U.S. patent application number 10/567961 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for assembly structure of a washing machine's console and assembly method.
Invention is credited to Dong Yoon Kim, Sang Gyu Lim, Hyung Ju Song.
Application Number | 20060290247 10/567961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36746288 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060290247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lim; Sang Gyu ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
Assembly structure of a washing machine's console and assembly
method
Abstract
There is provided an installation structure and method for a
washing machine console. In the installation structure, a top cover
is formed at an upper side of the washing machine, a console to be
installed to the top cover is provided, a first coupling structure
and a second coupling structure are formed at the console, and a
third coupling structure and a fourth coupling structure are formed
at the top cover and they respectively correspond to the first and
the second coupling structures for installing the console to the
top cover.
Inventors: |
Lim; Sang Gyu; (Daegu-si,
KR) ; Song; Hyung Ju; (Daegu-si, KR) ; Kim;
Dong Yoon; (Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
36746288 |
Appl. No.: |
10/567961 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 30, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/01596 |
371 Date: |
February 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/278 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0039486 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0039485 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0039483 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0039484 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0039487 |
Claims
1. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover formed on an upper side of the washing
machine; a console to be installed on the top cover; a first
coupling structure and a second coupling structure that are formed
at the console; and a third coupling structure and a fourth
coupling structure that are formed at the top cover and
respectively correspond to the first and the second coupling
structures for installation of the console on the top cover.
2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the top cover
includes a rear panel at a rear side, the first coupling structure
is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console, the second
coupling structure is a rear protrusion formed on a rear of the
console, the third coupling structure is a front protrusion
coupling portion formed on a top of the top cover for coupling with
the front protrusion, and the fourth coupling structure is a rear
protrusion receiving slot defined in the rear panel for coupling
with the rear protrusion.
3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the top cover
includes a rear panel at a rear side, the first coupling structure
is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console, the second
coupling structure is a bottom protrusion formed on a bottom of the
console, the third coupling structure is a front protrusion
coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion, the fourth
coupling structure is a bottom protrusion coupling portion for
coupling with the bottom protrusion, and the console is slid on the
top cover to an installation position.
4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a fastener fixing portion for
fixing a fastener, the third coupling structure is a front
protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion,
the fourth coupling structure is a fastener insertion hole
corresponding to the fastener fixing portion, and the console is
slid on the top cover to an installation position.
5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a bottom protrusion formed on a
bottom of the console, the third coupling structure is a front
protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion,
and the fourth coupling structure is a bottom protrusion coupling
portion projected a predetermined length and defining an insertion
slot.
6. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a bottom hook formed on a bottom
of the console, the third coupling structure is a front protrusion
coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion, and the
fourth coupling structure is a bottom hook coupling portion
projected a predetermined length and defining an insertion
slot.
7. The structure according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one fastener for fixing the console to the top cover.
8. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the front protrusion
has a hook shape.
9. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover including at least one front protrusion
coupling portion; a rear panel formed on a rear side of the top
cover and including at least one rear protrusion receiving slot;
and a console including at least one front protrusion for coupling
with the at least one front protrusion coupling portion and at
least one rear protrusion for coupling with the at least one rear
protrusion receiving slot.
10. The structure according to claim 9, wherein the rear protrusion
is chamfered or rounded.
11. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover including at least one font protrusion
coupling portion and at least one bottom protrusion coupling
portion; and a console including at least one front protrusion for
coupling with the at least one front protrusion coupling portion
and at least one bottom protrusion for coupling with the at least
one bottom protrusion coupling portion, the console being installed
on the top cover after sliding on the top cover.
12. The structure according to claim 11, wherein the front
protrusion includes a vertical portion projected from a front
bottom of the console with a predetermined length and a horizontal
portion bent from the vertical portion at a predetermined
angle.
13. The structure according to claim 12, wherein the front
protrusion coupling portion includes an insertion hole for
receiving the front protrusion and a fixing slot extended from a
side of the insertion hole.
14. The structure according to claim 13, wherein the fixing slot
has a width equal to or slightly larger than that of the vertical
portion of the front protrusion.
15. The structure according to claim 13, wherein the insertion hole
has a width and a length that are equal to or larger than those of
the horizontal portion of the front protrusion.
16. The structure according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal
portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the front bottom of
the console, and the predetermined distance is equal to or slightly
larger than a thickness of the front protrusion coupling
portion.
17. The structure according to claim 11, wherein the bottom
protrusion includes a body protruded from a bottom of the console
with a predetermined length and a head protruded from a bottom end
of the body.
18. The structure according to claim 11, wherein both or either of
the bottom protrusion and the bottom protrusion coupling portion
has a circular cross section.
19. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover including at least one font protrusion
coupling portion and at least one fastener insertion hole; and a
console including at least one front protrusion for coupling with
the at least one front protrusion coupling portion and at least one
fastener fixing poriton for fixing a fastener passed through the
fastener insertion hole, the console being installed on the top
cover after sliding on the top cover.
20. The structure according to claim 19, wherein the top cover
further includes a rear panel on a rear side formed with the
fastener fixing portion.
21. The structure according to claim 19, wherein the front
protrusion includes a vertical portion projected from a front
bottom of the console with a predetermined length and a horizontal
portion bent from the vertical portion at a predetermined
angle.
22. The structure according to claim 21, wherein the horizontal
portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the front bottom of
the console, and the predetermined distance is equal to or slightly
larger than a thickness of the front protrusion coupling
portion.
23. The structure according to claim 21, wherein the front
protrusion coupling portion includes an insertion hole for
receiving the front protrusion and a fixing slot extended from a
side of the insertion hole.
24. The structure according to claim 23, wherein the fixing slot
has a width equal to or slightly larger than that of the vertical
portion of the front protrusion.
25. The structure according to claim 23, wherein the insertion hole
has a width and a length that are equal to or larger than those of
the horizontal portion of the front protrusion.
26. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover including at least one font protrusion
coupling portion and at least one bottom protrusion coupling
portion, the bottom protrusion coupling portion projected a
predetermined length and defining an insertion slot; and a console
including a front protrusion for coupling with the front protrusion
coupling portion and a bottom protrusion for coupling with the
bottom protrusion coupling portion.
27. The structure according to claim 26, wherein the bottom
protrusion is n-shaped.
28. The structure according to claim 26, wherein the bottom
protrusion coupling portion includes a first bent portion bent from
the top cover at a predetermined angle, a third bent portion bent
from the top cover at a predetermined angle, a second bent portion
bent from the first bent portion at a predetermined angle, and a
fourth bent portion bent from the third bent portion at a
predetermined angle.
29. The structure according to claim 26, wherein the bottom
protrusion coupling portion and the bottom protrusion have
elongated shapes in a front and rear direction.
30. The structure according to claim 26, wherein the bottom
protrusion coupling portion is chamfered or rounded.
31. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover including at least one font protrusion
coupling portion and at least one bottom hook coupling portion, the
bottom hook coupling portion projected a predetermined length and
defining an insertion slot; and a console including a front
protrusion for coupling with the front protrusion coupling portion
and a bottom hook for coupling with the bottom hook coupling
portion.
32. The structure according to claim 31, wherein the bottom hook
includes a hooking portion having a smooth shape.
33. The structure according to claim 31, wherein the bottom hook is
n-shaped.
34. The structure according to claim 31, wherein the bottom hook
coupling portion is chamfered or rounded.
35. A structure for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: a top cover; at least one front protrusion coupling
portion formed on the top cover; at least one bottom hook coupling
portion projected form the top cover with a predetermined length
and defining an insertion slot; a console; at least one front
protrusion formed at a front of the console for coupling with the
front protrusion coupling portion; and at least one bottom hook
formed at a bottom of the console for coupling with the bottom hook
coupling portion, the bottom hook including an insertion end, an
elastic extension facing the insertion end, and a pointed end
connecting the insertion end and the elastic extension.
36. The structure according to claim 35, wherein the pointed end
has a sharp shape or tapered shape.
37. The structure according to claim 35, wherein the insertion slot
has a smaller width than a distance between the insertion end and
the elastic extension.
38. The structure according to claim 35, wherein both or either of
the insertion end and the elastic end is elastic.
39. A method for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: preparing a top cover on a top of the washing machine,
a console to be installed to the top cover, first and second
coupling structures at the console, and third and fourth coupling
structures at the top cover in association with the first and the
second coupling structures; coupling the first coupling structure
to the third coupling structure; and coupling the second coupling
structure to the fourth coupling structure in association with the
coupling between the first coupling structure and the third
coupling structure.
40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the preparing
includes forming a rear panel at a rear side of the top cover, the
first coupling structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of
the console, the second coupling structure is a rear protrusion
formed on a rear of the console, the third coupling structure is a
front protrusion coupling portion formed on a top of the top cover
for coupling with the front protrusion, and the fourth coupling
structure is a rear protrusion receiving slot defined in the rear
panel for coupling with the rear protrusion, and wherein the
coupling of the second coupling structure includes: seating the
console on the top cover by rotating the console about the front
protrusion; and inserting the rear protrusion into the rear
protrusion receiving slot.
41. The method according to claim 39, wherein the preparing
includes forming a rear panel at a rear side of the top cover, the
first coupling structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of
the console, the second coupling structure is a bottom protrusion
formed on a bottom of the console, the third coupling structure is
a front protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the front
protrusion, and the fourth coupling structure is a bottom
protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the bottom
protrusion, and wherein the coupling of the first coupling
structure includes seating the console on the top cover, and
wherein the coupling of the second coupling structure includes
sliding the console on the top cover and coupling the console to
the top cover.
42. The method according to claim 39, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a fastener fixing portion for
fixing a fastener, the third coupling structure is a front
protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion,
and the fourth coupling structure is a fastener insertion hole
corresponding to the fastener fixing portion, and wherein the
coupling of the first coupling structure includes seating the
console on the top cover, and wherein the coupling of the second
coupling structure includes sliding the console on the top cover,
coupling the console to the top cover, and fixing the console to
the top cover using at least one fastener.
43. The method according to claim 39, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a bottom protrusion formed on a
bottom of the console, the third coupling structure is a front
protrusion coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion,
and the fourth coupling structure is a bottom protrusion coupling
portion projected a predetermined length and defining an insertion
slot, and wherein the coupling of the second coupling structure
includes: rotating the console a predetermined angle about the
front protrusion; seating the console on the top cover; and
inserting the bottom protrusion into the bottom protrusion coupling
portion.
44. The method according to claim 39, wherein the first coupling
structure is a front protrusion formed on a front of the console,
the second coupling structure is a bottom hook formed on a bottom
of the console, the third coupling structure is a front protrusion
coupling portion for coupling with the front protrusion, and the
fourth coupling structure is a bottom hook coupling portion
projected a predetermined length and defining an insertion slot,
and wherein the coupling of the second coupling structure includes:
rotating the console a predetermined angle about the front
protrusion; seating the console on the top cover; and inserting the
bottom hook into the bottom hook coupling portion.
45. The method according to claim 39, further comprising using at
least one fastener to fix the console.
46. A method for installing a console to a washing machine, the
washing machine being provided with a top cover including at least
one font protrusion coupling portion and a rear panel formed on a
rear side of the top cover, the rear panel having at least one rear
protrusion receiving slot, the console including at least one front
protrusion for coupling with the at least one front protrusion
coupling portion and at least one rear protrusion for coupling with
the at least one rear protrusion receiving slot, the method
comprising: coupling the front protrusion to the front protrusion
coupling portion; seating the console on the top cover by rotating
the console a predetermined angle about the front protrusion; and
inserting the rear protrusion into the rear protrusion receiving
slot.
47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the rear protrusion
comes into contact with the rear protrusion receiving slot at a top
and/or a bottom after the rear protrusion is inserted into the rear
protrusion receiving slot.
48. A method for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: preparing a top cover and a console, the top cover
including at least one front protrusion coupling portion and at
least one bottom protrusion coupling portion, the console including
at least one front protrusion for coupling with the at least one
front protrusion coupling portion and at least one bottom
protrusion for coupling with the at least one bottom protrusion
coupling portion; seating the console on the top cover; sliding the
console on the top cover by applying force to the console; and
coupling the console to the top cover.
49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the front protrusion
includes a vertical portion projected from a front bottom of the
console with a predetermined length and a horizontal portion bent
from the vertical portion at a predetermined angle, and the front
protrusion coupling portion includes an insertion hole for
receiving the front protrusion and a fixing slot extended from a
side of the insertion hole.
50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the seating of the
console includes: inserting the horizontal portion into the
insertion hole; and contacting a bottom of the bottom protrusion to
a top of the top cover.
51. The method according to claim 49, wherein the sliding of the
console includes: moving the front protrusion to the fixing slot;
and sliding the bottom protrusion on the top cover.
52. The method according to claim 48, wherein the coupling of the
console includes: loosely inserting the bottom protrusion into the
bottom protrusion coupling portion; and tightly inserting the
bottom protrusion into the bottom protrusion coupling portion to
make tight contact between an outer surface of the bottom
protrusion and an inner surface of the bottom protrusion coupling
portion.
53. A method for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: preparing a top cover and a console, the top cover
including at least one font protrusion coupling portion and at
least one fastener insertion hole, the console including at least
one front protrusion for coupling with the at least one front
protrusion coupling portion and at least one fastener fixing
portion for fixing a fastener passed through the fastener insertion
hole; seating the console on the top cover; sliding the console on
the top cover by applying force to the console; coupling the
console to the top cover; and coupling at least one fastener to the
console.
54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the front protrusion
includes a vertical portion projected from a front bottom of the
console with a predetermined length and a horizontal portion bent
from the vertical portion at a predetermined angle, and the front
protrusion coupling portion includes an insertion hole for
receiving the front protrusion and a fixing slot extended from a
side of the insertion hole.
55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the sliding of the
console includes moving the front protrusion to the fixing
slot.
56. The method according to claim 54, wherein the coupling of the
console includes contacting the vertical portion and the horizontal
portion to corresponding surfaces of the fixing slot.
57. A method for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: preparing a top cover and a console, the top cover
including at least one font protrusion coupling portion and at
least one bottom protrusion coupling portion, the bottom protrusion
coupling portion projected a predetermined length and defining an
insertion slot, the console including a front protrusion for
coupling with the front protrusion coupling portion and a bottom
protrusion for coupling with the bottom protrusion coupling
portion; coupling the front protrusion to the front protrusion
coupling portion; rotating the console a predetermined angle about
the front protrusion; seating the console on the top cover; and
inserting the bottom protrusion into the bottom protrusion coupling
portion.
58. A method for installing a console to a washing machine,
comprising: preparing a top cover and a console, the top cover
including at least one font protrusion coupling portion and at
least one bottom hook coupling portion, the bottom hook coupling
portion projected a predetermined length and defining an insertion
slot, the console including a front protrusion for coupling with
the front protrusion coupling portion and a bottom hook for
coupling with the bottom hook coupling portion; coupling the front
protrusion to the front protrusion coupling portion; rotating the
console a predetermined angle about the front protrusion; seating
the console on the top cover; and inserting the bottom hook into
the bottom hook coupling portion.
59. The method according to claim 58, wherein the inserting of the
bottom hook includes: moving an insertion end and an elastic
extension of the bottom hook toward the insertion slot; narrowing a
distance between the insertion end and the elastic extension;
inserting the insertion end and the elastic extension into the
insertion slot; and fully inserting the insertion end and the
elastic extension into the insertion slot to widen the distance
between the insertion end and the elastic extension more than a
width of the insertion slot.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more
particularly, to an installation structure and method for a washing
machine console.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A washing machine is a home appliance for washing clothes
automatically. A typical washing machine uses an electric motor as
a driving unit to agitate clothes together with water containing
detergent to remove dirt from the clothes. The washing process of
the washing machine generally includes washing, rinsing, and drying
operations.
[0003] Washing machines can be classified into a drum type washing
machine, an agitator type washing machine, and a pulsator type
washing machine.
[0004] The drum type washing machine includes projected lifters
inside of a drum to lift up and drop down clothes in the drum as
the drum is rotated about a horizontal axis at a low speed.
Therefore, the clothes can be cleaned by the collision with water
containing detergent.
[0005] The agitator type washing machine includes a propeller-like
agitator projected from a bottom center of a tub. The agitator is
rotated back and forth to wash clothes.
[0006] The pulsator type washing machine includes a disk-shaped
pulsator to generate water flow to wash clothes.
[0007] Since washing machines of the related art are disclosed in
Korea Patent Application No. 10-2002-0013602 and so on. Detail
descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0008] A washing machine of the related art includes a top cover
and a console with a control panel on a top rear portion of the top
cover. The console may be formed integral with the top cover.
Alternatively, the console may be separately made and then mounted
on the top cover using fasteners such as screws.
[0009] However, when the console is formed integral with the top
cover, it is difficult to install inner parts of the console.
[0010] Further, when the console is formed separate from the top
cover, another assembly process and additional parts such as screws
are required, thereby complicating the assembly process and
increasing the manufacturing cost.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
installation structure and method for a washing machine console
that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to
limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure
and method for easily installing a console on a top cover of a
washing machine.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0013] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described, there is provided a structure for installing a console
to a washing machine, the structure including: a top cover formed
on an upper side of the washing machine; a console to be installed
on the top cover; a first coupling structure and a second coupling
structure that are formed at the console; and a third coupling
structure and a fourth coupling structure that are formed at the
top cover and respectively correspond to the first and the second
coupling structures for installation of the console on the top
cover.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for installing a console to a washing machine,
the method including: preparing a top cover on a top of the washing
machine, a console to be installed to the top cover, first and
second coupling structures at the console, and third and fourth
coupling structures at the top cover in association with the first
and the second coupling structures; coupling the first coupling
structure to the third coupling structure; and coupling the second
coupling structure to the fourth coupling structure in association
with the coupling between the first coupling structure and the
third coupling structure.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0015] According to the present invention, the console can be
easily installed on the top cover of the washing machine owing to
the installation structures such as a protrusion and a hook.
[0016] Also, the present invention does not require a lot of parts
or complicated structure for installing the console on the top
cover of the washing machine, thereby decreasing the manufacturing
cost and simplifying the manufacturing process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine with a
console according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the area encircled by
line "A" in FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an assembled sectional view of the area encircled
by line "B" in FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an assembled sectional view of the area encircled
by line "C" in FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a bottom hook of a console
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "D" in FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "E" in FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "F" in FIG. 12.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to accompanying
drawings.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine with a
console according to the present invention.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine 1 includes a case 2,
a rear cover 3 on a back of the case 2, an outer tub 5 disposed in
the case 2 to hold water.
[0033] Further, the washing machine 1 includes an inner tub 4 and
at least one water hole 6 defined in the inner tub 4. The inner tub
4 is disposed in the outer tub 5 to hold clothes, and the water
hole 6 is defined to pass water therethrough.
[0034] Further, the washing machine 1 includes a top cover 7 formed
on a top of the case 2 and a drain hose 10 formed at a lower
portion of the case 2 to drain water.
[0035] Further, the washing machine 1 includes a driving motor (not
shown) installed in a lower portion of the case 2 to drive the
inner tub 4.
[0036] The top cover 7 includes a top opening 11 to load and unload
clothes and a lid 12 fixed on a top to open and close the top
opening 11.
[0037] The top cover 7 further includes a control panel 8 with a
plurality of buttons on a top surface, a console 13 to receive the
control panel 8, and an inlet hose 9 (two are shown) to receive
water from an outer water source.
[0038] The top cover 7 may further include a shock absorbing member
such as a rubber packing on a top surface to reduce damage to the
lid 12 when the lid 12 is closed.
[0039] For the same reason, the lid 12 may also include a shock
absorbing member such as a rubber packing on a bottom surface.
[0040] Each rubber packing may have a circular shape to effectively
absorb shock when the lid 12 is closed.
[0041] An operation of the washing machine 1 will now be
described.
[0042] First, a user opens the lid 12, puts clothes into the inner
tub 4 through the top opening 11, and drops detergent onto the
clothes.
[0043] Next, the user turns on the washing machine 1 by
manipulating the control panel 8 to supply water to the outer tub 5
through the inlet hose 9. The water supplied to the outer tub 5
flows into the inner tub 4 through the water hole 6.
[0044] Then, the driving motor is operated to rotate the inner tub
4 back and forth to wash the clothes. After the washing operation,
the contaminated water is drained through the drain hose 10.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a first embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the area
encircled by line "A" in FIG. 2.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the console 13 includes at least
one front protrusion 18 on a bottom front surface and at least one
rear protrusion 16 on a rear surface.
[0047] For coupling with the console 13, the top cover 7 includes a
rear panel 15. The rear panel 15 couples to the back of the console
13 and defines at least one rear protrusion receiving slot 17 to
receive the at least one rear protrusion 16 of the console 13.
[0048] Further, the top cover 7 includes a top panel 20 at a top.
The top panel 20 defines at least one front protrusion coupling
portion 19 to receive the front protrusion 18 of the console
13.
[0049] The rear protrusion 16 includes a top 21, a side 23, and a
bottom 24. Also, the rear protrusion 16 includes corners 22 between
the top 21 and the side 23 and between the side 23 and the bottom
24.
[0050] When the consol 13 is coupled to the top cover 7, the front
protrusion 18 is coupled to the top cover 7 and then the rear
protrusion 16 is coupled to the top cover 7 while rotating the
console 7 about the front protrusion 18. The front protrusion 18
may have a hook-like shape.
[0051] The rear protrusion receiving slot 17 may have the same or
larger width than the rear protrusion 16 to smoothly receive
it.
[0052] Also, the protrusion receiving slot 17 may be properly
located to easily receive the rear protrusion 16.
[0053] The front protrusion coupling portion 19 is properly located
to easily receive the front protrusion 18.
[0054] The rear protrusion receiving slot 17 may be defined in or
through the rear panel 15 of the top cover 7. The front protrusion
coupling portion 19 may be a hole or a groove.
[0055] The top 21 and/or bottom 24 of the rear protrusion 16 may be
substantially perpendicular to the rear surface of the console 13
to prevent the console 13 from shaking in up and down directions
after the console 13 is fixed to the top cover 7.
[0056] The corners 22 of the rear protrusion 16 may be chamfered or
rounded for easy insertion of the rear protrusion 16 into the rear
protrusion receiving slot 17.
[0057] An installation operation of the console will now be
described according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] First, the front protrusion 18 is coupled to the front
protrusion coupling portion 19.
[0059] Next, the console 13 is rotated about the front protrusion
18 to seat it on the top panel 20 and rear panel 15.
[0060] When the back surface of the console 13 comes into contact
with the rear panel 15, the rear protrusion 16 is inserted into the
rear protrusion receiving slot 17. Therefore, the console 13 can be
securely fixed to the top cover 7.
[0061] Here, the front protrusion 18 prevents the installed console
13 from shaking in front and back directions.
[0062] Also, the top 21 and/or bottom 24 of the rear protrusion 16
are respectively brought into contact with top and lower ends of
the rear protrusion receiving slot 17 when the console 13 is
installed on the top cover 7, such that the installed console 13
can be prevented from shaking in up and down directions.
[0063] Further, the rear protrusion 16, inserted into the rear
protrusion receiving slot 17, prevents the installed console 13
from shaking in right and left directions.
[0064] That is, since the front protrusion 18 and rear protrusion
16 are respectively inserted into the front protrusion coupling
portion 19 and rear protrusion receiving slot 17, the console 13
can be prevented from shaking after it is fixed to the top cover
7.
[0065] After fixing the console 13 to the top cover 7, at least one
fastener such as a screw can be used to fix the console 13 to the
rear panel 15 more securely.
[0066] Also, the fastener, though small in number, may more
effectively prevent the installed console 13 from shaking.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0067] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will
now be described with reference to accompanying drawings.
Descriptions for the same parts as are described with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 3 will be omitted for conciseness.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a second embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 5 is an assembled sectional view of the
area encircled by line "B" in FIG. 4.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the console 13 includes an
n-shaped bottom protrusion 25 at each bottom end.
[0070] The top cover 7 includes a bottom protrusion coupling
portion 26 formed on the top panel 20 for coupling with the bottom
protrusion 25.
[0071] The bottom protrusion 25 includes a support end 27, a
connection portion 28 extended from the supporting end 27, and an
insertion end 29 bent from the connecting portion 28 at a
predetermined angle.
[0072] The bottom protrusion coupling portion 26 includes a first
bent portion 30 and a third bent portion 32 that are formed on the
top panel 20. Also, the bottom protrusion coupling portion 26
includes a second bent portion 31 bent from the first bent portion
30, a fourth bent portion 33 bent from the third bent portion 32,
and an insertion slot 34 defined between the second bent portion 31
and fourth bent portion 33.
[0073] The bottom protrusion coupling portion 26 is raised from the
top panel 20 at a predetermined height and it defines the insertion
slot 34 along a center line.
[0074] The bottom protrusion 25 and/or the bottom protrusion
coupling portion 26 may be sized according to the design
specification. Preferably, the bottom protrusion 25 and/or the
bottom protrusion coupling portion 26 may be somewhat long for an
effective coupling.
[0075] The front protrusion 18 functions as a pivoting point when
the console 13 is mounted on the top cover 7. The front protrusion
18 may have a hook-like shape.
[0076] The insertion slot 34 receives the insertion end 29. For
this, the insertion slot 34 may have the same or slightly larger
width than the insertion end 29.
[0077] Also, the insertion slot 34 is properly located for an each
coupling with the insertion end 29.
[0078] Further, the front protrusion coupling portion 19 is
properly located for an easy coupling with the front protrusion
18.
[0079] Further, the insertion slot 34 and/or the front protrusion
coupling portion 19 may be holes or grooves for an easy coupling
with the insertion end 29 and/or the front protrusion 18.
[0080] Further, the first bent portion 30 and second bent portion
31 may be chamfered or rounded to allow an easy coupling of the
bottom protrusion 25 with the bottom protrusion coupling portion
26.
[0081] Though the support end 27 comes into contact with the first
bent portion 30 when the bottom protrusion 25 is coupled to the
bottom protrusion coupling portion 26, the present invention is not
limited to this structure. In an alternative structure, for
example, the support end 27 may come into contact with the third
bent portion 32 when the bottom protrusion 25 is coupled to the
bottom protrusion coupling portion 26.
[0082] An installation of the console will now be described
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] First, the front protrusion 18 is coupled to the front
protrusion coupling portion 19 and then the console 13 is rotated
about the front protrusion 18 to seat it on the top pan el 20 and
rear panel 15.
[0084] When the bottom surface of the console 13 comes into contact
with the top panel 20, the bottom protrusion 25 is inserted into
the insertion slot 34 of the bottom protrusion coupling portion 26.
Therefore, the console 13 can be securely fixed to the top cover
7.
[0085] After the bottom protrusion 25 is inserted into the bottom
protrusion coupling portion 26, the console 13 can be prevented
from shaking in all directions.
[0086] That is, the front protrusion 18 and the bottom protrusion
25 are respectively coupled to the front protrusion coupling
portion 19 and the bottom protrusion coupling portion 26, such that
the console 13 can be securely fixed to the top cover 7 without
shaking.
[0087] After fixing the console 13 to the top cover 7, at least one
fastener such as a screw can be used to fix the console 13 to the
rear panel 15 more securely.
[0088] Also, the fastener, though small in number, may more
effectively prevent the installed console 13 from shaking.
[0089] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a third embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 7 is an assembled sectional view of the
area encircled by line "C" in FIG. 6.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the console 13 includes an
n-shaped bottom hook 35.
[0091] The top cover 7 includes a bottom hook coupling portion 36
on the top panel 20 for coupling with the bottom hook 35 of the
console 13.
[0092] The bottom hook 35 includes a support end 37, a connection
portion 38 extended from the supporting end 37, an insertion end 39
bent from the connecting portion 38 at a predetermined angle, and a
hooking portion 45 at an end of the insertion end 39.
[0093] The bottom hook coupling portion 36 includes a first bent
portion 40 and a third bent portion 42 that are formed on the top
panel 20. Also, the bottom hook coupling portion 36 includes a
second bent portion 41 bent from the first bent portion 40, a
fourth bent portion 43 bent from the third bent portion 42, and an
insertion slot 44 defined between the second bent portion 41 and
fourth bent portion 43.
[0094] The bottom hook coupling portion 36 is raised from the top
panel 20 at a predetermined height and it defines the insertion
slot 34 along a center line.
[0095] The bottom hook 35 and/or the bottom hook coupling portion
36 may be sized according to the design specification. Preferably,
the bottom hook 35 and/or the bottom hook coupling portion 36 may
be somewhat long for an effective coupling.
[0096] The front protrusion 18 functions as a pivoting point when
the console 13 is mounted on the top cover 7. The front protrusion
18 may have a hook-like shape.
[0097] The insertion slot 44 receives the insertion end 39. For
this, the insertion slot 44 may have the same or slightly larger
width than the insertion end 39.
[0098] Also, the insertion slot 44 is properly located for an each
coupling with the insertion end 39.
[0099] Further, the front protrusion coupling portion 19 is
properly located for an easy coupling with the front protrusion
18.
[0100] Further, the insertion slot 44 and/or the front protrusion
coupling portion 19 may be holes or grooves for an easy coupling
with the insertion end 39 and/or the front protrusion 18.
[0101] Further, the first bent portion 40 and second bent portion
41 may be chamfered or rounded to allow an easy coupling of the
bottom hook 35 with the bottom hook coupling portion 36.
[0102] Further, hooking portion 45 of the bottom hook 35 may be
smoothly formed to prevent breakage when it is inserted into the
insertion slot 44.
[0103] Though the support end 37 comes into contact with the first
bent portion 30 when the bottom hook 35 is coupled to the bottom
hook coupling portion 36, the present invention is not limited to
this structure. In an alternative structure, for example, the
support end 37 may come into contact with the third bent portion 42
when the bottom hook 35 is coupled to the bottom hook coupling
portion 36.
[0104] An installation of the console will now be described
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0105] First, the front protrusion 18 is coupled to the front
protrusion coupling portion 19 and then the console 13 is rotated
about the front protrusion 18 to seat it on the top panel 20 and
rear panel 15.
[0106] When the bottom surface of the console 13 comes into contact
with the top panel 20, the insertion end 39 is inserted into the
insertion slot 44.
[0107] Once the insertion end 39 is inserted into the insertion
slot 44, the insertion end 39 is prevented from moving out of the
insertion slot 44 by the hooking structure of the hooking portion
45 and the fourth bent portion 43. Therefore, the console 13 can be
securely fixed to the top cover 7.
[0108] Also, by coupling the bottom hook 35 to the bottom hook
coupling portion 36, the console 13 can be prevented from shaking
in all directions.
[0109] That is, the front protrusion 18 and the bottom hook 35 are
respectively coupled to the front protrusion coupling portion 19
and the bottom hook coupling portion 36, such that the console 13
can be securely fixed to the top cover 7 without shaking.
[0110] After fixing the console 13 to the top cover 7, at least one
fastener such as a screw can be used to fix the console 13 to the
rear panel 15 more securely.
[0111] Also, the fastener, though small in number, may more
effectively prevent the installed console 13 from shaking.
[0112] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a bottom hook of a console
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] The same descriptions as those for the third embodiment
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be omitted for conciseness.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 8, a bottom hook 35 includes a connection
portion 38 and an insertion end 46 bent from the connection portion
38.
[0115] The bottom hook 35 further includes a pointed end 47 and an
elastic extension 48.
[0116] The pointed end 47 is formed at an end of the insertion end
46. The elastic extension 48 is extended from the pointed end 47
and it faces the insertion end 46.
[0117] The pointed end 47 is pointed or tapered such that the
bottom hook 35 can be easily inserted into the bottom hook coupling
portion 36.
[0118] To prevent the bottom hook 35 from moving out of the bottom
hook coupling portion 36 after coupling, the insertion slot 44 may
have a width smaller than the distance between the insertion end 46
and the elastic extension 48.
[0119] That is, the elastic extension 48 and insertion end 46
approach each other when the bottom hook 35 is inserted into the
insertion slot 44, and return to original position after the
insertion. Therefore, the bottom hook 35 can be prevented from
moving out of the bottom hook coupling portion 36 after it is
inserted. The elastic extension 48 and/or the insertion end 46 may
be made of elastic material.
[0120] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 9, the console 13 includes at least one
front protrusion 14 on a bottom front surface and at least one
bottom protrusion 66 on a rear bottom surface.
[0122] The top cover 7 includes at least one front protrusion
coupling portion 65 and at least one bottom protrusion coupling
portion 67 that is spaced apart from the front protrusion coupling
portion 65. The at least one front protrusion coupling portion 65
is provided for coupling with the front protrusion 14, and the at
least one bottom protrusion coupling portion 67 is defined in a top
rear portion of the top cover 7 to receive the at least one bottom
protrusion 66.
[0123] When the consol 13 is coupled to the top cover 7, the front
protrusion 14 is coupled to the top cover 7 and then the bottom
protrusion 66 is coupled to the top cover 7. The front protrusion
14 may have a hook-like shape.
[0124] The front protrusion coupling portion 65 is properly located
to easily receive the front protrusion 14.
[0125] The bottom protrusion coupling portion 67 and/or the front
protrusion coupling portion 65 may be holes or grooves for an easy
coupling with the bottom protrusion 66 and/or the front protrusion
14.
[0126] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "D" in FIG. 9.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 10, the front protrusion 14 includes a
vertical portion 68 and a horizontal portion 69. The vertical
portion 68 is protruded from a front bottom of the console 13 with
a predetermined length, and the horizontal portion 69 is bent from
the vertical portion 68 at a predetermined angle.
[0128] The front protrusion coupling portion 65 includes an
insertion hole 80 to receive the horizontal portion 69. Also, the
front protrusion coupling portion 65 includes a fixing slot 81
extended from a side of the insertion hole 80 to receive the
vertical portion 68.
[0129] That is, the front protrusion 14 is inserted into the
insertion hole 80 and then it is moved to the fixing slot 81, such
that the front protrusion 14 can be fixed to the front protrusion
coupling portion 65.
[0130] To prevent the front protrusion 14 from shaking in front and
back directions, the fixing slot 81 may have a width 75 equal to or
slightly larger than a width 71 of the vertical portion 68.
[0131] Further, to prevent the front protrusion 14 from shaking in
up and down directions, a distance 70 between the horizontal
portion 69 and the console 13 may be equal to or slightly larger
than a thickness 74 of the front protrusion coupling portion
65.
[0132] Further, to easily insert the front protrusion 14 into the
insertion hole 80, a width 76 and a length 77 of the insertion hole
80 may be equal to or slightly larger than a width 72 and a length
73 of the horizontal portion 69, respectively.
[0133] Further, for an effective coupling between the front
protrusion 14 and the front protrusion coupling portion 65 without
shaking, the horizontal portion 69 may be bent from the vertical
portion 68 at a right angle.
[0134] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "E" in FIG. 9.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 11, the bottom protrusion 66 includes a
body 78 projected from a bottom of the console 13 with a
predetermined length and a head 79 on an end of the body 78.
[0136] The top cover 7 includes the bottom protrusion coupling
portion 67.
[0137] The head 79 is formed to reduce friction when the bottom
protrusion 66 slides on the top cover 7.
[0138] Though the bottom protrusion 66 and bottom protrusion
coupling portion 67 have circular shapes in this embodiment, they
can have other shapes.
[0139] An installation of the console will now be described
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0140] First, the horizontal portion 69 of the front protrusion 14
is inserted into the insertion hole 80 of the front protrusion
coupling portion 65. Here, the head 79 of the bottom protrusion 66
comes into contact with the top cover 7.
[0141] Then, the console 13 is moved to insert the vertical portion
68 of the front protrusion 14 into the fixing slot 81. Here, the
vertical portion 68 and horizontal portion 69 of the front
protrusion 14 are brought into contact with corresponding wall
surfaces of the fixing slot 81.
[0142] When the console 13 is moved to the fixing slot 81, the head
79 slides on the top cover 7 toward the bottom protrusion coupling
portion 67 and then the head 79 and the body 78 are inserted into
the bottom protrusion coupling portion 67. The inserted body 78 is
tightly held in the bottom protrusion coupling portion 67, such
that the console 13 can be fixed to the top cover 7 without
shaking.
[0143] That is, by coupling the front protrusion 14 and bottom
protrusion 66 to the front protrusion coupling portion 65 and the
bottom protrusion coupling portion 67, the console 13 can be easily
and securely fixed to the top cover 7.
[0144] After fixing the console 13 to the top cover 7, at least one
fastener such as a screw can be used to fix the console 13 to the
top cover 7 more securely.
[0145] Also, the fastener, though small in number, may more
effectively prevent the installed console 13 from shaking.
[0146] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a console according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 12, the console 13 includes at least one
front protrusion 14 formed on a bottom front surface and at least
one fastener fixing portion 108 defined in a rear bottom surface
for coupling with a fastener such as a screw.
[0148] The top cover 7 includes at least one front protrusion
coupling portion 65 and a rear panel 96. The rear panel 96 defines
at least one fastener insertion hole 97.
[0149] The fastener insertion hole 97 corresponds to the fastener
fixing portion 108, such that a fastener can be inserted through
the fastener insertion hole 97 and coupled to the fastener fixing
portion 108.
[0150] When the consol 13 is coupled to the top cover 7, the front
protrusion 14 is coupled to the top cover 7 and then a fastener is
inserted through the fastener insertion hole 97.
[0151] The front protrusion 14 may have a hook-like shape.
[0152] The front protrusion coupling portion 65 is properly located
to easily receive the front protrusion 14.
[0153] The front protrusion coupling portion 65 may be a hole or a
groove for an easy coupling with the front protrusion 14.
[0154] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the area
encircled by line "F" in FIG. 12.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 13, the front protrusion 14 includes a
vertical portion 68 and a horizontal portion 69. The vertical
portion 68 is protruded from a front bottom of the console 13 with
a predetermined length, and the horizontal portion 69 is bent from
the vertical portion 68 at a predetermined angle.
[0156] The front protrusion coupling portion 65 includes an
insertion hole 80 to receive the horizontal portion 69. Also, the
front protrusion coupling portion 65 includes a fixing slot 81
extended from a side of the insertion hole 80 to receive the
vertical portion 68. That is, the front protrusion 14 is inserted
into the insertion hole 80 and then it is moved to the fixing slot
81, such that the front protrusion 14 can be fixed to the front
protrusion coupling portion 65.
[0157] To prevent the front protrusion 14 from shaking in front and
back directions, the fixing slot 81 may have a width 75 equal to or
slightly larger than a width 71 of the vertical portion 68.
[0158] Further, to prevent the front protrusion 14 from shaking in
up and down directions, a distance 70 between the horizontal
portion 69 and the console 13 may be equal to or slightly larger
than a thickness 74 of the front protrusion coupling portion
65.
[0159] Further, to easily insert the front protrusion 14 into the
insertion hole 80, a width 76 and a length 77 of the insertion hole
80 may be equal to or slightly larger than a width 72 and a length
73 of the horizontal portion 69, respectively.
[0160] Further, for an effective coupling between the front
protrusion 14 and the front protrusion coupling portion 65 without
shaking, the horizontal portion 69 may be bent from the vertical
portion 68 at a right angle.
[0161] An installation of the console will now be described
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0162] First, the horizontal portion 69 of the front protrusion 14
is inserted into the insertion hole 80 of the front protrusion
coupling portion 65.
[0163] Then, the console 13 is moved to insert the vertical portion
68 of the front protrusion 14 into the fixing slot 81. Here, the
vertical portion 68 and horizontal portion 69 of the front
protrusion 14 are brought into contact with corresponding wall
surfaces of the fixing slot 81.
[0164] When the vertical portion 68 is fully inserted into the
fixing slot 81, the fastener insertion hole 97 is aligned with the
fastener fixing portion 108. Therefore, an additional fastener can
be inserted through the fastener insertion hole 97 and fixed to the
fastener fixing portion 108 in order to fix the console 13 to the
top cover 7 more securely.
[0165] That is, by coupling the front protrusion 14 to the front
protrusion coupling portion 65 and attaching the fastener through
the fastener insertion hole 97 into the fastener fixing portion
108, the console 13 can be easily and securely fixed to the top
cover 7.
[0166] Also, with this installation structure, the console 13 can
be prevented from shaking when it is once installed.
[0167] While the present invention has been described and
illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments
thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various modifications and variations can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers the modifications and
variations of this invention that come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0168] According to the present invention, the installation process
of the washing machine console can be simplified and the
manufacturing cost of the washing machine can be reduced.
Therefore, the present invention has a high industrial
applicability.
* * * * *