remove dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned; a top plate having an opening; a storage section provided inside the top plate, in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is retractably housed in the opening; a spring that applies an elastic force to the ultrasonic cleaning device to move it from a storage position in the storage section to a pull-out position in the opening; a locking mechanism that locks the ultrasonic cleaning device in the storage position to prevent it from moving due to the elastic force and releases the lock based on a predetermined operation; a damper that applies a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device as it moves toward the pull-out position due to the elastic force; and a rattle prevention section that prevents rattling of the ultrasonic cleaning device in the pull-out position by clamping the end of the ultrasonic cleaning device remaining in the storage section from above and below when the ultrasonic cleaning device moves to the pull-out position. Here, the clamping of the end of the ultrasonic cleaning device by the rattle prevention part begins from a position just before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the extension position. The damper stops applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the clamping start position where clamping by the rattle prevention part begins.

[0009] According to the washing machine of this embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed, the lock mechanism is released, and the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out of the storage compartment by the elastic force of the spring. As a result, when using the ultrasonic cleaning device, the user does not have to pull the ultrasonic cleaning device out of the storage compartment by hand, and the removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device from the storage compartment becomes easier.

[0010] Furthermore, since a damper provides braking force to the moving ultrasonic cleaning device, the speed at which the ultrasonic cleaning device moves can be adjusted to an appropriate speed.

[0011] Furthermore, since the damper stops applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device before it reaches the clamping start position, a stronger force can be applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device than when the damper is braking, while it is moving from the clamping start position to the storage position. This ensures that the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the withdrawal position reliably without being overcome by the resistance of the rattle prevention part.

[0012] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the damper may be configured to include a case containing a highly viscous liquid, a rotor disposed within the case, and a gear attached to the shaft of the rotor protruding from the case, and further comprising a rack gear extending linearly in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device moves, wherein the gear meshes with the rack gear and rotates, thereby the damper applying a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device. In this case, the length of the rack gear may be set such that the meshing between the gear and the rack gear is lost before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the clamping start position.

[0013] With this configuration, the damper can stop applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device by disengaging the gear and rack gear before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the clamping start position.

[0014] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the locking mechanism may be a push latch mechanism that releases the lock based on the operation of pushing the ultrasonic cleaning device to the back of the storage compartment.

[0015] With the above configuration, the ultrasonic cleaning device can be automatically pulled out of the storage compartment by the user pushing the device to the back of the storage compartment.

[0016] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the spring may be a constant-load spring.

[0017] With the above configuration, a constant elastic force is applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device by the constant-load spring, causing the ultrasonic cleaning device to move at a constant speed. This prevents the ultrasonic cleaning device from suddenly jumping out of the storage compartment and allows for smooth removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device.

[0018] The washing machine according to this embodiment further comprises an opening for inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device into and out of the storage compartment, a cover that covers the opening when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage compartment, and an interlocking mechanism that opens and closes the cover in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device into and out of the storage compartment, wherein the interlocking mechanism comprises a first slider connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device, a second slider rotatably connected to the cover in the direction that opens and closes the opening, and the first slider and the second slider are connected to the ultrasonic The device includes a holding part that holds the cleaning device so as to be slidable in an extraction direction from which it is pulled out of the storage section and in a storage direction from which it is stored in the storage section, and a link whose one end is connected to the first slider and whose other end is connected to the second slider, and which moves in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider moves, thereby sliding the second slider in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider slides, and the cover may be configured to open when the second slider slides in the storage direction. In this case, the spring may be configured to provide the interlocking mechanism with an elastic force that slides the first slider in the extraction direction and the second slider in the storage direction.

[0019] With the above configuration, since an interlocking mechanism is used to transmit the elastic force of the spring to the ultrasonic cleaning device, it becomes possible to simplify the configuration to realize the functions of automatically pulling out the ultrasonic cleaning device and 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 an ultrasonic cleaning device can be easily removed from its storage compartment.

[0021] The effects or significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiments at all.

Brief Description 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] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device and an upper panel in a state of being pulled out from a storage part according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2(b) and (c) are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel in a state of being stored in the storage part according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device in a state where a water storage part is detached from a main body part according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front part of an ultrasonic cleaning part according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIGS. 5(a) and (b) are perspective views of an ultrasonic cleaning device, a cover, and an automatic drawing-out device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which an ultrasonic cleaning device and a cover are connected by a first slider, a second slider, and a link according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of a link holding member according to an embodiment. FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of a cover guiding member according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device, a cover, and an automatic drawing-out device as viewed from the rear according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of a spring module and a bracket as viewed from the rear according to an embodiment. FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view of a damper and a lever member according to an embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of a push latch mechanism according to an embodiment. Figure 10(b) is a perspective view of an engaging member according to an embodiment. Figure 10(c) shows the state in which the engaging member and the push latch mechanism are engaged according to an embodiment. Figure 10(d) shows the state in which the engagement between the engaging member and the push latch mechanism is released according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a front view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, cover, and automatic drawer according to an embodiment, showing the ultrasonic cleaning device in the drawer position. Figure 11(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device is held in place by the rattle prevention part according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a) and (b) show the configuration of the two upper clamping parts according to the embodiment. Figures 12(c) and (b) show the configuration of the two lower clamping parts according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) shows the state of the damper and rack gear when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in the storage position according to the embodiment. Figure 13(b) shows the state of the damper and rack gear when the ultrasonic cleaning device has moved to the clamping start position according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows how the cover opens according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0024] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0025] The fully automatic washing machine 1 comprises a housing 10 that forms the outer casing. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom surfaces, a top plate 12 that covers the top surface of the body 11, and a leg base 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry loading opening 14 is formed in the top plate 12. The loading opening 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is located inside the front part of the top plate 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] Inside the housing 10, an outer tub 20 with an open top is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having vibration damping devices. Inside the outer tub 20 is a washing and dewatering tub 22 with an open top. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis that extends vertically. Numerous dewatering holes 22a are formed around the entire inner circumference of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided at the top of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A pulsator 24 is positioned at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22. Multiple blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24.

[0027] A drive unit 30 is positioned at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 to generate torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and through a switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes to rotate only the pulsator 24, and during the dewatering process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 together.

[0028] A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0029] An overflow port 20b is formed at the top of the outer tank 20. When water accumulates in the outer tank 20 above a predetermined overflow level, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving section 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tank 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving section 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving section 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

[0030] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is positioned near the center of the rear of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 primarily performs a cleaning operation to remove dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned, prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0031] A storage tank 60 is positioned behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the top plate 12, and a drain receiving section 70 is positioned below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 can store water containing detergent supplied to the water 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 the cleaning water from inside the storage tank 60. A supply nozzle 62 connected to the supply valve 61 extends from the storage tank 60 to above the water tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0032] The drain receiving section 70 has a tray shape and receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210. The drain receiving section 70 has a discharge hole 71 through which the received water is discharged. One end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drain receiving section 70 is discharged to the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

[0033] A water supply device 80 is positioned at the rear of the top panel 12, surrounding the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a water tap and has the function of supplying water to the washing and 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 detergent and fabric softener into the washing and drying tub 22. Furthermore, the water supply device 80 also has the function of generating cleaning water from water from the tap and detergent from the detergent tank and supplying it to the storage tank 60.

[0034] Figure 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and top plate 12 in the state where they have been pulled out from the storage compartment 17. Figures 2(b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and top plate 12 in the state where they have been stored in the storage compartment 17. In Figure 2(c), the cover 19 is omitted from the illustration so that the inside of the storage compartment 17 is visible.

[0035] The top panel 12 has a storage compartment 17 in the center of its rear, which houses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The top panel 12 opens in front of the storage compartment 17 as an entrance / exit 18. The entrance / exit 18 is covered with a roughly rectangular cover 19 that allows light to enter.

[0036] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 comprises an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body 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 located below the ultrasonic generator 110, in which cleaning water is stored. Cleaning water is supplied to the water storage tank 210 from a storage tank 60 through a supply nozzle 62.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2(a), when the cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage section 17 and extends inward from the input opening 14 of the top plate 12. The position of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at this time is the pulled-out position.

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2(b) and (c), when cleaning is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The position of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at this time is the storage position. The entrance / exit 18 of the storage section 17 is closed by the cover 19. The lower end of the cover 19 abuts against the front end of the water reservoir 200.

[0039] An automatic pull-out device 90 is provided inside the top panel 12. The automatic pull-out device 90 automatically pulls the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which is housed in the storage compartment 17, out of the storage compartment 17 into the input opening 14 when the front end of the water reservoir 200, which is part of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, is pushed towards the back of the storage compartment 17.

[0040] Furthermore, the automatic drawer 90 includes an interlocking mechanism 400 that opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 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 to the closed position that closes the entrance 18. That is, the cover 19 closes. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from 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 a device storage section 17a in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored, and a cover storage section 17b adjacent to and above the device storage section 17a in which the open cover 19 is stored. The configuration of the automatic drawer 90 will be described in detail later.

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water reservoir 200 detached from the main body 300. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. Note that Figure 3 shows the water reservoir 200 with the drain port 211 open.

[0042] In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held in the main body 300, and the water reservoir 200 is detachably attached to the main body 300.

[0043] The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 comprises an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic transducer 111 and a vibrating horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibrating horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 111. The housing 120 has an arm shape that extends in the front-rear direction and whose tip portion 121 bends downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is positioned in the front part of the housing 120. The tip of the vibrating horn 112 is exposed from the opening 122 of the housing 120. The rear portion 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body 300. The rear portion 123 of the housing 120 has a substantially horizontal upper surface 123a.

[0044] A water storage tank 210 is formed in the water storage section 200, having a shape that conforms to the shape of the water storage section 200. A drain port 211 is formed in the lower rear of the water storage tank 210. The drain port 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. The rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes behind the water storage section 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased in the rearward direction by a spring (not shown) to close the valve body 220.

[0045] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage section 17, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, the valve movable member 230 comes into contact with the rear wall of the drain receiving section 70 and moves forward. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the valve body 220 moves forward and the drain port 211 is opened. When the drain port 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drain receiving section 70.

[0046] The main body 300 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. Rail sections 301 extending forward are provided at the left and right lower ends of the main body 300. When the water reservoir 200 is attached to the main body 300 from the front, the left and right rail sections 301 are inserted into the left and right ends of the water reservoir 200. In addition, the main body 300 has an opening 302 on the left side through which the rear of the water reservoir 200 and the front of the supply nozzle 62 pass. Furthermore, the main body 300 is provided with slider fixing sections 303 on the lower part of the left and right sides to which the first slider 440 is fixed. The slider fixing section 303 has a substantially horizontal lower surface 303a at the front.

[0047] The portion of the main body 300 excluding the left and right rail sections 301 and the rear section 123 of the housing 120 form the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0048] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform various washing cycles. In the washing cycle, the washing, intermediate spin-drying, rinsing, and final spin-drying processes are executed in order.

[0049] During the washing and rinsing cycles, the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise with water accumulated in the washing and spinning tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow within the washing and spinning tub 22. During the washing cycle, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing cycle, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

[0050] In the intermediate and final dewatering processes, the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is dewatered by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0051] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0052] During the washing operation, washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210, and then the dirty parts of the laundry, i.e., the items to be washed, are placed between the water tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110. The dirty parts are immersed in the washing water stored in the water tank 210 and come into contact with the tip surface of the ultrasonic generator 110. When the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated, ultrasonic waves are generated from its tip. The action of the ultrasonic waves causes the dirt to detach from the items to be washed. At this time, the force of the detergent is applied, increasing the washing power.

[0053] Next, the cover 19 and the automatic drawer 90, which includes the interlocking mechanism 400, will be described in detail.

[0054] Figures 5(a) and (b) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the cover 19, and the automatic drawer 90. Figure 5(a) shows the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 housed in the device housing 17a. Figure 5(b) shows the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out from the device housing 17a.

[0055] Figure 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. In Figure 6, the interlocking mechanism 400, the drive mechanism 500, and the push latch mechanism 600 of the automatic pull-out device 90 are not shown, other than the first slider 440, the second slider 450, and the link 460. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the link holding member 420. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the cover guide member 430.

[0056] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, cover 19, and automatic drawer 90 from the rear. Figure 9(a) is a perspective view of the spring module 510 and bracket 520 from the rear. Figure 9(b) is a perspective view of the damper 530 and lever member 540. Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the push latch mechanism 600. Figure 10(b) is a perspective view of the engaging member 700. Figure 10(c) shows the state in which the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 are engaged. Figure 10(d) shows the state in which the engagement between the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 is released.

[0057] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is automatically pulled out of the storage unit 17 by the automatic pull-out device 90 and manually stored back into the storage unit 17 by the user. The forward direction is the pull-out direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage unit 17. The rear direction is the storage direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored back into the storage unit 17.

[0058] The automatic drawer 90 is provided around the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and includes an interlocking mechanism 400, a drive mechanism 500, and a push latch mechanism 600. The interlocking mechanism 400 opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage compartment 17.

[0059] The drive mechanism 500 includes a constant-load spring 511, and by applying the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, it moves the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 housed in the storage section 17 in the withdrawal direction and pulls it out of the storage section 17. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves almost horizontally from the storage position where it is housed in the storage section 17, i.e., the device storage section 17a, to the withdrawal position where it is pulled out into the input opening 14, due to the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 500 includes a damper 530, which applies a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which moves due to the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511.

[0061] The push latch mechanism 600 locks the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in place using the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 to prevent movement, and releases the lock when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pushed towards the back of the storage compartment 17. The push latch mechanism 600 corresponds to the locking mechanism of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figures 5(a) to 7(a) and 7(b), the interlocking mechanism 400 is composed of two link mechanisms 410 on the left and right, a link holding member 420, and a cover guide member 430. 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 and from below by the link holding member 420, and covered from above by the cover guide member 430. The space enclosed by the link holding member 420 and the cover guide member 430 becomes the device storage section 17a, and the area 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.

[0063] Each linkage mechanism 410 includes a first slider 440, a second slider 450, and a link 460.

[0064] The first slider 440 has a substantially oblong disc shape and is fixed to the slider fixing part 303 of the main body 300 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The first slider 440 is provided with two cylindrical sliding parts 441 arranged in the front-to-back direction between it and the slider fixing part 303. In addition, the front side of the first slider 440 is provided with a shaft part 442 that protrudes outward.

[0065] The second slider 450 has a substantially oblong disc shape. The second slider 450 is provided with a sliding portion 451 and a mounting portion 452 that protrude inward. The sliding portion 451 is cylindrical, and the mounting portion 452 is a rectangular plate with an inverted U-shaped cross-section. A mounting hole 452a is formed in the mounting portion 452. In the left second slider 450, two sliding portions 451 are provided side by side, and the mounting portion 452 is provided between these two sliding portions 451. In the right second slider 450, one sliding portion 451 is provided at the rear, and the mounting portion 452 is provided in front of this sliding portion 451. Furthermore, the second slider 450 is provided with a shaft portion 453 that protrudes outward at the rear end, and a boss hole 454 is formed at the front end.

[0066] Link 460 has an elongated plate shape. An elongated oval connecting hole 461 is formed on one end of link 460. The shaft portion 442 of the first slider 440 is slidably fitted into the connecting hole 461. This connects one end of link 460 to the first slider 440. Link 460 also has a connecting boss 462 at the other end. The shaft portion 453 of the second slider 450 is rotatably fitted into the connecting boss 462. This connects the other end of link 460 to the second slider 450. Furthermore, an oval fixing hole 463 is formed on the other end of link 460.

[0067] The link holding member 420 holds the two link mechanisms 410 on the left and right sides. The link holding member 420 consists of a metal base member 471 and resin left side member 472 and right side member 473. The left side member 472 and the right side member 473 have opposite shapes on the left and right sides.

[0068] The base member 471 includes a bottom surface 471a and left side surface 471b and right side surface 471c rising from both the left and right ends of the bottom surface 471a. Left side surface members 472 and right side surface members 473 are attached to the outside of these left side surface 471b and right side surface 471c, respectively. The left side surface 471b and left side surface member 472 constitute the left side surface 420a of the link holding member 420. The right side surface 471c and right side surface member 473 constitute the right side surface 420b of the link holding member 420.

[0069] Furthermore, a drain receiving section 70 is attached to the rear side of the base member 471. The front part of the drain receiving section 70 overlaps the bottom surface 471a of the base member 471.

[0070] The left side portion 420a and the right side portion 420b of the link holding member 420 have a first slide hole 421 and a second slide hole 422 formed in the lower and upper parts, respectively. The first slide hole 421 and the second slide hole 422 have an elongated oval shape and extend in the front-rear direction, that is, in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is inserted into and removed from the device housing portion 17a.

[0071] The sliding portion 441 of the first slider 440 is inserted into the first slide hole 421. As the sliding portion 441 slides within the first slide hole 421, the first slider 440 is guided into the first slide hole 421 and can slide in the front-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 within the second slide hole 422, the second slider 450 is guided into the second slide hole 422 and can slide in the front-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-rear direction, i.e., the pull-out direction, and the rear direction, i.e., the storage direction.

[0072] A cylindrical fixing shaft 423 is formed in the upper central part of the left side portion 420a and the right side portion 420b. The fixing shaft 423 is inserted into a fixing hole 463 of the link 460. The link 460 is rotatable in the front-rear direction around the fixing shaft 423, and when one end moves forward or backward, the other end moves backward or forward in the opposite direction to the first end.

[0073] A washer (not shown), with an outer diameter larger than that of the fixing hole 463, is attached to the tip of the fixed shaft 423 with a screw (not shown). The link 460 is prevented from coming out of the fixed shaft 423 because the peripheral edge of the fixing hole 463 is secured by the washer.

[0074] Mounting bosses 424 are formed on the upper front and rear ends of the left side portion 420a and the right side portion 420b, and a mounting hole 425 is formed near the mounting boss 424 at the rear end. The two mounting bosses 424 and the mounting hole 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 portion 420a and the right side portion 420b.

[0075] The cover guide member 430 includes a top surface portion 430a and left side portions 430b and right side portions 430c that hang down from both the left and right ends of the top surface portion 430a.

[0076] The top surface 430a has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above. Flat rail surfaces 431 are formed on the left and right ends of the top surface 430a, extending from the front to the rear. Mounting bosses 432 are also formed on the top surface 430a behind the rail surfaces 431, facing outwards. Furthermore, a rack gear 433 is formed in the center of the top surface 430a, extending linearly in the front-rear direction, i.e., in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves.

[0077] Fitting bosses 434 are formed at the front and rear ends of the left side portion 430b and the right side portion 430c.

[0078] The cover guide member 430 is attached to the upper end of the link holding member 420. At this time, the two fitting bosses 434 on the left side portion 430b of the cover guide member 430 are fitted from the inside into the two mounting bosses 424 on the left side portion 420a of the link holding member 420, and the two fitting bosses 434 on the right side portion 430c of the cover guide member 430 are fitted from the inside into the two mounting bosses 424 on the right side portion 420b of the link holding member 420. In addition, the mounting boss 432 on the left side portion 430b of the cover guide member 430 aligns with the mounting hole 425 on the left side portion 420a of the link holding member 420, and the mounting boss 432 on the right side portion 430c of the cover guide member 430 aligns with the mounting hole 425 on the right side portion 420b of the link holding member 420. On both the left and right sides, the mounting boss 424 and the mating boss 434 are fastened together with screws (not shown), and the mounting boss 432 is fastened to the mounting hole 425 with screws (not shown).

[0079] Referring to Figures 5(a), (b), and Figures 8 to 9(b), the drive mechanism 500 includes a spring module 510, a bracket 520, a damper 530, and a lever member 540.

[0080] The spring module 510 includes a strip-shaped constant-load spring 511, a drum 512 around which the constant-load spring 511 is wound, and a shaft 513 passing through the center of the drum 512. The spring module 510 is realized, for example, by a constant-load coil spring. The constant-load spring 511 has an elastic force in the direction in which it is wound onto the drum 512. The elastic force is constant regardless of the length of the constant-load spring 511 that is pulled out from the drum 512. A mounting hole 511a is provided at the tip of the constant-load spring 511. The constant-load spring 511 corresponds to the spring of the present invention.

[0081] The bracket 520 is formed from a metal material into a predetermined shape and has a pair of support pieces 521 in the center. A groove 521a opening to the rear is formed in the pair of support pieces 521, and the shaft 513 of the spring module 510 is fitted into this groove 521a. In this way, the drum 512 of the spring module 510 is rotatably supported by the pair of support pieces 521. Mounting pieces 522 having mounting holes 522a are provided at the left and right ends of the bracket 520.

[0082] The bracket 520 is attached to the rear of the top surface 430a of the cover guide member 430. The left and right mounting pieces 522 of the bracket 520 have mounting holes 522a that align with the left and right mounting bosses 424 of the cover guide member 430, and are fixed to the left and right mounting bosses 424 with screws (not shown) when the link holding member 420 and the cover guide member 430 are connected. The spring module 510 attached to the bracket 520 is positioned in the rear center of the top surface 430a.

[0083] The damper 530 is a rotary damper and includes a case 531 filled with a highly viscous liquid, a rotor 532 disposed within the case 531 and rotating in the highly viscous liquid and receiving resistance from the liquid, and a gear 533 attached to the shaft of the rotor 532 that protrudes from the case 531. The case 531 has claw portions 531a formed on the left and right sides.

[0084] The lever member 540 is made of a resin material and has a rectangular rod shape. The lever member 540 has a spring mounting portion 541 in the center and a damper mounting portion 542 to the right of the center. The spring mounting portion 541 has a recess 541a into which a nut (not shown) is embedded. The damper mounting portion 542 has a recess 542a and an opening 542b that correspond to the shape of the damper 530. Furthermore, the lever member 540 is provided with rectangular parallelepiped mounting bosses 543 and outwardly protruding shaft portions 544 at the left and right ends. Mounting holes 543a are formed in the mounting bosses 543.

[0085] The tip of the constant-load spring 511, which is pulled out from the drum 512, is attached to the spring mounting portion 541 from below. At this time, a screw (not shown) passed through the mounting hole 511a of the constant-load spring 511 is fastened to a nut on the spring mounting portion 541. Furthermore, the damper 530 is attached to the damper mounting portion 542 from above. At this time, the left and right claw portions 531a of the damper 530 engage with the inner periphery of the opening 542b of the damper mounting portion 542. The gear 533 of the damper 530 protrudes below the lever member 540.

[0086] The left and right ends of the lever member 540 are attached to the left and right second sliders 450. At this time, the left and right mounting bosses 543 of the lever member 540 are fitted into the mounting portions 452 of the left and right second sliders 450 from below and secured with screws (not shown). The left and right shaft portions 544 of the lever member 540 are inserted into the second slide holes 422 of the link holding member 420. The constant-load spring 511 is connected to the left and right second sliders 450 via the lever member 540. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is housed in the device housing 17a, that is, in the storage position, the gear 533 of the damper 530 meshes with the rack gear 433 on the top surface portion 430a of the cover guide member 430.

[0087] Referring to Figures 8 and 10(a) to (d), the push latch mechanism 600 is positioned behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 housed in the storage section 17. The push latch mechanism 600 is attached to a latch mounting section 73 provided at the rear of the drain receiving section 70.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10(a), the push latch mechanism 600 comprises a case 610, a rod 620, and an alternate mechanism 630. The case 610 has an open front. The rod 620 has retaining pieces 621 on both sides of its tip and moves in and out of the case 610. The alternate mechanism 630 includes a heart cam and is housed inside the case 610.

[0089] In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, an engaging member 700 is positioned in front of the push latch mechanism 600. The engaging member 700 is attached to the back of the main body 300 by screws 710. As shown in Figure 10(b), the engaging member 700 has a projection 701 that protrudes toward the push latch mechanism 600 behind it. The tip of the projection 701 is trapezoidal.

[0090] As shown in Figure 10(d), when the rod 620 is pushed into the case 610 by the projection 701, the tip of the projection 701 is caught from both sides by the retaining pieces 621, as shown in Figure 10(c), and the rod 620 is held in the pushed-in state by the action of the alternate mechanism 630. The projection 701 becomes unable to detach from the rod 620, and the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 become engaged.

[0091] From the state shown in Figure 10(c), when the rod 620 is pushed in again by the projection 701, the holding is released by the action of the alternate mechanism 630. When the pushing force is released, as shown in Figure 10(d), the rod 620 protrudes forward from the case 610 and the retaining piece 621 opens. The projection 701 disengages from the rod 620, and the engagement between the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 is released.

[0092] Referring to Figures 5(a), (b) and 6, the cover 19 is formed of a translucent resin material. The cover 19 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 810 that covers the entrance 18, and side portions 820 provided at both the left and right ends of the main body portion 810 and extending to the rear. The rear edge of the side portion 820 has a recess 821 that is recessed forward at its upper part, and a straight portion 822 that extends linearly below this recess 821.

[0093] Each side portion 820 is provided with a pivot shaft 830 that protrudes outward from its upper end. The pivot shaft 830 is rotatably fitted into the boss hole 454 of the second slider 450. As a result, the upper end of the cover 19 is connected to the second slider 450 so that it can rotate in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of opening and closing the entrance 18. Alternatively, a torsion spring may be attached to the pivot shaft 830 of the cover 19 so that the cover 19 is biased by the torsion spring in the direction that closes the entrance 18.

[0094] Figure 11(a) is a front view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, cover 19, and automatic drawer 90, showing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the extended position. Figure 11(b) shows the state in which the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is held by the rattle prevention part 480. In Figure 11(b), the upper clamping part 481 and the lower clamping part 482 of the rattle prevention part 480 are shown in cross-section.

[0095] Figures 12(a) and (b) show the configuration of the two upper clamping portions 481, and Figures 12(c) and (d) show the configuration of the two lower clamping portions 482. Figure 12(a) is a perspective view of the front end of the cover guide member 430 in an inverted state. Figure 12(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the front end of the cover guide member 430 cut at the position of the right rail surface 431. Figures 12(c) and (d) are perspective views of the front lower ends of the left side member 472 and the right side member 473, respectively.

[0096] A rattle prevention section 480 is provided near the entrance / exit 18 in the device housing section 17a. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is moved to the pull-out position, the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 remains inside the device housing section 17a. The rattle prevention section 480 includes two upper clamping sections 481 on the left and right of the upper side and two lower clamping sections 482 on the left and right of the lower side. These upper clamping sections 481 and lower clamping sections 482 clamp the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 that remains inside the device housing section 17a from above and below. This prevents rattle in the vertical direction of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when it is in the pull-out position.

[0097] As shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), the two upper clamping portions 481 protrude downward from the back sides of the left and right rail surfaces 431 at the front end of the cover guide member 430 and have a rib-like shape that is long in the front-rear direction. Each upper clamping portion 481 has a substantially horizontal upper clamping surface 481a on the front side and an upper guide surface 481b on the rear side that slopes upward toward the rear.

[0098] As shown in Figures 7(a), 12(c), and (d), the two lower clamping portions 482 protrude inward at the front lower ends of the left side member 472 and the right side member 473, and have an elongated shape in the front-rear direction. Each lower clamping portion 482 has a substantially horizontal lower clamping surface 482a on the front side and a lower guide surface 482b on the rear side that slopes downward toward the rear.

[0099] The distance between the upper clamping surface 481a of the upper clamping portion 481 and the lower clamping surface 482a of the lower clamping portion 482 is slightly greater than the distance between the upper surface 123a of the rear part 123 of the housing 120 at the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the lower surfaces 303a of the left and right slider fixing portions 303.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11(b), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves to the extended position, the upper surface 123a of the rear part 123 of the housing 120 and the lower surfaces 303a of the left and right slider fixing parts 303 enter from the rear between the upper clamping surface 481a of the upper clamping part 481a and the lower clamping surface 482a of the lower clamping part 482a, and are clamped between the upper clamping surface 481a and the lower clamping surface 482a. At this time, the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is guided by the upper guide surface 481b and the lower guide surface 482b, so that as the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves forward, the upper surface 123a and the lower surface 303a smoothly enter between the upper clamping surface 481a and the lower clamping surface 482a.

[0101] The upper surface 123a of the rear portion 123 of the housing 120 and the upper clamping surface 481a are positioned close together so as to be in near surface contact, and the lower surface 303a of the slider fixing portion 303 and the lower clamping surface 482a are also positioned close together so as to be in near surface contact. This makes it difficult for the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to wobble in the vertical direction.

[0102] As described above, the clamping of the rear end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 by the rattle prevention unit 480 begins from a position just before the storage position and is completed when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the extension position. The position at which clamping by the rattle prevention unit 480 begins is referred to as the clamping start position.

[0103] Next, we will explain the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 being taken in and out of the storage compartment 17, and the operation of the cover 19 opening and closing in conjunction with this.

[0104] As shown in Figure 5(a), the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is housed in the storage section 17, i.e., the device storage section 17a, and when it is in the storage position, the first slider 440 is located at the rear end of the first slide hole 421. The link 460 has one end connected to the first slider 440 at the rear and the other end at the front, and the second slider 450 and lever member 540 connected to the other end are located at the front end of the second slide hole 422. There is a small gap between the rear end of the first slider 440 and the rear end of the first slide hole 421, and between the front end of the second slider 450 and the front end of the second slide hole 422.

[0105] The constant-load spring 511 is extended from the drum 512, i.e., in an extended state, and the second slider 450 is subjected to an elastic force via the lever member 540 that causes the second slider 450 to slide backward, i.e., in the storage direction. This elastic force is transmitted to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 via the link 460 and the first slider 440. As a result, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is subjected to an elastic force that causes the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to slide forward, i.e., in the withdrawal direction.

[0106] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is housed in the device housing 17a, the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 are engaged, as shown in Figure 10(c). Therefore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is locked by the push latch mechanism 600 and does not move in the pulling direction due to the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511.

[0107] The cover 19, connected to the second slider 450, extends forward from the cover storage section 17b, and its own weight causes it to become almost vertical, closing the entrance 18.

[0108] The front end of the water reservoir 200 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is exposed to the outside through the inlet / outlet 18 of the storage compartment 17, allowing the front end of the water reservoir 200 to be touched from the outside. When the user pulls the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 out of the storage compartment 17, they push the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., the front end of the water reservoir 200, towards the back of the storage compartment 17. This causes the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to move slightly towards the back of the storage compartment 17, and the rod 620 of the push latch mechanism 600 is pushed in by the projection 701 of the engaging member 700. As shown in Figure 10(d), the engagement between the engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 is released, and the lock on the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 by the push latch mechanism 600 is released.

[0109] Pulled by the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511, the lever member 540 and the second slider 450 slide in the storage direction. The link 460 rotates, with one end moving in the storage direction and the other end moving in the pull-out direction. As a result, the first slider 440 slides in the pull-out direction, and as shown in Figure 5(b), the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the device storage section 17a, reaches the storage position, and protrudes into the input opening 14. The constant-load spring 511 is wound onto the drum 512, and the length of the pulled-out portion becomes shorter, i.e., it becomes compressed.

[0110] The constant-load spring 511 applies an elastic force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to move it from the storage position to the extension position. After the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the extension position, the constant-load spring 511 may exert its elastic force without becoming completely compressed, or it may become completely compressed and cease to exert its elastic force.

[0111] A constant elastic force is applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from a constant-load spring 511. As a result, when it is pulled out, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves at a constant speed. This prevents the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from suddenly jumping out of the storage section 17 and allows for smooth removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0112] Figure 13(a) shows the state of the damper 530 and rack gear 433 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in the storage position. Figure 13(b) shows the state of the damper 530 and rack gear 433 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has moved to the clamping start position. In Figures 13(a) and (b), the damper 530 is depicted as transparent so that the gear 533 of the damper 530 and the rack gear 433 are visible, and the rotor 532 is not shown.

[0113] As shown in Figure 13(a), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in the storage position, the damper 530 is located at the front end of the rack gear 433, and the gear 533 of the damper 530 is meshed with the rack gear 433. As the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves toward the extension position, the damper 530 moves toward the rear end of the rack gear 433. In the damper 530, the gear 533 meshed with the rack gear 433 rotates, and within the case 531, the rotor 532 rotates under resistance in a highly viscous liquid. This applies a braking force from the damper 530 to the lever member 540. The braking force is applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 via the second slider 450, the link 460, and the first slider 440, and the moving speed of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is adjusted to an appropriate speed.

[0114] As the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves to the storage position, it eventually reaches the clamping start position. The length of the rack gear 433 is set so that the gear 533 and the rack gear 433 are disengaged just before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the clamping start position. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13(b), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the clamping start position, the damper 530 disengages the gear 533 from the rear end of the rack gear 433. When the gear 533 and the rack gear 433 are disengaged, the damper 530 stops applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. As a result, while the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves from the clamping start position to the storage position, the elastic force of the constant load spring 511 is no longer canceled out by the braking force of the damper 530, so a stronger force acts on the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 than when the damper 530 was braking.

[0115] As the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves from the clamping start position to the storage position, the upper surface 123a of the rear part 123 of the housing 120 and the upper clamping surface 481a may come into contact, or the lower surface 303a of the slider fixing part 303 and the lower clamping surface 482a may come into contact, which can cause resistance from the rattle prevention part 480 to the moving ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, as described above, a strong force is acting on the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, so the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can reach the pull-out position without being overcome by the resistance from the rattle prevention part 480.

[0116] Figure 14 shows the cover 19 in the open position. For convenience, the front end of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is shown as a dashed line in Figure 14.

[0117] As shown in Figure 14, when the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 is applied, the second slider 450 begins to slide in the storage direction, and the recess 821 of the side portion 820 of the cover 19 comes into contact with the front end of the cover guide member 430. As the second slider 450 slides in the storage direction, the cover 19 opens and is stored in the cover storage section 17b while the recess 821 remains in contact with the front end of the cover guide member 430. When the cover 19 is opened to a nearly horizontal position, the straight portion 822 of the side portion 820 of the cover 19 rides up onto the rail surface 431, and then moves along the rail surface 431 in the storage direction. At this time, the side portion 820 of the cover 19, which extends further back than the main body portion 810, comes into contact with the front end of the cover guide member 430. As a result, the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has moved forward, does not come into contact with the main body portion 810 of the cover 19, and the cover 19 reaches a nearly horizontal position. Therefore, collision of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the main body 810 of the cover 19 can be prevented.

[0118] In this way, when the second slider 450 slides in the storage direction, the cover 19 is opened and guided to the cover storage section 17b as its side portion 820 comes into contact with the cover guide member 430.

[0119] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out to the extended position 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 fully stored in the cover storage section 17b. The lower end of the cover 19 protrudes slightly forward from the cover storage section 17b.

[0120] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pushed backward by the user's hand and stored in the device storage section 17a. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the device storage section 17a and reaches the storage position, the first slider 440 slides in the storage direction to the rear end of the first slide hole 421, and the second slider 450 slides in the withdrawal direction to the front end of the second slide hole 422. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(a), the cover 19 closes and the entrance / exit 18 is closed by the cover 19. The engaging member 700 and the push latch mechanism 600 engage, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is locked by the push latch mechanism 600.

[0121] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pushed to the back of the storage compartment 17, the lock by the push latch mechanism 600 is released, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage compartment 17 by the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511. As a result, when using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the user does not have to pull the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 out of the storage compartment 17 by hand, and the removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage compartment 17 becomes easier.

[0122] Furthermore, since braking force is applied to the moving ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the damper 530, the speed at which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves can be adjusted to an appropriate speed.

[0123] Furthermore, since the damper 530 stops applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 before it reaches the clamping start position, a stronger force than that applied by the damper 530 can be applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 while it moves from the clamping start position to the storage position. This ensures that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can reach the pull-out position without being overcome by the resistance of the rattle prevention unit 480.

[0124] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which has been pulled out from the storage section 17, can be kept in the pulling-out direction by the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511, thus preventing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from easily moving in the storage direction during cleaning operation. For this reason, it is not necessary to employ a locking structure such as providing a claw to lock the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage direction, and releasing the lock by pressing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 against the claw and causing elastic deformation during storage. Therefore, the impact when the lock is released does not cause cleaning water to splash out of the water tank 210 and get on your hands.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the damper 530 includes a case 531 filled with a highly viscous liquid, a rotor 532 disposed within the case 531, and a gear 533 attached to the shaft of the rotor 532 protruding from the case 531. The automatic extraction device 90 is provided with a rack gear 433 extending linearly in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves, and the damper 530 applies a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 by rotating as the gear 533 meshes with the rack gear 433. The length of the rack gear 433 is set such that the meshing between the gear 533 and the rack gear 433 is lost before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the clamping start position.

[0126] With this configuration, the damper 530 can stop applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 by disengaging the gear 533 and the rack gear 433 before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 reaches the clamping start position.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a constant elastic force is applied to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 by the constant-load spring 511, so that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 moves at a constant speed. This prevents the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from suddenly jumping out of the storage section 17 and allows for smooth removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the mechanism for transmitting the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is an interlocking mechanism 400 that opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage compartment 17, it is possible to simplify the configuration to realize the functions of automatically pulling out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and automatically opening and closing the cover 19.

[0129] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way by the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

[0130] For example, in the above embodiment, the automatic drawer 90 is equipped with a push latch mechanism 600 having the configuration shown in Figure 10(a). However, the automatic drawer 90 may be equipped with any configuration of push latch mechanism, as long as it can be locked in place by elastic force to prevent the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from moving, and the lock can be released when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pushed to the back of the storage compartment 17.

[0131] Furthermore, the automatic drawer 90 may also include a locking mechanism other than the push latch mechanism 600, which locks the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage position to prevent it from moving due to the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511, and releases the lock based on a predetermined operation being performed. The predetermined operation can be, for example, a button operation.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the elastic force that slides the first slider 440 in the pull-out direction and the second slider 450 in the storage direction is applied to the second slider 450 by the constant-load spring 511, but it may also be applied to the first slider 440. In this case, the constant-load spring 511 may also apply an elastic force that pushes the first slider 440 in the pull-out direction.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an interlocking mechanism 400 was used to open and close the cover 19 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage section 17, as a mechanism to transmit the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 and the braking force of the damper 530 to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, the elastic force of the constant-load spring 511 and the braking force of the damper 530 may be transmitted to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 without using the interlocking mechanism 400.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the automatic drawer 90 is equipped with a constant-load spring 511 whose elastic force is constant. However, the automatic drawer 90 may also be equipped with a spring whose elastic force is not constant.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the damper 530 is a rotary damper and exerts braking force through viscous resistance. However, a device configured to exert braking force through frictional resistance may also be used as the damper.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cover 19 was opened and closed in the vertical direction. However, the cover 19 may also be opened and closed in the horizontal direction.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage compartment 17 is provided at the rear of the top plate 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out forward. However, the storage compartment 17 may be provided at the left or right side of the top plate 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be pulled out to the right or left.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 400 stores the opened and closed cover 19 in the cover storage section 17b. However, the interlocking mechanism 400 may choose not to store the opened and closed cover 19 in the cover storage section 17b.

[0139] Furthermore, the configuration of the rattle prevention unit 480 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Any configuration is acceptable as long as it can prevent rattle in the vertical direction of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the pulled-out position by clamping the end of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 remaining inside the storage unit 17 from above and below.

[0140] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may have a configuration different from that of the above embodiment, as long as it applies ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110 to the object to be cleaned to remove dirt adhering to the object.

[0141] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows a fully automatic washing machine 1 equipped with an 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 with a drying function.

[0142] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 12 Top plate 14 Inlet 17 Storage compartment 18 Entrance / Exit 19 Cover 50 Ultrasonic cleaning equipment 110 Ultrasonic generator 400 Interlocking mechanism 410 Link Mechanism 420 Link holding member (holding part) 433 Rack Gear 440 First Slider 450 Second slider 460 links 480 Anti-wobble part 511 Constant load spring (spring) 530 damper 531 cases 532 Rotor 533 Gear 600 Push latch mechanism (locking mechanism)

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning device that uses ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to act on an object to be cleaned to remove dirt attached to the object, A top panel having an input opening, A storage section is provided inside the upper plate, and the ultrasonic cleaning device is housed in a retractable manner within the input opening, The ultrasonic cleaning device is provided with a spring that applies an elastic force to the ultrasonic cleaning device to move it from the storage position where it is housed in the storage section to the pull-out position where it is pulled out into the input opening, A locking mechanism that locks the ultrasonic cleaning device in the storage position to prevent it from moving due to the elastic force, and releases the lock based on the performance of a predetermined operation, A damper that applies braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device which moves toward the withdrawal position due to the elastic force, The ultrasonic cleaning device is equipped with a rattle prevention part that prevents rattling in the vertical direction of the ultrasonic cleaning device in the pulled-out position by clamping the end of the ultrasonic cleaning device that remains in the storage section from above and below when the ultrasonic cleaning device moves to the pulled-out position, The clamping of the end of the ultrasonic cleaning device by the rattle prevention part begins from a position just before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the withdrawal position. The damper stops applying braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the clamping start position where clamping by the rattle prevention part begins. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

2. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The aforementioned damper, A case containing a highly viscous liquid, A rotor arranged inside the aforementioned case, Includes a gear attached to the shaft of the rotor protruding from the case, The ultrasonic cleaning device further comprises a rack gear extending linearly in the direction in which it moves, As the gear meshes with the rack gear and rotates, the damper applies a braking force to the ultrasonic cleaning device. The length of the rack gear is set such that the gear and the rack gear are not engaged before the ultrasonic cleaning device reaches the clamping start position. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The locking mechanism is a push latch mechanism that releases the lock based on the operation of pushing the ultrasonic cleaning device to the back of the storage compartment. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned spring is a constant-load spring. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The storage compartment has an entrance / exit for inserting and removing the ultrasonic cleaning device, A cover that covers the entrance when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage compartment, The system further includes an interlocking mechanism that opens and closes the cover in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the ultrasonic cleaning device from the storage compartment, The aforementioned interlocking mechanism is A first slider connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device, The cover is connected to a second slider that is rotatable in the direction of opening and closing the entrance, A holding part that holds the first slider and the second slider so as to be slidable in the pulling direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage part and in the storage direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage part, A link is included, one end of which is connected to the first slider and the other end of which is connected to the second slider, and the other end moves in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider slides, thereby causing the second slider to slide in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider slides. The cover opens when the second slider slides in the storage direction. The spring provides the interlocking mechanism with an elastic force that causes the first slider to slide in the extension direction and the second slider to slide in the storage direction. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

Images