Washing machine

Abstract

For example, a washing machine in which laundry is less susceptible to damage is provided. The washing machine includes: a water tank; a rotating groove; a door capable of opening and closing the opening of the water tank; and an annular cover attached to an end portion of the water tank near the front side. The cover is provided with: a cover main body having a door side surface facing the door side; and a protruding part which protrudes toward the inner side from the opposite surface of the cover main body on the side opposite to the door side surface in a region closer to the center shaft than the front end part of the rotating groove. The cover body includes: a first inclined surface that is located upstream of the protrusion in the rotation direction of the rotation groove, and that is inclined with respect to the central axis from the front side of the base end of the protrusion toward the base end side of the protrusion toward the downstream side in the rotation direction; and a second inclined surface that is located upstream of the first inclined surface in the rotational direction and that faces the inside of the convex part from the outside of the convex part toward the downstream side in the rotational direction in the radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-137641 is disclosed as prior art.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-137641 describes an example of a drum-type washing machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In front-loading washing machines, there is a possibility that clothes may fly out of the rotating drum as it rotates. When clothes enter the space between the rotating drum and the non-rotating section, they may be damaged.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the purpose is, for example, to provide a washing machine that is less likely to damage clothing.

[0006] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the washing machine includes: a cylindrical water tank closed on its inner side on one side extending in a direction that is a central axis; a rotating trough arranged concentrically within the water tank and rotatable relative to the water tank; a door capable of opening and closing the opening of the water tank; and an annular cover mounted on the near-front end of the water tank. The cover comprises: a cover body having a door side facing the door; and a protrusion protruding inward from the opposite side of the cover body on the side opposite to the door side in a region closer to the central axis than the front end of the rotating trough. The cover body includes: a first inclined surface located upstream of the protrusion in the rotation direction of the rotating trough and inclined relative to the central axis from the near-front side of the base end of the protrusion toward the base end side of the protrusion toward the downstream side of the rotation direction; and a second inclined surface located upstream of the first inclined surface in the rotation direction and radially from the outside of the protrusion toward the inside of the protrusion toward the downstream side of the rotation direction.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a washing machine can be provided, for example, to prevent clothing from being damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic 3D diagram of a washing machine.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic 3D diagram of a washing machine with the door open.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a schematic front view of the sink, liner, and cover.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the sink and its cover.

[0013] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A schematic sectional view of the door, cover, and sink along line VI-VI.

[0014] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cover and water tank along line VI-VI.

[0015] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of lines VIII-VIII.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of part of the water tank and its cover.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the cover.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the cover.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the cover.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a part of the cover.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic rear view of the cover.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic rear view of part of the cover.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a magnified schematic front view of the upper part of the cover.

[0024] Figure 17 From Figure 16 The diagram shows the upper part of the cover as observed by arrow XVII.

[0025] Figure 18 From Figure 16 The diagram shows the upper part of the cover as observed by arrow XVIII.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a magnified schematic rear view of the upper part of the cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail (see attached drawings). Figure 1(etc.). Furthermore, in the following description, references are made to components having substantially common functions using the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are cited. In the following description, the door 12 where the washing machine 1 is installed (refer to...) Figure 1 One side of the washing machine is designated as the front, and the opposite side as the rear. The front-to-back direction is sometimes referred to as the depth direction. The right and left sides are the directions observed when viewing the washing machine 1 from the front to the rear. The left-to-right direction is sometimes referred to as the width direction. The directions perpendicular to the depth and width directions are respectively designated as the height direction.

[0028] In this disclosure, "washing machine" refers to all equipment that performs various treatments, such as washing, on laundry. Treatments performed on laundry in a washing machine may include, for example, washing, deodorizing, and sterilizing. There is no particular limitation on the type of laundry. Examples of laundry include fabric products. Specific examples of laundry include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; personal items such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; curtains; bedding such as blankets, towel blankets, and quilt covers; carpets; and dolls.

[0029] (Washing machine 1) Figure 1 This is a schematic 3D diagram of washing machine 1. Figure 2 This is a schematic 3D diagram of washing machine 1 with door 12 open. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of washing machine 1.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the washing machine 1 has a housing 11. The housing 11 houses the various components of the washing machine 1. Figure 3 As shown, a water tank 13 and a rotating tank 14 are arranged inside the housing 11.

[0031] (Sink 13) The water tank 13 is a generally cylindrical shape that is closed on one side (inner side: R side) in the extension direction of the central shaft A. Water is poured into and accumulates in the water tank 13. The water tank 13 is connected to a drain outlet, through which the water accumulated in the water tank 13 can be discharged. The water tank 13 is configured to swing within the housing 11 by means of a damper, spring, etc. (not shown). The water tank 13 cannot rotate relative to the housing 11. Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the central shaft A is inclined obliquely upward towards the front side. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The central shaft A may also extend in a horizontal direction.

[0032] The water tank 13 opens on the opposite side (near the front: F side) in the direction of extension of the central axis A. The housing 11 is configured to expose the opening of the water tank 13. A door 12 is rotatably mounted on the housing 11. The door 12 is used to open and close the opening of the water tank 13 exposed from the housing 11. The door 12 has an outer portion 12a located outside the housing 11 and an inner portion 12b connected to the outer portion 12a and extending into the water tank 13. The inner portion 12b protrudes from the outer portion 12a toward the R side. The R side portion of the inner portion 12b is located inside the water tank 13.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, a gasket 15 is installed at the front end of the F side of the water tank 13. When the door 12 is closed, the gasket 15 abuts against the inner portion 12b of the door 12, thereby effectively closing the opening of the water tank 13 and preventing water from leaking from the water tank 13 to the F side.

[0034] (Rotating groove 14) like Figure 3 As shown, a rotating tank 14 is arranged inside the sink 13. Laundry is placed into the rotating tank 14. Therefore, the rotating tank 14 is sometimes referred to as, for example, a washing tank. Since multiple through holes are formed in the rotating tank 14, water or liquids such as detergent and fabric softener accumulated in the sink 13 can enter the rotating tank 14. Therefore, water or the like can be supplied to the laundry placed into the rotating tank 14.

[0035] Like the water tank 13, the rotating groove 14 is also a closed cylinder on one side (R side) of the extension direction of the central axis A. The rotating groove 14 and the water tank 13 are arranged concentrically. The rotating groove 14 and the water tank 13 share a common central axis A. The rotating groove 14 is configured with a smaller diameter than the water tank 13. A rotating mechanism (not shown) is connected to the rotating groove 14. The rotating mechanism is, for example, a motor. Through the rotating mechanism, the rotating groove 14 is driven to rotate relative to the water tank 13.

[0036] The rotating mechanism can, for example, cause the rotating tank 14 to rotate only in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the central axis A, or it can be configured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. For example, the rotating mechanism can also be controlled by repeatedly performing a clockwise rotation of the rotating tank 14 and another counterclockwise rotation. For example, in the washing process of laundry, the rotating tank 14 can be rotated alternately in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. For example, in the tumbling and drying processes of laundry, the rotating tank 14 can be rotated at a low speed in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. For example, in the dehydration process of laundry, the rotating tank 14 can be rotated at a high speed in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0037] In this embodiment, an example will be described where the rotating tank 14 rotates at high speed in a clockwise direction when viewed from the near front side (F side) toward the inward side (R side) along the extension direction of the central axis A during the dehydration process of the laundry. In the following description, the rotation direction of the rotating tank 14 in the dehydration process, i.e., the clockwise direction, will be shown as the rotation direction D. Figure 4 wait.

[0038] The rotating groove 14 has a groove body 14a and a balancer 14b. The groove body 14a is a generally cylindrical shape that is closed on the inside in the direction of extension of the central axis A. The bottom wall of the groove body 14a in the rotating groove 14 is connected to the rotating mechanism.

[0039] The balancer 14b is connected to the front end of the tank body 14a, specifically to the front end near the front side in the extension direction of the central axis A. The balancer 14b rotates together with the tank body 14a. The balancer 14b functions as a counterweight to stabilize the rotation of the rotating tank 14. The balancer 14b is formed in an annular shape centered on the central axis A. The radially inner end of the balancer 14b reaches the inner side (central axis A side) of the peripheral wall of the tank body 14a.

[0040] (20) Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the water tank 13, the liner 15, and the cover 20. Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the sink 13 and the cover 20. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of door 12, cover 20 and sink 13 along line VI-VI. Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cover 20 and the sink 13 along line VI-VI. Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of lines VIII-VIII. Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of part of the water tank 13 and the cover 20. Figure 10 This is a schematic 3D diagram of Gai 20. Figure 11 This is a schematic 3D diagram of Gai 20. Figure 12 This is a schematic 3D diagram of Gai 20. Figure 13 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of part of the cover 20. Figure 14 This is a schematic rear view of the cover 20. Figure 15 This is a schematic rear view of part of the cover 20. Figure 16 This is a magnified schematic front view of the upper part of the cover. Figure 17 From Figure 16 The diagram shows the upper part of the cover as observed by arrow XVII. Figure 18 From Figure 16The diagram shows the upper part of the cover as observed by arrow XVIII. Figure 19 This is a magnified schematic rear view of the upper part of the cover.

[0041] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 19 The following explanation is given regarding cover 20.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, a cover 20 is installed on the water tank 13. The cover 20 is installed at the end of the water tank 13 near the front side (F side). The cover 20 is made of an annular plate. The front end of the cover 20 on the F side of the water tank 13 extends radially to the inner side (central axis A side). In the extending direction of the central axis A, the cover 20, which is arranged in a manner that prevents it from rotating relative to the water tank 13, is spaced apart from the balancer 14b, which forms part of the rotating groove 14, in the extending direction of the central axis A.

[0043] like Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the cover 20 has a cover body 210 and a protrusion 220.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, the cover body 210 extends radially inward (towards the central axis A) from the mounting portion relative to the water tank 13. The cover 20 has: a mounting portion; a mid-section portion extending radially inward from the mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the central axis A; and a top portion 210a extending inward (towards the R side) from the inner end of the mid-section portion. A gap G is formed between this front portion 210a and the balancer 14b. At least a portion of the front portion 210a and the balancer 14b can be positioned opposite each other in the extending direction of the central axis A, or they can be positioned radially at different locations when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis A. For example, the front portion 210a can also be located radially slightly inward than the balancer 14b. Preferably, the radially closest portion of the top portion 210a to the central axis A is radially closer to the central axis A than the radially closest portion of the balancer 14b.

[0045] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the cover body 210 has a door side 211 facing the door 12 and an opposite side 212 opposite to the door side 211.

[0046] The door side 211 has a first surface 211a, a second surface 211b, and a third surface 211c. The first surface 211a is located at the outermost edge of the door side 211. The first surface 211a extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis A. The second surface 211b is connected to the inner end of the first surface 211a. The second surface 211b extends in a direction inclined to the extension direction of the first surface 211a. From the connection point with the first surface 211a toward the central axis A, the second surface 211b extends further toward the R side than the first surface 211a. The third surface 211c is connected to the inner end of the second surface 211b. The third surface 211c extends toward the R side along the extension direction of the central axis A.

[0047] A gap is formed between the door side 211 and the door 12. In addition, a gap is also formed between the door side 211 and the filler 15.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover 20 has an inner portion 210b, which is a portion circumferentially centered on the central axis A and protrudes radially inward than other portions. Specifically, when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the inner portion 210b is located in a region positioned above the central axis A. When viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the inner portion 210b is configured as an arc centered on a center point located vertically below the central axis A. The radially largest portion of the inner portion 210b lies on a vertical line passing through the central axis A.

[0049] Opposite face 212 is the face facing the R side. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 19 As shown, at the front end of the rotating groove 14, specifically in the region closer to the central axis A than the front end of the balancer 14b, a protrusion (raised portion) 220 protruding from the opposite surface 212 toward the inward side (R side) is provided. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the protrusion 220 has an elongated shape that is slender in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A. Specifically, the protrusion 220 has an elongated shape along the inner end edge of the inner portion 210b. When viewed from the extending direction of the central axis A, the protrusion 220 is configured as a flat plate or an arc shape.

[0050] like Figure 9As shown, the protrusion 220 has a generally trapezoidal shape having an upstream portion, a central portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion is located at the upstream side of the rotation direction d and its height increases towards the downstream side along the extension direction of the central axis a. The central portion is located at the downstream side of the upstream portion and its height is approximately constant along the extension direction of the central axis a. The downstream portion is located at the downstream side of the central portion and its height decreases towards the downstream side along the extension direction of the central axis A.

[0051] (First inclined plane 213) like Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the cover body 210 has a first inclined surface 213. (As indicated...) Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 17 , Figure 19 As shown, when viewed from the R side, the first inclined surface 213 is made visible, and the visible portion constitutes the opposite surface 212.

[0052] The first inclined surface 213 is located upstream of the protrusion 220 in the rotation direction D. The first inclined surface 213 extends downstream of the protrusion 220 from the near-front side (F side) of the base end of the protrusion 220 toward the base end side (inner side (R side)) of the protrusion 220, inclined relative to the central axis A. The first inclined surface 213 is located further upstream of the protrusion 220 than the protrusion 220. The first inclined surface 213 extends downstream toward the R side from the position further downstream of the protrusion 220 than the position further downstream of the protrusion 220.

[0053] (Second inclined surface 214) like Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figures 16 to 18 As shown, a second inclined surface 214 is provided upstream of the first inclined surface 213 in the rotational direction D. The second inclined surface 214 extends radially from the outer side of the protrusion 220 toward the downstream side (central axis A side) in the rotational direction D. When viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 are substantially continuous in the circumferential direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 may be either separate or overlap in the circumferential direction.

[0054] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figures 16 to 18As shown, the second inclined surface 214 is provided on the door side surface 211, and is visible when viewed from side F. The second inclined surface 214 is formed at a position upstream of the rotation direction D, towards the upstream side of the rotation direction D, extending radially outward from the inner end edge of the door side surface 211. The first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 are located on an imaginary circle along the inner end edge of the inner side surface 210b when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A. As described above, the protrusion 220 is also substantially located on this imaginary circle. Therefore, when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the first inclined surface 213, the second inclined surface 214, and the protrusion 220 are located on the same imaginary circle.

[0055] like Figure 10 As shown, the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 is located further inward (R side) than the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213. The downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 is configured opposite to the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213.

[0056] (Wall 215) like Figure 10 , Figures 14 to 19 As shown, the cover body 210 has a wall surface 215. The wall surface 215 is located radially outside the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214. The wall surface 215 faces inward in the radial direction. The wall surface 215 extends from the outer periphery of the door side surface 211 through the second inclined surface 214 and the first inclined surface 213, in the extending direction of the central axis A, to the opposite surface 212.

[0057] (Rib 230) like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the cover body 210 has a rib 230. The rib 230 is located on the opposite side 212, on the outer side 212a, which is further upstream than the protrusion 220 and further radially outward than the protrusion 220 (see reference). Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 It protrudes inward (R side). For example... Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, rib 230 has a first portion 231 and a second portion 232. The first portion 231 is arc-shaped along an imaginary circle centered on the central axis A. The second portion 232 is connected to the downstream end of the first portion 231. The second portion 232 extends in a direction inclined to the first portion 231. The second portion 232 extends from the connection with the first portion 231 in a direction inclined towards the central axis A in the downstream direction of the rotation direction D. The downstream front end of rib 230 (the front end of the second portion 232) is separated from the protrusion 220 when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis A. Specifically, the downstream end of rib 230 is separated from the protrusion 220 in the circumferential direction and also in the radial direction. The distance between the downstream end of rib 230 and the central axis A is longer than the distance between the upstream end of protrusion 220 and the central axis A. The downstream end of protrusion 220 is located on the extension line of the second portion 232 of rib 230.

[0058] In washing machine 1, for example, during the spin-drying process, when the rotating drum 14 rotates continuously in one direction, the laundry may sometimes fly out of the rotating drum 14 due to centrifugal force acting on the laundry within it. When the flown-out laundry is located between the rotating drum 14 and non-rotating components such as the water tank 13, gasket 5, and door 12, friction occurs between the laundry and these components, potentially damaging the laundry. In washing machine 1, as described above, gaps are formed between the lid 20 and the door 12 and gasket 15. Additionally, gaps are also formed between the balancer 14b, which forms part of the water tank 13, and the lid 20. When laundry enters these gaps, it is prone to significant damage.

[0059] In the washing machine 1, laundry that moves towards the front of the cover 20 while rotating within the rotating tub 14 as it rotates passes through a first inclined surface 213, a second inclined surface 214 formed on the inside and outside of the cover 20, and a wall surface 215 provided on the outer periphery of these inclined surfaces, returning to the inside of the cover 20. Furthermore, laundry returning to the inside of the cover 20 is returned to the inner side (R side) of the rotating tub 14 via a protrusion 220 located in a region closer to the central axis A than the front end (balancer 14b) of the rotating tub 14. This helps to suppress damage caused by friction from the laundry.

[0060] The following explains in detail the principle by which the laundry is returned to the R side via the protrusion 220.

[0061] For example, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10In the process of rotating the rotating tank 14 along the rotation direction D, the laundry, after moving from the upstream side along the rotation direction D towards the protrusion 220, is guided towards the protrusion 220 by the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214, etc. For example, when a portion of the laundry, such as clothes, is sandwiched between the door 12 or the liner 15 and the lid 20 (see reference...), Figure 6 When the state of the part rotates along the rotation direction D and comes into contact with the protrusion 220, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 220 protrudes inward from the cover body 210 (R side), thus applying an inward force to the laundry that is rotating through the protrusion 220. As a result, the portion that has entered the gap of the laundry is pulled out of the gap, and the laundry returns to the inward side while rotating.

[0062] In washing machine 1, a first inclined surface 213 and a second inclined surface 214 are provided on the lid body 210. These inclined surfaces 213 and 214 are used to properly guide the laundry towards the protrusion 220. Specifically, the second inclined surface 214, located upstream of the protrusion 220 and the first inclined surface 213 in the direction of rotation D, moves radially inward from a radially outer position relative to the protrusion 220 towards a radially inner position relative to the direction of rotation D. Therefore, by first bringing the laundry, rotating along the direction of rotation D, into contact with the second inclined surface 214, it is guided radially inward from a radially outer position relative to the protrusion 220.

[0063] Subsequently, the first inclined surface 213 contacts the laundry. This first inclined surface 213 is located upstream of the protrusion 220 in the direction of rotation D and downstream of the protrusion 220 in the direction of rotation D, compared to the second inclined surface 214. The first inclined surface 213 is inclined relative to the central axis A from the near-front side (F side) of the base end of the protrusion 220 toward the base end side of the protrusion 220 in the direction of rotation D. The first inclined surface 213 extends obliquely toward the protrusion 220 from the near-front side (F side) of the protrusion 220 in the direction of rotation D. Therefore, by conveying the laundry from the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 to the first inclined surface 213, the laundry rotating in the direction of rotation D moves toward the opposite side 212 of the cover 20 in the direction of extension of the central axis A and is guided to the inner side where the protrusion 220 is located. At this time, by pressing the laundry, which is subjected to centrifugal force, against the wall surface 215 located on the outer periphery of the second inclined surface 214, the laundry will not detach from the second inclined surface 214 and will be guided to the downstream end. Moreover, since the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213 is located closer to the front side (F side) than the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214, and the wall surface 215 is connected to the outer periphery of the first inclined surface 213, the laundry can smoothly move to the first inclined surface 213 while being pressed against the wall surface 215.

[0064] This allows the laundry extending from the door side 211 of the cover 20 to move towards the opposite side 212 of the cover 20. Then, the laundry, having passed the first inclined surface 213, is positioned near the protrusion 220 in the rotational direction D. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the laundry reliably and appropriately contacts the protrusion 220. Consequently, the protrusion 220 pushes the laundry back inward with high reliability. Thus, the laundry is reliably discharged from the gap between the rotating and non-rotating parts.

[0065] In this way, by providing a first inclined surface 213 that moves the laundry radially inward and a second inclined surface 214 that moves the laundry inward, even when the thickness of the cover 20 is reduced along the extension direction of the central axis A, the protrusion 220 can be used to properly guide the laundry and push it back inward. When the cover 20 can be made thinner, the depth of the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 can be increased accordingly, thereby increasing the volume. Therefore, the washing capacity of the washing machine 1 can be increased.

[0066] From this perspective, it is preferable that the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 are arranged in a manner that they do not overlap in the rotational direction. In addition, it is preferable that the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 are arranged in a manner that partially or completely overlap in the extension direction of the central axis A.

[0067] In the washing machine 1, a wall surface 215 is provided on the radially outer side of the first inclined surface 213. The wall surface 215 faces inward in the radial direction. As a result, the wall surface 215 effectively prevents the laundry, which is rotating while in contact with the first inclined surface 213, from moving radially outward again. Therefore, it is properly guided by the protrusion 220.

[0068] As described above, the laundry moving to the door side 211 of the cover 20 is guided radially inward by the rotation during spin-drying via the second inclined surface 214 and wall surface 215 formed from the outer periphery of the door side 211. The wall surface 215 is formed in communication between the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 and the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213. The laundry is conveyed along the wall surface 215 from the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 to the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213, and then moves towards the opposite side 212 via the first inclined surface 213. Therefore, the wall surface 215 functions as a passage connecting the surface (door side 211) and back (opposite side 212) sides of the cover 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the wall surface 215 has a certain width in the front-rear direction. However, if this width is too large, the strength of the cover body 210 is insufficient, or the thickness of the cover body 210 increases. Therefore, the remaining portion, retaining a thickness sufficient to maintain strength, becomes the wall surface 215.

[0069] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall surfaces 215 of the second inclined surface 214 and the first inclined surface 213 are not continuous surfaces, but have discontinuities that protrude radially inward when viewed from the front. According to this configuration, the laundry guided by the wall surface 215 of the second inclined surface 214 temporarily leaves the wall surface 215 at these discontinuities and is released radially inward. The extension line of the released direction is located radially inward than the protrusion 220. Therefore, lighter laundry returns to the rotating tank 14 by being released radially inward from the wall surface 215. On the other hand, heavier laundry, although it comes into contact with the wall surface 215 again due to centrifugal force, is guided by the first inclined surface 213 and the wall surface 215 toward the base end of the protrusion 220, and returns radially inward through the protrusion 220.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, lighter laundry is released directly radially inward from the wall surface 215 of the second inclined surface 214, while heavier laundry is returned radially inward through the protrusion 220.

[0071] From the viewpoint that the laundry is properly guided to the protrusion 220 by the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214, it is preferable that the downstream end of the second inclined surface 214 in the rotation direction D is located further inside (R side) than the upstream end of the first inclined surface 213.

[0072] In washing machine 1, when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis A, the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 are continuous in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the laundry moves smoothly between the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 and moves appropriately toward the protrusion 220. Consequently, the protrusion 220 can be used to push the laundry back inward with greater reliability, and damage to the laundry can be more effectively suppressed.

[0073] like Figure 9 , Figure 15 As shown, in the washing machine 1, a rib 230 is also provided along with the protrusion 220 and the first inclined surface 213 and the second inclined surface 214 that guide the laundry to the protrusion 220. The rib 230 protrudes inward (R side) from the portion located on the outer side 212a of the opposite surface 212. The second portion 232 of the rib 230 extends radially inward toward the protrusion 220 in the rotational direction D. The front end of the downstream side of the second portion 232 is separated from the protrusion 220. Therefore, for example... Figure 8 The laundry entering the gap G between the rotating groove 14 and the cover 2 is discharged from the gap G through the rib 230. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being trapped and damaged by the gap G.

[0074] From the viewpoint of more appropriately returning the laundry discharged from the gap G through the rib 230 into the rotating tank 14, it is preferable that the downstream end of the rib 230 is separated from the protrusion 220 in the circumferential direction and also in the radial direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the downstream end of the protrusion 220 is located on the extension line of the second portion 232 of the rib 230. This is because the laundry in contact with the rib 230 will not be obstructed by the protrusion 220 and will be more easily discharged from the gap G.

[0075] In washing machine 1, since the rib 230 is positioned upstream of the protrusion 220 in the rotational direction D, the laundry discharged from the gap G is pushed back to the inside by the protrusion 220 through the action of the rib 230. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent laundry that has entered the gap G from re-entering the gap G and being damaged.

[0076] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the different embodiments described in this specification are also included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: A cylindrical water tank, which is closed on the inside of the side extending along the central axis. A rotating tank, which is concentrically arranged within the water tank and is capable of rotating relative to the water tank; A door, capable of opening and closing the opening of the water tank; and A ring-shaped cover is installed at the near-front end of the water tank. The cover has: A cover body having a door side facing the door; and A protrusion, which protrudes inward from the opposite side of the cover body, opposite to the door side, in a region closer to the central axis than the front end of the rotating groove. The cover body comprises: The first inclined surface is located upstream of the protrusion in the rotation direction of the rotating groove, and is inclined relative to the central axis from the near front side of the base end of the protrusion toward the base end side of the protrusion toward the downstream side of the rotation direction. The second inclined surface is located upstream of the first inclined surface in the direction of rotation, and radially from the outside of the protrusion toward the downstream side of the direction of rotation toward the inside of the protrusion.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the direction of extension of the central axis, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are continuous in the circumferential direction.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover body also includes a wall surface located radially outside the first inclined surface and radially inward.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downstream end of the second inclined surface is located near the front of the upstream end of the first inclined surface.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opposite surface includes an outer portion, which is located upstream of the protrusion and radially outward. The cover body also has a rib that protrudes from the outer side toward the inner side and extends toward one side of the protrusion to the inner side in the radial direction, such that the front end of the downstream side of the rib is separated from the protrusion.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion has an elongated shape that is slender in the circumferential direction.

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