JPH1085485A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the electric circuit of a housing chamber from being immersed in water. SOLUTION: In this washing machine, the housing chamber 11c is sectioned at the upper part of a housing so as to be overlapped with a washing tank in a plane view at the upper part of the washing tank of a sub washing device. A rib 11f is formed inside the housing chamber 11c and a lead wire 31 or the like is mounted to the peak part and supported. Even when the water is accumulated, the lead wire 31 or the like is not immersed in the water. A water discharge hole is formed at the bottom part of the housing chamber 11c and is communicated to the inside of the washing tank. Even when the water enters, it is discharged to the inside of the washing tank and an installation surface or the like is not wetted. Since a recessed part is formed inside the housing chamber 11c and the water discharge hole is formed there, the water is not spread inside the housing chamber 11c and is promptly discharged. Thus, space efficiency is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present application has disclosed a two-tub having a washing tub having a stirring wing on a longitudinal side surface and a fully automatic washing tub having a double tub having a stirring wing and capable of washing, rinsing and dewatering. A washing machine has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-24214).
In such a two-tub washing machine, it is possible to realize a compact two-tub washing machine in which a plurality of washing tubs are accommodated within a range of a standard washing pan width.

[0003] Generally, a housing room for housing an electric circuit for operating the washing machine is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine.

[0004]

The washing machine,
It may be installed in a humid place such as a bathroom. Also, the remaining hot water from the bath may be used for washing. In such a case, condensation may occur and water may accumulate in the accommodation room. In particular, in the above-described two-tub washing machine that can wash separately, laundry may be moved between the washing tubs, and at this time, water dripping from the laundry is likely to be applied to the upper surface of the washing machine. In addition, in a washing tub provided with stirring blades on the side surface, water splashing easily occurs. As a result, it is assumed that water enters and accumulates in the accommodation room from the upper surface of the washing machine.

[0005] The accumulation of water in the storage chamber is undesirable for the internal electric circuit. Then, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and to provide a washing machine capable of preventing an electric circuit in a storage room from being exposed to water.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine in which an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the washing machine is accommodated in an upper portion of the washing machine housing. In the washing machine having the accommodation room, the accommodation room includes:
It is characterized by comprising a bottom surface and supporting means for supporting an electric circuit and the like accommodated therein so as not to contact the bottom surface.

According to this configuration, even if water enters the accommodation room or dew condensation occurs, water may accumulate on the bottom surface of the accommodation room. Can be prevented by the support means. A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first aspect, wherein the accommodation room has a drain hole on a bottom surface.

According to this structure, in addition to the function of the first aspect of the invention, water accumulated on the bottom surface of the storage chamber can be drained, and the electric circuit and the like can be reliably prevented from being flooded.
A washing machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first or second aspect, wherein the electric circuit or the like supported by the support means has a connector or the like for connecting a lead wire connected to a motor or the like. Is included.

According to this configuration, in addition to the function of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, in addition, when a normal connector or the like is immersed in water, the water easily penetrates into a metal part forming a circuit. Being able to prevent the electric circuit from being used is preferable from the viewpoint of ensuring the reliability of the electric circuit and the like. A washing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a plurality of washing devices are accommodated in the housing, and the accommodation room is located above both washing devices. And the support means is provided in a portion of the accommodation room above one of the washing devices.

According to this configuration, the following operation is achieved in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects.
That is, in a two-tub washing machine having a plurality of washing devices,
It is assumed that wet laundry is moved from one washing device to the other washing device. In such a case, it is easy for water to enter the portion of the storage room provided above one of the washing machines, so providing the support means in this portion of the storage room can prevent the electric circuit and the like from being exposed to water. It is preferable for prevention.

[0011] The washing machine of the invention according to claim 5 provides the washing machine according to claim 4.
Wherein the accommodation room has a recess in a portion above one of the washing devices so as to prevent water from spreading around, and a drain hole is formed in the recess. And According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 4, even if water enters the above-described portion of the storage chamber, it is possible to prevent the water from spreading from the recess to the entire storage chamber. Therefore, the water in the accommodation room can be quickly drained.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, directions are described with reference to a front view, unless otherwise indicated, and in each figure, an arrow X (left-right direction) and an arrow Y (front-rear direction) indicating the direction are illustrated. ing.

The two-tub washing machine 1 has a housing 10 having a rectangular shape which is substantially elongated in the left-right direction, and a main washing device 20 disposed on the left side of the housing 10. A secondary washing device 40 disposed in the housing 10 adjacent to the washing device 20.
The main washing device 20 has the same configuration as a generally known fully automatic washing machine, and can perform washing and dehydration. The auxiliary washing device 40 is a washing tub. The main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 can be operated simultaneously or separately, and can perform separate washing.

The two-tub washing machine 1 has a water supply facility (not shown) such as an external water supply for supplying water to each washing machine.
A water supply mechanism having a pipe 71, a valve 72, and the like connected to the washing machine, and a drainage mechanism having a drain pipe 61, a valve 62, and the like drawn out of the machine for draining water from each washing device are provided. I have. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

The main washing device 20 includes a hanging rod 2 as a washing tub.
6, an inner tank 22 rotatably provided in the outer tank 21 and having a large number of small holes on the surface, and an inner tank 2.
And an agitating blade 23 provided at the bottom of the inside 2. The inner tank 22 and the stirring blade 23 are driven by a drive mechanism 24 including a motor 25 and the like. During washing and rinsing, only the stirring blade 23 rotates in one direction or both directions, and during dehydration, both the stirring blade 23 and the inner tank 22 rotate in one direction at high speed.

FIG. 2 is a left side sectional view of the auxiliary washing device of the two-tub washing machine shown in FIG. Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. The sub-washing device 40 includes a washing tub 41 having a substantially rectangular inner shape in plan view and containing washing water and laundry therein.
In order to stir the laundry and the washing water in the washing tub 41, a rotating shaft 46 as a central axis is provided to intersect with the longitudinal side surface 41b of the washing tub 41, and has a disk-shaped surface with irregularities. It has a formed stirring blade 42 and a driving device 43 including a motor 44 and a belt mechanism 45 for rotating the stirring blade 42 in one direction or both directions during washing and rinsing. When the stirring blade 42 is rotated by the driving device 43, the washing water and the laundry stored in the washing tub 41 are stirred and washed. The rinsing is performed in the same manner.

The washing tub 41 has a longitudinal side surface 41b extending along the right side surface of the housing 10, and is long in the front and rear direction, and is formed in a container shape opened upward. The washing tub 41 has a bottom surface 41a and a pair of opposed longitudinal side surfaces 41b, 41 which are side surfaces rising from the periphery of the bottom surface 41a.
c and a pair of opposing short side surfaces 41d and 41e. In the washing tub 41, a rotating shaft 46 is provided at a prescribed water level set in accordance with a standard washing water amount capable of stirring the laundry in the washing water and at a position near the center of the bottom surface 41a. . A drain port 41g is formed in the bottom surface 41a, and a drain pipe 61 is connected. From there washing tub 41
The water inside can be drained out of the machine.

The housing 10 has a top plate 11 forming the upper surface of the housing 10, an outer frame 12 for defining the side surfaces, and legs 13b at the four corners, which are arranged in order from the top to support each part. And a leg 13 as a member. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the two-tub washing machine of FIG. FIG.
And FIG. On the upper surface plate 11 of the housing 10,
Input ports 11a and 11b for putting laundry in and out of the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 are formed side by side. Each of the input ports 11a and 11b is provided with a lid that can be opened and closed (only the lid 16 that covers the input port 11b is shown in FIG. 2). In addition, a front concave portion 11m and a rear concave portion 11n are formed in the upper surface plate 11 so as to extend right and left with a bottom surface 11o and side surfaces rising around the bottom surface 11o, in front of and behind the two inlets. Front recess 1
The upper part of 1 m is covered with the front panel 14, and the accommodation room 11c is partitioned in the inside. The upper part of the rear recess 11n is covered with a rear panel 15, and the inside of the equipment room 11
d is partitioned. In FIG. 5, the lid and the front panel 1 are shown.
4 is shown in a state where it is removed.

A water supply mechanism and the like are disposed in the equipment room 11d. As shown in FIG. 5, the accommodation room 11c is partitioned at the upper end along the front surface of the housing 10. Containment room 1
1c straddles the upper portions of the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40. The accommodation room 11c is disposed so as to overlap the front end of the outer tub 21 of the main washing device 20 in plan view. The accommodation room 11c is provided with the washing tub 4 of the sub-washing device 40.
1 are arranged so as to overlap with the front part in plan view.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged left side sectional view of the vicinity of the accommodating chamber 11c shown in section A of FIG. An electric circuit such as the circuit board 30 and the lead wire 31 is accommodated in the accommodation room 11c. The front panel 14 that covers the upper part of the accommodation room 11c is fitted and attached to the upper surface plate 11, so that it is difficult for the front panel 14 to enter the accommodation room 11c even if the front panel 14 is exposed to water.

FIG. 4 shows a top plate 11 of the two-tub washing machine of FIG.
FIG. The accommodating room 11c has a concave portion 11e that can store water in a portion near the sub-washing device 40.
And a drain hole 11g in the recess 11e and communicating with the inside of the washing tub 41, and a rib 11f provided upright in the recess 11e. The main washing device 20 in the accommodation room 11c
A draining hole 11h (see FIG. 5) communicating with the upper part of the outer tub 21 in the housing 10 is formed in the closer part.

The drain holes 11h are provided at a plurality of locations, for example, at two locations.
It is formed in several places. Through this, the water in the accommodation room 11c can be drained. The drain hole 11g is opened immediately above the inside of the washing tub 41 at a portion near the front short side 41d and the long side 41b on the side where the stirring blade 42 is provided. Therefore, the drain hole 11g is provided in the accommodation chamber 11c.
The water inside can be drained into the washing tub 41.

The recess 11e is formed above the washing tub 41 so that the washing water accumulated in the recess 11e does not flow into the accommodation room 11c on the main washing device 20 side. Therefore, the water accumulated in the concave portion 11e is not drained from the drain hole 11h on the main washing device 20 side. This is the drain hole 11
This is because water falling from h may fall on a floor or the like when the outer tub 21 shakes. The bottom of the concave portion 11e is formed so as to descend from the front to the rear, and a drain hole 11g is opened at the bottom. Therefore, it is easy to drain water.

The rib 11f is formed at a predetermined height from the bottom of the recess 11e and extends in the left-right direction. Rib 11f
Are formed at predetermined intervals. Rib 11
f has a lead wire 31 and a connector 3
2 and the like can be placed, and it is possible to prevent the lead wire 31 and the like from being immersed in water accumulated in the accommodation room 11c. Especially,
Since the rib 11f is in the recess 11e,
The lead wire 31 and the like can be prevented from sticking to the water accumulated in 1e.

Further, since the rib 11f can leave a height of the rib 11f from the bottom of the storage chamber 11c, air and water can be circulated therebetween. Therefore, recess 1
Water droplets adhering to 1 m etc. are easy to dry,
Water easily flows into the drain hole 11g in the inside of c. The rib 11
f can be formed integrally with the upper surface plate 11 and has a simple structure.

The shape of the rib 11f is not limited to the above. For example, ribs extending in the front-rear direction or ribs extending in an oblique direction may be used. It is preferable that the direction in which the ribs extend and the direction in which the lead wires extend intersect, because even a small number of ribs can easily support the lead wires and the like. The point is that there is only a plurality of projections planted on the bottom surface 11o for supporting the electric circuit accommodated in the accommodation room 11c so as not to contact the bottom surface 11o, and the electric circuit is arranged on the projections. It should just be.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electric circuit includes an operation switch for operating the two-tub washing machine 1 and a circuit board 30 including the control circuit for controlling each part. The lead wire 31 is led out and connected to a load such as a motor, and a connector 32 provided in the middle of the lead wire 31. The circuit board 30 is provided from the front upper portion of the sub-washing device 40 to the center of the front upper portion of the main washing device 20 so that both the washing devices can be operated without any uncomfortable feeling. The circuit board 30 is sealed with a resin and fixed to the back surface of the front panel 14 with screws. The lead wires 31 are bound and fixed by a binding member 34. The lead wire 31 is connected to a load through a wiring duct (not shown).

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, since the accommodation room 11c overlaps the washing tub 41 in plan view, the space efficiency in the housing 10 can be increased. Further, since the accommodation room 11c overlaps the outer tub 21 in plan view, the space efficiency can be further improved. Further, since the washing tub 41 has a substantially rectangular planar shape, the space efficiency in the housing 10 can be further enhanced. That is, the main washing device 20 having a substantially square planar shape and the sub-washing device 40 having a rectangular shape having a long front and rear surface are disposed adjacent to the main washing device 20 having a rectangular planar shape in the housing 10. Can be used with almost no waste in plan view.
Since the accommodating room 11c is arranged above the two washing devices that are efficiently arranged in this way, extremely high space efficiency can be obtained.

By the way, in a two-tub washing machine that can wash separately, laundry may be moved between the two washing machines.
For example, there is a case where the laundry washed by the sub-washing device 40 is dehydrated by the main washing device 20. In such a case, the washing water dripping from the laundry falls on the upper surface plate 11 and the accommodation room 11
It is also conceivable to invade inside c. In addition, if the storage room is placed away from the washing tub, it becomes difficult for water to enter the storage room,
Space efficiency is undesirably reduced.

In such a case, the accommodation chamber 11c is separated from the surroundings by the recess 11m of the upper surface plate 11 and the front panel 14, so that even if water is applied, the water enters the interior. Hateful. Should the water be contained 11c
Or the inside of the storage chamber 11c may be dewed.
Even if water accumulates in o, the ribs 11f can prevent the electric circuit from being exposed to water. Therefore, it is preferable for the electric circuit to be able to prevent a failure or the like.

The accumulated water is drained into 11 g of drain holes.
In addition, the water can be quickly drained from the drain hole 11h. Therefore, it is preferable that water can be prevented from accumulating in the accommodation room 11c, the electric circuit can be reliably prevented from being exposed to water, and a failure or the like can be prevented for the electric circuit. At this time,
The drained water falls into the washing tub 41 through the drain hole 11g, and preferably does not wet the inside of the housing 10 or the floor on which the two-tub washing machine 1 is installed.

On the other hand, from the drain hole 11g, the accommodation chamber 11
It is also assumed that water enters in c. Should drain hole 11
Even if water enters the accommodation room 11c from the g, and water accumulates inside the accommodation room 11c, the electric circuit can be prevented from being exposed to the water by the rib 11f. Therefore, the waterproof structure of the electric circuit can be simplified, and for example, the connector 32 does not need to have a waterproof structure.

Even if water enters the housing chamber 11c through the drain hole 11g, the water first accumulates in the recess 11e, so that it is possible to prevent the water from spreading throughout the housing chamber 11c.
Therefore, the water in the accommodation room 11c can be quickly drained. In particular, usually, when a circuit board or a connector is soaked in water, water easily penetrates into a metal portion forming a circuit. Therefore, it is preferable to prevent the circuit board and the connector from being soaked in water in order to secure reliability of an electric circuit. In the present embodiment, the rib 11
Although the connector 32 has been arranged on f, it is similarly preferable to arrange a circuit board and the like.

In the two-tub washing machine 1, it is assumed that the laundry is moved from the sub-washing device 40 to the main washing device 20, as described above.
It is preferable to provide a rib 11f in this part of the accommodation chamber 11c in order to prevent the electric circuit or the like from being exposed to water since it is easy to enter the part of the accommodation chamber 11c provided above.

In the above-described embodiment, the sub-washing device 40 has the stirring blades 42 on the side surface of the washing tub 41. However, the auxiliary washing device 40 may have a stirring blade on the bottom surface of the washing tub. Further, the electric circuit is not limited to the above-described circuit board 30, lead wire 31, and connector 32. For example, a switch or a sensor may be used. In short, any components for forming the electric circuit may be used.

The recess 11e is formed above the washing tub 41, but is not limited to this. For example, the recess 11e may be formed around the drain hole 11h in a portion of the accommodation room 11c near the main washing device 20. Also,
In the above embodiment, the lead wire 31 in the accommodation room 11c is used.
Was supported by the rib 11f, but is not limited to this. For example, to support the lead wire 31,
A binding member for binding and fixing the lead wires 31 at a predetermined position may be provided. In short, any support means can be used as long as it can support the electric circuit such as the lead wire 31 so as not to be exposed to water.

In the above embodiment, the present invention
It was applied to the accommodation room 11c. That is, the rib 11
f, the drain holes 11g and the like are formed in the storage chamber 11c, but are not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to the equipment room 11d. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a two-tub washing machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a single-tub washing machine may be used.

In addition, various design changes can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0039]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if water accumulates on the bottom surface of the storage chamber, it is possible to prevent the electric circuit and the like from being exposed to water. Therefore, failure of the electric circuit can be prevented. According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effects of the present invention, water can be drained from the storage chamber, and the electric circuit and the like can be reliably prevented from being exposed to water.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the fact that it can be prevented from being soaked in water ensures the reliability of a connector or the like that does not like being soaked in water. Preferred above. According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention of any of claims 1 to 3, the following effects are obtained. That is, in the two-tub washing machine, when wet laundry is moved from one washing machine to the other washing machine, water tends to enter a portion of the accommodation room provided above the one washing machine. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a support means in this part of the storage chamber in order to prevent the electric circuit and the like from being exposed to water.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect of the present invention, water can be prevented from spreading from the concave portion to the entire accommodation room, so that the water in the accommodation room can be quickly drained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side sectional view of a sub-washing device of the two-tub washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged left side sectional view of the vicinity of a storage chamber shown in a part A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a top plate of the two-tub washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the two-tub washing machine of FIG. 1, showing a state in which some parts are removed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Two-tub washing machine (washing machine) 10 Housing 11c Storage room 11e Depression 11f Rib (support means) 11g Drain hole 11o Bottom 20 Main washing device (washing device) 30 Circuit board (electric circuit) 31 Lead wire (electric circuit) ) 32 Connector (electric circuit) 40 Secondary washing machine (one washing machine)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine having an accommodation room in which an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the washing machine is accommodated in an upper part of the washing machine housing, wherein the accommodation room has a bottom surface and an electric circuit accommodated therein. And a support means for supporting the bottom of the washing machine so as not to contact the bottom surface. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation room has a drain hole on the bottom surface. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electric circuit or the like supported by the support means includes a connector or the like for connecting a lead wire connected to a motor or the like. A washing machine characterized by the following. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of washing machines are housed in the housing, and the accommodation room is provided above both washing machines. Is provided in a portion of the accommodation room above one of the washing devices. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the accommodation room has a concave portion at a portion above one of the washing devices so as to prevent water from spreading around, and a drain hole in the concave portion. A washing machine characterized in that a washing machine is formed.