JP2002058895A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine provided at an upper portion of a main body of a washing machine and having a detergent dispenser capable of attaching and detaching at least a hopper portion, wherein the removed hopper portion is placed on a lid on an upper surface of the main body. The hopper can be placed on the main body and can be hooked and held on a part of the main body. SOLUTION: A laundry entrance 3b on the upper surface of a washing machine main body 1.
In a washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser 17 that is located at a rear portion of the lid 15 that opens and closes, and at least allows the hopper 18 to be detachable, the lid 15 is closed in a forward inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the main body 1. The hopper 18 is covered with a projection 15a pattern formed on its upper surface, and the hopper 18 removed on the upper surface of the lid 15 when the lid is closed can be placed substantially horizontally. The convex portion 15a of the lid 15 on the lower surface
The installation portions 35 and 36 are provided on both sides of the recess 37 so as to form a concave portion 37 in contact with.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser on an upper part of a main body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as is well known, a lid for opening and closing a laundry door is provided rotatably on an upper surface of a washing machine main body, and a washing machine is provided at a rear portion of the upper surface thereof. In order to improve the convenience of the machine, a machine equipped with a detergent dispenser for automatically dispensing detergent is provided. In this detergent dispenser, for example, the necessary detergent dispensing amount is determined together with the water level setting based on the cloth amount detection, and the detergent is automatically supplied into the washing tub together with the supply of the washing water at the start of the washing operation. ing.

[0003]

The above-mentioned detergent dispenser usually opens and closes on the upper surface of the hopper because the detergent needs to be replenished when the amount of remaining detergent in the hopper containing the detergent decreases. A possible opening / closing lid is provided so that replenishment can be performed with the opening / closing lid opened. However,
In the above-described conventional configuration, since the detergent dispenser is disposed at the rearmost portion (rear portion) of the main body, it is difficult to access the replenishing detergent and it is difficult to work. Spilled on the floor and the floor where it is installed. Therefore, the detergent dispenser, for example, at least the hopper portion is detachable so that it can be disassembled, and the detached hopper portion is placed on the upper surface of the lid, which is the upper surface of the main body, so that even a little to the user side. It is conceivable that the replenishment operation of the detergent can be facilitated by approaching.

[0004] However, as described above, since the lid also occupies a large part of the appearance of the washing machine main body, such a lid is provided with a design pattern in order to enhance the design effect. A configuration in which the uneven shape of the pattern is formed and an appropriate coloring is applied to the pattern is adopted. Further, in consideration of ease of use, both the upper surface of the main body and the lid at the time of closing the lid are downwardly inclined forward (hereinafter referred to as forward inclination). Thus, the design value of the entire washing machine is increased. Therefore, as a whole, it is in a forward leaning state,
Moreover, it is not easy to place the hopper of the detergent dispenser removed as described above on the uneven lid, and it is more difficult to place it with good stability. The problem that it is troublesome and troublesome arises.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a detachably mounted hopper of a detergent dispenser to be stably mounted on a lid on an upper surface of a main body. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a hopper can be hooked and held on a part of a main body so that the hopper can be easily replenished with the hopper positioned close to the hopper. .

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention comprises a lid provided on an upper surface of a main body so as to open and close a laundry entrance, and a hopper provided at a rear portion thereof. Wherein the lid is closed in a forwardly inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the main body, and a convex pattern is formed on the upper surface thereof,
In order to enable the hopper removed on the upper surface of the lid when the lid is closed to be placed in a substantially horizontal state, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the hopper in contact with the convex portion of the lid, An installation portion protruding from both sides is provided (the invention of claim 1).

[0007] According to such a configuration, the concave portion on the lower surface of the hopper portion of the removed detergent dispenser is supported in contact with the convex portion of the lid, and includes the support by the installation portions on both sides thereof.
The hopper can be placed on the lid almost horizontally by the point support. Therefore, while maintaining the design values by the convex pattern of the lid, it is possible to easily supply the detergent by placing the hopper close to the lid.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the detergent from being spilled or the floor from being stained.

[0008] The present invention further comprises a lid provided on the upper surface of the main body so as to be able to open and close a laundry entrance, and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion of the main body so that at least a hopper is detachable. The lid is closed in a forwardly inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the main body, and a flat portion that forms a substantially horizontal state is formed on the upper surface, and the hopper portion removed from the flat portion of the lid at the time of closing the lid. A horizontal installation portion is protruded from a lower surface of the hopper portion so as to be mountable.
Invention).

According to such a configuration, the hopper can be placed in a horizontal state by using the flat portion which is in a horizontal state even when the lid is in a forwardly inclined state when the lid is closed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detergent can be replenished by placing it in a room.
It has the same function and effect as the invention.

[0010] Further, in a device provided with a detergent dispenser disposed at a rear portion of an upper surface of a main body so that at least a hopper portion can be attached and detached, a hook-shaped hook portion is integrally formed on one of the main body and the hopper portion. The invention is characterized in that the hopper portion provided and removed via the hook portion is hooked and held in a substantially horizontal state with the main body (the invention of claim 3).

According to this configuration, the detached hopper can be hooked and held on an appropriate portion of the main body, so that the hopper can be placed close to the area where it is easy to supply the detergent and the detergent can be supplied. It has the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention.

[0012] The present invention further comprises a lid provided on the upper surface of the main body so as to be capable of opening and closing a laundry door, and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion of the main body and having at least a hopper portion detachable. Is formed of a chemical-resistant material, and the hopper removed from the handle is hooked and held in a substantially horizontal state. Item 4)).

According to such a configuration, the handle portion can be used for hooking and holding the hopper portion, so that the structure is not complicated at all, and the handle portion is formed of a chemical resistant material. For example, a solvent crack does not occur due to the adhesion of the liquid detergent or the like, and therefore, a problem that a handle portion to which a force is applied is damaged can be solved.

[0014] Further, in a device provided with a detergent dispenser which is provided at a rear portion of an upper surface of the main body and makes at least a hopper portion detachable, the device further comprises a separate holder capable of holding the removed hopper portion, The hopper portion is held in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the main body via the holding tool (the invention of claim 5).

According to such a configuration, the hopper portion can be held at an appropriate portion of the main body by using the holding tool, so that it is possible to easily supply the detergent, so that substantially the same operation and effect as in the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. It can be expected, and since the holding tool has a single structure separate from the hopper and the like, it is not necessary to add a unique structure to the main body and the hopper. Therefore, when the holder is used, it is effective in that it can be shared with another washing machine.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a washing machine with a combination of dehydration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine. As shown in FIG.
The washing machine main body 1 includes an outer box 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a top cover 3 attached to an upper portion thereof. In the main body 1, as shown by a broken line, a water receiving tub 4 made of resin is elastically supported by a suspending mechanism 5, and a washing tub 6 also serving as a dewatering tub is rotatably provided in the water receiving tub 4. .
As is well known, the washing tub 6 has a large number of through-holes 7 formed in a peripheral wall, and a stirring body 8 is rotatably provided at an inner bottom portion.

On the other hand, a DD motor 9 is provided at the center of the outer bottom of the water receiving tub 4 at the center thereof, and the motor 9 directly drives the stirring body 8 or the washing tub 6.
The rotational force is switched and transmitted by a clutch mechanism (not shown). In addition, a drain valve device 10 is provided in communication with a corner of the inner bottom so that the drain can be drained out of the machine. An air trap 11a is provided in the vicinity of the drain valve device 10, and the top cover 3 is provided through an air tube 11b. Is connected to a water level sensor 11c provided in the rear cover 3a, and constitutes a so-called water level setting means for setting a required water level.

The top cover 3 constituting the main body 1 has a laundry entrance 3b at a substantially central portion, and a lid 15 that can be folded and opened, for example, which can open and close above the entrance 3b, rotates. The top cover 3
Occupies a wide area in the center of the upper surface of the. The entire upper surface of the top cover 3 is formed in a so-called forward-tilted state in which the top cover 3 is inclined forward and downward in consideration of ease of use and design effects, and the lid 15 attached thereto is also in a forward-tilted state. In addition, the present configuration has a slightly curved spherical configuration. The front lid 13 and the rear lid 14 are rotatably connected to the lid 15 with a hinge portion 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 5 described later) disposed in the middle. Not only that, but also in particular, the lid 15 is provided with a convex portion 15a pattern over the front and rear lids 13 and 14 that are almost surrounded by a parabola in the center in order to enhance the design value, and the height gradually increases toward the front. Are formed so as to be lower, and are colored differently from other parts, and the front lid 13 is provided with a handle 15b for opening and closing operation.

Further, an operation panel 16 is provided at the forefront of the top cover 3 and detailed description thereof is omitted. However, this is an operation section for selecting and setting various washing courses, and a water level setting operation. Section, detergent amount setting operation section, start operation section, etc., to make it possible to adjust individual washing conditions as necessary, and to provide various display sections such as LED display or numerical display corresponding to these. I have.

However, a control device (not shown) including a microcomputer is provided inside the rear surface of the operation panel 16 and receives an input signal based on the setting operation by the above-described setting operation group, and receives a control program stored in advance. The washing operation according to the various condition settings is automatically executed along with the setting. In addition to the above, the control device includes a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 11c, which is a water level setting means for detecting the stored water level in the washing tub 6, and a rotation sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation of the DD motor 9. ) Is input.

A detergent dispenser 17 is provided on the rear cover 3a of the top cover 3 in which the water level sensor 11c is provided, located on the left side of the figure. The configuration of the detergent dispenser 17 will be described in particular with reference to FIGS. First, a partially cutaway front view of FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration of a main part of the detergent dispenser 17, and as shown in the drawing, a container-shaped hopper portion 18 for storing a powder detergent has a rear portion. Claws 19 and 20 are formed on both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the hopper 18, and claws formed on the opening edge of the mounting opening 21 of the rear cover 3 a. The hopper portion 18 is configured to be removably assembled to the rear cover 3a (top cover 3) by elastically engaging the engaging portions 22 and 23, respectively.

The outer shape of the hopper 18 is as follows.
As shown in the side view in FIG. 1, the taper has a tapered shape in which the depth dimension tapers downward as it goes down. Specifically, the front wall 18a is almost vertical, while the other peripheral wall is a side wall. 18b, 18c (see FIGS. 6 and 8) and rear wall 18d are inclined to form the above-mentioned tapered shape as a whole, and are integrally formed of a synthetic resin of a translucent member. A detergent agitator 24 having a large number of projections is rotatably supported between the front wall 18a and the rear wall 18d at a lower portion inside the hopper portion 18 so as to be rotatable on the horizontal axis. A bottom portion 18e, which is the lowermost portion in the hopper portion 18, is formed in an arc-shaped cross section, and a circular detergent delivery body 25 is provided inside the bottom portion 18e.

The detergent delivery body 25 has a helical coil shape, and in particular, gradually increases in diameter from the base end on the left side in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 to the middle part, and extends from the middle part to the tip end on the right side in FIG. It is made of a straight coil wire having a large diameter, and one of the projections of the detergent agitator 24 is engaged with an intermediate portion of the coil wire. Therefore, when the detergent delivery body 25 is rotated, the detergent stirring body 24 is rotated by sequentially feeding the projections engaged with the detergent delivery body 25 accordingly.

At the right end in the drawing of the lowermost detergent delivery body 25 in the hopper 18, a detergent outlet conduit 26 extending cylindrically and continuously with an arcuate bottom portion 18e is formed. The front end of the detergent delivery body 25 is located inside this. A plug 27 for opening and closing the detergent outlet pipe 26 is provided outside the opening end of the detergent outlet pipe 26.
As shown in a plan view of FIG. 7 (a plan view with the rear cover 3a removed) and the like, the opening / closing drive device 7 is connected via a lever 27a.
8 so as to be disengageable.

The opening / closing drive device 28 is configured to rotate a drive lever 28c via a wire 28b by, for example, an output of a geared motor 28a.
The lever 27a of the plug 27 is engaged with and disengaged from the plug 8c. In this case, the plug 27 is reciprocally rotated to open and close the detergent outlet conduit 26.
Is provided inside the rear cover 3a using the space in the tapered back of the rear wall 18d of the hopper 18. Although not shown, the drive lever 28c and the lever portion 27a are provided with springs for urging the stopper 27 in the return rotation direction with respect to the opening rotation of the stopper 27, so-called return of the stopper 27 in the closing direction. Means are provided.

On the other hand, in FIG. 6, a cylindrical bearing portion 29 is integrally formed at the lower left end portion of the hopper portion 18 in the drawing, and a base end portion of the detergent delivery body 25 is provided therein. The shaft 30 is connected and integrated. This axis 30
Further, a driven gear 31 is provided on the left side in the figure, and a driving gear 32 that meshes with the driven gear 31 so as to be disengageable and transmits a rotational force is attached to an output shaft of a motor 33.

The uppermost opening 18 of the hopper 18
f is provided with a lid 34 that opens and closes via a hinge 34a (see FIGS. 1 and 7) so as to be rotatable. On the other hand, on the outer lower surface of the bottom portion 18e at the lowermost end, there are provided rib-shaped installation portions 35 and 36 whose lower end portions projecting in opposition to both side portions in the width direction (left and right in FIG. 6) exhibit a substantially horizontal state. Therefore, a concave portion 37 is formed between the installation portions 35 and 36.

The detergent dispenser 17 constructed as described above
The main body 1 is configured such that at least a part of the main body 1 can be disassembled, that is, the main body 1 can be detachably detached from the rear cover 3a (top cover 3). That is, as described above, the hopper 18 is incorporated in a plurality of parts so as to be disengageable. In this configuration, the claw 1 provided on both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the hopper 18 is provided.
A portion where the claw engaging portions 22 and 23 formed at the opening edges of the mounting opening 21 of the rear cover 3a elastically engage with each other;
In addition, an interlocking portion between a lever portion 27a of a plug 27 for opening and closing the detergent outlet pipe 26 and a driving lever 28c of an opening / closing driving device 28 and a meshing portion between a driven gear 31 and a driving gear 32 are detachably separated. Because it is a configuration that can be
The driven gear 31 attached to the hopper 18 and the detergent delivery body 2
5, the hopper portion 18 provided with the stopper 27, the detergent agitator 24 and the like can be removed upward from the main body 1.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a water supply pump device 38 as a water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub 6 is provided inside the rear cover 3a equipped with the detergent dispenser 17. , A water supply valve device 39, and a water injection case 40 which is connected to the water supply valve device 39 in a water way and faces the washing tub 6. The configuration of the water supply means will be briefly described. First, regarding the former water supply pump device 38, an impeller 4 rotationally driven by a pump motor 42 is provided inside a pump case 41.
3 and a water inlet 44 for absorbing water by the rotation of the impeller 43, and a water outlet (not shown) for discharging the absorbed water.
And the like, and the water suction port 44 thereof is connected to the rear cover 3.
It is exposed upward from a. And this water intake 44
Can be connected to one end of a water-absorbing hose (not shown) whose tip is extended into a bathtub (not shown) to absorb and use bath water.

In the latter water supply valve device 39,
It has one water inlet 45 on the upper part,
It has second water outlets 46 and 47, and its water inlet 4
A three-way valve that switches the opening of the flow path from 5 to the first water outlet 46 and the opening of the flow path from the water inlet 45 to the second water outlet 47 by the driving force of a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor. The water inlet 45 is connected to the rear cover 3a.
It is exposed in a state protruding upward from. This inlet 45
Is connected to a water supply hose (not shown) connected to a water tap (not shown).

Further, the water supply case 40 is for injecting water supplied through the water supply pump device 38 and the water supply valve device position 39 into the washing tub 6, and only a part thereof is shown in FIG. And a water passage through which a water outlet of a water supply pump device 38 communicates, a water passage with which a first water outlet 46 of a water supply valve device 39 communicates, and a water passage with which a second water outlet 47 communicates. The path of the water flowing through the water channel leading to the first water outlet 46 of 39 is indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow A in FIG.

In addition, the water supply case 40 has a detergent passage 48 formed below the detergent outlet pipe 26 of the detergent dispenser 17, and the water supply valve device 39 below the detergent passage 48. The water flows in the direction of the arrow A through a water channel communicating with the first water outlet 46 of the first embodiment. Further, in addition to the above, the water channel through which the water outlet of the water supply pump device 38 communicates, and the water channel through which the second water outlet 47 of the water supply valve device 39 communicates are not described in detail, but the route on the way is different although the intermediate route is different. Is configured to face the inside of the washing tub 6 via the water injection case 40. In addition, in the rear cover 3a, a water level sensor 11c constituting the above-described water level setting means is provided.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described in the case of a washing step. First, prior to use of the washing machine, the water inlet 45 of the water supply valve device 39 and a water tap (not shown) are connected by a water supply hose (also not shown). Also,
When washing with remaining hot water (bath water) of the bath, one end of a water absorption hose (not shown) is connected to the water suction port 44 of the water supply pump device 38, and the other end of the water absorption hose is connected to bath water in a bathtub (not shown). Soak in The hopper portion 18 of the detergent dispenser 17 stores in advance an amount of powder detergent that can be used for washing a plurality of times.

In this state, laundry (not shown) is put into the washing tub 6, the lid 15 is closed, and the operation of the washing machine is started in the state shown in FIGS. Then, the operation panel 16
The control device (not shown) provided at the first time measures the amount of laundry. The measurement of the laundry amount is performed, for example, by rotating the agitator 8 in the washing tub 6 by inputting a predetermined input to the DD motor 9 and detecting the rotation speed of the DD motor 9 at this time by a rotation sensor (not shown). Based on the measurement result, the necessary water level is determined according to the laundry amount, and the supply amount of the detergent is determined.

And now, the water supply valve device 3 is used as water supply means.
Referring to FIG. 6 in the case of utilizing No. 9, a flow path from the water inlet 45 to the first water outlet 46 is opened by energizing the water supply valve device 39, and the first water outlet 46 is connected. The water flows in the direction of arrow A through the drained water channel, and water is supplied into the washing tub 6 through the water injection case 40. Further, a predetermined amount of detergent is automatically supplied from the detergent dispenser 17 based on the determination of the detergent amount. In this case, the stopper 2 of the detergent dispenser 17
7 is opened by the opening / closing drive device 28 and the motor 33 is operated in this state, whereby the rotational force in the coil screwing direction is transmitted from the drive gear 32 to the detergent delivery body 25 via the driven gear 31, and this detergent delivery is performed. As the body 25 rotates, the detergent contained in the hopper 18 is automatically and gradually sent out from the detergent outlet pipe 26 gradually as shown by the dashed arrow B in small quantities.

The detergent thus sent out falls on the lower channel through the detergent port 48 of the water injection case 40, and is dissolved in the water flowing in the direction of arrow A as described above. The water is injected into the washing tub 6 from the outlet of the water injection case 40 together with the water. The predetermined amount of detergent accompanying the above determination is determined by opening the plug 27 and the motor 33 by the control device.
Is controlled based on the fact that the rotation driving of the detergent delivery body 25 is executed for a predetermined time. Also, the water supply level to the washing tub 6 is set to the predetermined water level determined as described above, as shown in FIG.
Is controlled by a water level setting means such as an air trap 11a and a water level sensor 11c shown in FIG. When the detergent is supplied, the detergent agitator 24 is rotated in the hopper 18 along with the rotation of the detergent delivery body 25, so that the hopper 1 is rotated.
8 works to loosen the detergent.

Therefore, after the supply of the appropriate amount of detergent,
The power supply to the motor 33 and the opening / closing drive device 28 is cut off and stopped, and the plug 27 returns to the closed position and closes the detergent outlet pipe 26. After that, when water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the water path of the water supply valve device 39 as water supply means is closed and water supply is stopped based on the water level detection by the water level sensor 11c, and the DD motor 9 is energized and driven. Stirring body 8
Only the rotary driving is performed, and a so-called well-known washing operation is performed. Hereinafter, a rinsing step and a dehydrating step of the next step are performed to complete a series of washing operations, but the description thereof will be omitted.

By the way, when the detergent is consumed by a plurality of washing operations, the amount of the remaining detergent can be visually recognized through the hopper 18 made of a translucent member. When the amount of the detergent in the hopper 18 becomes low, it is necessary to replenish the detergent. In such a case, the hopper section 18 is connected to the rear cover 3a.
I try to remove it from inside. This is because the location of the detergent dispenser 17 is the rearmost part (back part) of the top cover 3.
, Which is usually designed so as not to interfere with the washing operation. For this reason, the user is in a position farthest from the user in front of the main body 1, and it is difficult to perform a task such as not being able to reach the hand sufficiently or being forced to take an unreasonable posture at the time of supplying the detergent. There is a possibility that the detergent may be spilled to the outside when the detergent is replenished and fresh detergent is supplied, when the detergent is carried to that location, and when the detergent is stored in the hopper 18.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hopper 18 is removed from the top cover 3, and is moved onto the lid 15, so that the operation of supplying the detergent can be easily performed. Thus, replenishment can be easily performed without spilling detergent or soiling the floor. That is, in FIG. 6, the claw portions 19 and 20 provided on both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the hopper portion 18 and the claw engagement portions 22 and 23 formed at the opening edges of the mounting opening 21 of the rear cover 3a are elastically engaged. Therefore, the engagement with the claw engaging portion 23 is released by first pressing the claw portion 20 of the hopper portion 18 from the outside. In connection with this, if it lifts up so that it may rotate a little, the engagement between the other claw portion 19 and the claw engagement portion 22 can be easily released and released.

The interlocking structure of the opening / closing drive device 28 and the plug 27 and the meshing structure of the driven gear 31 and the drive gear 32 (see FIG. 7) in the lower part of the hopper 18 are all separated upward. Can be released without receiving any restraining force, so that the claw 1 of the hopper 18
The hopper 18 can be easily disengaged by releasing the engagement between the claw engaging portions 22 and 23 of the rear cover 3a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the hopper 18 is removed from the top cover 3 while the driven gear 31 and the plug 27 in the closed state are attached.

The hopper 18 thus removed
Can be easily supplied if it can be placed substantially horizontally on the lid 15 in the closed state. This can be carried out close to the user, and also functions as a work table having a predetermined height on the lid 15. However, in recent years, the cover 15 occupying a large area is provided with a convex portion 15a pattern at the center portion to enhance the design value as disclosed in the present embodiment, and in addition, the cover 15 is gradually inclined forward. It is not easy to place the hopper 18 on the lid 15 with good stability. In addition, since the hopper 18 is formed in a spherical shape with a curved upper surface in this embodiment, the hopper 18 is placed horizontally. Placement becomes even more difficult.

However, the hopper 18 of the present embodiment
Has a configuration in which the installation portions 35 and 36 project from the lower surface of the bottom portion 18e so as to form the concave portion 37. Therefore, the concave portion 37 is placed on the convex portion 15a of the lid 15 as shown in FIGS. Then, the installation portions 35 and 36 are placed on a flat portion (in a forwardly inclined state) of the lid 15. As a result, the concave portion 37 having the heights of the installation portions 35 and 36 as recesses with respect to the convex portion 15a of the lid body 15 absorbs and cancels the height of the projection portion 15a. , 36 are in contact with each other so that one end of each of them far away from the recess 37 contacts the upper surface of the lid 15.

If the hopper 18 is simply placed on the cover 15 in the forwardly inclined state by the installation sections 35 and 36, the hopper section 18 can be easily inclined forward. However, in the present configuration, the projections 15a
The projection 15a has a recess 3
7 is mounted, it does not tilt forward, but rather slightly tilts backward in the present embodiment. Therefore, in this state, the two rib-shaped installation portions 35 and 36 are far away from the recess 37. This is because it is placed in a state where it is biased to one end. In this way, the entire portion including the contact portion by the concave portion 37 is placed in contact with three points (hatched portions indicated by S1, S2, and S3 in the figure) that draw a triangle in plan view as shown in FIG. The hopper portion 18 is stably mounted and supported in a substantially horizontal state even when the hopper portion 18 is on the lid 15 that is tilted forward.

Next, in the state shown in FIGS.
Is opened to replenish the required amount of fresh detergent in the hopper 18. After replenishment, the lid 34 is closed again, and the hopper 18 is lifted and inserted into the mounting opening 21 of the rear cover 3 a of the top cover 3. Accordingly, in the lower part of the hopper 18, the driven gear 31 meshes with the drive gear 32, as shown in FIG. 7, and the plug 27 has the lever 27a having the drive lever 28c of the opening / closing drive 28. Are engaged with each other, and they are immovable by the elastic engagement between the claw portions 19 and 20 on the outer peripheral wall of the hopper portion 18 and the claw engagement portions 22 and 23 of the rear cover 3a. It is held and fixed in the proper position, so that the detergent dispenser 1
7, and the automatic input of detergent corresponding to the washing operation can be executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When replenishing the detergent dispenser 17 with new detergent, the hopper 18 is removed and can be placed on the lid 15 of the washing machine.
As shown in FIG. 5, the lid 15 is designed with a concave-convex pattern such as a convex portion 15a, and has a forward inclined state when the lid is closed.
7 is in contact (S1), and the protruding installation part 3
The hopper 18 can be placed on the lid 15 in a substantially horizontal state by the contacts 5 and 36 (S2, S3). Therefore, the hopper 18 can be supplied close to the hopper 18 while maintaining the design values of the lid 15 and replenishing the detergent. Can be prevented from being stained.

In this embodiment, the case where the hopper 18 removed as described above is placed and supported on the lid 15 having the pattern of the convex portions 15a has been described. Needless to say, the two installation portions 35 and 36 can be stably mounted only by the installation portions 35 and 36 if they are originally flat places.

(Second Embodiment) In contrast to the above, FIG.
FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described. In this embodiment,
The first embodiment has the same structure as the detergent dispenser 17 and the washing machine body 1 except for a part of the structure of the lid 15, and
Specifically, the configuration is the same except that a flat portion 48 is provided on the lid 15.

That is, as shown in the perspective view of the outer appearance of the lid 15 in FIG. 9, in the lid 15 composed of the front lid 13 and the rear lid 14 which can be folded in two, for example, the front lid 13 has a projection 15a.
A rectangular flat portion 4 that is horizontal at a position off the pattern
8 is formed. This flat portion 48 is
However, as described in the first embodiment, since the upper surface is inclined forward and has a spherical shape, as shown in FIG.
In order to form 8, a concave shape is formed that becomes deeper toward the rear.

In this configuration, when replenishing the detergent, the hopper 18 of the detergent dispenser 17 is removed from the rear cover 3a as in the first embodiment, and the lid 15 is removed as shown in FIG. Is placed on the flat portion 48. That is, the hopper 18 is placed in a substantially horizontal state by placing the hopper 18 using the rib-shaped installation portions 35 and 36 on the lower surface of the hopper 18. Accordingly, the hopper section 18 is placed on the lid 15 and placed close to the user. From this state, the lid 34 is opened to supply a required amount of detergent. When this replenishment is completed, the lid 34 is closed again, inserted into the mounting opening 21 of the rear cover 3a, and incorporated so as to function as the detergent dispenser 17.

As described above, in this embodiment, the detached hopper 18 can be stably placed almost horizontally on the lid 15 in the forwardly inclined state, so that the work of replenishing the detergent can be easily performed by placing the hopper 18 close to the user. In addition, there is no possibility that the detergent may be spilled from an excessive posture or the floor surface may be stained. Further, since the flat portion 48 in the horizontal state has a small area enough to mount the installation portions 35 and 36 projecting in a rib shape, a desired pattern of the convex portion 15a can be appropriately formed, or the convex portion 15a can be formed. The installation space can be easily secured on any of the avoided lids 15 and, in the present embodiment, the hopper 18 is provided closer to the front lid 13 than in the first embodiment, so that the detergent is supplied by being provided closer to the front lid 13. And workability is better.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 11 to 13 show a third embodiment of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described. In this embodiment, specifically, the hook-shaped hook 3 is attached to the lid 34 of the detergent dispenser 17.
Except for the configuration provided with 4b, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and FIGS.
FIG. 13 shows a different use mode in which the hook is held on the lid 15 by the hook portion 34b, and FIG. 13 is hooked and held on the balance ring 6a at the upper end of the washing tub 6.

Hereinafter, specifically referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the lid 15 provided on the main body 1 has the front lid 13 which can be folded in half via the hinge portion 12 and the rear lid 13 as described above. The cover 14 is made of, for example, polystyrene (PS) or ABS resin excellent in gloss and workability. The handle 15b formed in the front cover 13 corresponds to the recess 13a formed in the front cover 13, for example, polypropylene (PP resin) having high chemical resistance.
Is formed by insert-molding the bag-shaped gripping portion 49 formed by the above.

Note that the handle 15b is, specifically, a projection 15
It is provided at a position substantially in the center of the front cover 13 in the formation range of a. On the other hand, the hook portion 34b is protruded from the upper surface of the lid 34, and is located at a position where the hopper portion 18 can be hooked and held in a horizontal state as much as possible in a state where the lid 34 is opened. 34, it is formed in a hook shape at the free end side.

In the above configuration, when replenishing the detergent, the hopper 18 is removed from the rear cover 3a, and the hook 34b is attached to the handle 15b of the lid 15 in the opened state with the lid 34 opened. Hook and hold. in this case,
The lid 15 is in a folded state, and is maintained in the open state without tilting in the closing direction even when a load in a suspended state by the hopper 18 containing the detergent is applied via the handle 15b. Therefore, it is possible to easily supply the detergent to the hopper 18 placed close to the user in such a state, and the hopper 18 is located at the upper inside of the washing tub 6 and accidentally spills the detergent. Even if it does, it only falls into the washing tub 6 and the floor surface is not soiled.

The load of the hopper 18 is directly applied to the grip 49 of the hook 15b via the hook 34b. However, since the grip portion 49 is formed of a PP resin, which is a chemical resistant material, the grip portion 49 can sufficiently cope with the strength, and in particular, under conditions where a bleaching agent or a liquid detergent easily adheres, deterioration due to solvent cracks may occur. This is convenient because damage can be prevented and long-term use can be dealt with.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lid 3
4 is provided with a simple hook-shaped hooking portion 34b,
Is designed so that the hopper 18 can be hooked and held by using the handle 15b normally provided by the user, so that the detergent can be easily and reliably supplied, and the detergent falls into the washing tub 6 even if the detergent is spilled by mistake. Doing so does not contaminate the floor or the like. Moreover, not only can the hook portion 34b be provided with a very simple configuration, but also the lid 15b can be provided as described in the first embodiment.
Even if a concave and convex pattern is provided, the existing handhold 49 can be used effectively irrespective of this. Further, since the gripping portion 49 for hooking and holding the hopper portion 18 in a hanging state is formed of a chemical resistant material such as PP resin, it is excellent in strength without cracks and can sufficiently cope with long-term use. .

In the above configuration, only the grip portion 49 constituting the handle 15b is formed of a chemical resistant material. However, the entire handle 15b may be formed of a chemical resistant material. The lid 15 is also made of a chemical-resistant material and has a convex portion 15a.
In other words, at least the handle 15b may be made of a chemical-resistant material.

On the other hand, in the use example shown in FIG. 13, the hopper 18 is hooked and held on the balance ring 6a of the washing tub 6 also serving as the dewatering tub. . That is, the annular balance ring 6a is entirely made of resin, is fixed to the upper end of the washing tub 6 by screwing means (not shown), and has a hollow assembly structure capable of sealing liquid therein. In this embodiment, an annular rib 6b is erected near the inner periphery of the upper surface. This rib 6b
Has the function of preventing the water droplets and the like dropped on the upper surface of the balance ring 6a from flowing down into the washing tub 6 and attaching to the laundry after dehydration or after washing, and also for reinforcing the balance ring 6a itself. Is also effective, and is also useful as a component of the washing tub 6.

With this configuration, the rib 6b
The hook portion 34b is easily hooked, and the hopper portion 18 can be hooked and held in a substantially horizontal state regardless of the stop position of the washing tub 6. Therefore, even in this configuration, the hopper 18 is disposed above the inside of the washing tub 6 so that the supply of the detergent can be easily and surely performed, and the floor surface is not stained.
In addition, the rib 6b not only holds the hopper 18, but can be easily formed integrally with the balance ring 6a with a simple configuration, and is effective as a component of the washing tub 6.

In the above embodiment, the hook 34b is formed integrally with the lid 34 of the hopper 18. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the hook 34b may be formed directly on the outer peripheral wall of the hopper 18. Alternatively, the hook portion 34b may be provided on the main body 1 side, and the configuration of the hopper portion 18 hooked and held by the hook portion 34b may be adopted.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 14 to 17 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. Are omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the present embodiment, the detached hopper 18 can be held in a substantially horizontal state by using the detergent dispenser 17 or the holder 50 which is completely different from the washing machine main body 1.

First, the specific structure of the holder 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
Referring to the perspective view shown in FIG. 2, a main frame 51 which is slightly curved downward, a supplementary frame 52 whose rotation is restricted at its upper end, and a rotation around the other end of this supplementary frame 52 are shown. The upper support piece 53 whose movement is restricted and the main frame 5
1 is provided with a lower support piece 54 whose rotation is restricted at the lower end. However, the above-mentioned auxiliary frame 52 and the upper,
Regarding the configuration in which the rotation of the lower support pieces 53 and 54 is restricted, first, the auxiliary frame 52 is rotatably supported so as to be sandwiched between the forked upper ends of the main frame 51. Rotation in the same direction (right direction in the figure) is prevented (restricted) by a stopper 55 provided near the pivot, so that the positioning is made substantially horizontal at the fully open position in the right direction. The tip (the right end in the figure) is bent at a right angle to form a slightly wider support surface 52a.

Similarly, the upper support piece 53 is rotatably supported so as to be sandwiched by the other end of the bifurcated shape of the auxiliary frame 52. The stopper 5 provided near the support is provided.
6, the rotation in the same direction (right direction in the figure) is prevented (restricted), and positioning is performed. In this case, when the auxiliary frame 52 and the auxiliary frame 52 are at the rotation restriction positions,
Assembled and configured to make a substantially right angle. The lower support piece 54 is also rotatably supported so as to be sandwiched by the lower end of the main frame 51, and is moved in the same direction (rightward in the drawing) by a stopper 57 provided near this support. Is prevented (restricted), whereby positioning is performed. In this case, the position is restricted to a substantially vertical standing state.

Accordingly, with respect to the main frame 51, the auxiliary frame 52 and the upper and lower support pieces 53, 54 are regulated to predetermined positions in the rightward rotation direction by the stoppers 55, 56, 57. However, there is no particular restriction on the rotation in the opposite (left) direction, and compaction (thinning) is possible when the holder 50 is rotated as much as possible to bring the so-called holder 50 into the folded state. It is configured to be good.

On the back side of the main frame 51, two projecting pieces 58, which are slightly arcuate in a direction away from each other,
The upper support pieces 53 are provided with anti-slip members 60 made of rubber or the like adhered to the inner surfaces of the lower ends of the upper support pieces 53. On the other hand, the top cover 3 on the body 1 side
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 16, the laundry entrance 3b is provided with a liquid inlet 3c such as a liquid detergent or a bleach at the opening side edge of the laundry entrance 3b. An arcuate concave portion 3d is formed at an arbitrary position,
The depth is substantially equal to the width of the holder 50.
In FIG. 16, an annular cover member 61 is attached to the upper end of the water receiving tank 4, and a guide portion 61 a is formed to face the lower part of the liquid agent inlet 3 c.
It is configured to be reliably inserted between six.

In order to hold the detached hopper section 18 in a substantially horizontal state by using the holder 50 having the above-described structure, as shown in a perspective view of the entire washing machine shown in FIG. The holder 50 is hooked and held on the top cover 3 of the main body 1. That is, in the upper part of the holder 50,
With the auxiliary frame 52 and the upper support piece 53 rotated to the right rotation restriction position shown in FIG. 14, this is hooked on the side edge of the top cover 3. In the case of this configuration, a liquid agent inlet 3c such as a liquid detergent or a softening agent is provided at the same edge, and the liquid agent inlet 3c is sandwiched between the liquid agent inlet 3c and the laundry entrance 3b. Pieces 5
8, 59 are fitted.

As a result, the upper support piece 53, the supplementary frame 52 and the main frame 51 constituting the holder 50 are formed.
Are arranged along the top surface shape of the top cover 3,
Since these members are restricted from rotating, the hooks are maintained in the hooked state, so that the holder 50 is held in the main body 1. In particular, in this configuration, as described above, the liquid material inlet 3
c and the laundry entrance 3b are attached and held, so that they do not easily move or fall off. In this state, the lower support piece 57 at the lower end is set in the upright state at the position where the rotation is restricted, so that the lower support piece 5
A tapered recess surrounded by 7 and the main frame 51 is formed. The shape of the main frame 51 and the lower support piece 57 and the assembling configuration are set so that the tapered concave portion follows the tapered container of the hopper 18 removed from the detergent dispenser 17.

Although the hopper 18 is housed in the above-described recess of the holder 50, the hopper 18 is held substantially horizontally, but the supporting surface 52 a of the auxiliary frame 52 protrudes from the side of the hopper 18. Therefore, since the hopper 18 is supported so as not to be largely tilted, it works more effectively in maintaining such a horizontal state. Further, the holding member 50 hooked and held on the main body 1 by the non-slip member 60 is prevented from easily sliding, and can be fixed at the desired position. Thereafter, in such a horizontal state, the lid 34 of the hopper 18 is opened, and a necessary amount of detergent is supplied. Then, the hopper 18 after the replenishment of the detergent is incorporated into the original position of the rear cover 3a as a detergent dispenser 71, while the holding tool 50 is detached from the top cover 3 and is moved to the non-regulating side via each shaft support. By rotating, it is folded into a flat state and compacted, and is stored in the recess 3d of the top cover 3 as shown in FIG.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects. Since the holder 50 is configured as a separate body, the replenishing operation of the detergent can be easily performed as in the above-described embodiments, and the main body 1 can be used when the holder 50 is employed.
Since the side and the hopper section 18 do not need to have a special configuration, they can be used in other different washing machines and are effective in that they can be shared.

Further, in the present configuration, the holder 50 can be more securely fixed to the main body by using the liquid agent inlet 3c such as a bleaching agent which has been provided before, and the hopper 18 is also more securely fixed. This is effective in that it can be kept horizontal. When the holder 50 is not used, the holder 50 is not used.
Can be folded and accommodated in the recess 3d, so that the storage place is not troubled or obstructed. In addition, since it can be made compact by folding, the recess 3d for accommodating it can be small, which is advantageous in terms of space.

However, the mounting means using the liquid material inlet 3c may be appropriately adopted, and therefore the protruding pieces 58 and 59 provided on the holder 50 can be omitted. The mounting locations and common use of the 50 are further expanded, and the versatility is enhanced. In addition, the recess 3d for accommodating the holder 50 can be formed not only in the above-described embodiment but also in other portions, and may be appropriately adopted as necessary. 5
The same goes for 6,57. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited only to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings.
For example, the detergent dispenser may be configured so that at least the hopper portion for containing the detergent can be detachably detached, and the specific configuration can be variously changed without departing from the gist of the invention. It is.

[0072]

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the above description,
In a washing machine having a lid provided on the upper surface of a main body so as to be able to open and close a laundry entrance and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion thereof and having at least a hopper portion detachable, the lid is preferably the main body. The lid is closed in a forwardly inclined state with respect to the upper surface, and a convex pattern is formed on the upper surface, so that the hopper removed on the upper surface of the lid when the lid is closed can be placed in a substantially horizontal state. An installation part is provided on both sides of the hopper so that a recess is formed on the lower surface of the hopper so as to be in contact with the projection of the lid. With such a configuration, even when the lid is closed in a forward inclined state and the upper surface is provided with a convex pattern, the concave portion on the lower surface of the removed hopper portion of the removed detergent dispenser has the convex portion of the lid. And the hopper can be placed on the lid in a substantially horizontal state by three-point support with the installation portions on both sides thereof. Therefore, while maintaining the design values of the lid, the hopper can be placed close to the lid to easily supply the detergent, and the detergent can be spilled or the floor surface can be stained. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view for illustrating an operation of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 for explaining operation;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the entire washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 in a different state;

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in a different state;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a main part in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part with a rear cover removed.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a hopper section.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lid portion showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the operation.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a cross section of a main part.

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 11 in a different use state;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a holder showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the washing machine viewed from above for explaining the operation;

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a cross section of a main part.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged plan view showing a main part.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a main body, 3 is a top cover, 3a is a rear cover, 3b
Is a laundry doorway, 3c is a liquid material inlet, 3d is a concave portion, 6
Is a washing tub, 6a is a balance ring, 6b is a rib, 11c
Is a water level sensor (water level setting means), 15 is a lid, 15a is a convex portion, 15b is a handhold, 17 is a detergent dispenser, 18 is a hopper, 19 and 20 are claws, 21 is a mounting opening, 22 , 2
3 is a claw engaging portion, 25 is a detergent delivery body, 27 is a plug, 28 is an opening / closing drive device, 31 is a driven gear, 32 is a drive gear, 34
Is a lid, 34b is a hook portion, 35 and 36 are installation portions, 37 is a concave portion, 39 is a water supply valve device (water supply means), 48 is a flat portion,
Reference numeral 9 denotes a grip, and reference numeral 50 denotes a holder.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Morimasa Komatsu 991 Anada-cho, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture Inside the Toshiba Aichi Plant (72) Inventor Koichi Hosomi 991, Anata-cho, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture Higashishiba Aichi Plant (72) Koji Kuno, Inventor 991, Anata-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi F-term (reference) 3A155 AA21 BB02 BB20 DA02 DA05 GB01 GB09 MA01 MA02

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A device comprising: a lid provided on an upper surface of a main body so as to be capable of opening and closing a laundry door; and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion thereof, wherein at least a hopper is detachable. The lid is closed in a forward inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the main body, a convex pattern is formed on the upper surface, and the hopper portion removed on the upper surface of the lid when the lid is closed is placed in a substantially horizontal state. A washing machine characterized in that installation parts protruding on both sides of the hopper are formed on a lower surface of the hopper so as to form a recess in contact with the projection of the lid. 2. An apparatus comprising: a lid provided on an upper surface of a main body so as to open and close a laundry entrance; and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion of the main body and having at least a hopper portion detachable. The lid is closed in a forwardly inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the main body, and a flat portion that forms a substantially horizontal state is formed on the upper surface, and the hopper portion removed from the flat portion of the lid at the time of closing the lid. A washing machine characterized in that a horizontal installation portion protrudes from a lower surface of the hopper portion so as to be mountable. 3. A cleaner dispenser provided at a rear portion of an upper surface of a main body and capable of detachably attaching at least a hopper portion, wherein a hook-shaped hook portion is integrally formed on one of the main body and the hopper portion. A washing machine, wherein the hopper portion provided and removed via the hook portion is hooked and held in a substantially horizontal state between the hopper portion and the main body. 4. An apparatus comprising: a lid provided on an upper surface of a main body so as to be capable of opening and closing a laundry door; and a detergent dispenser provided at a rear portion thereof, wherein at least a hopper is detachable. A washing machine characterized in that the opening-shaped handle portion of the washing machine is formed of a chemical-resistant material, and the hopper portion removed from the handle portion is hooked and held in a substantially horizontal state. . 5. A device provided with a detergent dispenser which is provided at a rear portion of an upper surface of a main body and makes at least a hopper portion detachable, further comprising a separate holder capable of holding the removed hopper portion, A washing machine characterized in that the hopper is held substantially horizontally with respect to the main body via the holding tool.