Washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a washing machine having high reliability. The washing machine includes a housing, a tub provided in the housing for holding washing water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for washing laundry, a door having an outer frame and an inner frame secured to an inside of the outer frame, for opening/closing an opening in the housing such that the housing is in communication with the drum, a hinge arm joining the housing and the door, and rotatably coupled to the housing and the door respectively, and a holder provided between the outer frame and the inner frame for holding a portion of the hinge arm arranged in the door.

1 . A washing machine comprising;
 a housing;   a tub provided in the housing for holding washing water;   a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for washing laundry;   a door having an outer frame and an inner frame secured to an inside of the outer frame, the door opening and closing an opening, which is formed at the housing and is in communication with the drum;   a hinge arm connecting the housing and the door, and rotatably coupled to the housing and the door respectively; and   a holder provided between the outer frame and the inner frame and holding a portion of the hinge arm arranged in the door.   
   
   
       2 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder is comprised of a plate member extended between the outer frame and the inner frame. 
   
   
       3 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inner frame and the outer frame of the door have a ring shape, and the holder has a curvature in conformity with the shape of the frames. 
   
   
       4 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder closely abuts both the outer frame and the inner frame so as to be supported by the outer frame and the inner frame. 
   
   
       5 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder is fastened to the inner frame with a fastening member. 
   
   
       6 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder encloses a rotating shaft formed at an end of the hinge arm. 
   
   
       7 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the holder further encloses a portion of the hinge arm extended from the rotating shaft. 
   
   
       8 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a cover for enclosing a portion of the hinge arm. 
   
   
       9 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the cover has a shape matching an exterior of the hinge arm. 
   
   
       10 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the cover is formed as one unit with the holder, and the cover is projected from the holder. 
   
   
       11 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a damping member interposed between the outer frame and the hinge arm for preventing the outer frame from bumping into the hinge arm. 
   
   
       12 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the damping member is arranged adjacent to an outer circumference of the door. 
   
   
       13 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the damping member is fitted in a slit formed in the holder. 
   
   
       14 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer frame includes a positioning protrusion extended toward the inner frame and the holder includes a positioning hole for receiving the positioning protrusion therein. 
   
   
       15 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the inner frame includes a receiver extended toward the outer frame for receiving the positioning protrusion. 
   
   
       16 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the holder is in close contact with an end of the receiver and a surface of the outer frame around the positioning protrusion. 
   
   
       17 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the positioning protrusion and the receiver are fastened with a fastening member, together. 
   
   
       18 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the positioning protrusion is a boss having a thread therein. 
   
   
       19 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a first step portion extended in a length direction and a second step portion extended in a transverse direction.