JP4399942B2 - Operation unit storage device in washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation unit device in a washing machine capable of storing a part of the operation unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an operation unit storage device in this type of washing machine is configured as shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 8, the outer frame 1 is provided with an upper cover 2 at the top, and a laundry input port 3 is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper cover 2 and covered with a lid 4. A control unit 5 is attached to the front portion of the upper cover 2 and covered with an operation panel 6. Each button on the operation panel 6 has a power-on button, a power-off button, a start / pause button, a water level switch button, a washing time change button, a rinse time change button, a dehydration time change button, and the like. It can be done.
[0004]
In addition, electrical components such as a water supply valve 7 and a safety switch 8 are attached to the rear portion of the upper cover 2 and covered with a rear panel 9. The lead wire 10 is used to connect the electrical components to each other. The lead wire 10 has a lead wire 11 connected to the electrical component and a motor (not shown) below the washing machine, and a connector 12 is connected to each end portion. The wire 11 is wired downward from the hole 13 provided in the upper cover 2.
[0005]
As shown in FIG. 9, the lead wire 10 for connecting the electrical components is housed in a groove 14 provided on the right side of the upper cover 2 so that the connector 12 is connected to the control unit 5 and the electrical components. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cover body 15 is fitted to the upper cover body 2 between the operation panel 6 and the rear panel 9.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional configuration, the operation panel 6 has many operations such as a power-on button, a turn-off button, a start button, a pause button, a water level switching button, a washing time change button, a rinse frequency change button, and a dehydration time change button. For the user who is provided with buttons and has poor usability, or who uses only the start button, there are many buttons that are not used, so the appearance is not good.
[0007]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. When operating an operation button that is used less frequently, the operation panel is operated by rotating and projecting from the operation panel installation frame. The purpose is to improve the user-friendliness and to improve the appearance.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an outer frame that accommodates a tub, an upper cover that covers the upper portion of the outer frame and that has a laundry inlet at the center, and a front portion of the upper cover. the provided power on button, oFF button, start, pause button buttons turn on the power is, the control unit arranged only Rubo Tan button and washing start or pause the power off, the control unit A front panel for covering the upper cover from above with the cover attached, and an operation for operating the buttons of the control unit by being pushed from above provided at a position facing the control unit of the front panel And an operation panel installation frame positioned below the operation unit and tightened to the lower surface side of the upper cover with a tightening screw, and provided between the upper cover and the operation panel installation frame And a reinforcing plate attached to the outer frame with a tightening screw, and an operation panel rotatably provided by pivotally supporting the lower end side inside the operation panel installation frame. The panel has an operation panel leg portion provided with an operation panel shaft portion at a lower end, and an operation panel display portion attached to the operation panel leg portion, and a water level switching button and a washing time change button are provided inside the operation panel display portion. An operation printed circuit board having operation buttons for setting a desired washing sequence such as a rinsing frequency switching button and a dehydration time change button is provided, and the operation button is operated by being pressed from above on the surface of the operation panel display unit. The operation panel is provided so that it can be stored in the operation panel installation frame, and when the operation button is operated, the operation panel is rotated and protrudes toward the front side from the operation panel installation frame. And the upper part of the operation panel display unit is covered with the upper cover body reinforced with the reinforcing plate and the operation panel installation frame when the operation panel is stored. .
[0009]
As a result, when operating buttons that are infrequently used, the operation panel can be operated by rotating and projecting from the operation panel installation frame, and can be stored in the operation panel installation frame during normal operation or when operation is not required. In addition to improving the user-friendliness, the appearance can also be improved.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outer frame that accommodates a tub, an upper cover that covers the upper portion of the outer frame and has a laundry inlet at a substantially center, and a front of the upper cover. power oN button provided on parts, oFF button, start, pause button a is button that turn on the power, the control unit buttons and start or only Rubo Tan is paused the washing power off place, for the control A front panel that covers the upper cover from above with the unit attached, and a button on the control unit that is provided at a position facing the control unit on the front panel and operated from above. An operation unit, an operation panel installation frame positioned below the operation unit and fastened to the lower surface side of the upper cover with a tightening screw, and provided between the upper cover and the operation panel installation frame. And a reinforcing plate attached to the outer frame with a tightening screw, and an operation panel rotatably provided by pivotally supporting a lower end side inside the operation panel installation frame. Has an operation panel leg provided with an operation panel shaft at the lower end, and an operation panel display attached to the operation panel leg, and a water level switching button, a washing time change button, An operation printed circuit board having operation buttons for setting a favorite washing sequence such as a rinsing frequency switching button and a dehydration time change button is provided, and the operation buttons are operated by being pressed from above on the surface of the operation panel display unit. An operation surface is provided so that the operation panel can be stored in the operation panel installation frame, and when the operation button is operated, the operation panel is rotated and protruded toward the front side from the operation panel installation frame. The operation panel is configured to be operated, and at the time of storing the operation panel, the upper cover body reinforced with the reinforcing plate and the operation panel installation frame are configured to cover the upper part of the operation panel display unit, When operating less frequently used operation buttons such as the water level switch button, washing time change button, rinse count change button, dehydration time change button, etc., operate the operation panel by rotating the operation panel from the operation panel installation frame. It can be stored in the operation panel installation frame at normal times or when the operation buttons that are less frequently used are not required to be operated, improving the usability of the user and improving the appearance. Further, the strength of the upper cover and the operation panel installation frame that covers the upper portion of the operation panel display unit when the operation panel is stored can be reinforced.
[0011]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
Example 1
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer frame 16 has an upper cover 17 attached to the upper portion thereof, and a laundry input port 18 is formed at the approximate center of the upper cover 17. A control unit 19 having a frequently used button such as a power-on button, a turn-off button, a start button, a pause button, etc., is attached to the front portion of the upper cover 17 and covered with a front panel 20 for control purposes. An operation unit 20 a is provided at a position facing the unit 19.
[0013]
Electrical components such as a water supply valve and a safety switch (both not shown) are attached to the rear portion of the upper cover body 17 and covered with a rear panel (panel) 21. The lead wire 22 connects the electrical components, and has a lead wire 23 connected to the electrical component and a motor (not shown) at the lower part of the washing machine, and a connector 24 is connected to each end of the lead wire 22. 23 is wired downward from the hole 25 provided in the upper cover 17. The lead wire 22 for connecting the electrical components is housed in the groove 26 on the right side of the upper cover 17 so that the connector 24 is connected to the control unit 19 and the electrical components.
[0014]
The reinforcing plate 27 reinforces the upper cover body 17 and the operation panel installation frame 28 and is tightened with a tightening screw 29. The operation panel installation frame 28 is provided separately from the upper cover body 17, but may be provided integrally with the upper cover body 17.
[0015]
The operation panel 30 includes an operation panel leg portion 31 and an operation panel display portion 32 attached to the operation panel leg portion 31 by nail fitting. The operation panel 30 includes an operation panel installation frame 28. On the other hand, the operation panel leg portion 31 is pivotally supported by the operation panel shaft portion 33 so that the lower end side is rotatably attached. The operation panel display unit 32 is provided with operation buttons that are used less frequently, such as a water level switching button, a washing time change button, a rinse count switching button, and a dehydration time change button.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation printed circuit board 34 is fastened to the operation panel display unit 32 with a fastening screw, and the operation panel installation frame 28 to which the operation panel 30 is attached is attached to the upper cover 17 via the reinforcing plate 27. It is fastened with a fastening screw 29. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a claw portion 35 is provided on the operation panel installation frame 28, the claw portion 35 is fitted into a hole 36 provided in the outer frame 16, and the operation panel installation frame 28 is attached to the outer frame 16. It is attached.
[0017]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the decorative plate 37 is attached so as to cover the operation panel installation frame 28 by fitting the claw portion 38 of the decorative plate 37 into the hole 39 provided in the outer frame 16.
[0018]
In the above configuration, the operation unit 20a provided on the front panel 20 is provided with operation buttons that are frequently used, such as a power on button, a turn off button, a start button, and a pause button. For users who simply press, there is no other operation button, so there is no possibility of erroneous operation, and usability can be improved.
[0019]
Further, when operating operation buttons such as a water level switching button, a washing time changing button, a rinsing frequency changing button, and a dehydrating time changing button, the operation panel 30 is rotated from the operation panel installation frame 28 and protrudes in front of the outer frame 16. Then, by operating these operation buttons, a favorite washing sequence can be set.
[0020]
Further, the operation panel 30 can be accommodated in the operation panel installation frame 28 during normal times or when operation buttons that are less frequently used are not necessary, improving the user-friendliness and improving the appearance. it can.
[0021]
(Example 2)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation panel 30a includes an operation panel leg portion 31a and an operation panel display portion 32a attached to the operation panel leg portion 31a. An operation panel leg portion 31a is pivotally supported by the operation panel shaft portion 33a on the inner side of the panel installation frame 28a so as to be rotatable.
[0022]
The operation panel leg portion 31a is provided with a groove portion 40, and the lead wire 41 connected to the operation printed board 34a is fitted into the groove portion 40, and is arranged up to the operation panel shaft portion 33a of the operation panel leg portion 31a. The lead wire 42 of the control unit 19 attached to the front panel 20 is hung below a hole 43 provided in the upper cover 17a (see FIG. 2) and is electrically connected by the connector 24. The decorative plate 37 is provided above the outer frame 16 so as to cover the electrical connection portion.
[0023]
In the above configuration, electrical connection between the lead wire 41 connected to the operation printed board 34a and other electrical components can be performed in the vicinity of the operation panel installation frame 28a, and the lead wire 41 is less likely to be stressed. In addition, by covering the electrical connection portion with the decorative plate 37, the electrical connection portion can be shielded from external water, and safety can be improved.
[0024]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation unit storage device of the washing machine has been described. However, the operation unit storage device such as a dishwasher and a dryer can be configured in the same manner, and the same operational effects can be obtained. it can.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the outer frame that houses the tub, the upper cover that covers the upper portion of the outer frame and has the laundry inlet at the center, the front portion provided power on button of the upper covering, oFF button, start, pause button a is button that turn on the power, a control button and the start or only Rubo Tan is paused the washing power off place A unit, a front panel that covers the upper cover from above with the control unit attached, and the control unit that is provided at a position facing the control unit on the front panel and is pressed from above. An operation unit for operating a button of the unit; an operation panel installation frame positioned below the operation unit and fastened to a lower surface side of the upper cover with a tightening screw; and the upper cover and the operation panel A reinforcing plate provided between the mounting frames to reinforce each of the mounting frames and attached to the outer frame with a fastening screw; and an operation panel rotatably provided by pivotally supporting the lower end side inside the operation panel installation frame The operation panel has an operation panel leg portion provided with an operation panel shaft portion at a lower end and an operation panel display portion attached to the operation panel leg portion, and the water level is switched inside the operation panel display portion. An operation printed circuit board having operation buttons for setting a desired washing sequence such as a button, a washing time change button, a rinse frequency switching button, and a dehydration time change button is provided, and the operation panel display unit is pressed from above. An operation surface for operating the operation buttons is provided so that the operation panel can be stored in the operation panel installation frame. The operation panel is configured so as to be rotated and protruded to the side, and when the operation panel is stored, the upper cover body reinforced by the reinforcing plate and the operation panel installation frame are covered with the upper portion of the operation panel display unit. Because it is configured, when operating operation buttons that are not frequently used, such as the water level switching button, washing time change button, rinsing frequency change button, dehydration time change button, etc., the operation panel is rotated and protruded from the operation panel installation frame. The operation buttons can be operated, and can be stored in the operation panel installation frame at normal times or when operation buttons that are infrequently used are not necessary, improving the user's convenience and improving the appearance. be able to. Further, the strength of the upper cover and the operation panel installation frame that covers the upper portion of the operation panel display unit when the operation panel is stored can be reinforced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine equipped with an operation unit storage device in the washing machine or the like according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the main part of the operation unit storage device in the washing machine and the like. FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the main part of the washing machine including the operation unit storage device in the washing machine and the like. Cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine provided with an operation unit storage device in the washing machine or the like. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine provided with an operation unit storage device in a washing machine or the like of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway front view of a washing machine provided with an operation unit storage device in the washing machine or the like. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine provided with an operation unit storage device in a conventional washing machine or the like. [Fig. 9] Cross-sectional view of the main part of the washing machine equipped with the operation unit storage device in the washing machine, etc. [Fig. 10] Perspective view of essential part of washing machine equipped with operation unit storage device in rinsing machine etc.
16 Outer frame 17 Upper cover 18 Laundry slot 20 Front panel
21 Rear panel
28 Operation panel installation frame 30 Operation panel

Claims (1)

An outer frame that houses the tub, an upper cover that covers the upper part of the outer frame and has a laundry inlet in the center, and a power on button, a cut button, a start, provided at the front of the upper cover, buttons turn them a pause button, a control unit arranged only Rubo Tan button and washing start or pause the power off, upwards the upper covering in a state of mounting the control unit A front panel that covers the front panel, an operation unit that is provided at a position facing the control unit on the front panel and that is pressed from above, and that operates the buttons of the control unit, and is positioned below the operation unit. And an operation panel installation frame fastened with a tightening screw to the lower surface side of the upper cover body, and provided between the upper cover body and the operation panel installation frame to reinforce each and A reinforcing plate attached to the outer frame with a tightening screw, and an operation panel rotatably provided by pivotally supporting a lower end side inside the operation panel installation frame, the operation panel having an operation panel shaft at the lower end An operation panel leg provided with an operation panel and an operation panel display attached to the operation panel leg, and a water level switching button, a washing time change button, a rinse frequency switching button, and a dehydration time inside the operation panel display. An operation printed circuit board having an operation button for setting a favorite washing sequence such as a change button is provided, and an operation surface for operating the operation button is provided on the surface of the operation panel display unit when pressed from above. It can be stored in a panel installation frame, and is configured to be operated by rotating and projecting from the operation panel installation frame to the near side when the operation button is operated. Serial when the operation panel housing, operating portion housing in which the apparatus for the washing machine as above the operation panel display unit is covered by the reinforcing plate in a reinforced upper covering the operation panel installation frame.

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