RU2396386C1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal use articles.

SUBSTANCE: washing machine comprises tank to hold water for washing, drum rotated in tank, to hold laundry, the first body, which forms the first compartment containing tank and drum to wash laundry, and the second body, which forms the second compartment for additional function. The second body is arranged as a whole with the first body. Between the first and second bodies there is one partition to separate the second compartment from the first compartment. The second body comprises the first frame and the second frame arranged on both opposite sections of front and back parts and side parts of the second body. The first and second frames have rectangular shape.

EFFECT: expansion of functional resources of washing machine, and also strengthening its body with reduction of material consumption and scope of works for machine manufacturing.

20 cl, 20 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a washing machine body.

Typically, washing machines are electrical devices that wash items to be washed, such as clothes, tablecloths and bedding (hereinafter, the laundry) by using mechanical friction between the laundry and the detergent. Such a washing machine can be used in conjunction with auxiliary devices having a predetermined size.

The auxiliary device can be installed under or on the washing machine, and it can provide the user with various additional functions. However, these auxiliary devices are designed as stand-alone devices relative to the washing machine. As a result, if these autonomous auxiliary devices are installed in the washing machine, a lot of work may be required. In addition, usually, the appearance of the washing machine with the auxiliary device installed with it may be unsatisfactory.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a device for washing clothes, which is able to provide a good drain of water, with optimal use of the internal space.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of the following or practical use of the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and achieved using the design, especially specified in its description and claims, as well as in the accompanying drawings.

The present invention is made to create a washing machine having high performance and improved appearance.

To achieve these goals and other advantages, as well as in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the washing machine comprises a tub for holding water for washing, a drum rotated in the tub for holding laundry, a first housing forming the first compartment, equipped with a tub and a drum for washing clothes, a second housing forming a second compartment for an additional function, the second housing being made integrally with the first housing, and a separate partition installed between the first and second In the second housing, the second housing comprises a first frame and a second frame located on both opposite sections of both the front and rear parts and side parts of the second housing, the first and second frames having a rectangular shape.

It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are illustrative and explanatory and are intended to provide an additional explanation of the present invention claimed in the claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and form part of this application, illustrate an embodiment (embodiments) of this disclosure and are used together with the description to explain the disclosure principle. In the drawings:

figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine in accordance with an example implementation;

figa is a perspective view with a spatial separation of parts, illustrating the housing of the washing machine in figure 1;

fig.2b is a perspective view illustrating the housing;

figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a latch connected to a partition of the housing;

figa-4c are perspective views illustrating a method of assembly of the housing, respectively;

figa is a partial perspective view along the line I-I in fig.2b,

fig.5b is an enlarged view of fig.5a.

figa is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the parts, illustrating the second housing of the washing machine; and

6b is a perspective view partially illustrating a connecting portion between the upper frame and the lower frame;

7 is a perspective view of a washing machine comprising an auxiliary washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.8 is a sectional view of the washing machine of Fig.7;

Fig.9 is a perspective view of a drawer in a washing machine;

10, 11 and 12 are a plurality of embodiments of a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention;

13 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.14 is an enlarged view of the feeder in Fig.13;

15 is a sectional view of a washing machine with a drawer in an open state.

Reference will be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to such elements.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment. Fig. 2a is an exploded perspective view illustrating a housing of a washing machine. Fig. 2b is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the housing elements in Fig. 2a are connected to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2b, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an embodiment includes a first body 100 forming a main body.

The first housing 100 is formed of a housing 110 including side panels and a rear panel. The housing 110 forms a first compartment 100a, and mechanical laundry devices are located in the first compartment 100a. For example, the tub is installed in the first washing water holding compartment 100a, and the drum is rotatably mounted in the tub for holding laundry and performing washing. In addition, drive devices are installed at the rear or bottom of the tank to rotate the drum.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 120 is connected to the front of the cabinet 110, and the door 120a is connected to the front panel 120. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel frame 111 is installed in the upper front of the cabinet 110, and the control panel 140 shown figure 1, is installed on the frame 111 of the panel. As shown in FIG. 2a, the lower frame 112 is located below the lower front of the housing 110, and peripheral devices including a pump are mounted on the lower frame 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper panel 130 is installed in the upper part of the housing 110, and a lid 130a of the detergent drawer 130a is mounted on the top panel 130.

The washing machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a second cabinet 200 located adjacent to the first cabinet 100. A second compartment 200a is formed in the second cabinet 200, and devices for providing additional functions can be installed in the second compartment 200a. As shown in FIG. 2a, the second housing 200 can accommodate a drawer 250 forming a predetermined storage compartment to provide additional functions. To smoothly extend the drawer 250, as shown in FIG. 2a, the guide elements 251 can be mounted on both opposite side panels of the second housing 200, respectively.

For example, the second compartment 200a may accommodate accessories, i.e., tools for repairing the washing machine, for example, operating instructions for the washing machine, detergent, and bleach. When necessary, the user can remove accessories from the second compartment 200a. If the drawer 250 is installed in the second compartment 200a, the accessories are placed in the drawer 250 and then the user can conveniently store the accessories.

Alternatively, the second compartment 200a may be configured to accommodate auxiliary washing machines. Such auxiliary washing machines can wash relatively small items, such as handkerchiefs, socks and baby clothes.

Specifically, the auxiliary washing machine may comprise an auxiliary tub for holding laundry water and an auxiliary drum for containing laundry. Here, the auxiliary washing machine may further comprise other elements that enable washing of small items. Such an auxiliary washing machine can perform all the operations necessary for washing and drying small items of laundry, specifically, a washing, rinsing, spinning and spin cycle.

If the auxiliary tank and drum are located on the side, and their loading holes are located towards the front side of the washing machine, a door can be installed in front of the second housing 200 for loading laundry into the auxiliary drum. If the auxiliary tank and drum are arranged vertically, such auxiliary tank and drum can be installed in the drawer 250. If the user pulls the drawer 250 forward, the opening of the auxiliary drum located vertically opens, and laundry can be loaded into the auxiliary drum through the open hole. Therefore, the user slides the drawer 250 into the second body 200, and selected small laundry cycles can be performed.

Said auxiliary washing machine can do laundry of a relatively small size at the same time as the main washing machine in the first body 100 for washing laundry of a relatively large size. As a result, thanks to the auxiliary washing machine, the volume of the washing machine is significantly increased, and in addition, the washing efficiency is increased.

On the other hand, washed shoes and clothes can be accommodated in the second compartment 200a. Hot air can be supplied to the second compartment 200a using an auxiliary installed device. As mentioned above, shoes and laundered clothes can easily be placed in drawer 250. Therefore, shoes and clothes dry and re-freshen under the influence of the supplied hot air.

The second housing 200 can be installed in any part of the first housing 100, including the upper or lower panels of the first housing 100. However, if the second housing 200 is installed under the bottom panel of the first housing 100, as mentioned above, the second housing 200 can be used as a support for the first housing 100 for lifting the first body 100 to a predetermined height. In this case, leg 260 can be installed on the bottom panel of the second body to support the washing machine.

The second housing 200 accommodates an additional device, essentially, to provide the user with additional functions, as mentioned above. If the second housing 200 is intended as a stand-alone device, a self-contained second housing 200 is manufactured, and then the first housing 100 must be reinstalled, which requires more work.

As a result, the second housing 200 can be made integrally with the first housing 100. The connection of the first and second buildings 100 and 200 makes it possible to save material and work necessary for the washing machine, as well as provide the user with additional functions.

If the first and second cases 100 and 200 are manufactured as parts of stand-alone devices, the first and second cases 100 and 200 contain legs installed on the lower surface of the first and second cases 100 and 200. For example, if the first case 100 is installed on the second case 200, the legs of the first enclosures 100 do not need to be installed. The reason is that the legs of the first body 100 can cause an increase in the total height of the first and second bodies 100 and 200. As mentioned above, if the first and second bodies 100 and 200 are made integrally, the design of the first and second bodies can become compact. since the extra legs can not increase the total height of the first and second buildings 100 and 200.

Incidentally, the first and second compartments 100a and 200a can accommodate devices having respectively independent functions. Thus, these compartments can be separated from each other to prevent mutual influence among the devices.

By connecting the first and second cases 100 and 200, the bottom panel of the first case 100 is in direct contact with the upper panel of the second case 200. If two separate elements are located respectively on the upper panel of the second case and the lower panel of the first case 100, the first compartment 100a is separated from the second compartment 200a is more specific and the structural stability and strength of the washing machine can be ensured. However, this design may have the disadvantage of increasing the weight and the amount of work required for the washing machine, which is more serious than the expected advantage, and thus, this design is not preferred. Because of this, between the first and second buildings 100 and 200, one or a separate partition 300 can be installed.

A separate partition 300 separates the second compartment 200a from the first compartment 100a, so that the first and second compartments 100a and 200a can perform their functions without interference.

In addition, there is no additional partition between the first and second cases 100 and 200, and thus the partition 300 covers the lower part of the first case 100, while simultaneously closing the upper panel of the second case 200. As a result, the partition 300 directly faces the first and second compartments 100a and 200a.

That is, the partition 300 simultaneously forms both a predetermined part of the first body 100 and a predetermined part of the second body 200. Such a partition 300 can provide the preferred structural stability and strength of the washing machine, and it prevents the increase in material consumption and the amount of work that might be required during separating compartments 100a and 200a. In addition, a common partition element 300 in both the first and second cases 100 and 200 allows a strong, unified structure to be made between the first and second cases 100 and 200.

In addition, the partition 300 can be used as an element for accessories needed in washing machines, and not to separate the first and second compartments 100a and 200a and provide structural strength. Specifically, the baffle 300 includes a platform 310 protruding to a predetermined height, as shown in FIG. 2a, and a flange type edge portion 320. Because of the platform 310, the baffle 300 may have a plurality of curved sections to increase its sectional modules, which leads to an increase in structural strength.

As shown in FIG. 2a, a plurality of fastening brackets 330, clips 340, and other elements may additionally be mounted on the platform 310.

First of all, the mounting brackets 330 enable the tank to be mounted on the platform 300, specifically, the mounting brackets 330 are connected to a shock absorber to reduce vibration of the tank.

The latches 340 secure various additional devices. For example, the wires and terminals of the washing machine may be attached to latches 330.

As shown in FIG. 3, the latch 340 includes a base 341 attached to the partition 300 and a pair of brackets extending upward from the base 341. A pair of brackets may include a first bracket 342 and a second bracket 343.

Accessories, such as wires, may be located between the first and second brackets 342 and 343 for placement on a support portion 341a formed on the base 341. The first and second brackets 342 and 343 comprise hooks formed respectively on the upper ends of the brackets 342 and 343, and these hooks prevent the disconnection of accessories located between the first and second brackets 342 and 343.

Wires can be wound around the first and second brackets 342 and 343, and an auxiliary device having a predetermined size, such as a terminal, can engage with the first and second brackets 342 and 343, specifically, with hooks of the first and second brackets.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the baffle 300 may further include a recess 311 formed in the center of the platform 310. Water leaked from the tub or drum may generally be stored in the recess 311 without flowing out onto the outside of the washing machine. In addition, a device capable of measuring leaked water can be installed in the recess 311.

The partition 300 may comprise an element with which a leg supporting the first housing can be connected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2a, a connecting hole 350 can be formed in each corner of the partition 300, and the legs are connected to the connecting holes 350. Thanks to this element for connecting the legs, the partition 300 can be used in a conventional washing machine containing only the first housing 100 without a second housing 200, which can provide a common use of elements that can increase productivity.

Although the indicated embodiments are the first and second bodies 100 and 200 having separate side and / or rear panels, the first and second bodies 100 and 200 may have side and / or rear panels that are integrally formed. That is, the housings 100 and 200 may have only one side and / or rear panel. As a result, like a separate partition 300, one side and / or rear panel is used by the first and second cases 100 and 200, so that the first and second cases can essentially be completed as a whole, and the amount of assembly work, as well as the material / items can be reduced.

4a and 4b are perspective views illustrating each assembly method of the first and second bodies, respectively, showing assemblies at different angles for each assembly method. With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, a method for assembling housings used in a washing machine in accordance with the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4a, the partition 300 is connected to the upper panel of the second housing 200. Specifically, the partition 300 is mounted on the upper panel of the second housing 200, and the edge portions 320 of the partition 300 are attached to the edges of the upper panel of the second housing 200 using fasteners.

From a structural point of view, the partition 300 may be connected to the lower part of the first housing 100 before being connected to the upper panel of the second housing 200. However, the first housing 100 is substantially much larger than the second housing 200. If the partition 300 forms a preliminary assembly together with the first building 100, it is inconvenient for the worker to work with pre-assembly due to the increased weight and size. Therefore, as mentioned above, for the worker, it is optimal for the sake of convenience to pre-assemble the partition and the second housing 200.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4b, the first housing 100 and the preliminary assembly of the partition 300 and the second housing 200 are inverted.

Specifically, after the first housing 100 is turned over, the inverted pre-assembly 200 and 300 can be mounted on the lower part of the first housing 100.

According to a conventional assembly, the first housing 100 and the preliminary assembly 200 and 300 are not inverted, and the first housing 100 is mounted on the upper panel of the preliminary assembly 200 and 300. In this case, the first housing 100 is attached to the preliminary assembly 200 and 300 using a fastener. in the direction (A) shown by the arrow.

However, it is inconvenient for the worker to fix the fastener with tools, since the first body 100 has a side panel of a predetermined height (A). Meanwhile, the preliminary assembly 200 and 300 has a substantially lower height (B) compared to the height (A). As a result, it is easy for the worker to use tools. Turning over both the first body 100 and the pre-assembly 200 and 300 can provide convenience for the worker when attaching the first body 100 to the pre-assembly 200 and 300.

Upon completion of the arrangement of the first housing 100 and the preliminary assembly 200 and 300, the first housing 100 and the preliminary assembly 200 and 300 are fixed to each other by using the fastener 100, as shown in FIG. 4c.

As shown in FIG. 4b, the pre-assembly 200 and 300 is essentially attached to the flange 100a formed on the edge portion of the lower part of the first body 100. Specifically, as mentioned above, the fastener 10 secures the first body 100 to the pre-assembly 200 and 300 in a given direction (B). That is, the fastener 10 extends through the second housing 200, the baffle 300, and the first housing 100 in order. After that, the fixed first case 100 and the preliminary assembly 200 and 300 can be turned over and other devices can be installed in the assembled case.

As mentioned above, the assembly method depicted in FIGS. 4a-4c enables the worker to conveniently and easily assemble the housing, which can greatly improve productivity.

According to the first and second housings 100 and 200, which are integrally formed, if there is a gap between the side panels of the first and second housings, contaminants may become stuck in the gap or may enter the washing machine through the gap. Such a gap may impair the appearance of the washing machine. In addition, the gap can cause the first and second buildings to look separate from each other. Therefore, the first and second bodies 100 and 200 can be made without a gap, and this design is depicted in figa and 5b. Fig. 5a is a partial perspective view taken along line I-I in Fig. 2b, and Fig. 5b is a partially enlarged view indicated by the dotted line “A” in Fig. 5a.

As mentioned above, since the partition 300 is located between the first and second buildings 100 and 200, a gap must inevitably be formed between the side panels of the first and second buildings 100 and 200 equal to the thickness of the partition 300.

To prevent a gap between the side panels, it is preferable that the washing machine contains an element capable of accommodating a partition, at least the thickness of the edge portion of the partition 300, which is the connecting portion. In this document, the element is located on any of the first and second buildings 100 and 200.

Although both the first and second casings 100 and 200 may contain elements capable of partially accommodating the thickness of the partition 300, this configuration turns out to increase the amount of assembly work, and thus is not preferred. As shown in FIGS. 4a-4c, firstly, the second housing 200 is connected to the partition 300 to form a pre-assembly before being connected to the first housing 100. As a result, it is preferable, based on the future assembly method, that an element capable of accommodating the thickness of the partition 300 was performed on the second building 200.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5b, said element capable of accommodating the thickness of the partition wall 300 is configured as a flange 241 extending inward from the side panel of the second housing 200.

Flange 241 supports the baffle 300, more specifically, the edge portion 320. In addition, the flange 241 is recessed down from the upper end of the side panel of the second body 200 to a predetermined depth equal to or greater than the thickness of the baffle 300. The upper surface of the partition 300, specifically, the edge portion does not protrude from the upper end of the side panel of the second body 200, since the upper surface of the partition is mounted on the flange 241.

That is, the upper surface of the partition wall 300 may be located below or on a common plane with the upper end of the side panel of the second housing 200.

The first housing 100 includes a flange 110a extending from the lower end of the side panel of the first housing 100, and the flange 110a is connected to the partition 300 and the second housing 200. In this document, it is preferable that the upper surface of the partition 300, in particular, the upper surface of the edge portion 320 is located on a common plane with the upper end of the side panel of the second housing 200.

In addition, if the flange 110a is mounted on the partition 300, the upper surface of the partition 300 and the facing surfaces of the side panels of the first and second housings 100 and 200 can be located on a common plane (S), which is shown in dashed line in FIG. lines. On the common plane (S), the upper surface of the edge portion 320 of the partition 300, the lower end surface of the side panel of the first housing 100 and the upper end surface of the side panel of the second housing 200 can be located.

As a result, the end surfaces of the side panels of the first and second bodies 100 and 200 facing each other are in contact with each other, essentially without forming gaps. That is, only a single boundary line located on a common plane (S) is formed between the side panels of the housings 100 and 200. Due to the removal of the gap, contaminants cannot get stuck between the first and second housings 100 and 200 or cannot pass into the washing machine. In addition, a single boundary line can improve the appearance of the washing machine, and thanks to it, the user will essentially have one housing.

As shown in FIG. 5b, in addition to the flange 241, the side panel of the second body 200 may include a cover 242 for closing the ends of the fasteners 20. The fasteners 20 are used to attach additional devices, including the fastening bracket 220 and the latch 340, to the partition 300.

Specifically, cover 242 comprises a first cover 242a and a second cover 242b. The first cover 242a extends horizontally to close the lower end of the fastener 20. Such a first cover 242a can directly extend from the side panel of the second housing 200, and it is preferable that the first cover 242a continuously extends from the flange 241 to reduce the amount of assembly and consumption of raw materials material.

The second cover 242b extends upward from the first cover 242a and closes the end side of the fastener 20. Thanks to the cover 242, damage to the worker or user that occurs due to the open end of the fastener 20 can be prevented.

In addition, due to the connected first and second cases, made as a whole, the second case 200 requires a relatively smaller number of structural elements to provide basic structural stability and strength compared to a conventional second case as a stand-alone device.

For example, due to the lower construction of the partition wall 300 and the first housing 100, an additional element is not required for the second housing 200 to attach its upper structure. If a drawer 250 is provided, shown in FIG. 2a, the drawer 250 can replace elements that are adjacent to the bottom panel of the second housing 200, like a partition 300. As a result, the second housing 200 may contain a minimum number of structural elements capable of providing only the main structural stability and strength, and this design is shown in detail in figa and 6b. Fig. 6a is a perspective view illustrating a second housing of the washing machine, and Fig. 6b is a perspective view partially illustrating a connecting portion between the upper frame and the lower frame of the second housing.

As shown in FIG. 6a, the second housing 200 comprises a first frame 210a and a lower frame 210b that are spaced apart from each other. Such first and second frames 210a and 210b can be located on both opposite portions of both the front and rear parts or both side parts of the second body 200. That is, the first and second frames 210a and 210b can be located on both opposite front facing each other and the rear parts of the second housing 200, or both opposite facing each other side parts of the second housing 200.

As mentioned above, the partition wall 300 and the side panels of the first body 100 may already form the upper structure of the second body 200 and provide the structural strength necessary for the upper structure of the second body 200. At the same time, the partition 300 and the side panels of the first body 100 can form part of the lower structure the second housing 200 and provide the structural strength necessary for the partial lateral structure of the second housing 200. As a result, it is preferable that only the first and second frames 210a and 2 10b were mounted on the front and rear of the second housing 200 as a frame structure to provide overall structural strength instead of both side panels.

In addition, the first and second frames 210a and 210b have a rectangular shape. Due to this appearance, the first and second frames 210a and 210b can provide the front and rear parts of the second body 200 with structural stability and strength. In addition, the first and second frames 210a and 210b can reliably support the first housing 100, the partition 300, and devices installed in the first housing 100.

The rods forming the upper, side and lower parts of the first and second frames 210a and 210b have corresponding stiffness and strength, and they can form the main structure of the upper, lower and side parts of the second body 200. As mentioned above, the second body 200, formed as a whole with the first housing 100, can provide a sufficiently stable and robust structure due to only the first and second frames 210a and 210b. As a result, no additional frames connecting the first and second frames 210a and 210b should be located between the first and second frames 210a and 210b. Instead of additional frames, only the side panel 240 is connected to the side parts of the first and second frames 210a and 210b.

Since the first and second frames 210a and 210b are rectangular in shape, as mentioned above, it is preferred that the first and second frames 210a and 210b are not integrally formed. However, it is preferred that the first and second frames 210a and 210b are configured as a plurality of elements based on future factory assembly and manufacturing costs. Therefore, the first and second frames 210a and 210b are formed from the upper frame 220 and the lower frame 230, which are two elements connected to each other.

Such upper and lower frames 220 and 230 may be made in angular shape. For example, the upper frame 220 may comprise a horizontal element forming the upper part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and a vertical element extending vertically from the end of the horizontal element to form a side part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b. The lower frame 230 may include a horizontal element forming the lower part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and a vertical element extending in the vertical direction from the end of the horizontal element, which is opposite the vertical element of the upper frame, to form another side part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, the end being opposite. If such upper and lower frames 220 and 230 are connected to each other, the first and second frames of a rectangular shape are obtained.

On the other hand, the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 may take the form of channels of the same size. For example, the upper frame 220 comprises a horizontal element forming the upper part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and vertical elements extending downward from both ends of the horizontal element to a length corresponding to half the lateral length of the first and second frames 210a and 210b. The lower frame 230 comprises a horizontal element forming the lower part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and vertical elements extending upward from both ends of the horizontal element by a length equal to the length of the vertical element of the upper frame 220.

Although the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 may have different appearance, it is preferable that each of the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 contain as many elements as possible to ensure its convenient and easy manufacture and assembly. In this case, each of the first and second frames 210a and 210b may have a channel shape.

However, taking into account the design for determining the position of the leg 260, which will be described later, the upper frame 220 may be in the form of a channel, as shown in figa, and the lower frame 230 may be in the form of a simple rod.

Specifically, the upper frame 220 comprises a horizontal element extending in the horizontal direction to form the upper part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and a vertical element extending in the vertical direction from both ends of the horizontal element to form a side part of the first and second frames 210a and 210b. The horizontal element of the upper frame 220 covers a predetermined portion of the partition platform 310, as shown in FIG. 6b, and this design is similar to the structure of the cover 242 shown in FIG. 5b. The horizontal element of the upper frame 220 may cover the end of the fastener fixed to the platform 310, like the cover 242 shown in FIG. 5b, so that the user cannot injure himself at the end of the fastener.

As shown in FIG. 6a, the upper frame 220 comprises an upper flange 222 extending inwardly from its end, specifically, the lower end of the vertical member, and such upper flange 222 is substantially connected to the lower frame 230. The upper frame clearly shown in FIG. 6b the flange 222 is inserted into the lower flange 232 formed at the end of the lower frame 230. As a result, the lower frame 230 is attached to the lower end of the upper frame 220, that is, to the outer surface, not the inner surface, of the upper flange 222 in the direction (C) shown in FIG. .6a in the form of an arrow, so that the worker can easy and convenient to assemble the upper frame 220 with the lower frame 230. Considering the structures described above, the first and second frames 210a and 210b provide appropriate structural strength and stability by using a minimum flow rate of the raw material and the amount of work.

To ensure ease of assembly, the first and second frames 210a and 210b may further comprise a positioning element for positioning the upper and lower frames at the exact positions of the joint, respectively.

The upper frame 220 includes a first positioning hole 221 formed on the upper flange 222, and the lower frame 230 includes a second positioning hole 231 formed on the bottom flange 232 corresponding to the first positioning hole 221. In addition, the positioning pin 262 is installed in the first and second frames 210a and 210b, and it passes through both the first and second positioning holes 221 and 231.

Specifically, as mentioned above, the upper flange 222 of the upper frame 230 is inserted into the lower flange 232 of the lower frame 230, and then the positioning pins 262 are inserted into both the first and second positioning holes 221 and 231 formed on the upper flange 222 and lower flange 232, respectively. Due to the insertion of positioning pins 262, the first and second positioning holes 221 and 231 are aligned such that the upper flange 222 and the lower flange 232 are located at their exact joint positions.

The inserted positioning pins 262 are also used to preassemble the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 so that the first and second frames 210a and 210b are not disconnected from each other. As a result, the worker can assemble the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 reliably and accurately due to placement in the correct positions and pre-assembly, and therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the specified design for determining the position can use the pins 262 to determine the position together with the leg 260 supporting the washing machine. That is, positioning pins 262 may be part of leg 260.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6a, the positioning pin 262 can be used as a lock to connect the leg 260 to the second body 200. The leg 260 includes a body 261 comprising a shaft 261a and a positioning pin, that is, a latch 262 attached to the rod 261a for connecting the housing 261 to the second housing 200.

For example, for the indicated fastening, the rod 261a contains a screw thread, and the housing 261 contains a corresponding screw thread connected to the screw thread of the rod 261a. By sharing this element, the number of elements of the second body 200 is substantially reduced, and the connection of the legs 260 and the connection of the upper and lower frames 220 and 230 can be made. This design of the second body 200 can significantly increase productivity.

The upper and lower flanges 222 and 232 comprise a pair of first positioning holes 221 and a pair of second positioning holes 231, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. A pair of first positioning holes 221 may be formed on the upper flange 222, specifically, on the front and rear parts of the upper frame 220, respectively. A pair of second positioning holes 231 may be formed on the front and rear parts of the lower flange 232, respectively, a pair of first positioning holes 221. Such pairs of positioning holes 221 and 231 may have the indicated positioning structure, even if the upper and lower flanges 222 and 232 are formed on each of the front and rear parts of the second housing 200. The universality of the positioning structure makes it possible to produce both the first and and a second frame 210a and 210b with only the upper and lower flanges 222 and 232. As a result, the number of elements can be reduced and assembly work can be simple.

In addition, the first and second frames 210a and 210b comprise a grip 233 formed on the lower parts of the frames, specifically the lower frame 230.

The grip 233 includes an opening 233a formed on the lower frame 230. The worker pokes his finger into the opening 233a for lifting the washing machine. In order to make it more convenient for the worker to use the gripper 233, a gripping element may be formed on the edge of the hole 233a.

As shown in FIG. 6b, the gripping element includes a protruding portion 233b extending vertically from the edge of the hole 233a. If the protruding part 233b is formed on the inner edge of the hole 233a, the protruding part 233b cannot be used as a gripping element. Thus, the protruding portion 233b can be formed on the outer edge of the hole 233a.

Like the grip 233, the grip 244 is formed at the lower end of the side panel 240. Using the grippers 233 and 244, the user can move the washing machine, and the worker can move the second body 200 or the connected first and second bodies 100 and 200 during assembly work. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4c, for the fastener and tools, easy access to the fastened element through the grippers 233 and 244 can be provided.

Therefore, the connected first and second housings of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment can provide the user with additional functions and can substantially reduce the material consumption and the amount of work required in the manufacture of the washing machine. In addition, the second housing is formed only from the first and second frames, providing appropriate structural stability and strength, using the minimum material consumption and the amount of assembly work. As a result, in the manufacture of washing machines, productivity can be improved, and the finished washing machine can have an improved appearance.

7-15 are drawings illustrating embodiments of a washing machine comprising an auxiliary washing machine in a second compartment 200a.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a washing machine comprising an auxiliary washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

A washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the washing machine 1 comprises a main drum 400 rotatably mounted in the first body 100 to form a large laundry compartment and an additional drum 500 rotatably mounted in the second body 200 to form small laundry compartments.

Therefore, since both large and small items can be washed in a single washing machine without the need for a washing machine for additionally washing small items, the user convenience can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where both large-sized and small-sized laundry are washed in separate washing machines, respectively, washing time and energy consumption can be reduced.

The washing machine of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The additional drum 500 is capable of washing or drying small clothes. The additional drum is rotated by means of a rotating shaft, which is mounted vertically relative to the lower surface of the second housing 200 and contains many through holes in the side wall for the inlet / outlet of washing water. In addition, the additional drum 500 includes a tank 530 for containing water on the outside of the additional drum 500 for containing water for washing.

The auxiliary drum 500 may be located above or below the main drum 300. However, since the washing of the small laundry is less frequently than the washing of the large laundry, it is preferred that the auxiliary drum 500 is located under the primary drum 300.

In addition, the washing machine 100 includes a drawer 250 for receiving an additional drum 500, which is pulled forward in the forward direction of the second housing 200. The drawer 250 includes a front panel 1250 that defines the front appearance of the drawer, and a drum holding portion 1260, which is a compartment to accommodate an additional drum 500.

The drawer 250 comprises a frame 524 for closing the drawer 250, and it is preferable that the frame 524 and the water holding tank 530 are integrally formed. An additional drum door 510 may be mounted on top of the tub 530 to hold water for loading small laundry. Although not shown in the drawings, the sub drum door 510 may comprise a variety of locking devices for securing the sub drum door 510. The door 510 of the auxiliary drum may prevent washing water from spraying onto the outside of the additional drum 500.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drawer 250 includes a drive installed therein for transmitting driving force to the secondary drum 500. The drive may be mounted separately from the drive 350, which transmits the driving force to the main drum 300. For example, the drive includes an electric motor 150 for transmitting a rotational force to the additional drum 500 together with a drive pulley 152 connected to the rotating shaft of the electric motor 150, a driven pulley 156 connected to the rotating shaft of the additional drum 500, and a belt 154 that connects ivodnoy pulley 152 to the driven pulley 156.

If the electric motor 150 rotates, the driven pulley 156 rotates with the drive pulley 152 and the belt 154, and if the auxiliary drum 500 rotates, respectively, washing functions, such as washing, rinsing and spin cycles in the centrifuge, can be performed. Preferably, the electric motor 150 is reversible. If only the optional drum 500 is included in the small laundry washing operation, a control device (not shown) drives only the drive. Accordingly, the energy required for washing can be reduced.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a drawer in a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the position of the electric motor 150 will be described in detail. If the auxiliary drum 500 is installed in the drawer 250, gaps S may be formed at the corners of the drawer 250. Therefore, the electric motor 150 may be mounted on the side of the additional drum 500. In other words, an electric motor 150 may be installed in a gap S formed between the water holding tank 530 and the drawer 250.

Although not shown, an electric motor 150 may be mounted on the outer surface of the tank 530 to hold water. In this case, in the washing machine of the present invention, the size of the drawer 250 can be reduced compared with the case when the electric motor 150 is installed under the additional drum 500.

As shown in FIG. 8, a water supply device is installed in a drawer 250 for supplying washing water to the additional drum 500. The water supply device may be located separately from the water supply device 330, which supplies washing water to the main drum 300 .

For example, the water supply device comprises a water supply pipe 134 and a water supply valve 132 for supplying washing water to the upper part of the water holding tank 530. One end of the water supply pipe 134 is connected to the upper part of the water holding tank 530, and the other end is attached to the outer wall of the drawer 250. The water supply valve 132 can be mounted on the water supply pipe 134.

It is particularly preferred that the water supply pipe 134 is made of material, or has a structure that extends in the drawer extension direction, since it is necessary that the water supply pipe extend when the drawer 250 is pulled out in the forward direction of the housing 200.

As shown in FIG. 8, a drain device is installed in a drawer 250 for draining washing water from an additional drum 500 to the outside of the washing machine. The drain device may be installed separately from the drain device 320, which drains washing water from the main drum 300 to the outside of the washing machine.

For example, the drain device may include a drain pipe 124 and a sump pump 122 for draining washing water. One end of the drain pipe 124 is connected to the back of the tank 530 for receiving water, and the other end is attached to the outer wall of the drawer 250. The drain pipe 124 comprises a sump pump 122 mounted on it, and like a pipe 134 for supplying water, it is preferable that the drain the pipe 124 was made of material, or had a structure that extends in the direction of extension of the drawer.

10, 11 and 12 depict many embodiments of a drawer in the washing machine of the present invention.

A first embodiment of a drawer in a washing machine in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The drawer 250 includes a control device 160 on the front panel 1250 for controlling the drive of the additional drum 500.

The control device 160 comprises an input device 164 for user input of the functions of the additional drum 500 for driving the additional drum 500. The control device 160 includes display devices 162 and 163 for displaying the operating state of the additional drum 500 or the input state set by the input device 164.

An input device 164 allows a user to enter a desired washing order or cycle using a plurality of buttons. An input device 164 may be mounted on an upper surface 1412 or a front surface of a front panel 1250.

However, since the drawer 250, which holds the additional drum 500, has a structure that extends in the forward direction of the second housing 200, it is preferable that the input device 164 is mounted on the upper surface 1412 of the front panel 1250 to facilitate input in the state in which the drawer 250 put forward.

12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a drawer in the washing machine of the present invention.

A display device mounted on a drawer in a washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The display device may include a first display device 162 for displaying an input state of the input device 164 and an operating state of the sub drum 500, and a second display device 163 for displaying only the operating state of the sub drum 500.

The positions of the first display device 162 and the second display device 163 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12.

According to the drawer shown in FIG. 10, it is preferable that the first display device 162 is mounted on the upper surface 1412 of the front panel 1250. The reason is that the user can easily be informed about the input state of the input device 164 and the operating state of the additional drum 400 without bending forward.

According to a second embodiment of the drawer shown in FIG. 11, a second display device 163 is mounted on the front surface of the front panel 1250.

The reason is that the second display device 163 displays only the operating state of the additional drum 500 during the wash cycle or the like selected in the input device 164.

That is, informing the user about the operating state of the additional drum 500 in a state in which the drawer 250 is inserted in the second housing 200 is preferred due to the convenience of the user.

In addition, in accordance with a third embodiment of the washing machine shown in FIG. 12, both the first display device 162 and the second display device 163 can be mounted together on the front panel 1250. This allows the user to be informed of the operating state of the additional drum 500 even in a state in which the drawer 250 is pulled out of the second housing 200 or pushed into the second housing 200.

The auxiliary washing machine may include a feed device for supplying water to the secondary drum separately from the feed device for supplying water to the main drum.

13 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with the drawer in the closed state. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the dispenser of Fig. 13, and Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a washing machine with a drawer in an open state.

A dispenser will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. In addition, the washing machine 1 of the present invention includes a dispenser above the sub drum 500 for supplying washing water to the sub drum 500.

The dispenser includes a detergent drawer 620 for containing detergent, a washing water supply pipe 600 to the detergent drawer 620, and a discharge part 630 for supplying washing water from the detergent drawer 620 to the additional drum 500.

The detergent drawer 620 includes a compartment for holding the detergent and a detergent drawer door 660 secured to open with a pivot member 650. The detergent drawer 620 may have a recess (not shown) so that it is convenient for the user to open the drawer door 650 for detergent.

Therefore, if it is necessary to load detergent into the detergent drawer 620, the user can load detergent into the detergent drawer 620 only by opening the detergent drawer door 660 without removing the detergent drawer 620 through the additional drum door 510.

The detergent drawer door 660 also comprises a through hole 665 for supplying washing water from the pipe 600 for supplying water to the detergent drawer 620.

The door 510 of the auxiliary drum comprises an opening 515 for a detergent drawer for receiving a detergent drawer 620 therein.

This allows you to remove the box 620 for detergent from the door 510 of the additional drum.

Therefore, if it is necessary to clean the detergent drawer 620 from the accumulated remaining detergent, the user can remove the detergent drawer 620 from the door 510 of the additional cleaning drum.

The water supply pipe 600 above the detergent drawer 620 supplies washing water to the detergent drawer 620 and furthermore includes a water supply valve 610 for controlling the opening / closing of the water supply pipe 600.

A pipe 600 for supplying water is located in the compartment of the first housing 100, separated by a partition 300.

In detail, one end of the water supply pipe 600 passes through the through hole 670 of the partition, and the other end is attached to the outer wall of the first body 100. A water supply valve 610 is mounted on the water supply pipe 600.

Preferably, the water supply pipe 600 is positioned so that washing water is supplied from above to the additional drum 500, and the shape of the water supply pipe 600 bent at an angle of 90 ° is a form of a possible embodiment.

Therefore, if the drawer 250 is housed in the second housing 200, the end of the water supply pipe 600 from which the washing water exits is located above the detergent drawer 620. That is, if the drawer 250 is fully enclosed in the second housing 200, the end of the water supply pipe 600 connected to the through hole 670 of the partition can be located in the through hole 665 in the door 660 of the detergent drawer. Therefore, washing water may be supplied to the detergent drawer 620 through the water supply pipe 600.

However, water may leak to the periphery of the detergent drawer 620 when washing water is supplied to the detergent drawer 620 through the water supply pipe 600, and the end of the water supply pipe 600 passes into the door 510 of the additional drum or frame 524 and prevents the drawer from moving drawer 250 when drawer 250 moves.

Therefore, to ensure smooth movement of the drawer 250 and to prevent leakage of washing water, it is preferable that the end of the pipe 600 for supplying water contains an element 640 to prevent leakage.

The leakage prevention member 640 mounted along the outer circumference of the water supply pipe 600 in the axial direction of the water supply pipe 600 may be tubular.

The end of the leakage prevention member 640 interferes with the door 510 of the additional drum or frame 524 when the drawer 250 is pushed into or out of the second housing 200. However, if the drawer 250 is fully retracted into the second housing 200, the leakage prevention member 640 is housed in the through hole 665 in the door 660 of the detergent drawer.

Preferably, the leakage prevention member 640 is formed of soft material. Therefore, the leakage prevention member 640 may be formed of rubber or plastic, and the end of the leakage prevention member 640 may be cut at predetermined intervals in the axial direction. Accordingly, when the drawer 250 is received in or pulled out of the second housing 200, interference from the side of the leak prevention member for the drawer 250 can be minimized.

Although not shown, the drawer 250 may further comprise an additional water supply device for supplying washing water to the additional drum 500.

The discharge part 630 comprises an outlet 632 on one side of the detergent drawer 620 for supplying washing water, and an outlet pipe 635 connected to the additional drum 500.

Therefore, in accordance with the washing machine described above, the first and second housings connected together can provide the user with additional functions and can substantially reduce the material consumption and the amount of work required in the manufacturing process of the washing machine. As a result, the performance of the washing machine can be improved and the fully assembled washing machine can have an improved appearance.

Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes are possible in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thus, it is understood that the present invention includes modifications and changes of the present invention, provided that they are included in the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A washing machine comprising:
a tank for accommodating washing water;
a drum rotated in the tank to accommodate laundry;
a first body forming a first compartment comprising a tub and a drum for washing clothes;
a second housing forming a second compartment for an additional function, the second housing being made integrally with the first housing; and
one partition located between the first and second buildings for separating the second compartment from the first compartment, the second housing comprising a first frame and a second frame located on both opposite portions of the front and rear parts and side parts of the second housing, the first and second frames being rectangular . 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the first and second frames are located respectively on the front and rear parts of the second housing. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, in which the second body further comprises a side panel connected to the side parts of the first and second frames. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the first and second frames are made in the form of an upper frame and a lower frame connected to the upper frame. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, in which the upper and lower frames are shaped with corners. 6. The washing machine according to claim 4, in which the upper and lower frames have the shape of a channel of the same size. 7. The washing machine according to claim 4, in which one of the upper and lower frames has the shape of a rod, and the other has the shape of a channel. 8. The washing machine according to claim 4, in which the upper frame closes the ends of the fastener fixed in the partition. 9. The washing machine according to claim 7, in which if the upper frame is in the form of a channel and the lower frame is in the form of a rod, the upper frame contains a flange extending inward from its lower end, the flange being connected to the lower frame. 10. The washing machine according to claim 9, in which the flange is inserted into the lower frame. 11. The washing machine according to claim 4, in which the first and second frames further comprise a position determining part located on a connecting portion between the upper frame and the lower frame, wherein the position determining part places the upper frame and the lower frame for proper connection. 12. The washing machine according to claim 11, in which the part for determining the position contains:
a first positioning hole formed on the upper frame;
a second positioning hole formed on the lower frame; and
a pin for determining the position passing through the first and second holes for determining the position, for combining the first and second holes for determining the position. 13. The washing machine according to item 12, in which the upper frame contains a pair of first holes for determining the position formed respectively on its front and rear parts, and the lower frame contains a pair of second holes for determining the position formed respectively on its front and rear parts, corresponding to a pair of first positioning holes. 14. The washing machine according to item 12, in which the pin for determining the position is made in the form of a retainer connecting the leg with the second body. 15. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the first and second frames contain a grip for the user or worker to move the washing machine. 16. The washing machine according to clause 15, in which the capture contains a hole formed on the lower parts of the first and second frames for introducing into it the finger of the user or worker. 17. The washing machine according to clause 16, in which the capture contains a gripping element formed on the edge of the hole. 18. The washing machine according to 17, in which the gripping element contains a protruding portion extending vertically from the edge of the hole. 19. The washing machine according to 17, in which the gripping element is formed on the outer edge of the hole. 20. The washing machine according to claim 3, in which the side panel contains a grip formed at its lower end.

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