Foreign matter removing device

Abstract

To provide a foreign matter removing device capable of removing a foreign matter entering into a gap between a washing machine and a floor with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A foreign substance removing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a movable body 12 and a drive mechanism 30. The movable body 12 is provided with an outer peripheral surface 14, and the outer peripheral surface 14 includes a gap inside part 16 positioned in the gap S between the washing machine 1 and the floor 2, and a gap outside part 18 positioned outside the gap S. The drive mechanism 30 is configured to move the movable body 12 so as to switch the gap inner portion 16 and the gap outer portion 18 of the outer peripheral surface 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign object removal device, and more particularly to a foreign object removal device that is installed in a gap between a washing machine and a floor. [Background technology]

[0002] There is usually a gap between the washing machine and the floor, and a stand for placing the washing machine or a waterproof pan may be installed in this gap.

[0003] Furthermore, foreign matter such as dust can get into the gap. However, because the gap is not high enough, it is difficult to insert cleaning tools or other equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, making it difficult to clean the gap and the floor surface facing the gap. For this reason, for example, a cover member (dust cover) may be attached to the stand or waterproof pan to close the gap (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-080488 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the above-mentioned cover member can generally block foreign objects from entering from the sides of the stand or waterproof pan, it is difficult to completely eliminate foreign objects in the gaps. Furthermore, objects may fall into the space between the tub (specifically, the outer tub) and the housing of the washing machine and enter the gap through the opening at the bottom of the housing. In such cases, it is difficult to reach the gap, as described above, making it difficult to remove the object that has fallen into the gap.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide a foreign object removal device that can remove foreign objects that have entered the gap between a washing machine and the floor with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the foreign matter removal device of the present invention by providing a movable body having an outer peripheral surface that includes a portion located within the gap between the washing machine and the floor and a portion located outside the gap, and a drive mechanism configured to switch the portion of the outer peripheral surface located within the gap and the portion located outside the gap by moving the movable body. In the foreign object removal device configured as described above, a part of the movable body is placed in the gap between the washing machine and the floor, and the part of the outer periphery that is positioned in the gap is switched by moving the movable body. This makes it possible to remove foreign objects such as dust that exist in the gap with a relatively simple configuration, and to easily pick up items that have gotten between the washing machine and the floor.

[0008] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the movable body may be a band that is rotatable in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. According to the above configuration, by rotating the movable body, which consists of a band that can rotate in the circumferential direction of its outer surface, in the circumferential direction, the portion of the outer surface of the movable body that is located within the gap can be easily switched.

[0009] In addition, in the foreign matter removal device of the present invention, when a mounting member is placed within the gap and the legs of the washing machine are placed on the mounting member, a part of the movable body may be positioned within the gap in a position that covers the part of the mounting member other than the part on which the legs are placed. According to the above configuration, foreign matter in the gap is removed by the movement of the movable body, and therefore contamination of the mounting member by the foreign matter can be suppressed.

[0010] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may move the movable body by user operation, in which case the user can switch the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the movable body that is located within the gap at any timing.

[0011] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may include a rotary motor, and the movable body may be moved by the rotational force of the rotary motor. In this case, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the movable body that is located within the gap can be easily switched using the rotary motor.

[0012] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may include a roller that rotates while supporting the movable body on its outer periphery. In this case, the rotation of the roller can easily switch the portion of the outer periphery of the movable body that is located within the gap.

[0013] In addition, in the foreign object removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may move the movable body by utilizing the movement of the components of the washing machine while the washing machine is running. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate power source for moving the movable body, and the number of devices can be reduced accordingly.

[0014] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may move the movable body by utilizing the rotational force of the rotating part, as the rotating part rotates while an engaging part provided on a rotating part of the washing machine engages with an engaged part fixed to the movable body. In this case, the part of the outer circumferential surface of the movable body that is located within the gap can be switched in conjunction with the operation of the washing machine.

[0015] In the foreign body removal device of the present invention, the drive mechanism may engage an engaging portion fixed to the movable body with an engaging portion that collides with a housing of the washing machine during operation of the washing machine, and the housing may collide with the engaging portion to move the movable body by utilizing the collision of the housing with the engaging portion. In this case, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the movable body that is located within the gap can be switched in conjunction with the operation of the washing machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the foreign object removal device of the present invention, it is possible to remove foreign objects that have entered the gap between the washing machine and the floor with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a washing machine and a mounting member. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a foreign body removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement pattern of movable bodies, and is a diagram showing a cross section II of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first variation of the arrangement pattern of the movable body. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second variation of the arrangement pattern of the movable body. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third variation of the arrangement pattern of the movable body. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a foreign matter removal device according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a foreign matter removal device according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a foreign matter removal device according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drive mechanism of a foreign body removal device according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a foreign matter removal device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drive mechanism of a foreign body removal device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the drawings, each device and each component are illustrated somewhat simplified and schematic to make the description easier to understand. Furthermore, the size (dimensions) of each component and the spacing between components shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones.

[0019] In the following description, "planar view" means viewing the target component from directly above in the vertical direction, and "planar shape" means the external shape of the target component when viewed from above. In the following description, the terms "same," "identical," and "equal" may include a range of error generally accepted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. In addition, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, we will assume a situation in which each device or component is being used (in other words, a situation in which the present invention is being implemented), and will explain the position, shape, state, etc. of each device or component in that situation. In the following description, one of two directions that are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the "X direction" and the other as the "Y direction."

[0020] <<About the foreign body removal device according to this embodiment>> The foreign object removal device according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as foreign object removal device 10) is permanently placed in a gap S between a washing machine 1 and a floor 2 shown in FIG. 1 and is used for the purpose of removing foreign objects in the gap S. The washing machine 1 is, for example, a typical washing machine, and has an inner tub and an outer tub housed in a housing 1e, an open bottom 1a of the housing 1e, and legs 1b protruding from the four corners of the bottom 1a. The washing machine 1 also has a drive motor and a belt pulley mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the drive motor to the inner tub. The type and structure of the washing machine 1 are not particularly limited, and it may be a vertical washing machine or a drum type washing machine.

[0021] Further, a mounting member 3 shown in FIG. 1 is placed in the gap S. This mounting member 3 is a waterproof pan or stand for the washing machine, and has a rectangular or square outer shape in a plan view, with seats 4 protruding upward at its four corners. Each of the four legs 1b of the washing machine 1 is placed on a corresponding seat 4. The portion of the mounting member 3 other than the seats 4 (i.e., the portion other than the portion on which the legs 1b are placed) is plate-shaped, and specifically forms a shallow tray portion 5 as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the cases to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to cases in which a mounting member 3 is placed in the gap S, but also include cases in which a washing machine 1 (more specifically, legs 1b) is placed directly on the floor 2.

[0022] 2 and 3, the foreign body removal device 10 has a movable body 12 and a drive mechanism 30. The movable body 12 has an outer peripheral surface 14, which includes a portion located within the gap S between the washing machine 1 and the floor 2 (hereinafter referred to as an in-gap portion 16) and a portion located outside the gap S (hereinafter referred to as an outside-gap portion 18), as shown in FIG. 3. The movable body 12 can be moved by the drive mechanism 30 so that the in-gap portion 16 and the outside-gap portion 18 of the outer peripheral surface 14 are interchangeable.

[0023] 2 and 3, the movable body 12 in this embodiment is an endless band that can rotate in the circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as the circumferential direction) of the outer peripheral surface 14. This band may be formed, for example, from a single sheet made of a thin resin film or resinous membrane, or may be formed by providing a coating layer made of a raised nap, a nonwoven fabric such as felt, or rubber or silicone on the surface of this sheet. Note that endless bands include bands that are continuous over the entire circumferential direction, and bands that are continuous overall but missing a portion in the circumferential direction.

[0024] The drive mechanism 30 is configured to switch the inside-gap portion 16 and the outside-gap portion 18 of the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12 by moving the movable body 12, i.e., by rotating the endless band in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 includes a plurality of rotating rollers 32 as shown in FIG. 3. Each rotating roller 32 is an example of a roller, and has an outer peripheral portion 32a around which the endless band constituting the movable body 12 is hung, and is rotatable about a rotation axis 32b along the X direction. In other words, the drive mechanism 30 can rotate the endless band constituting the movable body 12 in the circumferential direction by rotating each rotating roller 32 around the rotation axis 32b while the movable body 12 is supported on the outer peripheral portion 32a. It is sufficient that there are at least two or more rotating rollers 32, and two of the rotating rollers 32 are preferably disposed at different positions in the Y direction.

[0025] The endless strip constituting the movable body 12 has, for example, a shape with a sufficiently wide width (specifically, length in the X direction) and a substantially rectangular planar shape. 2 and 3 show that the movable body 12 is disposed so that most of the tray portion 5 of the mounting member 3 is located within the space surrounded by the endless strip constituting the movable body 12. In other words, a portion of the movable body 12 is disposed within the gap S at a position that covers the tray portion 5.

[0026] 3, the portion of the endless strip constituting movable body 12 that is located above tray portion 5 in gap S (hereinafter referred to as the opposing portion) faces bottom portion 1a of washing machine 1. That is, the surface of outer peripheral surface 14 of movable body 12 that is located in the opposing portion corresponds to gap interior portion 16, is located directly below bottom portion 1a of washing machine 1, and covers substantially the entire opening provided at the bottom end of housing 1e of washing machine 1. Therefore, if an item accidentally falls into the space between the outer tub and housing 1e inside washing machine 1 and enters gap S through the opening, the item will fall onto the surface of outer peripheral surface 14 of movable body 12 that is located in the opposing portion and rest on that surface.

[0027] Furthermore, the portion of the endless strip constituting the movable body 12 that is located below the tray portion 5 within the gap S (hereinafter referred to as the contact portion) contacts the area of ​​the floor surface that faces the gap S, as shown in Figure 3. In other words, the surface of the outer circumferential surface 14 of the movable body 12 that is located at the contact portion corresponds to the gap portion 16, and wraps around to the underside of the tray portion 5 and contacts the floor 2.

[0028] Furthermore, the portion of the endless strip constituting the movable body 12 adjacent to the tray section 5 in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the outer portion) protrudes outside the gap S, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the surface of the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12 that is located in the outer portion corresponds to the outer gap portion 18, is exposed outside the gap S, and is in a state where it can be easily touched by the hand of a user of the washing machine 1 and the foreign body removal device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the user). This allows the user to touch the outer portion of the movable body 12 and manually move the movable body 12 so as to rotate it in the circumferential direction. In other words, the drive mechanism 30 of this embodiment moves (rotates) the movable body 12 by operation of the user.

[0029] As described above, each portion of movable body 12 is movable in the circumferential direction, and as movable body 12 moves, the opposing portion moves in the Y direction and eventually moves out of gap S and transitions to the outer portion. At this time, if foreign matter such as dust or dirt is present on the surface of outer peripheral surface 14 of movable body 12 located at the opposing portion, that surface moves out of gap S and becomes exposed, allowing the foreign matter to be removed (for example, wiped off). Furthermore, if an item falls into the space between the outer tub and housing 1e inside washing machine 1, gets into gap S, and then lands on the opposing portion, the opposing portion transitions to the outer portion due to the movement of movable body 12, making it easy to pick up the item.

[0030] Furthermore, a rotating part (specifically, pulley 1c, which will be described later) is exposed at the bottom of washing machine 1, and if a user puts their hand into gap S to pick up an item that has fallen into gap S, their hand may come into contact with the rotating part and be injured. In contrast, by moving movable body 12, the item that has fallen into gap S can be picked up safely without coming into contact with the rotating part.

[0031] Furthermore, the movement of movable body 12 causes the contact portion to move in the Y direction; specifically, it slides on the floor surface in the Y direction and eventually moves out of gap S and transitions to the outer portion. This allows foreign matter such as dust and dirt on the floor surface to be wiped away by the contact portion of movable body 12. Furthermore, the foreign matter that has moved to the side of movable body 12 can be transported out of gap S by the movement of movable body 12, and by subsequently cleaning movable body 12, the foreign matter can be removed from movable body 12.

[0032] <<Other embodiments>> While one embodiment of the foreign body removal device and its method of use of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0033] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable body 12 is arranged so that the tray portion 5 of the mounting member 3 is located within the space surrounded by the endless band constituting the movable body 12. However, the arrangement of the movable body 12 is not limited to the above pattern, and other patterns shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 may be adopted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the endless band constituting the movable body 12 may be arranged directly above the tray portion 5. In this case, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from accumulating on the upper surface of the tray portion 5. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the endless band constituting the movable body 12 may be arranged directly below the tray portion 5 with its lower surface in contact with the floor 2. In this case, the floor 2 can be cleaned by moving the movable body 12. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the endless band constituting the movable body 12 may be arranged directly above and directly below the tray portion 5.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the user touches the outer portion of the endless band that constitutes the movable body 12 and manually moves the movable body 12 to rotate it in the circumferential direction. Other configurations for manually moving the movable body 12 are possible, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 , an operating handle 34 may be coupled to the rotation shaft 32b of the rotating roller 32 that supports the band. In such a configuration, by operating the operating handle 34 to rotate the rotating roller 32, the endless band supported by the rotating roller 32, i.e., the movable body 12, rotates in the circumferential direction, and as a result, the portion of the outer circumferential surface 14 of the movable body 12 that is located within the gap S (gap portion 16) is switched.

[0035] 8, the drive mechanism 30 may include a rotary motor 36 and a transmission mechanism 38 interposed between the rotary motor 36 and the rotary shaft 32b of the rotary roller 32, and the rotary roller 32 may be rotated by the rotational force of the rotary motor 36 to move the movable body 12. With this configuration, the portion of the outer circumferential surface 14 of the movable body 12 that is located within the gap S can be more easily switched using the rotary motor 36. In the above configuration, it is preferable that the rotary motor 36 be turned on and off by the user operating a switch (not shown).

[0036] Furthermore, the power for moving movable body 12 may be obtained from a peripheral device, specifically, a component of washing machine 1. That is, drive mechanism 30 may move movable body 12 by utilizing the movement of the component of washing machine 1 while washing machine 1 is in operation. For example, a case (hereinafter referred to as Case A) in which movable body 12 is moved by utilizing the rotational force of pulley 1c, which is a rotating part of washing machine 1 that rotates the inner tub, may be considered. Another case (hereinafter referred to as Case B) in which movable body 12 is moved by utilizing a collision with housing 1e of washing machine 1 that vibrates while washing machine 1 is in operation may be considered. Each case will be described below.

[0037] (About Case A) The configuration of case A will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing a configuration for moving movable body 12 in case A, Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of foreign matter removal device 10X related to case A, and Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view. For convenience of explanation, Figs. 9 and 10 each illustrate pulley 1c of washing machine 1, but omit illustration of mounting member 3. In the following description, the direction in which movable body 12 moves in the circumferential direction will be referred to as a first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction will be referred to as a second direction.

[0038] Pulley 1c of washing machine 1 is exposed from an opening in bottom 1a of washing machine 1 and faces the upper surface of the endless band that forms movable body 12. More specifically, it faces the portion of the upper surface that is located in gap S, and rotates around an axis that is aligned in the vertical direction while washing machine 1 is in operation. As shown in FIG. 9, blade 1d is fixed to pulley 1c as an engaging portion. Blade 1d protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of pulley 1c and is made of an elastic material such as rubber, so it can bend (elastically deform) when subjected to an external force.

[0039] Meanwhile, multiple protrusions 40 are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12. Each of the multiple protrusions 40 is a plate-shaped protrusion corresponding to an engaged portion, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , is provided on the outer peripheral surface 14 in an inclined position with respect to the Y direction. Specifically, each protrusion 40 is inclined so as to face a first direction as it approaches the pulley 1c of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, among the multiple protrusions 40, one protrusion 40 (hereinafter also referred to as an engaging protrusion) located opposite the blade 1d in the Y direction is engaged (specifically, in contact) with the blade 1d. When the washing machine 1 operates in this state and the pulley 1c rotates, the blade 1d presses the engaging protrusion in the first direction in the Y direction, and the engaging protrusion is displaced a predetermined amount in the first direction by the pressing force from the blade 1d. As a result, the movable body 12 moves (rotates) a predetermined amount in the circumferential direction.

[0040] When the engaging protrusion is displaced in the first direction, the blade 1d is bent by a reaction force from the engaging protrusion, and as the displacement of the engaging protrusion increases, the amount of bending of the blade 1d also increases. As a result, the engaging protrusion is displaced in the first direction to a position where it passes over the blade 1d. Meanwhile, the blade 1d moves away from the engaging protrusion and engages (contacts) with the protrusion 40 adjacent to the engaging protrusion on the second direction side. As a result, the protrusion 40 that becomes the engaging protrusion is replaced. The replaced engaging protrusion also moves in the same way as above, that is, is displaced in the first direction due to the rotation of the pulley 1c. By repeating this operation, the movable body 12 moves (rotates) in the circumferential direction at a moving speed that corresponds to the rotation speed of the pulley 1c.

[0041] As described above, in case A, drive mechanism 30 moves movable body 12 by utilizing the rotational force of pulley 1c, as pulley 1c rotates with blade 1d provided on pulley 1c of washing machine 1 in contact with protrusion 40 fixed to movable body 12. Note that the configuration for moving movable body 12 by utilizing the rotational force of pulley 1c may be configured in a manner other than the above, and may be, for example, a gear train including a gear attached to the outer peripheral surface of pulley 1c, an endless linear gear provided on outer peripheral surface 14 of movable body 12, and an intermediate gear interposed between them.

[0042] In addition, in case A, a receiving container 20 may be provided outside the gap S at a position adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12, as shown in Figure 9, for receiving foreign matter such as dust present on the outer peripheral surface 14.

[0043] (About Case B) The configuration of case B will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing the configuration for moving the movable body 12 in case B, Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the foreign body removal device 10Y related to case B, and Figure 12 is a schematic side view.

[0044] The housing 1e vibrates in the Y direction while the washing machine 1 is operating. This is because the laundry in the tub clumps together when the washing machine 1 is operating (specifically, during the washing and spin cycles), and the clumps continue to rotate due to the agitator blades (not shown) in the washing machine 1 and collide with the inner tub, causing the outer tub to rotate eccentrically and hit the housing 1e of the washing machine 1.

[0045] Meanwhile, a plurality of protrusions 42 are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the plurality of protrusions 42 corresponds to an engaged portion, is a triangular protrusion in side view, and has a shape that decreases in height as it approaches the first direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a fixed member 44 is disposed directly above the plurality of protrusions 42, and an elastic member 46 made of a spring or the like is attached to the end face of the fixed member 44 in the Y direction, and the swinging member 48 is supported by the fixed member 44 via the elastic member 46. The fixed member 44 is fixed to the seat portion 4 or the tray portion 5 of the mounting member 3.

[0046] 12, the swinging member 48 is a plate-like member that extends in the vertical direction and has a shape that decreases in thickness (length in the Y direction) toward the bottom. The swinging member 48 is disposed directly above one of the multiple protrusions 42 (hereinafter also referred to as the engaging protrusion) that is disposed at a predetermined position in the Y direction, and engages with the engaging protrusion, more specifically, contacts the end face of the engaging protrusion on the second-facing side. 12, a substantially truncated cone-shaped protrusion 6 protruding from the surface of the tray part 5 may be provided at the location where the swinging member 48 and the engaging protrusion are engaged, and the upper end of the protrusion 6 may be pressed against the movable body 12 from the rear surface (the surface opposite to the outer peripheral surface 14) of the movable body 12. In this case, the engagement state between the swinging member 48 and the engaging protrusion can be stably maintained.

[0047] Furthermore, the swinging member 48 is configured to be swingable in the Y direction, and when the housing 1e of the washing machine 1 vibrates during operation, the swinging member 48 is displaced in a first direction upon collision with the housing 1e and presses the engaging protrusions in the first direction. As a result, the movable body 12 including the multiple protrusions 42 moves a predetermined amount in the circumferential direction. Thereafter, the swinging member 48 moves in a second direction due to the restoring force of the elastic member 46.

[0048] When rocking member 48 is moved in the second direction by elastic member 46, it separates from the engaging protrusion, engages with protrusion 42 adjacent to the engaging protrusion on the second-facing side, and becomes the end face of protrusion 42 on the second-facing side. As a result, protrusion 42 that becomes the engaging protrusion is switched. The replaced engaging protrusion is also pressed by rocking member 48 due to the collision between housing 1e and rocking member 48, and moves a predetermined amount in the first direction, and then separates from rocking member 48. The above-mentioned operation is repeated every time housing 1e collides with rocking member 48, and as a result, movable body 12 moves (rotates) in the circumferential direction at a moving speed that corresponds to the vibration speed (frequency) of housing 1e of washing machine 1.

[0049] As described above, in case B, with the oscillating member 48 engaged with one of the multiple protrusions 42 fixed to the movable body 12, the driving mechanism 30 moves the movable body 12 by utilizing the collision of the casing 1e with the oscillating member 48 when the washing machine 1 is operating, by the casing 1e of the washing machine 1 colliding with the oscillating member 48.

[0050] In addition, in case B, as in case A, a receiving container 20 for receiving foreign matter such as dust present on the outer peripheral surface 14 may be provided outside the gap S and adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 14 of the movable body 12, as shown in Figure 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 washing machine 1a bottom 1b Legs 1c Pulley (rotating part) 1d Wing plate (engaging part) 1e chassis 2 beds 3. Mounting member 4 Seat 5 Tray section (other than the part where the legs are placed) 6 ridges 10,10X,10Y foreign matter removal equipment 12 Movable body 14 Outer surface 16 Inside the gap 18 Outside the gap 20 Receiving container 30 Drive mechanism 32 Rotating roller 32a outer periphery 32b Rotation axis 34 Operating handle 36 Rotational Motor 38 Transmission Mechanism 40 Protrusion (engaged part) 42 Convex portion (engaged portion) 44 Fixing member 46 Elastic member 48 Swinging member (engagement part) S Gap

Claims

1. A movable body having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a portion positioned within a gap between the washing machine and the floor and a portion positioned outside the gap; A foreign body removal device comprising: a drive mechanism configured to switch the portion of the outer circumferential surface located within the gap with the portion located outside the gap by moving the movable body.

2. The foreign body removal device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable body is a band that is rotatable in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface.

3. 2. The foreign object removal device of claim 1, wherein when a mounting member is placed in the gap and legs of the washing machine are placed on the mounting member, a portion of the movable body is positioned in the gap to cover a portion of the mounting member other than the portion on which the legs are placed.

4. The foreign body removal device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism moves the movable body in response to a user's operation.

5. The foreign body removal device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism includes a rotary motor, and the movable body is moved by a rotational force of the rotary motor.

6. 6. The foreign body removal device according to claim 4, wherein the drive mechanism includes a roller that rotates with the movable body supported on its outer periphery.

7. The foreign object removal device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism moves the movable body by utilizing the movement of components of the washing machine while the washing machine is in operation.

8. The foreign body removal device according to claim 7, wherein the driving mechanism moves the movable body by utilizing the rotational force of the rotating part by rotating the rotating part while an engaging part provided on the rotating part of the washing machine engages with an engaging part fixed to the movable body.

9. The foreign body removal device of claim 7, wherein the driving mechanism moves the movable body by utilizing the collision of the housing with the engaging portion when the housing collides with the engaging portion while the housing is operating, while the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion fixed to the movable body.

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