Actuators and washing machines equipped with actuators

Abstract

To provide an actuator capable of actuating not only a clutch mechanism but also a drain valve.SOLUTION: An actuator actuates a drain valve that opens and closes a drain port disposed in the water tank of a washing machine, and a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether a driving force is transmitted to the rotary tub of the washing machine. The actuator includes a first connection member connected to the drain valve and a first connection part of an actuator body, without overlapping the orbiting locus of a second connection part connected to a clutch mechanism through a second connection member. Also, the second connection part is extended without overlapping the orbiting locus of the first connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator for operating a rotating tub and a drain valve of a washing machine, and a washing machine equipped with the actuator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine 900 as shown in FIG. 10. The washing machine 900 has a water tub 910 for storing water, a rotating tub 920 disposed inside the water tub 910, and a pulsator 930 disposed inside the rotating tub 920. A large number of small holes 921 are formed in the peripheral wall of the rotating tub 920, and water in the water tub 910 can flow into the rotating tub 920 through these small holes 921.

[0003] Clothes are loaded into the rotating tub 920. The clothes are agitated by the rotation of the pulsator 930 and the rotating tub 920. In order to rotate the pulsator 930 and the rotating tub 920, a drive source 940 is disposed below the water tub 910. The drive source 940 is fixed at a position spaced downward from the bottom of the water tub 910, and a clutch mechanism 950 is disposed between the bottom of the water tub 910 and the drive source 940.

[0004] A cylindrical first drive shaft 941 extends downward from the rotating tub 920. This first drive shaft 941 penetrates the bottom of the water tub 910 and is connected to the clutch mechanism 950. A second drive shaft 942 extends downward from the pulsator 930. This second drive shaft 942 is connected to the drive source 940.

[0005] The clutch mechanism 950 has a clutch lever 951, and is configured such that a change occurs according to the posture of the clutch lever 951 from a state where the driving force of the drive source 940 is transmitted to the first drive shaft 941 to a state where the transmission of the driving force of the drive source 940 to the first drive shaft 941 is not permitted. The posture of the clutch lever 951 is changed by an actuator 960 fixed to the bottom of the water tub 910.

[0006] When the driving force from the drive source 940 is transmitted to the rotating tank 920 and the pulsator 930 through the first drive shaft 941 and the second drive shaft 942, the rotating tank 920 and the pulsator 930 rotate together. In this case, the clothes in the rotating tank 920 can be agitated in the water without being subjected to a large load from the pulsator 930.

[0007] On the other hand, when the actuator 960 changes the position of the clutch lever 951 and the clutch mechanism 950 no longer allows the transmission of the driving force from the drive source 940 to the first drive shaft 941, only the pulsator 930 rotates. That is, the pulsator 930 rotates relative to the rotating tank 920. In this state, the clothes in the rotating tank 920 can be agitated in the water with a relatively strong force.

[0008] The washing machine 900 further includes a drain valve 970 used for draining water from the water tank 910. The drain valve 970 is configured to be displaceable between a closed position that closes a drain port 911 formed in the water tank 910 and an open position that opens the drain port 911. As described above, while the clothes are being agitated in the water, the drain valve 970 closes the drain port 911. When the agitation of the clothes is finished, the drain valve 970 is displaced to the open position and the drain port 911 is opened. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-135888 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The drain valve 970 is not connected to the actuator 960. Therefore, in the washing machine 900 of Patent Document 1, another actuator is required to displace the drain valve 970 between the open and closed positions.

[0011] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables a single actuator to operate not only a clutch mechanism but also a drain valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The actuator in this disclosure is configured to operate a drain valve that opens and closes a drain port provided in the water tank of a washing machine, and a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit driving force to the rotating drum of the washing machine. The actuator comprises a first connecting portion provided to move toward and toward the drain port while orbiting around a predetermined axis of rotation, a second connecting portion provided to move toward and toward the clutch mechanism while orbiting around the axis of rotation, an actuator body that rotates around the axis of rotation while supporting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, a first connecting member connected to the first connecting portion and the drain valve so as to cause the drain valve to operate when the first connecting portion moves toward and toward the drain port, and a second connecting member extending from the second connecting portion to the clutch mechanism so as to cause the clutch mechanism to operate when the second connecting portion moves toward and toward the clutch mechanism. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are supported by the actuator body at different positions in the axial direction of the axis of rotation. The first connecting member extends from the first connecting portion so as not to overlap the orbital trajectory of the second connecting portion. The second connecting member extends from the second connecting section so as not to overlap with the circular trajectory of the first connecting section. The actuator body includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, and a base member having a first surface to which the rotating shaft is attached, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. One of the first and second connecting parts is connected to the second surface. One of the first and second connecting parts extends from the one connecting part toward the second surface. The rotating shaft does not protrude from the second surface.

[0013] The washing machine in this disclosure comprises a water tank formed to store water, a drain valve for opening and closing a drain port formed in the water tank, a rotating drum formed to accommodate clothes and provided in the water tank to allow water from the water tank to flow into it, a drive source for generating a driving force to rotate the rotating drum, a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit the driving force from the drive source to the rotating drum, and the actuator described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The aforementioned technology makes it possible to operate not only the clutch mechanism but also the drain valve with a single actuator. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the drain valve of the washing machine [Figure 3] Bottom view of the drain valve of the washing machine [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the drain valve of the washing machine [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the clutch mechanism of the washing machine [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the clutch mechanism of the washing machine [Figure 7] Bottom view of the clutch mechanism, the drain valve and the actuator [Figure 8] Bottom view of the clutch mechanism, the drain valve and the actuator [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation sequence of the washing machine [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of a conventional washing machine Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the washing machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the ease of understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] Overall Configuration of Washing Machine The washing machine 100 has a substantially rectangular box-shaped housing 110, and an input port 112 for putting laundry into the housing 110 is formed on the top wall 111 of the housing 110. In addition, a lid portion 113 for opening and closing the input port 112 is attached to the top wall 111 so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0018] Inside the housing 110 is a substantially cylindrical water tank 120 that opens upward and has a bottom 121. The water tank 120 is formed to be able to store water and is elastically held in place by a plurality of suspensions 122 arranged inside the housing 110. Above the water tank 120 is a water supply section 150 for supplying water to the water tank 120. The water supply section 150 has a water supply pipe section 151 that forms a flow path from a faucet and a water supply valve 152 attached to the water supply pipe section 151.

[0019] A drain port 123 is formed at the bottom 121 of the tank 120 for draining the water accumulated in the tank 120. A drain pipe 124 extends from the drain port 123, forming a flow path for the water discharged from the tank 120, and the tip of the drain pipe 124 (the downstream end in the water flow) protrudes from the rear wall of the housing 110. A drain valve 130 is attached to the drain pipe 124, which is configured to be displaceable between an open position that opens the drain port 123 and allows drainage from the tank 120, and a closed position that closes the drain port 123 and does not allow drainage from the tank 120.

[0020] In detail, as shown in Figure 2, the drain pipe 124 has an upstream pipe section 125 connected to the drain port 123, and a valve housing section 126 connected to the upstream pipe section 125 and housing the drain valve 130. The valve housing section 126 has a larger inner diameter than the upstream pipe section 125. For this reason, a stepped section 127 is formed at the joint between the upstream pipe section 125 and the valve housing section 126.

[0021] The end wall 128 of the valve housing 126 on the opposite side of the stepped portion 127 faces the actuator 170 for displacing the drain valve 130. A connection hole 129 is formed in this end wall 128 for connecting the actuator 170 to the drain valve 130 inside the valve housing 126. In addition, a connecting hole 221 is formed in the valve housing 126, as shown in Figure 3. A downstream pipe member 222 (see Figure 1), which constitutes the downstream portion of the drain pipe 124, is connected to this connecting hole 221.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the drain valve 130 includes a valve plate 131 that contacts the stepped portion 127 and dams water from the drain port 123 into the upstream pipe portion 125, and a coil spring 132 that extends between the end wall 128 and the valve plate 131 so as to press the valve plate 131 against the stepped portion 127. The coil spring 132 biases the valve plate 131 so that it is pressed against the stepped portion 127. A bellows tube 133 for protecting the coil spring 132 also extends between the end wall 128 and the valve plate 131, and the coil spring 132 is housed inside the bellows tube 133.

[0023] The bellows tube 133 and coil spring 132 are configured to be expandable and contractible. Therefore, when an external force is applied by the actuator 170 in the direction that pulls the valve plate 131 away from the stepped portion 127 (i.e., towards the end wall 128), the bellows tube 133 and coil spring 132 contract as shown in Figure 4, and the valve plate 131 separates from the stepped portion 127. In the state shown in Figure 4, the water that was dammed up in the upstream pipe portion 125 can flow into the valve housing portion 126 and flow to the downstream pipe member 222 through the connecting hole 221 of the valve housing portion 126. In the following description, the position of the valve plate 131 shown in Figure 4 will be referred to as the "open position". In the following description, the position of the valve plate 131 shown in Figure 2 will be referred to as the "closed position".

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, a rotating tank 140 and a pulsator 160 are rotatably arranged inside the water tank 120. The rotating tank 140 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an upward opening and a bottom 141. Clothes put in through the input port 112 are contained within the rotating tank 140. Numerous small holes 142 are formed in the peripheral wall of the rotating tank 140, and water supplied to the water tank 120 by the water supply unit 150 can flow into the rotating tank 140 through these small holes 142.

[0025] The pulsator 160 is positioned within the rotating tank 140 and is rotatably mounted above the bottom 141 of the rotating tank 140. The pulsator 160 is configured to agitate the clothes inside the rotating tank 140 when it rotates within the rotating tank 140. A drive mechanism 200 for rotating the rotating tank 140 and the pulsator 160 is constructed below the bottom 141 of the rotating tank 140.

[0026] The drive mechanism 200 includes a clutch mechanism 300 fixed to the lower surface of the bottom 121 of the water tank 120, and an annular drive source 210 provided below the clutch mechanism 300 and fixed to the clutch mechanism 300. The drive source 210 is configured to generate a driving force large enough to rotate the pulsator 160 and the rotating tank 140. The clutch mechanism 300 has a rotating plate 217 positioned inside the drive source 210 so as to be rotationally driven by the drive source 210. A drive shaft 212 extends upward from the upper surface of the rotating plate 217. The drive shaft 212 passes through the bottom 121 of the water tank 120 and the bottom 141 of the rotating tank 140, and the pulsator 160 is fixed to the upper end of the drive shaft 212.

[0027] A cylindrical drive shaft 215 extends downward from the bottom 141 of the rotating tank 140, and this drive shaft 215 is used to drive the rotating tank 140. The drive shaft 215 passes through the bottom 121 of the water tank 120 and is connected to the clutch mechanism 300. A sealing structure is formed around the outer surface of the drive shaft 215 to prevent water leakage from the portion where the drive shaft 215 passes through the bottom 121 of the water tank 120.

[0028] The drive shaft 215 for the rotary tank 140 and the drive shaft 212 for the pulsator 160 are arranged substantially coaxially, with the drive shaft 212 being inserted into the drive shaft 215 and protruding from the lower end of the drive shaft 215. A rotating plate 217 is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft 212, and the rotating plate 217 is held at a position spaced apart from the lower end of the drive shaft 215.

[0029] The clutch mechanism 300 further comprises a clutch case 310, a coil spring 311, a spring seat 312, and an annular clutch plate 313 housed within the clutch case 310. The lower part of the drive shaft 215 is inserted into the clutch case 310, and the lower end of the drive shaft 215 is fitted into the clutch plate 313. In detail, the clutch plate 313 is spline-connected to the drive shaft 215 and is displaceable in the axial direction (up and down direction) of the drive shaft 215.

[0030] The clutch plate 313 is positioned above the rotating plate 217, and the coil spring 311 is positioned above the clutch plate 313. The upper end of the coil spring 311 is fixed to the spring seat 312. In the state shown in Figure 1, the coil spring 311 biases the clutch plate 313 downward and presses it against the rotating plate 217. In this state, the driving force of the drive source 210 is transmitted to the pulsator 160 through the rotating plate 217 and the drive shaft 212. This driving force is also transmitted to the rotating tank 140 through the rotating plate 217, the clutch plate 313, and the drive shaft 215. In the following description, the transmission path of the driving force when the clutch plate 313 is in the position shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the "second transmission path". When the second transmission path is set, the pulsator 160 and the rotating tank 140 rotate as a single unit.

[0031] When an upward external force is applied to the clutch plate 313, the coil spring 311 compresses, and the clutch plate 313 is displaced upward. In this state, the clutch plate 313 separates from the rotating plate 217, and the transmission of the driving force from the drive source 210 from the rotating plate 217 to the clutch plate 313 is interrupted. That is, the driving force from the drive source 210 is not transmitted to the rotating drum 140, but is transmitted to the pulsator 160. In the following explanation, the transmission path of the driving force when the clutch plate 313 is separated from the rotating plate 217 will be referred to as the "first transmission path". When the first transmission path is set, only the pulsator 160 rotates. In other words, the pulsator 160 rotates relative to the rotating drum 140.

[0032] (Actuator configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the actuator 170 is fixed to the bottom 121 of the water tank 120 and is configured to displace the clutch plate 313 upward and to displace the drain valve 130 (valve plate 131) to the open position. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the actuator 170 has a first connecting portion 177 used for connecting to the drain valve 130 and a second connecting portion 179 used for connecting to the clutch mechanism 300. The first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 are supported by the actuator body 161, which is configured to rotate the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 around a predetermined axis of rotation. A string-like first connecting member 181 extends from the first connecting portion 177, and a second connecting member 182, made of a coil spring, extends from the second connecting portion 179 toward the clutch mechanism 300. The first connecting member 181 and the second connecting member 182 are bendable.

[0033] The actuator body 161 includes a motor 171, a gearbox 172, a rotating shaft 173, a base member 174, and a sub-member 178. The motor 171 is configured to generate a driving force to operate the clutch mechanism 300 and the drain valve 130. Multiple gears for transmitting the driving force of the motor 171 are arranged inside the gearbox 172, and the base end of the rotating shaft 173 is connected to one of these gears. Therefore, the driving force of the motor 171 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 173 via the multiple gears inside the gearbox 172, and the rotating shaft 173 is rotationally driven. A ratchet mechanism may be configured inside the gearbox 172 to allow the rotating shaft 173 to rotate in only one direction.

[0034] The rotating shaft 173 extends downward from the gearbox 172, defining the axis of rotation described above, and is rotatable around this axis. The base end (upper end) of the rotating shaft 173 is inserted into the gearbox 172 so as to be connected to the gears inside the gearbox 172, as described above. The tip end (lower end) of the rotating shaft 173 protrudes to the outside of the gearbox 172. A base member 174 is attached to the tip end of the rotating shaft 173 from below, and the tip end of the rotating shaft 173 is connected to the upper surface (first surface) of the base member 174. The tip end of the rotating shaft 173 does not protrude from the lower surface (second surface) of the base member 174.

[0035] The base member 174 has a substantially disc-shaped mounting plate 175 and an arm plate 176 that protrudes radially from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting plate 175. A recess complementary to the tip of the rotating shaft 173 is formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 175, and the tip of the rotating shaft 173 is fitted into this recess. A first connecting portion 177 is fixed to the lower surface (second surface) of the tip of the arm plate 176, and this first connecting portion 177 is used for connection to the drain valve 130. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 177 is made of a screw.

[0036] The first connecting portion 177 is also used to fix a sub-member 178, which is provided to operate the clutch mechanism 300, to the arm plate 176. The base end of the sub-member 178 is superimposed on the lower surface (second surface) of the arm plate 176 from below and fixed to the tip of the arm plate 176 by the first connecting portion 177. That is, a through hole is drilled vertically in the base end of the sub-member 178 through which a screw used as the first connecting portion 177 is inserted, and a screw hole is formed in the tip of the arm plate 176 into which this screw is screwed. This screw is inserted from below into the through hole of the sub-member 178 and screwed into the screw hole of the arm plate 176. At this time, it is preferable that the through hole of the sub-member 178 is formed so that the lower end of the screw (i.e., the head of the screw) does not protrude downward from the lower surface of the sub-member 178 (the opposite surface facing away from the base member 174).

[0037] The sub-member 178 extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the arm plate 176, and a second connecting portion 179 connected to the clutch mechanism 300 is fixed to the tip of the sub-member 178. The second connecting portion 179 is located at a different position from the first connecting portion 177 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis and can rotate around the rotation axis at a different phase than the first connecting portion 177. The circumferential phase difference between the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 is set so that a desired state can be obtained for the drain valve 130 and the clutch mechanism 300 while the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 complete one rotation around the rotation axis. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 179 is made up of a pin and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sub-member 178 (the opposite surface facing away from the base member 174).

[0038] The base end of the first connecting member 181 is connected to the first connecting portion 177. More specifically, the base end of the first connecting member 181 is sandwiched in the axial direction of the rotation axis by the base member 174 and the sub member 178. An opening is formed in the base end of the first connecting member 181 through which a screw used as the first connecting portion 177 is inserted.

[0039] The first connecting member 181 extends toward the drain valve 130, and as shown in Figure 2, the tip of the first connecting member 181 is inserted into the valve housing 126 through a connecting hole 129 formed in the end wall 128 of the valve housing 126. The tip of the first connecting member 181 is inserted into the coil spring 132 and the bellows tube 133 within the valve housing 126 and connected to the valve plate 131.

[0040] In the state shown in Figure 2, the first connection portion 177 is near the drain port 123, and there is no tension in the first connecting member 181. When the rotating shaft 173 rotates and the first connection portion 177 is angularly displaced from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown in Figure 4, the first connection portion 177 moves away from the drain port 123. As a result, the valve plate 131 inside the valve housing 126 is pulled towards the end wall 128 of the valve housing 126 by the first connecting member 181 connected to the first connection portion 177, and moves to the open position.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the base end of the second connecting member 182 is attached to the second connecting portion 179. The connection position of the second connecting member 182 to the second connecting portion 179 is lower than the connection position of the first connecting member 181 to the first connecting portion 177. In other words, these connection positions are different from each other in the axial direction of the rotation axis.

[0042] The second connecting member 182 extends toward the clutch mechanism 300, and its tip is connected to the base end of the clutch lever 183. The tip of the clutch lever 183 is configured to grip the peripheral wall of the clutch plate 313 while allowing the clutch plate 313 to rotate. The clutch lever 183 is fixed to the spring seat 312 by a pin 184 between its tip and base end. The clutch lever 183 is rotatable around the pin 184. When the clutch lever 183 is in the position shown in Figure 5, the clutch plate 313 is in contact with the rotating plate 217. This position of the clutch lever 183 will be referred to as the "contact position" in the following description.

[0043] When the clutch lever 183 is in contact position, the second connecting portion 179 is close to the clutch mechanism 300. As the rotating shaft 173 rotates, the second connecting portion 179 is angularly displaced around the axis of rotation so as to move away from the clutch mechanism 300, moving from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6. As the second connecting portion 179 moves away from the clutch mechanism 300, the base end of the clutch lever 183 is pulled towards the actuator 170 by the second connecting member 182 connected to the second connecting portion 179. As a result, the clutch lever 183 rotates around the pin 184, changing its position from contact position so that the tip of the clutch lever 183 is displaced upward. Along with the upward displacement of the tip of the clutch lever 183, the clutch plate 313 is also displaced upward and moves away from the rotating plate 217. The position of the clutch lever 183 shown in Figure 6 will be referred to as the "separated position" in the following description.

[0044] Note that the state in which the rotating shaft 173 is in the rotational position shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the state shown in Figure 3 (and Figure 2). At this time, the driving force of the drive source 210 is transmitted to the pulsator 160 through the rotating plate 217. On the other hand, the drive shaft 215 is disconnected from the rotating plate 217, and the driving force of the drive source 210 is not transmitted to the rotating tank 140. Also, the drain valve 130 is in a state where the drain port 123 is closed, and drainage from the water tank 120 is not permitted. In other words, when the rotating shaft 173 reaches the rotational position shown in Figure 6, the drain valve 130 closes the drain port 123, and the transmission path of the driving force generated by the drive source 210 is set to the first transmission path. In the following description, the rotational position of the rotating shaft 173 shown in Figure 3 (and Figure 6) will be referred to as the "first rotational position". When the rotating shaft 173 reaches the first rotation position, the pulsator 160 can be rotated relative to the rotating tub 140 while water is stored in the water tank 120, allowing the clothes in the rotating tub 140 to be agitated with great force. In this state, high cleaning power can be obtained for the clothes.

[0045] The state in which the rotating shaft 173 is in the rotational position shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the state shown in Figure 7 (and Figure 4). In this state, the clutch mechanism 300 has set up a second transmission path that transmits the driving force of the drive source 210 to the pulsator 160 and the rotating drum 140, and the drain valve 130 has opened the drain port 123. In this state, the water stored in the water tank 120 is drained from the drain port 123, and the pulsator 160 and the rotating drum 140 rotate together. The rotation of the rotating drum 140 causes the water in the clothes to be separated by centrifugal force. The centrifugally separated water is then discharged through the drain port 123. At this time, since the pulsator 160 rotates together with the rotating drum 140, the pulsator 160 is less likely to put a load on the clothes. In the following description, the rotational position of the rotating shaft 173 shown in Figure 7 (Figures 4 and 5) will be referred to as the "third rotational position".

[0046] When the rotating shaft 173 is in the rotational position shown in Figure 8, the first connection portion 177 is located relatively close to the valve housing portion 126, and the valve plate 131 in the valve housing portion 126 is not being pulled by the first connecting member 181. Therefore, the valve plate 131 is pressed against the stepped portion 127 by the coil spring 132 in the bellows tube 133, preventing drainage from the water tank 120. In other words, the drain valve 130 is closing the drain port 123. Also, the second connection portion 179 is located relatively close to the clutch mechanism 300, and the clutch lever 183 is not being pulled by the second connecting member 182. Therefore, the clutch lever 183 is in the position shown in Figure 5, and the clutch plate 313 is pushed down by the coil spring 311 of the clutch mechanism 300 and engages with the rotating plate 217. In other words, the clutch mechanism 300 has a second transmission path that transmits the driving force of the drive source 210 to the pulsator 160 and the rotating drum 140. The rotational position of the rotating shaft 173 shown in Figure 8 will be referred to as the "second rotational position" in the following description.

[0047] When the rotating shaft 173 reaches the second rotation position, the rotating tank 140 and the pulsator 160 can be rotated together while water is stored in the water tank 120. At this time, although the clothes in the rotating tank 140 are agitated in the water by the rotation of the rotating tank 140 and the pulsator 160, the load acting on the clothes is smaller compared to the load applied to the clothes when the pulsator 160 rotates alone. In other words, the clothes are agitated with a relatively weak force.

[0048] (Washing machine operation) In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 is configured to execute either operation sequence A or B shown in Figure 9. In these operation sequences A and B, the water supply unit 150, the drive source 210, and the actuator 170 are controlled by a control unit 190 located on the upper part of the housing 110 shown in Figure 1.

[0049] When the washing machine 100 executes operation sequence A, the control unit 190 first controls the motor 171 of the actuator 170 to rotate the rotating shaft 173, and when the state shown in Figure 3 (first rotation position) is obtained, the control unit 190 stops the actuator 170. At this time, the first connection part 177 is located relatively close to the drain port 123, and the first connecting member 181 connected to the first connection part 177 is not pulling the drain valve 130. As a result, the drain valve 130 is pressed against the stepped portion 127 by the coil spring 132, closing the drain port 123. On the other hand, the second connection part 179 is located relatively far from the clutch mechanism 300, and the second connecting member 182 connected to the second connection part 179 is pulling the clutch lever 183. As a result, the clutch lever 183 is in a separated position, and the clutch plate 313 is located in a position separated upward from the rotating plate 217. In this state, the control unit 190 controls the water supply unit 150 so that water is supplied to the water tank 120. At this time, as described above, the drain valve 130 closes the drain port 123, so the water supplied from the water supply unit 150 is stored in the water tank 120 (step S110).

[0050] When the amount of water necessary for washing the clothes in the rotating tub 140 has accumulated in the water tank 120, the control unit 190 controls the water supply unit 150 so that the water supply from the water supply unit 150 to the water tank 120 stops. The control unit 190 then activates the drive source 210. As a result, the rotating plate 217 is rotated by the drive source 210. At this time, the pulsator 160, which is connected to the rotating plate 217 via the drive shaft 212, rotates together with the rotating plate 217. On the other hand, as described above, the clutch plate 313 is located above the rotating plate 217, so the rotation of the rotating plate 217 is not transmitted to the clutch plate 313, and consequently to the rotating tub 140, which is connected to the clutch plate 313 via the drive shaft 215. Therefore, the pulsator 160 rotates relative to the rotating tub 140, and the clothes in the rotating tub 140 are agitated in the water with great force (step S120).

[0051] The control unit 190 may control the drive source 210 so that the pulsator 160 continues to agitate the clothes for a predetermined time. After this period has elapsed, the control unit 190 stops the drive source 210. Then, the control unit 190 controls the motor 171 of the actuator 170 to rotate the rotating shaft 173, and when the state shown in Figure 7 (third rotation position) is obtained, the actuator 170 is stopped. At this time, the first connection part 177 is located relatively far from the drain port 123, and the drain valve 130 is pulled towards the actuator 170 by the first connecting member 181, displacing it from the open position to the closed position against the biasing force of the coil spring 132. As a result, the water in the water tank 120 is drained through the drain port 123 (step S130). At this time, the second connection part 179 is located relatively close to the clutch mechanism 300, and the second connecting member 182 is not pulling the clutch lever 183. Therefore, the clutch lever 183 is in a contact position, and the clutch plate 313 is pushed down by the coil spring 311 and in contact with the rotating plate 217.

[0052] Once the water tank 120 has finished draining, the control unit 190 activates the drive source 210. As a result, the rotating plate 217 is rotated by the drive source 210. At this time, the pulsator 160, which is connected to the rotating plate 217 via the drive shaft 212, rotates together with the rotating plate 217. Also, since the clutch plate 313 is in contact with the rotating plate 217, the rotation of the rotating plate 217 is transmitted to the clutch plate 313, causing the clutch plate 313 to rotate as well. When the clutch plate 313 rotates, the drive shaft 215 connected to the clutch plate 313 and the rotating tank 140 connected to the upper end of the drive shaft 215 also rotate. The rotation of the rotating tank 140 causes the water contained in the clothes in the rotating tank 140 to be centrifuged, thus dewatering the clothes (step S140). At this time, since the pulsator 160 rotates integrally with the rotating tank 140, the clothes in the rotating tank 140 are not subjected to an excessively large load by the pulsator 160.

[0053] If operation sequence A is selected, the clothes are agitated with strong force as described above, which can effectively remove dirt attached to the clothes, but may also increase the load on the clothes. Therefore, if a high load on the clothes is undesirable, operation sequence B may be selected.

[0054] When the washing machine 100 executes operation sequence B, the control unit 190 first controls the motor 171 of the actuator 170 to rotate the rotating shaft 173, and when the state shown in Figure 8 (second rotation position) is obtained, the control unit 190 stops the actuator 170. At this time, the first connection part 177 is located relatively close to the drain port 123, and the first connecting member 181 connected to the first connection part 177 is not pulling the drain valve 130. Therefore, the drain valve 130 is pressed against the stepped portion 127 by the coil spring 132, closing the drain port 123. Also, the second connection part 179 is located relatively close to the clutch mechanism 300, and the second connecting member 182 is not pulling the clutch lever 183. Therefore, the clutch lever 183 is in a contact position, and the clutch plate 313 is pushed down by the coil spring 311 and in contact with the rotating plate 217. In this state, the control unit 190 controls the water supply unit 150 so that water is supplied to the water tank 120. At this time, as described above, the drain valve 130 closes the drain port 123, so the water supplied from the water supply unit 150 is stored in the water tank 120 (step S115).

[0055] When the amount of water necessary for washing the clothes in the rotating tub 140 has accumulated in the water tank 120, the control unit 190 controls the water supply unit 150 so that the water supply from the water supply unit 150 to the water tank 120 stops. Then, the control unit 190 activates the drive source 210. As a result, the rotating plate 217 is rotated by the drive source 210. At this time, the pulsator 160, which is connected to the rotating plate 217 via the drive shaft 212, rotates together with the rotating plate 217. Also, as described above, the clutch plate 313 is in contact with the rotating plate 217, so the rotation of the rotating plate 217 is transmitted to the clutch plate 313, and by extension, to the rotating tub 140, which is connected to the clutch plate 313 via the drive shaft 215. Therefore, the rotating tub 140 and the pulsator 160 rotate as a single unit. At this time, the clothes in the rotating tub 140 are agitated in the water with a relatively weak force (step S125).

[0056] The operation of the washing machine 100 after the drive source 210 has been operating for a predetermined duration is the same in operation sequences A and B. Therefore, even if operation sequence B is selected, steps S130 and S140 are executed thereafter.

[0057] In the above embodiment, a single actuator 170 can be used to operate not only the clutch mechanism 300 but also the drain valve 130. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount multiple actuators on the washing machine 100 in order to operate the clutch mechanism 300 and the drain valve 130.

[0058] The rotating shaft 173 is connected to the upper surface (first surface) of the base member 174 and does not protrude downward from the lower surface (second surface) of the base member 174. On the other hand, since the first connecting portion 177 is attached to the lower surface of the base member 174, the first connecting member 181 extends from the first connecting portion 177 to the drain valve 130 at a position lower than the rotating shaft 173. Therefore, even if the rotating shaft 173 rotates and the first connecting portion 177 rotates around the axis of rotation, the first connecting member 181 will not become entangled with the rotating shaft 173.

[0059] The first connecting portion 177 is used not only to hold the first connecting member 181, but also to fix the sub-member 178 to the lower surface of the base member 174. For this reason, the sub-member 178 is fixed to the base member 174 from below. Since the second connecting portion 179 is attached to the lower surface of the sub-member 178 (the opposite side facing away from the base member 174), the second connecting member 182 extends from the second connecting portion 179 to the clutch mechanism 300 even lower than the first connecting member 181. For this reason, the second connecting member 182 also does not become entangled with the rotating shaft 173.

[0060] Furthermore, although the first connecting portion 177 penetrates the sub-member 178 from below, the lower end of the first connecting portion 177 does not protrude from the lower surface of the sub-member 178 (the opposite surface facing away from the base member 174). Therefore, even if the first connecting portion 177 rotates around the rotation axis, it will not get caught on the second connecting member 182. Consequently, the operation of the drain valve 130 and the clutch mechanism 300 will not be hindered by the first connecting portion 177 getting caught on the second connecting member 182.

[0061] The first connecting member 181 is connected to the first connecting portion 177 at a position sandwiched above and below by the base member 174 and the sub member 178, and extends to the drain valve 130. The connection position of the first connecting member 181 to the first connecting portion 177 is different from that of the second connecting portion 179 in the axial direction of the rotation axis, making it possible to extend the first connecting member 181 so as not to overlap with the rotational trajectory of the second connecting portion 179. Therefore, the second connecting portion 179 can rotate around the rotation axis without getting caught on the first connecting member 181. Also, since the second connecting portion 179 is provided at a different position from that of the first connecting portion 177 in the axial direction of the rotation axis, it is also possible to extend the second connecting member 182 so as not to overlap with the rotational trajectory of the first connecting portion 177. Therefore, the first connecting portion 177 can rotate around the rotation axis without getting caught on the second connecting member 182. Therefore, the first connecting member 181 does not obstruct the rotation of the first connection portion 177, nor does it obstruct the operation of the drain valve 130, nor does the second connecting member 182 obstruct the rotation of the second connection portion 179, nor does it obstruct the operation of the clutch mechanism 300.

[0062] A screw is used as the first connecting portion 177, and this screw passes through the sub-member 178 and is screwed into the screw hole of the base member 174. Therefore, the first connecting portion 177 is located in the overlapping region of the base member 174 and the sub-member 178. If the first connecting portion 177 were located outside this overlapping region, the overlapping region and the first connecting portion 177 would rotate around the axis of rotation on the same plane. In this case, the overlapping region could get caught on the first connecting member 181 extending from the first connecting portion 177 while rotating around the axis of rotation, potentially hindering the operation of the drain valve 130. On the other hand, if the first connecting portion 177 is located in the overlapping region of the base member 174 and the sub-member 178, this situation will not occur.

[0063] The component of the movement of the first connecting portion 177 includes not only the component in the displacement direction of the drain valve 130, but also a component perpendicular to the displacement direction of the drain valve 130. Since the first connecting member 181 is a bendable cord, it can bend in accordance with the movement of the first connecting portion 177 in the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the drain valve 130. Therefore, no excessively large load is placed on the first connecting member 181 and the drain valve 130.

[0064] Similarly, the component of the movement of the second connecting portion 179 includes not only the component in the direction of pulling the clutch lever 183, but also a component in the direction perpendicular to this direction. Since a coil spring is used in the second connecting member 182, the second connecting member 182 can bend in accordance with the movement of the second connecting portion 179 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of pulling the clutch lever 183. For this reason, excessive load is not generated on the second connecting member 182 and the clutch mechanism 300.

[0065] The second connecting portion 179 is positioned at a different location relative to the first connecting portion 177 in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. Therefore, the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 rotate around the axis of rotation with different circumferential phases. These differences in circumferential phases can be set so that the drain valve 130 and the clutch mechanism 300 can achieve the following three states during one rotation of the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 around the axis of rotation. The drain valve 130 is in the closed position, and the clutch plate 313 is not in contact with the rotating plate 217. The drain valve 130 is in the closed position, and the clutch plate 313 is in contact with the rotating plate 217. The drain valve 130 is in the open position, and the clutch plate 313 is in contact with the rotating plate 217.

[0066] Furthermore, if the three states described above are achieved, the first connecting portion 177 and the second connecting portion 179 may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction (i.e., in the axial direction of the rotation axis). In this case, the sub-member 178 is not required.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the first connecting portion 177 is a screw that is inserted through a through hole in the sub-member 178 and screwed into a screw hole in the base member 174. Alternatively, a through hole may be formed in the base member 174 and a screw hole may be formed in the sub-member 178. In this case, the first connecting portion 177 can be inserted through the through hole in the base member 174 and screwed into a screw hole in the sub-member 178.

[0068] In the embodiment described above, the first connecting member 181 for the drain valve 130 extends above the second connecting member 182 for the clutch mechanism 300. Alternatively, the washing machine 100 may be configured such that the first connecting member 181 extends below the second connecting member 182. In this case, the second connecting portion 179 may be attached to the lower surface of the base member 174, and the first connecting portion 177 may be attached to the lower surface of the sub-member 178.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the actuator 170 operates the drain valve 130 while pulling it. Alternatively, the actuator 170 may be configured to push the drain valve 130 to the closed position when the first connecting portion 177 approaches the drain port 123. In this case, it is preferable that the first connecting member 181 is configured to have high rigidity.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the actuator 170 operates the clutch mechanism 300 while pulling the clutch lever 183. Alternatively, the second connecting member 182 may have high rigidity and be configured to push the clutch lever 183 when the second connecting portion 179 of the actuator 170 approaches the clutch mechanism 300. In this case, the second connecting member 182 is configured to have high rigidity. The clutch mechanism 300 may also be configured such that the clutch plate 313 is pressed against the rotating plate 217 when the actuator 170 pushes the clutch lever 183. In this case, the clutch plate 313 may be displaced away from the rotating plate 217 when the actuator 170 pulls the clutch lever 183.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the actuator 170 is mounted on a top-loading washing machine 100. Alternatively, the actuator 170 may be mounted on a drum-type washing machine.

[0072] (Effects, etc.) The technology according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0073] An actuator according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to operate a drain valve that opens and closes a drain port provided in the washing machine's water tank, and a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit driving force to the washing machine's rotating drum. The actuator comprises a first connecting portion provided to move toward and away from the drain port while circulating around a predetermined rotation axis, a second connecting portion provided to move toward and away from the clutch mechanism while circulating around a rotation axis, an actuator body that rotates around a rotation axis while supporting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, a first connecting member connected to the first connecting portion and the drain valve so as to cause the drain valve to operate when the first connecting portion moves toward and away from the drain port, and a second connecting member extending from the second connecting portion to the clutch mechanism so as to cause the clutch mechanism to operate when the second connecting portion moves toward and away from the clutch mechanism. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are supported by the actuator body at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The first connecting member extends from the first connecting portion so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the second connecting portion. The second connecting member extends from the second connecting section so as not to overlap with the circular trajectory of the first connecting section.

[0074] In the above configuration, the drain valve is connected to the first connection part via a first connecting member, and can operate by the first connection part rotating around a predetermined axis of rotation and moving toward and toward the drain port. Furthermore, a second connecting member extends from the second connection part to a clutch mechanism, and the clutch mechanism can operate by the second connection part rotating around a predetermined axis of rotation and moving toward and toward the clutch mechanism.

[0075] Since the first connection portion is supported by the actuator body at a different position from the second connection portion in the axial direction of the rotation axis, the first connecting member can be extended from the first connection portion so as not to overlap with the rotational trajectory of the second connection portion. Similarly, the second connecting member can be extended from the second connection portion so as not to overlap with the rotational trajectory of the first connection portion. As a result, the first connection portion can rotate around the rotation axis without contacting the second connecting member, and the drain valve connected to the first connection portion via the first connecting member can open and close the drain port without being obstructed by the second connecting member. Furthermore, the second connection portion can rotate around the rotation axis without contacting the first connecting member, and the operation of the clutch mechanism is not hindered by contact between the second connection portion and the first connecting member.

[0076] In the above configuration, the actuator body may include a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, and a base member having a first surface to which the rotating shaft is attached, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. One of the first and second connecting parts may be connected to the second surface. One of the first and second connecting members may extend from the other connecting part toward the second surface. The rotating shaft does not have to protrude from the second surface.

[0077] In the above configuration, one of the first and second connection parts is connected to the second surface of the base member, which is opposite to the first surface to which the rotating shaft is attached. Therefore, the connecting member connected to this connection part can extend on the second surface side. In this case, since the rotating shaft does not protrude from the second surface, contact between the rotating shaft and the connecting member is prevented. As a result, the drain valve or clutch mechanism can operate without being obstructed by the rotating shaft.

[0078] In the above configuration, the actuator body may have a sub-member superimposed on the second surface so as to be positioned differently from the base member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The other of the first and second connection parts may be supported by the sub-member at a different position from the other connection part in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. One of the connecting members may be extended so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the other connection part.

[0079] If both the first and second connecting portions are provided on the second surface of the base member, and the first and second connecting members are connected to them, the first connecting member may overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the second connecting portion, or the second connecting member may overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the first connecting portion. In this case, the first connecting portion may get caught on the second connecting member, or the second connecting portion may get caught on the first connecting member, hindering the operation of the drain valve or clutch mechanism.

[0080] To prevent such a situation, in the above configuration, the sub-member is superimposed on the second surface of the base member, and is able to support the other of the two connection parts at a different position from the base member in the axial direction of the rotation axis. As a result, one connecting member can be extended so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the other connection part. In other words, the other connection part can be positioned so as not to get caught on the connecting member connected to the first connection part.

[0081] In the above configuration, the sub-member may be configured to support the other connection at a position where the other connection rotates around the axis of rotation in a different phase than the first connection.

[0082] In the above configuration, the magnitude of the difference between the rotational position of the rotating shaft when operating the drain valve and the rotational position of the rotating shaft when operating the actuator can be set using the circumferential phase difference between the first and second connection points. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the difference between these rotational positions from becoming excessively small by using the circumferential phase difference between the first and second connection points.

[0083] In the above configuration, the other connecting portion may be provided on the opposite side of the sub-member, facing away from the base member. The other connecting member connected to the other connecting portion may extend from the other connecting portion on the opposite side so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the first connecting portion.

[0084] In the above configuration, the other connecting portion is provided on the sub-member on the side opposite to the base member, and therefore does not come into contact with the connecting member extending from the one connecting portion provided on the base member. Furthermore, since the other connecting member extends from the other connecting portion on the side opposite to the base member, it is unlikely to come into contact with the one connecting portion provided on the base member. As a result, interference with the operation of the drain valve and clutch mechanism due to these contacts is suppressed.

[0085] In the above configuration, one connecting portion may be connected to the base member and the sub-member so as to fix the sub-member to the base member at the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub-member. The other connecting member may be connected to one connecting portion between the base member and the sub-member.

[0086] If one of the connecting parts were provided on a second surface other than the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub-member, the circumferential trajectory of this overlapping portion could overlap with that of the connecting member. In other words, the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub-member could get caught on that of the connecting member. To avoid this situation, in the above configuration, one of the connecting parts is provided on the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub-member, and one of the connecting members is connected to one of the connecting parts between the base member and the sub-member. As a result, one of the connecting parts rotates around the pivot axis together with the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub-member, and contact between this overlapping portion and the connecting member is prevented in any part other than the connection portion between one of the connecting parts and the connecting member.

[0087] A washing machine according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a water tank formed to store water, a drain valve for opening and closing a drain port formed in the water tank, a rotating drum formed to accommodate clothes and provided in the water tank so that water from the water tank can flow into it, a drive source for generating a driving force to rotate the rotating drum, a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit the driving force from the drive source to the rotating drum, and the actuator described above.

[0088] In the configuration described above, it is permissible to operate both the drain valve and the clutch mechanism with a single actuator.

[0089] In the above configuration, the drain valve may be biased toward a closed position that closes the drain port, and may be configured to move to an open position that opens the drain port when the first connecting portion moves toward the drain port, as it is pulled by the first connecting member.

[0090] In the configuration described above, when the first connection part separates from the drain port, the drain valve is pulled by the first connecting member and moves to the open position. As a result, the drain port opens, making it possible to discharge the water stored in the tank.

[0091] In the above configuration, the washing machine may further include a drive shaft extending from the rotating tub to a clutch mechanism, and a clutch lever connected to a second connecting member. The clutch mechanism may include a rotating plate rotated by a drive source, and a clutch plate mounted on the drive shaft so as to be movable in the axial direction of the drive shaft and biased toward the rotating plate. The clutch lever may be configured to change its position from a contact position that allows the clutch plate to contact the rotating plate and transmit the rotation of the rotating plate to the clutch plate, to a separated position that separates the clutch plate from the rotating plate, by being pulled by the second connecting member as the second connecting portion moves away from the clutch mechanism.

[0092] In the configuration described above, the clutch plate is biased toward the rotating plate, and when the clutch lever is in the contact position, the clutch plate contacts the rotating plate. At this time, the rotation of the rotating plate, which is rotated by the drive source, is transmitted to the clutch plate, and the clutch plate rotates together with the rotating plate. Since the clutch plate is attached to a drive shaft extending from the rotating tank, the rotating tank can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the clutch plate.

[0093] When the second connecting portion moves away from the clutch mechanism, the clutch lever is pulled by the second connecting member and changes its position from a contact position to a separated position. This change in position causes the clutch plate connected to the clutch lever to be displaced in the axial direction of the drive shaft and move away from the rotating plate. As a result, the rotation of the rotating plate is no longer transmitted to the clutch plate, and consequently, to the rotating drum connected to the clutch plate via the drive shaft.

[0094] In the above configuration, the washing machine may further include another drive shaft extending from the rotating plate into the rotating tub, and a pulsator attached to the other drive shaft that rotates in the rotating tub to agitate the clothes.

[0095] In the configuration described above, the pulsator is attached to another drive shaft extending from the rotating plate. As long as the rotating plate is rotated by the drive unit, the pulsator can rotate within the rotating tank and agitate the clothes. On the other hand, the rotating tank does not rotate even if the rotating plate is rotating, if the clutch plate is separated from the rotating plate. In this case, the pulsator rotates relative to the rotating tank and can agitate the clothes with strong force. Conversely, when the clutch plate is in contact with the rotating plate, the rotating tank and the pulsator can rotate together. In this case, it is permissible to agitate the clothes with relatively weak force.

[0096] In the above configuration, the washing machine may further include a control unit that controls the actuator so that the first connection part stops at a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position while the first connection part rotates once around the rotation axis. The drain valve may be biased toward a closed position that closes the drain port, and may be configured to move to an open position that opens the drain port when the first connection part moves toward away from the drain valve, pulled by the first connecting member. The actuator may allow the drain valve to be in the closed position without the first connecting member pulling the drain valve when the first connection part is stopped at the first rotation position, and the clutch lever to be in a separated position by the second connecting member pulling the clutch lever. The actuator may also allow the drain valve to be in the closed position without the first connecting member pulling the drain valve when the first connection part is stopped at the second rotation position, and the clutch lever to be in a contact position without the second connecting member pulling the clutch lever. Furthermore, the actuator may be configured such that, when the first connection is stopped at the third rotational position, the first connecting member pulls the drain valve, thereby displacing the drain valve to the open position, and the second connecting member does not pull the clutch lever, allowing the clutch lever to remain in contact.

[0097] In the above configuration, when the first connection is stopped at the first rotation position, the first connecting member does not pull the drain valve, and the drain valve is in the closed position, so water is accumulated in the water tank and the rotating tank. At this time, the clutch lever is separated by the second connecting member, so the pulsator rotates relative to the rotating tank. In this state, the clothes in the rotating tank are agitated with great force in the water.

[0098] When the first connection is stopped at the second rotation position, the first connecting member is not pulling the drain valve, and the drain valve is in the closed position. At this time, the second connecting member is not pulling the clutch lever, and the clutch lever is in contact position. In this case, the pulsator rotates integrally with the rotating tank, so the clothes in the rotating tank are agitated in the water with relatively little force.

[0099] When the first connection is stopped at the third rotation position, the first connecting member pulls the drain valve, displacing it to the open position. As a result, water is discharged from the water tank and the rotating tank. At this time, the second connecting member is not pulling the clutch lever, and the clutch lever is in contact position. In this case, the pulsator rotates integrally with the rotating tank, so the clothes are not subjected to an excessively large load from the pulsator. During this time, the moisture contained in the clothes can be centrifuged by the rotation of the rotating tank. [Industrial applicability]

[0100] The technology of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in a washing machine equipped with a drain valve and a clutch mechanism. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 100··········Washing machine 120··········Aquarium 123·········································· Drain port 130···········Drain valve 140···········Rotating tank 160···········Pulseta 161···········Actuator body 170··········actuator 173···········Rotating shaft 174···········Base component 177···········First connection section 178···········Sub-components 179···········Second connection section 181···········First connecting member 182···········Second connecting member 183···········Clutch lever 190············Leg 210··········Power source 212,215·······Drive shaft 217···········Rotating plate 300··········Clutch mechanism 313···········Clutch plate

Claims

1. An actuator that operates a drain valve for opening and closing a drain port provided in the washing machine's water tub, and a clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit driving force to the rotating drum of the washing machine, A first connecting portion is provided so as to move toward and away from the drain port while rotating around a predetermined axis of rotation, A second connecting portion is provided to rotate around the aforementioned rotation axis and move toward and away from the clutch mechanism, An actuator body that rotates around the rotation axis while supporting the first connection part and the second connection part, A first connecting member is connected to the first connecting portion and the drain valve such that the drain valve operates when the first connecting portion moves toward or away from the drain port, The clutch mechanism is operated by the second connecting portion moving toward and away from the clutch mechanism, and the second connecting member is connected to the second connecting portion and the clutch mechanism, The first and second connecting portions are supported by the actuator body at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The first connecting member extends from the first connecting portion so as not to overlap with the circular trajectory of the second connecting portion. The second connecting member extends from the second connecting portion so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the first connecting portion. The actuator body is A rotating shaft that rotates around the aforementioned rotation axis, The base member has a first surface to which the rotating shaft is attached, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. One of the first and second connection parts is connected to the second surface. One of the first and second connecting members extends from the one connecting portion on the second surface side. The actuator has a rotating shaft that does not protrude from the second surface.

2. The actuator body has a sub-member superimposed on the second surface so as to be positioned at a different location from the base member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The other of the first and second connecting portions is supported by the sub-member at a different position from the first connecting portion in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein one of the connecting members is extended so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the other connecting portion.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein the sub-member is configured to support the other connection portion at a position where the other connection portion rotates around the rotation axis in a different phase from that of the one connection portion.

4. The other connecting portion is provided on the opposite side of the sub-member, facing away from the base member. The actuator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the other connecting member connected to the other connecting portion extends from the other connecting portion on the opposite side so as not to overlap with the circumferential trajectory of the one connecting portion.

5. The aforementioned connecting portion is connected to the base member and the sub member so as to fix the sub member to the base member in the overlapping portion of the base member and the sub member, The actuator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one connecting member is connected to the one connecting portion between the base member and the sub member.

6. A water tank formed to be able to store water, A drain valve that opens and closes a drain port formed in the aforementioned water tank, A rotating tank is provided inside the tank, which is formed to accommodate clothing and into which water from the tank can flow, A drive source that generates a driving force for rotating the aforementioned rotating drum, A clutch mechanism that operates to determine whether or not to transmit driving force from the drive source to the rotating drum, A washing machine comprising an actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the drain valve is biased toward a closed position that closes the drain port, and is configured to move toward an open position that opens the drain port when the first connecting portion moves toward the drain port, and is pulled by the first connecting member.

8. The system further comprises a drive shaft extending from the rotating drum to the clutch mechanism, and a clutch lever connected to the second connecting member, The clutch mechanism comprises a rotating plate rotated by the drive source, and a clutch plate attached to the drive shaft so as to be movable in the axial direction of the drive shaft and biased toward the rotating plate. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the clutch lever is configured to change its position from a contact position that allows the clutch plate to contact the rotating plate and transmit the rotation of the rotating plate to the clutch plate, to a separated position that separates the clutch plate from the rotating plate, by being pulled by the second connecting member as the second connecting portion moves away from the clutch mechanism.

9. Another drive shaft extending from the rotating plate into the rotating tank, The washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising a pulsator attached to the other drive shaft and rotating in the rotating drum to agitate the clothes.

10. The system further includes a control unit that controls the actuator so that the first connection part stops at a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position while the first connection part rotates once around the rotation axis. The drain valve is biased toward a closed position that closes the drain port, and is configured to move toward an open position that opens the drain port when the first connecting portion moves toward the drain valve, as it is pulled by the first connecting member. The actuator is When the first connecting portion is stopped in the first rotation position, the first connecting member does not pull the drain valve and allows the drain valve to remain in the closed position, and the second connecting member pulls the clutch lever, thereby moving the clutch lever to the separated position. When the first connecting portion is stopped at the second rotational position, the first connecting member does not pull the drain valve and allows the drain valve to be in the closed position, and the second connecting member does not pull the clutch lever and allows the clutch lever to be in the contact position. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein when the first connecting portion is stopped at the third rotational position, the first connecting member pulls the drain valve, thereby displacing the drain valve to the open position, and the second connecting member does not pull the clutch lever, allowing the clutch lever to remain in the contact position.

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