Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which has achieved commonalizing of a structure regarding a lead wire, in the washing machine where the opening / closing directions of a lid body are different.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing for forming an outline of the washing machine; a housing opening which is formed on the front surface of the housing, and in which laundry is inputted; a lid body constituted so as to open / close with respect to the housing opening; a lid body lock part arranged on the front surface, and constituted so as to lock the lid body in a state where the lid body is closed; a motor part controlled by inverter control; a sensor part for detecting information regarding the operation of the washing machine; a control part arranged at the front side lower part of the housing, and for controlling the motor part and the lid body lock part; a first lead wire for electrically connecting the lid body lock part and the control part; a second lead wire for electrically connecting the motor part and the control part; and a third lead wire for electrically connecting the sensor part and the control part. The second lead wire extends along the back surface of the housing, and the first lead wire and the third lead wire extend along the front surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine that agitates clothes and wash water. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing machine with an openable lid that covers the laundry opening. The washing machine also has a lid locking unit. The lid locking unit secures the lid so that it does not open unintentionally while the washing machine is running. The lid can be opened and closed in two directions: left-opening and right-opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-125427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can suppress deterioration of a circulation hose due to vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing forming the outer shell of the washing machine, an outer tub arranged inside the housing, a housing opening formed on the front surface of the housing through which laundry is inserted, a lid configured to be openable and closable relative to the housing opening, a reinforcing plate arranged between the front surface of the housing and the outer tub, a control unit arranged on the front lower portion of the housing, and a circulation pump that circulates washing water inside the outer tub via a circulation hose, the circulation hose being attached to the front surface of the reinforcing plate and extending along the front surface of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that can suppress deterioration of a circulation hose due to vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the right side. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a left-hand opening washing machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a right-opening washing machine. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine having a circulation hose as viewed from the right side. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine near the opening of the housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Embodiment) A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0009] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the washing machine 1. In Fig. 2, some members of the housing 2 are omitted for convenience.

[0010] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a washing / drying machine (a so-called drum washing machine) that has a drying function in addition to a washing function. As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, a control unit 6, a circulation hose 7, a circulation pump 8, a cover lock unit 10, a motor unit 12, and a sensor unit 14.

[0011] <Case> As shown in Fig. 1, housing 2 is a member that forms the outer shell of washing machine 1. Housing opening 20 and lid 21 that can be opened and closed and covers housing opening 20 are provided on front surface 2A of housing 2. As shown in Fig. 2, lid 21 can rotate around hinge portion 22. In washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 2, lid 21 opens to the left.

[0012] Here, the direction from the rear surface 2B toward the front surface 2A of the housing 2 is referred to as the front side, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear side.

[0013] <Outer tank> 1, outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member that is provided inside housing 2 and has the function of storing wash water. Outer tub 3 forms opening 30 at a position facing housing opening 20.

[0014] <Inner tank> The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably mounted inside the outer tub 3 and that houses laundry 18, such as clothes. The rotation axis of the inner tub 4 passes through the front surface 2A and rear surface 2B of the housing 2. The inner tub 4 is formed with a number of through-holes (not shown). The through-holes connect the inner tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the movement of wash water between the inner tub 4 and the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 forms an opening 40 at a position facing the housing opening 20. Furthermore, the opening 40 may be aligned with the opening 30 of the outer tub 3, and the center of the opening 40 may coincide with the center of the opening 30.

[0015] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the rotation of the inner tub 4. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the inner tub 4.

[0016] <Control unit> The control unit 6 is a controller that controls the entire washing machine 1. More specifically, the control unit 6 controls components of the washing machine 1, such as the lid lock unit 10 and the motor unit 12. The control unit 6 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program to achieve a predetermined function.

[0017] The control unit 6 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 2. The control unit 6 is disposed at a position in the housing 2 closer to the lid 21 than the center. The control unit 6 is disposed, for example, in front of the inner tank 4. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the lid lock unit 10, the motor unit 12, and the sensor unit 14.

[0018] <Circulation hose> As shown in FIG. 2, the circulation hose 7 is a tubular member connected to the top and bottom of the outer tub 3. The circulation hose 7 forms a flow path for the wash water poured into the outer tub 3. The circulation hose 7 is located on the right side of the outer tub 3 and extends along the outer periphery of the outer tub 3. The circulation hose 7 is located opposite the third lead wire 15, which is connected to the sensor unit 14 described below, with the cover 21 sandwiched between the third lead wire 15 and the circulation hose 7. A portion of the circulation hose 7 may have a bellows structure. This structure can absorb vibrations from the outer tub 3.

[0019] <Circulation pump> The circulation pump 8 is a pump connected to the circulation hose 7. When the circulation pump 8 is driven, water flows in the circulation hose 7 from the lower part of the outer tub 3 to the upper part of the outer tub 3.

[0020] <Lid locking section> The lid locking unit 10 is a mechanism that secures the lid 21 in a closed state to prevent the lid 21 from opening unintentionally while the washing machine 1 is running. The lid locking unit 10 is provided in a position facing the hinge unit 22 on the housing 2 around the housing opening 20. While FIG. 2 shows the washing machine 1 in which the lid locking unit 10 is located on the right side and the lid 21 opens to the left when viewed from the front, this is not limiting. The lid locking unit 10 may also be located on the left side and the lid 21 may open to the right.

[0021] The lid locking unit 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 6 by a first lead wire 11. The lead wire is, for example, a cable with connectors on both ends. The first lead wire 11 extends downward from the lid locking unit 10 along the outer periphery of the lid 21. The first lead wire 11 is disposed on the front side of the outer tub 3.

[0022] <Motor section> Returning to Figure 1, the motor unit 12 is an electronic component that includes a motor controlled by an inverter. The motor unit 12 includes, for example, a pump that pumps bathwater into the outer tub 3, a compressor, and a fan motor. The compressor and fan motor, together with a heat exchanger, constitute a heat pump device that circulates dry warm air into the outer tub 3.

[0023] The motor unit 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 6 by a second lead wire 13. The second lead wire 13 extends downward along the outer periphery of the outer tub 3. The second lead wire 13 is disposed on the rear side of the outer tub 3. The position at which the second lead wire 13 is connected to the control unit 6 may be different from the position at which the first lead wire 11 is connected to the control unit 6. For example, the second lead wire 13 is connected to the lower part of the control unit 6, and the first lead wire 11 is connected to the upper part of the control unit 6.

[0024] <Sensor section> Sensor unit 14 has sensors that detect information related to the operation of washing machine 1. For example, sensor unit 14 includes an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. If washing machine 1 is equipped with an automatic detergent dispenser, sensor unit 14 may include a detergent remaining amount sensor.

[0025] The sensor unit 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 6 by a third lead wire 15. The third lead wire 15 is a lead wire. The third lead wire 15 extends downward along the outer periphery of the outer tank 3 and the lid body 21. The third lead wire 15 is disposed on the front side of the outer tank 3. The position where the third lead wire 15 is connected to the control unit 6 may be different from the position where the second lead wire 13 is connected to the control unit 6. For example, the third lead wire 15 is connected to the upper part of the control unit 6 together with the first lead wire 11, and the second lead wire 13 is connected to the lower part of the control unit 6.

[0026] The arrangement of the lead wires 11, 13, and 15 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a left-hand opening washing machine 1, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a right-hand opening washing machine 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, when the washing machine 1 opens to the left, the lid locking mechanism 10 is located on the right side, and the first lead wire 11 extends downward and to the left from the right side. The third lead wire 15 extends along the left side of the front surface 2A of the housing 2. The second lead wire 13 extends along the left side of the rear surface 2B of the housing. The first lead wire 11 and the third lead wire 15 extend away from the second lead wire 13.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, when washing machine 1 opens from the right, lid locking part 10 is located on the left side, and first lead wire 11 extends downward on the left side. First lead wire 11 is bent. This wiring allows the components that make up first lead wire 11 to be standardized regardless of the opening and closing direction of washing machine 1.

[0029] The arrangement of the second lead wire 13 and the third lead wire 15 may be the same as that in a left-hand opening washing machine 1. In the arrangement of the leads 11, 13, and 15 shown in FIG. 4, the first lead wire 11 and the third lead wire 15 also extend away from the second lead wire 13.

[0030] Here, the structures of the circulation hose 7 and the circulation pump 8 will be described in detail.

[0031] In conventional configurations, due to limited space inside the housing 2, part of the outer tub 3 was used as the circulation path, making it difficult to configure a large circulation path. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the washing machine 1, the second lead wire 13 and the third lead wire 15 are arranged on the left side of the housing 2, leaving space on the right side of the housing 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a hose can be used as the circulation path, and the circulation hose 7 can be arranged on the right side of the lid 21. This structure allows a large volume of water to circulate in the outer tub 3. Furthermore, by extending the circulation hose 7 vertically along the outer periphery of the lid 21, space can be secured at the upper right of the lid 21 to connect the circulation hose 7 to the outer tub 3.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine 1 having a circulation hose 7. As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation hose 7 is arranged in front of the outer tub 3. More specifically, the circulation hose 7 is attached to a reinforcing plate 25 arranged in front of the outer tub 3. The reinforcing plate 25 is a metal plate arranged inside the housing 2, between the front surface 2A of the housing 2 and the outer tub 3. The reinforcing plate 25 is attached to the housing 2 and has the function of improving the strength of the housing 2. The reinforcing plate 25 forms an opening at a position facing the housing opening 20.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of washing machine 1 near housing opening 20 as seen from above, and washing machine 1 opens to the left. As shown in FIG. 6, reinforcing plate 25 is covered by lid 21. More specifically, reinforcing plate 25 is located rearward of hinge portion 22 and lid locking portion 10 that support lid 21. Furthermore, lid locking portion 10 and hinge portion 22 are attached to a portion of housing 2 adjacent to housing opening 20. Lid locking portion 10 and hinge portion 22 may be attached to reinforcing plate 25 via other members.

[0034] Furthermore, reinforcing plate 25 forms a first recess 26 by protruding rearward from housing opening 20 between outer tub 3 and lid locking portion 10. Meanwhile, reinforcing plate 25 forms a second recess 27 by protruding rearward from housing opening 20 between outer tub 3 and hinge portion 22. First recess 26 and second recess 27 are formed extending in the vertical direction, sandwiching housing opening 20. Circulation hose 7 is disposed in first recess 26, and third lead wire 15 is disposed in second recess 27. This structure allows the dimensions of washing machine 1 to be kept small compared to when reinforcing plate 25 is a flat plate.

[0035] The protrusion amounts of the first recess 26 and the second recess 27 may be equal. Such a structure can prevent the lid 21 attached to the housing 2 from tilting. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 25 can improve the rigidity of the housing 2 and the lid 21.

[0036] An example of the operation of the washing machine 1 having the circulation hose 7 arranged in this manner will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine 1.

[0037] The operation of the washing machine 1 includes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. The control unit 6 may control each process sequentially.

[0038] In the washing process, laundry 18 is placed in the inner tub 4, and water is supplied to the outer tub 3 until a predetermined water level is reached. The inner tub 4 is rotated by the drive unit 5 to wash the laundry 18. In the rinsing process after the washing process, water is supplied to the outer tub 3 as in the washing process, and the inner tub 4 is rotated to rinse the laundry 18. In the spin-drying process, the wash water is drained outside the housing 2, and then the drive unit 5 rotates the inner tub 4 containing the laundry 18 at high speed to spin-dry the laundry.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, in order to improve the cleaning effect during the washing and rinsing cycles, the wash water in the outer tub 3 is circulated through the outer tub 3 and the circulation hose 7. More specifically, by driving the circulation pump 8, water is pumped from the bottom of the outer tub 3 through the circulation hose 7 and then re-injected into the outer tub 3 from the top of the outer tub 3. The water may be injected in a shower-like manner. By pouring water from the top of the outer tub 3, it hits more laundry 18 in the inner tub 4, resulting in a better cleaning effect.

[0040] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0041] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the housing 2, the housing opening 20, the lid 21, the lid locking unit 10, the motor unit 12, the sensor unit 14, the control unit 6, the first lead wire 11, the second lead wire 13, and the third lead wire 15. The housing 2 forms the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The housing opening 20 is formed on the front surface 2A of the housing 2 and is an opening for inserting laundry 18. The lid 21 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the housing opening 20. The lid locking unit 10 is disposed on the front surface 2A and configured to lock the lid 21 when the lid 21 is closed. The motor unit 12 includes a motor controlled by inverter control. The sensor unit 14 detects information related to the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit 6 is disposed on the lower front side of the housing 2 and controls the motor unit 12 and the lid locking unit 10. The first lead wire 11 electrically connects the lid locking unit 10 and the control unit 6. The second lead wire 13 electrically connects the motor unit 12 and the control unit 6. The third lead wire 15 electrically connects the sensor unit 14 and the control unit 6. The second lead wire 13 extends along the back surface 2B of the housing 2, and the first lead wire 11 and the third lead wire 15 extend along the front surface 2A.

[0042] With this configuration, first lead wire 11 and third lead wire 15 can be spaced apart from second lead wire 13 regardless of the opening / closing direction of lid 21. This prevents the electrical signal controlling motor unit 12 from generating noise in first lead wire 11 and third lead wire 15. The positions of first lead wire 11 and second lead wire 13 can be maintained even when the opening / closing direction of lid 21 is changed. Second lead wire 13 and third lead wire 15 can be shared between washing machine 1 with left-opening lid 21 and washing machine 1 with right-opening lid 21. This reduces the manufacturing cost of washing machine 1.

[0043] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes an outer tub 3, a circulation hose 7, and a circulation pump 8. The outer tub 3 is disposed inside the housing 2. The circulation hose 7 connects an upper part of the outer tub 3 to a lower part of the outer tub 3. The circulation pump 8 circulates the wash water inside the outer tub 3 via the circulation hose 7.

[0044] With this configuration, compared to when the circulation hose 7 is connected to the lower part of the outer tub 3, water can be discharged from the upper part of the outer tub 3 at a higher flow rate, and can be applied to a larger amount of laundry 18. This improves the cleaning effect of the circulation of the wash water.

[0045] In addition, in washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, circulation hose 7 extends along front surface 2A of housing 2 so as to face third lead wire 15 across housing opening 20.

[0046] With this configuration, the length of the circulation hose 7 can be made shorter than when the circulation hose 7 is curved. Therefore, the washing water can be easily pumped up to the upper part of the outer tub 3.

[0047] Moreover, washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes reinforcing plate 25 arranged between front surface 2A of housing 2 and outer tub 3, and circulation hose 7 is attached to reinforcing plate 25.

[0048] This configuration can prevent vibrations of outer tub 3 caused by operation of washing machine 1 from being transmitted to circulation hose 7. Therefore, deterioration of circulation hose 7 due to vibrations can be prevented.

[0049] In addition, in washing machine 1 of this embodiment, reinforcing plate 25 protrudes rearward on the side of housing opening 20 to form a recess (first recess 26), and circulation hose 7 is arranged in the recess.

[0050] This configuration can improve the strength of reinforcing plate 25. Furthermore, by arranging circulation hose 7 in first recess 26, it is possible to ensure a space for arranging circulation hose 7 even in the limited space inside housing 2. Furthermore, because reinforcing plate 25 is arranged inside housing 2, it is possible to prevent the formation of first recess 26 from impairing the design of washing machine 1.

[0051] In addition, in washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, reinforcing plate 25 is provided with hinge portion 22 that rotatably connects lid body 21. When viewed from above housing 2, circulation hose 7 is provided between lid body lock portion 10 and reinforcing plate 25.

[0052] With this configuration, compared to when the circulation hose 7 is disposed to the side of the lid locking portion 10, it is possible to reduce the space required for the housing 2 while maintaining the size of the housing opening 20.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be embodied in various other forms. While the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine with a drying function, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The washing machine 1 may be a washing machine with only a washing function.

[0054] Although the example in which circulation hose 7 is provided between lid locking portion 10 and reinforcing plate 25 has been described, this is not limitative. If washing machine 1 opens to the right, circulation hose 7 may be provided between hinge portion 22 and reinforcing plate 25.

[0055] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The washing machine of the present disclosure is useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer / dryer (for example, a domestic drum washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Inner tank 5 Drive unit 6 Control Unit 7 Circulation Hose 8 Circulation Pump 10 Lid lock 11 First lead 12 Motor section 13 Second Lead 14 Sensor section 15 Third Lead 20 Housing opening 21 Lid 22 Hinge part 25 Reinforcement plate

Claims

1. A housing forming the outer shell of the washing machine; an outer tank disposed inside the housing; a housing opening formed on a front surface of the housing for inserting laundry; a lid configured to be openable and closable relative to the housing opening; a reinforcing plate disposed between the front surface of the housing and the outer tank; a control unit disposed at a front lower portion of the housing; a circulation pump that circulates the washing water inside the outer tub through a circulation hose, The circulation hose is attached to the front surface of the reinforcing plate and is provided so as to extend along the front surface of the housing. Drum type washing machine.

2. The circulation pump and the circulation hose are provided to circulate the water in the outer tub from a lower part of the outer tub to an upper part of the outer tub. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The reinforcing plate protrudes rearward on a side of the housing opening to form a first recess, and the circulation hose is disposed in the first recess. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a lid locking unit disposed on the front surface and configured to lock the lid when the lid is closed; When viewed from above the housing, the circulation hose is provided between the lid locking portion and the reinforcing plate. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a sensor unit that detects information related to driving; a third lead wire electrically connecting the sensor unit and the control unit; Furthermore, the third lead wire is provided at a position facing the circulation hose across the housing opening, and extends along the front surface of the housing. The drum type washing machine according to claim 3.

6. the reinforcing plate has a second recess that protrudes rearward on a side of the housing opening on the opposite side from the first recess with the housing opening in between, The third lead wire is disposed in the second recess. The drum type washing machine according to claim 5.

7. In the reinforcing plate, the protrusion amount of the first recess and the protrusion amount of the second recess are set equal. The drum type washing machine according to claim 6.

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