Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can transfer a bottom cover together without greatly changing the mode at transportation time such as a packaging size and the like.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: a drive unit 18 arranged below an outer tub 15; a housing 11 for storing the outer tub 15 and the drive unit 18, and having an opening part 12e formed below the drive unit 18; and a bottom cover 30 mounted on a lower end part 12a of the housing 11, and capable of moving between a storage position P1 for exposing the drive unit 18 through the opening part 12e and a development position P2 for closing the opening part 12e.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] An inner tub and an outer tub are disposed within a housing that forms the outer shell of a washing machine. A drive unit including a motor is also disposed within the housing to rotate and drive a rotor disposed at the bottom of the inner tub. When transporting a washing machine, the washing machine is packed in packaging material (e.g., cardboard). At this time, the drive unit, inner tub, outer tub, etc. inside the washing machine are fixed with a base (e.g., a base made of foam material) to prevent them from being damaged by vibrations during transport. An opening is formed in the bottom of the washing machine so that the base can fix the drive unit, etc. inside the housing.

[0003] When a washing machine is installed, there is a gap large enough to insert a hand between the position of the opening in the washing machine and the surface on which the washing machine is installed. If there is a drain outlet directly below the washing machine to connect a drain hose, the washing machine may be raised above the floor. In this case, the gap below the washing machine becomes even larger. As mentioned above, an opening is formed in the bottom of the washing machine. In such an installation situation, it is possible to reach the drive unit through the gap below the washing machine. In order to prevent the drive unit from being reached while the washing machine is running, it has recently been recommended to cover the opening formed in the bottom of the washing machine with a bottom plate (bottom cover). The bottom plate disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a bottom cover that can be attached to such a washing machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-14996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The bottom plate (bottom cover) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is detachable from the washing machine. When transporting the washing machine, the bottom plate is removed from the washing machine, thereby opening the opening. Therefore, when transporting the washing machine, the drive unit and other components inside the washing machine can be fixed to a base using the opening.

[0006] For safety reasons, if a washing machine has a bottom plate, the bottom plate must be transported together with the washing machine (the washing machine itself). When a washing machine is packed in packaging, foam is used to protect the corners of the washing machine and fill gaps between the washing machine and the packaging to prevent damage to the washing machine due to vibrations during transport. Packaging prepared for conventional washing machines that do not have a bottom plate does not have enough space to accommodate the bottom plate. While it is possible to create new packaging that can accommodate the transport of the bottom plate, increasing the size of the packaging is undesirable because it ultimately reduces the efficiency of transporting the washing machine.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can be transported together with a bottom cover without significantly changing the configuration during transportation, such as packaging size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a drive unit disposed below an outer tub, a housing that houses the outer tub and the drive unit and has an opening formed below the drive unit, and a bottom cover attached to the lower end of the housing and movable between a storage position that exposes the drive unit through the opening and an expanded position that closes the opening.

[0009] According to the washing machine of [1], the bottom cover attached to the bottom end of the housing can be moved between a stored position and an unfolded position. When transporting the washing machine, the bottom cover is stored in the stored position, allowing a base or the like to be inserted into the housing through the opening, and the drive unit or the like to be fixed. The bottom cover can be stored (while avoiding interference with other surrounding parts) by utilizing the space that would normally exist inside the housing or near the bottom. When installing the washing machine at a place where it will be used, the bottom cover is moved to the unfolded position, closing the opening. This prevents hands from touching the drive unit while the washing machine is running, ensuring safety. Therefore, the bottom cover can be transported together with the washing machine without significantly changing the transport configuration, such as packaging size.

[0010] [2] In the washing machine of [1] above, the lower end of the housing or the bottom cover may be provided with a first fixing mechanism that fixes the bottom cover in the stored position, and a second fixing mechanism that fixes the bottom cover in the deployed position. With this configuration, the bottom cover is fixed in the stored position, so it can be held in a stable position. This contributes to protecting the bottom cover during transportation and other surrounding components. Even while the washing machine is running, the bottom cover is fixed in the deployed position, so rattles of the bottom cover are prevented. Accidental (or tampering) opening of the bottom cover is also prevented, improving safety.

[0011] [3] In the washing machine of [1] or [2] above, the bottom cover may include a pair of cover members attached to the lower ends of the right and left side surfaces of the housing, or to the lower ends of the front and rear surfaces of the housing. A configuration including a pair of cover members makes it easier to store each cover member more compactly.

[0012] [4] In any one of the washing machines [1] to [3] above, a guide portion may be provided at the lower end of the housing to guide the horizontal movement of the bottom cover until it reaches the unfolded position. This configuration makes it easier to prevent the bottom cover from sagging when moving it to the unfolded position. Although there are often space limitations when setting up a washing machine, the guide portion guides the bottom cover, improving workability.

[0013] [5] In the washing machine according to any one of [1] to [4] above, when the bottom cover is in the deployed position, a vertical gap may be secured between the bottom cover and the lower end of the drive unit, taking into consideration the lowering of the outer tub when the washing machine is in use. This configuration prevents the lower end of the drive unit from contacting the bottom cover even when the outer tub is lowered. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the bottom cover can be transported together with the container without significantly changing the configuration during transportation, such as the packaging size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine from the bottom side, with the drive unit exposed through the opening. [Figure 3] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bottom of the washing machine of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one of the cover members. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure around the opening of the housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the bottom cover is pulled downward from the storage position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the bottom cover has been slid horizontally, following FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the bottom cover has been moved to the deployed position, following FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the washing machine with the opening closed by the bottom cover, as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the bottom side, showing a state in which the bottom cover is stored in the storage position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bottom cover is horizontally extended, following FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bottom cover has been moved to the deployed position, following FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an example of a guide portion according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a first fixing mechanism in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0017] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1 etc., the mutually orthogonal X direction (first direction), Y direction (second direction), and Z direction (third direction) may be used to describe washing machine 1. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction correspond to the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and height direction (or up-down direction or vertical direction) in the installation state of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, terms indicating directions such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are terms based on the installation state of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 1 is, for example, a vertical washing machine. The washing machine includes washing machine main body 10. Washing machine main body 10 is installed, for example, on a waterproof pan P having a drain outlet 5 and the like. Washing machine main body 10 includes housing 11. Housing 11 forms the outer shell of washing machine main body 10. Housing 11 is made of, for example, metal. Housing 11 has a square-tube-shaped body portion 111 with open top and bottom surfaces, and a top panel 112 covering the top surface of body portion 111. When viewed from the Z direction, body portion 111 has a quadrilateral (rectangular or square) shape. Note that only housing front surface 115 of body portion 111 may be slightly rounded, bulging out toward the center in the Y direction.

[0019] A laundry insertion opening is formed in top panel 112. The insertion opening is covered by top lid 13. Top lid 13 is attached to top panel 112 so as to be able to open and close freely. An operation panel unit 14 is provided on the front of top panel 112. A plurality of buttons and the like for operating washing machine 1 are arranged on operation panel unit 14.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, an outer tub 15 and an inner tub (washing tub) 16 are housed inside the housing 11. The outer tub 15 is cylindrical with a bottom. The outer tub 15 is made of, for example, resin. The outer tub 15 is elastically suspended from the housing 11 by a plurality of (for example, four) hanging rods equipped with vibration-isolating devices. The outer tub 15 is configured so that washing liquid can be supplied to the outer tub 15 and can be discharged from the outer tub 15. In this specification, the term "washing liquid" refers to a liquid appropriate for each process, such as the washing process and rinsing process, for washing laundry. In the washing process, the washing liquid may be a liquid containing detergent, etc., and in the rinsing process, the washing liquid may be water.

[0021] The inner tub 16 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The inner tub 16 is smaller than the outer tub 15 and is disposed inside the outer tub 15 coaxially with the outer tub 15. The inner tub 16 is disposed inside the outer tub 15 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. The inner tub 16 is, for example, a metal tub. The inner tub 16 is a tub for washing or spin-drying laundry placed in the inner tub 16. A plurality of through holes are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tub 16, which allows the washing liquid to move back and forth between the outer tub 15 and the inner tub 16. A rotating blade (pulsator) 17 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the inner tub 16.

[0022] A drive unit 18 is also housed in the housing 11 to drive and rotate the inner tub 16 and the rotor 17. The drive unit 18 is disposed below the outer tub 15. The drive unit 18 has a drive motor 181, a power distribution mechanism 182, and a power transmission mechanism 183. The drive unit 18 also has a C-shaped guard portion 184 (see Figures 2 and 3) that covers the power distribution mechanism 182 and the power transmission mechanism 183 from below.

[0023] Drive motor 181 generates power (torque) to drive inner tub 16 and rotor 17. Power transmission mechanism 183 transmits the power generated by drive motor 181 to power distribution mechanism 182. Power transmission mechanism 183 may include, for example, pulleys attached to the rotary shafts of drive motor 181 and power distribution mechanism 182, and an endless belt looped around those pulleys. Power distribution mechanism 182 has a clutch mechanism. By switching operation of the clutch mechanism, power distribution mechanism 182 transmits the power of drive motor 181 only to rotor 17 to rotate only rotor 17 during the washing and rinsing steps, and transmits the torque of drive motor 181 to rotor 17 and inner tub 16 to rotate rotor 17 and inner tub 16 together during the spin-drying step.

[0024] 2 and 3, the guard part 184 is attached to the bottom of the outer tub 15 and is integrated with the outer tub 15. The guard part 184 has a portion that extends substantially horizontally (for example, in the left-right direction) below the power transmission mechanism 183. The horizontally extending portion of the guard part 184 forms the lower end part 18b of the drive unit 18.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the body 111 has legs 12 at its lower end. The legs 12 are, for example, frames made of resin. The legs 12 are shaped like rectangular tubes. The legs 12 are integrated with the body 111. The legs 12 include a front surface 21 and a rear surface 22 that form both end surfaces in the X direction, and a right side surface 23 and a left side surface 24 that form both end surfaces in the Y direction. The front surface 21 and the rear surface 22 of the legs 12 form part of the front surface and the rear surface of the housing 11, and the right side surface 23 and the left side surface 24 of the legs 12 form part of the right side surface and the left side surface of the housing 11.

[0026] Two adjustable legs 19, 19 and two fixed legs 20, 20 are attached to the four corners of leg portion 12 to support washing machine main body 10. Adjustable leg 19 is a leg that has a mechanism for adjusting the height (or tilt relative to horizontal) of washing machine 1. Fixed leg 20 is a leg that does not have a mechanism for adjusting the height of washing machine 1. Adjustable legs 19 and fixed legs 20 rest on, for example, four protruding base portions Pa of waterproof pan P.

[0027] In the washing machine 1, the lower part of the housing 11 is open. Specifically, the leg part 12 has a rectangular opening 12e that opens downward. The opening 12e is formed in a predetermined range below the inner tub 16. In this embodiment, the shape of the opening 12e is substantially rectangular. The opening 12e may have an octagonal shape by forming oblique sides at the corners of the opening 12e, or the corners may be rounded.

[0028] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a bottom cover 30 that can close the opening 12e from the viewpoint of safety during use of the washing machine 1 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the bottom cover 30 is movable between a storage position P1, where the drive unit 18 is exposed through the opening 12e, and an expanded position P2, where the opening 12e is closed. The bottom cover 30 is attached to the lower end 12a of the leg 12 (the lower end of the housing 11), and by moving the bottom cover 30 to the storage position P1, the guard portion 184 of the drive unit 18 and the like can be exposed. This allows the washing machine 1 to be fixed to a base or the like during transportation.

[0029] 2 and 3, the bottom cover 30 includes a pair of cover members 31A and 31B attached to the lower end 23a of the right side surface 23 and the lower end 24a of the left side surface 24 of the leg 12, respectively. As described above, the bottom cover 30 of this embodiment is configured to be divided into two parts, left and right. The lower end 23a of the right side surface 23 and the lower end 24a of the left side surface 24 are part of the lower end 12a of the leg 12.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one of the cover members 31A. The pair of cover members 31A, 31B are, for example, resin molded products. The pair of cover members 31A, 31B use the same parts, and the parts are shared. With reference to FIG. 4, only the right cover member 31A will be described, and a description of the left cover member 31B will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the right cover member 31A has a rectangular main body plate portion 32. The main body plate portion 32 has, for example, a pair of long sides that are longer than the length of one side of the opening 12e. The main body plate portion 32 has a plurality of holes 34 formed therein that are large enough to prevent a child's fingers from entering (for example, each hole has a diameter of less than 6.3 mm).

[0031] The base end 32a, which forms one of the long sides of the main body plate 32, has a pair of support shafts 33 (protrusions) at both front-rear ends that serve as pivot points for the right cover member 31A (described later). The tip end 32b, which forms the other long side, has a pair of first fixing holes 35 near both front-rear ends that penetrate the main body plate 32 in the short side direction (the direction in which the right cover member 31A is pulled out from the storage position P1). Furthermore, the pair of front and rear short side portions 32c have a pair of second fixing holes 36 that penetrate the main body plate 32 in the thickness direction at their centers in the short side direction. Note that, because the orientation of the main body plate 32 changes during movement of the right cover member 31A, the short side direction is not shown in FIG. 4. The axis of the pair of support shafts 33 (pivot axis) corresponds to the front-rear direction.

[0032] The pair of cover members 31A, 31B are each fixed upright within the housing 11 at the storage position P1. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 shows the cover members 31A, 31B positioned at the storage position P1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure around the opening 12e at the lower end 12a of the leg 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the cover members 31A, 31B are disposed between inner and outer wall portions 121 and 122 provided near the lower end 23a and the lower end 24a, respectively, and are guided by these walls to stand upright. Each of the cover members 31A, 31B is fixed in a space near the lower end 12a of the leg 12. First fixing portions 123 are formed on the lower end 23a and the lower end 24a at positions corresponding to the multiple first fixing holes 35 of the cover members 31A, 31B. The first fixing portions 123 may have, for example, female threads. Each of the cover members 31A and 31B is fixed by a plurality of fixing screws 37, with the first fixing portions 123 and the first fixing holes 35 aligned in a straight line (vertically). The first fixing portions 123, the first fixing holes 35, and the fixing screws 37 constitute a first fixing mechanism M1 that fixes the bottom cover 30 in the storage position P1. That is, in the washing machine 1, the first fixing mechanism M1 that fixes the bottom cover 30 in the storage position P1 is provided on the lower end 12a of the leg 12. This exposes the drive unit 18 through the opening 12e, facilitating fixing the washing machine 1 to a base or the like during transportation. The outer wall 122 may be provided with a rib 122a that abuts against and guides the cover members 31A and 31B. In this case, the number of ribs 122a may be one or more.

[0033] When installing washing machine 1, cover members 31A and 31B are unfolded by an operator and moved to unfolded position P2 to cover opening 12e. Next, the structure and unfolding operation of bottom cover 30 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Figures 6, 7, and 8 show a state in which bottom cover 30 is pulled downward from storage position P1, a state in which bottom cover 30 is slid horizontally, and a state in which bottom cover 30 is moved to unfolded position P2, respectively.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, each of cover members 31A and 31B can be pulled out downward (almost linearly) while being guided by inner wall portion 121 and outer wall portion 122. At this time, for example, body portion 111 of washing machine 1 is laid on its side, ensuring space for pulling out cover members 31A and 31B. An operator removes fixing screws 37 and pulls out cover members 31A and 31B by, for example, grasping tip portions 32b. The pulling-out direction is approximately parallel to right side surface portion 23 and left side surface portion 24 of leg portion 12 and is the up-down direction relative to washing machine 1. When cover members 31A and 31B reach their pulling-out limit, support shaft 33 abuts against L-shaped pivot supports 126 (see FIG. 5) formed at the front and rear ends of bottom end portions 23a and 24a. With the support shaft 33 engaged with the pivot support portion 126, the cover members 31A and 31B are rotated by an operator, with the support shaft 33 serving as a rotation fulcrum.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the cover members 31A and 31B, which have been rotated to a horizontal position, are slid toward each other (left and right) by the operator. Each main body plate portion 32 is supported from below (slightly pressed upward) and contacts and is guided by the upper guide portion 12b (see Figure 5). When each tip portion 32b approaches the center in the left-right direction, the front and rear ends of each tip portion 32b rest on the pair of lower guide portions 12c. This causes the main body plate portion 32 to be supported by the lower guide portions 12c.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, with both tip portions 32b mated (contacted), two pairs of second fixing portions 124 (see FIG. 5) formed in the middle of upper guide portion 12b and the two pairs of second fixing holes 36 are aligned in a straight line (vertically). For example, female threads are formed in second fixing portions 124. The operator screws fixing screws 37 removed from first fixing portions 123 (first fixing mechanism M1) back into second fixing portions 124. This secures cover members 31A and 31B, completing bottom cover 30 that closes opening 12e (see also FIG. 9). The second fixing portions 124, second fixing holes 36, and fixing screws 37 form second fixing mechanisms M2 that secure bottom cover 30 in unfolded position P2. That is, in washing machine 1, second fixing mechanisms M2 that secure bottom cover 30 in unfolded position P2 are provided on lower ends 12a of legs 12. This makes it impossible to touch the drive unit 18 with one's hand through the gap G (see FIG. 1) formed between the waterproof pan P and the leg portion 12. This prevents the drive unit 18 from being touched with one's hand while the washing machine 1 is operating.

[0037] As described above, the first fixing mechanism M1 and the second fixing mechanism M2 share the fixing screw 37. This has the advantages of simplifying the configuration, reducing the number of parts, and making it less likely that the fixing screw 37 will be lost after being removed.

[0038] An upper guide portion 12b and a lower guide portion 12c that guide the horizontal movement of the bottom cover 30 are provided at the lower end portion 12a of the leg portion 12. These guide portions smoothly guide the horizontal movement of the bottom cover 30 until it reaches the deployed position P2.

[0039] 8, when bottom cover 30 is in deployed position P2, a vertical distance H is secured between bottom end 18b of drive unit 18 and bottom cover 30, taking into consideration the descent of outer tub 15 when washing machine 1 is in use. As a result, even if outer tub 15 descents due to vibration or movement of washing machine 1, bottom cover 30 does not interfere with drive unit 18, allowing washing machine 1 to be used safely and stably.

[0040] In the washing machine of this embodiment, the bottom cover 30 attached to the lower end 12a of the leg 12 can be moved between a storage position P1 and an unfolded position P2. When transporting the washing machine 1, the bottom cover 30 is stored in the storage position P1, allowing the base and other components to be inserted into the housing 11 through the opening 12e, and the drive unit 18 and other components to be secured. The bottom cover 30 can be stored (while avoiding interference with other peripheral components) by utilizing the space that would normally exist within the housing 11 or near the bottom. When installing the washing machine 1 at a location where it will be used, the bottom cover 30 is moved to the unfolded position P2, closing the opening 12e. This prevents the drive unit 18 from being touched while the washing machine 1 is running, ensuring safety. Therefore, the bottom cover 30 can be transported together with the washing machine 1 without significantly changing the packaging size or other aspects of the washing machine during transportation.

[0041] The lower end 12a of the leg 12 is provided with a first fixing mechanism M1 that fixes the bottom cover 30 in the storage position P1, and a second fixing mechanism M2 that fixes the bottom cover 30 in the unfolded position P2. As a result, the bottom cover 30 is fixed in the storage position P1, so that the bottom cover 30 can be maintained in a stable position. This contributes to protecting the bottom cover 30 during transportation and other surrounding components. Even while the washing machine 1 is operating, the bottom cover 30 is fixed in the unfolded position P2, so that rattles of the bottom cover 30 are prevented. The bottom cover 30 is also prevented from opening accidentally (or due to vandalism, etc.), improving safety.

[0042] Furthermore, with the configuration including the pair of cover members 31A and 31B, each cover member can be more easily stored compactly.

[0043] The configuration in which upper guide portion 12b and lower guide portion 12c are provided makes it easy to prevent bottom cover 30 from sagging when bottom cover 30 is moved to the deployed position. Although there are often space restrictions when installing washing machine 1, workability is improved because bottom cover 30 is guided by upper guide portion 12b and lower guide portion 12c.

[0044] When bottom cover 30 is in deployed position P2, a vertical distance H is secured between bottom cover 30 and lower end 18b of drive unit 18, taking into consideration the descent of outer tub 15 when washing machine 1 is in use. This prevents lower end 18b of drive unit 18 from coming into contact with bottom cover 30 even when outer tub 15 is lowered.

[0045] Next, a washing machine 1A according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. The washing machine 1A differs from the washing machine 1 of the previous embodiment in that a foldable bottom cover 30 is provided instead of the bottom cover 30 including sliding cover members 31A and 31B formed by a main body plate 32. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the cover members 31A and 31B has a structure in which, for example, five general cover pieces 38 and one distal cover piece 39 are connected to each other via hinges. The general cover pieces 38 and the distal cover piece 39 each have the same size and shape (rectangular plate-like). The same components are used for the five general cover pieces 38 in each cover member, enabling component sharing. Similar to the previous embodiment, the general cover piece 38 and the distal cover piece 39 each have a plurality of holes 34 (FIG. 11).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10 , each of the cover members 31A and 31B is attached to the lower end portions 23a and 24a by supporting a pair of cylindrical protrusions 38a on the general cover piece 38 located at the outermost position in the left-right direction by the pivot support 126. The pivot support 126 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction between the pair of protrusions 38a. The pair of protrusions 38a and the pivot support 126 form, for example, a hinge structure. Each of the pair of cover members 31A and 31B is folded and positioned in the storage position P1, exposing the opening 12e. In this state, each of the cover members 31A and 31B is fixed by engaging with a claw-shaped first fixing portion 123A (see FIG. 14 ) formed on the lower end portion 12a of the leg 12. The first fixing portion 123A is formed at a position corresponding to the six folded plate-like members, and the tip cover piece 39 located on the inner side in the left-right direction engages with the first fixing portion 123A. The first fixing portion 123A constitutes a first fixing mechanism M1 (see FIG. 14).

[0047] When installing the washing machine 1A, the operator unfolds the cover members 31A and 31B and moves them to the unfolded position P2, which covers the opening 12e (see FIGS. 11 and 12). At this time, the cover members 31A and 31B are guided by the lower guide portions 12c (e.g., a pair of front and rear lower guide portions) extending in the left-right direction (see also FIG. 13). This allows the distal cover pieces 39 to be supported by the lower guide portions 12c. When folded and positioned at the storage position P1, each of the cover members 31A and 31B has a height (vertical height) equivalent to the short side of the general cover piece 38 (see FIG. 10). However, a space is provided above the lower guide portions 12c to accommodate the folded cover members 31A and 31B. When the cover members 31A and 31B are moved to the unfolded position P2, they are always positioned above the lower guide portions 12c (see FIG. 11). When each of the cover members 31A and 31B moves between the storage position P1 and the deployment position P2, there are no other members in the movement space (trajectory) that interfere with (hinder movement of) each of the cover members 31A and 31B.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, when both tip portions 32b are mated (abutted), the protrusions 39a formed on both tip cover pieces 39 fit into the recesses 39b, respectively. A through hole is formed in the protrusion 39a, and a female thread is formed in the recess 39b. The cover members 31A, 31B are fixed together with a fixing screw (not shown), completing the bottom cover 30 that closes the opening 12e. The fixing screw is a screw member that can be held with one hand by the operator and tightened from below, similar to the fixing screw 37 in the above embodiment. The recesses 39b, the protrusions 39a, and the fixing screw constitute a second fixing mechanism M2 that fixes the bottom cover 30 in the deployed position P2.

[0049] The washing machine 1A also achieves the same effects and advantages as the washing machine 1 according to the above embodiment. By folding the cover members 31A and 31B to the storage position P1, the bottom cover 30 can be transported together with the washing machine 1 without significantly changing the packaging size or other aspects of the washing machine during transport. Furthermore, because the bottom cover 30 is fixed in the storage position P1, it can be maintained in a stable position, contributing to the protection of the bottom cover 30 and other surrounding components during transport. Furthermore, even during operation of the washing machine 1, the bottom cover 30 is fixed in the unfolded position P2, preventing rattles and accidental opening of the bottom cover 30, thereby enhancing safety. The configuration including a pair of cover members 31A and 31B facilitates compact storage of each cover member. The bottom cover 30 is guided by the lower guide portion 12c, improving workability. Furthermore, because the gap H is provided, as in the washing machine 1, the lower end of the drive unit 18 is prevented from contacting the bottom cover 30 even when the outer tub 15 is lowered. The folding structure of washing machine 1A is superior in terms of space saving when unfolding (as it requires almost no drawer space) compared to washing machine 1 which employs a sliding cover member.

[0050] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the bottom cover is not limited to a configuration including a pair of cover members (a divided configuration), and may be configured such that a single cover member covers the opening. The single cover member may be a sliding plate-like member or a foldable member. In this case, the single cover member is larger in size than the cover members of the above embodiments, but by securing storage space within or around the housing, it is possible to open the opening (to expose the drive unit) or close the opening.

[0051] In each of the above embodiments, the specific configurations of the first fixing mechanism M1 and the second fixing mechanism M2 may be changed to other appropriate configurations known to those skilled in the art. The guide portions may have configurations different from those of the upper guide portion 12b and the lower guide portion 12c.

[0052] The first fixing mechanism that fixes the bottom cover in the stored position may be omitted. In that case, for example, the bottom cover in the stored position may be pressed down by a base or other packaging-related member. Also, the second fixing mechanism that fixes the bottom cover in the deployed position may be omitted. In that case, for example, the bottom cover in the deployed position may be supported (without being fixed) by a guide portion or other support member. The guide portion may be omitted.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to vertical washing machines, but may be applied to any type of washing machine that has an opening 12e in the bottom 10a. The housing 11 does not necessarily have to have legs 12 at its lower end. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...washing machine, 11...casing, 12...legs, 12a...(casing) lower end, 12e...opening, 12b...upper guide portion, 12c...lower guide portion, 15...outer tub, 16...inner tub, 17...rotating blade, 18...drive unit, 21...front portion, 22...rear portion, 23...right side portion, 23a...(casing) lower end, 24...left side portion, 24a...(casing) lower end, 30...bottom cover, 31A ...Right cover member, 31B...Left cover member, 35...First fixing hole, 36...Second fixing hole, 37...Fixing screw, 38...General cover piece, 39...Tip cover piece, 39a...Protrusion, 39b...Recessed portion, 123...First fixing portion, 123A...First fixing portion, 124...Second fixing portion, H...Spacing, M1...First fixing mechanism, M2...Second fixing mechanism, P1...Stored position, P2...Deployed position.

Claims

1. a drive unit disposed below the outer tub; a housing that houses the outer tank and the drive unit and has an opening formed below the drive unit; The washing machine comprises a bottom cover attached to the lower end of the housing and movable between a storage position that exposes the drive unit through the opening and an extended position that closes the opening.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lower end of the housing or the bottom cover is provided with a first fixing mechanism for fixing the bottom cover in the stored position, and a second fixing mechanism for fixing the bottom cover in the deployed position.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom cover includes a pair of cover members attached to the lower ends of the right and left side surfaces of the housing, or to the lower ends of the front and rear surfaces of the housing.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a guide portion is provided at a lower end of the housing to guide horizontal movement of the bottom cover until the bottom cover reaches the deployed position.

5. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the bottom cover is in the deployed position, a vertical distance is secured between the lower end of the drive unit and the bottom cover, taking into consideration the descent of the outer tub when the washing machine is in use.

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