KR20010059866A - device for separation washing in washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A separately-washing apparatus of a washer is provided to separately operate an auxiliary washing tub in case that the amount of the laundry is of small quantity or the laundry should be separately washed, thereby reducing washing water, washing time, and power consumption. CONSTITUTION: A separately-washing apparatus of a washer includes a pulsator separably installed inside an inner tub, an auxiliary washing tub(100) forming drain holes(105) at the peripheral part and separably installed inside the inner tub in state that the pulsator is separated, a fixing element fixing the auxiliary washing tub or the pulsator inside the inner tub, an auxiliary power transmitting element selectively transmitting rotary force transmitted by a first clutch shaft(25) to the inner tub or the auxiliary washing tub, and a water supply element supplying washing water to the inside of the auxiliary washing tub.

Description

Device for separation washing in washing machine

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a separate washing device of a washing machine to separate and wash laundry according to the type of laundry and the amount of the laundry being large and small.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a general pulsator type washing machine with reference to the structure of a conventional pulsator type washing machine according to the following.

Conventional pulsator type washing machine is provided with a washing machine case (not shown) of a rectangular box shape, the outer tank 10 is installed inside the case.

And the inner tank 20 is rotatably installed on the inner side of the outer tank 10 formed with a plurality of dehydration holes 22 on the side and bottom.

And the upper end of the inner tank 20 is provided with a fluid balancer 40 for correcting the horizontal when the inner tank 20 rotates, the inner central lower portion of the inner tank 20 in the washing stroke under the control of the micom The rotating pulsator 30 is installed.

In addition, the inner tank fixing plate 24 is fixed to the outer side of the bottom of the inner tank 20, the first clutch shaft 25 is connected to the lower side of the inner tank 20, the lower side of the pulsator (30) Two clutch shafts 35 are connected.

At this time, the first clutch shaft 25 and the second clutch shaft 35 are connected to the clutch means 5 installed under the outer tub 10.

In addition, a driving motor 1 is installed at one lower side of the outer tub 10, and a clutch connected to an input shaft of the clutch means 5 and the motor pulley 1a connected to the motor shaft 2 of the driving motor 1. The pulley 5a is connected by the belt means 3.

Therefore, the rotational force of the drive motor 1 is transmitted to the clutch means 5 through the clutch pulley 5a by the belt means 3, and the rotational force reduced by the clutch means 5 is the first, It is transmitted to the second clutch shafts 25 and 35 to selectively rotate the inner tub 20 or the pulsator 30.

In this case, the clutch means 5 is fixed to the first clutch shaft 25 by the brake band 6 when washing so that only the pulsator 30 is rotated while the inner tank 20 is stopped and dewatering. At the time, the drain motor 8 operates to pull the clutch lever 7 so that the brake band 6 releases the first clutch shaft 25 to rotate the inner tub 20 to perform dehydration stroke.

In addition, a water supply means (not shown) for supplying washing water to the inside of the outer tub 10 by a control signal of the microcomputer is installed at one upper side of the washing machine, and at the lower side of the outer tub 10, the microcomputer during drainage or dehydration stroke. In accordance with the control signal of the drain valve (not shown) for controlling to discharge the washing water in the outer tub 10 to the outside of the washing machine is installed.

Referring to the operation of the conventional pulsator type washing machine consisting of such a configuration as follows.

When washing is started after the laundry is put into the inner tub 20, first, a water supply stroke is performed in which the washing water is supplied into the outer tub 10 through the water supply means under the control of the microcomputer.

The washing stroke is performed after the water supply stroke is completed. In the washing stroke, the rotational force of the driving motor 1 is transmitted to the clutch means 5 through the motor pulley 1a, the belt means 3, and the clutch pulley 5a. The clutch means 5 transmits to the pulsator 30 through the second clutch shaft 35 while decelerating and forward-rotating the rotational force transmitted from the driving motor 1.

Accordingly, the pulsator 30 rotates the laundry in the inner tank 20 by repeating the forward and reverse rotation, and generates water flow, thereby washing the impact with the pulsator 30 and the water flow, and the friction action with the inner tank 20. And washing by emulsification of the detergent.

After the washing stroke is completed, the water tank is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain hose (not shown) by opening the drain valve under the control of the microcomputer while the rotation of the inner tank 20 and the pulsator 30 is stopped. Thereafter, the inner tank 20 is rotated at a high speed to perform the dehydration stroke.

In the case of the dehydration stroke, the rotational force transmitted from the drive motor 1 to the clutch means 5 via the belt means 3 is transmitted to the inner tank 20 by the first clutch shaft 25 and accordingly the inner tank ( 20) rotates at a high speed, the washing water contained in the laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated at this time, and after the dehydration stroke is performed for a predetermined time, the operation is stopped by the control of the microcomputer, thereby completing the dehydration stroke.

However, such a conventional washing machine has the following problems.

First, even when the amount of the laundry is small, the inner water tank 10 has to wash more than a certain amount of water to wash the washing water consumption is increased, the amount of washing water is increased, the water supply and discharge of the washing water There is also a problem that the washing time increases by increasing the time.

Second, power consumption is increased by washing and dehydrating by rotating the entire inner tank 10 regardless of the amount of laundry.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the present invention is an object of the present invention to provide a separate washing device for washing the laundry to separate and wash the laundry according to the type and the amount of the laundry is large and small. have.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a general pulsator type washing machine;

2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a state in which a pulsator is mounted on a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion A,

3 is an exploded perspective view of portion A of FIG.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view and an enlarged section B of the washing machine showing the state in which the auxiliary washing tank is installed in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention,

5 is an exploded perspective view of portion B of FIG. 4.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10: outer tank, 20: inner tank,

25: first clutch shaft, 30: pulsator,

35: second clutch shaft, 38: pressurized rib,

100: auxiliary washing tank, 110: space part,

120: mover, 121: fastener.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pulsator detachably installed in the inner tank, and an auxiliary washing tank detachably installed in the inner tank in a state in which a drainage hole is formed in the upper periphery and the pulsator is separated; Fixing means for fixing the subsidiary washing tank or pulsator to the inner side of the inner tub, an auxiliary power transfer means for selectively transmitting the rotational force transmitted by the first clutch shaft to the inner tub or the subsidiary washing tank side, and an inner side of the subsidiary washing tank It comprises a water supply means for supplying the wash water to provide a separate washing device of the washing machine characterized in that the washing and dehydration of the laundry is possible while rotating only the auxiliary washing tank separately from the inner tank.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a separate washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The same components as in the prior art designate the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The present invention, unlike the prior art by installing an auxiliary washing tank that can be rotated independently from the inner tank in the inner center of the inner tank, when the amount of the laundry is small, it is possible to wash and dehydrate the laundry while rotating only the auxiliary washing tank alone It is done.

In addition, it is possible to selectively install a pulsator or the auxiliary washing tank inside the inner tank, and provided with an auxiliary power transmission means, the inner power is supplied to the pulsator or auxiliary washing tank the rotational force transmitted from the driving motor by the auxiliary power transmission means. It is characterized in that it can be delivered separately from.

This will be described in more detail as follows.

2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a state in which a pulsator is mounted on a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged sectional view of an A part, in which the inner tank 20 and the pulsator 30 are rotated separately to wash. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing part A of FIG. 2 in detail.

As shown in the drawing, the inner tub 10 is installed inside the washing machine similarly to the general pulsator type washing machine described in FIG. 1, and the first clutch shaft 25 and the second clutch are disposed below the outer tub 10. A clutch means 5 having a shaft 35 and a drive motor 1 are provided, and the clutch pulley 5a of the clutch means 5 and the motor pulley 1a of the drive motor 1 are belt means ( Connected by 3).

The inner tank 20 is installed inside the outer tank 10.

In this case, the inner tub 20 is connected to the first clutch shaft 25 by inserting the first clutch shaft 25 into the shaft hole 23 formed at the center of the inner tub fixing plate 24, and the inner tub 20 is made of the first tubular shaft 25. The first clutch shaft 25 is rotatably installed.

And the center of the inner tank fixing plate 24 is formed with a space portion 110 concaved downwards by a predetermined depth, the first projecting toward the inner side of the inner tank 20 (more precisely the upper side of the space portion 110). The mover 120 is detachably inserted into the clutch shaft 25 from the upper side thereof.

In addition, the pulsator 30 is inserted into the upper end of the second clutch shaft 35 to the upper side of the mover 120 and is fixed by the fixing nut 150, and at one side of the bottom surface of the pulsator 30. Since the pressure rib 38 extends downward, the pulsator 30 is coupled by fixing the fixing nut 150 to form a structure of pressing the mover 120 downward.

The mover 120 may be formed of a material having a low frictional resistance even without supplying a separate lubricant such as a self-lubricative material.

When the rotational force transmitted from the driving motor 1 is transmitted to the first clutch shaft 25 through the clutch means 5 by the structure as described above, the mover 120 rotates in the space part 110 while the first It serves to transmit the rotational force of the one clutch shaft 25 to the inner tank 20.

Referring to the power transmission structure of the clutch means 5 and the mover 120 in more detail as follows.

A tooth 25a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the first clutch shaft 25 protruding through the shaft hole 113 positioned in the center of the space 110 and protruding upward of the space 110.

In addition, a portion of the upper end of the second clutch shaft 35, which is coaxially installed inside the first clutch shaft 25, protrudes to the upper side of the first clutch shaft 25 by a predetermined height and has a screw portion 35a on its outer circumferential surface. Is formed.

The first clutch shaft 25 and the second clutch shaft 35 are connected to the clutch means 5 in the same structure as in the related art.

Meanwhile, a fastening hole 121 is formed at the center of the mover 120, and a tooth 121a is formed at an inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 121 to correspond with the teeth 25a of the first clutch shaft 25. The first clutch shaft 25 is coupled to the first clutch shaft 25.

In addition, as shown in Figures 2 to 3, the upper surface of the mover 120 forms a flat surface, the bottom surface of the mover 120 is a plurality of engaging grooves 125 radially around the fastening hole 121. ) Is formed, the vertical cross section of the locking groove 125 has a triangular cross section.

On the other hand, on the upper surface of the space 110 in contact with the mover 120, the plurality of locking projections 115 are radially raised around the shaft hole 23 so as to correspond to the locking groove 125.

In this case, the locking groove 125 and the locking protrusions 115 are formed so that the vertical cross section has a triangular shape, the cross-sectional shape of the locking protrusion 115 is not limited to the triangle, and the locking groove 125 and If the locking projections 115 can form a structure that is easy to mesh with each other is possible.

At this time, if the shape of the locking groove 125 and the locking projection 115 is formed along the circumferential direction of the space 110 or the moving member 120 to form a circular, as long as possible the power transmission is not made It is preferable to form radially from the center toward the radially outer side.

In addition, a spring insertion groove 117 recessed downward is formed around the space part 110, and a spring means 118 having elasticity upward is installed in the spring insertion groove 117 to provide the space part. When the mover 120 is inserted into the 110, the mover 120 forms a structure that is always supported by the spring means 118 so as to be shot upward.

According to the above structure, the pulsator 30 connected to the second clutch shaft 35 is rotatable by the rotation of the second clutch shaft 35.

In this case, the pulsator 30 smoothly rotates only the pulsator 30 while the pressure rib 38 contacts the upper surface of the mover 120.

In addition, due to the rotation of the first clutch shaft 25, the mover 120 in the state in which the gears 25a and 121a are engaged with each other rotates, and at the same time as the mover 120 rotates, The inner tub 20 is rotated together by the engaging protrusion 115 corresponding to the engaging groove 125.

When washing and dehydration of the inner tank 20 and the pulsator 30 having such a configuration is made in the same manner as the conventional known control method, when washing, the brake band 6 is the first clutch shaft 25 ), The inner tank 20 rotates only the pulsator 30 in the stopped state, and during dehydration, the drain motor 8 operates to pull the clutch lever 7 so that the brake band 6 is removed. 1 clutch shaft 25 is released to rotate the inner tank 20 to perform the dehydration stroke.

4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a state in which the washing machine 100 is mounted on the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the B part, and washing the inner tank 20 and the washing machine 100 by rotating the washing tank 100, respectively. And it is shown a structure that allows dehydration, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view specifically showing part B of FIG.

Referring to the drawings, the coupling structure of the auxiliary washing tank 100 and the inner tank 20 is as follows.

First, before the auxiliary washing tank 100 is coupled to the second clutch shaft 35, the fixing nut 150 is released to separate the pulsator 30 fixed to the second clutch shaft 35, and then the mover 120 is removed. Withdrawal from the space portion 110 and inserts the mover 120 into the space portion 110 in a state in which the locking groove 125 is turned upside down.

In addition, the auxiliary washing tank 100 is coupled to the second clutch shaft 35 protruding upward of the mover 120. The auxiliary washing tank 100 is formed at the upper end of the second clutch shaft 35 at the bottom of the center. The fixing hole 101 is formed to be fitted so that the fixing hole 101 of the auxiliary washing tank 100 is inserted into the upper end of the second clutch shaft 35, and then the fixing nut 150 is attached to the screw part 37. By combining the auxiliary washing tank 100 is rotatably coupled with the second clutch shaft 35.

In addition, the bottom of the auxiliary washing tank 100 has a locking projection 105 corresponding to the locking groove 125 of the mover 120 is downwardly projected, the mover 120 is applying an elastic force from the lower side to the upper side. While being pushed upward by the spring means 118, the locking groove 125 and the locking protrusion 105 of the mover 120 are maintained in engagement.

Therefore, as the second clutch shaft 35 rotates, the auxiliary washing tank 100 and the mover 120 rotate at the same time, and at the same time, the first clutch shaft 25 to which the teeth 121a of the mover 120 are engaged. Will also rotate.

However, since the first clutch shaft 25 and the inner tub 20 are not interlocked with each other, the inner tub 20 does not rotate.

On the other hand, the side of the auxiliary washing tank 100 is formed to be inclined wider from the lower side to the upper side, the upper end is formed with a bent portion 107 bent downward toward the inner side when the auxiliary washing tank 100 is rotated Prevent the laundry on the inside from falling out.

In addition, a plurality of drain holes 105 are formed at predetermined intervals along the periphery of the lower portion of the bent portion 107 so that the washing water may be discharged to the outside of the auxiliary washing tank 100 during the dehydration stroke.

In addition, when the auxiliary washing tank 100 rotates, a plurality of washing protrusions 109 are spaced apart at regular intervals so as to apply an appropriate impact and friction to the laundry inside the auxiliary washing tank 100. Upwards.

On the other hand, the upper side of the washing machine is provided with a water supply means (not shown) to supply the washing water inside the auxiliary washing tank (100).

According to the above structure, the auxiliary washing tank 100 connected by the second clutch shaft 35 and the fixing nut 150 is rotatable by the rotation of the second clutch shaft 35.

In addition, the mover 120 is rotated by the rotation of the first clutch shaft 25, the rotatable protrusion 105 is engaged with the locking groove 125 of the mover 120 at the same time as the mover 120 rotates. As a result, the auxiliary washing tank 100 is rotatable.

Looking at the division operation by the clutch means (5) of the inner tank 20 and the auxiliary washing tank 100 composed of such a configuration, the first clutch shaft 35 is rotated under the control of the microcomputer at the time of washing, and at the same time the brake The band 6 is released from the first clutch shaft 25.

That is, when the auxiliary washing tank 100 according to the present invention is used, when the first clutch shaft 25 is prevented from rotating by the brake band 6, the gear 25a of the first clutch shaft 25 is prevented. The engaged mover 120 is prevented from rotating, and thus, the auxiliary washing tank 100 is also prevented from rotating by the engaging protrusion 105 engaged with the engaging groove 125 of the mover 120.

Therefore, when performing the washing operation by the auxiliary washing tank 100, the control of the microcomputer to release the brake band 6 from the first clutch shaft 25 should be made.

On the other hand, during dehydration, the first clutch shaft 25 is rotated by the control of the microcomputer and the drain motor 8 is operated to pull the clutch lever 7 so that the brake band 6 is the first clutch shaft 25. Loosen the inner tank 20 rotates only the secondary washing tank 100 at a high speed in a stopped state to perform the dehydration stroke.

As described in detail above, according to the separate washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the amount of laundry is large, the pulsator 30 is installed in the inner tank 20, and then washing is performed using the entire inner tank 20. On the other hand, when it is necessary to wash separately from other general laundry due to problems such as a small amount of laundry or discoloration, the pulsator 30 is separated from the inner tank 20 and then the inner tank 20 The secondary washing tank 100 is installed on the inside of the washing machine.

Referring to the operation of the separate washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention made of such a configuration as follows.

In the case of a large amount of laundry, the user first selects the general washing mode on the display unit, and then inserts it into the space unit 110 with the catch groove 125 of the mover 120 facing downward, After the pulsator 30 is fixedly installed by the fixing nut 150 on the inside, the laundry is introduced into the inner tank 20 and washing starts.

When the washing is started, a water feeding stroke is performed in which the washing water flows into the inner tank 20 through the water supply means under the control of the microcomputer, and the washing stroke is performed when the water feeding stroke is completed.

When the washing stroke is performed, the rotational force generated by the rotation of the driving motor 1 is transmitted to the clutch means 5 through the belt means 3, and the clutch means 5 is the rotational force transmitted from the driving motor 1. It is transmitted to the second clutch shaft 35 while decelerating and forward and reverse rotation.

At the same time, by controlling the microcomputer, the brake band 6 fixes the first clutch shaft 25 so that the rotation of the inner tub 20 is stopped and only the first clutch shaft 25 is rotated.

Accordingly, the first clutch shaft 51 rotates the pulsator 30 forward and backward and rotates the laundry in the inner tank 20 to cause water flow and wash administration.

At the end of the washing cycle, the drain valve opens and at the same time performs the dehydration stroke.

In the dehydration stroke, the brake band 6 is driven by the first clutch shaft (1) by first rotating the first clutch shaft (25) under the control of the microcomputer and simultaneously operating the drain motor (8) to pull the clutch lever (7). 25) is released.

As the first clutch shaft 25 rotates, the mover 120 connected to the first clutch shaft 25 rotates, and the inner tank engaged with the mover 120 simultaneously with the mover 120 rotates. 20) rotates at a high speed for a preset time.

In this case, the washing water inside the inner tank 20 is discharged to the outside through the dehydration hole 22 by the centrifugal force and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drainage hose, and after a predetermined time, the drive motor ( When the operation of 1) is stopped, the dehydration stroke ends.

On the other hand, when a small amount of washing, the user selects a small amount of washing mode in the display unit (not shown) installed on the outer side of the washing machine, separate the pulsator 30 from the inner tank 20, the mover 120 Withdrawal is inserted into the space portion 110 in a state in which the locking groove 125 of the mover 120 is turned upside down.

Then, the washing machine 100 is inserted into the fixing nut 150 and the laundry is put into the washing machine 100 and the washing is started.

When washing is started, a water supply stroke is performed in which washing water is introduced into the auxiliary washing tank 100 through a water supply means.

After the water supply administration is completed, the washing administration and the dehydration administration are performed.

When the washing stroke is performed, firstly, the first clutch shaft 25 is rotated by releasing the brake band 6 that fixes the first clutch shaft 25 while the drain valve is closed under the control of the microcomputer. Make it possible.

Then, the drive motor 1 is rotated by the control of the microcomputer, the rotation of the drive motor 1 is transmitted to the clutch means 5 through the belt means 3, and the drive means 1 in the clutch means 5. Decrease the rotational force transmitted from the) and transmits it to the second clutch shaft 35 while rotating forward and reverse.

As the second clutch shaft 35 rotates, the auxiliary washing tank 100 fixed to the second clutch shaft 35 by the fixing nut 150 rotates.

Accordingly, the second clutch shaft 35 rotates the auxiliary washing tank 100 forward and backward by repeating the forward and reverse rotation to rotate the laundry inside thereof, and at the same time, generate water flow.

Therefore, the laundry is washed by the impact with the washing protrusion 109, the frictional force with the auxiliary washing tank 100, and the emulsification of the detergent.

After the above washing administration is completed, the auxiliary washing tank 100 performs a dehydration stroke while rotating at a high speed.

In this case, the first clutch shaft 25 is rotated while opening the drain valve under the control of the microcomputer.

As the first clutch shaft 25 rotates, the mover 120 rotates. As the mover 120 rotates, the washing water 100 rotates at a high speed while the washing water in the subwashing tank 100 rotates due to centrifugal force. The washing water moved upwards along the inclined side surface of the auxiliary washing tank 100 is discharged to the outside of the auxiliary washing tank 100 through the drain hole 105.

At this time, the washing water is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain hose installed on one side of the outer tank 10, after a predetermined time elapses the operation of the drive motor (1) by the microcomputer and the dehydration stroke is finished and all the washing stroke is finished. .

As described in detail above, the separation washing apparatus according to the present invention has the following effects.

First, when the amount of laundry is small or when it is necessary to wash the laundry separately from the general laundry, only the auxiliary washing tank is operated alone to use a small amount of washing water, thereby reducing the amount of washing water used and washing the washing water. Water supply and discharge times are also reduced, resulting in shorter washing times.

Second, the power consumption is relatively reduced compared to rotating the entire inner tank by washing only the auxiliary washing tank by washing alone and dehydration.

Claims (8)

An outer tub installed in the case, an inner tub installed inside the outer tub, serving as a washing and dehydrating tank, a pulsator rotatably installed in the inner tub, and rotational force generated by the power generating means as clutch means. In the washing machine comprising a power transmission means for transmitting and the first and second clutch shaft for transmitting the rotational force decelerated by the clutch means to the inner tank and the pulsator, respectively, A pulsator detachably installed inside the tank; A secondary washing tank is formed in the upper peripheral portion and is detachably installed inside the inner tank in the state in which the pulsator is separated; Fixing means for fixing the auxiliary washing tank or pulsator to the inside of the inner tank; Auxiliary power transmission means for selectively transmitting the rotational force transmitted by the first clutch shaft to the inner tank or the auxiliary washing tank; And a water supply means for supplying the washing water to the inside of the auxiliary washing tank, wherein the washing and dehydration of the laundry is possible while rotating only the auxiliary washing tank independently of the inner tank. According to claim 1, Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine, characterized in that the fixing hole is formed in the center of the bottom of the auxiliary washing tank through which the second clutch shaft is inserted, and the plurality of fixing protrusions are downwardly protruded on the outer side of the bottom. According to claim 1, The fixing means is a screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the second clutch shaft, Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine, characterized in that consisting of a fixing nut is fitted to the screw. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary power transmission means and the gear formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the first clutch shaft, A concave formed downward in the center of the inner tank fixing plate which is fixed to the bottom of the inner tank, and on the bottom of the space part a plurality of locking projections protrude upward; Gears are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole formed at the center so as to be engaged with the gears of the first clutch shaft, and a locking groove is formed on the upper surface thereof so that the locking protrusion of the auxiliary washing tank is inserted into the space part so as to be movable in the movable space. Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine. The method of claim 4, wherein Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine, characterized in that the spring means is installed between the space and the mover. The method of claim 1, One side of the bottom surface of the pulsator is separated from the washing machine of the washing machine, characterized in that the pressing rib which is in contact with the upper surface of the mover to pressurize the mover downward. The method of claim 1, Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine, characterized in that the upper end of the auxiliary washing tank is formed bent downwardly inwardly. The method of claim 1, Separation washing apparatus of the washing machine, characterized in that a plurality of washing projections protrude from the inner surface of the inner tank and the auxiliary washing tank so as to interfere with the laundry.