Washing machine with device for data exchange to/from external device

Abstract

The object of the present invention lies on providing a washing machine with a device for connection to an outside required for connecting to wire/wireless communication and Internet technologies. The washing machine includes a controller fitted to a body for washing control, and a device fitted at one side of the body for exchange washing related data between the controller and an external device.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a controller fitted to a body for washing control; and    a device fitted at one side of the body for exchange washing related data between the controller and an external device.    
     
     
         2 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes; 
 a circuit board connected for transmission/reception of an electrical signal to/from the controller, and    a connection port fitted to the circuit board for exchange of washing related data with the external device.    
     
     
         3 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the device further includes; 
 a coating material coated on an upper surface and bottom surface of the circuit board for cutting off water infiltration into circuit lines on the circuit board, and    a waterproof shell surrounding an outside of the connection port for cutting off inflow of the water into inside of the connection port.    
     
     
         4 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the connection port is hook coupled to the circuit board for transmission of a load exerted to the connection port to the circuit board when the cable is connected/disconnected to the connection port.  
     
     
         5 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein there is an opening on the control panel over the connection port for access to the connection port, and 
 a rubber plug in the opening for plugging the opening when the cable is not connected to prevent inflow of the water.    
     
     
         6 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes; 
 a circuit board built in the controller in the body;    a connection port at a rear or side surface of the body for exchange of washing related data with the external device, and    a lead line connecting the connection port and the circuit board.    
     
     
         7 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein there is the connection port and a waterproof member to surround an outside of the connection port fitted to the rear or side surface of the body.  
     
     
         8 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein it is preferable that the connection port and the waterproof member are fitted to one side of the rear surface or side surface of the body, and the waterproof member has a form to surround the connection port spaced from the outside surface of the connection port, with an opening at one side for connection of a connector thereto from outside.  
     
     
         9 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes; 
 a circuit board fitted to one side of the controller on the body,    a lead line connected to the circuit board, passed through a part of the body, and exposed for a distance from an outside of the body,    a connection port fitted to a fore end of the lead line for washing related data exchange with the external device, and    hold means on the body for holding the connection port when the connection port is not connected.    
     
     
         10 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the hold means includes; 
 a pocket in a body, and    a cover for cutting off inflow of water into the pocket, and preventing the connection port held in the pocket from being fallen off the hold means.    
     
     
         11 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the edges of the cover has a form to wrap edges of the pocket for double cutting off inflow of water through a slot in the pocket.  
     
     
         12 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the cover and the pocket are hinge coupled.  
     
     
         13 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the pocket has a slot at a lower part of an inlet to the pocket for passing the lead line when the connection port is held in the pocket.  
     
     
         14 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the pocket is fitted to the rear surface, or the side surface of the body.  
     
     
         15 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes; 
 a first radio transceiver fitted to a position at an outside of the control panel,    a circuit board fitted to a position at an inside of the control panel, and    a second radio transceiver fitted to a position on the circuit board for transmission/reception of a radio signal to/from the first radio transceiver.    
     
     
         16 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the first radio transceiver is connected to an external terminal, such as a PC, a telephone set, or the like.  
     
     
         17 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the first radio transceiver is put in a “U” formed cavity formed in the control panel, and a bottom of the cavity is formed of a material a light can transmit therethrough.  
     
     
         18 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the cavity has a drain hole at one side of a lower part for draining the water in the cavity, and the drain hole has a drain passage fitted thereto.  
     
     
         19 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the first radio transceiver and the control panel are coupled as hooks projected from both sides of a bottom of the first radio transceiver and hook slots in female hooks projected from edges of a transparent window formed on the control panel are coupled.  
     
     
         20 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the first radio transceiver and the second radio transceiver are UV ray ports.  
     
     
         21 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes; 
 a first radio transceiver fitted to a position at an inside of the control panel,    a circuit board fitted to a position at an inside of the control panel, and    a second radio transceiver fitted to a position on the circuit board for transmission/reception of a radio signal to/from the first radio transceiver.    
     
     
         22 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the first radio transceiver is connected to an external terminal, such as a PC or a telephone set.  
     
     
         23 . A washing machine as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the first radio transceiver and the second radio transceiver are UV ray ports.