JP2020074984A - Vertical type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vertical type washing machine which can reduce dirt on an upper surface part of an outer tub cover, and which can achieve improvement in appearance of the outer tub cover.SOLUTION: A vertical type washing machine includes: an outer tub 3 having an outer tub cover 3B connected to an outer tub body; a lid 12 supported by the outer tub cover 3B in a rotatable manner and opening/closing an entrance port 3E of the outer tub cover 3B; a lock groove 3L provided at an inner peripheral surface part 3I for partitioning the entrance port 3E in the outer tub cover 3B; and a lock protrusion 31 provided at an outer peripheral surface part 12C of the lid 12. The lock protrusion 31 can move between a retreat position and an advance position which further protrudes from the outer peripheral surface part 12C than when in the retreat position. By being arranged in the advance position and fitted in the lock groove 3L, the lid 12 in a state where the entrance port 3E is closed is locked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a vertical washing machine.

  The washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1 below is mounted on a housing, an outer tub supported by the housing, an outer tub cover attached to the outer tub to form a laundry loading / unloading port, and an outer tub cover. And an outer tub cover lid that opens and closes the laundry loading / unloading opening.

JP, 2005-167702, A

  The upper surface portion of the outer tub cover described in Patent Document 1 is a portion that is easily visible to the user. If dirt such as dust, lint, or detergent residue adheres to the upper surface of the outer tub cover, the outer tub cover will not look good.

  The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vertical washing machine capable of reducing dirt on the upper surface portion of the outer tub cover and improving the appearance of the outer tub cover.

  The present invention provides an outer tub having a tubular outer tub main body, an outer tub cover formed with an entrance communicating with the inside of the outer tub main body from above, and an outer tub cover connected to the outer tub main body; A washing tub having openings facing each other formed therein and disposed in the outer tub, the washing tub accommodating laundry to be loaded through the entrance and exit and the opening, and the outer tub cover being rotatable. A lid for opening and closing the entrance and exit, a lock groove provided on an inner peripheral surface portion that defines the entrance and exit in the outer tank cover, and a lock protrusion provided on an outer peripheral surface portion of the lid, and the retreat position. And a lid that is movable to an advancing position that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface portion than when it is in the retreat position, and that is placed in the advancing position and fits into the lock groove to close the doorway. It is a vertical washing machine including a lock protrusion that locks.

  Further, in the present invention, in a state in which the lid closes the inlet / outlet, the outer peripheral surface portion of the lid is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface portion of the outer tank cover, and an upper end of the outer peripheral surface portion and an upper end of the inner peripheral surface portion are formed. Are arranged at the same height position.

  Further, according to the present invention, the outer tub cover is formed with an insertion hole extending along a rotation axis of the lid, and the lid is inserted into the insertion hole and slides along the rotation axis. It is characterized by having a movable shaft that can be moved.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the lid has a damper that provides resistance to rotation of the lid for closing the entrance.

  Further, according to the present invention, a recessed portion that is recessed downward and receives the rotation center portion of the lid is provided at a position adjacent to the insertion hole in the upper surface portion of the outer tank cover, and the inner surface portion of the recessed portion is provided. Is characterized in that a convex portion is provided, and an engaging portion that engages with the convex portion when the lid opens the entrance is provided in the rotation center portion.

  According to the present invention, in the configuration in which the entrance formed in the outer tank cover of the outer tank is opened and closed by the lid, the lock protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lid is arranged at the advanced position and is provided in the lock groove of the outer tank cover. By fitting, the lid is locked with the door closed. When the lock groove is provided on the upper surface portion of the outer tank cover, dirt is easily accumulated on the lock groove, so that the upper surface portion is easily soiled. It is provided on the peripheral surface. As a result, dirt on the upper surface of the outer tub cover can be reduced, and the appearance of the outer tub cover can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the state where the lid closes the entrance / exit, the lid is disposed inside the inner peripheral surface portion of the outer tank cover at the entrance / exit, and the upper end of the outer peripheral surface portion of the lid and the upper end of the inner peripheral surface portion of the outer tank cover. And are placed at the same height. As a result, the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the lid and the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub cover are smoothly connected, so that no step is liable to accumulate dirt between these upper ends. Therefore, it is possible to reduce stains in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface portion on the upper surface portion of the outer tank cover, and improve the appearance of the outer tank cover.

  Further, according to the present invention, by inserting the movable shaft of the lid into the insertion hole of the outer tank cover, the lid is rotatably supported by the outer tank cover around the movable shaft. The movable shaft is slidable along the rotation axis of the lid. Therefore, the lid can be removed from the outer tank cover by sliding the movable shaft and removing it from the insertion hole. As a result, the lid and the outer tank cover can be transported in a separated state, so that it is possible to prevent, for example, an impact generated on the outer tank cover during transportation from being transmitted to the lid. Further, when the lid and the outer tank cover are separated, they can be easily maintained.

  Further, according to the present invention, since resistance is given from the damper to the rotation of the lid for closing the doorway, the lid can be closed gently.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the configuration in which the rotation center portion of the lid is received in the concave portion adjacent to the insertion hole in the upper surface portion of the outer tank cover, the rotation center portion of the rotation center portion is opened when the lid opens the entrance. The engaging portion engages with the convex portion in the concave portion. As a result, the lid is maintained in the open state, so that the lid can be prevented from being closed without permission. Further, when the lid is open, these engaging portions and recesses are hidden in the lower side of the center of rotation so that it is difficult for the user to see them, so that the appearance of the outer tub cover can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer tub cover and a lid included in the vertical washing machine. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer tank cover and the lid in the open state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an essential part in a state where the lid is separated from the outer tank cover. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the lid. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lid. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the lid. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of the lid. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer tank cover and the lid in the closed state. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of the periphery of the center of rotation of the lid. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part including a cross section taken along line CC of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a vertical washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 1 is called the left-right direction X of the vertical washing machine 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is called the front-back direction Y of the vertical washing machine 1, and the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is the vertical washing machine 1. Up and down direction Z. The left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y are included in the horizontal direction H. In the left-right direction X, the back side in the plane of FIG. 1 is called the left side X1, and the front side in the plane of FIG. 1 is called the right side X2. In the front-rear direction Y, the left side in FIG. 1 is called the front side Y1, and the right side in FIG. 1 is called the rear side Y2. Of the vertical direction Z, the upper side is called the upper side Z1 and the lower side is called the lower side Z2. The vertical washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3 arranged in the housing 2, a washing tub 4 arranged in the outer tub 3, and a pulsator 5 arranged in the washing tub 4. It includes a motor 6 and a clutch 7 which are arranged on the lower side Z2 of the outer tub 3 in the housing 2.

  The housing 2 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a box shape. An opening 2B is formed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 so that the inside and outside of the housing 2 communicate with each other. A door 10 that opens and closes the opening 2B is provided on the upper surface 2A. The door 10 functions as an outer lid of the vertical washing machine 1. Around the opening 2B on the upper surface 2A, a display operation unit 11 including a liquid crystal operation panel is provided. The user of the vertical washing machine 1 operates the display / operation unit 11 to select operating conditions for the washing operation performed by the vertical washing machine 1 or to operate the washing operation with respect to the vertical washing machine 1. It is possible to instruct start and stop of. Information for the user is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  The outer tub 3 is made of resin, for example, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 3 has a tubular, more specifically, substantially cylindrical outer tub body 3A arranged along the vertical direction Z, and an outer tub cover 3B connected to the upper end of the outer tub body 3A from the upper side Z1. The outer tub body 3A has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3C and a bottom wall 3D connected to the lower end of the circumferential wall 3C and closing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3C from the lower side Z2. The upper end of the circumferential wall 3C is the upper end of the outer tub body 3A. The hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3C is the internal space of the outer tank body 3A. The outer tub cover 3B is formed in a ring shape protruding toward the center of the circle of the circumferential wall 3C along the upper end of the circumferential wall 3C. Inside the outer tank cover 3B, a doorway 3E communicating with the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3C from the upper side Z1 is formed. The entrance / exit 3E is in a state of facing and communicating with the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the lower side Z2. The outer tank cover 3B is provided with a lid 12 that opens and closes the doorway 3E. The lid 12 functions as an inner lid in the vertical washing machine 1. The lid 12 is supported by the outer tank cover 3B so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis K extending in the left-right direction X. On the lower surface of the outer tank cover 3B, a guide surface 3F is provided which is inclined obliquely downward while bordering the entrance / exit 3E. The bottom wall 3D is formed in a disk shape extending substantially horizontally, and a through hole 3G penetrating the bottom wall 3D is formed at the center position of the circle of the bottom wall 3D.

  A water supply passage 13 connected to a tap water tap is connected from the upper side Z1 to a portion of the outer tub cover 3B on the rear side Y2 of the entrance 3E. A water supply valve 14 configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve is provided in the water supply path 13. The drainage channel 15 is connected to the bottom wall 3D of the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2. A drain valve 16 is provided in the middle of the drainage channel 15. When the water supply valve 14 is opened with the drain valve 16 closed, water is supplied from the water supply passage 13 into the outer tub 3, whereby water is stored in the outer tub 3. When the water supply valve 14 is closed, the water supply is stopped. When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged from the drainage channel 15 to the outside of the machine.

  The washing tub 4 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, which is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can store the laundry Q therein. The washing tub 4 is coaxially arranged in the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 accommodated in the outer tub 3 is rotatable about the axis J extending in the up-down direction Z as its central axis. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction Z, a bottom wall 4B that closes a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2, and an upper edge of the circumferential wall 4A. It has a ring-shaped annular wall 4C protruding toward the axis J. Hereinafter, the radial direction centered on the axis J is referred to as the radial direction R, the side of the radial direction R facing the axis J is referred to as the radial inside R1, and the side away from the axis J is referred to as the radial outside R2.

  The inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A is the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub 4. The circumferential wall 4A is surrounded by the circumferential wall 3C of the outer tank 3. The bottom wall 4B is provided at the lower end of the washing tub 4. The annular wall 4C faces the outer tank cover 3B of the outer tank 3 from the lower side Z2. An opening 4D is formed inside the annular wall 4C. The opening 4D is located at the upper end of the washing tub 4 and exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The opening 4D is in a state of facing and communicating with the entrance / exit 3E of the outer tank 3 from the lower side Z2. The user puts the laundry Q in and out of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 through the opening 2B, the entrance 3E, and the opening 4D which are opened.

  A plurality of through holes 4E are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and the water in the outer tub 3 moves back and forth between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes 4E. It is also stored in the washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 4 match. The through hole 4E may be provided only on the bottom wall 4B instead of being provided on the circumferential wall 4A.

  The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disk shape, and extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 3D of the outer tub 3 on the upper side Z1 with a space therebetween. A through hole 4F penetrating the bottom wall 4B is formed at a center position of the circle that coincides with the axis J on the bottom wall 4B. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 17 that extends to the lower side Z2 along the axis J while surrounding the through hole 4F. The support shaft 17 is inserted into the through hole 3G of the bottom wall 3D of the outer tank 3, and the lower end portion of the support shaft 17 is located below the bottom wall 3D Z2.

  The pulsator 5 is formed in a disc shape with the axis J as the center of the circle, and is arranged on the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4. On the upper surface of the pulsator 5 which faces the opening 4D of the washing tub 4, a plurality of blades 5A arranged radially are provided. The pulsator 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 18 extending from the center of the circle to the lower side Z2 along the axis J. The rotary shaft 18 is inserted into the hollow portion of the support shaft 17, and the lower end portion of the rotary shaft 18 is located below the bottom wall 3D of the outer tub 3 on the side Z2.

  The motor 6 is an electric motor such as an inverter motor. The motor 6 is arranged in the housing 2 on the lower side Z2 of the outer tank 3. The motor 6 has an output shaft 19 that rotates about the axis J, and outputs the generated driving force from the output shaft 19.

  The clutch 7 is interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 17 and the rotary shaft 18 and the upper end of the output shaft 19 protruding from the motor 6 to the upper side Z1. The clutch 7 selectively transmits the driving force output from the output shaft 19 of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 17 and the rotary shaft 18. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 17, the washing tub 4 receives the driving force of the motor 6 and rotates about the axis J. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 18, the pulsator 5 receives the driving force of the motor 6 and rotates about the axis J. A known transmission mechanism is used as the clutch 7.

  The vertical washing machine 1 includes a microcomputer 21 which is configured by a CPU and a memory and is housed in the housing 2. Each of the motor 6, the clutch 7, the display operation unit 11, the water supply valve 14, and the drain valve 16 is electrically connected to the microcomputer 21. The microcomputer 21 turns the motor 6 on to drive it, or turns it off to stop it. The microcomputer 21 switches the transmission destination of the driving force of the motor 6 to one or both of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 by controlling the clutch 7. When the user operates the display / operation unit 11 to select an operating condition or the like, the microcomputer 21 accepts the selection. The microcomputer 21 controls the display content of the display operation unit 11. The microcomputer 21 controls opening / closing of the water supply valve 14 and the drain valve 16.

  The microcomputer 21 executes the washing operation by controlling the operations of the motor 6, the clutch 7, the water supply valve 14 and the drain valve 16. The washing operation includes a washing step of washing the laundry Q, a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry Q after the washing step, and a dehydrating step of rotating the washing tub 4 to dehydrate the laundry Q after the rinsing step. The vertical washing machine 1 may be a washer / dryer that also executes a drying step of drying the laundry Q after the dehydration step. When the user puts the laundry Q and the detergent into the washing tub 4 and instructs the start of the washing operation by operating the display operation unit 11, the microcomputer 21 starts the washing process.

  With the start of the washing process, the microcomputer 21 first continuously opens the water supply valve 14 with the drain valve 16 closed to supply water into the washing tub 4, and supplies water to the predetermined water level W in the washing tub 4. Collect. After that, the microcomputer 21 switches the clutch 7 as necessary so that the driving force of the motor 6 is transmitted to the pulsator 5, and then drives the motor 6 to rotate the pulsator 5 for a predetermined time. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is washed with stirring by the rotating pulsator 5. Also, the detergent dissolved in water decomposes the stains on the laundry Q.

  After stirring and washing, the microcomputer 21 switches the clutch 7 so that the driving force of the motor 6 is transmitted to the washing tub 4, and then turns on the motor 6. As a result, the washing tub 4 in which water has accumulated rotates at a high speed of, for example, 200 rpm. Then, a vortex is generated in the outer tub 3, and the water surface S in the outer tub 3 is curved in a U-shape so that the central part on the axis J side becomes lower and the outer peripheral part becomes higher (thin 2 in FIG. 1). See dotted line). As a result, the water in the outer tub 3 rises between the circumferential wall 3C of the outer tub 3 and the circumferential wall 4A of the washing tub 4. The water that has risen falls while spirally swirling between the ribs 22 provided on the lower surface of the outer tub cover 3B of the outer tub 3, and is poured into the washing tub 4 through the opening 4D of the washing tub 4. (See the thick double-dashed line arrow in FIG. 1). At that time, the guide surface 3F of the outer tank cover 3B of the outer tank 3 guides the water passing between the ribs 22 downward toward the opening 4D. By the water sprinkling from the upper side Z1 due to the rotation of the washing tub 4, the laundry Q on the opening 4D side can be surely washed. Such rotation of the washing tub 4 is stopped after continuing for a predetermined time, whereby the washing process is completed.

  Next, the microcomputer 21 rotates the washing tub 4 at high speed with the drain valve 16 open as a dehydration step after the washing step, that is, an intermediate dehydration step. The laundry in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by this high speed rotation. The water leached from the laundry due to the dehydration is discharged from the machine through the drainage channel 15. At the end of the intermediate dehydration process, the microcomputer 21 closes the drain valve 16.

  Next, the microcomputer 21 executes a rinsing process. As an example of the rinsing step, the microcomputer 21 intermittently opens the water supply valve 14 with the drain valve 16 opened to supply water to the washing tub 4 by shower. In this state, the microcomputer 21 rotates the washing tub 4 at a low speed of, for example, 30 rpm so that the shower can be spread all over the laundry Q. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is evenly rinsed. As another example of the rinsing process, the microcomputer 21 stirs and rinses the laundry Q by rotating the pulsator 5 after supplying water, as in the washing process, and then rotates the washing tub 4 to wash the laundry. Sprinkle water from upper side Z1 on Q.

  The rinsing step may be performed more than once, and in that case, the microcomputer 21 performs the intermediate dehydration step between the rinsing step and the next rinsing step, and after the final rinsing step, the intermediate dehydration step. Perform a final dehydration step similar to. The rotation condition of the washing tub 4 may be different between the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, and in particular, the maximum rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in the final dehydration step is higher than the maximum rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in the intermediate dehydration step. high. When the final dehydration process is completed, the washing operation is completed.

  Next, the outer tank cover 3B and the lid 12 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lid 12 and the outer tank cover 3B in a closed state in which the inlet / outlet 3E of the outer tank cover 3B is closed. The outer tank cover 3B is configured substantially symmetrically. The outer peripheral edge of the outer tank cover 3B is formed in a substantially circular shape. A single or a plurality of connection ports 3H to which the water supply channel 13 and the like are connected are formed in the rearward region of the outer tank cover 3B. The doorway 3E is formed on the front side Y1 of the outer tank cover 3B with respect to the connection port 3H.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid 12 and the outer tank cover 3B in an open state in which the doorway 3E of the outer tank cover 3B is opened. The inner peripheral surface portion 3I that defines the inlet / outlet 3E in the outer tank cover 3B includes an arc-shaped front inner peripheral surface portion 3J that bulges toward the front side Y1 and a front inner peripheral surface portion 3J that extends substantially linearly along the left-right direction X. It is formed in a semi-circular shape having a rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K connecting the left and right rear ends. The front inner peripheral surface portion 3J extends upward from the boundary with the front inner peripheral surface portion 3J in the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B to the lower side Z2 and to the radially inner side R1 from the lower end of the upper vertical wall 3JA. The horizontal wall 3JB and the lower vertical wall 3JC extending integrally from the end of the horizontal wall 3JB on the radially inner side R1 to the lower side Z2 are integrally provided. The upper vertical wall 3JA, the horizontal wall 3JB, and the lower vertical wall 3JC are formed in an arc shape that bulges toward the front side Y1 in a plan view. A lock groove 3L extending along the circumferential direction of the upper vertical wall 3JA and recessed toward the front side Y1 is provided at the front end portion of the upper vertical wall 3JA (see also FIG. 13, which will be described later).

  The rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K includes an upper vertical wall 3KA extending from the boundary with the rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K on the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B to the lower side Z2, and a radial inner side R1 from the lower end of the upper vertical wall 3KA, in this case. Has integrally a horizontal wall 3KB projecting to the front side Y1 and a lower vertical wall 3KC extending from the front end of the horizontal wall 3KB to the lower side Z2. The upper vertical wall 3KA extends linearly in the left-right direction X and is installed between the left and right rear ends of the upper vertical wall 3JA. The upper vertical wall 3KA and the upper vertical wall 3JA are continuous while curving in a plan view. The lateral wall 3KB extends linearly in the left-right direction X and is provided between the left and right rear ends of the lateral wall 3JB. The lateral wall 3KB and the lateral wall 3JB are continuous while curving in a plan view. The lower vertical wall 3KC extends linearly in the left-right direction X and is installed between the left and right rear ends of the lower vertical wall 3JC. The lower vertical wall 3KC and the lower vertical wall 3JC are continuous while curving in a plan view.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an essential part in a state where the lid 12 is separated from the outer tank cover 3B. A concave portion 3M that extends linearly in the left-right direction X and is recessed to the lower side Z2 is provided at a position on the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B adjacent to the central portion of the rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K from the rear side Y2. The recess 3M is recessed from the upper vertical wall 3KA of the rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K to the rear side Y2. As a result, the upper vertical wall 3KA is separated into a left portion 3KL on the left side X1 of the recess 3M and a right portion 3KR on the right side X2 of the recess 3M. The outer tank cover 3B includes a left vertical wall 3ML extending from the right end of the left portion 3KL to the rear side Y2, a right vertical wall 3MR extending from the left end of the right portion 3KR to the rear side Y2, and the left vertical wall 3ML and the right vertical wall 3MR. It has a back vertical wall 3MA laid between the rear ends and a bottom wall 3MB laid between the lower ends of the left vertical wall 3ML and the right vertical wall 3MR and connected to the lower ends of the back vertical wall 3MA. The left vertical wall 3ML, the right vertical wall 3MR, the back vertical wall 3MA, and the bottom wall 3MB form the inner surface portion of the recess 3M. The recess 3M is partitioned between the left vertical wall 3ML and the right vertical wall 3MR that face each other in the left-right direction X, is partitioned from the rear side Y2 by the inner vertical wall 3MA, is partitioned from the lower side Z2 by the bottom wall 3MB, and is front side Y1. And open to the upper side Z1.

  A pair of left and right insertion holes 3N are formed in the outer tank cover 3B. The insertion hole 3N on the left side X1 is a left insertion hole 3NL formed on the left vertical wall 3ML adjacent to the left end of the recess 3M and extending to the left side X1, and the insertion hole 3N on the right side X2 is at the right end of the recess 3M. The right insertion hole 3NR is formed in the adjacent right vertical wall 3MR and extends to the right side X2. The left insertion hole 3NL has a perfect circle shape, whereas the right insertion hole 3NR has a shape different from a perfect circle. For example, two parallel straight sides and another circular arc connecting these two sides. It is a substantially rectangular elongated hole having sides. The bottom wall 3MB has a concavely curved upper surface when viewed in the left-right direction X. On the upper surface of the bottom wall 3MB, the convex portion 23 slightly protruding to the upper side Z1 is provided. As an example, a pair of protrusions 23 are provided side by side in the left-right direction X, and each protrusion 23 is long in the left-right direction X. The cross section of the convex portion 23 when cut along the front, rear, upper, and lower sides is formed in a substantially triangular shape that narrows toward the upper side Z1. The convex portion 23 may be integrally formed on the outer tank cover 3B with the same material as the outer tank cover 3B such as resin, or may be formed with an elastic material different from that of the outer tank cover 3B and fixed to the outer tank cover 3B. Good.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view of the lid 12 in the closed state. The lid 12 is configured substantially symmetrically. With the closed state as a reference, the lid 12 includes a plate-shaped main body 12A having a semicircular shape similar to the entrance 3E, and a cylindrical rotation center provided at the rear end of the main body 12A and extending in the left-right direction X. 12B and a lock mechanism 24 for locking and unlocking the lid 12 in the closed state. An outer peripheral surface portion 12C that connects the upper surface portion and the lower surface portion of the main body portion 12A is formed in a substantially D-shaped arc shape that bulges toward the front side Y1 in a plan view.

  FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lid 12 in the closed state. With the lid 12 in the closed state as a reference, a D-shaped packing 25 rimming the outer peripheral surface portion 12C is provided on the lower surface portion of the main body portion 12A. The rotation center portion 12B is provided on the outer peripheral surface portion 12C so as to project from the rear end edge that extends linearly in the left-right direction X to the rear side Y2. In the left-right direction X, the rotation center portion 12B is shorter than the rear end edge of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C. Therefore, the left end of the rotation center portion 12B is located on the right side X2 of the left end of the rear end edge, and the right end of the rotation center portion 12B is located on the left side X1 of the right end of the rear end edge.

  An engagement portion 26 is provided on the rear outer peripheral surface of the rotation center portion 12B with the lid 12 in the closed state as a reference. As an example, a pair of engaging portions 26 are provided side by side in the left-right direction X, and each engaging portion 26 is a convex portion that is long in the left-right direction X and slightly protrudes toward the rear side Y2. The cross section of the engaging portion 26 when cut along the front and rear and the upper and lower sides is formed in a substantially triangular shape that becomes narrower toward the rear side Y2. The engagement portion 26 may be integrally formed with the rotation center portion 12B by using the same material as the rotation center portion 12B such as resin, or may be formed by an elastic material different from that of the rotation center portion 12B. It may be fixed to 12B.

  The lid 12 has a pair of left and right rotation shafts 27 provided in the rotation center portion 12B. The rotation axis K of the lid 12 passes through the center of each rotation shaft 27. The rotation shaft 27 on the right side X2 is a damper shaft 27R provided at the right end portion of the rotation center portion 12B. The right end portion 27RA of the damper shaft 27R is in a state of protruding from the right end surface of the rotation center portion 12B to the right side X2. In relation to the damper shaft 27R, the lid 12 has a damper 28 incorporated in the right end portion of the rotation center portion 12B. As the damper 28, a known damper such as a rotary damper can be adopted. The damper 28 rotatably supports the damper shaft 27R around the rotation axis K and provides resistance to the rotation of the damper shaft 27R. As a result, the damper shaft 27R slowly rotates relative to the damper 28 and the rotation center portion 12B. The position of the damper shaft 27R in the left-right direction X is fixed.

  The rotary shaft 27 on the left side X1 is a movable shaft 27L slidably supported along the rotary axis K by the left end portion of the rotary center portion 12B. The left end portion 27LA of the movable shaft 27L is in a state of protruding from the left end surface of the rotation center portion 12B to the left side X1. A recess 12D that is long in the left-right direction X is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the left end portion of the rotation center portion 12B, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the lower side Z2 in FIG. A slit 12E extending in the left-right direction X and communicating with the internal space of the rotation center portion 12B is formed at the bottom of the recess 12D.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. The left end portion 27LA of the movable shaft 27L is formed in a cylindrical shape. The movable shaft 27L has a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than that of the left end portion 27LA, and has a main body portion 27LB connected to the left end portion 27LA from the right side X2, and a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the main body portion 27LB and has a right side portion to the main body portion 27LB. And a right end portion 27LC connected from X2. A circular through hole 12LA into which the left end portion 27LA is inserted is formed in the left end wall 12L of the rotation center portion 12B. The left surface of the left end wall 12L is the left end surface of the rotation center portion 12B. The main body portion 27LB and the right end portion 27LC are arranged inside the rotation center portion 12B. The right side portion of the right end portion 27LC is inserted into the annular bush 29 fixed to the rotation center portion 12B inside the rotation center portion 12B.

  An operation portion 27LD protruding in a claw shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 27LB. The operation portion 27LD is inserted into the slit 12E in the recess 12D at the left end of the rotation center portion 12B, and is exposed from the slit 12E to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation center portion 12B. The operation portion 27LD is inserted into the slit 12E with a play in the left-right direction X. Therefore, the movable shaft 27L can also slide in the left-right direction X within a range in which the operating portion 27LD can slide within the slit 12E. A biasing member 30 such as a coil spring is wound around the right end portion 27LC in a non-contact manner and is compressed between the main body portion 27LB and the bush 29, so that the movable shaft 27L is constantly biased toward the left side X1.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid 12 around the movable shaft 27L. When the operation portion 27LD is located at the left end of the slit 12E, the movable shaft 27L is at the most advanced position to the left side X1. At this time, most of the left end portion 27LA of the movable shaft 27L is in a state of protruding from the left end wall 12L of the rotation center portion 12B to the left side X1. The left end wall 12L contacts the main body portion 27LB from the left side X1 as a stopper, and the portion of the rotation center portion 12B that borders the left end of the slit 12E contacts the operation portion 27LD as a stopper from the left side X1 (see also FIG. 7). As a result, the movable shaft 27L is restricted from moving to the left side X1 from the advanced position.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lid 12 around the movable shaft 27L. When the operating portion 27LD is located at the right end of the slit 12E, the movable shaft 27L is at the retracted position most retracted to the right side X2. At this time, the left end portion 27LA of the movable shaft 27L is retracted into the rotation center portion 12B, and the left end surface of the left end portion 27LA is substantially flush with the left end surface of the rotation center portion 12B. The user can slide the movable shaft 27L between the advanced position and the retracted position by pinching and sliding the operation portion 27LD. A groove-shaped non-slip portion 27LE for preventing the user's finger from slipping is provided on the surface of the operation portion 27LD.

  When the vertical washing machine 1 is transported, the lid 12 is detached from the outer tub cover 3B, housed in a dedicated box or the like, and transported alone. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the impact generated on the outer tub cover 3B during transportation from being transmitted to the lid 12. When the vertical washing machine 1 is installed, the lid 12 is attached to the outer tub cover 3B by the user. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 4, the user first floats lid 12 so that the center of rotation 12B of lid 12 is located on upper side Z1 of recess 3M of outer tank cover 3B. Then, the user fits the right portion of the rotation center portion 12B into the right portion of the recess 3M, and at that time, inserts the damper shaft 27R of the right side X2 into the right insertion hole 3NR of the outer tank cover 3B from the left side X1. Next, the user slides the operation portion 27LD to bring the movable shaft 27L to the retracted position, and then fits the left portion of the rotation center portion 12B into the left portion of the recess 3M. Then, the entire rotation center portion 12B is received in the recess 3M, and the movable shaft 27L faces the left insertion hole 3NL of the outer tank cover 3B from the right side X2. When the user removes the finger from the operation unit 27LD in this state, the movable shaft 27L slides to the advanced position by the urging force of the urging member 30 (see FIG. 7) and is inserted into the left insertion hole 3NL from the right side X2. . As a result, the attachment of the lid 12 to the outer tub cover 3B is completed, and the lid 12 is rotatably supported by the outer tub cover 3B around the rotation axis K (see FIG. 1) (see FIG. 3).

  The user removes the lid 12 from the outer tank cover 3B by sliding the operation portion 27LD to dispose the movable shaft 27L at the retracted position and then lifting the lid 12 in the reverse order of the attachment of the lid 12. You can This allows the lid 12 and the outer tank cover 3B to be transported in a separated state. Further, when the lid 12 and the outer tank cover 3B are separated, they can be easily maintained. Particularly, since the entire concave portion 3M of the outer tub cover 3B and the entire rotation center portion 12B of the lid 12 are exposed, dirt inside the concave portion 3M or dirt attached to the rotation center portion 12B is removed. You can

  When the lid 12 is attached to the outer tank cover 3B, the left insertion hole 3NL and the right insertion hole 3NR extend along the rotation axis K. The left insertion hole 3NL has a perfect circular shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the movable shaft 27L. Therefore, the movable shaft 27L can be relatively rotated around the rotation axis K with respect to the peripheral portion of the left insertion hole 3NL in the outer tank cover 3B. On the other hand, the right insertion hole 3NR has a shape different from the perfect circle as described above, and the cross-sectional shape of the damper shaft 27R matches the right insertion hole 3NR. Therefore, the damper shaft 27R is fixed to the peripheral portion of the left insertion hole 3NL in the outer tub cover 3B and is rotatable relative to the damper 28 in the rotation center portion 12B about the rotation axis K. The damper 28 imparts resistance to the relative rotation of the damper shaft 27R, thereby imparting resistance to the rotation of the lid 12 for opening and closing the doorway 3E of the outer tank cover 3B. Thereby, the lid 12 can be opened and closed gently. If it is sufficient to give priority only to the lid 12 not closing vigorously, the damper 28 may at least provide resistance to the rotation of the lid 12 for closing the doorway 3E.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer tank cover 3B and the lid 12 in the closed state. With the lid 12 in the closed state, the main body portion 12A closes the entrance 3E of the outer tank cover 3B in a horizontal posture. In this state, the inner peripheral surface portion 3I that defines the inlet / outlet 3E in the outer tank cover 3B surrounds the outer peripheral surface portion 12C of the main body portion 12A of the lid 12 in a plan view (see also FIG. 2).

  FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. Specifically, in the inner peripheral surface portion 3I, the upper vertical wall 3JA of the front inner peripheral surface portion 3J and the upper vertical wall 3KA of the rear inner peripheral surface portion 3K (see also FIG. 3) surround the outer peripheral surface portion 12C. In the upper surface of the main body 12A of the lid 12 in the closed state, almost the entire area is a horizontal plane, and the outer edge of the upper surface of the main body 12A is the upper end 12CA of the outer peripheral surface 12C. A peripheral portion 3BB surrounding the entrance / exit 3E on the upper surface 3BA of the outer tub cover 3B is a curved surface that gradually rises as it approaches the entrance / exit 3E. The portion of the peripheral portion 3BB that borders the entrance / exit 3E is the upper end 3IA of the inner peripheral surface portion 3I of the outer tank cover 3B. When the lid 12 is in the closed state, the upper end 12CA of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C and the upper end 3IA of the inner peripheral surface portion 3I are arranged at the same height position. As a result, the upper end 12CA and the upper end 3IA are smoothly connected to each other, so that there is no step difference between these upper ends that is large enough to collect dirt. Therefore, it is possible to reduce stains in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface portion 3I of the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B and improve the appearance of the outer tank cover 3B. Further, when the lid 12 is in the closed state, the outer edge portion of the lower surface portion of the main body portion 12A faces the lateral wall 3JB of the front inner circumferential surface portion 3J and the lateral wall 3KB of the rear inner circumferential surface portion 3K (see also FIG. 3) from the upper side Z1. To do. The gap between each of the lateral walls 3JB and 3KB and the lower surface of the main body 12A is closed by a packing 25 provided on the lower surface of the main body 12A. Thereby, the inlet / outlet 3E is sealed when the lid 12 is in the closed state, and water leakage from the gap is prevented.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of the periphery of the rotation center portion 12B of the lid 12. When the lid 12 is in the closed state, the engaging portion 26 provided on the rotation center portion 12B is located on the upper rear side with respect to the convex portion 23 in the concave portion 3M of the outer tank cover 3B as shown by a dotted line in FIG. Specifically, it is located at a position deviated by about 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction D1 about the rotation axis K. The pair of engaging portions 26 are at the same position as the pair of 23 in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 4). When the user rotates the lid 12 in the closed state in the clockwise direction D2 about the rotation axis K, the engaging portion 26 approaches the convex portion 23 located at the same position in the left-right direction X, and the engaging portion 26 approaches the convex portion 23. Get over the projection 23. When the lid 12 is rotated to the open state, each engaging portion 26 engages with the corresponding convex portion 23 in the clockwise direction D2, as shown by the solid line in FIG. At this time, there may be a gap between the engaging portion 26 and the convex portion 23 without the engaging portion 26 contacting the convex portion 23. In any case, the open state of the lid 12 is maintained and the lid 12 is self-supporting by the engagement of the engaging portion 26 and the convex portion 23, so that the lid 12 can be prevented from being closed without permission.

  In the lid 12, at least the rotation center portion 12B is configured by fixing the first component 12BA and the second component 12BB together with a pair of left and right screws B (see FIG. 4). A blind cap 35 (see FIG. 4) that covers the screw B is attached to the rotation center portion 12B. The engaging portion 26 is arranged around the boundary between the first component 12BA and the second component 12BB. The boundary is always arranged in the recess 3M. Therefore, in the opened state of the lid 12, the engaging portion 26 and the concave portion 3M that are engaged with each other are hidden in the lower side Z2 of the rotation center portion 12B, so that it is difficult for the user to see the same (see also FIG. 3). Therefore, the appearance of the outer tank cover 3B can be improved. A region around the screw B in the rotation center portion 12B is a high rigidity region in which the first component 12BA and the second component 12BB are difficult to separate. Since each engaging portion 26 is arranged at the same position as the screw B in the left-right direction X, it is arranged in the high rigidity region (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the damage of the engaging portion 26 can be prevented, and the durability of the engaging portion 26 can be improved.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part including a cross section taken along line CC of FIG. Finally, the lock mechanism 24 will be described. With the lid 12 in the closed state as a reference, the lock mechanism 24 includes a lock protrusion 31 provided at the front end of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C of the main body 12A, a biasing member 32 for biasing the lock protrusion 31 toward the front side Y1, and a main body. The lever 33 is provided at the front end of the upper surface of the portion 12A and moves the lock protrusion 31 to the rear side Y2 according to the operation of the user. A hollow portion 12F is provided at the front end of the main body 12A. An opening 12G communicating with the hollow portion 12F from the front side Y1 is formed at the front end of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C. The main body portion 12A has a front support portion 12H that extends obliquely rearward and upward from the front end portion of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C, and a rear support portion that is disposed on the rear side Y2 with respect to the front support portion 12H and projects from the main body portion 12A to the upper side Z1. Section 12I is provided. The space between the front support portion 12H and the rear support portion 12I constitutes the upper region of the hollow portion 12F. A boss 12IA that projects toward the front side Y1 in the hollow portion 12F is provided at the lower end of the rear support portion 12I.

  The lock protrusion 31 integrally includes a tip end portion 31A extending in the front-rear direction Y, a stopper 31B protruding from the rear end of the tip end portion 31A to the upper side Z1, and a root portion 31C extending from the rear end of the tip end portion 31A to the rear side Y2. Have. The stopper 31B and the root portion 31C are housed in the lower region of the hollow portion 12F of the main body portion 12A. The tip portion 31A is inserted from the rear side Y2 into the opening 12G of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C of the main body portion 12A. A chamfered portion 31AA is formed at the front end portion of the lower surface of the tip portion 31A. The root portion 31C is provided with an inclined surface 31CA which is inclined rearward and upward and faces the stopper 31B from the rear side Y2, and a boss 31CB which is opposed to the boss 12IA of the rear support portion 12I from the front side Y1. The lock protrusion 31 shown in FIG. 13 is in the advanced position. In the lock projection 31 at the advanced position, a substantially front half of the tip portion 31A protrudes from the opening 12G of the outer peripheral surface portion 12C of the lid 12 to the front side Y1. Further, the stopper 31B contacts the lower end of the front support portion 12H from the rear side Y2, thereby restricting the movement of the lock protrusion 31 toward the front side Y1 from the advanced position. The lock protrusion 31 can be retracted to a retracted position (not shown) on the rear side Y2 with respect to the advanced position. That is, the lock protrusion 31 is movable between the advanced position and the retracted position. Since the lock projection 31 in the retracted position fits substantially the front half of the tip end 31A into the opening 12G, the lock protrusion 31 hardly protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 12C of the lid 12 as compared with the case in the advanced position.

  The biasing member 32 is, for example, a coil spring and is housed in the hollow portion 12F of the main body 12A. The biasing member 32 is compressed between the boss 31CB of the root portion 31C of the lock protrusion 31 and the boss 12IA of the rear support portion 12I to bias the lock protrusion 31 toward the forward position of the front side Y1. ..

  The lever 33 has a pressing part 33A arranged along the up-down direction Z on the rear side Y2 of the front support part 12H, and an operating part 33B extending from the upper end of the pressing part 33A to the upper rear side. The lower end of the pressing portion 33A is in contact with the inclined surface 31CA of the root portion 31C of the lock protrusion 31 from the front side Y1 and the upper side Z1. The lever 33 is irremovably supported by the front support portion 12H. In this state, when the operating portion 33B rises, the pressing portion 33A descends, and when the operating portion 33B descends, the pressing portion 33A rises. The lever 33 shown in FIG. 13 is in the standby position. With the lever 33 at the standby position, the operating portion 33B contacts the upper end of the rear support portion 12I from the upper side Z1 in a posture substantially parallel to the front support portion 12H, whereby the lever 33 is held at the standby position. When the user holds the operation portion 33B and pulls it up while the lever 33 is in the standby position, the pressing portion 33A moves downward and pushes the inclined surface 31CA of the root portion 31C toward the rear side Y2. Retreat from the position to the retracted position. When the user releases the finger from the operation portion 33B, the lock projection 31 is advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position by the urging force of the urging member 32, and the inclined surface 31CA pushes up the pressing portion 33A at that time. Return to the standby position.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the lid 12 is in the closed state, the lock projection 31 is in the advanced position, and the lever 33 is in the standby position, the tip portion 31A of the lock projection 31 is located inside the outer tank cover 3B. The lock groove 3L of the surface portion 3I is fitted from the rear side Y2. As a result, the lid 12 is locked in the closed state. When the user pulls up the operating portion 33B of the lever 33 in this state, the lock projection 31 retracts and comes out of the lock groove 3L, so that the lid 12 is unlocked. Therefore, the user can rotate the lid 12 to the open state by further pulling up the operation portion 33B. On the other hand, when the user pushes the lid 12 in the open state toward you, the lid 12 rotates to the front side Y1 by its own weight. At this time, the lock projection 31 retracts from the advanced position for a moment in order to get over the peripheral portion 3BB surrounding the entrance 3E on the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B to the lower side Z2. When the lock protrusion 31 gets over the peripheral portion 3BB, the chamfered portion 31AA of the tip end 31A of the lock protrusion 31 contacts the peripheral portion 3BB, so that the lock protrusion 31 does not get caught on the peripheral portion 3BB and smoothly moves over the peripheral portion 3BB. You can get over. Then, when the lid 12 is rotated to the closed state, the lock groove 3L is positioned at the tip of the lock protrusion 31, so that the lock protrusion 31 returns to the advanced position by the biasing force of the biasing member 32 and fits into the lock groove 3L.

  Unlike the present embodiment, a comparative example in which the lock groove 3L is provided in the upper surface portion 3BA of the outer tank cover 3B will be considered. In this comparative example, the upper surface 3BA is easily soiled by the soil accumulated in the lock groove 3L. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the lock groove 3L is provided not on the upper surface portion 3BA, but on the inner peripheral surface portion 3I that defines the entrance 3E in the outer tank cover 3B. Therefore, the top and bottom surface 3BA has no unevenness where dirt is likely to accumulate. As a result, stains on the upper surface portion 3BA can be reduced. Further, since the inner peripheral surface portion 3I is hard to be in the field of view of the user, even if dirt is attached to the lock groove 3L, the dirt is less noticeable. As a result, the appearance of the outer tank cover 3B can be improved. In addition, if the upper surface portion 3BA has a small number of irregularities, it is easy to clean and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the laundry Q is caught when taking it in and out.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, both the left and right rotating shafts 27 of the lid 12 may be configured similarly to the damper shaft 27R or the movable shaft 27L.

  The axis J of the washing tub 4 in the vertical washing machine 1 is arranged so as to extend vertically along the up-down direction Z in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 1), but the vertical washing machine 1 has the axis J. A configuration in which is arranged at a slight inclination with respect to the vertical direction Z is also included.

1 Vertical washing machine 3 Outer tub 3A Outer tub body 3B Outer tub cover 3BA Upper surface 3E Entry / exit 3I Inner peripheral surface 3IA Upper end 3L Lock groove 3M Recess 3MB Bottom wall 3N Insert hole 4 Washing tub 4D Open 12 Lid 12B Rotation center Part 12C Outer peripheral surface part 12CA Upper end 23 Convex part 26 Engaging part 27L Movable shaft 28 Damper 31 Lock protrusion K Rotation axis Q Laundry Z1 Upper side Z2 Lower side

Claims (5)

An outer tub having a tubular outer tub body, and an outer tub cover connected to the outer tub main body in which an inlet / outlet communicating from the upper side is formed in the outer tub main body,
A washing tub, which is formed in the outer tub and has openings facing the entrance from below, the washing tub accommodating the laundry to be loaded through the entrance and the opening,
A lid that is rotatably supported by the outer tank cover and that opens and closes the doorway;
A lock groove provided in an inner peripheral surface portion that defines the entrance and exit in the outer tank cover,
A lock projection provided on the outer peripheral surface portion of the lid, which is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position protruding from the outer peripheral surface portion as compared with when the retracted position is present, and the lock protrusion is disposed at the advanced position. A vertical washing machine comprising: a lock protrusion that locks the lid in a state where the door is closed by fitting the lock groove into the lock groove.   In a state in which the lid closes the doorway, the outer peripheral surface portion of the lid is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface portion of the outer tank cover, and the upper end of the outer peripheral surface portion and the upper end of the inner peripheral surface portion are at the same height position. The vertical washing machine according to claim 1, which is arranged. An insertion hole extending along the rotation axis of the lid is formed in the outer tank cover,
The vertical washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a movable shaft which is inserted into the insertion hole and is slidable along the rotation axis.   The vertical washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the lid has a damper that provides resistance to rotation of the lid for closing the doorway. At a position adjacent to the insertion hole on the upper surface portion of the outer tub cover, a recessed portion that is recessed downward and receives the center of rotation of the lid is provided.
The inner surface of the recess is provided with a protrusion,
The vertical washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an engaging portion that engages with the convex portion when the lid opens the entrance is provided in the rotation center portion.

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