Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine capable of reducing operational noise of a drainage pump. The washing machine includes a water tub installed in an outer case, a drainage pump adapted to drain wash water from the water tub, and a fixing device adapted to fix the drainage pump. The fixing device includes a support member extending from the drainage pump, vibration-proof members arranged to support an outer surface of the support member, and fixture members fixed to an inner surface of the outer case and adapted to support outer surfaces of the vibration-proof members.

1 . A washing machine comprising an outer case, a water tub installed in the outer case, a drainage pump adapted to drain wash water from the water tub, and a fixing device adapted to fix the drainage pump, the fixing device comprising: 
 a support member extending from the drainage pump;    vibration-proof members arranged to support an outer surface of the support member; and    fixture members adapted to support outer surfaces of the vibration-proof members and fixed to an inner surface of the outer case.    
     
     
         2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the vibration-proof members include first and second vibration-proof members, which are coupled to oppose each other such that they support opposite sides of the outer surface of the support member, both the vibration-proof members surrounding the outer surface of the support member.  
     
     
         3 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the first and second vibration-proof members have toothed portions formed at their opposite coupling surfaces, in order to enhance a coupling force between both the vibration-proof members.  
     
     
         4 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the first and second vibration-proof members are formed with grooves, and at the outer surface of the support member are formed protruding ribs, in order to enhance a coupling force between the vibration-proof members and the support member.  
     
     
         5 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the support member has a crucial cross section, and the first and second vibration-proof members have coupling recesses corresponding to the shape of the outer shape of the support member.  
     
     
         6 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the vibration-proof members have a plurality of through-holes.  
     
     
         7 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the fixture members includes first and second fixture members enclosing the outer surfaces of the vibration-proof members.  
     
     
         8 . The washing machine according to  claim 7 , wherein a coupling direction of the first and second fixture members intersects with a coupling direction of the first and second vibration-proof members.  
     
     
         9 . The washing machine according to  claim 8 , wherein the first and second fixture members have protrusions and receiving holes for the engagement of their contact portions.  
     
     
         10 . The washing machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second fixture members have respective insertion slots formed at their upper surfaces so that the support member is inserted into the first and second fixture members, the insertion slots being spaced apart from the support member.  
     
     
         11 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the fixing device further comprises: 
 screw-fastening portions provided at the fixture members in order to fix the fixture members to the inner surface of the outer case; and    fixing screws fastened into the screw-fastening portions, respectively.    
     
     
         12 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the majority of the drainage pump, except for a portion fixed by the fixing device, is spaced apart from the outer case.  
     
     
         13 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is integrally formed with the drainage pump through injection molding of a resin material.  
     
     
         14 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the vibration-proof members are made of an elastic rubber material.