Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of guiding to hold a top cover at the center.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a housing 2, and a top cover 3 that covers the upper part of the housing 2. The top cover 3 has a rear end part that is rotatably attached to the housing 2. A gap is provided between the front end part of the top cover 3 and the housing 2. The gap becomes narrow toward the end part in the width direction of the housing 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having a rotatably mounted top lid. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines are provided with a lid that covers the opening of the washing tub to prevent clothes, water, etc. from splashing out. When considering the ease of use of the lid, the area where fingers are inserted becomes large, which can impair the design. Therefore, studies have been conducted to improve the usability while maintaining good design (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-102753 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A conventional washing machine comprises a housing that houses a washing tub, and a lid that is supported on the housing so as to be freely rotatable and that opens and closes an opening on the top surface of the housing. The lid is formed as a single plate and has a handle portion on the front side of the lid that is formed with a convex surface and a concave back surface, and the handle portion has a protruding portion that overlaps with the top surface in the vertical direction.

[0005] As washing machines become larger to handle larger amounts of laundry, the lids also tend to become larger. When making the lid larger, there is a demand for a structure that prevents the lid from bending while suppressing the increase in weight of the lid.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can suppress bending of the lid in the left-right direction while suppressing the increase in weight due to reinforcement of the lid by guiding the lid to hold the center. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The washing machine according to the present disclosure is a washing machine comprising a housing and a top lid covering the upper part of the housing, the rear end of the top lid being rotatably attached to the housing, a gap being provided between the front end of the top lid and the housing, and the gap narrowing toward the end in the width direction of the housing.

[0008] The washing machine according to the present disclosure may be configured so that a front end portion of the top cover is provided with an inclined portion inclined upwardly on the front side of the housing.

[0009] The washing machine according to the present disclosure may be configured so that an extension portion is provided extending downward from the tip of the inclined portion, and the angle formed between the inclined portion and the extension portion is an acute angle.

[0010] In the washing machine according to the present disclosure, the housing may be configured so that a chamfered portion having a different depth is provided on an upper end of the front surface and an upper end of the side surface.

[0011] In the washing machine according to the present disclosure, the gap may be configured to be provided to both ends in the width direction of the housing.

[0012] In the washing machine according to the present disclosure, the top lid may be configured to cover the housing so that its front end overlaps with the front end of the housing when viewed from above. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, there is a gap between the top cover and the housing for the user to insert their finger, but since the gap at the end is narrow, the user can be guided to hold the center of the top cover. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the washing machine with the lid open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a top cover and an upper part of a housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the top cover and the upper part of the housing. [Diagram 5] 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the top cover and the upper part of the housing. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is an enlarged front view showing one end in the width direction of the upper cover and the upper portion of the housing. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a front end portion of an upper cover and an upper portion of a housing. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the washing machine with its lid open.

[0017] The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a vertical washing machine having an input port (not shown) for inputting laundry on the top surface (top surface 2a) of the housing 2, and a top lid 3 is provided to cover the input port.

[0018] The top cover 3 is substantially rectangular in top view, and its rear end is rotatably attached to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the top cover 3 is shaped to cover substantially the entire top surface of the housing 2 except for a part on the rear side. In other words, the top cover 3 covers the housing 2 so that its front end overlaps with the front end of the housing 2 in top view. In this way, the front end side of the top cover 3 is shaped according to the housing 2, so that it can have a sense of unity and can have an appearance with excellent design. The shape of the top cover 3 is not limited to this, and may be a different shape such as a circular shape, or may be a size slightly larger than the input port. FIG. 1 shows a closed state in which the top cover 3 covers the washing tub 4 (an example of a tub) shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] 2 shows an open state in which top lid 3 opens washing tub 4. On housing top surface 2a, on the rear side of the input port, first pivot support portion 21 and second pivot support portion 22 that pivotally support top lid 3 are provided. In this embodiment, first pivot support portion 21 is provided on the right side in the width direction, and second pivot support portion 22 is provided on the left side in the width direction.

[0020] A first attachment portion 31 attached to the first pivotal support portion 21 and a second attachment portion 32 attached to the second pivotal support portion 22 are provided at the rear end portion of the top cover 3. A pin 5 for fixing the housing 2 and the top cover 3 is attached to the second pivotal support portion 22 and the second attachment portion 32. The top cover 3 can be opened and closed by lifting and rotating the front end side with the first attachment portion 31 and the second attachment portion 32 as fulcrums.

[0021] The housing 2 has chamfered portions with different depths at the connection between the upper end of the front surface (housing front surface 2b) and the top surface (housing top surface 2a) and at the connection between the upper end of the side surface (housing side surface 2c) and the top surface (housing top surface 2a). Specifically, the front chamfered portion 2d on the housing front surface 2b is deeper than the side chamfered portion 2e on the housing side surface 2c, that is, the width of the chamfered portion is larger. At the boundary between the front chamfered portion 2d and the side chamfered portion 2e, that is, at the portion corresponding to the corner on the front end side of the housing top surface 2a, a corner chamfered portion 2f is provided that is inclined so that the depth changes gradually according to the difference in depth between the front chamfered portion 2d and the side chamfered portion 2e. The chamfered portion may have an arc-shaped C-face or a flat cross section, and the flat end may be arc-shaped.

[0022] Next, the detailed shape of the top cover 3 and its relationship to the housing 2 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Note that Figures 3 to 5 show the state in which the upper part of the housing 2 has been extracted.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the top cover and the upper part of the housing, Fig. 4 is a front view showing the appearance of the top cover and the upper part of the housing, and Fig. 5 is a side view showing the appearance of the top cover and the upper part of the housing. Figs. 3 to 5 will be described based on the positional relationship when the top cover 3 is in the closed state.

[0024] The housing top surface 2a is curved so that the front side 2b of the housing is lower than the back side, and the height gradually changes. The top cover 3 is shaped according to the housing top surface 2a, and the cover body 33 covering the housing top surface 2a is curved so that the front end side is lower.

[0025] A protruding portion 33a is provided in the center of the upper surface of the lid body 33, protruding upward from the outer periphery, and a slightly recessed groove is provided on the outer periphery of the protruding portion 33a.

[0026] The front end of the top cover 3 is provided with an inclined portion 34 that is inclined upward toward the housing front surface 2b in the closed state, and an extension portion 35 that extends downward from the tip of the inclined portion 34. The side end of the cover body 33 is provided with a side end extension portion 36 that extends downward. A corner extension portion 37 that connects the extension portion 35 and the side end extension portion 36 is provided in a portion corresponding to the corner on the front end side of the cover body 33. At the joint between the extension portion 35, the corner extension portion 37, and the side end extension portion 36, the lower end of the side end extension portion 36 extends below the lower end of the extension portion 35, and the lower end of the corner extension portion 37 is curved (inclined) so that the side end extension portion 36 side is lower.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the extension portion 35 extends to such an extent that the lower end does not reach the front surface 2b of the housing. As a result, a gap is provided between the front end of the top cover 3 and the housing 2. A user can insert a finger into this gap to hook the finger on the front end of the top cover 3. The gap between the extension portion 35 and the front surface 2b of the housing is provided up to both ends in the width direction of the housing 2. In this way, a gap is provided for the user to insert a finger, but is not noticeable, resulting in an appearance that combines functionality and design.

[0028] 5, the lower end of the side end extension 36 extends to the extent that a small gap is formed with respect to the housing side surface 2c. Therefore, the gap between the extension 35 and the housing front surface 2b is wider than the gap between the side end extension 36 and the housing side surface 2c. This naturally prevents the user from placing his / her finger on the side end of the top cover 3 (side end extension 36).

[0029] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing one end in the width direction of the upper cover and the upper portion of the housing.

[0030] 6, one end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 4) in the width direction of the upper cover 3 and the upper portion of the housing 2 is shown enlarged.

[0031] As described above, a gap is provided between the extension 35 and the housing front surface 2b, and at the end of the housing 2 in the width direction, a gap is formed by the corner extension 37 and the corner chamfer 2f. When comparing the widths of the two, the width of the gap between the extension 35 and the housing front surface 2b (first gap distance SL1) is wider than the width of the gap between the corner extension 37 and the corner chamfer 2f (second gap distance SL2). In other words, the gap provided between the front end of the top cover 3 and the housing 2 narrows toward the end in the width direction. In this way, a gap for the user to insert his / her finger is provided between the top cover 3 and the housing 2, but since the gap on the end side is narrow, the user can be guided to hold the center of the top cover 3. Furthermore, since the inclined portion 34 is inclined upward, a structure can be formed in which the user can easily insert a finger from below the top cover 3. This allows the user to naturally insert his / her finger near the center in the left-right direction, and suppresses the top cover 3 from bending in the left-right direction when the top cover 3 is lifted. Therefore, it is not necessary to form an excessive reinforcing member for suppressing bending of the top lid 3 in the left-right direction, and it is possible to reduce the weight of the top lid 3. In addition, since bending of the top lid 3 in the left-right direction is suppressed when the top lid 3 is lifted, stress in the left-right direction is less likely to be applied to the user's fingers, and the top lid 3 can be lifted more easily.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, the lid body 33 is curved so that the joint with the inclined portion 34 is slightly lower, and there is a concern that liquid may accumulate in this portion. Therefore, the side end portions of the upper surface of the top lid 3 may be slightly curved (inclined) so that the height decreases toward the end. The height difference provided on the upper surface of the top lid 3 allows accumulated liquid to drop from the end.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the front end portion of the upper cover and the upper portion of the housing.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross section of the front end portion of the top cover 3 and the housing 2. As shown in FIG.

[0035] 7, the extension 35 extends so that an acute angle forms between the extension 35 and the extension 35. Providing the extension 35 in this manner guides the user's finger into the back, where the finger fits over the contour of the top lid 3, allowing the user to hold the top lid 3 firmly.

[0036] The extension 35 is preferably formed thicker than other parts, such as the side end extension 36, and the thicker extension makes it easier for the user to grip and to recognize the difference from other parts. The extension 35 may have different thicknesses at the upper end and lower end, and a step may be provided on the front side. In this way, when viewed from the front side, a shadow is generated in the extension 35, which gives a special impression to the user, for example, the upper cover 3 may be given the illusion of being thinner than its actual structure.

[0037] In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the gap is provided up to the end of the housing 2 in the width direction has been shown, but this is not limited thereto, and the range in which the gap is provided may be a part of the housing 2 in the width direction. In that case, it is sufficient that the end of the gap is formed to be narrower. In addition, although the housing 2 and the top cover 3 are each provided with a portion for adjusting the width of the gap, that is, the corner chamfered portion 2f and the corner extension portion 37, this is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which a portion for adjusting the width of the gap is provided only on one of the housing 2 and the top cover 3 may be used.

[0038] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to provide a basis for a restrictive interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the claims. In addition, the present disclosure includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1. Washing machine 2. Chassis 2a Top of the case 2b Front of the case 2c Case side 2d front chamfer 2e Side view 2f Angle surface extraction 3 Upper cover 33 Cover body 34 Inclined part 35 Extension 36 Side extension 37 Corner extension

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a housing and a top cover covering an upper portion of the housing, The top cover has a rear end rotatably attached to the housing, A gap is provided between the front end of the upper cover and the housing, The gap narrows toward the end in the width direction of the housing. A washing machine characterized by:

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The front end of the top cover is provided with an inclined portion that inclines upward on the front side of the housing. A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, An extension portion is provided extending downward from a tip of the inclined portion, The angle between the inclined portion and the extended portion is an acute angle. A washing machine characterized by:

4. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The housing has chamfers of different depths at the top of the front surface and the top of the side surfaces. A washing machine characterized by:

5. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The gap is provided to both ends of the housing in the width direction. A washing machine characterized by:

6. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The top cover covers the housing so that a front end of the top cover overlaps with a front end of the housing when viewed from above. A washing machine characterized by:

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