Washing machine

The washing machine design with angled recess surfaces addresses manufacturability issues and water spillage by securely positioning the rack and preventing water overflow, enhancing both production and hygiene.

JP7873159B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-11HOSHIZAKI ELECTRIC CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
HOSHIZAKI ELECTRIC CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-10-26
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing washing machines with recessed racks for tableware are prone to manufacturability issues due to residual stress leading to cracks, warping, and distortion, and water droplets from the racks spill, causing hygiene problems.

Method used

A washing machine design with a top plate featuring a frame-like peripheral edge and recesses with angled surfaces, including vertical and inclined surfaces, to securely position the rack and prevent water spillage.

🎯Benefits of technology

Enhances manufacturability by reducing residual stress and prevents water from spilling around the machine, ensuring the rack is securely positioned and maintaining hygiene.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a washing machine excellent in manufacturability that allows a rack to be positioned firmly when a rack is placed on a top plate of a washing machine body, and can inhibit water droplets falling from the rack and an object to be washed from leaking in the periphery of the washing machine.SOLUTION: A dishwasher 100 includes an upper panel 70 including a first horizontal surface 72 for forming a peripheral edge part 71, which is orthogonal to a vertical direction, a second horizontal surface 74 for forming part of a concave part 73, which is orthogonal to a vertical direction, and a first connection surface 75 for forming part of the concave part 73, which connects the first horizontal surface 72 and the second horizontal surface 74. The first connection surface 75 is formed including a perpendicular surface 76 orthogonal to a horizontal direction and an inclined surface 77 inclined downward from a first horizontal surface 72 side toward a second horizontal surface 74 side, and a width dimension B1 in a horizontal direction of the first connection surface 75 is larger than a difference H in height between the first horizontal surface 72 and the second horizontal surface 74.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a cleaning machine for cleaning objects to be cleaned such as tableware. 【Background Art】 【0002】 There is known a cleaning machine that stores a rack in which objects to be cleaned such as tableware are accommodated in a cleaning chamber and cleans the objects to be cleaned while they are accommodated in the rack. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a cleaning machine in which a recess for placing the above-mentioned rack is formed in a top plate provided on the upper part of a cleaning machine main body (main body part). In such a cleaning machine, when the rack is placed on the upper part of the main body part, it is possible to prevent the rack from easily shifting and moving, and even if water droplets fall from the rack, the water can be retained in the recess, preventing it from flowing out to the surroundings along the side surface from the upper part of the main body part. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-292944 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 Tabletops with recesses like the one described above can sometimes be manufactured by drawing the material so that the edges of the recesses are raised vertically. In this case, a large force is applied to a narrow area such as the flat area continuous with the drawn portion (periphery and bottom of the recess) during drawing, making it easy for residual stress to occur. As a result, cracks, warping, and distortion are more likely to occur in the flat area continuous with the drawn portion, resulting in poor manufacturability. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve manufacturability by raising the edges of the recesses at an angle instead of vertically. However, while such a shape can improve manufacturability, when an operator moves a rack placed in the recess, the water accumulated in the recess is scraped out as the rack moves horizontally, causing water to scatter around the washing machine or run down the outside of the washing machine. As a result, the main body becomes dirty, water droplets flow into the gaps between the washing machine and surrounding equipment, causing rust and bacteria to grow, which is unhygienic. 【0005】 Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is easy to manufacture, can securely position a rack when it is placed on the top plate of the washing machine body, and can prevent water droplets falling from the rack and the objects to be washed from spilling around the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem] 【0006】 The washing machine according to the present invention is a washing machine in which a top plate is disposed on top of the main body, having a peripheral edge that is formed in the shape of a frame when viewed from above, and a recess that is recessed to the peripheral edge on the inside of the peripheral edge, the top plate comprises a surface that forms the peripheral edge and is perpendicular to the vertical direction, a surface that forms part of the recess and is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a first connecting surface that forms part of the recess and connects the first horizontal surface and the second horizontal surface, the first connecting surface is formed including a vertical surface perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an inclined surface that slopes downward from the first horizontal surface to the second horizontal surface, and the width dimension of the first connecting surface in the horizontal direction is longer than the height difference between the first horizontal surface and the second horizontal surface. 【0007】 In this configuration of the washing machine, a vertical surface is formed on the surface that forms part of the recess, which prevents the rack from sliding out of the recess in a nearly horizontal direction and prevents the rack from easily shifting. Also, in this configuration of the washing machine, the vertical surface formed on the surface that forms part of the recess prevents water that has dripped into the recess from being scraped out when the rack is moved, which prevents water from splashing around the washing machine or running down the outside of the washing machine. Furthermore, by combining not only a vertical surface but also an inclined surface when forming the recess, the drawability when drawing the recess is improved, for example, and the manufacturability of the top plate can be enhanced. As a result, the machine is easy to manufacture, and when the rack is placed on the top plate of the washing machine body, the rack can be securely positioned and water droplets falling from the rack and the objects being washed can be prevented from spilling around the washing machine. 【0008】 In the washing machine according to the present invention, the inclined surface may be formed in at least one of the spaces between the first horizontal plane and the vertical plane, and between the vertical plane and the second horizontal plane. 【0009】 In the washing machine according to the present invention, in the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the top plate in the thickness direction, a portion of the inclined surface may be formed in a straight line. With this configuration, the inclined surface can be easily formed. 【0010】 In the washing machine according to the present invention, in the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the top plate in the thickness direction, the top plate includes a first cross section in which a first horizontal plane, a first connecting surface, and a second horizontal plane are continuously connected in this order, and a second cross section in which a second connecting surface connecting the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane is formed instead of the first connecting surface of the first cross section, and the second connecting surface may be a surface that slopes downward from the first horizontal plane to the second horizontal plane without forming a vertical surface perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The second cross section connects the first horizontal plane to the second horizontal plane more smoothly than the first cross section. As a result, for example, the drawability when drawing a recess is improved, and the occurrence of cracks, warping, and distortion due to drawing can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, when drawing, the occurrence of the above-mentioned defects can be suppressed by forming the corners (corners) of a recess, which are prone to cracks, warping, and distortion, as the second cross section. 【0011】 In the washing machine according to the present invention, the horizontal width dimension of the first horizontal surface included in the first cross section may be equal to the horizontal width dimension of the first horizontal surface included in the second cross section. In this configuration, the outer peripheral positions of the first connecting surface in the first cross section and the second connecting surface in the second cross section, i.e., the positions where the first and second connecting surfaces begin from the periphery and the positions where the first and second connecting surfaces change to the second horizontal surface, are aligned, so that the recess becomes a neat rectangle, resulting in a top plate with excellent appearance quality. Furthermore, in this configuration, it becomes easy to place a part of the rack on the edge of the top plate and push it directly into the recess from the second cross section, or to remove the rack from the recess via the second cross section. [Effects of the Invention] 【0012】 According to the present invention, while manufacturability is excellent, when a rack is placed on the top plate of the washing machine body, the rack can be securely positioned, and water droplets falling from the rack and the items to be washed can be prevented from spilling around the washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0013】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of the dishwasher shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) is a perspective view of the upper panel seen from diagonally above. Figure 3(B) is a magnified perspective view showing a close-up of the corner of the upper panel. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is a cross-sectional view taken from the IVA-IVA line in Figure 3(A). Figure 4(B) is a cross-sectional view taken from the IVB-IVB line in Figure 3(A). [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view of the upper panel according to Modification 1, seen from an oblique angle above. Figure 5(B) is an enlarged perspective view showing a magnified view of the corner of the upper panel. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a cross-sectional view taken from the VIA-VIA line in Figure 5(A). Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken from the VIB-VIB line in Figure 5(A). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper panel, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper panel according to Modification 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a perspective view of the upper panel according to Modification 4, seen from an oblique upward angle. Figure 9(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the IXB-IXB line in Figure 9(A). [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the upper panel according to Modification 5, taken from the area corresponding to the IXB-IXB line in Figure 9(A). [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0014】 Hereinafter, a dishwasher (washer) 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. For the sake of explanation, Figure 1 defines the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction, and the up-and-down direction, respectively. 【0015】 As shown in FIG. 1, a dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment is an under-counter type dishwasher in which a door portion 15 is provided on the front surface of a washing chamber 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dishwasher 100 includes a main body portion 1, a door portion 15, a washing tank 20, an upper nozzle 3, a lower nozzle 4, a washing pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, a rinse aid supply pump 9, and a controller 10. Legs 12 are attached to the four corners at the lower part of the main body portion 1. 【0016】 The main body portion 1 is formed including a frame (not shown), an exterior panel 11 made of stainless steel, and an interior panel 2. The exterior panel 11 has a pair of side panels 11A, 11A forming side surfaces in the left-right direction, an upper panel (top plate) 70, a front panel 11D, and a rear panel 11E. The upper panel 70 has a top surface portion 70A and a front surface portion 70B. An operation display portion 13 for operating various operations of the dishwasher 100 and displaying the state of the dishwasher 100 is provided on the front surface portion 70B of the upper panel 70. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3(A), the front surface portion 70B is a portion bent from the top surface portion 70A, and an opening 70Ba is formed. The operation display portion 13 described in detail later is arranged in the opening 70Ba. Further, the front surface portion 70B has a first bent portion 70Bb and a second bent portion 70Bc bent from the front surface portion 70B. The detailed configuration of the top surface portion 70A of the upper panel 70 will be described in detail later. 【0017】 Returning to FIG. 1, the operation display portion 13 is a portion for performing input operations of an operation mode and various settings. The operation display portion 13 of the present embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal screen and a strengthened glass (electrostatic switch) covering the same. An operator can perform various operations by touching the strengthened glass covering the liquid crystal screen. Note that the operation display portion 13 may be composed of various buttons or a touch panel, or may be composed of a remote control, an operation terminal, etc. separate from the main body portion 1. 【0018】 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the lower region of the main body 1, a machine room 1A is formed that houses a washing tank 20, a washing pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, and a rinse agent supply pump 9. In the upper region of the main body 1, a washing chamber 1B is formed that houses a rack on which dishes (objects to be washed) D and the like are set. The washing chamber 1B is a space above the washing tank 20 and is constituted by an interior panel 2. The interior panel 2 mainly has a pair of side panels 2A, 2A, an upper panel 2B, and a rear panel (not shown). Rack rails 23 for supporting the rack are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of side panels 2A, 2A. An opening 1C is formed in the main body 1 for taking in and out a rack on which dishes D and the like are set into and out of the washing chamber 1B. 【0019】 The door part 15 is arranged outside the opening 1C. The door part 15 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 1C. When the door part 15 is opened, the washing chamber 1B inside the opening 1C is opened to the outside of the main body 1. The door part 15 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left - right direction at the lower end of the door part 15 as a rotation axis. An operator can open the washing chamber 1B by tilting forward a handle 15A provided at the upper end of the door part 15. 【0020】 The washing tank 20 is provided below the washing chamber 1B. The washing tank 20 has a storage part 22 for storing washing water used for washing dishes D and the like housed in the washing chamber 1B. The storage part 22 is formed from a side part 20c and a bottom part 20a. A washing water detection part 24, a washing water heater 25A, and a washing water temperature sensor 25B are provided in the washing tank 20. 【0021】 The cleaning water detection unit 24 detects the water level of the cleaning water stored in the storage unit 22. The cleaning water detection unit 24 is a switch that, for example, turns ON when the water level in the storage unit 22 exceeds a constant water level H1, and turns OFF when it is below the constant water level H1. The detection result from the cleaning water detection unit 24 is acquired by the controller 10. The cleaning pump 5, which will be described in detail later, will not be able to spray cleaning water from the upper nozzle 3 and lower nozzle 4 if it sucks in air while in operation, causing what is called air lock. In one embodiment, the operation of the cleaning pump 5 is stopped when the cleaning water detection unit 24 is turned OFF during operation, thereby preventing the cleaning pump 5 from sucking in air. 【0022】 The cleaning water heater 25A heats the cleaning water stored in the storage section 22 to improve its sterilization and cleaning capabilities. The cleaning water temperature sensor 25B detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the storage section 22. The detection result from the cleaning water temperature sensor 25B is acquired by the controller 10. The ON / OFF state of the cleaning water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the cleaning water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10 to maintain the cleaning water at a predetermined temperature based on the water temperature detected by the cleaning water temperature sensor 25B. 【0023】 A circular through-hole 20b is formed in the bottom 20a of the storage section 22. The through-hole 20b is covered by a pump guard 26. The pump guard 26 is a circular plate-shaped member with a plurality of elongated holes that penetrate in the thickness direction, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter. The through-hole 20b is connected to the cleaning pump 5 via a connecting part 50. The connecting part 50 has a first connecting hole 50a that is connected to the through-hole 20b, a drain hole 50b that is connected to a drain pipe 28 that discharges water to the outside of the main body 1, and a second connecting hole 50c that is connected to the cleaning pump 5. The connecting part 50 may be integrally formed with the cleaning pump 5 as part of the casing that constitutes the cleaning pump 5, or it may be provided separately from the cleaning pump 5 as a member that connects the storage section 22 of the cleaning tank 20 to the cleaning pump 5. 【0024】 The cleaning tank 20 is provided with an overflow pipe 27 that extends vertically. The overflow pipe 27 allows water exceeding a predetermined level in the storage section 22 to flow in from its upper end and drain to the outside of the cleaning tank 20, thereby defining the water level of the cleaning water stored in the storage section 22. The lower end of the overflow pipe 27 is detachably inserted into a drain hole 50b formed in the connection section 50 through a burred pump guard 26 that covers the through hole 20b. By removing the lower end of the overflow pipe 27 from the drain hole 50b, the cleaning water stored in the storage section 22 can be discharged through the through hole 20b and the drain hole 50b. 【0025】 The upper nozzle 3 is located above the washing chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 is rotatably mounted on an upper support portion 21A located above the washing chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 has a nozzle body portion 30 that extends radially from the base end, which is the rotation center of the rotation axis of the upper nozzle 3, to the tip. The nozzle body portion 30 integrally includes a washing injection hole 31 for injecting washing water stored in the storage portion 22 of the washing tank 20, a washing channel 32 that extends from the rotation center to the washing injection hole 31 and through which washing water flows, a rinsing injection hole 33 for injecting rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing channel 34 that extends from the rotation center to the rinsing injection hole 33 and through which rinsing water flows. The upper nozzle 3 rotates when the flow of washing water generated in the washing channel 32 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing channel 34 is converted into rotational force. The upper nozzle 3 is connected to an upper cleaning pipe 52 that supplies cleaning water to the cleaning channel 32 and an upper rinsing pipe 58 that supplies rinsing water to the rinsing channel 34. 【0026】 The lower nozzle 4 is located below the washing chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 is rotatably mounted on a lower support portion 21B located below the washing chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 has a nozzle body portion 40 that extends radially from the base end, which is the rotation center of the rotation axis of the lower nozzle 4, to the tip. The nozzle body portion 40 integrally includes a washing injection hole 41 for injecting washing water stored in the storage portion 22 of the washing tank 20, a washing channel 42 extending from the rotation center to the washing injection hole 41 and through which washing water flows, a rinsing injection hole 43 for injecting rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing channel 44 extending from the rotation center to the rinsing injection hole 43 and through which rinsing water flows. The lower nozzle 4 rotates when the flow of washing water generated in the washing channel 42 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing channel 44 is converted into rotational force. The lower nozzle 4 is connected to a lower cleaning pipe 53 that supplies cleaning water to the cleaning channel 42 and a lower rinsing pipe 59 that supplies rinsing water to the rinsing channel 44. 【0027】 The dishes D, arranged on the rack, are sprayed with washing water by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 during the washing process, and rinse water is sprayed by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 during the rinsing process. 【0028】 The washing pump 5 is located in the machine room 1A. The washing pump 5 sends the washing water stored in the storage section 22 of the washing tank 20 to the washing chamber 1B, which houses the dishes D, etc. The washing pump 5 takes in the washing water from the storage section 22 via the connection section 50 and sends the washing water to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. The upper washing pipe 52 is connected to the first discharge port 5a of the washing pump 5. The upper washing pipe 52 is connected to the upper nozzle 3. The lower washing pipe 53 is connected to the second discharge port 5b of the washing pump 5. The lower washing pipe 53 is connected to the lower nozzle 4. 【0029】 The rinsing tank 6 is located in the machine room 1A. The rinsing tank 6 stores rinsing water used for rinsing dishes D, etc. Water is supplied to the rinsing tank 6 from an external water source via a water supply pipe 60. A strainer 60A is provided in the water supply pipe 60. A water supply valve 61 is provided downstream of the strainer 60A in the water supply pipe 60. The water supply valve 61 has a valve section 61A that opens and closes the water supply pipe 60 and a drive section 61B that drives the valve section 61A, switching the supply of water to the rinsing tank 6. An example of the drive section 61B is a solenoid. The drive section 61B is controlled by the controller 10. 【0030】 The rinsing tank 6 is equipped with a water level detection unit 62, an overflow unit 63, a rinsing water heater 64A, and a rinsing water temperature sensor 64B. 【0031】 The water level detection unit 62 is a float switch that detects when the water stored in the rinsing tank 6 is at a constant water level H2. The detection result of the water level detection unit 62 is acquired by the controller 10. The water supply valve 61 is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the controller 10 opens and closes the valve 61A in conjunction with the detection of the constant water level H2 by the water level detection unit 62, and controls the drive unit 61B to maintain the water level of the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 within a certain range. 【0032】 The overflow section 63 discharges water that exceeds the high water level H3, which is higher than the constant water level H2, in the rinsing tank 6. In the rinsing tank 6, for example, when the water supply valve 61 malfunctions, water supplied above the high water level H3 is discharged. When the water level in the rinsing tank 6 is below the high water level H3, the opening of the overflow section 63 is exposed above the water and communicates with the outside space. Therefore, the space inside the rinsing tank 6 that does not contain water is usually at atmospheric pressure. 【0033】 The rinse water heater 64A heats the rinse water stored in the rinse tank 6 to improve its sterilization and rinsing capabilities. The rinse water temperature sensor 64B detects the temperature of the rinse water. An example of the rinse water temperature sensor 64B is a thermistor formed from a sintered semiconductor whose resistance changes significantly in proportion to small changes in temperature. The detection result from the rinse water temperature sensor 64B is acquired by the controller 10. The ON / OFF state of the rinse water heater 64A is controlled by the controller 10. 【0034】 The rinsing pump 7 takes in rinse water stored in the rinsing tank 6 via the intake pipe 57A and sends it to the washing chamber 1B which contains the dishes D, etc. More specifically, the rinsing pump 7 sends the rinse water to the washing chamber 1B via the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. The discharge port of the rinsing pump 7 is connected to the upper rinsing pipe 58 and the lower rinsing pipe 59 via the rinsing pipe 57. The upper rinsing pipe 58 is connected to the upper nozzle 3. The lower rinsing pipe 59 is connected to the lower nozzle 4. 【0035】 The detergent supply pump 8 is located in the machine room 1A. The detergent supply pump 8 supplies detergent stored in the detergent tank 8A to the washing chamber 1B via piping 8B. The detergent discharged into the washing chamber 1B flows into the storage section 22 and mixes with the washing water. The rinse agent supply pump 9 is located in the machine room 1A. The rinse agent supply pump 9 supplies rinse agent stored in the rinse agent tank 9A to the rinsing pipe 57 via piping 9B. The rinse agent supplied to the rinsing pipe 57 mixes with the rinsing water and is supplied to the washing chamber 1B via the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. 【0036】 The controller 10 is located between the top surface 70A of the upper panel 70 in the main body 1 and the upper panel 2B that constitutes the washing chamber 1B. The controller 10 controls the overall operation of the dishwasher 100, such as the rinse water heater 64A and the drive unit 61B of the water supply valve 61. The controller 10 is a computer system or processor implemented on an integrated circuit. The controller 10 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and input / output interfaces. Various programs or data are stored in the ROM. 【0037】 Next, the upper panel 70 will be described mainly using Figures 1, 3, and 4. The upper panel 70 is located on the top of the main body 1. The directions such as up, down, left, and right used in the description of the upper panel 70 are based on the state when the upper panel 70 is attached to the top of the main body 1. The top surface 70A of the upper panel 70 has a peripheral edge 71 that is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame when viewed from above, and a recess 73 that is recessed relative to the peripheral edge 71 on the inside of the peripheral edge 71. The peripheral edge 71 has a predetermined width, an example of which is 20 mm to 55 mm. The top surface 70A also has a bent portion 70Aa that is folded from the top surface 70A. 【0038】 The peripheral edge 71 is formed by a first horizontal plane 72 perpendicular to the vertical direction. The recess 73 is formed by a second horizontal plane 74 perpendicular to the vertical direction and a first connecting surface 75 connecting the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74. The first connecting surface 75 is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the second horizontal plane 74 when viewed from above. Also, the four corners C of the first connecting surface 75 when viewed from above are formed in an arc shape. An induction hole 80 for discharging water accumulated in the recess 73 to the outside of the machine is provided in the left corner of the second horizontal plane 74. 【0039】 The upper panel 70 with this configuration has a first cross-section, as shown in Figure 4(A), near the center S of each of its four sides. The first cross-section is a cross-section cut in the thickness direction of the plate, and the first horizontal surface 72, the first connecting surface 75, and the second horizontal surface 74 are continuously connected in this order. 【0040】 The first connecting surface 75 has a vertical surface 76 perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an inclined surface 77 (curved surface 77A, flat surface 77B, curved surface 77C, and curved surface 77D) that slopes downward from the first horizontal plane 72 toward the second horizontal plane 74. Curved surface 77A is the part that connects the first horizontal plane 72 and the vertical surface 76. Flat surface 77B is a surface that extends in a straight line in the cross section cut in the thickness direction of the plate. Curved surface 77C is the part that connects the vertical surface 76 and flat surface 77B. Curved surface 77D is the part that connects flat surface 77B and the second horizontal plane 74. In the cross-sectional shape of Figure 4(A), obtained by cutting the upper panel 70 in the thickness direction along one side of the peripheral edge 71, including the peripheral edge 71 and the recess 73, the horizontal width dimension B1 of the first connecting surface 75 is formed to be longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74. 【0041】 Examples of width dimension B1 are 10mm to 20mm, and examples of height difference H are 4mm to 10mm. As will be detailed later, when drawing flat plate members, the larger the height difference H, the higher the possibility of defects such as distortion and warping occurring in the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74. Increasing the width dimension B1 reduces the possibility of defects occurring, so the width dimension B1 is appropriately changed to match the height difference H. The inclination of plane 77B with respect to the horizontal direction is, for example, 20 to 25 degrees. The curve radius of curved surfaces 77A, 77C, and 77D is appropriately adjusted so as not to eliminate the vertical plane 76 (in other words, so that the length L in the vertical direction of the vertical plane 76 is secured to a predetermined length). The predetermined length L here is set appropriately considering, for example, the degree to which the rack slides out. 【0042】 In this explanation, we have described an example in which curved surfaces 77A, 77C, and 77D are formed on the first connecting surface 75, but these curved surfaces do not necessarily have to be formed. That is, the first horizontal plane 72 and the vertical plane 76 may be directly connected, the vertical plane 76 and the plane 77B may be directly connected, and the plane 77B and the second horizontal plane 74 may be directly connected. 【0043】 Furthermore, although an example in which a straight plane 77B is formed within the first connecting surface 75 has been described, the plane 77B may be changed to a curved surface. In this case, in the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 4(A), the radius of curvature of the curved surface sandwiched between the curved surfaces 77C and 77D should be made larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surfaces 77C and 77D (i.e., the radius of curvature should be made smaller). 【0044】 Furthermore, the upper panel 70 has a second cross-section in which a second connecting surface 78 is formed that slopes downward from the first horizontal plane 72 toward the second horizontal plane 74, instead of the first connecting surface 75 of the cross-section described above. More specifically, the upper panel 70 has a second cross-section at the four corners C, as shown in Figure 4(B). The second cross-section is a cross-section cut in the thickness direction of the plate, and the first horizontal plane 72, the second connecting surface 78, and the second horizontal plane 74 are connected in this order. In the cross-sectional shape of Figure 4(B), the horizontal width dimension B2 of the second connecting surface 78 is longer than the horizontal width dimension B1 of the first connecting surface 75, and is also longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74. 【0045】 Unlike the first connecting surface 75, the second connecting surface 78 does not have a vertical surface perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The second connecting surface 78 has two planes 78B and 78E that extend linearly in a cross section cut in the thickness direction of the plate, as well as a curved surface 78D, a curved surface 78C, and a curved surface 78A. The curved surface 78D is the surface that connects the second horizontal plane 74 and plane 78B. The curved surface 78C is the surface that connects plane 78B and plane 78E. The curved surface 78A is the surface that connects plane 78E and the first horizontal plane 72. 【0046】 The plane 78E shown in Figure 4(B) extends horizontally more than the vertical plane 76 shown in Figure 4(A). Therefore, at the corner C, which has a second cross-section in which the first connecting surface 75 of the first cross-section is replaced by the second connecting surface 78, the boundary between the first horizontal plane 72 and the second connecting surface 78 bulges outward from the top surface 70A compared to the boundary between the first horizontal plane 72 and the first connecting surface 75 at the central part S of each side of the four sides having the first cross-section, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B). The vertical plane 76 and the plane 78E are continuous along the circumferential direction, and the connection portion between the vertical plane 76 and the plane 78E gradually slopes from a state perpendicular to the horizontal direction towards the corner C along the circumferential direction in the recess 73. As a result, the vertical plane 76 of the first cross-section and the plane 78E of the second cross-section are smoothly connected along the circumferential direction. 【0047】 An example of a manufacturing method for the upper panel 70 described above will now be explained. First, a plate-shaped member made of a material such as stainless steel is prepared. The upper panel 70 is manufactured by drawing and bending this plate-shaped member. Specifically, a plate-shaped member larger in size than the top surface portion 70A is prepared, and the recess 73 described above is formed by drawing. More specifically, the plate-shaped member is pressed by a punch that matches the cross-sectional shape shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), so that the recess 73 is squeezed out from the peripheral portion 71. Next, the upper panel 70 is cut to match the shape of the unfolded drawing before bending, and the front portion 70B is bent from the top surface portion 70A by bending. The opening 70Ba of the front portion 70B is cut before the bending process. Next, the bent portion 70Aa is bent from the top surface portion 70A by bending, and the first bent portion 70Bb and the second bent portion 70Bc are bent from the front portion 70B. The upper panel 70 of this embodiment is formed by the procedure described above. 【0048】 The effects and advantages of the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment will now be explained. In the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment, a vertical surface 76 is formed on the first connecting surface 75 which forms part of the recess 73, so that the rack is prevented from sliding out of the recess 73 in a substantially horizontal direction, and the rack is prevented from easily shifting. In addition, in the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment, since a vertical surface 76 is formed on the first connecting surface 75 which forms part of the recess 73, when the rack is moved, water that has dripped into the recess 73 is prevented from being scraped out, so that water does not splash around the dishwasher 100 or run down the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 of the main body 1. As a result, when the rack is placed on the upper panel 70 of the main body 1, the rack can be firmly positioned, and water droplets falling from the rack and dishes D are prevented from spilling around the dishwasher 100. 【0049】 Furthermore, when forming the recess 73, by combining not only the vertical surface 76 but also the inclined surfaces 77 (curved surface 77A, flat surface 77B, curved surface 77C, and curved surface 77D), and by making the horizontal width dimension B1 of the first connecting surface 75 longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal surface 72 and the second horizontal surface 74, the drawability when drawing the recess 73 is improved, and the manufacturability of the upper panel 70 can be enhanced. 【0050】 The manufacturability of the upper panel 70 will be explained in more detail. When forming the recess 73 in the upper panel 70, if an inclined surface 77 is not formed on the first connecting surface 75, the only option is to form a long vertical surface 76. However, if an inclined surface 77 is formed on the first connecting surface 75, the vertical surface 76 can be shortened by the length of the inclined surface 77 in the height direction. During deep drawing, the longer the vertical surface 76, the greater the stress applied locally to the vertical surface 76, making it easier for residual stress to occur. In the above embodiment, as described above, an inclined surface 77 is formed on the first connecting surface 75, so the stress applied locally to the vertical surface 76 during deep drawing is reduced, leading to a reduction in the generation of residual stress. 【0051】 In the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment, in the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the upper panel 70 in the thickness direction, a flat surface 77B, which is part of the inclined surface 77, is formed in a straight line. With this configuration, a part of the inclined surface 77 can be easily formed. 【0052】 In the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment, the upper panel 70 has a cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the upper panel 70 in the thickness direction, which includes a first cross-section (see Figure 4(A)) in which a first horizontal surface 72, a first connecting surface 75, and a second horizontal surface 74 are connected in that order, and a second cross-section (see Figure 4(B)) in which a second connecting surface 78 is formed that slopes downward from the first horizontal surface 72 toward the second horizontal surface 74, instead of the first connecting surface 75 of the first cross-section. In this embodiment, the first cross-section is formed near the central part S of each of the four sides of the recess 73, and the second cross-section is formed near the corners C of the four corners of the recess 73. 【0053】 The second cross section has a smoother shape in the connecting surface from the first horizontal plane 72 to the second horizontal plane 74 compared to the first cross section. By adopting the second cross section instead of the first cross section, the vertical surface formed between the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74 is eliminated, and the locally applied stress is reduced. In other words, the more the ratio of the second cross section to the first cross section is increased, the more residual stress can be reduced in the entire upper panel 70, making it less likely for defects such as cracking, warping, and distortion to occur. Here, considering the need to reduce the generation of residual stress by increasing the ratio of the second cross section to the first cross section as much as possible while forming the minimum first cross section necessary to position the rack, it is preferable to make the vicinity of the center S of each of the four sides of the recess 73 the first cross section, and the vicinity of the corners C of the four corners of the recess 73 the second cross section. 【0054】 Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. 【0055】 <Example 1> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the boundary between the first horizontal plane 72 and the first connecting surface 75 at the corner C of the upper panel 70 bulges outward compared to the central part S of each of the four sides. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the boundary between the first horizontal plane 72 and the first connecting surface 75 at the corner C may not bulge outward compared to the central part S of each of the four sides, and may be formed so that its position from the outer edge of the peripheral part 71 is constant. In other words, the horizontal width dimension Bs (see Figure 7) of the first horizontal plane 72 included in the first cross section is equal to the horizontal width dimension Bc (see Figure 7) of the first horizontal plane 72 included in the second cross section. Furthermore, in this modified example, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the horizontal width dimension B1 of the first connecting surface 75 and the horizontal width dimension B2 of the second connecting surface 78 are formed to be approximately equal (a slight difference is acceptable). 【0056】 In this configuration, the boundary between the first horizontal surface 72 and the first connecting surface 75 forms a neat rectangle, resulting in an upper panel 70 with excellent appearance. Furthermore, in this configuration, a portion of the rack can be placed on the end of the upper panel 70 shown in Figure 6(B), and then easily pushed into or removed from the recess 73. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 7. 【0057】 In the dishwasher 100 having the upper panel 70 according to Modification 1, when a part of the rack is placed on the upper panel 70 and pushed in one direction (direction D1 shown in Figure 7), even if the rack is placed somewhat roughly, the curved surface 78A and flat surface 78E at the corner C and the curved surface 77A at the central part S guide the rack inward of the upper panel 70 as indicated by the arrow D2 in Figure 7. When the front of the rack is guided to the vicinity of the central part S where the vertical surface 76 is formed, the front part of the rack falls into the recess 73, and when the rack is pushed further in the one direction D1, the entire rack finally falls into the recess 73. As a result, the four sides of the rack are positioned by the four vertical surfaces 76 formed near the central part S of the upper panel 70. 【0058】 Furthermore, when moving the rack to another location, one can lift the entire rack straight up from its current position, but it is easier to slightly lift one side of the rack, place it on the vertical surface 76 of the central part S, slide it in the direction you want to move it, and then lift the entire rack. In this modified example 1, the cross-sectional shape near the corner C is such that there is no vertical surface 76 as shown in Figure 6(B), so the rack is not locked around the entire circumference of the side surface that constitutes the recess 73. For this reason, even when lifting the rack by sliding it in one direction as described above, the initial movement is less likely to be restricted (the corners of the rack are less likely to get caught). Also, whether lifting the rack upwards or sliding it, the final action is to lift the rack upwards, so the water accumulated in the recess 73 is not scraped out by the rack. 【0059】 <Modification 2> In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which a linear plane 77B is formed between the vertical plane 76 and the second horizontal plane 74, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the recess 73 of the upper panel 70 according to Modification 2 is formed by the second horizontal plane 74 and the first connecting surface 75 that connects the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74, and the linear plane 77F included in the first connecting surface 75 may be formed between the vertical plane 76 and the first horizontal plane 72. In this case, the first connecting surface 75 has a vertical plane 76 that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an inclined surface 77 (curved surface 77G, plane 77F, curved surface 77H and curved surface 77I) that slopes downward from the first horizontal plane 72 toward the second horizontal plane 74. 【0060】 The curved surface 77G is the portion connecting the first horizontal plane 72 and the plane 77F. The plane 77F is the portion that extends linearly in the cross-section cut in the thickness direction of the plate. The curved surface 77H is the portion connecting the vertical plane 76 and the plane 77F. The curved surface 77I is the portion connecting the vertical plane 76 and the second horizontal plane 74. In the modified example 2, in the cross-sectional shape of Figure 8, in which the upper panel 70 is cut in the thickness direction along one side of the peripheral edge 71, including the peripheral edge 71 and the recess 73, the horizontal width dimension B5 of the first connecting surface 75 is formed to be longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal plane 72 and the second horizontal plane 74. Even in the case of modified example 2, it is easy to manufacture, and when a rack is placed on the upper panel 70, the rack can be firmly positioned, and it is possible to prevent water droplets falling from the rack and dishes D from spilling around the dishwasher 100. 【0061】 <Variation 3> In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which the first cross section shown in Figure 4(A) is formed near the central part S of the upper panel 70, and the second cross section shown in Figure 4(B) is formed near the corner C of the upper panel 70, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the second cross section shown in Figure 4(B) may be formed near the central part S of the upper panel 70, and the first cross section shown in Figure 4(A) may be formed near the corner C of the upper panel 70. When forming a recess by drawing, the second cross section may be appropriately provided at a position corresponding to a point where defects such as cracking, warping, and distortion are likely to occur. In other words, when forming a recess by drawing, the first cross section having a vertical surface 76 may be placed at a position corresponding to a point where defects such as cracking, warping, and distortion are less likely to occur. 【0062】 Furthermore, when the rack is placed on the upper panel 70, a first cross section may be provided in the direction in which it is desired to prevent the rack from sliding out in the approximately horizontal direction among the front, back, left, and right. For example, if it is desired to prevent the rack from sliding out in the forward direction, the first cross section may be provided near the center S in the forward direction. Also, for example, if it is assumed that a half-size rack (approximately 250cm x 250cm in size) that is relatively small compared to the size of the top surface 70A (recess 73) is to be placed on the upper panel 70, a first cross section having a vertical surface 76 may be formed in two or more places on each of the four sides of the recess 73. This prevents the rack from sliding out of the recess 73 even when a half-size rack is placed on the upper panel 70. 【0063】 Furthermore, although the above embodiments and modifications have been described using examples where two cross-sectional shapes are formed, namely the first cross-section shown in Figure 4(A) and the second cross-section shown in Figure 4(B), the second cross-section does not necessarily have to be formed. Also, for example, in addition to the first and second cross-sections, there may be a third cross-section in which an inclined surface 77 is formed such that its angle with respect to the horizontal direction is between the angle of the vertical plane 76 and the angle of the plane 78E. This makes it possible to design with consideration for tapering properties, etc. Also, the upper panel 70 may have three or more cross-sectional shapes. 【0064】 <Modification 4> In addition to the configuration of the upper panel 70 in the above embodiment and modified example, as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the recess 73 may be provided with a rack mounting surface 81 that protrudes upward from the second horizontal surface 74. The height difference H0 between the rack mounting surface 81 and the second horizontal surface 74 is, for example, 3 mm to 5 mm. The second horizontal surface 74 constitutes the deepest surface in the recess 73. The second horizontal surface 74 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view from above. The second horizontal surface 74 is a groove of a predetermined width that is recessed downward around the rack mounting surface 81 when viewed with reference to the rack mounting surface 81. In other words, in the upper panel 70 of modified example 4, a groove-shaped second horizontal surface 74 is formed at the edge of the rack mounting surface 81, which is part of the recess 73, and is narrower than the rack mounting surface 81. 【0065】 In the modified example 4, the first connecting surface 75 is formed including a vertical surface 76 perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an inclined surface 77 (curved surface 77A, flat surface 77B, curved surface 77C, and curved surface 77D) that slopes downward from the first horizontal surface 72 to the second horizontal surface 74, and the horizontal width dimension B6 of the first connecting surface 75 is longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal surface 72 and the second horizontal surface 74. The second horizontal surface 74 constitutes a water reservoir that collects water dripping from the rack. The frame-shaped second horizontal surface 74 also has a branch surface 74A that branches off in part and connects to the guide hole 80. Water dripping from the rack onto the rack mounting surface 81 flows into the groove-shaped second horizontal surface 74 and flows into the guide hole 80 via the branch surface 74A. 【0066】 In the dishwasher 100 according to Modification 4, water dripping from the rack onto the rack mounting surface 81 can be directed into the groove-shaped second horizontal surface 74 and guided to the guide hole 80 via the branch surface 74A, thereby reducing the effort required of the operator to wipe away any water remaining in the recess 73. 【0067】 <Modification 5> In the configuration of the upper panel 70 according to Modification 4, instead of the first connecting surface 75 which is formed including a vertical surface 76, a curved surface 77A, a flat surface 77B, a curved surface 77C, and a curved surface 77D, a second connecting surface 78 may be adopted, as shown in Figure 10, which does not include a vertical surface and is formed including curved surfaces 77J and 77K which are curved surfaces having a relatively large radius of curvature. In this case as well, the horizontal width dimension B7 of the second connecting surface 78 is longer than the height difference H between the first horizontal surface 72 and the second horizontal surface 74. This improves the drawability when drawing the recess 73 and enhances the manufacturability of the upper panel 70. 【0068】 In the modified upper panel 70, the second horizontal surface 74 constituting the water reservoir is narrower than the rack mounting surface 81, so that the rack does not slide on the second horizontal surface 74 even when it is slid. Furthermore, in the modified upper panel 70, the curved surface 82 which is the connection part between the rack mounting surface 81 and the second horizontal surface 74, the curved surface 77J which is the rising part from the outer circumference of the second horizontal surface 74, and the curved surface 77K which connects the curved surface 77J to the first horizontal surface 72 are formed by smooth curved surfaces with a relatively large radius of curvature, so that the rack can be slid approximately horizontally from the recess 73. Also, when the rack is slid approximately horizontally from the recess 73, the rack does not come into contact with the second horizontal surface 74 which constitutes the water reservoir, so that the water accumulated on the second horizontal surface 74 is not scraped out by the sliding of the rack. This prevents water from spilling around the dishwasher 100 when the rack is slid. 【0069】 (Other variations) The upper panel 70 may have a configuration having two cross-sections: a first connecting surface 75 as described in Modification 4 above and a second connecting surface 78 as described in Modification 5 above. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0070】 1...Main body, 70...Upper panel, 70A...Top surface, 70B...Front surface, 71...Peripheral edge, 72...First horizontal surface, 73...Recess, 74...Second horizontal surface, 75...First connection surface, 76...Vertical surface, 77...Inclined surface, 78...Second connection surface, 81...Rack mounting surface, 100...Dishwasher (washing machine).

Claims

[Claim 1] In a washing machine, a top plate having a peripheral edge that forms a frame shape when viewed from above, and a recess on the inside of the peripheral edge that is recessed relative to the peripheral edge, is positioned on top of the main body. The aforementioned top plate is The surface forming the aforementioned peripheral portion, comprising a first horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, A surface forming a part of the recess, comprising a second horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, A surface that forms a part of the recess, comprising a first connecting surface that connects the first horizontal surface and the second horizontal surface, The first connecting surface is formed including a vertical surface perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an inclined surface that slopes downward from the first horizontal surface toward the second horizontal surface. A washing machine wherein the width dimension of the first connecting surface in the horizontal direction is longer than the height difference between the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane. [Claim 2] The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface is formed in at least one of the space between the first horizontal plane and the vertical plane and the space between the vertical plane and the second horizontal plane. [Claim 3] The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein in the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the top plate in the thickness direction, a part of the inclined surface is formed in a straight line. [Claim 4] In the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the aforementioned top plate in the thickness direction, the top plate is, The first horizontal plane, the first connecting surface, and the second horizontal plane are connected in this order to form a first cross-section, A second cross-section is formed in place of the first connecting surface of the first cross-section, wherein a second connecting surface is formed connecting the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connecting surface is a surface that slopes downward from the first horizontal plane toward the second horizontal plane without forming a vertical surface perpendicular to the horizontal direction. [Claim 5] The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the horizontal width dimension of the first horizontal plane included in the first cross section is equal to the horizontal width dimension of the first horizontal plane included in the second cross section.