washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine in which a hinge spring having a large spring force is suitably used.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 comprises a washing machine body 10 and an upper lid 20 and the upper lid 20 is biased in an opening direction by a hinge spring 32. The washing machine body 10 is provided with a hinge base 50 that serves as a bearing of a hinge shaft 30. The hinge base 50 is a member formed by bending a sheet metal and comprises a base part 51 in which a shaft direction of a hinge shaft 30 is set to a longitudinal direction and which is fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine body 10, and bearing parts 52 which are formed to protrude upward so as to be orthogonal to a main surface of the base part 51 at two positions of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base part 51. The bearing part 52 is formed by cutting and raising from an outside with respect to the base part 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A so-called vertical washing machine has a top cover that is hinged to the washing machine body (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-38467 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a washing machine, the weight of the top lid may be heavy due to the use of glass in the top lid, the incorporation of an operating circuit in the top lid, etc. In Patent Document 1, the hinge bearing of the top lid is only fastened and fixed to the screw boss of the top cover by a tapping screw, and the strength of the hinge bearing portion may be insufficient. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a washing machine in which the strength of the bearing portion is enhanced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a washing machine comprising a washing machine body and a top lid, a hinge shaft connecting the washing machine body and the top lid, and a bearing member attached to the washing machine body and serving as a bearing for the hinge shaft, the bearing member having a shape with the axial direction of the hinge shaft as its longitudinal direction, and comprising a base portion fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine body, bearing portions formed at two longitudinal ends of the base portion so as to protrude upward from the base portion and to which the hinge shaft is attached, and reinforcing portions extending from both longitudinal ends of the base portion and fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine body, the bearing portions being formed by cutting and raising from the outside of the longitudinal direction of the base portion. Effect of the Invention

[0006] In the washing machine of the present invention, the base part and the reinforcing parts extending from both ends of the base part are fixed to the washing machine body, and the bearing part to which the hinge shaft is attached is formed by cutting and raising from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the base part. In the present invention, since the fixing around the bearing part is strengthened, it is possible to provide a washing machine with strengthened strength of the bearing part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of the top plate with the top cover removed, seen obliquely from above. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of the top cover seen from diagonally below. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing the internal structure around the hinge joint with the outer case member removed from the top plate. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the internal structure around the hinge joint with the rear panel member of the top cover removed. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7(a) is a schematic diagram of an end portion of the hinge base in FIG. 6, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the end portion of the hinge base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [First embodiment] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine that includes a washing machine body 10 and a top lid 20. The washing machine body 10 has a laundry inlet 101 (see FIG. 2), and the top lid 20 is hinged to the washing machine body 10 so as to cover the laundry inlet 101 in an openable and closable manner. Specifically, the top lid 20 is hinged to a top panel 11 that constitutes the upper part of the washing machine body 10.

[0010] In the washing machine 1, the top cover 20 is relatively heavy. In the example of Fig. 1, the top surface of the top cover 20 is a glass plate, and the top cover 20 is provided with an operation panel 21 (e.g., a touch panel). An operation circuit is also built into the inside of the top cover 20. That is, the top cover 20 in Fig. 1 is heavy in weight due to the inclusion of the glass plate, the operation circuit, and the like.

[0011] Next, a specific structure of the hinge joint between the top plate 11 and the top lid 20 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top plate 11 with the top lid 20 removed, seen obliquely from above. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the top lid 20, seen obliquely from below. In Figs. 2 and 3, the hinge shaft 30 is illustrated in Fig. 3 (top lid 20 side). In Figs. 2 and 3, the top plate 11 and the top lid 20 are shown separately to clearly show the structure of the hinge joint, but the assembly procedure of the top plate 11 and the top lid 20 is not taken into consideration.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 2, on the upper surface of the top plate 11, at the rear of the washing machine body 10, body-side hinge bearings 31 are provided so as to protrude from two ends. In addition, a damper receiver 41 that holds a shaft 40 (see Fig. 5) of a damper (placed inside the top lid 20) is placed between the body-side hinge bearings 31. The top plate 11 and the top lid 20 are connected via two hinge shafts 30 that are divided into left and right, and each of the body-side hinge bearings 31 serves as a bearing that supports an outer end of one hinge shaft 30. The damper provides resistance when the top lid 20 is opened or closed, and prevents the top lid 20 from opening or closing forcefully.

[0013] 3, grooves 22 are provided on the back surface of top cover 20 at two ends, and one end (outer end) of hinge shaft 30 is disposed inside each of grooves 22. That is, when top plate 11 and top cover 20 are joined together, main body side hinge bearing 31 is inserted inside groove 22, and one end of hinge shaft 30 is supported by main body side hinge bearing 31.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure around the hinge joint with the outer case member removed from the top plate 11. As shown in FIG. 4, a hinge base (bearing member) 50 having bearings 52 formed at two ends in the longitudinal direction is provided inside the top plate 11. The hinge base 50 has a base portion 51 whose longitudinal direction is the axial direction of the hinge shaft 30, and has bearings 52 at both ends of the base portion 51. The above-mentioned main body side hinge bearing 31 is configured by forming a bearing outer shell in the outer case member of the top plate 11 and inserting the bearing portion 52 of the hinge base 50 into the bearing outer shell. The hinge base 50 is fixed to the frame member inside the top plate 11 by screws. At least the base portion 51 of the hinge base 50 is screwed to the frame member.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure around the hinge joint with the back panel member of the top cover 20 removed. As shown in FIG. 5, two hinge shafts 30 arranged on the same axis are supported inside the top cover 20. Each of the hinge shafts 30 is provided with a hinge spring 32 arranged around the shaft to assist in opening the top cover 20. The hinge springs 32 are torsion springs that bias the top cover 20 in the opening direction relative to the top plate 11. As shown in FIG. 3, one end of each hinge spring 32 protrudes from the back surface of the top cover 20 and is fixed on the top plate 11 side. The other end of each hinge spring 32 is fixed on the top cover 20 side.

[0016] When the top cover 20 is hinged to the top plate 11, a load is generated in the hinge base 50 by the hinge spring 32. Specifically, a torsional load along the longitudinal direction is generated between the base portion 51, which is fixed to the frame member, and the bearing portion 52. In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment 1, the top cover 20 is relatively heavy and the spring force of the hinge spring 32 is also large, so that the torsional load generated in the hinge base 50 is also large. The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment 1 is characterized in that the hinge base 50 is formed in a highly rigid shape so that the hinge spring 32 with a large spring force can be used without any problems.

[0017] 6 is a perspective view showing the hinge base 50. The hinge base 50 is manufactured by sheet metal processing, and is manufactured by subjecting a metal plate (sheet metal) to the processes of cutting, drilling, and bending. That is, the hinge base 50 is manufactured by subjecting the sheet metal to the processes of cutting and drilling to process it into a predetermined shape, and then further subjecting it to a bending process.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 6, the hinge base 50 is composed of a base portion 51, a bearing portion 52, and a leg portion 53. The base portion 51 has a longitudinal direction in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 30, and has a plurality of screw holes 511 for fastening the hinge base 50 with screws, a spring insertion hole (spring mounting portion) 512, and a damper mounting hole 513. As described above, the hinge spring 32 disposed around the hinge shaft 30 is fixed on the upper plate 11 side with one end protruding from the rear surface of the upper cover 20. That is, one end of the hinge spring 32 fixed on the upper plate 11 side is inserted into the through hole 102 (see Fig. 2) formed in the outer case member of the upper plate 11, and is further inserted into the spring insertion hole 512 of the hinge base 50 and fixed. The damper receiver 41 is attached to the same frame member as the hinge base 50, and therefore the hinge base 50 has a damper attachment hole 513 formed at a location where the damper receiver 41 is attached. The base portion 51 may also be provided with a reinforcing rib 514 formed by bending an edge along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate.

[0019] The bearing portion 52 is formed at two ends of the base portion 51 in the longitudinal direction thereof, protruding upward so as to be perpendicular to the main surface of the base portion 51. More specifically, the bearing portion 52 is formed by cutting and raising from the outside of the base portion 51. The bearing portion 52 is formed with a bearing hole 521 for inserting the hinge shaft 30 therein.

[0020] The legs 53 are reinforcing parts extending from both ends of the base 51 in the longitudinal direction, and are formed by bending downward so as to be perpendicular to the main surface of the base 51. More specifically, the legs 53 are formed by bending downward the peripheral part of the bearing 52 formed by cutting and raising. Therefore, the legs 53 have openings 531 at the places corresponding to the cut and raised bearing 52. The tips of the legs 53 have flanges 532 bent outward, and the flanges 532 have screw holes 533 for fastening the legs 53 with screws. The legs 53 may also have reinforcing ribs 534 formed by bending the sides along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate.

[0021] A first feature of the present invention is that the hinge base 50 according to the first embodiment has the bearing portion 52 formed by cutting and raising from the outside of the base portion 51. By forming the bearing portion 52 by cutting and raising from the outside of the base portion 51, no opening is formed in the base portion 51 that is on the inside of the bearing portion 52 after the bearing portion 52 is cut and raised.

[0022] The torsional load generated by the spring force of the hinge spring 32 acts largely on the base portion 51 inside the bearing portion 52. For this reason, if an opening is formed in the base portion 51 after the bearing portion 52 is cut and raised (i.e., if the bearing portion 52 is formed by cutting and raising from the inside), the rigidity of the portion where the torsional load acts largely is reduced by the opening, making it difficult to use the hinge spring 32 with a large spring force (there is a risk of bending the base portion 51). The hinge base 50 according to the first embodiment has a structure suitable for using the hinge spring 32 with a large spring force, without the rigidity of the base portion 51 being reduced by the opening.

[0023] In addition, since the base portion 51 does not open toward the inside of the bearing portion 52, it is possible to provide the screw hole 511 for screwing the hinge base 50 as close as possible to the bearing portion 52. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the screw hole 511A is a screw hole provided as close as possible to the bearing portion 52. Since the torsional load applied to the hinge base 50 is generated by the torsional moment between the base portion 51 and the bearing hole 521 of the bearing portion 52, it is preferable that the base portion 51 is screwed as close as possible to the bearing portion 52 in order to increase the rigidity against the torsional moment. In the hinge base 50 according to the first embodiment, the screw hole 511A allows the base portion 51 to be screwed as close as possible to the bearing portion 52.

[0024] [Embodiment 2] The hinge base 50 according to the second embodiment is provided with the legs 53, which is a second feature of the present invention.

[0025] As described in the first embodiment, bearing portion 52 in hinge base 50 is formed by cutting and raising the base portion 51 from the outside. Therefore, a remaining sheet metal portion where bearing portion 52 is cut and raised is present on the outside of base portion 51. In hinge base 50, this remaining sheet metal portion is bent downward to form leg portion 53. That is, leg portion 53 is provided at the same position as bearing portion 52 in the longitudinal direction of hinge base 50. Also, leg portion 53 is bent to the opposite side of base portion 51 from bearing portion 52.

[0026] The leg portion 53 is provided with a flange portion 532 having a screw hole 533 at its tip, and the flange portion 532 is fixed with a screw to a frame member inside the top plate 11. This allows the leg portion 53 to function as a reinforcing portion against a torsional load applied to the base portion 51, and the rigidity of the hinge base 50 can be further improved.

[0027] 6, the remaining sheet metal portion after cutting and raising the bearing portion 52 is bent downward to form the leg portion 53, but it is also possible to leave this remaining sheet metal portion unbent and use it as a reinforcing portion extending outward on the same plane as the base portion 51. However, forming the leg portion 53 is preferable since it has the following two advantages. (1) Since the downwardly bent leg portions 53 are fixed at a position away from the main surface of the base portion 51, when a torsional moment occurs between the base portion 51 and the bearing hole 521 of the bearing portion 52, a counter moment acts on the end portion of the base portion 51. This improves the function of the base portion 51 as a reinforcing portion against the torsional load applied to the base portion 51. With regard to this effect, it is preferable to make the distance between the base portion 51 and the screw hole 533 of the flange portion 532 longer than the distance between the base portion 51 and the bearing hole 521 of the bearing portion 52, since this reduces the load applied to the leg portions 53. (2) By bending downward the remaining sheet metal portion after cutting and raising the bearing portion 52, the length of the hinge base 50 can be made shorter than in the case where the sheet metal portion is extended outward without being bent. In other words, when the length of the hinge base 50 is fixed, it is possible to set the distance between the bearing portions 52 longer.

[0028] 6, the leg 53 has a flange 532 bent outward at the tip thereof, and the flange 532 is secured with a screw. That is, the flange 532 is secured with a screw to the upper surface of the frame member to which the leg 53 is secured with the screw. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the leg 53 may be secured with a screw to the side surface of the frame member without providing the flange 532 on the leg 53.

[0029] Third Embodiment In the hinge base 50 shown in FIG. 6, the legs 53 are provided at the same position as the bearing portion 52 in the longitudinal direction of the hinge base 50 (see FIG. 7(a)). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the legs 53 may be provided at a position different from the bearing portion 52 in the longitudinal direction of the hinge base 50. Specifically, the legs 53 may be provided outboard of the bearing portion 52 in the longitudinal direction of the hinge base 50 (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0030] Depending on the size and shape of the frame member to which the hinge base 50 is screwed, it may be better to provide the legs 53 and the bearings 52 at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the hinge base 50, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0031] As described above, the washing machine of this embodiment is a washing machine equipped with a washing machine main body and a top lid, a hinge shaft connecting the washing machine main body and the top lid, and a bearing member attached to the washing machine main body and serving as a bearing for the hinge shaft, the bearing member having a shape with the axial direction of the hinge shaft as its longitudinal direction, and having a base portion fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine main body, bearing portions formed to protrude upward from the base portion at two locations on both longitudinal ends of the base portion and to which the hinge shaft is attached, and reinforcing portions extended from both longitudinal ends of the base portion and fixed to the frame member inside the washing machine main body, the bearing portions being formed by cutting and raising from the outside of the longitudinal direction of the base portion.

[0032] In addition, the above-mentioned washing machine can be configured to include a hinge spring that connects the washing machine body and the top lid and biases the top lid in the direction of opening, and the base portion can be configured to have a spring mounting portion to which the hinge spring is attached.

[0033] In the washing machine, the reinforcing portion may be bent toward an opposite side to the bearing portion with respect to the base portion.

[0034] The washing machine may be configured such that the distance from the base portion to the end of the reinforcing portion is longer than the distance from the base portion to the end of the bearing portion.

[0035] In the washing machine, at least one of the base portion and the reinforcing portion may have a reinforcing rib formed by bending.

[0036] The washing machine according to the present invention can also be described as an embodiment as follows: The present invention is a washing machine including a washing machine main body and a top cover hinged to the washing machine main body, comprising a hinge shaft, a hinge spring arranged around the hinge shaft and biasing the top cover in an opening direction, and a bearing member attached to the washing machine main body and serving as a bearing for the hinge shaft, the bearing member being a member formed by bending a metal plate, the axial direction of the hinge shaft being the longitudinal direction, a base portion fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine main body, and bearing portions formed at two longitudinal ends of the base portion so as to protrude upwards and be perpendicular to the main surface of the base portion, the bearing portions being formed by cutting and raising from the outside of the base portion.

[0037] According to the above configuration, in the bearing member manufactured by sheet metal processing, by forming the bearing portion by cutting and raising from the outside of the base portion, no opening is formed in the base portion that is the inside of the bearing portion after the bearing portion is cut and raised. This prevents the rigidity of the base portion, on which the spring force of the hinge spring acts, from being reduced by the opening, resulting in a structure suitable for use with a hinge spring with a large spring force.

[0038] In the washing machine described above, the bearing member may be configured to have a reinforcing portion extending from both longitudinal ends of the base portion and fixed to the frame member inside the washing machine main body.

[0039] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the rigidity of the hinge base can be further improved by the reinforcing portion. Also, the reinforcing portion can effectively utilize the remaining metal plate portion after the bearing portion is cut and raised.

[0040] In the washing machine, the reinforcing portion may be bent toward an opposite side to the bearing portion with respect to the base portion.

[0041] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when a torsional moment occurs between the base and the bearing hole of the bearing, the reinforcing portion bent in the opposite direction to the bearing can apply a counter moment to the end of the base, improving the function of the reinforcing portion. Also, the reinforcing portion can prevent the bearing member from becoming longer in length.

[0042] In addition, in the above-mentioned washing machine, the reinforcing part is fixed to the frame member by screws, and the distance between the base part and the screw hole of the reinforcing part can be set longer than the distance between the base part and the bearing hole of the bearing part.

[0043] According to the above configuration, when a reaction moment is applied to the end portion of the base portion, the load applied to the reinforcing portion can be reduced.

[0044] In addition, in the above-mentioned washing machine, the base portion can be fixed to the frame member by screws, and the screw holes provided in the base portion can include screw holes provided close to the inside of the bearing portion.

[0045] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the base portion can be fixed with screws as close as possible to the bearing portion, and rigidity against torsional moment between the base portion and the bearing hole of the bearing portion can be increased.

[0046] In addition, in the washing machine, at least one of the base portion and the reinforcing portion may be configured to have a reinforcing rib formed by bending an edge along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the rigidity of the base portion or the reinforcing portion can be increased by the easily formed reinforcing rib.

[0048] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but is defined by the claims. Also, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Washing machine 10 Washing machine body 11 Top plate 20 Top lid 30 Hinge axis 31 Body side hinge bearing 32 Hinge spring 41 Damper holder 50 Hinge base (bearing member) 51 Base 511,511A Screw hole 512 Spring insertion hole (spring mounting part) 513 Damper mounting hole 52 Bearing section 521 Bearing hole 53 Leg (reinforcement) 531 Aperture 532 Flange part 533 Screw hole

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a washing machine body and a top cover, A hinge shaft that connects the washing machine body and the top lid; A bearing member is attached to the washing machine body and serves as a bearing for the hinge shaft, The bearing member is A base portion having a shape whose longitudinal direction is the axial direction of the hinge shaft and fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine main body; bearing portions formed at two longitudinal ends of the base portion so as to protrude upward from the base portion and to which the hinge shaft is attached; a reinforcing portion extending from both ends of the base portion in the longitudinal direction and fixed to a frame member inside the washing machine body; The bearing portion is formed by cutting and raising the reinforcing portion, The length of the reinforcing portion is longer than the length of the bearing portion, This washing machine is characterized in that it further comprises a spring arranged around the hinge shaft journaled on the top lid, one side end of which is inserted and fixed into an insertion hole formed in a portion of the base portion located more inward than the bearing portion, and the other side end of which is fixed on the top lid side.

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The reinforcing portion is provided such that a lower end of the reinforcing portion is positioned lower than a lower end of the base portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, The reinforcing portion extends toward the opposite side of the bearing portion from the base portion and is longer than the bearing portion in the vertical direction.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, The bearing member is connected to a lower end of the reinforcing portion, and further includes a flange portion attached to the washing machine body.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, The bearing member is connected to a side portion of the reinforcing portion, and further has a reinforcing rib extending in the axial direction opposite the flange portion.

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