Packing device for clothes processing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a packing device for a clothes processing apparatus that easily suppresses deformation of an outer case.SOLUTION: The packing device 10 of the clothes processing apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure includes the upper protection member 60 that protects the upper portion of the clothes processing apparatus 1, and the outer case 13 that covers the clothes processing apparatus 1 and the upper protection member 60, and the upper protection member 60 is provided with the first outer surfaces 71 and 76 that are located outside the clothes processing apparatus 1 and are inclined from the vertical direction, the cutouts 73 and 78 formed in the first outer surfaces 71 and 76, and the end portions 74 and 79 that protrude from the edges of the cutouts 73 and 78 to the outside of the first outer surfaces 71 and 76.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging device for a clothing processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that can prevent deformation and damage to the exterior surface of the washing machine. This washing machine includes a base for packaging the washing machine body, a front cushioning material, and an upper cushioning material, all of which are made of polystyrene foam. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-174999 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a packaging device for a clothing processing device that can suppress deformation of an outer case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The packaging device for a clothing processing device in the present disclosure comprises an upper protective member that protects the upper part of the clothing processing device, and an outer case that covers the clothing processing device and the upper protective member, and the upper protective member has a first outer surface that is located outside the clothing processing device and is inclined from the vertical direction, a notch formed in the first outer surface, and an end that protrudes outside the first outer surface from the edge of the notch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the packaging device of the clothing processing device according to the present disclosure, the end portion occupies part of the space between the outer case and the first outer surface, so that the end portion can support the outer case from the inside, thereby preventing deformation of the outer case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine and a packing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Plan view of a pair of pedestals [Figure 3] A perspective view of a pair of bases [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section in Figure 2 [Figure 5] VV cross-sectional view in Figure 2 [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of upper protection members; [Figure 7] Plan view of the upper protective member [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of Figure 7, taken along the line VIII-VIII [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the packaging device [Figure 10] Perspective view of the upper protection member [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine and a packing device according to another embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, packaging devices for clothing treatment devices typically used polystyrene foam members. In packaging devices using polystyrene foam members, the thickness of each component was adjusted to prevent damage to clothing treatment devices during transportation and storage due to stacking. Under these circumstances, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​using a material other than polystyrene foam for the packaging device to reduce the environmental impact, since polystyrene foam is a petroleum-derived material that has a large environmental impact. The inventors discovered that if a packaging device is made of a material whose strength is difficult to change by adjusting the thickness, such as pulp mold, the packaging device must be structurally designed to withstand the weight of the packed clothing treatment devices when stacked and the impact of a drop, regardless of adjusting the thickness of the packaging device. The subject matter of the present disclosure was conceived to solve this problem. The present disclosure provides a packaging device for a clothing treatment device that can improve the strength of a base that supports the clothing treatment device.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, in which some reference numerals may be omitted. [1-1.Configuration] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine 1 and a packaging device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the symbol X indicates the left direction, the symbol Y indicates the forward direction, and the symbol Z indicates the vertically upward direction, which coincides with the explanation of directions in the specification. The forward direction is the direction in which a person using the washing machine 1 stands when viewed from the washing machine 1. The left direction is the direction to the left of a person viewing the washing machine 1 from the front.

[0011] [1-1-1. Washing machine configuration] The washing machine 1 is a device for washing clothes. In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a so-called drum-type domestic washing machine, and is capable of washing and drying clothes. The weight of the washing machine 1 in this embodiment is about 80 kg. The washing machine 1 is an example of a "clothing processing device" in the present disclosure.

[0012] The washing machine 1 has an external shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The washing machine 1 has a top plate 2 facing upward. The top plate 2 is a generally horizontal plate-like member located at the upper end of the outer surface of the washing machine 1. The top plate 2 forms the upper surface of the washing machine 1.

[0013] Washing machine 1 has a front panel 3 facing forward. Front panel 3 is a plate-like member located at the front end of the outer surface of washing machine 1. Top panel 2 and front panel 3 are made of decorative resin panels.

[0014] A door 3a is provided approximately in the center of the front panel 3. The door 3a is made of a transparent or translucent material and is attached to the front panel 3 via a hinge so as to be openable and closable. When the door 3a is opened, the washing tub inside the washing machine 1 is exposed to the front.

[0015] An operation panel 3b is provided above the front panel 3. That is, the operation panel 3b is provided at the corner between the top panel 2 and the front panel 3. The operation panel 3b is a flat member facing diagonally forward and upward. An operation display unit 3c is provided on the operation panel 3b. The operation display unit 3c displays information to the user and accepts user operations on the washing machine 1. The operation display unit 3c includes any display device such as a display, LED, or 7-segment display that displays information to the user, and any input device such as a switch, button, or touch sensor that detects operations by the user. The front panel 3 and the operation panel 3b form the front surface of the washing machine 1.

[0016] The washing machine 1 has a pair of side panels 4 that face outward in the left-right direction with the washing machine 1 at the center. The side panels 4 are plate-shaped members located at the right and left ends of the outer surface of the washing machine 1 and that are approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction. The pair of side panels 4 form the left and right side surfaces of the washing machine 1, respectively.

[0017] The washing machine 1 has a rear panel 5 facing rearward. The rear panel 5 is located at the rear end of the washing machine 1. The rear panel 5 forms the rear surface of the washing machine 1. In this embodiment, the side panels 4 are made of metal decorative panels, and the rear panel 5 is made of sheet metal.

[0018] Washing machine 1 has a frame 6 located at the bottom of washing machine 1. Frame 6 is a member that supports each structural component of washing machine 1. In this embodiment, frame 6 is made of a resin that is harder than the resin that makes up top panels 2 and 3.

[0019] The underframe 6 has a bottom surface 7. The bottom surface 7 is a flat surface facing downward. The bottom surface 7 is located below the lower end of the front panel 3, the lower ends of the side panels 4, and the lower end of the rear panel 5. The front end of the bottom surface 7 is located rearward of the lower end of the front panel 3. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 7 has two sides along the front-to-rear direction and two sides along the left-to-right direction, and is generally rectangular in shape in a plan view.

[0020] Further, the frame 6 has legs 8 at the four corners of the bottom surface 7. The legs 8 are components that extend below the bottom surface 7. The washing machine 1 is installed with the legs 8 placed on a waterproof pan or the like.

[0021] [1-1-2. Overall configuration of packaging equipment] As shown in Fig. 1, washing machine 1 is transported in a state packed by packing device 10. Packing device 10 packs washing machine 1, for example, from the time washing machine 1 is shipped until it is delivered to a purchaser. Packing device 10 protects washing machine 1 from loads and impacts during storage and transportation.

[0022] Packing device 10 has receiving member 11. Receiving member 11 is a tray-shaped member and is substantially rectangular in plan view. Receiving member 11 is located at the bottom of packing device 10 and covers washing machine 1 from below. Receiving member 11 forms the lower surface of the outer surface of packing device 10. In the present embodiment, receiving member 11 is made of cardboard.

[0023] Packing device 10 has outer case 13. Outer case 13 is a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped member with an open bottom. Outer case 13 constitutes the top surface and four side surfaces (front, back, left, and right) of the outer surface of packing device 10. Outer case 13 is placed over washing machine 1 held above receiving member 11 via the opening in the bottom surface. Furthermore, outer case 13 placed over washing machine 1 is lowered to a position where the lower end of outer case 13 covers the side surfaces of receiving member 11 from the sides. In this way, receiving member 11 and outer case 13 of packing device 10 can completely cover and conceal washing machine 1. In this embodiment, outer case 13 is made of cardboard.

[0024] Packing device 10 has a base 20. Base 20 is a member that is placed on receiving member 11 inside receiving member 11 and outer case 13 and supports washing machine 1. The longitudinal direction of base 20 is the front-to-rear direction. The short-side direction of base 20, i.e., the horizontal direction in which the dimension of base 20 is small, is the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, a pair of bases 20 whose longitudinal directions are the front-to-rear direction are placed side by side in the left-to-right direction, which is the short-side direction of base 20, on receiving member 11. The pair of bases 20 are arranged along the inner surfaces on both the left and right sides of receiving member 11 and support end portions 7a on both the left and right sides of bottom surface 7 of underframe 6.

[0025] The packaging device 10 has an upper protective member 60. The upper protective member 60 is a member that is placed on the top of the washing machine 1 inside the exterior case 13. The longitudinal direction of the upper protective member 60 is the front-to-rear direction. The lateral direction of the upper protective member 60 is the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, a pair of upper protective members 60, each with its longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction, are placed side by side in the left-to-right direction, which is the lateral direction of the upper protective members 60, on the top of the washing machine 1. The pair of upper protective members 60 are placed on both ends of the top plate 2 in the left-to-right direction, so as to fit along the inner surface of the left side face and the inner surface of the right side face of the exterior case 13.

[0026] The base 20 and the upper protective member 60 are made of a pulp mold using pulp as a raw material, and are manufactured by pulp molding such as injection molding or foam molding. Therefore, the packaging device 10 can reduce the environmental impact compared to when the base 20 and the upper protective member 60 are made of a fossil fuel-derived material such as polystyrene foam. In this embodiment, the base 20 and the upper protective member 60 are manufactured by pulp molding. Therefore, the thickness of the base 20 and the upper protective member 60 is made to be approximately uniform. Furthermore, the base 20 and the upper protective member 60 are molded with the removal direction of the mold being the vertical direction.

[0027] The packaging device 10 has a pair of contour reinforcement members 15. The contour reinforcement members 15 are disposed inside the outer case 13 and extend vertically over substantially the entire area between the receiving member 11 and the outer case 13 in the vertical direction. The contour reinforcement members 15 have an L-shaped cross section in horizontal cross section and are provided along the corners between the inner surface of the front side of the outer case 13 and the inner surfaces of both the left and right sides of the outer case 13. The upper ends of the contour reinforcement members 15 are disposed between the inner surface of the outer case 13 and the front end of the upper protection member 60, and the lower ends are disposed between the inner surface of the outer case 13 and the front end of the base 20. In this embodiment, the contour reinforcement members 15 are made of cardboard.

[0028] The packaging device 10 has an upper reinforcing member 17. The upper reinforcing member 17 is a member disposed inside the outer case 13 and above the washing machine 1. The upper reinforcing member 17 is disposed so as to substantially abut the front and rear inner surfaces of the outer case 13. In other words, the upper reinforcing member 17 occupies substantially the entire inner surface of the outer case 13 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, when a load that compresses the outer case 13 in the front-to-rear direction is applied, the upper reinforcing member 17 braces itself, thereby preventing the outer case 13 from being dented. In this embodiment, the upper reinforcing member 17 has an upper surface portion 18 and a pair of side portions 19. The upper surface portion 18 has a horizontal plate-like structure and is disposed between the inner surface of the top surface of the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60 so as to follow the inner surface of the top surface of the outer case 13. The upper surface portion 18 has substantially the same shape as the inner surface of the top surface of the outer case 13. The pair of side portions 19 have plate-like structures bent downward from both left and right ends of the top surface portion 18. The side portions 19 are arranged between the inner surfaces of the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60, so as to follow the inner surfaces of the side surfaces of the outer case 13. In this embodiment, the upper reinforcing member 17 is made of cardboard. Note that the side portions 19 may also be arranged between the inner surfaces of the front-rear side surfaces of the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60, so as to follow the inner surfaces of the side surfaces of the outer case 13.

[0029] [1-1-3. Base configuration] Next, the configuration of the base 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pair of bases 20. In FIG. 2, the bottom surface 7 and legs 8 of the frame 6 are schematically shown by imaginary lines. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pair of bases 20. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of left and right bases 20 are configured to be approximately symmetrical with each other. In the following description, the terms "outside" and "inside" in the front-rear or left-right direction are defined relative to the center C of the washing machine 1 in a plan view. In other words, the "outside" in the front-rear or left-right direction is the side farther from the center C, and the "inside" in the front-rear or left-right direction is the side closer to the center C.

[0030] The base 20 has a first lower surface 21. The first lower surface 21 is a surface located at the lower end of the base 20. The first lower surface 21 is a substantially horizontal surface. The first lower surface 21 is a portion of the base 20 that contacts the receiving member 11 from above. The first lower surface 21 is provided over substantially the entire base 20 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the first lower surface 21 is provided over substantially the entire base 20 in the longitudinal direction of the base 20. Furthermore, the width of the first lower surface 21 in the left-to-right direction is substantially constant. In other words, the width of the first lower surface 21 is substantially constant in the short-side direction of the base 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width of the first lower surface 21 is set to a small width within a range that allows the base 20 to be molded. This increases the rigidity of the first lower surface 21 over substantially the entire length of the base 20, thereby improving the bending rigidity of the base 20. The first lower surface 21 corresponds to an example of the "lower surface" in the present disclosure.

[0031] [1-1-3-1. Support structure] The base 20 has a support portion 22. The support portion 22 is structured to protrude upward from the first lower surface 21. The support portion 22 is formed outside the first lower surface 21 in the left-right direction, which is the short side direction of the base 20. The support portion 22 is formed along both left-right portions of the outer periphery of the bottom surface 7. The longitudinal direction of the support portion 22 is the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20.

[0032] Support portion 22 has support surface 23. Support surface 23 is a portion that contacts bottom surface 7 of frame 6 of washing machine 1 from below. More specifically, support surface 23 contacts both left-right end portions 7a of bottom surface 7 of frame 6 from below. In other words, bottom surface 7 of frame 6 of washing machine 1 is placed on support surface 23. Support surface 23 faces upward. Support surface 23 is formed substantially horizontally. More specifically, the longitudinal direction of support surface 23 is the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of base 20 and support portion 22. Furthermore, support surface 23 is provided over substantially the entire end portion 7a in the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of base 20.

[0033] Support portion 22 has side portion 24. Side portion 24 is formed on the outside of bottom surface 7 of frame 6 of washing machine 1. More specifically, side portion 24 is formed along end portion 7a of bottom surface 7, on the left-right outer side of end portion 7a. Side portion 24 extends upward beyond support surface 23. Therefore, side portion 24 surrounds the lower part of frame 6 from the outside in the left-right direction, preventing washing machine 1 from shifting position. In addition, an inclined surface 24a is formed at the upper part of side portion 24. Inclined surface 24a is inclined so that the lower side is positioned inward in the left-right direction. Therefore, when washing machine 1 is placed on base 20, frame 6 can be positioned along inclined surface 24a on the left-right inner side of side portion 24, and end portion 7a of bottom surface 7 can be supported by support surface 23.

[0034] The support portion 22 also has a second reinforcing recess 25. The second reinforcing recess 25 is a structure that is recessed downward and is formed between the support surface 23 and the lower end of the side surface portion 24. The second reinforcing recess 25 is a recess that is approximately U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22. The lower end of the second reinforcing recess 25 is located below the support surface 23. The second reinforcing recess 25 is provided over approximately the entire support portion 22 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22.

[0035] By forming the second reinforcing recess 25, a load applied to the support surface 23 in the vertical direction can be borne by the side surface of the inner surface of the second reinforcing recess 25, which is a substantially vertical surface adjacent to the support surface 23. This increases the strength of the support surface 23. Furthermore, by forming the second reinforcing recess 25, it is possible to prevent a downward load from being applied to the bent portion at the lower end of the side surface portion 24, and thus it is possible to prevent cracking of the base 20.

[0036] The support portion 22 is configured to include a plurality of support protrusions 26. The support protrusions 26 are structured to protrude upward from the first lower surface 21. The plurality of support protrusions 26 are formed and aligned in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20. In this embodiment, each support portion 22 has ten support protrusions 26. The number of support protrusions 26 included in the support portion 22 can be set to any number equal to or greater than two.

[0037] The support protrusions 26 have protrusion support surfaces 27. The protrusion support surfaces 27 are formed on each support protrusion 26 and are flat surfaces facing upward. Each protrusion support surface 27 is substantially horizontal and formed at the same height as each other. That is, each protrusion support surface 27 is formed on substantially the same plane. Each protrusion support surface 27 contacts the end 7a of the bottom surface 7 from below. The support surface 23 described above is composed of multiple protrusion support surfaces 27 formed on the support portion 22.

[0038] The support protrusions 26 have protrusion side surfaces 28. The protrusion side surfaces 28 are formed on the outer side of the bottom surface 7 in each support protrusion 26. More specifically, the protrusion side surfaces 28 are formed along the end portions 7a of the bottom surface 7, on the outer side of the end portions 7a in the left-right direction, and extend upward above the support surface 23. The multiple protrusion side surfaces 28 formed on the support portion 22 are formed on approximately the same plane and constitute the side surfaces 24. Furthermore, the upper portions of the protrusion side surfaces 28 are formed with protrusion inclined surfaces 28a, which are flat surfaces inclined in a direction such that the lower side is positioned inward in the left-right direction. The multiple protrusion inclined surfaces 28a formed on the support portion 22 are formed on approximately the same plane and constitute the inclined surfaces 24a.

[0039] The support protrusion 26 has a support surface reinforcing recess 29. The support surface reinforcing recess 29 is a downwardly recessed structure formed between the protrusion support surface 27 and the lower end of the protrusion side surface portion 28. The lower end of the support surface reinforcing recess 29 is located below the protrusion support surface 27. The support surface reinforcing recess 29 is provided over substantially the entire support protrusion 26 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22. The second reinforcing recess 25 is a substantially U-shaped recess in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22. The multiple support surface reinforcing recesses 29 formed in the support portion 22 are shaped to overlap each other when viewed along the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22, and constitute the second reinforcing recess 25.

[0040] [1-1-3-2. Configuration of the first reinforcing recess] A plurality of first reinforcing recesses 30 are formed in the base 20. The plurality of first reinforcing recesses 30 are recessed downward. Specifically, the lower ends of the first reinforcing recesses 30 are recessed below the support surface 23 of the support portion 22. The first reinforcing recesses 30 are provided adjacent to the support portion 22. Therefore, the side surfaces of the first reinforcing recesses 30 also serve as the side surfaces of the support portion 22. In other words, by forming the first reinforcing recesses 30, the support portion 22 is formed with side surfaces that extend along the vertical direction. Therefore, by forming the plurality of first reinforcing recesses 30, the support portion 22 is formed with side surfaces that extend along the vertical direction, and these side surfaces support a vertically downward load acting on the support portion 22. This improves the strength of the support portion 22 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of each first reinforcing recess 30 is the left-right direction, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction in which the plurality of first reinforcing recesses 30 are arranged. Therefore, the length of the side surface formed on the support portion 22 in a plan view can be increased, and the strength of the support portion 22 can be improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first reinforcing recesses 30 are arranged alternately with each of the multiple support protrusions 26 that make up the support portion 22 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support portion 22. Therefore, the side surfaces of the first reinforcing recesses 30 also serve as the side surfaces of the support protrusions 26. In other words, by forming the multiple first reinforcing recesses 30, the support portion 22 is divided into multiple support protrusions 26, and side surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and aligned in the vertical direction are formed. As a result, the side surfaces of the support protrusions 26 and the first reinforcing recesses 30 can more easily bear a vertically downward load acting on the support protrusions 26 aligned in the vertical direction, thereby improving the strength of the support portion 22 in the up-down direction.

[0042] A second lower surface 30a is formed at the lower end of the first reinforcing recess 30. The second lower surface 30a is formed at the same height as the first lower surface 21. In this embodiment, the second lower surface 30a is connected to the first lower surface 21 in the left-right direction. The second lower surface 30a contacts the receiving member 11 from above. This increases the contact area between the base 20 and the receiving member 11, ensuring the stability of the base 20 placed on the receiving member 11. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the first reinforcing recess 30 is the left-right direction that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the first lower surface 21. This allows the first lower surface 21 and the second lower surface 30a to ensure the stability of the base 20.

[0043] [1-1-3-3. Configuration of the mounting section] A mounting portion 31 is formed on the base 20. The mounting portion 31 is shaped to protrude upward from the first lower surface 21. The mounting portion 31 is located more inward than the support portion 22 in the left-right direction, which is the short side direction of the base 20 and the support portion 22. In detail, the mounting portion 31 is provided inside the first lower surface 21 in the left-right direction.

[0044] The placing portion 31 has a placing surface 32. The placing surface 32 is a substantially horizontal plane and faces upward. The placing surface 32 contacts the bottom surface 7 of the frame 6 of the washing machine 1 from below. In other words, the bottom surface 7 of the frame 6 of the washing machine 1 is placed on the placing surface 32. The height of the mounting surface 32 is approximately equal to the height of the support surface 23 and each of the convex support surfaces 27. The area of ​​the mounting surface 32 is larger than the area of ​​each of the convex support surfaces 27. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the mounting surface 32 is larger than the combined area of ​​each of the convex support surfaces 27, i.e., the area of ​​the support surface 23. Therefore, the strength of the support portion 22 facing vertically downward can be greater than the strength of the mounting surface 32. On the other hand, the mounting surface 32 can contact the bottom surface 7 over a larger contact area than the support surface 23, thereby ensuring the stability of the washing machine 1 placed on the base 20. Furthermore, the contact area of ​​the mounting surface 32 with the bottom surface 7 is equal on the right front side, left front side, right rear side, and left rear side of the center C. This ensures the stability of the washing machine 1, making it less likely to tip over. Furthermore, since the placement surface 32 is located closer to the inside of the washing machine 1 than the support part 22, when the packaging device 10 is dropped, for example, the support part 22 is crushed by the impact load of the washing machine 1, thereby mitigating the impact on the washing machine 1 and suppressing damage to the washing machine 1.

[0045] Furthermore, a plurality of third reinforcing recesses 33 are formed in the base 20. The plurality of third reinforcing recesses 33 are recessed downward. Specifically, the lower ends of the third reinforcing recesses 33 are recessed below the mounting surface 32 of the mounting portion 31. The third reinforcing recesses 33 are provided adjacent to the mounting portion 31. Therefore, the side surfaces of the third reinforcing recesses 33 also serve as the side surfaces of the mounting portion 31. In other words, by forming the third reinforcing recesses 33, the mounting portion 31 has side surfaces that extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, by forming the plurality of third reinforcing recesses 33, the mounting portion 31 has side surfaces that extend in the vertical direction, and these side surfaces support a vertically downward load acting on the mounting portion 31. This improves the strength of the mounting portion 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, the base 20 has third reinforcing recesses 33 formed in the same number as the first reinforcing recesses 30, lined up along the front-rear direction. The dimension of each third reinforcing recess 33 in the front-rear direction is the same as the dimension of the first reinforcing recess 30 in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the dimension of each third reinforcing recess 33 in the left-right direction is smaller than the dimension of the first reinforcing recess 30 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the length in a plan view of the side surface formed in the mounting portion 31 by forming the third reinforcing recesses 33 is smaller than the length in a plan view of the side surface formed in the support portion 22 by forming the first reinforcing recesses 30. Therefore, the strength of the support portion 22 against a vertically downward load is greater than the strength of the mounting portion 31.

[0047] [1-1-3-4. Configuration of the first connection part] The base 20 is provided with a first connection portion 34 that connects the support protrusion 26 of the support portion 22 to the mounting portion 31. The first connection portion 34 protrudes upward from the first lower surface 21 between the support portion 22 and the mounting portion 31. By connecting the support portion 22 to the mounting portion 31, the first connection portion 34 suppresses deformation of the base 20 in a direction in which the mounting portion 31 and the support portion 22 move away from each other, starting from the first lower surface 21, during drying when the base 20 is being molded, etc. The first connection portion 34 corresponds to an example of a "connection portion."

[0048] However, if the height of the first connection portions 34 from the first lower surface 21 is too low, or if the number of first connection portions 34 is too small, deformation of the base 20 from the first lower surface 21 cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the height of the first connection portions 34 from the first lower surface 21 is set higher than half the height H1 of the support surface 23, the protrusion support surface 27, and the mounting surface 32 from the first lower surface 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 20 is provided with a plurality of first connection portions 34 that connect the mounting portion 31 and the support protrusions 26. This effectively suppresses deformation of the first connection portions 34 from the first lower surface 21.

[0049] Furthermore, if the height of the first connection portions 34, measured from the first lower surface 21, is too high, or if there are too many first connection portions 34, the base 20 is more likely to deform from the first connection portions 34, reducing the rigidity of the base 20. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the upper ends of the first connection portions 34 are located below the support surface 23, the convex portion support surface 27, and the mounting surface 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, not all of the support convex portions 26 are connected to the mounting portion 31 by the first connection portions 34, but the base 20 is provided with four first connection portions 34 that connect four of the multiple support convex portions 26 to the mounting portion 31. This suppresses deformation of the base 20 from the first connection portions 34.

[0050] [1-1-3-5. Configuration of leg storage compartment] As shown in FIG. 2, leg accommodating sections 35 are formed in base 20. Leg accommodating sections 35 are recessed structures that accommodate legs 8 provided on frame 6 of washing machine 1 inside. Leg accommodating sections 35 are provided outside support sections 22 in the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of base 20. In this embodiment, two leg accommodating sections 35 are formed in each base 20. The two leg accommodating sections 35 are provided on both outsides of support sections 22 in the front-rear direction in each base 20. In other words, support section 22 is provided between two leg accommodating sections 35. In this embodiment, leg accommodating sections 35 are configured to be circular in a plan view.

[0051] [1-1-3-6. Front buffer configuration] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base 20 is provided with a front buffer section 40. The front buffer section 40 absorbs impacts received by the base 20 from the front, thereby minimizing damage to the washing machine 1. The front buffer section 40 is located outward of the support section 22 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20. Furthermore, the front buffer section 40 is provided outward of the leg housing section 35 in the front-to-rear direction. More specifically, the front buffer section 40 is provided forward of the support section 22 and the leg housing section 35. In other words, the leg housing section 35 is provided between the front buffer section 40 and the support section 22. Furthermore, the front buffer section 40 and the support section 22 are provided side by side in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20. The front buffer section 40 is an example of a "buffer section" in the present disclosure. The front-to-rear direction is an example of a "first direction" in the present disclosure.

[0052] The front buffer section 40 has a front protrusion 41 formed thereon. The front protrusion 41 protrudes upward from the first lower surface 21. The front protrusion 41 is provided across the entire base 20 in the left-right direction. The upper end of the front protrusion 41 is located higher than the support surface 23, the protrusion support surface 27, the mounting surface 32, and the leg housing 35. That is, the front protrusion 41 of the front buffer section 40 extends higher than the support surface 23, the protrusion support surface 27, and the bottom surface 7 that is mounted on the mounting surface 32, and covers the lower part of the underframe 6 from the front. The front protrusion 41 also covers the legs 8 housed in the leg housing 35 from the front. In this embodiment, the height of the upper end of the front protrusion 41 is the same as the height of the upper end of the support protrusion 26. The upper end of the front protrusion 41 corresponds to the "upper end of the buffer section."

[0053] Front protrusion 41 is located below front panel 3 of washing machine 1. The upper end of front protrusion 41, i.e., the upper end of front buffer part 40, is located below the lower end of front panel 3, and front protrusion 41 of front buffer part 40 is spaced apart vertically from front panel 3 of washing machine 1. This makes it possible to prevent damage to washing machine 1 even if an impact acts on base 20 from the front and front protrusion 41 is deformed.

[0054] The front buffer section 40 is formed with a front first buffer recess 42. The front first buffer recess 42 has a concave structure recessed downward from the front protrusion 41. The longitudinal direction of the front first buffer recess 42 is perpendicular to the left-right direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction in which the support section 22 and the front buffer section 40 are aligned. By forming the front first buffer recess 42, when the base 20 receives an impact from the front, the front protrusion 41 can be crushed in the front-to-back direction starting from the front first buffer recess 42. Therefore, the impact acting on the base 20 from the front can be absorbed by the front buffer section 40. The front first buffer recess 42 corresponds to an example of a "first buffer recess" in this disclosure.

[0055] 2, in the front-rear direction, i.e., the direction in which the support portion 22 and the front buffer portion 40 are aligned, the width W2 of the front first buffer recess 42 is larger than the width W1 of the first reinforcing recess 30. Therefore, the front protrusion 41 has less strength against an impact load acting on the base 20 from the front than the support portion 22. As a result, when an impact acts on the base 20 from the front, the front protrusion 41 can deform and absorb the impact without deforming the support portion 22.

[0056] 2 and 3, the front buffer section 40 is formed with a plurality of front first buffer recesses 42. The plurality of front first buffer recesses 42 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction in the front protruding section 41, i.e., in the direction in which the support section 22 and the front buffer section 40 are arranged side by side. Therefore, when an impact acts on the base 20 from the front, the plurality of front first buffer recesses 42 can deform so as to be crushed in order starting from the one located closest to the front. This allows the impact acting on the base 20 from the front to be effectively absorbed.

[0057] The front buffer portion 40 is formed with a front second buffer recess 43. The front second buffer recess 43 is a recess recessed downward from the front protrusion 41. The front second buffer recess 43 connects adjacent front first buffer recesses 42 in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the front second buffer recess 43 corresponds to the first lower surface 21 described above. In this embodiment, the front protrusion 41 is formed with a front second buffer recess 43 connecting the innermost, i.e., rearmost, front first buffer recess 42 in the front-rear direction, with the front leg accommodating portion 35. Due to the formation of the front second buffer recess 43, when an impact acts on the front protrusion 41 from the outside in the left-right direction, the front protrusion 41 can be deformed so as to collapse starting from the front second buffer recess 43. Therefore, the front second buffer recess 43 can absorb the impact acting on the front portion of the base 20 from the outside in the left-right direction. The front second buffer recess 43 corresponds to the "second buffer recess" in this disclosure.

[0058] A second connecting portion 44 is formed in the front buffer portion 40. The second connecting portion 44 protrudes upward from the first lower surface 21 in the front second buffer recess 43, and connects the front protruding portions 41 located on both the left and right sides of the front second buffer recess 43 in the left-right direction. The second connecting portion 44 can prevent the base 20 from deforming in a direction in which the front protruding portions 41 on both the left and right sides of the front second buffer recess 43 move away from each other, starting from the front second buffer recess 43, during drying after molding of the base 20, for example.

[0059] However, if the height of the second connection portion 44, starting from the first lower surface 21, is too high, the front protrusion 41, starting from the front second buffer recess 43, is less likely to deform, making it difficult to absorb an impact acting from the outside in the left-right direction on the base 20. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper end of the second connection portion 44 is configured to be located lower than the upper end of the front protrusion 41.

[0060] [1-1-3-7. Rear buffer configuration] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base 20 is provided with a rear buffer section 45. The rear buffer section 45 absorbs impacts received by the base 20 from behind, thereby reducing damage to the washing machine 1. The rear buffer section 45 is located outward of the support section 22 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20. Furthermore, the rear buffer section 45 is provided outward of the leg housing section 35 in the front-to-rear direction. The rear buffer section 45 is provided rearward of the support section 22 and the leg housing section 35. Furthermore, the rear buffer section 45 and the support section 22 are provided side by side in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base 20. The rear buffer section 45 is an example of a "buffer section" in this disclosure.

[0061] The rear buffer portion 45 is formed with a rear protrusion 46. The rear protrusion 46 protrudes upward from the first lower surface 21. The rear protrusion 46 is provided across the entire base 20 in the left-right direction. The upper end of the rear protrusion 46 is located higher than the support surface 23, the convex support surface 27, the mounting surface 32, and the leg housing 35. That is, the rear protrusion 46 of the rear buffer portion 45 extends higher than the support surface 23, the convex support surface 27, and the bottom surface 7 that is mounted on the mounting surface 32, and covers the lower part of the underframe 6 from the rear. The rear protrusion 46 also covers the legs 8 housed in the leg housing 35 from the rear. In this embodiment, the height of the upper end of the rear protrusion 46 is the same as the height of the upper end of the convex inclined surface 28a formed on the support convex portion 26.

[0062] Rear protrusion 46 is located below rear panel 5 of washing machine 1. The upper end of rear protrusion 46, i.e., the upper end of rear buffer 45, is located below the lower end of rear panel 5. Therefore, front protrusion 41 of rear buffer 45 is spaced apart vertically from rear panel 5 of washing machine 1. This makes it possible to prevent damage to washing machine 1 even if an impact acts on base 20 from the front and rear protrusion 46 is deformed.

[0063] A rear first buffer recess 47 is formed in the rear buffer portion 45. The rear first buffer recess 47 has a concave structure recessed downward from the rear protrusion 46. The longitudinal direction of the rear first buffer recess 47 is perpendicular to the left-right direction, i.e., the front-rear direction in which the support portion 22 and the rear buffer portion 45 are aligned. By forming the rear first buffer recess 47, when the base 20 receives an impact from behind, the rear protrusion 46 can be crushed in the front-rear direction starting from the rear first buffer recess 47. Therefore, the impact acting on the base 20 from the rear can be absorbed by the rear buffer portion 45. The rear first buffer recess 47 corresponds to an example of a "first buffer recess" in this disclosure.

[0064] 2, the width W3 of the rear first buffer recess 47 in the front-rear direction, i.e., the direction in which the support portion 22 and the rear buffer portion 45 are aligned, is larger than the width W1 of the first reinforcing recess 30. Therefore, the rear protrusion 46 has less strength against an impact load acting on the base 20 from behind than the support portion 22. As a result, when an impact acts on the base 20 from behind, the rear protrusion 46 can deform and absorb the impact without deforming the support portion 22.

[0065] In this embodiment, the width W3 of the rear first buffer recess 47 in the front-rear direction is larger than the width W2 of the front first buffer recess 42. In addition, one rear first buffer recess 47 is formed in the rear buffer portion 45.

[0066] The rear buffer portion 45 is formed with a rear second buffer recess 48. The rear second buffer recess 48 is a recess that recesses downward from the rear protrusion 46. The rear second buffer recess 48 connects the rear first buffer recess 47 and the rear leg accommodating portion 35. Due to the formation of the rear second buffer recess 48, when an impact from the outside in the left-right direction acts on the rear protrusion 46, the rear protrusion 46 can deform so as to be crushed left and right starting from the rear second buffer recess 48. Therefore, the rear second buffer recess 48 can absorb the impact from the outside in the left-right direction acting on the rear portion of the base 20. The rear second buffer recess 48 corresponds to the "second buffer recess" in this disclosure.

[0067] A third connecting portion 49 is formed in the rear buffer portion 45. The third connecting portion 49 protrudes upward from the first lower surface 21 in the rear second buffer recess 48, and connects the rear protruding portions 46 located on both the left and right sides of the rear second buffer recess 48 in the left-right direction. The third connecting portion 49 can prevent the base 20 from deforming in a direction in which the rear protruding portions 46 on both the left and right sides of the rear second buffer recess 48 move away from the rear second buffer recess 48, for example, when the base 20 is dried after molding.

[0068] However, if the height of the third connection portion 49, which originates from the first lower surface 21, is too high, the rear protrusion 46, which originates from the rear second buffer recess 48, becomes less likely to deform, and it becomes difficult to absorb an impact acting from the outside in the left-right direction on the base 20. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper end of the third connection portion 49 is configured to be located lower than the upper end of the rear protrusion 46.

[0069] Further, a fourth connection portion 50 is formed in the rear buffer portion 45. The fourth connection portion 50 protrudes upward from the lower end of the rear first buffer recess 47 and connects the rear protruding portions 46 on both sides of the rear first buffer recess 47 in the front-rear direction. A central portion of the fourth connection portion 50 in the front-rear direction is located lower than the upper end of the rear protruding portion 46. The formation of the fourth connection portion 50 adjusts the amount of deformation of the rear protruding portion 46 when an impact is applied to the rear protruding portion 46 from behind. Note that both ends of the fourth connection portion 50 in the front-rear direction may be provided at the same height as the rear end protruding portion 46, and the central portion of the fourth connection portion 50 in the front-rear direction may be located lower than the upper end of the rear protruding portion 46.

[0070] [1-1-4. Composition of upper protective member] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of upper protective members 60. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper protective member 60, showing the right upper protective member 60 as seen from above. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging device 10, showing the front part of the left upper protective member 60 as seen from the right direction. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper protective member 60, showing the left upper protective member 60 as seen from the rear right. As shown in FIG. 6, the pair of left and right upper protective members 60 are configured to be approximately symmetrical to each other.

[0071] The upper protective member 60 has a first upper surface 61. The first upper surface 61 is a flat surface facing upward on the upper protective member 60. The first upper surface 61 is provided over substantially the entire upper protective member 60 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the upper protective member 60. This increases the rigidity of the first upper surface 61 over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the upper protective member 60, thereby improving the bending rigidity of the upper protective member. Note that the first upper surface may be divided into multiple sections at the center or periphery in the longitudinal direction of the upper protective member 60.

[0072] The upper protective member 60 has a plurality of upper protrusions 62. The upper protrusions 62 are structured to protrude downward from the first upper surface 61. The plurality of upper protrusions 62 are formed on the upper protective member 60 in a line in the front-to-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the upper protective member 60. The upper protrusions 62 are provided with upper contact surfaces 63, which are surfaces that come into contact with the top plate 2 of the washing machine 1 from above. The upper contact surface 63 is a flat surface facing downward. The upper protrusions 62 are also provided with upper side surface portions 64 that are located outside the top plate 2 in the left-right direction, which is the short side direction of the upper protective member 60, and extend downward along the side panel 4 of the washing machine 1. The upper side surface portions 64 are formed over a range up to the lower end of the upper protective member 60.

[0073] Additionally, an upper reinforcing recess 65 is formed in the upper convex portion 62. The upper reinforcing recess 65 has a structure that is recessed upward in the upper convex portion 62 that protrudes downward. The upper reinforcing recess 65 is provided in the upper convex portion 62, between the upper contact surface 63 and the upper side surface portion 64. By forming the upper reinforcing recess 65 for each of the multiple upper convex portions 62, the rigidity of the upper protection member 60 can be ensured.

[0074] [1-1-4-1. Front configuration] The upper protective member 60 has a front surface 71. The front surface 71 is a plane extending downward from the front end of the first upper surface 61. In detail, as shown in FIG. 9, the front surface 71 is not completely parallel to the vertical direction, but is inclined in a direction in which the lower side is located forward. In other words, the front surface 71 is inclined from the vertical direction in a direction in which the lower side is located outward in the front-to-rear direction. The front surface 71 is inclined at an angle necessary to remove the upper protective member 60 from a mold when molding the upper protective member 60. The front surface 71 is an example of a "first outer surface" in the present disclosure.

[0075] The front surface 71 is located forward of the front panel 3, which is the front surface of the washing machine 1. In other words, the front surface 71 is provided at a position of the upper protection member 60 that is outer than the washing machine 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0076] A first protrusion 72 is provided on the front surface 71. The first protrusion 72 has a structure that protrudes forward from a position midway in the up-down direction of the front surface 71 to the lower end of the front surface 71. The first protrusion 72 is formed so that when the upper protection members 60 are stacked on top of each other during the manufacture of the upper protection members 60, the upper protection members 60 can be easily removed one by one.

[0077] As described above, because the front surface 71 is inclined downward and outward in the front-to-rear direction, a space S that widens in the front-to-rear direction toward the upper side is formed between the front surface 71 and the inner surface of the outer case 13. For this reason, if an external force acts on the upper part of the outer case 13 from the front, for example, there is a risk that the outer case 13 will be deformed and crushed by the amount of the space S. Since the outer case 13 is the outer surface of the packaging device 10 and is visible to the purchaser, it is necessary to suppress such deformation.

[0078] In this embodiment, in order to suppress such deformation of the exterior case 13, a first cutout 73 (see FIG. 6) is provided in the front surface 71 to form a first end portion 74. The first cutout 73 and the first end portion 74 are formed by using a mold having a so-called cut-off structure when molding the upper protective member 60. The first cutout 73 corresponds to an example of a "cutout" in the present disclosure. The first end portion 74 corresponds to an example of an "end portion" in the present disclosure.

[0079] 6, the first cutout 73 is cut upward from the lower end of the front surface 71 and is open downward. The first cutout 73 has a generally inverted U-shape. In this embodiment, the upper end of the first cutout 73 is located below the center of the front surface 71 in the up-down direction.

[0080] The first end 74 is formed along the edge of the first cutout 73 and protrudes forward, i.e., outward from the front surface 71. Similar to the first cutout 73, the first end 74 has a generally inverted U-shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the first end 74 is connected to an edge 71a formed at the lower end of the front surface 71 and protruding forward. As shown in FIG. 6, the front end 74a of the first end 74, which is located at the most forward side, i.e., the outermost side in the front-to-rear direction, extends parallel to the vertical direction. Note that FIG. 9 shows a line L that is a virtual extension of the front end 74a along the vertical direction. As described above, the front surface 71 is inclined so that the lower side is positioned forward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the width W in the front-to-rear direction between the front surface 71 and the line L increases upward. The front end 74a corresponds to an example of a "tip" in this disclosure.

[0081] 9, the first end 74 protrudes forward from the front surface 71 and occupies part of the space S between the front surface 71 and the inner surface of the outer case 13. Therefore, the first end 74 can suppress deformation of the outer case 13.

[0082] 9, the upper reinforcing member 17 disposed above the upper protection member 60 is disposed so as to contact the upper corner of the outer case 13. Therefore, the upper reinforcing member 17 can prevent the upper part of the outer case 13 from being deformed.

[0083] [1-1-4-2. Configuration of the front protrusion] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , the upper protective member 60 has a front protrusion 75. The front protrusion 75 is a protrusion that protrudes downward from the front of the first upper surface 61. The front protrusion 75 is located forward of the upper convex portion 62 and rearward of the front surface 71. As shown in FIG. 9 , the front protrusion 75 is located forward of the front surface of the washing machine 1. Specifically, the front protrusion 75 is located forward of the operation panel 3b, operation display unit 3c, and front plate 3 that constitute the front surface at the top of the washing machine 1. In other words, the front protrusion 75 is located outward in the front-to-rear direction at the top of the washing machine 1 from the operation panel 3b, operation display unit 3c, and front plate 3 that constitute the front surface. Note that the front plate 3 of the washing machine 1 has a shape that bulges forward as it goes downward, so the front protrusion 75 may be located rearward of the front plate 3 at the bottom of the washing machine 1. The front protrusion 75 corresponds to an example of a “protrusion” in the present disclosure.

[0084] The front protrusion 75 improves the strength of the upper protective member 60 against a load from the front. For example, when a load from the front acts on the front surface 71, the front surface 71 is pushed rearward, and the load is transmitted to the front protrusion 75. The front protrusion 75 can receive the load acting from the front via the front surface 71 on its side surfaces along the front-to-rear and up-down directions. Therefore, the front protrusion 75 is less likely to deform due to the load acting from the front, and the strength of the upper protective member 60 can be improved.

[0085] 9, the front protrusion 75 is configured such that its width in the front-rear direction is wide at the upper portion and narrow at the lower portion. This allows the front-rear direction width to be increased within a range that does not come into contact with the operation panel 3b and the front panel 3, thereby improving the strength of the front protrusion 75. The lower end of the front protrusion 75 extends downward to near the lower end of the upper protection member 60. In detail, the lower end of the front protrusion 75 extends downward below the lower end of a front side surface 66, which will be described later. This allows the area of ​​the side surface of the front protrusion 75 along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction to be increased, thereby improving the strength of the upper protection member 60.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, upper protective member 60 is formed with a front side surface 66. Front side surface 66 is a surface that extends downward from the inner left-right end at the front of first upper surface 61. Front side surface 66 has, at its lower end, an edge 67 that extends toward the inner left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 9, edge 67 contacts the upper end of front panel 3 of the front surface of washing machine 1 from the front. Therefore, edge 67 positions front protrusion 75 with respect to front panel 3 and operation panel 3b of washing machine 1.

[0087] The edge 67 does not come into contact with the operation panel 3b, but extends rearward from the point where it comes into contact with the upper end of the front panel 3, passing through a position spaced above the operation panel 3b. Therefore, even if a load acts on the upper protection member 60 from the front, the edge 67 is unlikely to come into contact with the operation panel 3b, and the operation panel 3b is unlikely to be scratched.

[0088] [1-1-4-3. Rear configuration] As shown in FIG. 10 , the upper protective member 60 has a rear surface 76. The rear surface 76 is a plane extending downward from the rear end of the first upper surface 61. More specifically, like the front surface 71, the rear surface 76 is not perfectly parallel to the vertical direction, but is inclined from the vertical direction in a direction in which the lower side is positioned rearward. In other words, the rear surface 76 is inclined in a direction in which the lower side is positioned outward in the front-to-rear direction. The rear surface 76 is inclined at an angle necessary to remove the upper protective member 60 from a mold when molding the upper protective member 60. The rear surface 76 is an example of a "first outer surface" in the present disclosure.

[0089] A second protrusion 77 is provided on the rear surface 76. The second protrusion 77 has a structure that protrudes rearward from a position midway in the up-down direction of the rear surface 76 to the lower end of the rear surface 76. The second protrusion 77 is formed so that when the upper protection members 60 are stacked on top of each other during the manufacture of the upper protection members 60, the upper protection members 60 can be easily removed one by one.

[0090] A second cutout 78 and a second end 79 are formed in the rear surface 76. Similar to the first cutout 73 and the first end 74, the second cutout 78 and the second end 79 are formed to suppress deformation of the exterior case 13. The second cutout 78 and the second end 79 are formed by using a mold having a so-called cut-off structure when molding the upper protective member 60. The second cutout 78 is an example of a "cutout" in the present disclosure. The second end 79 is an example of an "end" in the present disclosure.

[0091] The second cutout 78 is cut upward from the lower end of the rear surface 76 and is open downward. The second cutout 78 has a generally inverted U-shape. In this embodiment, the upper end of the second cutout 78 is located near the center of the rear surface 76 in the up-down direction.

[0092] The second end 79 is formed along the edge of the second cutout 78 and has a structure that protrudes rearward, i.e., toward the outside of the rear surface 76. Like the second cutout 78, the second end 79 has a generally inverted U shape. As shown in FIG. 10 , the second end 79 is connected to an edge 76a that is formed at the lower end of the rear surface 76 and protrudes rearward. Like the front end 74a, the rear end 79a of the second end 79, which is located on the rearmost side, i.e., the outermost side in the front-to-rear direction, is parallel to the vertical direction. The front end 74a corresponds to an example of a "tip" in this disclosure.

[0093] The second end 79 protrudes rearward from the rear surface 76, i.e., toward the outside of the rear surface 76, and therefore occupies part of the space between the rear surface 76 and the inner surface of the outer case 13. Therefore, the second end 79 can suppress deformation of the outer case 13.

[0094] Edges 71b that protrude outward from the left and right side surfaces of the upper protective member 60 are provided at the lower part of the outer surface of the upper protective member 60. The edges 71b are provided over almost the entire range in the front-to-rear direction of the upper protective member 60. If force is applied from the outside of the outer case 13 while the edges 71b and the outer case 13 are in contact, the outer case 13 will come into strong contact with the edges 71b, which may cause wrinkles or dents to form in the outer case 13. Therefore, a portion of the contour reinforcement member 15 is positioned between the inner surface of the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60, in front of the upper protective member 60. Furthermore, the side surface of the contour reinforcement member 15 is positioned outward from the edge 71b of the upper protective member 60. As a result, even when force is applied from the outside of the outer case 13, the outer case 13 abuts against the contour reinforcement member 15 rather than the edge 71b at the location where the contour reinforcement member 15 is provided, thereby preventing wrinkles or dents from occurring in the outer case 13. Note that in this embodiment, a portion of the contour reinforcement member 15 is configured to be positioned between the inner surface of the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60, but this is not limited to the contour reinforcement member 15. The side portion 19 of the upper reinforcement member 18 may be configured to protrude outward from the edge 17b, or other members may be provided.

[0095] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the packaging device 10 for the washing machine 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0096] [1-2-1. Operation and function when placing the washing machine on the base] When packaging washing machine 1 using packaging device 10, first, base 20 is placed on receiving member 11, and washing machine 1 is placed on base 20.

[0097] When washing machine 1 is placed on base 20, bottom surface 7 of frame 6 of washing machine 1 comes into contact with support portion 22 from above. At this time, because support portion 22 is formed with inclined surface 24a, bottom surface 7 is guided along inclined surface 24a between side portions 24 of two bases 20. This makes it easier for washing machine 1 to store frame 6 in base 20.

[0098] After washing machine 1 is placed on support portion 22, the weight of washing machine 1 acts on support surface 23 of support portion 22. First reinforcing recess 30 and second reinforcing recess 25 adjacent to support portion 22 give support portion 22 and support surface 23 high strength, so support portion 22 is less likely to deform even when the weight of washing machine 1 acts on support surface 23. Furthermore, after washing machine 1 is placed on support portion 22, bottom surface 7 of frame 6 of washing machine 1 comes into contact with mounting surface 32 of mounting portion 31 from above. Mounting surface 32 has a larger area than support surface 23, so the stability of washing machine 1 placed on support surface 23 and mounting surface 32 can be ensured.

[0099] [1-2-2. Actions and effects when impact is applied to packaging equipment] When transporting washing machine 1 packed in packing device 10, for example, packing device 10 may be dropped, and thus impact may be applied to packing device 10. Such impact is often applied particularly to the lower corners of packing device 10.

[0100] For example, when an impact is applied from the front to the corner of the front and bottom end of the packaging device 10, the impact propagates to the front buffer section 40 of the base 20 via the exterior case 13. In response to this, the front protrusion 41 of the front buffer section 40 deforms so as to collapse back and forth starting from the front first buffer recess 42, thereby absorbing the impact. Therefore, the impact is less likely to be transmitted to the support section 22, which is located rearward of the front buffer section 40, and to the washing machine 1 supported by the support section 22. This makes it possible to protect the washing machine 1 from damage caused by the impact.

[0101] [1-2-3. Actions and functions when a load is applied to the packaging device] Washing machine 1 packed in packing device 10 may be subjected to an external impact load during storage, transportation, etc. For example, when washing machine 1 packed in packing device 10 is pinched from the front and rear by a transporter and lifted, forces are applied from the front and rear. Also, when multiple washing machines 1 are loaded during transportation by truck or the like, the weight of the other washing machines 1 may act on washing machine 1.

[0102] For example, if a compressive load acts on the upper part of the packaging device 10 in the front-to-rear direction, the upper part of the outer case 13 will tend to deform and crush inward in the front-to-rear direction. However, part of the space between the inner surface of the outer case 13 and the front surface 71 and rear surface 76 of the upper protective member 60 is occupied by the first end 74 and the second end 79. Therefore, the first end 74 and the second end 79 support the inner surface of the outer case 13, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer case 13. Furthermore, a front protrusion 75 is formed between the front surface 71 and the operation panel 3b, which can suppress deformation of the front surface 71 by the front protrusion 75. This makes it difficult for the first end 74 to retract, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer case 13.

[0103] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, packaging device 10 for washing machine 1 comprises upper protective member 60 that protects the upper part of washing machine 1, and box-shaped outer case 13 that covers washing machine 1 and upper protective member 60. Upper protective member 60 is located outside washing machine 1 and has front surface 71 that is inclined from the vertical direction, rear surface 76, front notch 73 formed on front surface 71 and rear surface 76, rear notch 78, first notch 73, and first end 74 and second end 79 that protrude outward in the front-to-rear direction from the edges of second notch 78 to the front surface 71 and rear surface 76. As a result, the first end 74 and the second end 79 occupy part of the space S between the exterior case 13 and the front surface 71, and the rear surface 76, so that the exterior case 13 can be supported from the inside by the first end 74 and the second end 79. This makes it possible to prevent deformation of the exterior case 13.

[0104] As in the present embodiment, in packaging device 10 for washing machine 1, front end 74a of first end 74 and rear end 79a of second end 79 may be configured to be aligned along the vertical direction. This allows the front end 74a of the first end 74 and the rear end 79a of the second end 79 to fit along the inner surface of the outer case 13. This makes it possible to prevent the outer case 13 from being deformed.

[0105] As in the present embodiment, in packaging device 10 for washing machine 1, upper protection member 60 may be configured to have front protrusion 75 extending downward at a position outside washing machine 1. This makes it easier for the side surfaces of the front protrusions 75 to bear the load acting on the upper protection member 60, improving the strength of the upper protection member 60. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the exterior case 13.

[0106] As in the present embodiment, in the packaging device 10 for the washing machine 1, the front protrusion 75 may be configured to extend downward to the vicinity of the lower end of the upper protection member 60. This increases the area of ​​the side surface of the front protrusion 75, making it easier for the side surface of the front protrusion 75 to bear the load acting on the upper protection member 60, improving the strength of the upper protection member 60. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the exterior case 13.

[0107] As in the present embodiment, in packing device 10 for washing machine 1, front protrusion 75 may be configured to be located forward of operation display unit 3c of washing machine 1. This ensures a sufficient downward length for front protrusion 75 while avoiding contact with washing machine 1, and increases the area of ​​the side surface of front protrusion 75. This makes it possible to prevent deformation of exterior case 13.

[0108] As in the present embodiment, in the packaging device 10 of the washing machine 1, an upper reinforcing member 17 that occupies the entire inside of the outer case 13 in the front-to-rear direction may be provided between the outer case 13 and the upper protective member 60. As a result, when a compressive load acts on the exterior case 13 in the front-to-rear direction, the upper reinforcing member 17 can be braced between the inner surfaces of the exterior case 13. This makes it possible to prevent deformation of the exterior case 13.

[0109] As in this embodiment, the upper protection member 60 may be made of pulp mold. This allows the upper protection member 60 to be made using pulp-derived materials, rather than using fossil fuel-derived materials, which makes it possible to suppress deformation of the exterior case 13 while reducing environmental impact.

[0110] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0111] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of washing machine 1 and packing device 10 according to Alternative Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 11, in Alternative Embodiment 1, packing device 10 may be configured to have upper reinforcing member 117 having only upper surface portion 18 and no side portions 19, instead of upper reinforcing member 17 of the first embodiment. Even in this case, upper surface portion 18 of upper reinforcing member 117 fits along the inner surface of the top surface of outer case 13, so that upper reinforcing member 117 can suppress deformation of outer case 13. Furthermore, upper reinforcing member 17 may be configured as two members separated at the center of upper surface portion 18 in the left-right direction, or may be configured to have only a pair of left and right side portions 19.

[0112] In the first embodiment, a washing machine 1 has been described as an example of a clothing processing device. The clothing processing device may be any device that can process clothing. Therefore, the clothing processing device is not limited to the washing machine 1. For example, the clothing processing device may be a vertical washing machine or a clothes dryer. The clothing processing device may also be a dry cleaning machine that sterilizes, deodorizes, removes wrinkles, etc. from clothing hung inside. Furthermore, the packing device 10 may be configured to pack devices other than a clothing processing device. The weight of the device packed by the packing device 10 is, for example, 40 kg or more. For example, the packing device 10 may be configured to pack heavy devices such as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, or a freezer.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the first notch 73 and the second notch 78 are described as examples of "notches" that are open at the lower end of the front surface 71 or the rear surface 76 and have a generally inverted U shape. The "notches" may have any shape that allows for the formation of an "edge." Therefore, the "notches" are not limited to being generally inverted U shapes. For example, the first notch 73 and the second notch 78 may have any shape that does not create an undercut, such as a rectangle, a trapezoid, or a triangle.

[0114] Furthermore, the vertical dimension of the first notch 73 or the second notch 78 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the first notch 73 or the second notch 78 may be formed over a range from the lower end to near the upper end of the front surface 71 or the rear surface 76. In this case, the first end 74 or the second end 79 is formed over a range from the lower end to near the upper end of the front surface 71 or the rear surface 76 in line with the edge of the first notch 73 or the second notch 78, and can therefore occupy a large amount of the space between the front surface 71 or the rear surface 76 and the inner surface of the exterior case 13. However, by locating the upper end of the first notch 73 or the second notch 78 below near the upper end of the front surface 71 or the rear surface 76, as in the first embodiment, the rigidity of the upper protective member 60 can be ensured and mold molding can be facilitated.

[0115] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the packing device 10 supports the washing machine 1 by a pair of bases 20 arranged in the left-right direction and with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction. It has also been described that the packing device 10 protects the upper part of the washing machine 1 by a pair of upper protective members 60 arranged in the left-to-right direction and with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction. However, this is just one example. For example, the longitudinal direction of the bases 20 or the upper protective members 60 may be the left-to-right direction, and the pair of bases 20 or the upper protective members 60 may be arranged in the front-to-rear direction. In this way, the descriptions of the horizontal direction in the embodiments may be arbitrarily interchanged.

[0116] Furthermore, the packaging device 10 is not limited to having a pair of bases 20 and upper protective members 60. For example, instead of a pair of bases 20 or a pair of upper protective members 60, the packaging device 10 may have a base or upper protective member made up of one or three or more members.

[0117] In the first embodiment, it has been described that in the base 20, three front first buffering recesses 42 are formed in the front buffering section 40 and one rear first buffering recess 47 is formed in the rear buffering section 45, but this is just an example. The number of first buffering recesses 42, 47 formed in each buffering section 40, 45 may be any number equal to or greater than one. Similarly, the number of first connecting sections 34, second connecting sections 44, or third connecting sections 49 can also be set arbitrarily.

[0118] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the support portion 22 is configured by a plurality of support protrusions 26, and the support surface 23 is configured by a plurality of protrusion support surfaces 27 formed on each support protrusion 26, but this is just one example. The support portion 22 may be reinforced by a plurality of first reinforcing recesses 30. For this reason, for example, the configuration of each support protrusion 26 and protrusion support surface 27 in the first embodiment may be changed so that the protrusion support surfaces 27 of the plurality of support protrusions 26 are connected to each other.

[0119] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0120] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) A packaging device for a clothing processing device, comprising an upper protective member that protects the upper part of the clothing processing device, and an outer case that covers the clothing processing device and the upper protective member, wherein the upper protective member is positioned outside the clothing processing device and has a first outer surface that is inclined from the vertical direction, a notch formed in the first outer surface, and an end that protrudes from the edge of the notch to the outside of the first outer surface. As a result, the end portion occupies part of the space between the outer case and the first outer surface, and the outer case can be supported from the inside by the end portion, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer case.

[0121] (Technology 2) The packaging device according to Technology 1, wherein the tip of the end portion is aligned vertically. This allows the tip of the end portion to be aligned with the inner surface of the outer case, thereby preventing deformation of the outer case.

[0122] (Technology 3) A packaging device for a clothing processing device according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the upper protective member has a protrusion extending downward at a position outside the clothing processing device. This allows the side surfaces of the protrusions to more easily bear the load acting on the upper protection member, improving the strength of the upper protection member and preventing deformation of the exterior case.

[0123] (Technology 4) The packaging device for a clothing processing device described in Technology 3, wherein the protrusion extends downward to near the lower end of the upper protective member. This increases the area of ​​the side surface of the protrusion, making it easier for the side surface of the protrusion to bear the load on the upper protection member, improving the strength of the upper protection member and suppressing deformation of the outer case.

[0124] (Technology 5) The packing device of the clothing processing device described in Technology 3 or 4, wherein the protrusion is located forward of the operation display unit of the clothing processing device. This allows the projections to have a sufficient downward length while avoiding contact with the laundry processing device, and allows the projections to have a larger side surface area, thereby preventing deformation of the outer case.

[0125] (Technology 6) A packaging device for a clothing processing device described in any of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein an upper reinforcing member is provided between the outer case and the upper protective member, the upper reinforcing member occupying the entire inside of the outer case in the first direction. As a result, when a compressive load in the first direction acts on the outer case, the upper reinforcing member can be stretched between the inner surfaces of the outer case, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer case.

[0126] (Technology 7) A packaging device for a clothing processing device according to any one of technologies 1 to 6, wherein the upper protective member is made of pulp mold. This allows the upper protective member to be made using pulp-derived materials rather than fossil fuel-derived materials, thereby reducing environmental impact and preventing deformation of the exterior case. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The present disclosure is applicable to packaging devices for heavy products, including clothing treatment devices, such as washing machines, washer-dryers, clothes dryers, and dry cleaners, as well as packaging devices for refrigerators, freezers, and outdoor units of air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 Washing machine (clothing treatment device) 2. Top plate 3 Front plate 3a door 3b Operation panel 3c Operation display section 4 Side plate 5 Rear plate 6 Frame 7 Bottom 7a End 8 legs 10 Packaging equipment 11 Receiving member 13 Outer case 15 Contour reinforcement member 17 Upper reinforcement member 18 Top part 19 Side 20 pedestal 21 1st bottom surface (bottom surface) 22 Support part 23 Support surface 24 Side part 24a Slope 25 Second reinforcement recess 26 Support protrusion 27 Convex support surface 28 Convex side part 28a Convex inclined surface 29 Support surface reinforcement recess 30 First reinforcement recess 30a 2nd bottom surface 31 Placement section 32 Placement surface 33 Third reinforcement recess 34 First connection part (connection part) 35 Leg storage compartment 40 Front buffer section (buffer section) 41 Front protrusion 42 Front first buffer recess (first buffer recess) 43 Front second buffer recess (second buffer recess) 44 Second connection part 45 Rear buffer section (buffer section) 46 Posterior protrusion 47 Rear first buffer recess (first buffer recess) 48 Rear second buffer recess (second buffer recess) 49 Third connection part 50 4th connection part 60 Upper protective member 61 1st top surface 62 Upper convex part 63 Upper contact surface 64 Upper side part 65 Upper reinforcement recess 66 Front side 67 En 71 Front (first outer surface) 71a Edge 71b Edge 72 First convex part 73 First notch (notch) 74 First end (end) 74a Front end (tip) 75 Front protrusion (protrusion) 76 Rear surface (first outer surface) 76a Edge 77 Second convex part 78 Second notch (notch) 79 Second end (end) 79a Rear end (tip) 117 Upper reinforcement member

Claims

1. an upper protection member for protecting an upper portion of the clothing treatment device; an exterior case that covers the clothing treatment device and the upper protection member, The upper protective member includes: a first outer surface located outside the laundry treatment device and inclined from the vertical direction; a notch formed in the first outer surface; an end portion protruding from an edge of the notch to the outside of the first outer surface is formed. Packing device for clothing processing equipment.

2. The tip of the end portion is along the vertical direction. The packaging device of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1.

3. The upper protective member has a protrusion extending downward at a position outside the clothing treatment device. The packaging device of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1.

4. The protrusion extends downward to near the lower end of the upper protection member. The packaging device of the clothing treatment device according to claim 3.

5. The protrusion is located forward of the operation display unit of the clothing processing device. The packaging device of the clothing treatment device according to claim 3.

6. an upper reinforcing member is provided between the exterior case and the upper protection member, the upper reinforcing member occupying the entire inside of the exterior case in the first direction; The packaging device of the clothing treatment device according to claim 1.

7. The upper protective member is made of pulp mold. The packaging device of the clothing processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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