washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of passing water droplets without accumulation of lint and preventing intrusion of foreign matters.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises an outer tank disposed in a housing for reserving water, a drum disposed in the outer tank so as to be rotatably driven by a motor, a door to be opened or closed for loading and unloading of clothing into and out of the drum, a tank cover 4 attached to a front opening of the outer tank, and a bellows 10 disposed in front of the tank cover 4 for sealing the gap between the door and the tank cover when door is closed. The tank cover 4 has a water drain hole 6 having a specified length disposed in a lower front part of the tank cover 4 and a wall 7 for covering the rear side of the water drain hole 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the drum washing and drying machine of Patent Document 1, in the washing and rinsing processes, the laundry is stirred with the washing water in the drum, and a part of the washing water scatters from the front part of the drum to the opening end of the tub cover at the front part of the tub cover. The washing water scattered here falls into the tub cover through the guide rib from the small drain hole formed at the opening end of the tub cover, and is discharged outside the machine together with the washing water through the drain pipe via the drain valve during drainage. Further, in the drying process, the laundry is stirred with the drying air in the drum, and at this time, the lint generated from the laundry scatters to the opening end of the tub cover at the front part of the tub cover. However, this lint also falls into the tub cover through the guide rib from the drain hole, enters the drying system again together with the circulating drying air, and is collected by a filter that collects and removes the lint. Thus, in the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine, due to the structure of the front part of the tub cover, it is possible to prevent the deposition of water droplets and lint.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, due to the presence of a drain hole as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to discharge water droplets. However, since the size of the drain hole is small, when a large amount of lint or long lint is generated, it tends to clog the drain hole. On the other hand, if the drain hole is enlarged, there is a possibility that foreign substances other than water and lint may enter through the drain hole.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned conventional problems and to provide a washing machine that can allow water droplets to pass through without accumulating lint and other debris, while also preventing the entry of foreign matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention comprises an outer tank for storing water installed inside a housing, a drum installed inside the outer tank and rotated by a motor, a door that opens and closes when clothes are put in and taken out of the drum, a tank cover attached to the front opening of the outer tank, and a bellows provided on the front side of the tank cover that seals the space between the door and the tank cover when the door is closed, wherein the tank cover comprises a drain hole formed to a predetermined length at the lower front part of the tank cover and a wall that covers the back side of the drain hole. The wall is formed integrally with the tank cover. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that allows water droplets to pass through without accumulating lint and other debris, and also prevents the entry of foreign matter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of the washing machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view from the front of the tank cover with the bellows attached. [Figure 4] This is a magnified perspective view of the drainage hole. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the tank cover. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tank cover as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a magnified view of the drainage hole. [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal section of line AA in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and applications are also included within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the drum-type washer-dryer 100 (washing machine) has a frame constructed by combining side plates 1a and reinforcing materials (not shown), mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, on top of a base 1h, and then attaching a front cover 1c, a lower front cover 1f, and a top cover 1e, all made of resin molded products, on top of that to form the housing 1. The front cover 1c is also provided with a door 9 that is opened and closed when loading and unloading laundry 207 (see Figure 2).

[0010] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 1 has an outer tub 2 located almost in the center. The outer tub 2 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is supported by a plurality of dampers 5 provided at the bottom. A tub cover 4 is attached to the front opening 2a (door 9 side) formed on the front side of the outer tub 2. The rear side of the tub cover 4 is connected to the front opening 2a of the outer tub 2, and a circular opening 4a is formed on the front side through which laundry 207 is loaded and unloaded.

[0011] Furthermore, a rotatably supported drum 3 (inner tank) is provided inside the outer tank 2. The drum 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is positioned so that the opening is located at the front. The rotation axis of the drum 3 is inclined so that the front side is higher than the rear side. The rotation axis of the drum 3 may also be configured to be approximately horizontal.

[0012] The door 9 consists of a door frame 9b (see Figure 1) with a door glass 9a (see Figure 1) fixed to it, and is attached to the housing 1 by a hinge 9c (see Figure 1). A fluid balancer 208 is provided on the outer circumference of the opening 3a of the drum 3 to reduce vibrations caused by the imbalance of the laundry 207 during the spin cycle.

[0013] Furthermore, the inside of the drum 3 is provided with multiple lifters 209 for lifting the laundry 207. The drum 3 is directly connected to a motor M for drum driving via a main shaft 211 connected to a metal flange 210. The drum 3 also has numerous small holes (not shown) in the cylindrical side wall for centrifugal dewatering and ventilation.

[0014] A bellows 10 made of elastic rubber is attached to the tank cover 4. The rear opening edge of the bellows 10 is attached to the opening 4a, and the front opening edge is attached to the back of the door frame 9b. When the door 9 is closed, the door 9 is tightly sealed to the bellows 10, maintaining watertightness between the inside of the outer tank 2 and the door 9. This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing, and spinning.

[0015] Furthermore, a circulation pump 18 is provided below the outer tub 2. This circulation pump 18 has the function of pumping wash water up to the top of the outer tub 2 and spraying it onto the laundry 207 inside the drum 3, and is fixed to the base 1h (see Figure 1) side of the housing 1. The wash water enters the suction side of the circulation pump 18 through the drain port 21 of the water receiving section 54 located at the bottom of the outer tub 2 and passing through the lint filter 222, and after being pressurized by the circulation pump 18, it is sprayed into the drum 3 from the watering nozzle 223. In addition, the drain port 21 provided at the bottom of the water receiving section 54 for drainage is connected to the drain hose 26 via the lint filter 222 and the drain valve V1, allowing the water inside the water receiving section 54 to be drained outside the machine.

[0016] In addition, a blower duct 29 is provided on the back of the outer tub 2, and a blower fan 20 is provided on the upper part of the outer tub 2. The blower duct 29 guides air flow to the laundry 207 in the drum 3, and one end thereof is connected to the lower part of the back of the outer tub 2. The blower fan 20 is connected to the other end of the blower duct 29 via a drying filter. Also, the blower fan 20 is fixed to the housing 1 away from the outer tub 2. The air generated by the blower fan 20 is heated by the heater 213 and then becomes warm air, which is discharged into the drum 3 from the blowing nozzle 203. The warm air blown onto the laundry 207 becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air, which is sucked into the blower duct 29 and cooled and dehumidified by a water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) provided in the blower duct 29 to become low-temperature air. Note that a heat pump may be used instead of the heater and the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism.

[0017] In addition, an overflow hose 205 is attached to the back of the outer tub 2. The upstream end of this overflow hose 205 is connected to the blower duct 29. Also, the downstream end of the overflow hose 205 merges with a connecting hose (not shown) from the drain port 21 in front of the drain valve V1. That is, when the drain valve V1 is open, the overflow hose 205 is configured to communicate with the drain hose 26. Note that when safety against water pressure increase is emphasized more than watertightness, that is, when the amount of water increases beyond a predetermined water level where the overflow hose 205 is attached, the overflow hose 205 is configured to communicate with the drain hose 26 on the downstream side of the drain valve V1 so that drainage can be forced in any case.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the state of attaching the bellows to the tub cover is viewed from the front side. As shown in Fig. 3, the tank cover 4 is attached to the front opening 2a (see Fig. 2) of the front part of the outer tank 2, and has a cylindrical part 4b formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, an annular inclined part 4c whose diameter decreases forward from the front end of the cylindrical part 4b, and an annular front part 4d (see Fig. 5) whose diameter further decreases radially inward from the front end of the inclined part 4c. The cylindrical part 4b of the tank cover 4 is connected to the front opening 2a (see Fig. 2) of the outer tank 2 via a sealing material (not shown). Further, a water receiving closing part 4e is formed at the lower part of the cylindrical part 4b so as to close the front side of the water receiving part 54. This water receiving closing part 4e is formed so as to project downward from the cylindrical part 4b in a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0019] A connecting part 4f to which a duct 212 (see Fig. 2) extending from the blower fan 20 is connected is formed in the inclined part 4c. Also, a connecting part 4g to which a pipe (not shown) extending from the circulation pump 18 (see Fig. 2) is connected is formed in the inclined part 4c.

[0020] The bellows 10 has the rear end on the tank cover 4 side fixed to the front part 4d, and the front end fixed to the door frame 9b (see Fig. 1) of the housing 1 (see Fig. 2). Also, an opening 10a through which the laundry 207 (see Fig. 2) is taken in and out is formed in the bellows 10.

[0021] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the drain hole in Fig. 3. Note that Fig. 4 shows a state where Fig. 3 is viewed obliquely from above, not from directly in front. Also, the drum 3 is not shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, a drain hole (through hole) 6 is formed in the lower front part (front lower part) of the tank cover 4. This drain hole 6 is formed so as to penetrate the front part 4d (see Fig. 3) of the tank cover 4 in the front-rear direction. Also, the drain hole 6 is formed elongated along the circumferential direction of the tank cover 4. Also, the drain hole 6 is formed as a continuous opening along the circumferential direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the tank cover 4 has a flange portion 4s formed to protrude forward above the drain hole 6 (radially inward). Additionally, the tank cover 4 has a flange portion 4t formed in an annular shape extending rearward from the flange portion 4s.

[0023] Figure 5 is a front view of the tank cover. Note that Figure 5 shows the tank cover with the bellows from Figure 4 removed. As shown in Figure 5, the drain hole 6 is a roughly rectangular hole centered at a position obtained by dropping a perpendicular S from the central axis O of the drum 3 (see Figure 2). The drain hole 6 is formed along the circumferential direction of the tank cover 4. Furthermore, the drain hole 6 is formed to have an equal length in the left and right circumferential directions, centered at the position obtained by dropping a perpendicular S from the central axis O. The length L (predetermined length) of the drain hole 6 in the circumferential direction (longitudinal direction) is set as appropriate, and is set to a length that allows water droplets to pass smoothly without the accumulation of lint and other debris. For example, the circumferential length of the drain hole 6 is set to be within an angular range of approximately 45 degrees centered on the central axis O. However, if the drain hole 6 is formed to be too long in the circumferential direction, the strength of the part of the tank cover 4 to which the bellows 10 is fixed (extension 6b: see Figure 8) may be impaired, so the length of the drain hole 6 is set within a range that does not impair the strength of the tank cover 4. By forming the drainage hole 6 in this elongated shape, it becomes more difficult for foreign objects such as coins and buttons to enter the drainage hole 6.

[0024] Furthermore, the drain hole 6 is formed with an opening height (width) that is greater (longer) than the thickness of a coin or similar object. This prevents lint from clogging the hole and makes it difficult for lint to accumulate, allowing the wash water to pass smoothly through the drain hole 6.

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tank cover shown in Figure 3, viewed from the rear, and Figure 7 is a magnified view of the drain hole in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the tank cover 4 has a wall 7 on the back side (rear side) of the drain hole 6 (see Figure 5) so as to cover the drain hole 6. This wall 7 is shaped to follow the contours of the drain hole 6 and covers the entire drain hole 6.

[0026] As shown in Figure 7, the wall 7 has a wall portion 7a located opposite the opening of the drain hole 6 (see Figure 5), an upper wall portion 7b extending from the upper edge of the drain hole 6 toward the wall portion 7a, and side wall portions 7c, 7c extending from the left and right edges of the drain hole 6 toward the wall portion 7a. Furthermore, the wall 7 is integrally formed with the tank cover 4 by resin molding. By forming the wall 7 integrally with the tank cover 4 in this way, the work of attaching the wall 7 is eliminated, making it possible to construct the wall at a lower cost.

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 8, the wall 7 is formed in an L-shape when viewed in cross-section along the radial direction. Furthermore, the wall portion 7a of the wall 7 is positioned at a distance rearward from the drain hole 6. The distance S1 between the drain hole 6 and the wall portion 7a is shorter than the height H of the opening of the drain hole 6.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower end 7a1 of the wall portion 7a facing the drain hole 6 is configured to be located substantially on the same plane as the lower edge 6a of the opening of the drain hole 6. As a result, even if foreign objects such as coins or clothing buttons enter through the drain hole 6, the foreign objects will hit the wall 7 (wall portion 7a), preventing them from entering the drain hole 6 any further and thus preventing them from entering the outer tank 2 through the drain hole 6.

[0029] Furthermore, the lower end 7a1 of the wall portion 7a may be formed to extend further downward (radially outward) than the lower edge 6a of the drain hole 6. This can more reliably prevent foreign matter from entering the outer tank 2. Alternatively, the lower end 7a1 of the wall portion 7a may be located above (radially inward) the lower edge 6a, as long as it prevents foreign matter from entering the outer tank 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the tank cover 4 has an extension portion 6b that extends forward from the lower edge 6a of the opening of the drain hole 6. The rear end of the bellows 10 is fixed to the outer surface of this extension portion 6b.

[0031] Furthermore, the upper surface and lower edge 6a of the extension portion 6b are configured to be on the same plane. This makes it easier for the washing water to be guided to the drain hole 6 by the extension portion 6b, and ensures that the washing water flows smoothly from the drain hole 6 into the outer tub 2.

[0032] In the drum-type washer-dryer 100 configured in this way, during the washing and rinsing processes, the laundry 207 and wash water are agitated in the drum 3, and the wash water containing lint and other debris is splashed onto the bellows 10 and falls to the front lower part of the tub cover 4. The front lower part is the lowest point into which the wash water flows. Since a roughly rectangular drain hole 6 of a predetermined length L is formed in the front lower part of the tub cover 4, water droplets and lint that fall to the front lower part of the tub cover 4 do not accumulate in the tub cover 4, but smoothly fall into the interior of the tub cover 4 through the drain hole 6, pass through the outer tub 2, and fall into the water receiving section 54. However, if foreign objects such as coins are accidentally mixed in with the laundry 207, there is a risk that these foreign objects may enter the interior of the tub cover 4 through the drain hole 6. However, in this embodiment, even if foreign objects such as coins enter the drain hole 6, they will get caught on the wall 7, preventing them from entering the inside of the tank cover 4 (the inside of the outer tank 2) through the drain hole 6. In addition, the shape of the drain hole 6 is such that the opening is large enough to prevent the accumulation of lint, thus reducing the effort required for cleaning.

[0033] As described above, the drum-type washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment includes an outer tub 2 for storing water installed in the housing 1, a drum 3 installed inside the outer tub 2 and rotated by a motor M, a door 9 that opens and closes when clothes are put in and taken out of the drum 3, a tub cover 4 attached to the front opening 2a of the outer tub 2, and a bellows 10 provided on the front side of the tub cover 4 that seals the space between the door 9 and the tub cover 4 when the door 9 is closed. The tub cover 4 includes a drain hole 6 formed to a predetermined length at the lower front of the tub cover 4, and a wall 7 that covers the back side of the drain hole 6 (see Figure 8). With this, since the opening of the drain hole 6 is long and large, water droplets and lint that fall on the lower front of the tub cover 4 can fall into the inside of the tub cover 4 through the drain hole 6 without accumulating on the tub cover 4. Furthermore, even if a large, hard foreign object such as a coin is mixed in with the laundry 207, the foreign object will get caught on the wall 7, preventing it from entering the inside of the drum cover 4 through the drain hole 6.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 6 is a roughly rectangular opening centered at a position obtained by dropping a perpendicular S from the central axis O of the drum 3 (see Figure 5). As a result, the wash water that splashes onto the door 9 falls vertically downward due to gravity, allowing the fallen wash water to flow smoothly into the inside of the drum cover 4 (inside the outer drum 2).

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 6 is provided along the tub cover 4 (see Figure 5). This allows for a smooth flow of washing water from the drain hole 6 to the outer tub 2.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wall 7 is formed integrally with the tank cover 4. This eliminates the need for separate installation of the wall 7, as would be required if it were configured as a separate component, thus reducing costs.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 6 is formed as a single continuous hole. This makes it less likely for lint and other debris to get caught compared to when it is composed of multiple holes, and allows lint and other debris to flow smoothly from the drain hole 6 into the inside of the drum cover 4 along with the wash water.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wall 7 has a wall portion 7a positioned opposite the opening of the drain hole 6, and an upper wall portion 7b extending from the upper edge of the drain hole 6 toward the wall portion 7a. This allows the washing water that has passed through the drain hole 6 to flow smoothly toward the bottom side of the drum cover 4 (towards the water receiving portion 54) without splashing onto the outer surface of the drum 3.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wall 7 has side wall portions 7c, 7c extending from the left and right edges of the drain hole 6 toward the wall portion 7a. This allows the washing water that has passed through the drain hole 6 to flow smoothly toward the bottom of the tub cover 4 (towards the water receiving portion 54) without splashing to the left and right sides of the drain hole 6.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the upper wall portion 7b of the wall 7 may be omitted. The wall portion 7a of the wall 7 is integrally formed with the tub cover 4 by resin molding through the side wall portions 7c at both ends in the circumferential direction. This creates two channels: one for draining water upwards from the drain hole 6 and another for draining water downwards from the drain hole 6, making it easier for the wash water to flow out of the drain hole 6 into the tub cover 4.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 6 is formed to penetrate the tank cover 4 in the front-to-back direction, but it may also be configured to penetrate the tank cover 4 in the vertical direction (radial direction). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 1 cabinet 2 Outer tank 2a Front opening 3 Drums 3a aperture 4 Tank cover 4a opening 4b Cylindrical section 4c Slope 4d front part 4e Water receiving closing section 6 drainage holes 6a Lower edge 6b Extension part 7 Walls 7a Wall 7a1 bottom edge 7b Upper wall 7c Side wall part 9 doors 9a Door glass 9b Door frame 10 Bellows 54 Water receiving section 100 Drum-type washing machine / dryer 207 Laundry O center axis M Motor S perpendicular line

Claims

1. An outer tank for storing water installed inside the enclosure, A drum installed inside the outer tank and rotated by a motor, The drum has a door that is opened and closed when clothes are put in or taken out of it, A tank cover attached to the front opening of the outer tank, A bellows is provided on the front side of the tank cover, which, when the door is closed, seals the space between the door and the tank cover. The tank cover comprises a drain hole formed to a predetermined length at the lower front of the tank cover, and a wall covering the back side of the drain hole. The washing machine is characterized in that the wall is formed integrally with the drum cover.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the drain hole is a substantially rectangular hole centered at a position obtained by dropping a perpendicular line from the central axis of the drum.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drain hole is provided along the drum cover.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drain hole is formed to form a continuous opening.

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