Cushioning material and washing machine packaging body

Abstract

To suitably protect a washing machine from an impact applied to a packaging body of the washing machine.SOLUTION: A cushioning material has: an upper face into which a part of a bottom part of a suspension body including a tank suspended in an enclosure of a washing machine is inserted, and which is formed with an upper recessed part recessed toward a lower direction; a lower face which is located below the upper face and on which a lower recessed part recessed toward the side of the upper recessed part is formed; and a protruding part which is located at the inside of the lower recessed part and protrudes toward a lower direction. The protruding part is provided so as to be separated from side walls of the lower recessed part in both sides in one direction in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushioning material and a packaging body for a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging device for a washing machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-48280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The cushioning material used when housing a washing machine in packaging is required to be able to suitably absorb impacts applied to the packaging body of the washing machine and protect the washing machine from the impacts.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can be suitably protected from impacts applied to a packaging body of the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cushioning material has an upper surface into which a part of the bottom of a suspension body including a tub suspended on a housing of a washing machine is inserted and which has an upper recess recessed downward, a lower surface located below the upper surface and which has a lower recess recessed toward the upper recess, and a protrusion located within the lower recess and protruding downward. The protrusions are provided spaced from side walls of the lower recess on both sides in one direction in a plan view.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a packaging for a washing machine includes a washing machine having a housing and a suspension body including a tub suspended from the housing, a packaging material for housing the washing machine, and a cushioning material positioned between the suspension body and the packaging material. The cushioning material has an upper surface into which a portion of the bottom of the suspension body is inserted and which forms an upper recess that recesses downward, a lower surface located below the upper surface and which forms a lower recess that recesses toward the upper recess, and a protrusion located within the lower recess and protruding downward. The protrusion is provided on both sides in one direction in a plan view, spaced apart from the side wall of the lower recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suitably protect a washing machine from impacts applied to a packaging body of the washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging body of the washing machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a package in which the packaging material is substantially omitted. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the package taken along the cutting line III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the cushioning material. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cushioning material. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cushioning material (first cushioning material) as viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cushioning material (first cushioning material) as viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a buffer material (first buffer material) taken along the width direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the depth direction of a cushioning material (first cushioning material). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of a first cushioning material in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a packaging body for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the same descriptions will be incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] In the following description, the direction along the arrangement direction of the base end rotation shaft and the tip end of the lid 1f (see FIG. 3) of the washing machine 1 (left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 3) is referred to as the "depth direction (front-rear direction)." The direction in which the central axis of the tub 1b extends (up-down direction on the paper in FIG. 3) is referred to as the "height direction." The direction perpendicular to both the depth direction and the height direction (direction perpendicular to the paper in FIG. 3) is referred to as the "width direction."

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging body 2 for a washing machine 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging body 2, with the packaging material 10 substantially omitted. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packaging body 2 taken along the cutting line III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the cushioning material 20. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the cushioning material 20.

[0013] (Packaging material 10) 1 and 2, packaging body 2 (see FIG. 1) for washing machine 1 (see FIG. 2) includes packaging material 10. Packaging material 10 houses washing machine 1. Packaging material 10 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. Packaging material 10 includes lower member 11 that covers the lower side of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 and upper member 12 that covers the upper side of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. Lower member 11 and upper member 12 face each other in the height direction (vertical direction). Lower member 11 and upper member 12 each have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Lower member 11 includes rectangular parallelepiped-shaped flat plate portion 11a and side wall portions 11b extending upward from the periphery of flat plate portion 11a. Upper member 12 includes rectangular parallelepiped-shaped flat plate portion 12a and side wall portions 12b extending downward from the periphery of flat plate portion 12a.

[0014] A side wall 13 is provided between the lower member 11 and the upper member 12. The side wall 13 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the height direction. In a plan view, the side wall 13 is arranged so as to cover the periphery of the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 2. The lower end of the side wall 13 is inserted into the lower member 11, and the upper end is inserted into the upper member 12, so that the side wall 13, the lower member 11, and the upper member 12 form a packaging material 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0015] The shape of packaging material 10 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and may be appropriately designed depending on, for example, the shape of washing machine 1. The material of packaging material 10 is also not particularly limited. Packaging material 10 may be made of various materials, for example, paper such as cardboard, plastic, resin, metal, etc.

[0016] (Washing machine 1) There is no particular limitation on the type of washing machine 1 placed in packaging material 10. Washing machine 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has a housing and a tub suspended from the housing.

[0017] Here, "washing machine" refers to a general device that performs various processes such as washing on items to be washed. Examples of processes that a washing machine can perform on items to be washed include washing, drying, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The items to be washed are not particularly limited. Examples of items to be washed include cloth products. Specific examples of items to be washed include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves, personal belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels, bedding such as curtains, blankets, towel blankets, and futon covers, carpets, stuffed toys, etc.

[0018] The term "washing machine" includes a so-called "vertical washing machine" in which the central axis of the tub (drum) is aligned substantially vertically when placed on a horizontal surface, and a so-called "drum-type washing machine" in which the central axis of the tub (drum) is aligned horizontally or inclined relative to the horizontal. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0019] 3, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment has a housing 1a. The housing 1a has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the height direction. The housing 1a is made of a rigid metal body.

[0020] Tub 1b is suspended from housing 1a by a suspension member (not shown). Tub 1b is swingable relative to housing 1a. Water and other liquids are stored in tub 1b, and laundry is placed in tub 1b. While tub 1b may be a single tub, in this embodiment it is comprised of multiple tubs. Specifically, tub 1b has an outer tub 1b1 and an inner tub 1b2.

[0021] The outer tub 1b1 is generally cylindrical (cylindrical with a bottom) with a closed lower end. The outer tub 1b1 is configured to store water. The inner tub 1b2 is disposed inside the outer tub 1b1. The inner tub 1b2 is cylindrical with a bottom and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tub 1b1. In this embodiment, the inner tub 1b2 is rotatable relative to the outer tub 1b1. As the inner tub 1b2 rotates relative to the housing 1a and the outer tub 1b1, centrifugal force acts on the laundry in the inner tub 1b2, causing it to be dehydrated. For this reason, the inner tub 1b2 is sometimes called a spin tub or a spin tub. The outer tub 1b1 is sometimes called a water tub.

[0022] Rotating blades 1b3 are disposed at the bottom of inner tub 1b2. Rotating blades 1b3 can rotate independently of inner tub 1b2 or together with inner tub 1b2. Rotating blades 1b3 rotate relative to inner tub 1b2, stirring laundry in inner tub 1b2 while water is stored in inner tub 1b2. As a result, laundry is washed. Rotating blades 1b3 are sometimes called, for example, a pulsator.

[0023] A rotation mechanism 1b4, such as a motor, is fixed to the bottom of the outer tub 1b1. When this rotation mechanism 1b4 is driven, the inner tub 1b2 and the rotating blades 1b3 rotate. The rotation mechanism 1b4 is generally composed of a motor or the like. Therefore, the rotation mechanism 1b4 is a relatively heavy object. For example, when stress is applied to the washing machine 1, a large inertial force acts on the rotation mechanism 1b4, causing the tub 1b to easily shake significantly.

[0024] In this embodiment, the tank 1b, which is swingably suspended from the housing 1a, and the rotation mechanism 1b4 form a suspension body 1c. The bottom of the suspension body 1c is formed by the outer tank 1b1 and the rotation mechanism 1b4.

[0025] A plurality of legs 1d are provided below the housing 1a. Specifically, a leg 1d is provided at each of the four corners of the housing 1a. Each of the four corners of the housing 1a is supported by a leg 1d.

[0026] A cover 1e is disposed above the housing 1a. A through-hole is formed in the cover 1e, penetrating in the height direction. This through-hole faces the interior of the inner tank 1b2, exposing the interior of the inner tank 1b2. The through-hole can be opened and closed by a lid 1f attached to the cover 1e in an openable and closable manner.

[0027] (Buffer material 20) The packaging body 2 of the washing machine 1 includes a cushioning material 20. The cushioning material 20 is disposed inside the packaging material 10. The cushioning material 20 is disposed between the packaging material 10 and the washing machine 1. The cushioning material 20 has a function of mitigating stress or impact applied to the washing machine 1, for example, when external stress or impact is applied to the packaging body 2. The cushioning material 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can mitigate stress or impact. The cushioning material 20 may be formed, for example, of a deformable material having a plurality of bubbles. The cushioning material 20 is preferably a material that has elasticity, viscosity, or viscoelasticity, for example. Specifically, the cushioning material 20 may be a foamed resin material. A preferred example of a foamed resin material is polystyrene foam, which is a foamed resin material of polystyrene. The cushioning material 20 may have, for example, two plate-like members spaced apart from each other and a columnar member disposed between the two plate-like members to maintain the distance between the two plate-like members, and may be a member that is deformable when stress is applied to one of the plate-like members. A preferred example of such a member is cardboard having paper plate-like members and columnar members. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the packaging material 10 is made of paper and the cushioning material 20 is made of polystyrene foam.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the cushioning material 20 includes a cushioning material 21 arranged above the washing machine 1, a cushioning material 22 arranged below the legs 1d of the washing machine 1, and a cushioning material 30 arranged so as to overlap the tub 1b in a plan view.

[0029] Cushioning material 21 is disposed between the upper portion of washing machine 1 and packaging material 10. Cushioning material 21 has the function of cushioning pressure and impact applied to the upper portion of packaging material 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, cushioning material 21 is disposed on both the left and right sides of washing machine 1 when viewed from the front.

[0030] The cushioning materials 22 are arranged between the legs 1d and the packaging material 10. Specifically, cushioning materials 22 are arranged between the packaging material 10 and each of the four legs 1d located at the front right, front left, rear right, and rear left. These cushioning materials 22 prevent pressure and impact applied to the lower part of the packaging material 10, particularly to the corners located at the lower part of the packaging material 10, from being transmitted to the legs 1d.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, cushioning material 22 is arranged on lower member 11 of packaging material 10. In this embodiment, cushioning material 22 arranged on the right front side and cushioning material 22 arranged on the left front side are integrally configured. Cushioning material 22 arranged on the right rear side and cushioning material 22 arranged on the left rear side are integrally configured. Therefore, in this embodiment, two cushioning materials 22 are provided: cushioning material 22 on which two legs 1d arranged on the left and right at the front side of washing machine 1 are arranged, and cushioning material 22 on which two legs 1d arranged on the left and right at the rear side of washing machine 1 are arranged.

[0032] (Buffer material 30) 3, the buffer material 30 is located below the washing machine 1 in a plan view. At least a portion of the buffer material 30 is located below the tub 1b, between the tub 1b and the packaging material 10. At least a portion of the buffer material 30 is located so as to overlap the suspension body 1c, more specifically, the tub 1b and the rotation mechanism 1b4, in a plan view.

[0033] In the following description, the buffer material 30 will be referred to as a first buffer material, the buffer material 21 as a second buffer material, and the buffer material 22 as a third buffer material.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the first cushioning material 30 is disposed on the lower member 11 between a cushioning material 22 positioned relatively forward and a cushioning material 22 positioned relatively rearward. The front end of the first cushioning material 30 is inserted into a recess provided in the cushioning material 22 positioned at the front. The rear end of the first cushioning material 30 is inserted into a recess provided in the cushioning material 22 positioned at the rear. This makes the first cushioning material 30 substantially immovable. The first cushioning material 30 is positioned so as to overlap with approximately the center of the lower member 11 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the first cushioning material 30 viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the first cushioning material 30 viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first cushioning material 30 taken along the width direction. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first cushioning material 30 taken along the front-rear direction.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the first buffer material 30 has an upper recess 30a into which a portion of the bottom of the suspension body 1c is inserted. The upper recess 30a is recessed downward. Specifically, the rotation mechanism 1b4, which constitutes a portion of the suspension body 1c, is inserted and fixed in the upper recess 30a. The inner shape of the recess 30a is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the rotation mechanism 1b4. Therefore, when the rotation mechanism 1b4 is inserted into the recess 30a, the rotation mechanism 1b4 and the first buffer material 30 are substantially unable to displace relative to each other.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first cushioning material 30 has a main portion 31, a first side portion 32, and a second side portion 33. The main portion 31 is located in the center in the depth direction of the washing machine 1. The first side portion 32 is located behind the main portion 31. The second side portion 33 is located in front of the main portion 31. The first side portion 32, the main portion 31, and the second side portion 33 are arranged linearly along the depth direction (front-to-back direction). As shown in FIG. 5, the rear end of the first side portion 32 is inserted into a recess in the cushioning material 22 located relatively rearward, thereby fixing the first side portion 32 to the rear cushioning material 22. Meanwhile, the front end of the second side portion 33 is inserted into a recess in the cushioning material 22 located relatively forward, thereby fixing the second side portion 33 to the front semi-baked material 22.

[0038] 3, the main portion 31 is connected to the front end of the first side portion 32 and the rear end of the second side portion 33. This prevents the first side portion 32 from moving forward and the second side portion 33 from moving backward. Therefore, the entire cushioning material 30 including the main portion 31 cannot move in a planar direction (for example, in the depth direction or width direction) relative to the packaging material 10.

[0039] The main portion 31 has a height dimension greater than each of the first side portion 32 and the second side portion 33 .

[0040] An upper recess 30a is formed in the region of the upper surface 30A of the cushioning material 30, which extends from the front end to the rear end, where the main portion 31 is located. A rotation mechanism 1b4 constituting a part of the suspension body 1c is inserted and fixed in the recess 30a. Therefore, the suspension body 1c is connected to the packaging material 10 by the cushioning material 30 and the cushioning material 22. Therefore, within the packaging body 2, the suspension body 1c suspended on the housing 1a is fixed by the cushioning material 30 so as to be substantially undisplaceable.

[0041] (Lower recess 30b) A lower recess 30b is formed in the area of ​​the lower surface 30B of the cushioning material 30, which extends from the front end to the rear end, where the main portion 31 is located. The lower recess 30b is recessed toward the upper recess 30a (upward). In a plan view, the lower recess 30b is positioned so as to overlap the upper recess 30a. In the height direction, the lower recess 30b is spaced apart from the upper recess 30a.

[0042] The lower recess 30b has substantially the same shape as the upper recess 30a in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, specifically, the lower recess 30b and the upper recess 30a each have an elongated shape that is elongated along one direction. More specifically, the lower recess 30b and the upper recess 30a both have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with their longitudinal direction aligned with the front-to-rear direction. In plan view, the short sides of the lower recess 30b and the upper recess 30a are substantially parallel to the width direction. The long sides of the lower recess 30b and the upper recess 30a are substantially parallel to the depth direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the lower recess 30b has a substantially rectangular shape with chamfered or rounded corners in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, etc., the lower recess 30b has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The ridges and corners located on the bottom side of the lower recess 30b have a chamfered or rounded shape.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 to 9, the lower recess 30b has four side walls 30b1, 30b2, 30b3, and 30b4, a bottom surface 30b5, and four ridges 30b6, 30b7, 30b8, and 30b9. As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, etc., the first side wall 30b1 and the second side wall 30b2 each extend along the width direction (left-right direction). The first side wall 30b1 and the second side wall 30b2 face each other in the depth direction. The first side wall 30b1 and the bottom surface 30b5 are connected by the ridge 30b6, which has a rounded shape. The second side wall 30b2 and the bottom surface 30b5 are connected by the ridge 30b7, which has a rounded shape.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the third side wall 30b3 and the fourth side wall 30b4 each extend in the depth direction. The third side wall 30b3 and the fourth side wall 30b4 face each other in the width direction. The third side wall 30b3 and the bottom surface 30b5 are connected by a rounded ridge portion 30b8. The fourth side wall 30b4 and the bottom surface 30b5 are connected by a rounded ridge portion 30b9.

[0045] (Protrusion 40) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a protrusion 40 is provided within the lower recess 30b. The protrusion 40 protrudes downward (toward the lower surface 30B) from the bottom surface 30b5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the height of the protrusion 40 is smaller than the depth of the lower recess 30b. Therefore, the entire protrusion 40 is located within the lower recess 30b. The top (lower end) of the protrusion 41 is located above the lower end of the lower surface 30B (toward the bottom surface 30b5). The height of the protrusion 41 is preferably 0.6 times or more, and more preferably 0.7 times or more, the depth of the lower recess 30b. The height of the protrusion 41 is preferably less than 1 time, and more preferably 0.9 times or less, the depth of the lower recess 30b.

[0046] 7, the protrusion 40 has a cross shape in a plan view. The protrusion 40 has a first protrusion 41 and a second protrusion 42.

[0047] The first protrusion 41 has an elongated shape extending along the depth direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 41 is located approximately at the center in the width direction of the lower recess 30b and extends linearly along the depth direction. The first protrusion 41 is a linear protrusion. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the first protrusion 41 is provided spaced apart from the side walls of the lower recess 30b, specifically, the first side wall 30b1 and the second side wall 30b2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, in cross sections along the depth direction and the height direction, the curvature of the ridge between the first protrusion 41 and the bottom surface 30b5 is higher than the curvature of the ridges 30b6 and 30b7. The radius of curvature of the ridge between the first protrusion 41 and the bottom surface 30b5 is shorter than the radius of curvature of the ridges 30b6 and 30b7.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , the second protrusion 42 has an elongated shape extending along the width direction. Specifically, the second protrusion 42 is located approximately at the center in the depth direction of the lower recess 30b and extends linearly along the width direction. The second protrusion 42 is a linear protrusion. The second protrusion 42 intersects with the first protrusion 41. Specifically, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 intersect at approximately the center of the first protrusion 41 and the center of the second protrusion 42. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the first protrusion 41 and the extension direction of the second protrusion 42 are approximately 90°. In other words, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 are perpendicular to each other. However, in the present invention, the intersection angle between the multiple linear protrusions is not limited to approximately 90°. The multiple linear protrusions may be inclined relative to each other.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second protrusion 42 is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the lower recess 30b, specifically, the third sidewall 30b3 and the fourth sidewall 30b4. Thus, in this embodiment, the protrusion 40 is spaced apart from the entire sidewall of the lower recess 30b. The protrusion 40 is not connected to any part of the sidewall of the lower recess 30b. In a cross section along the width and height directions, the curvature of the ridge between the second protrusion 42 and the bottom surface 30b5 is higher than the curvature of the ridge portions 30b8 and 30b9. In a cross section along the width and height directions, the radius of curvature of the ridge between the second protrusion 42 and the bottom surface 30b5 is shorter than the radius of curvature of the ridge portions 30b8 and 30b9.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the height of the first protrusion 41 and the height of the second protrusion 42 are approximately the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second protrusion 42 may be shorter or taller than the first protrusion 41, as long as the heights of the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 are each less than the depth of the lower recess 30b. In particular, it is preferable that the height of the first protrusion 41 along the longitudinal direction of the lower recess 30b is shorter than the height of the second protrusion 42 along the lateral direction of the lower recess 30b.

[0051] The shape of the top of the protrusion 40 is not particularly limited. The top of the protrusion 40 may be, for example, flat or rounded. When the top of the protrusion 40 is flat, the top may be substantially parallel to the lower surface 30B or may be inclined relative to the lower surface 30B.

[0052] Incidentally, if packaging body 2 of washing machine 1 falls from above, there is a risk that an impact will be applied to washing machine 1 via packaging material 10 and cushioning material 20. For example, unlike the present embodiment, if the first cushioning material does not have a lower recess, only impact absorption will occur due to elastic or plastic deformation of the first cushioning material. Therefore, in the case of a large impact, the first cushioning material will not be able to sufficiently absorb the stress or impact, and there is a risk that the washing machine, particularly the suspension body including the tub, will be subjected to large stress or impact.

[0053] On the other hand, if a lower recess is provided in the first buffer material but a reinforcing portion such as a protrusion is not provided within the lower recess, cracks or breakage may occur in the first buffer material from the ridges or corners of the lower recess due to applied stress or impact before the first buffer material itself undergoes plastic deformation, making the bottom surface 30b5 of the lower recess 30b more susceptible to damage. Although the occurrence of cracks or breakage absorbs a certain amount of stress or impact, once cracks or breakage occur, the buffering effect of the first buffer material is significantly reduced, so there are cases where the first buffer material cannot be expected to provide sufficient buffering effect against stress or impact.

[0054] In the packaging body 2 according to this embodiment, a lower recess 30b is provided on the lower surface 30B of the first cushioning material 30, and a protrusion 40 is provided within the lower recess 30b. The protrusions 40 are provided on both sides of the lower recess 30b in one direction (for example, the depth direction in this embodiment) in a plan view, spaced apart from the side walls 30b1 and 30b2 of the lower recess 30b. Therefore, for example, the ridges and corners of the lower recess 30b have relatively low strength, and when a large impact is applied, cracks or breakage occurs, thereby absorbing the impact. Meanwhile, the protrusions 40 are provided on the bottom surface 30b5 of the lower recess 30b, which prevents the bottom surface 30b5 from breaking and penetrating through the upper recess 30a and the lower recess 30b. Thus, in this embodiment, both shock absorption due to elastic or plastic deformation of the first cushioning material 30 and shock absorption due to cracks or breakage of the first cushioning material 30 can be effectively achieved. Therefore, for example, when the package 2 is dropped from a low position and a relatively small impact is applied, and when the package 2 is dropped from a high position and a relatively large impact is applied, it is possible to effectively reduce the impact transmitted to the washing machine 1. Therefore, for example, even when the package 2 is dropped, the washing machine 1 is less likely to be damaged.

[0055] From the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing impacts on the washing machine 1, it is preferable that the height of the protrusion 40 is less than the depth of the lower recess 30b. In this case, when an impact is applied from below the packaging body 2, the impact is first received by the underside of the first cushioning material 30 excluding the protrusion 40. At this point, the protrusion 40 is not in contact with the object that impacts the packaging body 2, so the protrusion 40 itself does not have a significant impact absorption effect, and only the protrusion 40 structurally improves the strength of the first cushioning material 30. Therefore, the rigidity and elasticity of the first cushioning material 30 do not become too high, and the first cushioning material 30 can adequately absorb the impact even when, for example, a small impact is applied.

[0056] For example, when a relatively large impact is applied to the first cushioning material 30, the impact is first applied to portions of the first cushioning material 30 other than the protrusion 40, causing the first cushioning material 30 to deform. As a result, if an impact large enough that the first cushioning material 30 cannot absorb the impact by deformation alone is applied, cracks will form starting near the ridge of the lower recess, and the bottom surface 30b5 of the lower recess 30b will be crushed and deformed, thereby absorbing the impact. At this time, because the protrusion 40 is floating (separated) from the lower surface 30B of the first cushioning material 30, the protrusion 40 will not be directly impacted. Therefore, the upper recess 30a will not be directly impacted. Even if the lower recess 30b is crushed and the protrusion 40 comes into contact with the packaging material 10, the upper recess 30a will not be subjected to a large impact because the lower recess 30b has already been crushed and absorbed most of the impact. Furthermore, since the upper recess 30a is supported by the protrusion 40 at a distance from the underside of the packaging body 2, it is possible to prevent the rotation mechanism 1b4 from losing support.

[0057] In this way, by making the height of the protrusion 40 less than the depth of the lower recess 30b, transmission of an impact to the washing machine 1 can be more effectively suppressed regardless of whether the impact is weak or strong. From this perspective, it is preferable that the protrusion 40 has a height that allows the protrusion 40 to reach the lower surface 30B of the first cushioning material 30 after an impact is applied to the lower surface 30B of the first cushioning material 30 and cracks or breaks are substantially formed in the first cushioning material 30. Specifically, the height of the protrusion 41 is preferably 0.6 times or more the depth of the lower recess 30b, and more preferably 0.7 times or more. The height of the protrusion 41 is preferably less than 1 time the depth of the lower recess 30b, and more preferably 0.9 times or less.

[0058] In this embodiment, both the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 of the protrusion 40 are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the lower recess 30b on both longitudinal sides, thereby more effectively achieving the above-described effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, only one of the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 may be spaced apart from the sidewalls of the lower recess 30b on both longitudinal sides. Even in this case, the same effect as described above is achieved. In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion 41 having the longer dimension along the longitudinal direction among the multiple protrusions 41, 42 is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the lower recess 30b on both longitudinal sides of the protrusion 41 (specifically, the depth direction). This is because the deformation of the first protrusion 41 along the longitudinal direction when an impact is applied to the first buffer material 30 is relatively large.

[0059] When an impact is applied to the first buffer material 30, the opposing side walls of the lower recess 30b deform in a direction away from each other, centering on the base end of the side walls toward the tip end. If the protrusion 40 then indirectly contacts the impact object and the impact is still not sufficiently absorbed, the first buffer material 30 will deform even more significantly. In this case, in order to increase the impact absorption effect resulting from the plastic deformation of the first buffer material 30 by favorably generating cracks in the first buffer material 30, it is preferable that the curvature of the ridgeline between the peripheral wall and the bottom surface of the lower recess 30b differ from the curvature of the ridgeline between the protrusion and the bottom surface. This is because cracks are more likely to occur in the ridgeline with a higher curvature, which further increases the impact absorption effect resulting from the plastic deformation of the first buffer material 30. Furthermore, the curvature of the ridgeline between the peripheral wall and the bottom surface of the lower recess 30b is preferably larger than the curvature of the ridgeline between the protrusion and the bottom surface, and is preferably 1.5 times or more, and more preferably 2 times or more, of the curvature of the ridgeline between the protrusion and the bottom surface. This makes it easier for the base of the protrusion 40 to separate from the bottom surface 30b5 after the protrusion 40 indirectly comes into contact with a colliding object, and the protrusion 40 can collapse to absorb the impact.

[0060] Other examples and modifications of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, members having substantially the same functions as those in the above embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0061] (Modification of the first embodiment) FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 are both spaced apart from the wall surfaces of the lower recess 30b on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the first protrusion 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the first protrusion 41 may be spaced apart from the wall surfaces of the lower recess 30b on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the first protrusion 41 (specifically, the width direction of the washing machine 1), while the second protrusion 42 may be connected to at least one of the wall surfaces on both sides of the lower recess 30b.

[0063] Even in this case, substantially the same effects as those obtained in the first embodiment are achieved.

[0064] (Second embodiment) Fig. 11 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the second embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11 .

[0065] In the first embodiment, an example in which only one protrusion 40 is provided in the lower recess 30b has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a plurality of protrusions may be provided in the lower recess.

[0066] 11 and 12, in this embodiment, multiple protrusions 40a1, 40a2, 40b1, 40b2, and 40c are provided within the lower recess 30b. The multiple protrusions 40a1, 40a2, 40b1, 40b2, 40c1, and 40c2 are arranged at intervals along the depth direction. In this case, the first buffer material 30 has more portions where cracks are likely to occur. Therefore, the impact absorption effect due to plastic deformation of the first buffer material 30 can be more effectively achieved.

[0067] 12, the plurality of protrusions 40a1, 40a2, 40b1, 40b2, 40c1, and 40c2 include a plurality of types of protrusions with different heights. Therefore, depending on the impact applied to the packaging body 2, the indirect contact area between the first cushioning material 30 and the impacted object increases, thereby achieving both a more suitable impact absorption effect and support for the rotation mechanism 1b4 after the impact is absorbed.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heights of the protrusions 40a1, 40a2, 40b1, 40b2, 40c1, and 40c2 decrease toward the center in the depth direction of the lower recess 30b. Therefore, as the deformation of the first cushioning material 30 increases, even the protrusions located toward the center in the depth direction gradually come into indirect contact with the colliding object, thereby more effectively absorbing the impact.

[0069] As in the first embodiment, a single protrusion may be provided as an integral part, and the shape of the top surface (lower surface) of the protrusion may be, for example, cone-shaped, tapered, stepped, etc. so that it becomes gradually or linearly upward toward the center in one direction, such as the depth direction.

[0070] (Third embodiment) FIG. 13 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material 30 in the third embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 13, in the third embodiment, only one protrusion 40 is provided in the lower recess 30b. The shape of the protrusion 40 in a plan view is elliptical. Even in this embodiment, substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved. The shape of the protrusion 40 in a plan view is not particularly limited to an elliptical shape. For example, the shape of the protrusion 40 in a plan view may be rectangular, oval, polygonal, or the like. The shape of the protrusion 40 in a plan view may be substantially similar to the shape of the lower recess 30b in a plan view.

[0072] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic rear view of the first cushioning material in the fourth embodiment.

[0073] 14, in this embodiment, a plurality of concentric protrusions 401, 402 having different sizes are provided as the protrusion 40. Even in this case, substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0074] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1: Washing machine 1a: Housing 1b: Tank 1b4: Rotation mechanism 1c: Suspension body 2: Packaging 10: Packaging material 20: Cushioning material 30: 1st buffer material 30A:Top surface 30B: Bottom surface 30b: Lower recess 40: Protrusion

Claims

1. an upper surface into which a part of a bottom portion of a suspension body including a tub suspended on a housing of a washing machine is inserted, the upper surface having an upper recess recessed downward; a lower surface located below the upper surface and having a lower recess formed therein that is recessed toward the upper recess; a protrusion located within the lower recess and protruding downward; and The protrusions are provided on both sides in one direction in a plan view, spaced apart from the side walls of the lower recess.

2. The cushioning material according to claim 1 , wherein the height of the protrusion is less than the depth of the lower recess.

3. the lower recess has an elongated shape that is elongated along the one direction, The cushioning material according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are linear protrusions that are elongated along the one direction.

4. The cushioning material according to claim 1 , further comprising another protrusion provided in the lower recess and extending in a direction intersecting the protrusion.

5. The protrusion is a first protrusion located on one side of a side wall of the lower recess in the one direction; a second protrusion provided on the other side of the first protrusion in the one direction, spaced apart from the first protrusion, and lower than the first protrusion; The cushioning material of claim 1 , comprising:

6. 6. The cushioning material according to claim 1, wherein in a cross section along the one direction, the curvature of a corner between one side wall of the lower recess and the bottom surface of the lower recess is smaller than the curvature of a corner between one side wall of the protrusion opposite the one side wall and the bottom wall of the lower recess.

7. a washing machine having a housing and a suspension body including a tub suspended in the housing; A packaging material that houses the washing machine; a buffer material positioned between the suspension body and the packaging material; Equipped with The buffer material is an upper surface into which a part of the bottom of the suspension body is inserted and which has an upper recess recessed downward; a lower surface located below the upper surface and having a lower recess formed therein that is recessed toward the upper recess; a protrusion located within the lower recess and protruding downward; and A packaging body for a washing machine, wherein the protrusions are provided on both sides in one direction in a plan view, spaced apart from the side walls of the lower recess.

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