JP3116030B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for use in ordinary households, which can easily change a take-out direction of a drain hose and check and repair movable parts even when the washing machine is installed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in most washing machines, an opening and a back cover for covering the opening are provided on the rear surface of the main body, and the inside of the washing machine is inspected and repaired by opening the back cover. Was. In addition, when processing the drain hose at the time of installing the washing machine (changing the take-out position of the drain hose from the main body according to the position of the drain port), the work from the opening or the washing machine is turned over. Then, there was something to work from the bottom.

[0003] Normally, a washing machine is installed with its rear surface facing a wall, so it is necessary to move the washing machine for inspection and repair. However, in the domestic housing situation, the space around the washing machine is generally inexpensive, so it is not easy to move the washing machine, the workability is poor, and the customer is burdened. That was the current situation. Furthermore, in recent years,
The washing capacity of washing machines has been increasing due to the habit of batch washing, etc., and as a result, the size of washing machines has become larger and the spread of clothes dryers has increased. It is becoming increasingly difficult to move the washing machine due to an increase in the number of cases where a support is attached to the rear surface of the washing machine and a clothes dryer is installed using the space above the washing machine.

[0004] In addition, in the treatment of the above-mentioned drain hose, it is necessary to perform an operation before the washing machine is installed at the installation location. Further, when the drainage port is located behind or below the washing machine, when inserting the drainage hose into the drainage port, it is difficult to visually check the work, and the installation may be incomplete.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, there is known a front service type structure in which an opening is provided on the front side of a frame of a washing machine and assembly, inspection, and repair are performed from the front.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-197395 is known as the same type.

[0006]

However, even in the above-mentioned front service type, there is no disclosure about treatment of a drain hose when a washing machine is installed.

[0007] In addition, during inspection and repair, the front portion of the frame body is open, so that the lower portion of the washing machine can be inspected. However, the upper surface is provided on the upper surface of the frame body and accommodates various control parts. In order to disassemble the cover and operation unit, it is necessary to move the washing machine, and the prior art is rather
The emphasis was on assembly, rather than inspection and repair, and service was not sufficient.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to improve the workability of installing a washing machine (treatment of a drain hose) and to improve the serviceability that enables easy inspection and repair even when the washing machine is installed.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing and dewatering tub having a rotatable stirring blade at the inner bottom, an outer tub that rotatably mounts the washing and dehydrating tub, and an inner tub that is provided with the outer tub. A frame having a substantially rectangular cross section in a horizontal direction, a vibration isolator for suspending and supporting the outer tub in the frame in a vibration-proof manner, and an agitator provided on an outer lower surface of the outer tub, and A drive unit for rotating and driving the wings and the washing and dewatering tub, a drain port provided at the bottom of the outer tub, and provided with a drainage device having a drain valve and a drain hose, and an upper opening of the frame body. An upper cover provided on the upper portion of the frame so as to cover the frame, an opening formed in the front of the frame, and a panel member detachably attached to the frame so as to cover the opening on the front. In the washing machine, the drain port and the drain valve are disposed outside the drive unit with respect to the outer tub. It is arranged on the lower surface side and at a position close to the opening side of the front surface, and a rectangular base made of synthetic resin on which the frame is placed is attached to the lower end of the frame. The drainage hose cut at the pipe connection and shortened is connected to the drain pipe located below the washing machine. is there.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic structural diagram of a fully automatic washing machine. 1 is a frame body including an internal mechanism, 2 is a washing and dewatering tub, provided with a fluid balancer 3 at the top, and a rotatable stirring blade 4 at the bottom. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub that contains the washing and dewatering tub 2. A drive unit is attached to the bottom of the outer tub via a steel plate center base 6, and is suspended from the four upper corners of the frame 1 by a vibration isolator 7. Have been. The drive unit includes a motor 8, a clutch 9, and a V-belt 10, and rotates the motor 8 by a motor pulley 11, a V-belt 1,
The clutch 9 transmits the torque to the agitating blade 4 via an internal reduction gear during washing, and transmits the torque to the stirring blade 4 during dehydration without using the reduction gear. It is transmitted to the washing and dewatering tub 2 to perform dehydration.
13 is a water supply solenoid valve, one end of which is connected to a faucet,
The other end is connected to the water inlet 14. Reference numeral 15 denotes an upper surface cover having a panel box portion, in which a control unit 16 as a control unit, a water level sensor 17 for controlling a water level, a power switch 18, and an input switch unit 1 are provided.
9, a progress display unit 20 and the like are stored. The panel box portion 21 is provided at two places, a front side and a rear side,
A front panel 22 and a back panel 23 are respectively mounted. The top cover 15 is provided with an opening 24 for putting clothes and a lid 25 for opening and closing the opening 24.
The frame 1 is fixed to the frame 1 via mounting screws 26 (FIG. 2) from above through a front panel 22 and a back panel 23 so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a drainage device, which comprises a drainage valve 28 and a drainage hose 29. One end of the drain valve 28
It is bonded to a drain port 5 a provided at the bottom of the outer tub 5, and the other end is connected to a drain hose 29. Drain hose 29
The other end of the drainage hose outlet 3 according to the position of the drainage outlet
Pull it out of the machine from 0.

The water level is detected by a water level sensor 17 via an air tube 31 from an air trap 5b provided in the outer tank 5. The water level sensor 17
It is arranged on the near side corresponding to the position of the air trap 5b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 1 is a member made of a steel plate having a substantially rectangular cross section in the horizontal direction, and has an opening 32 in a side surface corresponding to the front surface of the washing machine. A connection part between the air tube 31 for detecting the water level and the air trap 5b of the outer tub 2, a connection part between the drain hose 29 and the drain valve 28, an upper electric component such as the control unit 16, and a lower part such as the motor 8. The connection portion of the wire harness 40, the drain valve 28, the drain hose 29, and the drain hose outlet 30 for making electrical connection of the electrical components thus formed are all provided in the opening 3
It is located at a position accessible from 2.

Thus, even when the washing machine is installed, the inside of the washing machine can be inspected through the opening 32.

Further, since the top cover 15 is fixed to the frame 1 with mounting screws 26 from above, even if the washing machine main body is placed in an installation place where there are obstacles on both sides, the air tube 31 can be used. If the connection of the air trap 5b and the wire harness 40 is disconnected, and the mounting screw 26 is removed,
The entire top cover 15 can be disassembled without moving the washing machine, so that the upper parts can be easily inspected and repaired.

Further, the treatment of the drain hose can be easily and reliably performed. The treatment of the drain hose will be described later.

A synthetic resin base 34 having legs 33 is attached to the lower end of the frame 1 by caulking.
It prevents the steel plate from being exposed, improves corrosion resistance, and protects against injury. The opening 3
2 is formed as follows. A lower plate formed by bending a steel plate serving as a main body portion of the frame body 1 into a substantially U-shape and integrating an upper plate 35 made of a steel plate by caulking and a lower portion extending upward from the base 34. A portion 34a is provided to form the opening 32. The vertical width of the upper plate 35 is such that the strength is not hindered even with the opening 32, and if necessary, both sides of the lower plate 34a are screwed into the frame 1 with screws 3.
Fix with 6. Reference numeral 37 denotes a panel member made of a steel plate that covers the opening 32. Vertical dimension H of the panel member 37 is substantially the same height H ₁ and the frame 1, the width dimension W is greater than the width W ₂ of the opening 32, and than the width W ₁ of the frame 1 It is set small.

The horizontal section of the panel member 37 is
It has a substantially curved shape, and the panel has rigidity. Also,
By reducing the width as described above, the span is shortened, which is advantageous in strength. Mounting surface 1c to the frame 1 of the panel member 37, the plane 1a, to form a h ₂ becomes step. Thereby, the gap between the frame 1 and the panel member 37 when viewed from the side can be made inconspicuous, and the panel member 37 can be prevented from being deformed in the lateral direction against an external force from the P direction. h ₁ is the plane 1a, both sides of the panel member 37 is stand out dimension. The step h ₂ is determined from the physical properties of the frame material as the washing machine and the pressing process in production.
Since the maximum value is about 3 mm, when h ₁ = 0, the rigidity of the panel member 37 is reduced, and it is necessary to increase the plate thickness. Therefore, providing the h ₁ to ensure the vertical bending stiffness of the panel member 37.

Further, a part of the upper plate 35 is bent so that the upper plate 35 comes into contact with the back surface of the panel member 37 to improve the tensile rigidity.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the panel member and minimize the thickness of the panel member without deteriorating the appearance performance, and it is possible to obtain a small-sized and light-weight panel having good workability in a narrow laundry space.

Further, as a means for improving the tensile rigidity of the panel member 37, a reinforcing beam may be attached to the back surface of the panel member 37.

On the other hand, the panel member 37 is attached by inserting a plurality of claws 37a integrally provided with the panel member 37 into the corner pad 1b of the frame body 1 from below and pushing the screw upward from the front. At 38, it is attached to the frame 1. The position of the claw 37a is set in the relationship of C <W in FIG. In addition, both sides of the panel member 37 are provided with bent portions 37b facing the inner package. Thus, the nail 37a, the corner pad 1b, and the end face of the panel member 37 are not seen from the outside, and the design is good. By adopting a structure in which the end face is not exposed, even if rust or the like is generated from the cut surface, it can be prevented from being seen in the external part. Screw 3
After tightening 8, the cap 39 is put on so that the screw head is not directly visible. The position of the screw 38 is set at a position of 80 mm or more from the lower end of the leg 33 upward. Thereby, even if the washing machine is installed on the waterproof pan, the screw 38 can be disassembled and assembled. If a simple nut such as a speed nut is used for the frame 1 corresponding to the screw 38, the re-tapping property can be improved.

The upper end of the panel member 37 has a flange portion 37c and a rising portion 37d as shown in FIG.
To prevent the panel member 37 from rattling. In addition, a slit 37e is provided at the center of the rising portion 37d, and a rib 15b corresponding to the slit 37e is provided integrally with the upper cover 15 to guide the panel member 37 in the left-right direction when the panel member 37 is assembled. Improve.

The lower end of the panel member 37 is provided with a folded portion 37f as shown in FIG. 6, and fitted into the groove 34b of the base 34. Thereby, even if the panel member is pulled in the Q direction, there is no gap or detachment.

In the state where the panel member 37 is attached to the frame 1 as described above, since the four sides are restricted, the composite strength is increased and a strong frame is obtained.

The material and surface treatment of the panel member 37 are as follows.
It is different from the frame 1 and uses a steel plate which has high corrosion resistance and is subjected to a metallic or pearl or decorative treatment. Thereby, a high quality product can be provided without increasing the manufacturing cost of the entire frame 1.

On the rear surface 1d of the frame 1, there is provided a column mounting portion 1e for a clothes dryer. The column mounting portion 1e can be made available by exchanging a frame of a press die for producing the frame 1. Also, the column mounting portion 1f is provided on the front surface 1a of the frame body 1.
Is made possible by frame exchange. 1 on the back of the frame
In d, no irregularities or openings other than the column mounting portion 1e are provided.

Thus, a frame structure having a high design property can be obtained over the entire circumference of the frame, and the degree of freedom of the place for placement can be increased, and the cleaning property can be improved.

Further, the column mounting portion 1e is not provided, and 1f
In addition to the panel member 37, a lid that covers the opening 32 at a minimum is used, and the mounting of the top cover is reversed. Can be provided.

Although the above description has been made with reference to the frame made of steel plate,
A similar effect can be obtained with a synthetic resin frame.

Next, the treatment of the drain hose will be described.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the drain hose 29 is pulled out to the left as viewed from the front of the main body. Reference numeral 29a denotes a hose fixing portion, which is sandwiched and fixed by a hose retainer 41 and a hose support portion 34c provided on the base 34 as shown in FIG. 29e is a connection port with the drain valve 28. Vibration during dehydration of the internal mechanism is absorbed by a bellows portion provided between the hose fixing portion 29a and the drain valve connection port 29e. Drain hose 2 at hose outlet 30
9, the straight portion 29b and the flanges 29f and 29g are formed on both sides of the straight portion 29b, as shown in FIG. 9, so that the position of the drain hose is determined.
The inner diameter D of the hose outlet 30 and the outer diameter D _{2 of} the collar 29f,
Relationship between the outer diameter D ₁ of the flange 29g has a D _1> D _2> D. The outer diameter of the straight portion 29b is substantially the same as the inner diameter D but slightly larger to stabilize the fixing.
The outer diameter D ₁ is determined when the drain hose 29 is pulled outward.
The drain hose 29 is set so as not to move easily. In the case of an excessive external force, the load is applied to the hose fixing portion, and no load is applied to the connection portion with the drain valve 28. Outer diameter D ₂ is in deriving the drain hose on the opposite side to set the size of the extent retracting readily within the body in proportion.

Fixed part of drain hose 29, hose outlet 3
The drain valve 28 is provided near the opening 32 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, and can be approached from the opening 32.

Here, a procedure for pulling out the drain hose 29 to the opposite side will be described.

First, the panel member 37 is removed and the opening 32 is removed.
Work from. After removing the hose elastic 41 fixed to the hose support portion 34c, the drain hose 29 is completely pulled into the machine, and the distal end of the drain hose is pulled out to the outside through the hose outlet 30 on the opposite side. When pulled out to a predetermined length, the brim 29g serves as a stopper, so that the completion of the drawing can be confirmed. Next, the hose fixing portion 29a is applied to the hose supporting portion 34c, and is fixed by the hose elastic 41. At this time, the hose outlet 30 through which the drain hose 29 does not pass
Is moved to the opposite side because it is closed by the cap 42.

Finally, the panel member 37 is assembled, and the operation is completed. As described above, according to the present invention, since all operations can be performed from the front side of the washing machine main body, there is no need to move the washing machine at all, so that the workability is good. Also, the connection port 29e with the drain valve 29 is rotated,
High reliability because there is no need to remove it.

Next, the processing of the drain hose when the drain port is below the washing machine will be described. The drain hose 29 is provided with a pipe connection part 29d, at which the drain hose is cut and the drain pipe 43 can be connected.

Therefore, when the drain port is below the washing machine, the drain pipe 43 may be connected to the pipe connection portion as shown in FIG. 10, and the end of the drain pipe 43 may be inserted into the drain port. Since the position of the drainage port cannot be specified, the bellows portion is provided between the hose fixing portion 29a and the pipe connection portion 29d to cover the area under the washing machine. Also,
If necessary, a drain pipe 43 having a different length may be provided, or the drain pipe 43 may be lengthened and cut as needed.

In any case, the drainage hose can be treated inside the machine, so that the length of the drainage hose can be shortened as compared with the case where the drainage hose is guided to the outside and the lower part of the washing machine is processed. Is also good. Furthermore, since the drainage port can be operated without looking at the washing machine while looking directly through the opening 32, the drainage hose can be easily operated without being short, playing inside the machine, and not completely entering the drainage port. And reliable processing becomes possible. Of course, there is no need to move the washing machine, so there is no problem even if the clothes dryer is set.

FIG. 11 shows the packing state of the washing machine.

At the time of packing, the entire drain hose 29 is pulled into the machine, and the vicinity of the center of the drain hose 29 is hooked on a hook 34d provided on the base 34. The tip of the hose is fixed to the hose outlet 30 using the cap 42 described above.

As shown in FIG. 13, the hook 34d is a rib having a circular cross section with an open central portion. When the drain hose 29 is pulled in the O direction, the drain hose comes off the hook 34d.

The distal end of the hose is fixed as shown in FIG. 12, and the distal end of the drain hose is inserted and fixed into a pipe 42a provided integrally with the cap 42.
Is provided with a hose outlet 3 by means of an integrally provided claw 42b.
It is fixed by engaging with the 0 fitting hole 30a.

Since the hook 29c of the drain hose 29 is rotatable, the cap 42 is
Is provided integrally with the rib 42c for suppressing rotation. The shape of the hose outlet 30 is formed as a keyhole because of the necessity of the hook 29c to pass through, so that the mounting operation of the cap 42 at the time of packing is simplified.

As described above, since the drain hose 29 can be packed while being housed in the main body, the packing volume can be minimized and it is economical. Further, since the drain hose 29 is supported by the hook 34d, even if the washing machine is carried in an unpacked state, the drain hose 29 does not hang down, and there is no possibility that the hose is accidentally crushed by the washing machine.

When the cap 42 is unpacked as described above, the hose outlet 3 on the side from which the drainage hose 29 is not drawn out.
Since it may be set to 0, it is not necessary to newly provide a cap for closing the hose outlet.

FIG. 14 shows a drain hose 29.

[0048]

According to the present invention, there is provided a washing and dewatering tub having a rotatable stirring blade on an inner bottom thereof, an outer tub which rotatably mounts the washing and dehydrating tub, A frame having a substantially rectangular cross section in the direction, a vibration isolator for suspending and supporting the outer tub in a vibration-proof manner on the frame, and provided on an outer lower surface of the outer tub, and the stirring blade and the washing machine are provided. A driving unit that rotationally drives the dehydration tub, a drain port provided at the bottom of the outer tub and having a drainage device equipped with a drainage valve and a drainage hose, and a cover for covering an upper opening of the frame. In a washing machine having an upper surface cover provided on an upper portion of a frame, an opening formed on a front surface of the frame, and a panel member detachably attached to the frame so as to cover the opening on the front surface,
The drain port and the drain valve are disposed on the lower surface side of the outer tub on the front side of the driving unit and near the opening side of the front surface, and have a rectangular shape made of a synthetic resin on which the frame is placed. A base is attached to the lower end of the frame, and the drainage hose is provided with a pipe connection part that can be cut in the middle thereof, and the pipe connection part of the drainage hose cut and shortened at this pipe connection part is used for a washing machine. It is characterized in that it is connected to a drain pipe located below.

According to the present invention, the drain hose can be treated with the washing machine installed, so that the workability is good and the work reliability is high.

In particular, since the floor drain hole can be seen directly from the opening of the base only by removing the panel member, the drain hose can be easily inserted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic structural diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a development view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 1 showing another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a drain hose diagram.

FIG. 15 is a development view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Frame, 30 ... Hose outlet, 32 ... Opening, 37 ...
Panel members.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Suzuki 1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Within the Living Equipment Division, Hitachi, Ltd. No. 1-1, Hitachi, Ltd. Living Equipment Business Division (56) References JP-A-59-77896 (JP, A) JP-A-4-197395 (JP, A) JP-A-7-68084 (JP, A) A) Jiko 62-32555 (JP, Y2) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) D06F 39/12 D06F 39/08

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A washing and dewatering tub having a rotatable stirring blade on an inner bottom thereof, an outer tub rotatably disposed in the washing and dewatering tub, and a horizontal cross-section in which the outer tub is disposed. A substantially rectangular frame, a vibration isolator for suspending and supporting the outer tub on the frame in a vibration-proof manner, and provided on an outer lower surface of the outer tub, and rotating the stirring blade and the washing and dewatering tub. A driving unit to be driven, a drain port provided at the bottom of the outer tub, to which a drainage device having a drain valve and a drain hose is mounted, and an upper part of the frame so as to cover an upper opening of the frame. A cover provided on the frame, an opening formed on the front surface of the frame, and a washing machine having a panel member detachably attached to the frame so as to cover the opening on the front surface. The drain valve is opened on the lower surface side of the outer tub nearer to the drive unit and on the front surface. A rectangular base made of synthetic resin on which the frame is placed is attached to a lower end of the frame, which is disposed at a position close to a mouth side, and the drainage hose has a pipe connection portion that can be cut in the middle thereof. And a drainage hose cut and shortened at the pipe connection portion, wherein the pipe connection portion is connected to a drain pipe located below the washing machine.