Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine enabling rigidity of an enclosure to be increased while adequately ensuring a clearance between the enclosure and a water tank.SOLUTION: A washing machine X comprises: an enclosure 10 having left and right lateral plates 103; a water tank disposed in the enclosure so that an opening faces forward; and a washing tank disposed in the water tank so as to be rotatable. The lateral plate 103 comprises: contracted areas 131 including a recessed part 131a that is concave in a direction approaching the water tank with respect to a reference surface 103a; and a reference area 133 having the reference surface 103a. The contracted area 131 has a convex 131b protruding in a direction further away from the water tank than the concavity 131a in the range of the recessed part 131a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine having a washing tub in a water tub inside a housing. [Background technology]

[0002] In a drum-type washing machine having a water tub disposed within a housing and a washing tub rotatably mounted within the water tub, a structure in which a concave and convex shape is provided on the side panel to increase the rigidity of the housing is conventionally known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-63893 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned washing machine, the distance between the water tub and the side panel varies depending on the uneven shape of the side panel, but if the distance between the water tub and the side panel is made too small, there is a concern that the water tub will be more likely to hit the side panel due to shaking of the washing tub caused by imbalance of laundry during spin-drying, for example. The present invention aims to realize a washing machine that can increase the rigidity of the housing while ensuring an appropriate gap between the housing and the water tub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine of the present invention comprises a housing having left and right side panels, a water tub arranged within the housing with its opening facing forward, and a washing tub arranged rotatably within the water tub, wherein the side panels have a constricted region including a recess that is recessed in a direction toward the water tub relative to a reference surface, and a reference region having the reference surface, and within the range of the recess, the constricted region has a convex portion that protrudes in a direction away from the water tub more than the recess. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the above configuration, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the housing while ensuring an appropriate gap between the housing and the water tank. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 13A is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction as viewed from the front, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Diagram 3] 13(a) is an enlarged view from above the front with the front side panel removed, and 13(b) is an enlarged view from above the left with the washing tub and the upper part of the water tub removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a view from above the front side with the housing and other components removed. [Diagram 5] The housing and other components have been removed, with (a) being a view from the front and (b) being a view from the right side. [Figure 6] (a) is a view of the base seen from above on the right side, (b) is a view of the base seen from below on the left side, and (c) is an enlarged view of the leg attachment portion. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram explaining the position of the front vibration-damping member, showing the cross section of the water tub and washing tub from the right side, and FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining the position of the rear vibration-damping member, showing the cross section of the water tub and washing tub from the right side.

[0008] <Embodiment>

[0009] 1. Overview The schematic structure of the washing machine X according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Washing machine X at least includes water tub 11 disposed in housing 10 and washing tub 12 rotatably disposed within water tub 11. Washing machine X is a so-called drum type (horizontal type) in which the central axis (rotation axis) of washing tub 12 is disposed horizontally. Note that in FIG. 2(b), dewatering holes on the peripheral surface of washing tub 12 are not shown. Here, the direction in which the central axis (rotation axis) of washing tub 12 extends is defined as the front-rear direction, the side where door 15 for loading and unloading laundry is present is defined as the front side, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. Note that right and left are based on the state in which washing machine X is viewed facing door 15.

[0010] Specifically, washing machine X comprises a housing 10, a water tub 11 for storing wash water and the like, a washing tub 12 provided inside water tub 11 and accommodating laundry such as clothes, a base 26 for supporting water tub 11 from below, a frame 14 for supporting water tub 11 from above, a door 15 for opening and closing the opening of water tub 11, a motor (drive means) 16 for rotating washing tub 12 (see (b) of FIG. 5), a water supply unit 17A for supplying water to water tub 11, an operation unit 13 for performing operations such as washing and drying operations, a control unit for performing washing and drying operations, a drainage unit 17B for draining water tub 11 (see FIG. 4), and a treatment agent manual dosing unit 21 and a treatment agent automatic dosing unit 22 for dosing a laundry treatment agent into washing tub 12. Each part will be explained below.

[0011] 2. Housing The housing 10 has a box shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped or cube, and includes a front panel 101, a rear panel 102, a right panel 103A, a left panel 103B (not shown), and a top panel 105. When there is no need to distinguish between the right panel 103A and the left panel 103B, they will simply be referred to as side panels 103. The front panel 101 has an opening, and a door 15 is provided to close the opening. Side plate 103 has throttle region 131 including recess 131a recessed in a direction approaching water tank 11 relative to reference surface 103a, and reference region 133 having reference surface 103a.

[0012] (1) Aperture area Here, the constriction region 131 extends along the rotation axis (extension direction (front-rear direction) of the washing tub 12). Note that "extending along the rotation axis" includes the case of extending parallel to the rotation axis and the case of extending at an angle of 45° or less with respect to the rotation axis. The length of the drawn region 131 in the extension direction is within a range of 50 to 90% of the dimension of the drawn region 131 in the extension direction of the side plate 103. A plurality of drawn regions 131 are provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, thereby reinforcing the side plate 103. The throttle region 131 includes, within the range of the recess 131a, one or more protrusions 131b that protrude in a direction away from the water tank 11 (outward in the left-right direction) beyond the recess 131a. Here, one protrusion 131b is formed in the central region in the longitudinal direction of the recess 131a (throttle region 131).

[0013] The protrusion 131b is located in the central region in the front-rear direction of the throttle region 131 or the recess 131a. When there are multiple protrusions 131b, at least one of them is located in the central region in the front-rear direction. The central region here is a range including the position of the joining portion 113 that joins the front tank member 111 and the rear tank member 112 of the water tank 11, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the protrusion 131b is provided in a region facing the joining portion 113 of the water tank 11. The position (range) of the protrusion 131b is not limited to the central region in the front-rear direction of the throttle region 131 or the recess 131a, but may be any region that faces the joining portion 113. The joining portion 113 protrudes outward in order to join the flanges (projections) of the two tanks that constitute the front and rear of the water tank 11 together. Convex portion 131b may protrude so as to be flush with reference surface 103a (in this case, the amount of recession of convex portion 131b from reference surface 103a is "0"), or may protrude lower than reference surface 103a (toward water tank 11). Convex portion 131b may protrude on the side opposite to water tank 11 from reference surface 103a, but considering the left-right dimension of housing 10, it is preferable that convex portion 131b be flush with reference surface 103a or lower than reference surface 103a. Convex portion 131b is present on side plate 103 closer to the center in the up-down direction than the upper and lower ends of water tub 11. This is because the outer shape (joint portion) of water tub 11 protrudes outward on the side closer to the center than the upper and lower ends of water tub 11. A reference area 133 is located at a portion of side plate 103 that intersects with an imaginary line that passes through the rotation axis of washing tub 12 and extends in the left-right direction. This makes it difficult for water tub 11 to come into contact with side plate 103 even when washing tub 12 vibrates.

[0014] 3. Aquarium As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the water tub 11 is composed of a front tank member 111 and a rear tank member 112. The protruding portion 111a of the front tank member 111 and the protruding portion 112a of the rear tank member 112 are joined together in a butted relationship in the front-rear direction. For joining, fasteners such as screws and rivets, adhesives, welding if the water tub 11 is made of a metal material, or fusing if the water tub 11 is made of a resin material can be used. The joint portion 113 between the front tank member 111 and the rear tank member 112 is composed of front and rear protrusions 111a, 112a, which face each other within the range of the protrusion 113b, and is located, for example, in the middle region in the front-rear direction of the water tank 11. The middle region is the region from a first position that is 30% of the total length of the water tank 11 from the front end of the water tank 11 to a second position that is 70% of the total length from the front end. The projections 111a and 112a project radially outward. Therefore, when the joint portion 113 is viewed from the front-rear direction, the periphery of the joint portion 113 has a circular or circular-like shape. The projections 111a and 112a are cut out on both the left and right sides, and when viewed from the front-rear direction, the left and right end faces 113a are parallel to the top and bottom. This allows the left and right dimensions of the joint portion 113 of the water tank 11 to be reduced. The distance between the left and right end faces of the joint portion 113 and the reference area 133 of the side plate 103 is within a range of 12 to 15 mm. The distance between the left and right end faces of the joint portion 113 and the protruding portion 131b of the side plate 103 is within a range of 7 to 15 mm. This prevents contact between the side plate 103 and the water tank 11 and prevents the housing 10 from becoming large in the left and right direction.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, the water tub 11 is supported by a plurality of vibration-proof members 18, 19. The water tub 11 is also supported by a plurality of elastic support members 20. The vibration-proof members 18, 19 are, for example, dampers, and there are four of them. The elastic support members 20 are, for example, coil springs, and there are two of them. Second ends 18b, 19b of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 are rotatably connected to the supported portion (114) of the water tub 11. Specifically, they are rotatably fixed by a pin that passes through through holes in a pair of opposing wall portions 114 that constitute the supported portion of the water tub 11 and through holes in the second ends (18b, 19b). A first end of the elastic support member 20 engages with a through hole in a rib wall portion 115 of the water tub 11. Water tub 11 is provided with weight balancers 23 on its outer periphery. Weight balancers 23 are provided on both the left and right sides forward of connecting portion 113. Here, four weight balancers are provided, one above and one below, on both the left and right sides. Weight balancers 23 can suppress vibration of water tub 11.

[0016] 4. Washing tub Washing tub 12 is provided with dewatering holes, a lifter, etc. on its inner circumferential surface. Washing tub 12 here includes rotational balancer 123 therein. Here, rotational balancer 123 is a liquid balancer in which liquid is sealed in a circular container, and is provided at the front end.

[0017] 5. Pedestal The base 26 is disposed below the housing 10. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, the base 26 includes a frame-shaped main body 261 including an upper surface portion that supports the vibration-proof members 18 and 19, and legs 25 that are provided on the main body 261 and contact the installation surface. The main body 261 has a gap 265 located directly above the leg 25, and has a notched shape so that the gap 265 is formed between the upper surface portion and the leg 25. As a result, compared to a configuration without the gap 265, the length over which vibration is transmitted from the vibration-proof members 18 and 19 to the leg 25 becomes longer, so that the vibration is more easily attenuated. In other words, the base 26 includes a first protruding portion 262 that protrudes in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction from the upper portion of the main body 261, and a second protruding portion 263 that protrudes from a corner of the main body 261 at a distance from the first protruding portion 262, and the leg 25 is provided on the second protruding portion 263. That is, four legs 25 are provided spaced apart from each other in the front and rear on both the left and right sides of base 26. This allows washing machine X to be stably installed on the installation surface. When viewed from above, the main body 261 has a rectangular, square, or similar frame shape. This allows the base 26 to be lightweight. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the main body 261 is hollow and opens from above, and is reinforced by ribs extending left and right or front and rear. This allows for further weight reduction.

[0018] The first ends 18a, 19a of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 are attached to the first overhang 262 (upper surface) via the attachment member 24. The attachment member 24 attaches the vibration-proof members 18, 19 rotatably around a rotation axis in the front-rear direction. This allows the water tub 11, which contains the washing tub 12 that vibrates due to rotation, to be supported. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the attachment member 24 is composed of a pair of L-shaped members 241, one side 243 of which is fixed to the first overhang 262, and the other side 245 of which has a through hole 245a for a pin that passes through the through hole of the first ends 18a, 19a of the vibration-proof members 18, 19. It is preferable that the first ends 18a, 19a or the attachment member 24 at least partially overlap the projection area or gap 265 of the leg 25 in the vertical direction. In other words, it is preferable that the gap 265 or the leg 25 exists directly below the first end portions 18a, 19a or the mounting member 24. Note that the leg 25 may have a shape that does not overlap with the first end portions 18a, 19a or the mounting member 24 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0019] Here, the second overhanging portion 263 overhangs in the left-right direction from the front end and rear end of the main body portion 261. The second overhanging portion 263 is located below the first overhanging portion 262, but has a gap 265 (in FIG. 6(c) , the leading line of the symbol is an arrow to distinguish it from the main body portion 261) between the first overhanging portion 263 and the first overhanging portion 262 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the vibration of the washing tub 12 (vibration-proof members 18, 19) is transmitted to the first overhanging portion 262, the main body portion 261, the second overhanging portion 263, and the legs 25. In other words, compared to a configuration without the gap 265, the length over which the vibration is transmitted from the vibration-proof members 18, 19 to the legs 25 is longer, so that the vibration is more easily attenuated. Therefore, the vibration of washing tub 12 (vibration-proof members 18, 19) is attenuated while being transmitted through first overhanging portion 262, main body portion 261, and second overhanging portion 263, and the vibration transmitted from legs 25 to the installation surface can be reduced. In addition, the second protrusion portion 263 has a gap 266 (in (c) of Figure 6, the lead line of the symbol is an arrow to distinguish it from the main body portion 261) between it and portion 261a (see (c) of Figure 6) which is located on both the left and right sides of the main body portion 261 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The leg 25 has a threaded portion that allows the height to be adjusted, and the threaded portion is screwed into a threaded hole in the second protruding portion 263 .

[0020] When viewed from above, the area where legs 25 are provided overlaps with the attachment positions of first ends 18a, 19a of vibration-proof members 18, 19. In other words, legs 25 are disposed below the portions of first protruding portion 262 where vibration-proof members 18, 19 are attached. This allows the weight of water tub 11 and washing tub 12 to easily act on legs 25.

[0021] 6. Vibration-proofing materials The four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are provided at the front and rear of the water tank 11, sandwiching the center in the front-rear direction between them. This allows for well-balanced support of the water tank 11. Note that the vibration-proof members 18, 19 may be vibration absorbing members or damping members to absorb vibrations. As shown in Fig. 7(a), the center axis of vibration-proof member 18 located at the front side is within first imaginary plane P1 perpendicular to the rotation axis of washing tub 12 at the front side of water tub 11. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the center axis of vibration-proof member 19 located at the rear side is within second imaginary plane P2 perpendicular to the rotation axis of washing tub 12 at the rear side of water tub 11. Note that first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 may be imaginary planes perpendicular to the front-rear direction. This makes it possible to prevent a torsional load or the like from acting on vibration-proof member 18. The four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are located between the front end (imaginary line L3) and the rear end (imaginary line L5) of the water tub 11 in the front-rear direction or in the extension direction of the rotation axis O, as shown in Fig. 5(b), and are located so as to substantially coincide with the left and right ends of the water tub in the left-right direction, as shown in Fig. 5(a). Note that "substantially coincident" means that the left-right distance between the left and right ends and first ends 18a, 19a of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 (rotatably supported rotation axes) is within the range of -20 to 20 mm.

[0022] The vibration-proof members 18, 19 are rod-shaped, with first ends 18a, 19a supported by the base 26 and second ends 18b, 19b supported by the water tank 11. In other words, the first ends 18a, 19a are lower ends, and the second ends 18b, 19b are upper ends. The four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are arranged on both the left and right sides at intervals in the front-rear direction, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows water tub 11 to be supported in a well-balanced manner in the left-right and front-rear directions. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first ends 18a, 19a of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 are supported by the base 26 at one side (outer side) in the left-right direction, and the second ends 18b, 19b are supported by the water tank 11 at the other side (center side) in the left-right direction. That is, the vibration-proof members 18, 19 are rod-shaped, and their central axes L1, L2 are inclined so as to approach the center in the left-right direction (a virtual line L9 passing through the rotation axis O and extending in the vertical direction) as they move upward. The angle A between the virtual line L9 and the central axes L1, L2 of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 is within a range of 20 to 50 degrees, preferably within a range of 25 to 45 degrees. By setting the angle A within this range, it is possible to prevent the dimensions in the left-right direction and the vertical direction from becoming large. The vibration-proof members 18, 19 are provided so that an imaginary line L1 (which coincides with the central axis here) connecting the first ends 18a, 19a and the second ends 18b, 19b intersects with the rotation axis O of the washing tub 12 when a first load is applied to the washing tub 12. In other words, as shown in (a) of Fig. 5, when viewed from the front side, the rotation axis O of the washing tub 12 is positioned on an extension of the central axes L1, L2. The first load here is in a range of a load acting when the spin-drying process is completed and a load acting when the drainage before the spin-drying process is completed when 75 to 85% of the laundry capacity (rated capacity in the catalog) is stored in the washing tub 12. This allows the vibration of the washing tub 12 to be absorbed during the washing and spin-drying processes. The first load is not limited to the above load range, and may be a load acting when the spin-drying process is completed, a load acting when the drainage before the spin-drying process is completed, an average load between the load when the spin-drying process is completed and the load when the drainage before the spin-drying process is completed, a range between the load when the spin-drying process is completed and the average load, or a range between the load when the drainage before the spin-drying process is completed and the average load. The load acting upon completion of the spin-drying process is the load caused by gravity acting on the weight W1 of the laundry upon completion of the spin-drying process, and the load acting upon completion of drainage before the spin-drying process is the load caused by gravity acting on the weight W2 of the laundry upon completion of drainage before the spin-drying process. The weight W1 of the laundry after the spin cycle is completed can be calculated as follows. W1 = rated capacity x laundry capacity x [(1 / spin rate)-1] The weight W2 of the laundry after the drainage is completed before the spin-drying process can be calculated as follows. W2 = Rated capacity x laundry capacity x K Here, the "containment rate" in the above formula is 75 to 85%, and "K" is 2 to 3. The dehydration rate is 56 to 75%. The rated capacity is, for example, 7 to 12 kg. 5(a), the four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are provided symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line L9 that passes through the rotation axis O and extends in the vertical direction, thereby enabling water tank 11 to be supported in a well-balanced manner in the left-right direction.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the central axis L1 of the front vibration-proof member 18 is located in a range from the outer front surface of the water tub 11 (virtual line L3) to a position (virtual line L4) 10 to 20 mm rearward from the rear surface of the rotational balancer 123. Preferably, when the rotational balancer 123 is not provided, the central axis L1 is located in a range from the front surface of the washing tub 12 to a position 10 to 20 mm rearward from the front surface of the washing tub 12, and when the rotational balancer 123 is provided, the central axis L1 is located in a range from the rear surface of the rotational balancer 123 to the virtual line L4. This assumes that when the laundry is biased to the front side of the washing tub 12, the center of gravity of the biased laundry will be in the above range. The central axis L2 of the rear vibration-proof member 19 is located in a range from the rear surface (imaginary line L5) of the outside of the water tub 11 to a position (imaginary line L6) that is 10 to 20 mm forward from the rear surface of the inside of the washing tub 12. It is preferable to locate it in a range from the rear surface of the inside of the washing tub 12 to the imaginary line L6. In addition, when the rotational balancer 123 is provided at the rear end of the washing tub 12, it is preferable to locate it in a range from the rear surface of the rotational balancer 123 to a position 10 to 20 mm forward from the rear surface of the washing tub 12. This assumes that when the laundry is biased to the rear side of the washing tub 12, the center of gravity of the biased laundry will be in the above range. As a result, the vibration caused by the rotation of the washing tub 12 can be absorbed, and the vibration suppression performance can be improved.

[0024] The four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are provided such that the first ends 18a, 19a are located at or near the corners of a square, rectangular, or similar quadrangular shape when viewed from above. The square or rectangular shape here is a quadrangle in which one pair of sides are parallel to the front-rear direction and the other pair of sides are parallel to the left-right direction. More specifically, the first ends 18a, 19a are fixed to the corners of a base 26 that is substantially in the shape of a square frame when viewed from above.

[0025] The four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are provided in a specific positional relationship with respect to the four legs 25. That is, when viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends 18a of the two front vibration-proof members 18 are located rearward of the central axis L7 of the two front legs 25. On the other hand, the attachment positions of the first ends 19a of the two rear vibration-proof members 19 are located forward of the central axis L8 of the two rear legs 25. As a result, vibrations transmitted from the vibration-proof members 19 are transmitted through the legs 25 and dispersed in the front-rear direction.

[0026] 7. Legs The four legs 25 are provided so as to be located at or near the corners of a square, rectangular or similar quadrangular shape when viewed from above. A square or rectangular shape here is a quadrangle in which one pair of sides are parallel to the front-rear direction and the other pair of sides are parallel to the left-right direction. In other words, the four legs 25 and the four vibration-proof members 18, 19 are arranged at the corner positions of quadrangles of the same or similar shape. A distance D1 between the center axis L7 of the front leg 25 and the outer front surface (imaginary line L3) of the water tub 11 is within a range of 10 to 80 mm. A distance D2 between the center axis L8 of the rear leg 25 and the outer rear surface (imaginary line L5) of the water tub 11 is within a range of 10 to 80 mm.

[0027] 8.Elastic support member The elastic support members 20 are provided in the middle region in the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides of the water tub 11. In other words, when viewed from the left-right direction (FIG. 5(b)), the elastic support members 20 are located between the front and rear vibration isolators 18, 19. This allows the number of elastic support members 20 to be reduced to two, making it possible to reduce the number of elastic support members 20. The first end (lower end) of the coil spring constituting the elastic support member 20 engages with the through hole in the ribbed wall portion 115 of the water tub 11, and the second end engages with the through hole 14a on the housing 10 side, in this case, the frame 14 extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] <Modification> Although the embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be modified as follows, for example. In addition, the embodiments and the modified examples, or the modified examples may be combined with each other. Furthermore, the present invention also includes examples that are not described in the embodiments and modified examples, and design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0029] 1. Washing tub The central axis of the washing tub 12 is not limited to being horizontal, and may be inclined downward from the front to the rear. In addition, if it is not related to the extension direction of the rotation axis of the washing tub 12, the central axis of the washing may be vertical (longitudinal direction). 2. Pedestal (1) The base 26 has a rectangular frame shape, but may have a rectangular prism shape with a recess in the center, or a rectangular prism shape without a recess or a through hole in the center. The side surface of the rectangular frame-shaped base may extend linearly in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, or may extend linearly or curvedly so as to bulge or sink outward. (2) The first protruding portion 262 protrudes outward in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction, but may protrude inward. (3) The second protruding portion 263 protrudes in the left-right direction, but may protrude in the front-rear direction or may protrude in an oblique direction intersecting the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. (4) The first ends 18a, 19a of the vibration-proof members 18, 19 are attached using the mounting member 24, but may also have a pair of opposing wall portions integral with the first protrusion portion 262 of the base 26, the wall portions having through holes for pins that pass through the through holes of the first ends 18a, 19a.

[0030] 3. Aperture area (1) The recesses 131a on both sides of the protrusion 131b may be recessed from the reference surface 103a by the same amount or by different amounts. (2) The amount of recession of each of the recesses 131a of the multiple throttle regions 131 from the reference surface 103a may be the same as or different from the other recesses 131a. (3) The protruding portions 131b of the plurality of aperture regions 131 in which the protruding portions 131b are formed may have the same or different recessed amounts from the reference surface 103a. (4) When there are a plurality of convex portions 131b in one aperture region 131, the protruding amounts of all the convex portions 131b may be the same or different, or the convex portions 131b may protrude in a stepped manner. (5) One throttle region may have two recesses 131a, or one or three or more recesses 131a.

[0031] 4. Vibration-proof materials (1) Although two anti-vibration members 18, 19 are provided at the front and rear, they may be further arranged to support the middle of the front-rear direction of water tub 11. In this case, the total number of anti-vibration members will be six. (2) Although two anti-vibration members 18, 19 are provided at the front and rear, one at the left and right may have two and one at the other. In this case, the other anti-vibration member may be on the front or rear side in the front-to-rear direction, or it may be located closer to the center than the front and rear ends.

[0032] The above-described embodiment and modifications include the following inventions. <Invention 1> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-63893 discloses a structure for a drum-type washing machine having a water tub arranged within a housing and a washing tub rotatably mounted within the water tub, in which the side panels are provided with an uneven shape to increase the rigidity of the housing. In the above-mentioned washing machine, the distance between the water tub and the side panel varies depending on the uneven shape of the side panel, but if the distance between the water tub and the side panel is made too small, there is a concern that the water tub will be more likely to hit the side panel due to shaking of the washing tub caused by imbalance of laundry during spin-drying, for example. The present invention 1 aims to realize a washing machine that can increase the rigidity of the housing while ensuring an appropriate gap between the housing and the water tub.

[0033] 2. Washing machine according to invention 1 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine comprises a housing having left and right side panels, a water tub arranged within the housing with its opening facing forward, and a washing tub arranged rotatably within the water tub, the side panels having a constriction region including a recess that is recessed in a direction approaching the water tub relative to a reference surface, and a reference region having the reference surface, and the constriction region has a convex portion within the range of the recess that protrudes in a direction away from the water tub more than the recess. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the housing while ensuring an appropriate gap between the housing and the water tank. The washing tub may be made up of two members, one in front and one in back, or it may be made up of three or more members, or it may be made up of two members, one above and one below (left and right).

[0034] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is the same as the first washing machine in that the protrusion is located at the center of the side panel in the front-to-rear direction. This ensures an appropriate gap between the housing and the water tank, even when the two front and rear members of the water tank are joined midway in the direction in which the rotation axis of the water tank extends.

[0035] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the same as the first or second washing machine in that the washing tub is made up of two tub members, front and rear, and the joining position of the two tub members faces the protrusion. This ensures an appropriate gap between the joint of the water tank and the housing.

[0036] (4) The fourth washing machine A fourth washing machine is configured such that, in each of the first to third washing machines, a plurality of the protrusions are formed at intervals. This effectively reinforces the side plate.

[0037] (5) The fifth washing machine A fifth washing machine is any of the first to fourth washing machines, wherein the convex portion protrudes so as to be flush with the reference surface or protrudes lower than the reference surface. This prevents the washing machine from becoming too large in left-right dimension.

[0038] (6) The sixth washing machine The sixth washing machine is each of the first to fifth washing machines in such a manner that the recessed portion is provided in a plurality of recessed portions in the vertical direction, and is located closer to the center of the side plate than the upper and lower ends of the washing tub. As a result, the water tank is closer to the housing closer to the center than the upper and lower sides, so that an appropriate gap can be secured between the housing and the water tank.

[0039] (7) The Seventh Washing Machine A seventh washing machine is any one of the first to sixth washing machines, wherein the throttle area extends along the rotation axis of the washing tub. This allows the protrusions to be provided over a wide range along the rotation axis, ensuring an appropriate gap with the housing.

[0040] <Invention 2> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170678 discloses a washing machine with reduced vibration, which includes a rotating drum, a water tub in which the rotating drum is rotatably mounted, and a damper. Although vibrations are suppressed in the above-mentioned washing machine, there is a demand for further improvement in vibration suppression. The present invention 2 aims to realize a drum-type washing machine with improved vibration suppression.

[0041] 2. Drum-type washing machine according to invention 2 (1) The first drum-type washing machine The first drum washing machine is a water tank disposed in the housing with an opening facing forward; A washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub; A plurality of vibration isolating members for damping vibrations of the water tank; A base for supporting the vibration-isolating member; Equipped with A plurality of vibration-isolating members are provided at the front and rear of the water tank, sandwiching the center of the water tank in the front-rear direction. This allows vibrations from the tank to be absorbed from the front and rear, enhancing the vibration suppression effect. The number of vibration-proof members may be different from each other in the front and rear, or may be the same. For example, there may be one in the front and two in the rear (the numbers may be reversed), or there may be two in the front and two in the rear. It should be noted that the plurality of vibration-proofing members may be provided on either side of the center of the water tank in the left-right direction. In this case as well, vibrations of the water tank can be absorbed on both sides, thereby improving the vibration suppression effect.

[0042] (2) The second drum washing machine The second drum type washing machine is the same as the first drum type washing machine, The front vibration-proof member exists in a first imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the washing tub at the front side of the water tub. This allows the tank to be supported from the side opposite to the direction of gravity. Here, the "first imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis" includes an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and an imaginary plane inclined at an angle of -15 to 15 degrees with respect to the perpendicular imaginary plane.

[0043] (3) The third drum washing machine The third drum type washing machine is a first drum type washing machine (or a first or second drum type washing machine), The rear vibration-proof member exists in a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the washing tub at the rear of the water tub. This allows the tank to be supported from the side opposite to the direction of gravity. The "second imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis" here includes an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and an imaginary plane inclined at an angle of -15 to 15 degrees with respect to the orthogonal imaginary plane.

[0044] (4) The fourth drum washing machine The fourth drum type washing machine is a drum type washing machine that is the second drum type washing machine (or the first to third drum type washing machines), the front vibration-proof member has a first end portion located on one side in the left-right direction of the housing, the first end portion being supported by the base; the front vibration-proof member has a second end portion located on the other side in the left-right direction from the first end portion, the second end portion supporting the water tank; The second end supports the water tub at a position closer to a rotation axis of the washing tub than the first end in the left-right direction. As a result, the front vibration-proof member is disposed with its central axis facing the rotating shaft, which allows vibrations centered on the rotating shaft to be absorbed from around it (in the radial direction), thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0045] (5) Fifth drum washing machine The fifth drum type washing machine is the third drum type washing machine (or the first to fourth drum type washing machines), the rear vibration-proof member has a first end portion located on one side in the left-right direction of the housing, the first end portion being supported by the base; the rear vibration-proof member has a second end portion located on the other side in the left-right direction from the first end portion, the second end portion supporting the water tank, The second end of the rear vibration-proof member supports the water tub at a position closer to a rotation axis of the washing tub in the left-right direction than the first end of the rear vibration-proof member. As a result, the rear vibration-proof member is disposed with its central axis facing the rotating shaft, which makes it possible to absorb vibrations centered on the rotating shaft from around it (in the radial direction), thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0046] (6) The sixth drum washing machine The sixth drum type washing machine is the fourth or fifth drum type washing machine (or the first to fifth drum type washing machines), A virtual line connecting the first end and the second end intersects with a rotation axis of the washing tub when a first load is applied to the washing tub, The first load is in a range of greater than the load acting when 75 to 85% of the laundry capacity of the laundry is contained in the washing tub and the spin-drying process is completed, and less than the load acting when drainage before the spin-drying process is completed. This assumes that the washing machine will be in use, and when in use, the central axis of the vibration-damping member intersects with the rotating axis, so that vibrations centered on the rotating axis can be efficiently absorbed from the radial direction, enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0047] (7) The seventh drum washing machine The seventh drum type washing machine is the second or fourth drum type washing machine (or the first to sixth drum type washing machines), The central axis of the front vibration-proof member is located in a range from the front surface of the outside of the water tub to a position 10 to 20 mm rearward from the front surface of the inside of the washing tub. As a result, the front vibration-proof member is positioned at the front of the washing machine when in use, allowing the water tub to be supported at the front of the washing machine, thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0048] (8) No. 8 drum washing machine The eighth drum type washing machine is the second or fourth drum type washing machine (or the first to seventh drum type washing machines), The washing tub is provided with an annular balancer at a front end portion, The central axis of the front vibration isolating member is located in a range from the outer front surface of the water tank to a position 10 to 20 mm rearward from the rear surface of the balancer. As a result, the front vibration-proof member is positioned at the front of the washing machine when in use, allowing the water tub to be supported at the front of the washing machine, thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0049] (9) 9th drum washing machine The ninth drum type washing machine is the third or fifth drum type washing machine (or the first to eighth drum type washing machines), The central axis of the rear vibration-proof member is located in a range from the rear surface of the outside of the water tub to a position 10 to 20 mm forward from the rear surface of the inside of the washing tub. As a result, the rear vibration-proof member is positioned at the rear of the washing machine when in use, allowing the water tub to be supported at the rear of the washing machine, thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0050] (10) No. 10 drum washing machine The tenth drum type washing machine is the first drum type washing machine (or the first to ninth drum type washing machines), The vibration-isolating members are four in number, The four vibration-proof members have the first ends attached to the four corners or positions in the vicinity of the four corners of a square or rectangular shape when viewed from above. This allows vibrations from the tank to be absorbed from four directions, improving the vibration suppression effect efficiently without increasing the number of vibration-proofing members.

[0051] (11) 11th drum washing machine The eleventh drum type washing machine is the tenth drum type washing machine (or the first to tenth drum type washing machines), The square or rectangular shape has one pair of sides parallel to the front-rear direction and the other pair of sides parallel to the left-right direction. This allows vibrations from the tank to be efficiently absorbed from four directions: front, back, left and right.

[0052] (12) No. 12 drum washing machine The twelfth drum type washing machine is the tenth drum type washing machine (or the first to eleventh drum type washing machines), The base is provided with four legs spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides, When viewed from above, the attachment position of the first end of the vibration-proof member overlaps with the leg area. This allows the vibrations generated by the rotation of the washing tub to be smoothly transmitted to the legs, suppressing vibration of the base.

[0053] (13) 13th drum washing machine The thirteenth drum type washing machine is the twelfth drum type washing machine (or the first to twelfth drum type washing machines), When viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends of the two vibration-proof members located on the rear side are located forward of the centers of the two legs located on the rear side. This allows the center of gravity of the water tub to be located forward of the rear legs, allowing the washing machine to be installed in a stable position.

[0054] (14) 14th drum washing machine The 14th drum type washing machine is the 12th drum type washing machine (or the 1st to 13th drum type washing machines), When viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends of the two vibration-proof members located on the front side are located rearward of the centers of the two legs located on the front side. This allows the center of gravity of the water tub to be located behind the front legs, allowing the washing machine to be installed in a stable position.

[0055] (15) 15th drum washing machine The fifteenth drum type washing machine is the tenth to fourteenth drum type washing machines (or the first to fourteenth drum type washing machines), An elastic support member is provided to elastically connect the upper side of the water tank and the housing. This enables the elastic support member to absorb vibrations of the water tank, thereby enhancing the vibration suppression effect.

[0056] <Invention 3> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170678 discloses a washing machine with reduced vibration, which includes a rotating drum, a water tub in which the rotating drum is rotatably mounted, and a damper. Although vibrations are suppressed in the above-mentioned washing machine, there is a demand for further improvement in vibration suppression. The present invention 3 aims to realize a drum-type washing machine with improved vibration suppression.

[0057] 2. Drum-type washing machine according to invention 3 (1) The first drum-type washing machine The first drum washing machine is a water tank disposed in the housing with an opening facing forward; A washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub; A plurality of vibration isolating members for damping vibrations of the water tank; A base for supporting the vibration-isolating member; Equipped with The vibration-isolating member has a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the water tank, The plurality of vibration-proof members are four on both the left and right sides, spaced apart in the front-rear direction, The base has four legs corresponding to the four vibration-isolating members, When viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends of the four vibration-proof members are located within the areas of the four legs. This allows the vibrations generated by the rotation of the washing tub to be smoothly transmitted to the legs, suppressing vibration of the base.

[0058] (2) The second drum washing machine The second drum type washing machine is the same as the first drum type washing machine, When viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends of the two vibration-proof members located on the rear side are located forward of the centers of the two legs located on the rear side. This allows the center of gravity of the water tub to be located forward of the rear legs, allowing the washing machine to be installed in a stable position.

[0059] (3) The third drum washing machine The third drum type washing machine is the first or second drum type washing machine, When viewed from above, the attachment positions of the first ends of the two front vibration-proof members are located rearward of the centers of the two front legs. This allows the center of gravity of the water tub to be located behind the front legs, allowing the washing machine to be installed in a stable position.

[0060] <Invention 4> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170678 discloses a washing machine with reduced vibration, which includes a rotating drum, a water tub in which the rotating drum is rotatably mounted, and a damper. Although vibrations are suppressed in the above-mentioned washing machine, there is a demand for further improvement in vibration suppression. The fourth aspect of the present invention is to realize a drum-type washing machine with improved vibration suppression.

[0061] 2. The washing machine according to invention 4 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine is A water tank disposed within the housing; A washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub; a vibration isolating member for attenuating vibration of the water tank; a base that supports the water tank via the vibration-isolating member; Equipped with the base includes a main body including an upper surface portion supporting the vibration-isolating member, and legs provided on the main body and adapted to come into contact with an installation surface, The main body portion has a notch shape such that a gap is formed between the top surface portion and the leg, the gap being located directly above the leg. This can prevent vibrations from the vibration-proof member from being transmitted from the upper surface portion to the legs, thereby enhancing the vibration-suppressing effect. The washing machine includes a vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the washing tub extends vertically, and a drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the washing tub extends horizontally. The horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and directions intersecting these.

[0062] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is a first washing machine, The main body has a rectangular frame shape with one pair of sides parallel to the front-rear direction and the other pair of sides parallel to the left-right direction, A first protruding portion protruding in the front-rear and left-right directions from an upper surface of the main body portion; a second protruding portion protruding laterally and left-right at an interval from the first protruding portion; A first end of the vibration-proof member is attached to the first protruding portion, The leg is provided on the second protruding portion, The second protrusion portion protrudes left and right from the portion extending left and right on both the front and rear sides of the main body portion, and has a gap between itself and the front end or rear end of the portion extending front and rear on both the left and right sides of the main body portion. This makes it possible to prevent vibrations from the vibration-proof member from being easily transmitted from the main body portion to the second protruding portion.

[0063] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is a first washing machine (or a first and second washing machine), The main body has a rectangular frame shape with one pair of sides parallel to the front-rear direction and the other pair of sides parallel to the left-right direction, The second protrusion portion protrudes in the front-to-rear direction from a portion extending in the front-to-rear direction on both the left and right sides of the main body portion, and has a gap between the right end portion or the left end portion of the portion extending in the front-to-rear direction on both the front and rear sides of the main body portion. This makes it possible to prevent vibrations from the vibration-proof member from being easily transmitted from the main body portion to the second protruding portion.

[0064] (4) The fourth washing machine The fourth washing machine is the first washing machine (or the first to third washing machines), a first end of the vibration-proof member is attached to the upper surface portion by an attachment member; The first end or the mounting member at least partially overlaps with a projected area of ​​the leg or the gap. This allows the vibration-isolating member to be easily attached, and makes it difficult for the load of the vibration-isolating member to be transmitted to the legs. (5) The fifth washing machine The fifth washing machine is the first washing machine (or the first to fourth washing machines), a first end of the vibration-proof member is attached to the upper surface portion by an attachment member; The gap or the leg is located directly below the first end or the mounting member. This allows the vibration-isolating member to be easily attached, and makes it difficult for the load of the vibration-isolating member to be transmitted to the legs.

[0065] (6) The sixth washing machine The sixth washing machine is a washing machine according to the first to fifth washing machines, The washing machine is a drum type washing machine, When viewed from above, the mounting position of the base of the vibration-isolating member is located within the mounting area of ​​the leg. This reduces the load from the water tank acting between the legs of the base.

[0066] <Other> The matters specifying the invention of each invention are not limited by the matters specifying the invention of other inventions. Furthermore, each invention may include the matters specifying the invention of other inventions, or may include the configurations described in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] X washing machine 11. Aquarium 12 Washing tub 18 Anti-vibration material 19 Anti-vibration material 25 legs 26 Pedestal 103 Side Panel 103a Reference plane 131 Aperture Area 131a Recess 131b Convex part 133 Reference area 261 Main body 262 1st overhang 263 Second overhang

Claims

1. a housing having left and right side panels; a water tank disposed in the housing with an opening facing forward; A washing tub rotatably disposed within the water tub; Equipped with the side plate has a throttle region including a recess that is recessed in a direction toward the water tank with respect to a reference surface, and a reference region having the reference surface; In the throttle region, within the range of the recess, a convex portion is provided that protrudes in a direction away from the water tank more than the recess. washing machine.

2. The protrusion is located at the center of the side plate in the front-rear direction. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The washing tub is composed of two tub members, front and rear, The joining position of the two tank members faces the protrusion. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. The protrusions are formed in a plurality of spaces. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The convex portion protrudes so as to be flush with the reference surface or protrudes lower than the reference surface. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The recessed portion is provided in a plurality of recessed portions in the vertical direction, and is located closer to the center of the side plate than the upper and lower ends of the washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The throttle area extends along the rotation axis of the washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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