Washing machine installation aid and washing machine installation structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine installation aid and a washing machine installation structure that enable the secure and stable installation of a washing machine on a waterproof tray or similar surface without displacement. [Solution] The installation aid A comprises a main body case portion 10 that abuts against the top surface 55 of the front support base 51 or the rear support base 53 and has a through hole 11 through which the legs 6 of the washing machine 1 are inserted; a first holding arm 20 that is attached to the lower case portion 12 so as to be movable only in a first direction D1 and has a first locking portion 22; and a second holding arm 30 that is attached to the upper case portion 13 so as to be movable only in a second direction D2 and has a second locking portion 32. Each of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30 can be fixed at multiple different positions within their respective ranges of motion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an installation assisting tool for a washing machine, and an installation structure for a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a mount that is installed on a waterproof pan to support a washing machine is known. Four mounts are arranged on an installation surface so as to support the four corners of the bottom of the washing machine. Each mount includes a main body portion having a top plate, and a fixed base plate portion provided between the main body portion and the installation surface. The fixed base plate portion is made of an elastic material and has a plurality of irregularities for anti-slip purposes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional mount described above prevents slipping relative to the installation surface by the fixed base plate portion made of an elastic material. However, since the structure only places the bottom of the washing machine on the top plate of the main body portion, there is a risk that the washing machine may be displaced relative to the main body portion.

[0005] On the other hand, a configuration in which the washing machine is installed on four support bases provided on a waterproof pan is conceivable. In that case, each of the four legs rests on a respective one of the four support bases. The washing machine may generate vibration during operation, and the vibration may cause displacement of the washing machine. Accordingly, there is a demand for a technique capable of reliably and stably installing a washing machine on a waterproof pan or the like so as not to cause displacement.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine installation aid and a washing machine installation structure that enable the washing machine to be reliably and stably installed on a waterproof tray or the like without displacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] One aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine installation aid used for each of at least two of a plurality of legs provided at the bottom of a washing machine, and attached to a support base corresponding to each of the at least two legs, comprising: a main body case portion that abuts against the top surface of the support base and has a through hole through which one of the legs of the washing machine is inserted, the main body case portion having a lower case portion that abuts against the top surface of the support base and an upper case portion integrated on the lower case portion; a first retaining arm that is attached to the lower case portion so as to be movable only in a first direction parallel to the top surface and has a first locking portion that is locked to a first side surface of the support base; and a second retaining arm that is attached to the upper case portion so as to be movable only in a second direction parallel to the top surface and perpendicular to the first direction and has a second locking portion that is locked to a second side surface of the support base, wherein each of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm can be fixed at a plurality of different positions within their respective ranges of motion.

[0008] [1] According to the washing machine installation aid, at least two installation aids are used for at least two of the washing machine's multiple legs. For example, the washing machine is installed on four support bases provided on a waterproof tray, and each installation aid is applied to at least two of the support bases. Each leg on which an installation aid is used is supported by the top surface of the support base while inserted through a through hole in the main body case. The remaining legs (when there are three or fewer installation aids) are simply supported by the top surface of the support base without any installation aids. The main body case is fitted with a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm that are movable in two mutually orthogonal directions. The planar position of the washing machine can be fixed by locking the first locking part to the first side surface and the second locking part to the second side surface, and then fixing the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm at appropriate positions (extended positions relative to the main body case) according to the position of each leg. In other words, the position of the washing machine can be restrained in two directions. For example, even in the event of vibration, the movement of at least two legs is restricted by at least two main body cases fixed to the support base. As a result, the washing machine can be reliably and stably installed on a waterproof tray or the like without shifting position.

[0009] [2] In the washing machine installation aid described in [1] above, the first retaining arm has a plurality of first recesses arranged in a first direction, and the upper case portion or the lower case portion is provided with a first claw that can engage with each of the first recesses, and the second retaining arm has a plurality of second recesses arranged in a second direction, and the upper case portion is provided with a second claw that can engage with each of the second recesses. With this configuration, the fixing positions of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm can be adjusted in smaller increments. That is, the extension positions of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, in other words, the position of the main body case portion on the top surface of the support base can be finely adjusted.

[0010] [3] In the washing machine installation aid described in [1] or [2] above, the range of motion of the first retaining arm may be one-third or more of the length of the top surface of the support base in the first direction, and the range of motion of the second retaining arm may be one-third or more of the length of the top surface of the support base in the second direction. This configuration ensures a sufficient range of adjustment for the position of the main body case on the top surface of the support base.

[0011] [4] In any of the washing machine installation aids described in [1] to [3] above, the through-hole may be formed in a region further from the first locking part and further from the second locking part than the central part of the main body case when viewed from a third direction perpendicular to the top surface. For example, four legs provided on the bottom of the washing machine are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the washing machine. Assuming that the first locking part and the second locking part of each installation aid are locked to the inward-facing side surface of the support base, it becomes easier to align the through-hole with the legs while placing the main body case within the range of the top surface.

[0012] [5] In any of the washing machine installation aids described in [1] to [4] above, the first locking portion of the first retaining arm may include a first length adjustment member that is movable in a third direction perpendicular to the top surface, and the second locking portion of the second retaining arm may include a second length adjustment member that is movable in a third direction. This configuration makes it easier to adjust the dimensions of the first and second locking portions in the third direction to match the height of the support base, i.e., the vertical dimensions of each side. Even if the height of the support base changes in various ways, the washing machine can be installed on the waterproof pan without any problems by appropriately adjusting the dimensions of the first and second locking portions in the third direction.

[0013] [6] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine installation structure may be provided in which any one of the washing machine installation aids described in [1] to [5] above is placed on each of at least two of the four support bases provided on the waterproof pan. In this washing machine installation structure, the first retaining arm is fixed with the first locking portion locked to the first side surface, and the second retaining arm is fixed with the second locking portion locked to the second side surface, and at least two legs are supported by the top surface with each inserted through a through hole. With this washing machine installation structure, the washing machine can be reliably and stably installed on the waterproof pan. Even if the washing machine may vibrate during operation, displacement on the support base can be prevented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, a washing machine can be reliably and stably installed on a waterproof tray or the like without any displacement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a waterproof tray and two installation aids applied to the tray. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the installation aid from above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the installation aid from below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first and second holding arms extended. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view along the VA-VA line in Figure 4, and Figure 5(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 5(a). [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first length adjustment member of the first locking portion extended. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the installation structure of a washing machine using the installation aids shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0017] In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X direction, Y direction and Z direction shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 may be used to describe the washing machine 1 and its installation structure 100. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and height direction (or up-down direction or vertical direction) in the installed state of the washing machine 1. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" are terms based on the installed state of the washing machine 1.

[0018] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the waterproof pan P to which the installation aid A of the present embodiment is applied, the usage pattern of the installation aid A, and the like will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the waterproof pan P includes a pan frame part 50 which is a rectangular wall part, and four flat rectangular parallelepiped support bases provided at positions at the four corners inside the pan frame part 50. The four support bases are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (X direction) and the left-right direction (Y direction), and a pan bottom surface 58 extending substantially horizontally at a position lower than the top surface 55 of each support base is formed between these support bases. A part of the pan bottom surface 58 (for example, the right part) is provided with a pan hole part 59 for passing the drain hose or the like of the washing machine 1. As the specific configuration of the waterproof pan P, various known configurations may be adopted. For example, the pan frame part 50 may be omitted, or the pan hole part 59 may be omitted. Any two of the four support bases (for example, the support bases where the installation aid A is not used) may be continuous with each other so as to share the top surface 55.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 7, in the installation structure 100 of the present embodiment, two installation aids A are used. The two installation aids A differ only in their orientation during use, and are identical components (i.e., shared components). More specifically, the two installation aids A are oriented differently from each other such that one installation aid A is rotated 90 degrees around the vertical axis relative to the other installation aid A. By installing the washing machine 1 with the leg portions 6 of the washing machine 1 inserted through the respective through holes 11 of the two installation aids A, the planar position of the washing machine 1 can be fixed.

[0020] In the waterproof pan P, a front support base 51 and a front support base 52, as well as a rear support base 53 and a rear support base 54, are provided. The heights of the top surfaces 55 of the front support bases 51 and 52, and the rear support bases 53 and 54 are equal. Each top surface 55 is, for example, a horizontal flat surface, but may be partially provided with irregularities or the like. The two installation aids A are used for any two support bases that are easily accessible by a worker during the installation work of the washing machine 1. In the example of the present embodiment, the two installation aids A are used for the front support base 51 disposed on the front side of the washing machine 1 and on the right side as viewed, and the rear support base 53 disposed on the rear side of the washing machine 1 and on the right side as viewed. Note that the two positions where the installation aids A are used are not limited to the above. The two positions where the installation aids A are used may be two support bases arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the front side of the washing machine 1 (i.e., the front support bases 51 and 52), or may be two support bases arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the rear side of the washing machine 1 (i.e., the rear support bases 53 and 54). Alternatively, the two positions where the installation aids A are used may be two support bases arranged side by side in the front-rear direction on the left side as viewed from the washing machine 1 (i.e., the front support base 52 and the rear support base 54). The two positions where the installation aids A are used may be two support bases located on the diagonal line of the waterproof pan P (in an oblique positional relationship).

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 1 is, for example, a drum-type washing machine. The washing machine 1 has a main body 2 housing various components such as a washing tub, an outer tub, and a motor, and a lower body 3 connected to the bottom of the main body 2. The main body 2 and the lower body 3 are rectangular in plan view, but the front, sides, and rear may have a rounded shape. The washing machine 1 has four legs 6 at the four corners of the bottom 4 of the lower body 3. A cylindrical rubber foot 6a is provided at the lower end of each leg 6. Some of the four legs 6 may be height-adjustable legs. In that case, the remaining legs 6 are, for example, fixed legs. All of the legs 6 may be adjustable legs or fixed legs. Note that two legs 6 may be provided only at the front, and a base (or frame) (which cannot be called a leg 6) that simply abuts against a mounting surface such as a support stand may be provided at the rear. The cylindrical rubber member at the lower end may be omitted.

[0022] Each installation aid A is used for at least two of the four (or more) legs 6 provided on the bottom 4 of the washing machine 1. Each installation aid A is attached to a support base corresponding to each of the at least two legs 6, specifically to the front support base 51 (or rear support base 53). Each installation aid A is placed on the top surface 55, but can be fixed in an appropriate position on the top surface 55 by inserting each leg 6 through a locking structure described later. With respect to each installation aid A, the fixing position of each main body case 10 is variable.

[0023] The details of the configuration of the installation aid A will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 5. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the installation aid A comprises a rectangular parallelepiped main body case 10 and a first holding arm 20 and a second holding arm 30 that are attached to the main body case 10 so as to be slidable in two horizontal directions.

[0024] In the description of the installation aid A, for convenience, three directions are referred to: the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. The first direction D1 is the sliding direction of the first holding arm 20, and the second direction D2 is the sliding direction of the second holding arm 30. In the installation position of the installation aid A, the first direction D1 is one direction parallel to the top surface 55, and the second direction D2 is another direction that is parallel to the top surface 55 and perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. That is, the third direction D3 is perpendicular to the top surface 55. When the installation aid A is used with the front support base 51 (see Figure 1), the first direction D1 is parallel to the front-to-back direction (X direction), and the second direction D2 is parallel to the left-to-right direction (Y direction). When the installation aid A is used on the rear support base 53 (see Figure 1), the first direction D1 is parallel to the left-right direction (Y direction), and the second direction D2 is parallel to the front-back direction (X direction).

[0025] The main body case 10 has a square shape in plan view, for example. The main body case 10 abuts against the top surface 55 of the front support base 51 (or rear support base 53). The main body case 10 has a cylindrical through hole 11 that penetrates in a third direction D3. One of the legs 6 (rubber foot 6a) of the washing machine 1 is inserted through this through hole 11. That is, the inner diameter of the through hole 11 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the leg 6 (rubber foot 6a). The main body case 10 has a structure in which two flat case parts, the lower case part 12 and the upper case part 13, are integrated. The apparent thickness (thickness in the third direction D3) of the lower case part 12 and the upper case part 13 are the same. For example, at the location of the through hole 11, a cylindrical projection (not shown) of the lower case portion 12 fits into a recess (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the upper case portion 13, and the two case portions are fixed to each other by appropriate means. Figures 2 and 3 show the circular hole 13e of the upper case portion 13 and the circular hole 12e of the lower case portion 12 in this fitting portion. The through hole 11 is composed of circular holes 12e and 13e that have the same inner diameter and are continuous with each other in the third direction D3.

[0026] The lower case portion 12 extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and abuts against the top surface 55 of the front support base 51 (or rear support base 53). A sheet-like rubber bottom portion 15 (see Figure 3) is fixed to the bottom surface of the lower case portion 12, covering almost the entire surface except for the location of the through hole 11. The upper case portion 13 extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, similar to the lower case portion 12. The upper case portion 13 is integrated on top of the lower case portion 12. The shapes of the lower case portion 12 and the upper case portion 13 are not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) shown in Figures 2 and 3, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first retaining arm 20 is mounted so as to be movable only in a first direction D1 relative to the lower case portion 12. Therefore, the lower case portion 12 has a horizontally elongated first slide hole 12h formed therein to receive the first horizontal slide portion 21 of the first retaining arm 20. The first slide hole 12h has a guide shape that guides a pair of parallel first slide rail portions 21a of the first horizontal slide portion 21 inside the lower case portion 12. A U-shaped notch 29 is formed at the tip of the first horizontal slide portion 21 in order to secure space for the through hole 11 when the first retaining arm 20 is in the storage position stored in the lower case portion 12. The pair of first slide rail portions 21a extend in the first direction D1 on both sides of the notch 29. As shown in Figure 3, the pair of first slide rail sections 21a reciprocate in the first direction D1 within the pair of first rail holes 12j, which are connected to the side opposite to the side where the first slide hole 12h opens (the side to which the first retaining arm 20 moves for extension or retraction). The first slide hole 12h and the pair of first rail holes 12j are in communication within the lower case section 12.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, each of the pair of first slide rail sections 21a has a first arm position adjustment section 26 extending in a first direction D1. The first arm position adjustment section 26 has a plurality of first recesses 27 that are continuously arranged in the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5(a), the inner surface of the upper case section 13 is provided with an engaging claw 16b (first claw) that can engage with each first recess 27. The engaging claw 16b is provided at the tip of an L-shaped plate-like member attached to the side wall 13c of the upper case section 13. This plate-like member is elastically pivotable relative to the side wall 13c, and a fixing cylindrical body 16a is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member. The fixing cylindrical body 16a has a semi-cylindrical shape extending in a second direction D2, and a female screw portion is provided inside it. The engaging claw 16b and the fixing cylindrical body 16a constitute the first arm position regulating section 16. The fixing cylindrical body 16a is positioned within a rectangular first opening 13f formed in the upper case portion 13 and extending elongated in the second direction D2. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the first opening 13f penetrates in the third direction D3.

[0029] When the operator slides the first holding arm 20, the engaging claw 16b engages with the adjacent first recess 27 from one first recess 27. As the engaging claw 16b moves between the two adjacent first recesses 27, the L-shaped plate member and the fixing cylindrical body 16a move up and down. At this time, the first opening 13f receives the fixing cylindrical body 16a and allows the fixing cylindrical body 16a to move up and down.

[0030] The first retaining arm 20 is stopped at an appropriate position where the engaging claw 16b engages with any one of the first recesses 27, and is fixed by screwing an arm fixing screw 19 (shown on the right in Figure 3) into the female threaded portion of the fixing cylindrical body 16a. More specifically, the arm fixing screw 19 penetrates the side wall of the upper case portion 13 in the second direction D2 and is screwed into the female threaded portion of the fixing cylindrical body 16a. As a result, vertical movement of the first arm position restricting portion 16 is prevented (the first arm position restricting portion 16 is fixed), and the engaged state of the engaging claw 16b is maintained. With the above configuration, the stopping position (fixed position) of the first retaining arm 20 in the first direction D1 can be adjusted in multiple stages. In other words, the stopping position of the first retaining arm 20 is restricted by the multiple first recesses 27 and the engaging claw 16b.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second retaining arm 30 is mounted so as to be movable only in the second direction D2 relative to the upper case portion 13. Therefore, the upper case portion 13 has a horizontally elongated second slide hole portion 13h formed therein to receive the second horizontal slide portion 31 of the second retaining arm 30. The second slide hole portion 13h has a guide shape that guides a pair of parallel second slide rail portions 31a of the second horizontal slide portion 31 inside the upper case portion 13. A U-shaped notch 39 is formed at the tip of the second horizontal slide portion 31 in order to secure space for the through hole 11 when the second retaining arm 30 is in the storage position stored in the upper case portion 13. The pair of second slide rail portions 31a extend in the second direction D2 on both sides of the notch 39. As shown in Figure 3, the pair of second slide rail sections 31a reciprocate in the second direction D2 within the pair of second rail holes 13j, which are connected to the side opposite to the side where the second slide hole section 13h opens (the side to which the second holding arm 30 moves for extension or retraction). The second slide hole section 13h and the pair of second rail holes 13j are in communication within the upper case section 13.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, each of the pair of second slide rail sections 31a has a second arm position adjustment section 36 extending in the second direction D2. The second arm position adjustment section 36 has a plurality of second recesses 37 arranged continuously in the second direction D2. On the inner surface of the upper case section 13, an engaging claw (second claw, not shown) that can engage with each second recess 37 is provided, similar to the first arm position adjustment section 26 described above. The engaging claw is provided at the tip of an L-shaped plate-like member attached to another side wall of the upper case section 13 (a side wall perpendicular to the above side wall 13c). This plate-like member is elastically pivotable relative to its side wall, and a fixing cylindrical body is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member. The fixing cylindrical body has a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1, and a female screw portion is provided inside it. The engaging claw and the fixing cylindrical body constitute the second arm position regulating section 17. The fixing cylindrical body is positioned within a rectangular second opening 13g formed in the upper case portion 13, which extends elongated in the first direction D1. The second opening 13g penetrates in the third direction D3.

[0033] When the operator slides the second holding arm 30, the engaging claw engages with the adjacent second recess 37 from one second recess 37. As the engaging claw moves between the two adjacent second recesses 37, the L-shaped plate member and the fixing cylindrical body move up and down. At this time, the second opening 13g receives the fixing cylindrical body and allows the fixing cylindrical body to move up and down.

[0034] The second retaining arm 30 is stopped at an appropriate position where the engaging claw engages with any one of the second recesses 37, and is fixed by screwing another arm fixing screw 19 (shown on the left in Figure 3) into the female threaded portion of the fixing cylindrical body. More specifically, the other arm fixing screw 19 penetrates another side wall of the upper case portion 13 in the first direction D1 and is screwed into the female threaded portion of the fixing cylindrical body. As a result, vertical movement of the second arm position restricting portion 17 is prevented (the second arm position restricting portion 17 is fixed), and the engaged state of the engaging claw is maintained. With the above configuration, the stopping position (fixed position) of the second retaining arm 30 in the second direction D2 can be adjusted in multiple stages. In other words, the stopping position of the second retaining arm 30 is restricted by the multiple second recesses 37 and the engaging claw (second claw).

[0035] As described above, within the main body case 10, the first horizontal sliding portion 21 of the first holding arm 20 and the second horizontal sliding portion 31 of the second holding arm 30 can slide in mutually orthogonal directions at different positions (different heights) in the third direction D3. The fixed position of the first holding arm 20 and the fixed position of the second holding arm 30 can be determined independently of each other.

[0036] The arm fixing screws 19 for securing the first retaining arm 20 and the arm fixing screws 19 for securing the second retaining arm 30 are both located in positions that can be easily accessed from the front side of the waterproof pan P. The fixing of each arm by an operator can be easily performed using tools such as a screwdriver.

[0037] Here, the range of motion of the first holding arm 20 is, for example, the length of the top surface 55 of the front support base 51 in the first direction D1, that is, (in the case of the front support base 51) at least one-third of the length of the top surface 55 in the front-rear direction (X direction). The range of motion of the second holding arm 30 is, for example, the length of the top surface 55 of the front support base 51 in the second direction D2, that is, (in the case of the front support base 51) at least one-third of the length of the top surface 55 in the left-right direction (Y direction). Since the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53 each have a top surface 55 that is square in shape and of the same size in a plan view, the same can be said when the installation aid A is used on the rear support base 53. That is, the range of motion of the first holding arm 20 is, for example, the length of the top surface 55 of the rear support base 53 in the first direction D1, that is, (in the case of the rear support base 53) at least one-third of the length of the top surface 55 in the left-right direction (Y direction). The range of motion of the second holding arm 30 is, for example, one-third or more of the length of the top surface 55 of the rear support base 53 in the second direction D2, that is, (in the case of the rear support base 53) one-third or more of the length of the top surface 55 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first retaining arm 20 is connected to the base end of the first horizontal sliding section 21 and extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, and has a first locking section 22 that engages with, for example, the front and rear opposing sides 56 (first side) of the front support base 51 (see Figure 1). The second retaining arm 30 is connected to the base end of the second horizontal sliding section 31 and extends in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and has a second locking section 32 that engages with, for example, the left and right opposing sides 57 (second side) of the front support base 51 (see Figure 1).

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 6, the first locking portion 22 of the first holding arm 20 includes a first length adjustment member 23 that is movable in a third direction D3. The first length adjustment member 23 is slidable in the third direction D3. More specifically, the first length adjustment member 23 includes a lifting plate portion 23a that extends in a second direction D2 and a third direction D3. Multiple length adjustment recesses 23b formed at both ends of the lifting plate portion 23a in the second direction D2 and aligned in the third direction D3 engage with engaging claws 22b formed at both ends of the first locking portion 22 in the second direction D2. This makes it possible to adjust the stopping position (fixed position) of the first length adjustment member 23 in the third direction D3 in multiple stages. In the first locking portion 22, the inner surface of the lifting plate portion 23a abuts against the front and rear opposing sides 56 of the front support base 51 (or the left and right opposing sides 57 of the rear support base 53). The inner surface of the lifting plate portion 23a functions as a holding surface in the first locking portion 22.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second locking portion 32 of the second holding arm 30 also includes a second length adjustment member 33 that is movable in a third direction D3. The second length adjustment member 33 is slidable in the third direction D3. More specifically, the second length adjustment member 33 includes a lifting plate portion 33a that extends in a first direction D1 and a third direction D3. Multiple length adjustment recesses (not shown) formed at both ends of the lifting plate portion 33a in the first direction D1 and aligned in the third direction D3 engage with engaging claws (not shown) formed at both ends of the second locking portion 32 in the first direction D1. This makes it possible to adjust the stopping position (fixed position) of the second length adjustment member 33 in the third direction D3 in multiple stages. In the second locking portion 32, the inner surface of the lifting plate portion 33a abuts against the left and right opposing sides 57 of the front support base 51 (or the front and rear opposing sides 56 of the rear support base 53). The inner surface of the lifting plate portion 33a functions as a holding surface in the second locking portion 32.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the first length adjustment member 23 includes a first lower end plate portion 28 formed at the lower end of the lifting plate portion 23a. The first lower end plate portion 28 is a rectangular plate-shaped member that extends perpendicular to the third direction D3, with the first direction D1 as the shorter side and the second direction D2 as the longer side. The second length adjustment member 33 also includes a second lower end plate portion 38 connected to the lower end of the lifting plate portion 33a. The second lower end plate portion 38 is a rectangular plate-shaped member that extends perpendicular to the third direction D3, with the second direction D2 as the shorter side and the first direction D1 as the longer side. These first lower end plate portions 28 and second lower end plate portions 38 can contact the bottom surface 58 of the waterproof pan P when the installation aid A is in use (i.e., when the washing machine 1 is installed). This further stabilizes the position of the installation aid A installed on the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, respectively.

[0042] Referring to Figure 7, the installation method and installation structure 100 of the washing machine 1 using the installation aid A having the configuration described above will be explained. First, with the two arm fixing screws 19 removed from each installation aid A, each installation aid A is installed on the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, respectively. Then, the extension positions of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30 are adjusted to match the two legs 6 on the right side of the washing machine 1. At this time, the first locking part 22 and the second locking part 32 are hooked (locked) onto their respective sides. The lengths of the first length adjustment member 23 and the second length adjustment member 33 should be adjusted in advance according to the height of the support base. With each installation aid A, once the extension positions of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30, that is, the position of the main body case part 10 on the top surface 55, are determined, all the arm fixing screws 19 are attached to fix these positions. The first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30 can each be fixed in an appropriate position (a position selected from several different positions) within their respective ranges of motion. Then, the washing machine 1 is lowered, the rubber feet 6a of each right leg 6 are inserted into the respective through holes 11, and each leg 6 is placed on the top surface 55.

[0043] After the above steps, the installation structure 100 for the washing machine 1 is completed, with the installation aid A for the washing machine 1 placed on the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, respectively. In the installation structure 100 for the washing machine 1, the first holding arm 20 is fixed with the first locking part 22 locked to the first side surface, and the second holding arm 30 is fixed with the second locking part 32 locked to the second side surface. Each of the two legs 6 is inserted through the through hole 11 and supported by the top surface 55. With the installation structure 100 for the washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 can be reliably and stably installed on the waterproof pan P. Even if the washing machine may vibrate during operation, displacement on the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53 can be prevented.

[0044] Here, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the through holes 11 in each installation aid A are formed in an area further from the first locking portion 22 and further from the second locking portion 32 than the central part of the main body case portion 10 as viewed from the third direction D3. For example, the four legs 6 provided on the bottom 4 of the washing machine 1 are located at the four corners of the bottom 4 of the washing machine 1. When the first locking portion 22 and the second locking portion 32 of each installation aid A are locked to the front and rear opposing sides 56 and left and right opposing sides 57 (inward-facing sides) of the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, it is easier to align the through holes 11 with the legs 6 while placing the main body case portion 10 within the range of the top surface 55.

[0045] According to the installation aid A for the washing machine 1 of this embodiment described above, at least two installation aids A are used for at least two of the multiple legs 6 of the washing machine 1. For example, the washing machine 1 is installed on four support bases 51 to 54 provided on a waterproof pan P, and each installation aid A is applied to the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, respectively. Each of the legs 6 on which the installation aid A is used is inserted through a through hole 11 in the main body case 10 and supported by the top surfaces 55 of the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53. The other rear legs 6 are simply supported by the top surfaces 55 of the rear support bases 53 and 54 without the installation aid A. The main body case 10 is fitted with a first retaining arm 20 and a second retaining arm 30 that are movable in two mutually orthogonal directions. The first locking part 22 is locked to the first side surface, and the second locking part 32 is locked to the second side surface. Then, the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30 are fixed in appropriate positions (extended positions relative to the main body case) according to the position of each leg portion 6, and the legs 6 are inserted through the through holes 11, thereby holding each installation aid A to the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53. This fixes the planar position of the washing machine 1. In other words, the position of the washing machine 1 can be restrained in two directions, and the installed state of the washing machine 1 is maintained. For example, even if vibration occurs during the operation of the drum-type washing machine, the movement of at least two legs 6 is restricted by at least two main body case portions 10 fixed on the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53. As a result, the washing machine 1 can be reliably and stably installed on the waterproof pan P without displacement.

[0046] The upper case portion 13 is provided with engaging claws 16b that can engage with each of the first recesses 27. The upper case portion 13 is also provided with engaging claws (not shown) that can engage with each of the second recesses 37. This allows for more precise adjustment of the fixed positions of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30. In other words, the extended positions of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30, or in other words, the positions of the main case portion 10 on the top surfaces 55 of the front support base 51 and the rear support base 53, can be finely adjusted.

[0047] The range of motion of the first holding arm 20 is at least one-third of the length of the top surface 55 of the support base in the first direction D1, and the range of motion of the second holding arm 30 is at least one-third of the length of the top surface 55 of the support base in the second direction D2. This ensures a sufficient range of adjustment for the position of the main body case 10 on the top surface 55 of the support base.

[0048] With a configuration that includes a first length adjustment member 23 and a second length adjustment member 33, it becomes easier to adjust the dimensions of the first locking portion 22 and the second locking portion 32 in the third direction D3 (height direction) to match the height of the support base, i.e., the vertical dimensions of each side. Even if the height of the support base changes in various ways, the washing machine 1 can be installed on the waterproof pan P without any problems by appropriately adjusting the dimensions of the first locking portion 22 and the second locking portion 32 in the third direction D3.

[0049] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, stepless position adjustment may be possible in at least one of the first holding arm 20 and the second holding arm 30 by means of a slide guide or an equivalent mechanism.

[0050] Engaging claws 16b that can engage with each of the first recesses 27 may be provided on the lower case portion 12.

[0051] The through-hole 11 in the installation aid A may be formed in the central part of the main body case portion 10 as viewed from the third direction D3.

[0052] The rubber feet 6a of the leg portion 6 may be press-fitted into each through hole 11.

[0053] The invention is not limited to a configuration in which a support base is provided on the waterproof pan P. A support base may simply be provided on the floor surface where the washing machine 1 is installed.

[0054] The lower case portion 12 and the upper case portion 13 may be a single unit from the time of manufacture. In other words, there may be no boundary between these two components.

[0055] In the installation structure 100 of the washing machine 1, three or four installation aids A may be used.

[0056] Each support base is not limited to having flat front and rear opposing side surfaces 56 and left and right opposing side surfaces 57, but may also have curved side surfaces, for example. It is sufficient for a single support base to have two side surfaces to which the first locking portion 22 and the second locking portion 32 can be locked.

[0057] Installation aid A and installation structure 100 may be applied to a vertical washing machine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1...Washing machine, 6...Legs, 10...Main body case, 11...Through hole, 12...Lower case, 13...Upper case, 16...First arm position regulating part, 16b...Engaging claw, 17...Second arm position regulating part, 19...Arm fixing screw, 20...First holding arm, 21...First horizontal sliding part, 22...First locking part, 23...First length adjustment member, 30...Second holding arm, 31...Second horizontal sliding part, 32...Second locking part, 33...Second length adjustment member, 51...Front support base, 52...Front support base, 53...Rear support base, 54...Rear support base, 55...Top surface, 56...Front and rear opposing sides, 57...Left and right opposing sides, 100...Installation structure, A...Installation aid, D1...First direction, D2...Second direction, D3...Third direction. P...Waterproof pan.

Claims

1. A washing machine installation aid used for each of at least two of the multiple legs provided on the bottom of the washing machine, and attached to a support base corresponding to each of the at least two legs, A main body case portion that abuts against the top surface of the support base and has a through hole through which one leg of the washing machine is inserted, the main body case portion having a lower case portion that abuts against the top surface of the support base and an upper case portion integrated on top of the lower case portion, A first holding arm is attached to the lower case portion so as to be movable only in a first direction parallel to the top surface, and has a first locking portion that is locked to the first side surface of the support base, The system includes a second holding arm that is mounted to the upper case portion so as to be movable only in a second direction parallel to the top surface and perpendicular to the first direction, and has a second locking portion that locks to the second side surface of the support base, A washing machine installation aid, wherein each of the first and second holding arms can be fixed at multiple different positions within their respective ranges of motion.

2. The first retaining arm has a plurality of first recesses arranged in the first direction, and the upper case portion or the lower case portion is provided with a first claw that can engage with each of the first recesses. The washing machine installation aid according to claim 1, wherein the second retaining arm has a plurality of second recesses arranged in the second direction, and the upper case portion is provided with a second claw that can engage with each of the second recesses.

3. The range of motion of the first holding arm is one-third or more of the length of the top surface of the support base in the first direction. The washing machine installation aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the range of motion of the second holding arm is one-third or more of the length of the top surface of the support base in the second direction.

4. The washing machine installation aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole is formed in a region further from the first locking portion and further from the second locking portion than the central portion of the main body case portion as viewed from a third direction perpendicular to the top surface.

5. The first locking portion of the first holding arm includes a first length adjustment member that is movable in a third direction perpendicular to the top surface, The washing machine installation aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second locking portion of the second holding arm includes a second length adjustment member that is movable in the third direction.

6. The washing machine installation aid according to claim 1 or 2 is placed on at least two of the four support bases provided on the waterproof pan, the first retaining arm is fixed with the first locking portion locked to the first side surface, and the second retaining arm is fixed with the second locking portion locked to the second side surface. A washing machine installation structure in which each of the at least two legs is inserted through the through-hole and supported by the top surface.

Images