JP2024517392A - Washing machine top cover and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A top cover for a washing machine is provided. A hinge base (2) that protrudes outward is provided at the rear end of the top cover. A plurality of water inlets (3) that penetrate vertically are provided in the hinge base. A blocking rib (4) that is higher than the water inlets is provided on the outer periphery of the water inlets (3). By providing a blocking rib at the water inlets of the top cover of the washing machine, it is possible to collect the water flowing into the hinge base at the water inlets, and it is also possible to prevent the water flow from splashing inside the washing machine and damaging the internal components of the washing machine. A washing machine to which the top cover is attached is further described. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention belongs to the field of household electrical appliances, and more specifically, to a washing machine top cover and a washing machine.

The microswitch installed in the washing machine is intended to quickly transmit a detection signal to the washing machine's control device and control the washing machine to stop rotating if the user suddenly opens the washing machine's lid during the washing process, especially during the spin-drying process, or if the water tank is operating with a large eccentricity, thereby preventing the water tank from rotating at high speed from injuring the user or colliding with the washing machine's housing if it is greatly eccentric.

Currently available washing machines generally use a microswitch to determine whether the top cover is open or closed in order to save costs. However, there are significant drawbacks to using a microswitch: the top cover and the panel base fit together dynamically, leaving a relatively large gap between them. In addition, the microswitch comes into direct contact with the top cover, and the metal piece of the microswitch is exposed to the outside. This means that water may flow back into the gap between the top cover and the panel base, and when the top cover is opened or closed, the water may come into contact with the metal piece of the microswitch, posing a safety concern.

In view of the above, the present invention is proposed.

The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a washing machine top cover and washing machine that eliminates the defects of the prior art by preventing water in the gap between the top cover and the panel base from coming into contact with the metal piece of the microswitch and providing overflow protection for the microswitch, thereby extending the product life of the microswitch and ensuring the product quality of the washing machine.

To solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

The top cover of the washing machine is provided with a hinge base that protrudes outward at the rear end of the top cover. The hinge base has a number of water inlets that penetrate vertically. Block ribs that are higher than the water inlets are provided on the outer periphery of the water inlets.

Furthermore, the block rib extends upward so as to protrude, surrounding the water guide chamber that opens upward.

Furthermore, a vertical rib is provided on one side of the water guide chamber, and a horizontally bent fold is provided at the lower end of the vertical rib. The highest point of the vertical rib is higher than the block rib.

Preferably, the vertical ribs and the block ribs are arranged in close contact with each other.

More preferably, the longitudinal ribs and the block ribs are integrally molded.

Furthermore, the upper surface of the fold has multiple grooves that allow water to pass through.

Furthermore, multiple water guide grooves are provided along the inner wall of the water guide port, extending downward. The water guide grooves extend along the vertical ribs to the end of the fold.

Furthermore, the water guide groove on the lower plane of the fold and the recessed groove on the upper plane of the fold are offset from each other.

Furthermore, the hinge base includes an arc-shaped hinge joint, and the hinge joint has an attachment hole.

The present invention further describes a washing machine. A panel base is provided at the top end of the washing machine. The washing machine has the washing machine top lid described above attached to it. The top lid is attached to the washing machine's panel base via a hinge base. A microswitch is provided in the panel base. The microswitch has one end fixed to the hinge base and the other end fixed in the panel base.

Furthermore, the hinge base is provided with a mounting hole, and the panel base is provided with a protruding shaft. By inserting the protruding shaft into the mounting hole, it becomes possible to flip the top cover over within the panel base and open it.

The washing machine is further provided with a mounting plate. Through holes are provided in the mounting plate, and correspondingly, several insertion parts are provided on one end of the top cover.

Preferably, the maximum width of the cross section of the insertion portion is greater than the diameter of the through hole so that it fits snugly into the through hole.

By using the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art:

1. By providing a blocking rib at the water inlet of the top lid of the washing machine, it is possible to collect the water flowing into the hinge base at the water inlet, and also to prevent the water flow from splashing inside the washing machine and damaging the internal components of the washing machine.

2. By providing the hinge base with structures such as block ribs and vertical ribs, the microswitch is prevented from coming into contact with water vapor, causing rust and resulting in poor contact in the microswitch, thereby ensuring the product quality of the washing machine.

3. In the present invention, the hinge base is provided with vertical ribs, which form a channel for water to flow down vertically. This further ensures that water does not flow into the microswitch.

4. In this invention, a groove is added to the contact surface between the folded vertical rib and the microswitch, and the depth of the groove is made as deep as possible while ensuring strength. If water flows into the contact surface between the top cover and the microswitch due to an abnormal operation by the user, the water will flow directly into the inner tub of the washing machine along the groove without coming into contact with the microswitch.

In addition, the present invention has a simple structure, is highly effective, and is suitable for widespread use.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are used as part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. Furthermore, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for interpreting the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. Needless to say, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can derive further drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention when disassembled between an upper cover and a panel base. FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the upper cover and the panel base in an exploded state from another angle in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the upper cover in the embodiment of the present invention when disassembled. FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that these drawings and written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept in any manner, but are intended to explain the inventive concept to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

In order to clarify the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solution of the embodiments in combination with the drawings related to the embodiments of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In describing the present invention, it should be explained that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "inner," and "outer" are directions or positional relationships based on the illustrations, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and do not expressly or imply that the subject devices or components have a specific orientation and must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

In describing the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "attach," "connect," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may be fixed connections, removable connections, or integral connections. They may also be mechanical connections or electrical connections. Furthermore, they may be direct connections or indirect connections via intermediate media. A person skilled in the art would be able to interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the embodiment of the present invention, a top cover of a washing machine that is attached to a panel base 200 of the washing machine is described. A microswitch 1 is provided within the panel base 200 of the washing machine and is connected to a hinge end of the top cover 100. A hinge base 2 that protects the microswitch 1 from overflow is further attached to the hinge end. The hinge base 2 is attached above the microswitch 1. Since the microswitch 1 is exposed to the outside and is prone to rust when it comes into contact with water, the hinge base 2 that can protect the microswitch 1 from overflow is provided at the hinge connection end of the top cover 100 with the panel base 200, thereby extending the product life of the washing machine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a hinge base 2 that protrudes outward is provided at the rear end of the top cover 100. Preferably, the hinge base 2 is molded integrally with the top cover 100. The hinge base 2 is provided with a plurality of water guide ports 3 that penetrate vertically. Around the water guide ports 3, block ribs 4 that are higher than the water guide ports 3 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, by providing the water inlet 3 penetrating vertically in the hinge base 2, when water enters the gap between the top cover 100 and the panel base 200, the water flows directly into the inner tub of the washing machine along the water inlet 3 without coming into contact with the metal piece of the microswitch 1. In addition, a block rib 4 that is higher than the water inlet 3 is provided around the water inlet 3. Preferably, the block rib 4 is integrally injection molded with the hinge base 2. In addition, the block rib 4 extends upward so as to protrude and surrounds the water inlet chamber 15 that opens upward. This makes it possible to collect the water flow in the water inlet 3 and prevent the water flow from splashing to the surroundings. In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, there is no side wall on one side of the water inlet chamber 15, and it is provided as a crack. Preferably, the crack is opened on the left side. The purpose of providing it in this way is to prevent the water inlet from being drained in time when the water flow becomes excessive, and to allow the water to flow into the inner tub from one end where there is no side wall.

2 to 6, in the embodiment of the present invention, one side of the water guide chamber 15 is provided with a vertical rib 5 extending vertically. The vertical rib 5 is provided opposite the top cover 100. The highest point of the vertical rib 5 is higher than the position of the block rib 4. The lower end of the vertical rib 5 is provided with a fold 6 that is horizontally bent in a direction away from the block rib 4. By providing the vertically extending vertical rib 5, it is possible to make the water flow to the lower end along the direction of the vertical rib 5, and then to flow into the inner tub of the washing machine by following the fold 6. The highest end of the vertical rib 5 is provided so as to be higher than the block rib 4. This makes it possible to effectively block the water flow that tries to flow into the contact surface between the microswitch 1 and the block rib 4. Preferably, the vertical rib 5 and the block rib 4 are provided in close contact with each other. More preferably, the vertical rib 5 and the block rib 4 are molded integrally. By providing the block rib 4 and the vertical rib 5 so as to be molded integrally, it becomes easier to manufacture the mold for the top cover 100, making mass production possible and reducing costs. Furthermore, it becomes possible to apply the hinge base 2 to the top covers 100 of more washing machines.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the fold 6 is provided with a number of grooves 7 that allow water to flow through. By providing the grooves 7 in the fold 6, if the user performs an abnormal operation and water flows into the fold 6, the water can flow along the grooves into the inner tank.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of water guide grooves 9 are provided extending downward along the inner wall of the water guide port 3. The lower end of the water guide port 3 is the water outlet 8. The water guide grooves 9 extend along the vertical rib 5 to the end of the fold 6. By providing a plurality of water guide grooves 9 in the water outlet 8, it is possible for water from the water guide port 3 to flow into the inner tub of the washing machine along the water guide grooves 9 via the water outlet 8. In addition, the water guide grooves 9 extend to the end of the fold 6. Therefore, when the top cover 100 is opened, the water guide grooves 9 on the fold 6 are exactly vertical, and water remaining in the hinge base 2 is allowed to fall vertically along the water guide grooves 9 of the fold 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the embodiment of the present invention, the water guide groove 9 starts extending from the water outlet 8 and extends to the end of the fold 6. The side walls of the water guide groove 9 located at the water outlet 8 gradually narrow and resemble a triangle. When water flows in from the water outlet 3 at the upper end, the water pressure becomes relatively large when it flows out from the water outlet 8, causing the water to splash. However, by providing it as described above, the peripheral wall can prevent more water from splashing around and also serves the function of guiding the water, so that the water flows into the inner tub of the washing machine following the water guide groove 9 in the peripheral wall. Note that the water guide groove 9 on the lower plane of the fold 6 and the concave groove 7 on the upper plane of the fold 6 are offset from each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge base 2 is further provided with a hinge joint 10. The hinge joint 10 has a portion of an arc shape and is provided so as to be molded integrally with the hinge base 2. The hinge joint 10 is provided with a mounting hole 11, and the panel base 200 is provided with a protruding shaft 12. By inserting the protruding shaft 12 into the mounting hole 11, it becomes possible to invert the top cover 100 within the panel base 200 and open it.

By opening the mounting holes 11 in the hinge joint 10, it becomes easier to assemble the top cover 100 and the panel base 200. It also makes it easier to dismantle and repair later.

In this embodiment, a washing machine is described. The washing machine is equipped with the washing machine top cover 100 described in the above embodiment. The washing machine includes a panel base 200. The top cover 100 is rotatably connected to the panel base 200 by a hinge connection.

Specifically, the hinge connection method is such that a damper is provided on the panel base 200, and the damper has an extending protruding shaft 12. The top cover 100 is also provided with a hinge base that is molded integrally with the panel base. The hinge base has a horizontal mounting hole 11, and the protruding shaft 12 is inserted into the mounting hole 11 to form a rotatable hinge connection structure.

Due to the requirement for the appearance of the top cover 100, each exposed connection structure is decorated with a cover body or a leg pad structure. The damper has a damper cover and is fixedly attached to the top cover 100. In addition, the screw connection points have leg pads. This makes it possible to form a shock-absorbing and vibration-proof structure between the top cover 100 and the panel base 200, while also providing a waterproof effect against the screws and improving the appearance.

The microswitch 1 is fixedly attached in the panel base 200. The microswitch 1 is attached to the lower end of the hinge base 2, and one end of the microswitch 1 contacts the hinge base 2. This makes it possible to avoid rust caused by contact with water vapor, and thus prevents poor contact of the microswitch 1, thereby ensuring the quality of the washing machine. The push rod in the microswitch 1 is engaged in the groove to connect with the top cover 100 outside the microswitch 1, and can move with the groove as a fulcrum. This makes the connection method simple, and the stroke of the microswitch 1 can be changed accordingly by engaging the push rod in different grooves. In other words, the stroke of the microswitch 1 can be adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the push rod with the connected groove as a fulcrum.

The microswitch 1 can be installed in the control panel base 200 of the washing machine and is linked to the hinge end of the top cover 100. The force-receiving end of the push rod is hooked onto the hinge base 2. As a result, when the top cover 100 is opened or closed, the top cover 100 releases or presses the push rod, causing the movable contact and the fixed contact to come into contact or separate from each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the microswitch 1 is fixed to the fold 6, and the other end is fixed within the panel base 200. A groove 7 is provided at the contact surface between the microswitch 1 and the fold 6 to allow the water flow to pass through. The peripheral wall of the groove 7 is provided as high as possible. By providing the groove 7, the water flow is made to flow downward along the vertical rib 5 and into the inner tub of a specified washing machine following the groove 7, so that contact between the water flow and the microswitch 1 can be effectively avoided. In addition, a certain gap is provided between the microswitch 1 and the vertical rib 5, so that the water flow can flow along the vertical rib 5 to the fold 6.

When water flows through the gap between the top cover 100 and the panel base 200, it is first guided through the water inlet 3 and along the vertical rib 5 into the inner tub of the washing machine, thereby preventing the water from coming into contact with the microswitch 1. Also, when water flows into the contact surface between the hinge base 2 and the microswitch 1 due to an abnormal operation by the user, the water flows directly into the inner tub of the washing machine along the groove 7 between the microswitch 1 and the hinge base 2 without coming into contact with the microswitch 1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a water inlet is provided in the hinge base, allowing water to be guided into the inner tank, thereby preventing the water flow from coming into contact with the microswitch. Blocking ribs are also provided on the outer periphery of the water inlet to similarly prevent the water flow from coming into contact with the microswitch. By providing the above, it becomes possible to provide overflow protection for the microswitch.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine includes a housing. The housing includes a mounting plate 13 that is attached to the clothes inlet. A number of through holes are formed on the surface of the mounting plate 13, and each of the insertion portions 14 at one end of the top cover 100 is inserted into the through holes. In addition, the rear end of the top cover 100 is connected to the panel base 200 via the hinge base 2.

In the above solution, each of the insertion portions 14 at the front end of the top cover 100 is inserted into the through-holes of the mounting plate 13. The rear end of the top cover 100 is inserted into the panel base 200 so as to rotate the top cover 100. Finally, the entire panel base 200 is assembled to the housing. When the user wants to open the top cover 100, the mounting plate can be flipped upward around the insertion portions. At this time, the top cover is in a half-open state. When the user wants to open the entire top cover, they simply continue to open the top cover 100 upward.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the panel base 200 has an accommodating groove. The accommodating groove is used to place the display module and/or the control module. When the display module is placed in the accommodating groove, the display panel of the display module is coupled to the cover plate to form a display area at a corresponding position on the cover plate. The same is true for the control module. When the control module is placed in the accommodating groove, the control panel of the display module is coupled to the top cover 100 to form a control area at a corresponding position on the top cover 100.

During the assembly process, after the display control module is placed in the housing groove, it is necessary to fix the display control module within the housing groove to prevent the display control module from falling off or becoming displaced. This makes the subsequent assembly process easier.

The panel base 200 has a housing groove. The housing groove is used to position and secure the display control module. An outlet is provided on one side of the housing groove to electrically connect the display control module to a structure such as a control panel. The outside of the outlet is provided with a clamp for securing a structure such as a conductor. This prevents electrical circuit failure caused by the circuit moving and wearing out inside the top cover 100.

Because the top cover 100 needs to be connected to the panel base 200, the panel base 200 is further provided with an avoidance portion for the connection member. The panel base 200 has a damper mounting portion and a hinge base avoidance portion. The damper can be fixed to the panel base 200 with a screw. The damper needs to be rotatably connected to the hinge base attached to the top cover 100. Therefore, the panel base 200 is provided with a hinge base avoidance portion for avoiding the hinge base and allowing the hinge structure to rotate normally.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the display control module is an electrically conductive component. While a washing machine has washing water inside, the top cover 100 is located on top of the inner tub, so there is a risk of water ingress. Therefore, a waterproof structure must be provided at the corresponding position of the top cover 100 to ensure that the normal function of the display control module is not impaired.

A seal ring is provided between the top cover 100 and the panel base 200, and is also provided on the side frame of the observation window. The seal structure uses a waterproof material to block cleaning water that may enter the housing groove to the outside, thereby preventing the water from entering the display control module. After the top cover 100 and the panel base 200 are assembled, the seal ring abuts against the top cover 100 and the panel base 200, respectively, to form a waterproof space in the housing groove. The seal ring may be a rubber seal ring.

A first seal ring groove is provided around the periphery of the accommodation groove. After the first seal ring is inserted into the first seal ring groove, the top cover 100 and the panel base 200 are assembled, connected, and fixed, so that the seal ring is pressed by the panel base 200 and the top cover 100. This forms a seal structure that isolates cleaning water outside the accommodation groove and prevents it from entering the module that uses electricity.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection structure between the top cover 100 and the panel base 200 is an insertion structure. The top cover 100 has a mounting hole 11, and the panel base 200 has a protruding shaft 12. The protruding shaft 12 is integrally provided on the panel base 200. Alternatively, the top cover 100 has a protruding shaft 12 that is integrally provided, and the panel base 200 has a mounting hole 11.

Since the protruding shaft 12 is integrally formed with the panel base 200, the panel base 200 itself can form the connection structure without the need for extra connecting members. In other words, the number of assembly steps is reduced, and the overall cost is also reduced.

The protruding shaft 12 has a protrusion in the circumferential direction of the tip. Furthermore, the edge of the protrusion has a slope that allows it to slide into the mounting hole 11 and regulate its position. Correspondingly, the tip of the mounting hole 11 also has a slope that makes it easy to insert the protrusion into the mounting hole 11 and regulate its position.

The top cover 100 may have a display and control function integrated therein, as well as an observation function. The top cover 100 of a typical washing machine is made of a transparent material, and the user can observe the washing machine through the top cover 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment of the present invention, a mounting plate 13 is provided on the front side of the top cover 100. Through holes are provided in the mounting plate 13, and correspondingly, several insertion parts 14 are protruded from one end of the top cover 100. The maximum width of the cross section of the insertion parts 14 is larger than the diameter of the through holes so that they can be tightly fitted into the through holes.

In the above solution, the insertion portion 14 has a columnar structure that protrudes horizontally, and the top cover 100 is attached by inserting the insertion portion 14 into the through-hole of the mounting plate 13 so as to fit tightly. When each insertion portion 14 at one end of the top cover 100 is inserted into the through-hole, the mounting plate 13 and the top cover 100 are attached together in the panel base 200 to seal the opening of the panel base 200. The through-hole is formed by cutting out the insertion portion 14 to form a notch groove. This more effectively controls the position of the top cover 100, preventing the top cover 100 from being displaced during transportation or dropping, which increases the mounting gap with the mounting plate 13, resulting in defects in the precision of the product and affecting the user experience.

The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above by a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and slight modifications or additions that a person skilled in the art can make using the technical content presented above, within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, are equivalent embodiments that have been modified in an equivalent manner. The implementation solutions in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and any simple modifications, equivalent modifications, and additions made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Upper cover 200 Panel base 1 Microswitch 2 Hinge base 3 Water guide port 4 Block rib 5 Vertical rib 6 Fold 7 Groove 8 Water outlet 9 Water guide groove 10 Hinge joint 11 Mounting hole 12 Protruding shaft 13 Mounting plate 14 Insertion portion 15 Water guide chamber

Claims (10)

A top cover of a washing machine having a hinge base (2) protruding outward at its rear end,
The hinge base (2) is provided with a plurality of water inlets (3) penetrating vertically, and a block rib (4) higher than the water inlets (3) is provided on the outer periphery of the water inlets (3). The top cover of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the block rib (4) extends upward so as to protrude and surrounds the water guide chamber (15) that opens upward. A vertical rib (5) is provided on one side of the water guide chamber (15) and extends vertically. A horizontally bent fold (6) is provided at the lower end of the vertical rib (5). The highest point of the vertical rib (5) is higher than the block rib (4).
Preferably, the longitudinal rib (5) and the block rib (4) are provided in close contact with each other,
More preferably, the vertical rib (5) and the blocking rib (4) are integrally formed. The washing machine lid according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper surface of the fold (6) is provided with a number of grooves (7) for allowing water flow therethrough. The washing machine lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of water guide grooves (9) extending downward are provided along the inner wall of the water guide port (3), and the water guide grooves (9) extend along the vertical ribs (5) to the end of the fold (6). The washing machine lid according to claim 5, characterized in that the water guide groove (9) on the lower plane of the fold (6) and the recessed groove (7) on the upper plane of the fold (6) are offset from each other. The washing machine top lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hinge base (2) includes an arc-shaped hinge joint (10), and the hinge joint (10) has an attachment hole. In a washing machine having a panel base at its upper end,
A washing machine having a top lid as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 attached thereto, the top lid being attached to a panel base of the washing machine via a hinge base, a microswitch (1) being provided in the panel base (200), and one end of the microswitch (1) being fixed to the hinge base and the other end being fixed to the panel base (200). The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the hinge base (2) is provided with a mounting hole (11), the panel base (200) is provided with a protruding shaft (12), and the protruding shaft (12) is inserted into the mounting hole (11), so that the top cover (100) can be opened by being inverted within the panel base (200). The washing machine is provided with a mounting plate (13), and the mounting plate (13) has through holes, and correspondingly, one end of the top cover (100) has several protruding insertion parts (14).
The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the maximum width of the cross section of the insertion portion (14) is preferably larger than the diameter of the through hole so that it is tightly fitted into the through hole.