CN110541285A

CN110541285A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN110541285A
Application number: CN201910152577.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 和田努; 山口龙之介; 佐佐木雅浩
Original assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-02-28
Publication date: 2019-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-28
Also published as: JP6904921B2; JP2019205637A; CN110541285B

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine, which can ensure the strength of an outer barrel and an air supply pipeline even if the outer barrel and the air supply pipeline are integrated. The washing machine includes: an outer tub (3) elastically supported in the casing; a rotary drum rotatably supported in the outer tub (3); a metal flange (46) insert-molded to the outer tub (3); and a blowing duct (39) formed integrally with the outer tub (3). In the air supply duct (39), a metal flange (46) forms a part of the air supply duct (39). The metal flange (46) is made of an aluminum alloy.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

Patent documents 1 and 2 describe washing machines in which a blower duct used during a drying operation is provided integrally with a tub.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2001-113079

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 4-28395

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the washing machines described in patent documents 1 and 2, the number of components can be reduced by providing the air blowing duct integrally with the outer tub, but the strength of the air blowing duct portion tends to be reduced.

When reinforcement is to be performed by a rib member or the like on the inside of the flow path of the air blowing duct, the flow path is blocked, and therefore reinforcement cannot be performed. On the other hand, if reinforcement is to be performed outside the air blowing duct by a rib member or the like, the reinforcement cannot be performed because the reinforcement comes into contact with a frame (casing) covering the outside of the outer tub including the air blowing duct. Therefore, the strength of the outer tub is insufficient, and the rotation speed of the rotary drum cannot be increased at the time of dehydration.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a tub and a blowing duct are integrally formed to ensure strength of the tub and the blowing duct.

Means for solving the problems

The washing machine of the present invention comprises: an outer tub elastically supported in the casing; an inner tub rotatably supported within the outer tub; a metal flange embedded in the outer tub; and an air supply duct integrally formed with the outer tub, wherein at least a part of the air supply duct is formed by the metal flange.

Effects of the invention

according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of securing the strength of the outer tub and the air blowing duct even if the outer tub and the air blowing duct are integrally formed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing machine according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the outside of the tub.

Fig. 4 is a front view showing the inside of the tub.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer tub.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the outer tub is separated from the metal flange from the inside of the outer tub.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the outer tub is separated from the metal flange from the outside of the outer tub.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view VIII-VIII of fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the outer tub as viewed from above.

fig. 10 is a plan view of the outer tub as viewed from the side.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view XI-XI of FIG. 4.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the pipe portion of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a blowing duct of the washing machine of the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a blowing duct of the washing machine of the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing machine according to a first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the configurations of a main board unit for controlling the washing machine, a circulation mechanism (piping, pump), piping, and the like in the casing are not shown.

As shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing and drying machine (washing machine) including: an outer tub 3; a rotary drum (inner drum) 4 rotatably supported in the outer drum 3; and a casing 10 housing the outer tub 3 and the rotary tub 4.

The outer tub 3 is formed of synthetic resin into a cylindrical shape, and accommodates the rotary drum 4 coaxially with the rotary drum 4. Further, the outer tub 3 includes: a bottomed cylindrical tub body 3 a; a tub cover 3b mounted on the front opening of the tub body 3 a. A rubber bellows (not shown) is attached to the opening 3s of the outer tub 3 (outer tub cover 3b), and the outer tub 3 is sealed by closing the door 25. The tub 3 is elastically supported in the casing 10 by a damper member 5 (the left damper member is not shown). Further, on the side surface (outer circumferential surface) of the outer tub main body 3a, a reinforcing rib member 3a1 for reinforcing the outer tub 3 is formed to protrude in a grid shape.

The rotary tub 4 is a bottomed cylindrical washing and dehydrating tub rotatably supported, and has a large number of through holes 4a for water and air to pass through on an outer peripheral wall thereof and an opening 4b for putting in and taking out laundry on a front end surface thereof. A fluid balancer (not shown) that rotates integrally with the rotary cylinder 4 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the opening 4 b. Further, a lifter (not shown) for lifting up the laundry during the washing operation and the drying operation is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the rotary drum 4. The rotation center axis of the rotary cylinder 4 is substantially horizontal or inclined so as to be higher on the opening 4b side.

The housing 10 has: a front panel (front plate) 11 disposed on the front surface; and side panels (side plates) 14A, 14B formed by pressing a metal plate and disposed on the left and right side surfaces. Further, the housing 10 has: a back plate (back plate) 16 formed by pressing a metal plate or the like, formed in a substantially コ shape in a plan view, and disposed on the back surface; a base 17 disposed at the bottom side of the tub 3; and an upper panel (upper panel, top panel) 18 disposed above the tub 3.

The front panel 11 has: a front upper plate 12 disposed on the front upper portion; and a front lower plate 13 disposed at a lower portion of the front surface. In the present embodiment, the front panel 11 is constituted by the divided front upper panel 12 and front lower panel 13, but the front panel 11 may be constituted by 1 panel.

A cover 13a for placing and taking out a filter member of a lint filter, not shown, is attached to the front lower plate 13.

The side panel 14A is formed at the same height as the front panel 11 and is disposed on the right side surface of the tub 3. Further, a plurality of reinforcing rib members (concave portions) 14A are formed on the side panel 14A. Side panel 14B and side panel 14A are bilaterally symmetrical and are disposed on the left side surface of tub 3. Further, the side panel 14B is formed with a reinforcing rib member (concave portion) 14A, similarly to the side panel 14A.

The back plate 16 is formed to have the same height as the side plates 14A and 14B, and is disposed on the back side of the tub 3. The back plate 16 is fixed to the chassis 17 via a metal plate. The rear plate 16 is screwed to the rear ends of the side plates 14A and 14B at both left and right ends thereof.

The base 17 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is reinforced by forming a grid-like rib member on the inner side. The lower ends of the side panels 14A and 14B are fixed to the chassis 17 by screws or the like.

The upper panel 18 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and is formed to have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The top plate 18 is formed in a shape of 1 plate, and is configured to close a top opening formed by coupling the front plate 11, the side plates 14A and 14B, and the back plate 16.

Further, on front upper plate 12, a detergent input portion 20 is attached to the front left side in the front-rear direction, and an operation panel 22 is attached to the front right side. Further, a door 25 is mounted on the front upper plate 12.

The case 10 is reinforced by the front reinforcing plate 31, the upper reinforcing plate 34, and the upper coupling reinforcing portion 35.

The front reinforcement plate 31 is erected on the side panels 14A, 14B, and connects the upper ends of the side panels 14A, 14B on the front side to each other. The front reinforcing plate 31 is coupled to the base 17 via lower reinforcing support plates 32 and 33. A hinge (not shown) for opening and closing the door 25 is attached to the front reinforcing plate 31.

The upper reinforcing plate 34 is erected on the side panels 14A, 14B, and connects upper end edges of the side panels 14A, 14B to each other. A main board unit, not shown, is attached to the upper reinforcing plate 34.

upper coupling reinforcing portion 35 couples upper reinforcing plate 34 and back panel 16. Upper coupling reinforcing portion 35 is made of synthetic resin, and upper reinforcing plate 34 and back plate 16 are coupled by a screw, not shown. The upper coupling reinforcement portion 35 is coupled to an upper portion of the tub 3 via a spring (not shown) to support the tub 3.

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the assembled state of the components shown in fig. 1.

as shown in fig. 2, a water supply unit (not shown), a dry filter 36, and the like are attached to the left and right of the upper coupling reinforcement portion 35 inside the upper panel 18.

The water supply unit, not shown, includes: a water supply pipe (not shown), a detergent water supply solenoid valve connected to the water supply hose connection port 18f and the bath water hose connection port 18g, and a pump for sucking bath water.

Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the outside of the tub. In fig. 3, parts outside the tub 3 are schematically shown by two-dot chain lines.

As shown in fig. 3, an air blowing duct 39 is integrally formed in the outer tub body 3a of the outer tub 3 by resin molding. The air supply duct 39 has: a duct portion 40 extending in a substantially vertical direction; and an opening 41 as a connection port connected to a bellows tube (elastic tube) 50 at the upper end of the duct portion 40. The opening 41 is located below the upper end P of the tub 3 (tub main body 3 a).

The duct portion 40 is formed to be curved along the outer peripheral surface of the tub main body 3 a. The back surface of the duct portion 40 is not formed with a rib for reinforcement, and is a flat surface 40a formed substantially in the vertical direction.

The air supply duct 39 is connected to the dry filter 36 via a bellows hose 50. The dry filter 36 includes: a drawer box 36a (see fig. 2) which can be pulled out in the vertical direction; a filter unit (not shown) attached to the drawer box 36 a. With such a configuration, thread waste, dust, and the like adhering to clothes can be removed during the drying operation.

A drying unit 37 for generating warm air is connected to the downstream side of the drying filter 36. The drying unit 37 includes a fan and a heater (not shown), and is fixed to an upper reinforcing plate 34 (see fig. 1) provided in the casing 10. The fan includes: the fan comprises a motor for driving, a fan impeller driven by the motor and a fan box for accommodating the fan impeller. The heater is built in the fan case and heats air sent from the fan impeller. The heater is constituted by a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater or the like.

Further, a rib member 3m projecting in a substantially concentric circle shape and a rib member 3n projecting in a radial shape are combined with the back surface 3c of the outer tub main body 3 a. Further, a metal flange 46 is insert-molded in the interior of the outer tub body 3 a. A rotating shaft 47 and a bearing 48 for fixing the rotating shaft are press-fitted into the metal flange 46.

The rotation shaft 47 is connected to a central portion of a bottom surface (back surface) of the rotation cylinder 4 (see fig. 1) located inside the outer tub 3. A motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the rotary drum 4 (see fig. 1) is attached to the rotary shaft 47 outside the outer tub 3.

fig. 4 is a front view showing the inside of the tub. Fig. 4 shows a tub main body 3a with a tub cover 3b (see fig. 1) removed from the tub 3.

As shown in fig. 4, the tub main body 3a has a substantially circular cylindrical portion 3 d; and a bottom portion (bottom surface) 3e that closes one side of the cylindrical portion 3d in the axial direction. In addition, the washing water is discharged from the recess shown in the lower end of fig. 4.

A water supply port 3t for supplying water and detergents into the outer tub 3 is provided in the rear side of the outer tub body 3 a. Further, a recess 3u communicating with the water supply port 3t is formed in the inner surface of the outer tub main body 3 a. The water supply port 3t is connected to a water supply unit (not shown) by a bellows hose made of rubber.

The blast duct 39 includes: a concave duct portion 40 formed integrally with the tub main body 3a by resin molding; and a blower duct cover 43 attached to close a part of the duct portion 40. The duct portion 40 is formed to extend substantially vertically and is formed at a position shifted to the right side from the center of the tub main body 3 a.

A substantially rectangular suction port 3f is formed in a lower portion of the air blowing duct 39, and the suction port 3f communicates with the inside of the tub main body 3a (the side where the rotary drum 4 (see fig. 1) is disposed) and sucks air during the drying operation.

The blower duct cover 43 includes: a plate portion 43a formed along the duct portion 40; and fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, and 43e for fixing the plate portion 43a to the tub main body 3 a. The fixing pieces 43b and 43c are formed at both sides in the width direction at the lower end of the plate portion 43 a. The fixing piece 43d is formed outside in the width direction at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the plate portion 43 a. The fixing piece 43e is formed on the inner side in the width direction in the substantially upper portion of the plate portion 43 a.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer tub. Fig. 5 shows a state where the blower duct cover 43 is separated from the tub main body 3 a.

As shown in fig. 5, fixing portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are formed at positions corresponding to the fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, and 43e at the opening edge portion of the duct portion 40. The fixing portions 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d are formed recessed so that the fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e can be fitted therein. In addition, screw grooves (screw holes) for screwing are formed in the fixing portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45 d.

The duct portion 40 is formed such that the depth of the groove of the duct portion 40 gradually increases from the bottom to the top at a height position corresponding to the suction port 3 f.

Further, a known water-cooling dehumidification mechanism is provided in the duct portion 40. For example, in the drying process, the drying unit 37 (see fig. 3) is operated while the rotary drum 4 (see fig. 1) is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. With such a configuration, the air in the tub 3 is sucked into the air blowing duct 39, and is cooled and dehumidified by a water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) when passing through the air blowing duct 39. The dehumidified air is heated by the heater of the drying unit 37 (see fig. 3) and blown to the laundry in the rotary drum 4 (see fig. 1). The drying means is not limited to a combination of a heater and a water-cooling dehumidifying mechanism (not shown), and a heat pump may be used.

The blower duct cover 43 is attached as a separate member (Another piece) after the outer tub body 3a is molded, and the blower duct cover 43 is fitted to the duct portion 40. At this time, the fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, and 43e of the duct cover 43 are fitted to the fixing portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45 d. Screws, not shown, are inserted into the screw holes of the fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, and 43e, and are screwed into the screw holes of the fixing portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d, whereby the blower duct cover 43 is fixed to the duct portion 40.

Further, a recess 43f is formed in each of the fixing pieces 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e so that the head of the screw does not protrude from the surface 3e1 of the bottom 3e of the tub main body 3a when fixing is performed with the screw. With such a configuration, foreign matter such as lint and dust is less likely to adhere during the drying operation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the outer tub is separated from the metal flange from the inside of the outer tub. In fig. 6, the tub main body 3a is not shown (the same applies to fig. 7).

as shown in fig. 6, the metal flange 46 is used to reinforce the tub body 3a and the air blowing duct 39, and is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy having higher strength than the synthetic resin tub 3. The metal flange 46 is not limited to an aluminum alloy, and may be made of a metal such as magnesium, zinc, or iron.

The metal flange 46 is formed in a substantially disk shape so as to surround the rotation shaft 47 coupled to the center portion of the bottom surface of the rotary cylinder 4 (see fig. 1). The metal flange 46 has a cylindrical body 46o, and a bearing 48 (see fig. 3) for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 47 is press-fitted into the cylindrical body 46 o.

That is, the metal flange 46 has: 6 radial rib members 46m1, 46m1, 46m1, 46m1, 46m1, 46m1 radially formed at appropriate intervals (60-degree intervals in the present embodiment); and 4 circumferential reinforcing rib members 46n1, 46n2, 46n3, 46n4 formed concentrically at appropriate intervals.

One end of the radial direction inner side of the radial direction reinforcing rib member 46m1 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 46 o. Further, the radial direction reinforcing rib member 46m1 extends substantially linearly outward in the radial direction.

The circumferential reinforcement rib member 46n1 is formed in a ring shape, and is located on the innermost circumferential side. The circumferential reinforcement member 46n2 is formed in an annular shape, and is located on the outer circumferential side of the circumferential reinforcement member 46n 1. Further, a positioning portion 49a for fixing the position of the metal flange 46 in the mold when insert-molding the metal flange 46 to the tub 3 is formed at the rib member 46n 2. The positioning portions 49a are formed at appropriate intervals (for example, 60 degree intervals).

The circumferential reinforcement member 46n3 is formed in an annular shape, and is located on the outer circumferential side of the circumferential reinforcement member 46n 2. The circumferential reinforcement member 46n4 is formed in an annular shape, and is located on the outer circumferential side of the circumferential reinforcement member 46n 3.

Further, a part of the circumferential rib member 46n4 is configured as a duct reinforcing portion 46p that reinforces the duct portion 40. A part of the duct reinforcing portion 46p abuts on the outer peripheral side of the circumferential stiffener member 46n 3. Further, the duct reinforcing portion 46p has reinforcing rib members 46p1, 46p2 extending rearward. The reinforcing rib member 46p1 is formed substantially curved. The rib member 46p2 is formed continuously with the upper end of the rib member 46p1 and bent in an L-shape.

Further, both ends 46r in the vertical direction of the duct reinforcing portion 46p are formed continuously with the circumferential direction reinforcing rib member 46n 4. In this way, by preventing both ends of the pipe reinforcing portion 46p from being formed in a cantilever state, the strength as the pipe reinforcing portion 46p can be improved. Further, the duct reinforcing portion 46p is formed continuously with a part of the circumferential reinforcing rib member 46n3 on the inner circumferential side. By forming the pipe reinforcing portion 46p in such a shape, the strength of the pipe reinforcing portion can be increased.

Further, the duct reinforcing portion 46p is formed with recessed portions p1, p2 for forming the fixing portions 45a, 45d (see fig. 5), and a groove p3 into which a part of the edge portion of the air supply duct cover 43 is fitted. By forming the recesses p1, p2, and the groove p3 in this way, the strength of the metal flange 46 can be further improved.

Further, the metal flange 46 is formed with radial rib members 46m1 and circumferential rib members 46n1 to 46n4, and also with radial rib members 46m2 extending in the radial direction from the circumferential rib member 46n2 to the circumferential rib member 46n4 at a plurality of positions.

As shown in fig. 7, the radial rib member 46m1 is formed in a plate shape, and is linearly formed from the cylindrical body 46o to the circumferential rib member 46n 4. The circumferential rib member 46n2 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is integrally formed so as to intersect with the radial rib member 46m 1.

The radial rib member 46m2 is formed in a plate shape, and is linearly formed from the circumferential rib member 46n2 to the circumferential rib member 46n 4. The positioning portion 49a is formed in a rod shape (cylindrical shape) and is integrally formed at a position where the circumferential rib member 46n2 and the radial rib member 46m2 intersect. Further, a cylindrical member 49b is integrally formed at a position where the radial rib member 46m1 intersects with the circumferential rib member 46n 1. Further, a cylindrical portion 49c is integrally formed between the circumferential bead member 46n3 and the circumferential bead member 46n 4. With such a configuration, the strength of the metal flange 46 can be improved.

A cylindrical portion 3o is formed at a position on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a where the cylinder 46o can be embedded (a position where the cylinder 46o can be inserted). Further, on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, a rib member 3m1 into which radial rib members 46m1 are embedded is formed. Further, on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, a rib member 3m2 into which the radial rib member 46m2 is embeddable is formed.

Further, on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, a reinforcing rib member 3n1 into which the circumferential reinforcing rib member 46n2 is embeddable is formed. Further, on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, a reinforcing rib member 3n2 into which the circumferential reinforcing rib member 46n4 is embeddable is formed.

Further, on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, plate-shaped rib members 3m3 extending radially and cylindrical rib members 3n3 extending in the circumferential direction are formed. The reinforcing rib member 3n3 is located between the cylindrical portion 3o and the reinforcing rib member 3n 1. Further, a cylindrical reinforcing rib member 3n4 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3 a. The rib member 3n4 is located between the rib member 3n1 and the rib member 3n 2.

Further, a rib member 3m4 is formed integrally with the rib member 3m3 on the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3 a. The rib member 3m4 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in cross section and is joined to the side surface 40b of the duct portion 40.

The duct portion 40 is formed integrally with the tub main body 3a by resin molding. The duct portion 40 is formed to protrude rearward from the tub main body 3 a. The duct portion 40 has a side surface 40b on the left side, a rear surface (back surface) 40c on the rear side, and a side surface 40d on the right side (see fig. 6). On the surface of the rear surface 40c, no reinforcing rib is formed, and the surface becomes a flat surface 40 a. With such a configuration, the depth of the housing 10 (see fig. 1) can be prevented from increasing.

On the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3a, a rib member 3p1 into which a rib member 46p1 of the duct reinforcement portion 46p is buried and a rib member 3p2 into which a rib member 46p2 of the duct reinforcement portion 46p is buried are formed. Thus, the duct reinforcing portion 46p is formed from the upper end to the lower end of the duct portion 40 (the blowing duct 39).

Fig. 8 is a sectional view VIII-VIII of fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a view sectioned through the rotation center of the tub 3 and the rib member 3m 3.

As shown in fig. 8, circumferential reinforcing rib members 46n1, 46n2, 46n3 are embedded in the resin of the outer tub body 3 a. The rib member 46p1 of the duct reinforcement portion 46p is embedded in the side surface 40b of the duct portion 40. The rib member 46p1 is formed along the side face 40b of the tunnel portion 40. Further, the reinforcing rib member 46p1 is not formed on the entire side surface 40b, but is formed on a part of the side surface 40 b.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the outer tub as viewed from above.

As shown in fig. 9, in the outer tub main body 3a, a cylindrical portion 3o is formed to protrude from the rear surface of the outer tub main body 3 a. Further, a rib member 3m1 is integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3 o. Further, a part of the cylindrical body 46o protrudes from the cylindrical portion 3 o. Further, the rib member 46p2 is buried in the rib member 3p 2.

The rear surface 40c of the duct portion 40 is located slightly rearward of the cylindrical portion 3o and forward of the front end (rear end) of the rotation shaft 47. The side surface 40d of the duct portion 40 is located inward of the rightmost side surface of the tub main body 3 a. The upper portion of the side surface 40d is formed to be inclined inward (leftward) as going toward the opening 41 at the upper end.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the outer tub as viewed from the side.

As shown in fig. 10, the rear surface 40c of the duct portion 40 has: a flat surface portion 40c1 formed to extend in the vertical direction; and an inclined surface portion 40c2 formed to approach the rear surface of the tub main body 3a downward from the lower end of the flat surface portion 40c 1. The opening 41 formed at the upper end of the duct portion 40 is formed at a position lower than the upper end of the tub main body 3 a.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view XI-XI of FIG. 4. Fig. 11 is a view obtained by cutting at a position slightly shifted from the center of the tub 3. Fig. 11 shows a state where the blower duct cover 43 is removed.

As shown in fig. 11, the tub main body 3a has a circumferential rib member 46n1 embedded in a rib member 3n 3. The tub main body 3a has a circumferential rib member 46n2 embedded in a rib member 3n 1. The tub main body 3a has a circumferential rib member 46n3 embedded in a rib member 3n 4. Further, the tub main body 3a has a rib member 46p1 embedded in the rib member 3p 1.

However, when the tub 3 and the duct portion 40 are integrally formed to reduce the number of parts, the rigidity of the portion of the duct portion 40 protruding from the tub 3 becomes weak. In recent years, from the viewpoint of energy saving, it is required to increase the rotation speed of the rotary drum 4. However, if the rigidity is weakened, the rotational speed cannot be increased.

Therefore, as shown by broken lines O1 and O2 in fig. 12, it is assumed that a rib member is provided in the air blowing duct 39. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the pipe portion of fig. 11.

As shown in fig. 12, the flow path of the air passing through the air blowing duct 39 is formed by the duct portion 40 and the air blowing duct cover 43. However, if the flow path (inner peripheral side of the air blowing duct 39) is provided with, for example, a rib member O1 for reinforcing the outer tub 3, the flow path is blocked, and the wind loss (force for breaking the wind flow) increases. Further, when the rib member O2 for reinforcement is provided on the outer peripheral side of the air blowing duct 39, the rear plate 16 (see fig. 1) is disturbed when the tub 3 vibrates. Further, the size of the frame (housing 10) is determined, and when the rib member O2 is provided, the frame becomes large and cannot be provided at the installation site. In this case, the air duct 39 cannot be substantially reinforced by the rib.

In the first embodiment, the side surface 40b (wall surface) of the air blowing duct 39 is partially formed by the metal flange 46 and the synthetic resin. The metal flange 46 has sufficient strength with respect to the synthetic resin, and thus can more effectively increase the strength of the outer tub than the addition of the rib member or the like. With such a configuration, even if the reinforcing rib member 46p1 is partially reinforced, the strength of the air blowing duct 39 and the tub 3 can be ensured.

As described above, the first embodiment includes: an outer tub 3 elastically supported in the casing 10; a rotary drum 4 rotatably supported in the outer tub 3; a metal flange 46 embedded in the outer tub 3; and a blowing duct 39 integrally formed with the outer tub 3. The air duct 39 is configured such that at least a part of the air duct 39 is formed of a metal flange 46 (at least a part of the air duct 39 is formed of a wall surface into which the metal flange 46 (rib members 46p1, 46p2) is fitted). With such a configuration, even if the outer tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 are integrated, the washing machine 1 in which the strength of the outer tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 can be ensured can be realized. Further, the outer tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 can be integrally molded to reduce the cost, and a decrease in rigidity of the outer tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 can be suppressed without forming ribs inside and outside the air blowing duct 39. Further, since the rigidity of the groove 3 and the blower duct 39 can be secured, the rotation speed of the rotary drum 4 can be increased to perform the operation.

Further, in the first embodiment, the metal flange 46 includes an aluminum alloy. By adopting such a structure, the cost can be reduced and the workability is good.

Further, in the first embodiment, the metal flange 46 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the blast duct 39. With such a configuration, not only the rigidity of the outer tub 3 but also the rigidity of the air blowing duct 39 can be improved.

In the first embodiment, both ends 46r and 46r (see fig. 7) of the duct reinforcing portion 46p (metal flange constituting at least a part of the air blowing duct) are formed continuously with rib members (circumferential rib members 46n3 and 46n4) provided on the back surface of the outer tub 3. With such a configuration, since the strength of the duct reinforcement portion 46p can be increased, the rigidity of the outer tub 3 and the blower duct 39 can be further increased.

In the first embodiment, the duct reinforcing portion 46p (a metal flange constituting at least a part of the air blowing duct) is formed continuously with the circumferential rib member 46n3 (a metal flange located on the inner circumferential side). With such a configuration, since the strength of the duct reinforcement portion 46p can be increased, the rigidity of the outer tub 3 and the blower duct 39 can be further increased.

(second embodiment)

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a blowing duct of the washing machine of the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

As shown in fig. 13, the washing machine of the second embodiment includes a metal flange 46A insert-molded in the outer tub 3 (outer tub body 3 a).

The metal flange 46A has: a rib member 46p3 embedded therein entirely along the side face 40b of the duct portion 40; and a rib member 46p4 formed in connection with this rib member 46p3 and embedded therein along the rear surface (back surface) 40c of the duct portion 40.

By adopting such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the rigidity (strength) of the tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 can be improved as compared with the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the case where the metal flange 46A is formed from the side surface 40b to the rear surface 40c of the duct portion 40 has been described as an example, but a configuration may be adopted in which the metal flange 46A is extended so as to surround the range from the side surface 40b to the side surface 40d through the rear surface 40 c. By adopting such a structure, the strength of the outer tub 3 and the air blowing duct 39 can be further increased.

(third embodiment)

As shown in fig. 14, in the washing machine according to the third embodiment, the rib member 46p1 of the metal flange 46 according to the first embodiment is exposed in the flow path of the duct portion 40. That is, a notch 40e is formed in the inner wall of the duct portion 40 at the position where the rib member 46p1 is embedded. In other words, the rib member 46p1 is exposed in the flow path of the duct portion 40.

The region (vertical region) where the rib member 46p1 is exposed is not limited to the entire region where the rib member 46p1 is disposed, and may be a part thereof. Further, the rib member 46p2 may be exposed in the flow path of the duct portion 40. The opening area of the notch 40 exposing the rib member 46p1 is not limited to the configuration in which the rib member 46p1 is exposed substantially entirely to the flow path, and may be a partially exposed notch.

With such a configuration, when cooling and dehumidifying are performed during the drying operation of the washing machine, the cooling efficiency can be improved, and the efficiency of the drying operation can be improved. The metal flange 46 exposed in the flow path of the duct portion 40 is not limited to the embodiment shown in fig. 14, and the metal flange 46A of the second embodiment may be applied.

In the third embodiment, fin-shaped protrusions (a plurality of rib members) may be formed on the exposed surface of the rib member 46p1 to increase the contact area with the wind passing through the air blowing duct 39. By adopting such a configuration, the cooling efficiency during the drying operation can be further improved.

Description of reference numerals

1 washing machine

3 outer barrel

3a outer tub body

3b outer barrel cover

3d cylindrical part

3e bottom (bottom)

3p1, 3p2 Rib Member

4 rotating cylinder (inner barrel)

10 casing

39 blast pipe

40 pipe section

40b, 40d side surface

40c back (Back)

40e gap

41 opening part

43 blast duct cover

46. 46A metal flange

46m1 radial reinforcing rib component

46n1, 46n2, 46n3, 46n4 circumferential stiffener component

46p pipe reinforcement

46p1, 46p2 stiffening rib members

46r end

50 corrugated hose.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized by comprising:

An outer tub elastically supported in the casing;

An inner tub rotatably supported within the outer tub;

A metal flange embedded in the outer tub; and

An air supply duct integrally formed with the outer tub,

In the air supply duct, at least a part of the air supply duct is formed by the metal flange.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

The metal flange comprises an aluminum alloy.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

The metal flange extends from the side surface to the back surface of the air supply pipeline.

4. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:

The metal flange extends from the upper end to the lower end of the air supply duct.

5. a washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

Both ends of the metal flange constituting at least a part of the air supply duct are formed to be connected to the metal flange extending from the outer tub.

6. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

The metal flange constituting at least a part of the air supply duct is formed so as to be continuous with the metal flange located on the inner peripheral side.

7. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:

The metal flange constituting at least a part of the air supply duct is exposed in the flow path of the air supply duct.