Washing machine and assembly structure thereof

Abstract

A washing machine having an assembly structure of a front frame and a bottom frame using fastening members, which has improved aesthetics and workability and excellent fastening force. The front frame includes a front surface part, an extension part extended rearward from the front surface part, a first connection part extended upward from the extension part, and openings formed on the extension part, and the bottom frame includes a bottom plate and a second connection part extended upward from the bottom plate and connected to the first connection part through fastening members. Each of bracket frames installed in the openings includes a guide channel to guide entry and exit of each of the fastening members when the fastening members are fastened to the first connection part and the second connection part.

1 . A washing machine comprising:
 a front frame including an extension part extended rearward from the front frame, and a first connection part extended upward from the extension part;   a bottom frame including a second connection part extended upward from the bottom frame and connected to the first connection part through fastening members; and   bracket frames, each of which includes a guide channel to guide entry and exit of each of the fastening members, wherein the bracket frames are respectively installed in openings formed on the extension part of the front frame.   
     
     
         2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the bracket frames further includes a connection mediator part connected to the first connection part of the front frame. 
     
     
         3 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the bracket frames further includes a flange part that is supported by a portion of the extension part of the front frame defining the openings. 
     
     
         4 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the fastening members are sequentially fastened to the connection mediator parts of the bracket frames, the first connection part of the front frame and the second connection part of the bottom frame. 
     
     
         5 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the connection mediator parts of the bracket frames, the first connection part of the front frame and the second connection part of the bottom frame respectively include forwardly inclined parts. 
     
     
         6 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the bracket frames are formed through injection molding using polypropylene. 
     
     
         7 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a plurality of latching holes is formed on the extension part of the front frame; and   the bottom frame further includes a plurality of latching protrusions respectively inserted into the plurality of latching holes.   
     
     
         8 . An assembly structure of a washing machine in which a front frame and a bottom frame are assembled, wherein:
 the front frame includes an extension part extended rearward from the front frame, a first connection part extended upward from the extension part, and openings formed in the extension part;   the bottom frame includes a second connection part extended upward from the bottom plate and connected to the first connection part through fastening members; and   the fastening members connect the first connection part and the second connection part through bracket frames installed in the openings.   
     
     
         9 . The assembly structure according to  claim 8 , wherein each of the bracket frames includes a guide channel to guide entry and exit of each of the fastening members. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly structure according to  claim 8 , wherein each of the bracket frames further includes a connection mediator part connected to the first connection part of the front frame. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly structure according to  claim 8 , wherein each of the bracket frames further includes a flange part that is supported by a portion of the extension part defining the openings. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the fastening members are sequentially fastened to the connection mediator parts of the bracket frames, the first connection part of the front frame and the second connection part of the bottom frame. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the connection mediator parts of the bracket frames, the first connection part of the front frame and the second connection part of the bottom frame respectively include forwardly inclined parts. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly structure according to  claim 8 , wherein the bracket frames are formed through injection molding using polypropylene. 
     
     
         15 . An assembly structure of a washing machine in which a front frame and a bottom frame are assembled, wherein:
 the front frame includes a front surface part, an extension part extended rearward from the front surface part, a first connection part extended upward from the extension part, and openings formed on the extension part;   the bottom frame includes a bottom plate and a second connection part extended upward from the bottom plate and connected to the first connection part through fastening members;   the second connection part includes a plurality of latching protrusions inserted into a plurality of holes formed on the extension part of the front frame; and   bracket frames, to guide connection of the first connection part and the second connection part through the fastening members, installed in the openings of the extension part.   
     
     
         16 . An assembly structure of a washing machine in which a first frame and a second frame are assembled, wherein:
 the first frame includes a first connection part extending from the first frame, and openings formed in the extension part;   the second frame includes a second connection part extending from the second frame and abutting the first connecting part;   hollow brackets supported by the openings and including a portion abutting the first connection part; and   a respective fastener extending into each hollow, through each portion, and through the first and second connection parts to removably connect the portion and the first and second connection parts.   
     
     
         17 . The assembly structure according to  claim 16 , wherein the portion, the first connection part and the second connection part are each correspondingly inclined. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly structure according to  claim 16 , wherein the bracket frames are formed through injection molding using polypropylene. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly structure according to  claim 16 , wherein each fastener is selected from the group comprising screws, rivets, bolts or pins. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly structure according to  claim 16 , wherein the first frame and the second frame include projections and corresponding recesses to align the frames for fastening.