Clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which includes a lid member having excellent convenience and designability.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a device body; a washing tub which is provided in the device body and in which an upper surface is open; a top cover provided at an upper part of the body, and having an opening part communicating with the washing tub; and a lid member 30 supported rotatably at the top cover, and for opening / closing the opening part. The lid member 30 has a first surface facing outward in a closed state where the opening part is closed and a second surface facing the washing tub opposing to the first surface, and is constituted by including a transparent or translucent plate member 33 arranged on the first surface, and a lid body 32 for supporting the plate member 33 from the second surface side. The lid body 32 does not cover the first surface side of the plate member 33 but at least partially covers the front surface of the plate member 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a so-called vertical axis washing machine, a washing tub with an open top is provided inside the main body, an entrance is provided above the washing tub in a top cover provided on the top of the main body, and a washing machine lid that opens and closes the entrance is rotatably supported on the top cover.

[0003] In recent years, washing machines have become known that use a glass plate on the top surface of the washing machine lid and support the glass plate with a synthetic resin frame to enhance design. In such a configuration, a handle member is sometimes provided at the front end of the glass plate for the user to open and close the washing machine lid. To prevent the glass plate from falling off, the handle member is formed, for example, in a U-shape so as to surround the front end of the glass plate from above, in front, and below.

[0004] In this case, the handle protrudes above the glass plate, making the washing machine lid less easy to clean and less convenient for the user. Also, by covering part of the glass plate from above, the design of the washing machine lid and, ultimately, the washing machine itself may be compromised. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-131424 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, a clothing disposal device is provided that is equipped with a lid member that is both convenient and stylish. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A laundry processing device according to an embodiment includes a main body, a washing tub disposed inside the main body and having an open top, a top cover disposed on the top of the main body and having an opening communicating with the washing tub, and a lid member rotatably supported on the top cover for opening and closing the opening. The lid member has a first surface facing outward when the opening is closed and a second surface opposite the first surface facing the washing tub. The lid member includes a transparent or translucent plate member disposed on the first surface, and a lid body supporting the plate member from the second surface. The lid body does not cover the first surface of the plate member, but at least partially covers the front surface of the plate member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment, illustrating a closed state in which a lid member is closed. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment, with a cover member in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a closed state in which a lid member is closed in a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of a lid member of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a main configuration of a lid member of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a view of a lid member of a washing machine according to an embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first surface; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the lid member of the washing machine according to the embodiment, showing the area within the circle VIII in FIG. 7; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 4 showing the configuration of the vicinity of the front of the lid member of the washing machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. A washing machine 10 as a laundry processing device shown in Figs. 1 to 4 includes a device main body 20, a water tub 11, a spin tub 12, a motor 13, a drain valve 14, a water supply valve 15, a water supply path 16, and an operation panel 17. The left front side of Fig. 1 is the front side of the washing machine 10, and the right rear side of Fig. 1 is the rear side of the washing machine 10. When using the washing machine 10, a user is positioned at the front of the washing machine 10. The side of the installation surface of the washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is referred to as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is referred to as the upper side of the washing machine 10. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the washing machine 10 is referred to as the width direction, i.e., the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 10.

[0010] The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 12 is oriented vertically. Note that the washing machine 10 is not limited to the vertical axis type, and may be, for example, a so-called drum type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 12 is horizontal or inclined relative to the ground. The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , device main body 20 has a box body 21, a top cover 22, a back cover 23, and a lid member 30. Box body 21 forms the outer shell of washing machine 10. Box body 21 is formed, for example, from a steel plate or the like into a substantially rectangular box shape and is open at the top. Water tub 11 is housed inside device main body 20, i.e., inside box body 21. Rotating tub 12 is housed inside water tub 11. Water tub 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. Similarly, rotating tub 12 is also formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. Water tub 11 and rotating tub 12 form a washing tub that houses clothes inside when washing machine 10 is operating.

[0012] Top cover 22 is provided on the upper part of box body 21. The outer shape of top cover 22 is formed to match the outer shape of box body 21, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, top cover 22 has an opening 221 that penetrates vertically inside. Opening 221 has a roughly semicircular shape with an arc at the front. The upper part of top cover 22 slopes downward toward the front. Back cover 23 is provided behind top cover 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Back cover 23 is configured as a rectangular box that is long in the left-right direction of washing machine 10 as a whole. Back cover 23 accommodates, for example, water supply valve 15 and a portion of water supply path 16. Furthermore, if washing machine 10 has a drying function, a drying unit that generates drying air and is composed of, for example, a heater, can also be accommodated inside back cover 23.

[0013] 3, the top cover 22 has left and right side wall portions 222 that protrude upward from the center portion in the left-right direction. In other words, the height position of the left and right side wall portions 222 from the floor surface of the upper portion of the top cover 22 is set higher than the height position from the floor surface around the opening 221. Note that in this specification, the center portion in the left-right direction is not limited to the center in the left-right direction, but refers to at least the part other than the edges in the left-right direction.

[0014] Lid member 30 is provided above top cover 22 and in front of back cover 23, and opens and closes opening 221 of top cover 22. Lid member 30 is rotatably supported by hinge portion 223 provided at the upper rear of top cover 22. In this embodiment, lid member 30 is formed as a single plate and is configured to be unfoldable, but it may also be configured to be foldable in two at the center in the front-to-rear direction.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the lid member 30 has a first surface 301 and a second surface 302. The first surface 301 faces the outside of the washing machine 10 in a closed state in which the opening 221 is closed by the lid member 30. The second surface 302 faces the first surface 301 and faces the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12 through the top cover 22 and the opening 221 in a closed state. The first surface 301 of the lid member 30 is flat and forms the top surface of the washing machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a closed state in which the lid member 30 is closed, the lid member 30 is positioned in a position that slopes downward from the rear to the front, i.e., a position with the front downward. In other words, when the lid member 30 is closed, the top surface of the washing machine 10 slopes downward from the rear to the front. In the closed state, the second surface 302 of the lid member 30 contacts the left and right side wall portions 222 of the top cover 22. As a result, the lid member 30 is supported from below by the left and right side wall portions 222 of the top cover 22.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, motor 13 is provided on the outside of the bottom of water tub 11 and is connected to rotating tub 12 through water tub 11. Motor 13 may be configured, for example, as an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. Motor 13 is driven under the control of a control device (not shown) to rotate rotating tub 12.

[0017] Drain valve 14 is an electromagnetically actuable on-off valve for liquid, and is controlled by a control device (not shown). The input side of drain valve 14 is connected to drain outlet 111 provided at the bottom end of water tub 11, and the output side of drain valve 14 is connected to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 14 opens and closes a drain path for draining water stored in water tub 11 to the outside of the machine. When drain valve 14 is closed, water tub 11 is able to store water. When drain valve 14 is opened, water stored in water tub 11 can be drained to the outside of the machine.

[0018] Water supply valve 15 is provided inside back cover 23. Water supply valve 15 is an electromagnetically actuable on-off valve for liquid, and opens and closes water supply path 16. Water supply path 16 is a path that connects a connection port that connects to an external water source to water tub 11. Part of water supply path 16 passes through the inside of back cover 23, and part of it extends through the inside of top cover 22 to water tub 11. A water injection case is provided midway along water supply path 16. The water injection case is provided with a treatment agent case that can store laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener.

[0019] 1, the operation panel 17 is provided on the first surface 301 side of the cover member 30. The operation panel 17 is, for example, a capacitance type touch panel, and although not shown in detail, is provided with a start key, a pause key, and various operation keys for the user to set the contents of the washing operation, etc.

[0020] Motor 13, drain valve 14, water supply valve 15, operation panel 17, etc. are driven and controlled by a control device (not shown). The control device executes a washing operation of washing machine 10, including at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process.

[0021] The configuration of lid member 30 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 9. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down direction refers to the orientation of lid member 30 in the closed state. In other words, the first surface 301 side is the upper side, and the second surface 302 side is the lower side. Furthermore, the free end side of lid member 30, i.e., the side facing the front end of top cover 22 in the closed state, is the front side, and the fixed end side supported by hinge portion 223 is the rear side.

[0022] The lid member 30 has a lid main body 32 and a plate member 33. The lid main body 32 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape and constitutes the main body of the lid member 30. The plate member 33 is disposed on the upper surface side of the lid main body 32 in the closed state. The plate member 33 is made of a transparent or translucent material and is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape. In this embodiment, the plate member 33 is made of tempered glass. In other embodiments, the plate member 33 may be made of a synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the lid main body 32 includes a support member 34, a cover member 35, and a front member 36. The support member 34 supports the plate member 33 from the second surface 302 side, i.e., from below. An adhesive, adhesive tape, or other adhesive material (not shown) is provided between the support member 34 and the plate member 33. The support member 34 is generally rectangular and includes a storage compartment 341 for accommodating the operation panel 17. In this embodiment, the storage compartment 341 is provided in the center of the support member 34 in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions and is a through-hole that penetrates the support member 34 in the thickness direction. The support member 34 has left and right side edges 342 and a spine edge 343. The left and right side edges 342 protrude upward from both left and right ends of the support member 34 and are formed as a rectangle elongated in the front-to-rear direction. The spine edge 343 protrudes upward from the rear end of the support member 34 and is formed as a rectangle elongated in the left-to-right direction.

[0024] 5 and 6, the cover member 35 is disposed on the second surface 302 side, i.e., below, of the support member 34, and forms the second surface 302 of the lid member 30. The cover member 35 is formed in an overall rectangular shape, and is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens toward the first surface 301 side, i.e., upward. The cover member 35 covers the operation panel 17 and the like from the second surface 302 side, i.e., from the bottom, so that they are not exposed to the water tank 11 side.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front member 36 is provided at the front end of the lid main body 32. The front member 36 has a shape that is elongated from side to side in a plan view. In this embodiment, the front member 36 is curved like an arch in a plan view, and has a circular sector shape with rounded corners at the front left and right. The front member 36 has a flange portion 361 and an insertion portion 362. The flange portion 361 protrudes forward from the upper portion of the insertion portion 362 and is formed into a plate shape that is roughly circular sector in a plan view. The flange portion 361 functions as a handle that the user grasps when opening or closing the lid member 30. The insertion portion 362 extends downward from the rear of the flange portion 361. The insertion portion 362 is inserted inside the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35. In other words, the insertion portion 362 is not exposed to the outside when the lid member 30 is assembled.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the plate member 33 has an upper surface 331, a front surface 332, left and right side surfaces 333, a rear surface 334, and a lower surface 335. The upper surface 331 forms the upper surface of the plate member 33 and constitutes the first surface 301 of the cover member 30. The front surface 332 forms the front surface of the plate member 33. The left and right side surfaces 333 form the left and right surfaces of the plate member 33. The rear surface 334 forms the rear surface of the plate member 33. The lower surface 335 forms the lower surface of the plate member 33, i.e., a surface parallel to and opposite the upper surface 331, and faces the support member 34. Corners between the upper surface 331, the front surface 332, the left and right side surfaces 333, the rear surface 334, and the lower surface 335 are each cut off to provide so-called chamfering.

[0027] 7 and other figures, the surface of the plate member 33 on the first surface 301 side, i.e., the top surface 331, is entirely exposed to the outside. In other words, the lid main body 32 does not cover the top surface 331 of the plate member 33. Furthermore, the top surface 331 of the plate member 33 is not covered by the lid main body 32 or any other member.

[0028] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 is at least partially covered by the flange portion 361 of the front member 36. In other words, the plate member 33 and the flange portion 361 are disposed so as to at least partially overlap in a direction parallel to the first surface 301. When observed from the front, the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 is at least partially not exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 is covered by the flange portion 361 of the front member 36 except for an upper portion. In other embodiments, the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 may be configured so that the entire front surface 332 is covered by the flange portion 361 of the front member 36.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33 are at least partially covered by the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34. In other words, the plate member 33 and the left and right side edges 342 are arranged to at least partially overlap in a direction parallel to the first surface 301. When observed from the left or right, the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33 are at least partially not exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33 are covered by the left and right side edges 342 except for their upper portions. In other embodiments, the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33 may be entirely covered by the left and right side edges 342.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7 and other figures, the back surface 334 of the plate member 33 is at least partially covered by the spine edge 343 of the support member 34. In other words, the plate member 33 and the spine edge 343 are arranged to at least partially overlap in a direction parallel to the first surface 301. When observed from behind, the back surface 334 of the plate member 33 is at least partially not exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, the back surface 334 of the plate member 33 is covered by the spine edge 343 except for the upper part. In other embodiments, the back surface 334 of the plate member 33 may be entirely covered by the spine edge 343.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the flange portion 361 and the upper surfaces of the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34 are located on the same plane parallel to the first surface 301. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper surfaces of the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34 and the upper surface of the spine edge 343 are located on the same plane parallel to the first surface 301. That is, the upper surface of the flange portion 361 and the upper surfaces of the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34 and the upper surface of the spine edge 343 are located on the same plane parallel to the first surface 301. Note that in this embodiment, the upper surfaces of the flange portion 361 and the upper surfaces of the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34 and the upper surface of the spine edge 343 are located closer to the second surface 302, i.e., lower, than the first surface 301, i.e., the upper surface 331 of the plate member 33.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 9, the lid main body 32 has a recessed portion 40 at its front end. The recessed portion 40 is formed by recessing a portion of the front end of the lid main body 32 on the second surface 302 side toward the rear. The recessed portion 40 forms a space inside to accommodate the user's fingers when the user opens or closes the lid member 30. The surface of the recessed portion 40 on the first surface 301 side, i.e., the upper surface, is formed by the surface of the flange portion 361 on the second surface 302 side, i.e., the lower surface. In other words, the surface of the flange portion 361 on the second surface 302 side has a space in the height direction between it and the top cover 22. The back surface 41 of the recessed portion 40, i.e., the surface that contacts the bottom surface of the recessed shape, is formed by the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35.

[0033] The recessed portion 40 is located forward of the plate member 33. That is, the back surface portion 41 of the recessed portion 40 is located forward of an extension line L1 obtained by extending the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 301. In other words, the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35 is located forward of the front surface 332 of the plate member 33. Furthermore, the back surface portion 41 of the recessed portion 40 is located rearward of an extension line L2 obtained by extending the opening 221 of the top cover 22 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 301, at the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction. In other words, the opening 221 is located rearward of the opening 221 of the top cover 22, at the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the cover member 35 has a protrusion 352. The protrusion 352 is formed in the front of the cover member 35, bulging downward from the surface of the cover member 35 facing the second surface 302, i.e., the lower surface. When the lid member 30 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the protrusion 352 in the thickness direction is inserted into the opening 221 of the top cover 22. In this embodiment, the protrusion 352 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape with an arc at the front and a chord at the rear, as viewed from the bottom, and at least a portion of the protrusion 352 in the thickness direction is inserted into the front portion of the opening 221. In this case, the diameter of the semicircular shape of the protrusion 352 can be set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 221 of the top cover 22 so as not to interfere with opening and closing of the lid member 30.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6, protrusion 352 is set so that the thickness dimension in the thickness direction of lid member 30, i.e., the direction perpendicular to first surface 301, is thicker toward the front and thinner toward the rear. The thickness of protrusion 352 is set so that it is thickest at the front end of protrusion 352, i.e., at the center in the left-right direction of washing machine 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the front end of protrusion 352 faces opening 221 of top cover 22 in the closed state.

[0036] 7, front edge 224 of the upper surface of top cover 22 and the front edge of lid member 30 (in this case, the front edge of flange portion 361) form concentric arcs. Therefore, when lid member 30 is closed, the depth dimension in the front-to-rear direction of the exposed portion of top cover 22 that is not covered by lid member 30 is roughly constant across the entire width of washing machine 10. This gives washing machine 10 a unified appearance and improves its design.

[0037] Furthermore, the front edge of the lid member 30, in this case the front edge of the flange portion 361, and the back surface portion 41 of the recessed portion 40, i.e., the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35, form concentric arcs. Therefore, the depth of the recessed portion 40, i.e., the dimension in the front-to-rear direction, is generally constant across the entire width of the washing machine 10. This allows the user to insert their fingers in the same way regardless of which part of the flange portion 361 the user grasps, improving user convenience.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 forms an arc concentric with the front edge of the flange portion 361. Therefore, the depth dimension of the flange portion 361 in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view is generally constant across the entire width of the washing machine 10. This also gives the washing machine 10 a unified appearance and improves its design.

[0039] In this embodiment, front edge 224 of the upper surface of top cover 22, the front edge of flange 361, front surface 332 of plate member 33, and rear surface 41 of recess 40, i.e., front wall 351 of cover member 35, each form a concentric arc. This improves the design of washing machine 10 and improves user convenience.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the flange portion 361 has ridge portions 361a. The ridge portions 361a are provided on the left and right ends of the front edge of the flange portion 361, and deviate from the arcs of the concentric circles formed by the front edge of the flange portion 361 in a plan view. The radius of curvature of the ridge portions 361a is set to be smaller than the radius of curvature of the center of the front edge of the flange portion 361. In other words, the front edge of the flange portion 361 curves further rearward as it moves away from the center toward the left or right. The ridge portions 361a extend to the rear end of the flange portion 361 in a plan view.

[0041] The side edge 342 of the support member 34 has a connecting portion 342a. The connecting portion 342a is provided at the front end of the side edge 342, and curves in a direction that approaches the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction as it moves forward. The portion of the side edge 342 other than the front end forms a plane that essentially extends in the front-to-rear direction. The length of the connecting portion 342a in the front-to-rear direction can be set to, for example, 2% to 5% of the length of the side edge 342 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] The connecting portion 342a is smoothly connected to the ridge portion 361a of the flange portion 361. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature of the connecting portion 342a is set to be approximately the same as the radius of curvature of at least a portion of the rear end portion of the ridge portion 361a. Here, the concept of approximately the same radius of curvature includes the same radius of curvature as well as a radius of curvature within a range of plus or minus 10%.

[0043] Next, the procedure for assembling the lid member 30 will be described. First, an attachment member (not shown) is placed on the surface of the support member 34 on the first surface 301 side. Then, the plate member 33 is placed on the surface of the support member 34 on the first surface 301 side via the attachment member. Next, the front member 36 is assembled to the plate member 33 and the support member 34 from the front. After that, the operation panel 17 is stored in the storage section 341. Then, the cover member 35 is assembled from the second surface 302 side so as to cover the operation panel 17, the insertion section 362 of the front member 36, and other components (not shown). In this way, the lid member 30 is assembled.

[0044] For example, if the front portion of the top surface 331 of the plate member 33 is covered by the front member 36, slight misalignment between the plate member 33 and the lid body 32 can be concealed. In contrast, in this embodiment, the front end of the top surface 331 of the plate member 33 is not covered, so misalignment between the plate member 33 and the lid body 32 may compromise the design of the lid member 30. In contrast, in this embodiment, the lid body 32, specifically the support member 34, has alignment features. In this case, the alignment features are the left and right side edges 342 and the spine edge 343 of the support member 34. The worker can accurately align the plate member 33 and the support member 34 by aligning the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33 with the left and right side edges 342 of the support member 34 and aligning the back surface 334 with the spine edge 343. Then, after attaching the plate member 33 to the support member 34, the worker assembles the front member 36.

[0045] Consider a case where the plate member 33 is supported by a member formed to cover the top surface 331 of the plate member 33 to prevent the plate member 33 from falling off, for example. In this case, when a user tries to clean the top surface 331 of the plate member 33, the unevenness formed between the member covering the top surface 331 and the plate member 33 makes it difficult to clean the top surface 331 of the plate member 33. Furthermore, if dust, spilled laundry treatment agent, or the like gets into the unevenness formed between the member covering the top surface 331 and the plate member 33, it may be difficult to remove it. Furthermore, since the entire top surface 331 of the plate member 33 is not exposed, there is a risk that the design benefits of the transparent or translucent plate member 33 will not be fully utilized.

[0046] In contrast, according to the present embodiment described above, washing machine 10 as a laundry processing device includes main body 20, water tub 11 and spun tub 12 that constitute the washing tub, top cover 22, and lid member 30. Water tub 11 and spun tub 12 are provided inside main body 20 and have an open top. Top cover 22 is provided on the upper part of main body 20 and has opening 221 that communicates with water tub 11 and spun tub 12. Lid member 30 is rotatably supported by top cover 22 to open and close opening 221. Lid member 30 has first surface 301 that faces outward when opening 221 is closed, and second surface 302 that faces water tub 11 and spun tub 12 opposite first surface 301. Lid member 30 includes plate member 33, lid main body 32, and transparent or translucent plate member 33 is disposed on first surface 301. The lid body 32 supports the plate member 33 from the second surface 302 side. The lid body 32 does not cover the first surface 301 side of the plate member 33, i.e., the upper surface 331, but at least partially covers the front surface 332 of the plate member 33.

[0047] With this, the top surface 331 of the plate member 33 is not covered, allowing the user to clean the entire top surface 331 of the plate member 33. Furthermore, since the first surface 301 of the lid member 30 is not uneven, it is possible to prevent dust, spilled laundry treatment agent, etc. from getting into the periphery of the plate member 33 and becoming difficult to remove. Furthermore, the entire surface of the transparent or translucent plate member 33 is exposed and visible to the user, improving the design of the lid member 30. Therefore, a clothing treatment device that is both convenient and stylish is provided.

[0048] The lid main body 32 has a recessed portion 40 formed by recessing a portion of the front end portion of the lid main body 32 on the second surface 302 side toward the rear. The recessed portion 40 is provided forward of an extension line L1 obtained by extending the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 301. In this case, the recessed portion 40 is formed by the lower part of the flange portion 361 of the front member 36 and the front of the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35. The back surface portion 41 of the recessed portion 40, i.e., the front wall portion 351 of the cover member 35, is located forward of an extension line L1 obtained by extending the front surface 332 of the plate member 33 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 301.

[0049] According to this, when the recessed portion 40 is used as a handle on which the user places their fingers when opening or closing the lid member 30, even if the user applies an upward force to the recessed portion 40 of the lid body 32, the plate member 33 will not be pushed upward from the recessed portion 40. Therefore, even if the lid member 30 is opened and closed many times over a long period of use, the plate member 33 is unlikely to peel off. This improves the durability of the lid member 30 and, in turn, the washing machine 10.

[0050] The lid main body 32 has side edges 342 that at least partially cover the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33. The surface of the first surface 301 of the front end of the lid main body 32 and the surface of the first surface 301 of the side edges 342 are located on the same plane. In this case, the surface of the first surface 301 of the front member 36 provided at the front end of the lid main body 32, i.e., the top surface, and the surface of the first surface 301 of the side edges 342, i.e., the top surface, are located on the same plane.

[0051] This minimizes steps and irregularities on the first surface 301 of the lid member 30, providing a clothing disposal device with excellent cleanability. Furthermore, the reduced steps prevent, for example, the fingers of an operator or user or cleaning tools from getting caught on the steps. Therefore, a clothing disposal device with excellent convenience is provided.

[0052] The lid main body 32 is configured to include a support member 34 that supports the plate member 33, and a front member 36 that is located at the front end of the support member 34 and forms at least a part of the recessed portion 40. The support member 34 has side edge portions 342 that at least partially cover the left and right side surfaces 333 of the plate member 33. The surface of the front member 36 on the side of the first surface 301, i.e., the upper surface in the closed state, and the surface of the side edge portions 342 on the side of the first surface 301, i.e., the upper surface in the closed state, are located on the same plane.

[0053] The front edge 224 of the upper surface of the top cover 22 and the front edge of the lid body 32 each form an arc of a concentric circle. That is, the front edge 224 of the upper surface of the top cover 22 and the front edge of the lid body 32 are positioned on the same circle.

[0054] This allows a sense of unity in design between the top cover 22 and the lid member 30. Therefore, the design of the washing machine 10 can be improved.

[0055] The rear surface 41 of the recess 40 and the front edge of the upper surface of the top cover 22 each form an arc of a concentric circle. That is, the rear surface 41 of the recess 40, i.e., the front wall 351 of the cover member 35 in this case, and the front edge 224 of the upper surface of the top cover 22 are positioned on the same circle.

[0056] As a result, the depth dimension of recess 40, i.e., the length of the space into which the user can insert their fingers, is generally constant across the entire width of washing machine 10. Therefore, the distance into which the user can insert their fingers is constant regardless of where the user places their hand, improving the user experience. Also, because the depth dimension of the portion of flange 361 exposed to the outside is generally constant across the entire width of washing machine 10, the strength of front member 36 can be maintained across the entire width of washing machine 10. Furthermore, a sense of unity in the design can be achieved when washing machine 10 is viewed from the front, improving the design.

[0057] Lid body 32 has ridge portions 361a formed in a curved surface shape on the left and right sides of the front end of lid body 32, the ridge portions 361a having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the center of the front end of lid body 32. Side edge portion 342 has connecting portion 342a at the front end of side edge portion 342 that smoothly connects to ridge portion 361a. In other words, side edge portion 342 forms a flat surface that extends generally in the front-to-rear direction, but the front end of side edge 342 forms a curved surface that curves toward the center of washing machine 10 in the left-to-right direction as it approaches the front.

[0058] This allows the front member 36 or the support member 34 to not protrude in the left-right direction, creating a sense of unity for the entire cover member 30. This improves the design of the cover member 30 and, ultimately, the washing machine 10. Furthermore, when flat surfaces are connected to each other, unevenness or rattles may be noticeable both visually and tactilely, even if they are within the tolerance range. In contrast, when curved surfaces are connected to each other, the joint appears smoother both visually and tactilely, improving the yield rate of the washing machine 10 during manufacturing.

[0059] When the cover member 30 is in a closed state and at the center of the cover member 30 in the left-right direction, the position of the back portion 41 of the recessed portion 40 is set on or behind the extension line L2 extending the opening 221 of the top cover 22 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 301.

[0060] By providing the recessed portion 40 as deep as possible, the user can easily insert his or her fingers to grasp the front member 36, improving operability.

[0061] Here, because recessed portion 40 is made as deep as possible, that is, the depth dimension is made as long as possible, recessed portion 40 and the washing tub communicate with each other through opening 221. In this case, there is a risk that noise during operation may easily leak out, or opening 221 may be visible when viewed from the front, degrading the design.

[0062] In contrast, lid main body 32 has a protrusion 352 that bulges from second surface 302 toward water tub 11 and spin tub 12. When lid member 30 is in the closed state, at least a portion of protrusion 352 in the thickness direction is inserted into the front portion of opening 221. In this embodiment, when lid member 30 is in the closed state, almost the entire protrusion 352 in the thickness direction is inserted into opening 221 at the front portion of opening 221.

[0063] According to this, in the closed state, convex portion 352 is inserted into opening 221, thereby preventing communication between recessed portion 40 and the washing tub. Therefore, leakage of noise during operation of washing machine 10 to the outside can be reduced, and the design can be improved.

[0064] Here, in order for protrusion 352 to be at least partially inserted into opening 221 in the closed state, protrusion 352 needs to have a certain thickness. On the other hand, if the thickness of protrusion 352 is made uniform, the entire protrusion will protrude toward the user when lid member 30 is opened, which may cause the user to feel a sense of pressure.

[0065] In contrast to this, the dimension of the protrusion 352 in the thickness direction of the cover member 30 is set to become thinner as it goes further rearward. In other words, the thickness dimension of the protrusion 352 is set to be thicker at the front portion than at the rear portion.

[0066] As a result, when the lid member 30 is open, the protrusion 352 does not protrude more than necessary, thereby reducing the feeling of pressure felt by the user. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the lid member 30 is closed, it assumes a tilted position that is lowered toward the front. In this case, because the thickness of the protrusion 352 is set to be greater toward the front, the center of gravity of the lid member 30 is closer to the front, making it easier to close the lid member 30 reliably by utilizing gravity.

[0067] In this embodiment, the support member 34, the cover member 35, and the front member 36 are formed from a synthetic resin such as reinforced plastic. The support member 34, the cover member 35, and the front member 36 may be formed as separate members, or two or three of them may be integrally formed. In this embodiment, the support member 34, the cover member 35, and the front member 36 are formed as separate bodies. Furthermore, the front member 36 can be formed from a material that is highly chemical-resistant and decorative. An example of a material that is highly chemical-resistant is polypropylene resin. This prevents the front member 36 from discoloring or deteriorating due to laundry treatments. An example of a material that is highly decorative is ABS resin, which is suitable for plating. This increases the degree of freedom in decorating the front member 36, which is visible to the user when the washing machine is closed, thereby improving the design of the washing machine 10.

[0068] The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, only the characteristic features of two or more embodiments can be extracted and combined. The above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10... washing machine, 11... water tub (washing tub), 12... spin tub (washing tub), 20... device body, 22... top cover, 221... opening, 224... front edge portion, 30... lid member, 301... first surface, 302... second surface, 32... lid body, 33... plate member, 331... upper surface, 332... front surface, 333... side surface, 334... rear surface, 335... lower surface, 34... support member, 342... side edge portion, 342a... connection portion, 35... cover member, 351... front wall portion, 352... convex portion, 36... front member, 361... flange portion, 361a... both portions, 40... recessed portion, 41... rear portion, L1, L2... extension lines

Claims

1. A device body, a washing tub provided inside the device body and having an open top; a top cover provided on the top of the device body and having an opening communicating with the washing tub; a cover member that is rotatably supported by the top cover and that opens and closes the opening, The cover member is The washing machine has a first surface facing outward in a closed state in which the opening is closed, and a second surface facing the first surface and facing the washing tub, The container is configured to include a transparent or translucent plate member disposed on the first surface and a lid body supporting the plate member from the second surface side, the lid body does not cover the first surface side of the plate member, and at least partially covers the front surface of the plate member; At least the first surface side of the front end portion of the plate member is exposed, The lid body has a protrusion that bulges from the second surface toward the washing tub, In the closed state, at least a part of the protrusion in the thickness direction is inserted into the opening at a front portion of the opening. Clothes treatment device.

2. the lid body has a recessed portion formed by recessing a part of the front end portion of the lid body on the second surface side toward the rear, The recessed portion is provided forward of an extension line that extends from the front surface of the plate member in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the lid body has side edges that at least partially cover the left and right side surfaces of the plate member, The surface of the front end portion of the lid body on the first side and the surface of the side edge portion on the first side are located on the same plane. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The front edge of the upper surface of the top cover and the front edge of the lid body each form an arc of a concentric circle. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The rear edge of the recess and the front edge of the upper surface of the top cover each form a concentric arc. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 .

6. the lid body has ridge portions formed in a curved shape with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of a center portion of the front end portion of the lid body on the left and right sides of the front end portion of the lid body, The side edge has a connecting portion at a front end of the side edge that is smoothly connected to the ridge portion. The clothing treatment device according to claim 3 .

7. In the closed state, at the center of the lid member in the left-right direction, the position of the rear surface of the recessed portion is set on an extension line extending from the opening of the top cover in a direction perpendicular to the first surface or behind the extension line. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 .

8. The dimension of the protrusion in the thickness direction of the cover member is set to be thinner toward the rear. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A device body, a washing tub provided inside the device body and having an open top; a top cover provided on the top of the device body and having an opening communicating with the washing tub; a cover member that is rotatably supported by the top cover and that opens and closes the opening, The cover member is The washing machine has a first surface facing outward in a closed state in which the opening is closed, and a second surface facing the first surface and facing the washing tub, The container is configured to include a transparent or translucent plate member disposed on the first surface and a lid body supporting the plate member from the second surface side, the lid body does not cover the first surface side of the plate member, and at least partially covers the front surface of the plate member; the lid body has a recessed portion formed by recessing a part of the front end portion of the lid body on the second surface side toward the rear, the recessed portion is provided forward of an extension line that extends from the front surface of the plate member in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, a rear edge of the recess and a front edge of the upper surface of the top cover each form a concentric arc; Clothes treatment device.

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