washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which suppresses intrusion of water into a storage case via a ventilation port of a back surface cover.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing including a rear opening on a rear surface side; a storage case disposed on the rear surface side of the housing, and for storing a control device; and a back surface cover for covering the rear opening. The storage case includes a case ventilation port for communicating the outside and inside of the storage case, on the rear surface side. The back surface cover includes: a cover ventilation port for communicating the outside and inside of the housing; and a protrusion part which faces the inner side of the housing in a state where the back surface cover is mounted on the rear surface side of the housing, above the cover ventilation port, and which protrudes toward a front surface side and extends in the left-to-right direction from the inner surface in the back surface cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a second component (rear cover) that constitutes the rear surface of the housing.

[0003] In the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pressed metal plate is used as the second component (rear cover).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that suppresses the intrusion of water into a storage case through a ventilation hole in a rear cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing having a rear opening on the rear side, a storage case disposed on the rear side of the housing for housing a control device, and a rear cover covering the rear opening, the storage case having a case ventilation hole on the rear side that communicates the inside and outside of the storage case, the rear cover having a cover ventilation hole that communicates the inside and outside of the housing, and a protruding portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the rear cover toward the front side and extends in the left - right direction above the cover ventilation hole and faces the inside of the housing in a state where the rear cover is attached to the rear side of the housing.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that prevents water from entering the storage case through the cover vents on the back cover. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a washing machine in one embodiment relating to this disclosure [Figure 2] Rear view of the lower casing of the washing machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Rear view of the back cover of the washing machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the rear cover shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Front view of the rear cover shown in Figure 3 [Figure 6] Perspective view of the rear cover shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Enlarged perspective view of the main part of the rear cover shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view illustrating the cover vents and protrusions on the rear cover shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Front view illustrating the rear cover and storage case shown in Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the back cover and storage case shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the rear cover and storage case shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the back cover and storage case. [Figure 13] Front view of the case lid in the storage case shown in Figure 10. [Figure 14] Enlarged perspective view of the main part of the case lid shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view illustrating the case vent in the case lid shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional diagram illustrating the relationship between the cover vent, the case vent, and the protruding part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Findings and the like that form the basis of the present disclosure) In recent years, in order to reduce the environmental impact, efforts to use recycled resin materials have been carried out in various industries. For example, when replacing the rear cover of a washing machine from a metal one to a resin one, since the resin material has a lower thermal conductivity than the metal material, the heat dissipation performance of the rear cover decreases. For example, by increasing the number of ventilation holes, the heat dissipation performance of the resin rear cover is improved, but water is more likely to enter the inside of the housing. As the water intrusion path through the ventilation holes, for example, the case where rainwater directly intrudes, the case where rainwater bounces back from the ground and intrudes, the case where water splashes from the outside, etc. can be considered. In particular, when a storage case housing a control device is disposed on the rear side of the housing, there is a risk that the control device may be damaged by water entering the storage case through the ventilation holes of the rear cover. The inventors have reached the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that suppresses water from entering a storage case through ventilation holes of a rear cover.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis orthogonal to each other are shown in each figure. In this specification, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of the washing machine 1 are defined by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. For convenience of explanation, the direction in the washing machine 1 is specified based on FIG. 1 viewed from the side where the user is located (front side) when the washing machine 1 is in use.

[0012] In the X-axis direction of the drawing, when viewed from the front side, the left side of the washing machine 1 is defined as the left surface side (leftward), and the right side of the washing machine 1 is defined as the right surface side (rightward), and the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction. In the Y-axis direction of the drawing, the side where the user is located during the use of the washing machine 1 is defined as the front side (frontward), and the side where the hinge shaft of the lid 6 is provided is defined as the rear side (rearward), and the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the front-rear direction. In the Z-axis direction of the drawing, the upper side of the washing machine 1 is defined as the upper surface side (upward), and the lower side of the washing machine 1 is defined as the lower surface side (downward), and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the up-down direction. Also, the direction extending in the X-axis and Y-axis may be referred to as the plane direction. Further, the outer surface 11 of the rear cover 10 refers to the surface facing outward of the housing 2 in a state where the rear cover 10 is attached to the rear side of the housing 2, and the inner surface 21 of the rear cover 10 refers to the surface facing inward of the housing 2 in a state where the rear cover 10 is attached to the rear side of the housing 2.

[0013] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] (Overall Configuration) The washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub (not shown), a washing tub (not shown), a chemical supply unit (not shown), a lid 6, and a storage case 40.

[0015] (Housing) As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2 that forms an outer shell. An inlet (not shown) for taking in and out laundry such as clothes is formed on the upper surface side of the housing 2. A lid 6 is provided on the upper surface side of the housing 2 so as to be openable and closable. The lid 6 is configured to cover the inlet. By fully opening the lid 6, it becomes possible to take in and out the laundry. The housing 2 includes an upper housing 2a and a lower housing 2b. The inlet and the lid 6 are provided on the upper housing 2a.

[0016] For example, as shown in Figure 1, an operation panel 7 is provided on the upper rear of the housing 2. The operation panel 7 includes a power button and a display operation section. A chemical supply unit is provided on the upper inner rear of the housing 2. The chemical supply unit has the function of supplying laundry chemicals such as liquid detergent, powder detergent, and solid detergent to the washing tub. A storage case 40 (shown in Figures 9 to 12, etc.) is arranged inside the rear of the housing 2. Details of the storage case 40 will be described later.

[0017] (Aquarium) The water tank is a cylindrical component with a closed bottom, located inside the housing 2, and has an open upper end for holding laundry water. The water tank may also be referred to as the outer tank.

[0018] (Washing machine drum) The washing tub is a cylindrical member with a closed bottom and an open upper end, rotatably mounted inside the water tank to accommodate laundry. The washing tub has numerous through-holes that communicate with the water tank. These through-holes allow for the flow of washing water and chemicals supplied from the chemical supply unit between the water tank and the washing tub. The washing tub has an opening facing the input port of the housing 2. Laundry is loaded into the washing tub through this opening. The washing tub may also be referred to as a drum or inner tub.

[0019] (Lid) The cover 6 has a first cover 6a located on the front side and a second cover 6b located on the rear side. The cover 6 is rotatably supported on the rear side of the housing 2. The cover 6 is configured to cover the input opening of the housing 2.

[0020] (Back cover) Figure 2 is a rear view of the lower housing 2b that constitutes the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1. The rear surface of the lower housing 2b is partially open, and as shown in Figure 2, the lower housing 2b has a rear opening 9 on its rear side. The rear cover 10 is disposed on the rear side of the lower housing 2b so as to cover the rear opening 9. The rear cover 10 is attached to the rear surface of the lower housing 2b, for example, with screws.

[0021] Figure 3 is a rear view of the rear cover 10 of the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rear cover 10 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rear cover 10 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the rear. The rear cover 10 is made of recycled materials of various resins, such as polypropylene resin (PP resin). This makes it easy to form the desired shape and reduces the environmental burden. However, the material constituting the rear cover 10 can be any type of resin and is not limited to recycled materials.

[0022] The rear cover 10 has a plate-shaped cover base portion 12. When the storage case 40 is arranged to protrude further rearward than the rear surface of the housing 2, the rear cover 10 has a case storage portion 13. As shown in Figure 4, the case storage portion 13 has a shape that allows it to receive part or all of the storage case 40 by bulging the cover base portion 12 rearward.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the case storage section 13 of the rear cover 10 is provided with a plurality of cover bulges 14. The cover bulges 14 are provided so as to bulge inward from the cover base section 12 relative to the rear surface of the housing 2. For example, a total of 10 cover bulges 14 are provided, arranged in 5 rows vertically and 2 columns horizontally. However, the arrangement and total number of cover bulges 14 are not limited to these.

[0024] Figure 5 is a front view of the rear cover 10 shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rear cover 10 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear cover 10 has a canopy-shaped projection 19 above the cover bulge portion 14. The projection 19 protrudes from the inner surface 21 of the cover base portion 12 toward the front, for example, substantially horizontally, and extends in the left-right direction. Multiple projections 19 are arranged corresponding to multiple cover bulges 14.

[0025] (Cover vent) Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the rear cover 10 shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover vent 17 and protrusion 19 of the rear cover 10 shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rear cover 10 has a cover vent 17 in the cover bulge 14. The cover vent 17 is configured to penetrate the outer surface 11 and inner surface 21 of the rear cover 10, and communicates the inside and outside of the housing 2.

[0026] A cover bulge edge 16 is formed at the upper end of the cover bulge portion 14. The cover bulge edge 16 has a U-shape in plan view, for example. A cover base edge 15 is formed at the lower end of the cover base portion 12. The cover base edge 15 extends in the left-right direction, for example. A cover vent 17 is defined by the connection between one end of the cover bulge edge 16 and one end of the cover base edge 15, and the connection between the other end of the cover bulge edge 16 and the other end of the cover base edge 15. At the same time, as shown in Figure 8, the cover vent 17 opens in the vertical direction of the back cover 10. As a result, a complex, crank-shaped path is formed, which can suppress the intrusion of water through the cover vent 17.

[0027] As shown in Figure 8, the depth dimension of the cover vent 17, defined by the outer surface 11 of the cover bulge edge 16 and the inner surface 21 of the cover base edge 15, is defined as t1, and the protrusion dimension of the protrusion 19, defined by the tip of the protrusion 19 and the inner surface 21 of the cover base edge 15, is defined as t2. The dimensions are configured such that the protrusion dimension t2 of the protrusion 19 is larger than the depth dimension t1 of the cover vent 17. As a result, when fingers are inserted through the cover vent 17, the fingers will hit the protrusion 19, preventing them from penetrating further inward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fingers from coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2 and causing injury.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the separation distance t3 is defined by the distance between the lower surface of the protrusion 19 and the cover vent 17. If the separation distance t3 is small, the airflow through the cover vent 17 will be poor, and if the separation distance t3 is large, the effect of suppressing water intrusion from the outside will decrease. Therefore, the separation distance t3 is sized to be an appropriate distance considering both airflow and the effect of suppressing water intrusion.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the cover vent 17 is provided with a connecting portion 18 that partially connects the cover base edge 15 and the cover bulge edge 16 in the front-rear direction. This suppresses deformation of the cover vent 17. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fingers from coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2 and causing injury.

[0030] (Upper ventilation opening) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, multiple upward bulges 24 are provided above the rear cover 10, or in other words, above the storage case 40. The upward bulges 24 are provided so as to bulge inward from the cover base 12 relative to the rear surface of the housing 2. For example, there may be one row in the vertical direction and two columns in the horizontal direction, for a total of two upward bulges 24. However, the arrangement and total number of upward bulges 24 are not limited to these.

[0031] The rear cover 10 has an overhang-shaped upward projection 29 above the upward bulge 24. The upward projection 29 protrudes, for example, substantially horizontally from the inner surface 21 of the cover base 12 toward the front side and extends in the left-right direction. Multiple upward projections 29 are arranged corresponding to multiple upward bulges 24.

[0032] Similar to the cover vent 17 described above, the rear cover 10 has an upper vent 27 in its upper bulge 24. The upper vent 27 is configured to penetrate the outer surface 11 and inner surface 21 of the rear cover 10, connecting the inside and outside of the housing 2. Heat generated inside the storage case 40 is directed upward inside the housing 2. Because the upper vent 27 is provided above the storage case 40, the heat generated inside the storage case 40 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 2.

[0033] An upper cover bulge edge 26 is formed at the upper end of the upper bulge portion 24. The upper cover bulge edge 26 has a U-shape in plan view, for example. An upper cover base edge 25 is formed at the lower end of the cover base portion 12. The upper cover base edge 25 extends, for example, in the left-right direction. An upper vent 27 is defined by the connection between one end of the upper cover bulge edge 26 and one end of the upper cover base edge 25, as well as the connection between the other end of the upper cover bulge edge 26 and the other end of the upper cover base edge 25. Also, similar to the cover vent 17 described above, the upper vent 27 opens in the vertical direction of the rear cover 10.

[0034] The projection dimension of the upper protrusion 29, defined by the tip of the upper protrusion 29 and the inner surface 21 of the upper cover base edge 25, is configured to be larger than the depth dimension of the upper vent 17, defined by the outer surface 11 of the upper cover bulge edge 26 and the inner surface 21 of the upper cover base edge 25. This prevents fingers from penetrating further inward when inserted through the upper vent 27, as they will hit the upper protrusion 29. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fingers from coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2 and causing injury.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the upper ventilation opening 27 is provided with an upper connecting portion 28 that partially connects the upper cover base edge 25 and the upper cover bulge edge 26 in the front-rear direction. This suppresses deformation of the upper ventilation opening 27. Therefore, it is possible to prevent injuries caused by fingers coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2.

[0036] Furthermore, on the inner surface 21 of the cover base portion 12, a canopy-shaped intermediate projection 33 is provided below the upper bulge portion 24 and above the case storage portion 13. The intermediate projection 33 protrudes from the inner surface 21 of the cover base portion 12 toward the front. This prevents water from entering the storage case 40 through the upper ventilation opening 27 of the rear cover 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from entering the storage case 40 through the upper ventilation opening 27 and prevent the control device 60 housed in the storage case 40 from getting wet and malfunctioning.

[0037] The intermediate protrusion 33 extends diagonally downward from the center to the side in the left-right direction. This allows water that has entered through the upper vent 27 to be guided to the side of the storage case 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress water from flowing to the rear side where the case vent 57 is located. The upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33 is inclined downward at an angle of 2 degrees from the center to the side in the left-right direction. The intermediate protrusion 33 also extends diagonally downward from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. This allows water that has fallen onto the upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33 to be guided to the upper surface of the storage case 40 without remaining on the upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33. The upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33 is inclined downward at an angle of 1 degree from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. The intermediate protrusion 33 extends far to the left and right, located outside the outer ends of the two protrusions 19 that are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. This allows water that enters through the upper vent 27 to be directed to the top or side of the storage case 40, preventing water from flowing to the rear side where the case vent 57 is located.

[0038] (Storage case) Figure 9 is a front view illustrating the rear cover 10 and storage case 40 shown in Figure 5. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rear cover 10 and storage case 40 shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the rear cover 10 and storage case 40 shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the rear cover 10 and storage case 40 shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a front view of the case lid 50 in the storage case 40 shown in Figure 10. Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the case lid 50 shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the case vent 57 in the case lid 50 shown in Figure 14.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the storage case 40, which is disposed inside the rear side of the housing 2, is partially received by the case storage section 13 that bulges out to the rear. The storage case 40 has a box 42 and a case lid 50. The box 42 has a bottomed rectangular shape with an open rear end. As shown in Figure 12, the box 42 is located on the front side and the case lid 50 is located on the rear side. The case lid 50 is attached to the rear side of the box 42 so as to cover the opening of the box 42. A gap is provided between the case lid 50 of the storage case 40 and the inner surface 21 of the case storage section 13.

[0040] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 10, the control device 60 is housed inside the storage case 40. The control device 60 includes a power supply board, a control board, and / or various electrical components. For example, the power supply board, control board, and various electrical components are fixed to the bottom surface 43 of the box 42. The power supply board controls the drive of a motor (not shown), and the control board has the function of controlling the execution of a series of washing operations. When a series of washing operations are performed, the internal temperature of the storage case 40 rises due to the heat generated by the control device 60. Therefore, the box 42 is made of a flame-retardant resin material (for example, an acrylic nitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin)), and the case lid 50 is made of a metal material (for example, steel). This ensures safety when the storage case 40 becomes hot. It is desirable that the box 42 and the case lid 50 be made of flame-retardant materials, but the materials are not limited.

[0041] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the top surface of the box 42 has inclined sections 45 and 46. The inclined sections 45 and 46 slope downward from the rear side to the front side. For example, the inclined sections 45 and 46 have a first inclination 45 located on the rear side with a gentle slope and a second inclination 46 located on the front side with a steep slope. As a result, when water that has entered through the upper ventilation opening 27 (hereinafter referred to as upper ingress water) flows down to the top surface of the box 42, the upper ingress water is guided to the front side of the storage case 40, that is, to the bottom surface 43 of the box. This prevents the upper ingress water from flowing towards the rear side, that is, the case lid 50, where the case ventilation opening 57 (described later) is provided.

[0042] (Case vent) As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the case lid 50 has a substantially rectangular plate-shaped lid base portion 53 that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The lid base portion 53 has a lid outer surface 51 located on the rear side and a lid inner surface 52 located on the front side. Multiple lid bulges 59 are arranged on the lid base portion 53. For example, there may be 6 rows in the vertical direction and 2 or 3 columns in the horizontal direction, for a total of 17 lid bulges 59. However, the arrangement and total number of lid bulges 59 are not limited to these.

[0043] The lid bulge 59 includes a front bulge 54 and a rear bulge 58. The front bulge 54 is formed by the lid base portion 53 bulging outwards toward the front. The rear bulge 58 is formed by the lid base portion 53 bulging outwards toward the rear.

[0044] The case lid 50 is made of metal, and the front bulge 54 and rear bulge 58 are formed by punching from the front side to the rear side. This prevents burrs generated by the punching process from protruding into the inside of the storage case 40, thereby reducing the risk of cuts to the lead wires used inside the storage case 40.

[0045] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the case lid 50 has a case vent 57 in the lid bulge 59. The case vent 57 is configured to penetrate the outer surface 11 and inner surface 21 of the case lid 50, connecting the inside and outside of the storage case 40. The case vent 57 is defined by a front bulge edge 56 formed at the lower end of the front bulge 54 and a rear bulge edge 55 formed at the upper end of the rear bulge 58. This reduces the amount of inward bulging compared to, for example, the case where only the front bulge 54 bulges inward into the storage case 40, thereby reducing the risk of cuts to the lead wires used inside the storage case 40.

[0046] (Relationship between cover vents, case vents, and protruding parts) Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the cover vent 17, the case vent 57, and the protruding part 19. In Figure 16, we will focus on the cover vent 17 located in the lower right and the case vent 57 located near the cover vent 17 and in the upper left. Water splashed off the installation surface of the washing machine 1 (the ground if used outdoors) or the outer surface 11 of the rear cover 10 (hereinafter referred to as splashed water) attempts to enter the interior of the housing 2 through the cover vent 17 of the rear cover 10. The splashed water attempts to enter from below, diagonally upwards, towards the inside.

[0047] The protruding portion 19 is positioned between the cover vent 17 and the case vent 57 so as to block the water intrusion path from the cover vent 17 to the case vent 57, which is located near and above the cover vent 17. As a result, splashing water is blocked by the protruding portion 19 and is prevented from reaching the case vent 57. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from entering the interior of the storage case 40 through the cover vent 17 of the rear cover 10, and to prevent the control device 60 housed inside the storage case 40 from getting wet and malfunctioning.

[0048] (effect) The washing machine 1 of this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0049] The washing machine 1 comprises a housing 2 having a rear opening 9 on its rear side, a storage case 40 disposed on the rear side of the housing 2 and housing a control device 60, and a rear cover 10 covering the rear opening 9. The storage case 40 has a case ventilation opening 57 on its rear side that connects the inside and outside of the storage case 40. The rear cover 10 has a cover ventilation opening 17 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 2, and above the cover ventilation opening 17, a projection 19 that protrudes from the inner surface 21 of the rear cover 10 toward the front and extends in the left-right direction, facing the inside of the housing 2 when the rear cover 10 is attached to the rear side of the housing 2.

[0050] This configuration prevents water from entering the storage case 40 through the cover vents 17 of the rear cover 10. As a result, water is prevented from entering the storage case 40 through the case vents 57, and the control device 60 housed in the storage case 40 is prevented from getting wet and malfunctioning.

[0051] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the rear cover 10 is provided with a cover bulge portion 14 formed by the inward bulge of the cover base portion 12. The cover vent 17 is defined by the cover bulge edge 16 formed on the cover bulge portion 14 and the cover base edge 15 formed on the cover base portion 12, and opens in the vertical direction of the rear cover 10.

[0052] This configuration creates a complex, crank-shaped path, which helps to suppress water intrusion through the cover vent 17.

[0053] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 19 has a protruding dimension t2 that is larger than the depth dimension t1 of the cover vent 17.

[0054] With this configuration, when fingers are inserted through the cover vent 17, they will come into contact with the protruding portion 19, which prevents them from penetrating further inward. This reduces the risk of fingers coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2 and causing injury.

[0055] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 19 is disposed between the cover vent 17 and the case vent 57, which is located near and above the cover vent 17.

[0056] With this configuration, any water attempting to enter by splashing back is blocked by the protrusion 19, thus preventing it from reaching the case vent 57.

[0057] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the rear cover 10 further has an upper ventilation opening 27 above the storage case 40 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 2.

[0058] The heat generated inside the storage case 40 rises upward inside the enclosure 2, but this configuration allows the heat generated inside the storage case 40 to be discharged to the outside of the enclosure 2.

[0059] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the rear cover 10 further has an intermediate projection 33 that protrudes from the inner surface 21 of the rear cover 10 toward the front and extends in the left-right direction, located below the upper ventilation opening 27 and above the storage case 40.

[0060] This configuration prevents water from entering the storage case 40 through the upper ventilation opening 27, thereby preventing the control device 60 housed in the storage case 40 from getting wet and malfunctioning.

[0061] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the intermediate protrusion 33 extends diagonally downward from the center to the side in the left-right direction.

[0062] With this configuration, water that enters through the upper vent 27 can be guided to the side of the storage case 40, thereby preventing water from flowing to the rear side where the case vent 57 is located.

[0063] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the intermediate protrusion 33 extends diagonally downward from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0064] With this configuration, water that falls onto the upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33 is not left on the upper surface of the intermediate protrusion 33, but is guided to the upper surface of the storage case 40.

[0065] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the storage case 40 has inclined portions 45 and 46 that slope downward from the rear side toward the front side.

[0066] With this configuration, when water that has entered through the upper vent 27 flows down to the top surface of the box 42, the water is guided to the front side of the storage case 40, i.e., the bottom surface 43 of the box, thereby preventing the water from flowing to the rear side, i.e., the case lid 50.

[0067] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the cover vent 17 is provided with a connecting portion 18 that partially connects the cover base edge 15 and the cover bulge edge 16 in the front-to-back direction.

[0068] This configuration suppresses deformation of the cover vent 17, thereby preventing injuries caused by fingers coming into contact with internal components of the housing 2.

[0069] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the storage case 40 has a case lid 50 on its rear side. The case lid 50 is provided with a front bulge 54 formed by the lid base portion 53 bulging outwards to the front, and a rear bulge 58 formed by the lid base portion 53 bulging outwards to the rear. The case vent 57 is defined by a front bulge edge 56 formed on the front bulge portion 54 and a rear bulge edge 55 formed on the rear bulge portion 58.

[0070] This configuration allows for less inward bulging compared to, for example, the case where only the front bulge 54 bulges inward into the storage case 40, thereby reducing the risk of cuts to the lead wires used inside the storage case 40.

[0071] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the case lid 50 is made of metal. The case vent 57 is formed by punching from the front side to the rear side.

[0072] This configuration prevents burrs generated by punching from protruding into the inside of the storage case 40, thereby reducing the risk of cuts to the lead wires used inside the storage case 40.

[0073] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the rear cover 10 is made of resin.

[0074] This configuration allows for easy formation of the desired shape.

[0075] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the resin is a recycled material.

[0076] This configuration can reduce the environmental impact.

[0077] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the protruding portion 19 and the upward protruding portion 29 were exemplified as protruding substantially horizontally toward the front side, but they may also extend diagonally upward or diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the case ventilation opening 57 is exemplified as being located on the case lid 50 of the storage case 40, but it may also be located on the bottom surface 43 of the box or on the side surface of the box 42. In this case, the case ventilation opening 57 located on the box 42 may be located in a position where water is less likely to enter.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the rear cover 10 is exemplified as having a case storage section 13 that bulges out to the rear, but it may also have a shape that extends in a flat, plate-like manner as a whole.

[0081] In the above embodiment, a top-loading washing machine 1 was described as an example of a washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 can be any machine capable of washing laundry using chemicals. Therefore, the washing machine 1 is not limited to a top-loading washing machine, but may also be a front-loading washing machine.

[0082] The washing machine in the first embodiment comprises a housing having a rear opening on the rear side, a storage case disposed on the rear side of the housing for housing a control device, and a rear cover covering the rear opening. The storage case has a case vent on the rear side that connects the inside and outside of the storage case, and the rear cover has a cover vent that connects the inside and outside of the housing, and above the cover vent, a projection that faces the inside of the housing when the rear cover is attached to the rear side of the housing, projecting from the inner surface of the rear cover toward the front and extending in the left-right direction.

[0083] In the washing machine of the second embodiment, the back cover is provided with a cover bulge portion formed by the cover base portion bulging inward, and the cover vent is defined by the cover bulge edge formed in the cover bulge portion and the cover base edge formed in the cover base portion, and opens in the vertical direction of the back cover.

[0084] In a third embodiment, the washing machine, in the first or second embodiment, has a projection dimension greater than the depth dimension of the cover vent.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the washing machine is provided in any of the first to third embodiments, with the protruding portion being disposed between the cover vent and the case vent located near and above the cover vent.

[0086] In the fifth embodiment, the washing machine is as described in any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the rear cover further has an upper vent above the storage case that connects the inside and outside of the casing.

[0087] In the sixth embodiment, the washing machine is as described in any of the first to fifth embodiments, and the rear cover further has an intermediate projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the rear cover toward the front and extends in the left-right direction, located below the upper vent and above the storage case.

[0088] In the washing machine of the seventh embodiment, as in the washing machine of the sixth embodiment, the intermediate protrusion extends diagonally downward from the center to the side in the left-right direction.

[0089] In the washing machine according to the eighth embodiment, in the washing machine according to the sixth or seventh embodiment, the intermediate projection extends diagonally downward from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0090] In the ninth embodiment, the washing machine is as described in any of the first to eighth embodiments, and the upper surface of the storage case has an inclined portion that slopes downward from the rear side to the front side.

[0091] In the washing machine according to the tenth embodiment, in the washing machine according to any of the second to ninth embodiments, a connecting portion is provided in the cover vent that partially connects the cover base edge and the cover bulge edge in the front-to-back direction.

[0092] As a washing machine in the eleventh embodiment, in a washing machine in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the storage case has a case lid on the rear side, and the case lid is provided with a front bulge portion formed by the lid base portion bulging forward and a rear bulge portion formed by the lid base portion bulging backward, and the case vent is defined by a front bulge edge formed in the front bulge portion and a rear bulge edge formed in the rear bulge portion.

[0093] In the washing machine according to the 12th embodiment, as in the washing machine according to the 11th embodiment, the case lid is made of metal, and the case vents are formed by punching from the front side to the rear side.

[0094] In the 13th embodiment, the washing machine is one of the washing machines in any of the first to 12 embodiments, and the back cover is made of resin.

[0095] In the washing machine of the 14th embodiment, as in the washing machine of the 13th embodiment, the resin is a recycled material.

[0096] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the attached claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] This disclosure is applicable to washing machines having a rear cover that covers the rear opening of the housing. Specifically, it is useful for top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, twin-tub washing machines, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1… Washing machine 2…Cabinet 6... Lid 6a...First lid 6b...Second lid 7…Control panel 9…Rear opening 10…Back cover 11...External surface 12...Cover base 13…Case storage compartment 14…Bulging part of the cover 15…Cover base edge 16…Cover bulge edge 17... Cover vent 18…Connection part 19...Protruding part 21…Inner self 24...Upper bulge 25... Upper cover base edge 26... Upper cover bulging edge 27… Upper vent 28… Upper connection section 29...Upward protrusion 33…Intermediate protrusion 40...Storage Cases 42... Box 43...Bottom of the box 45...First slope (slope part) 46...Second slope (slope part) 50…Case lid 51…Lid outer surface 52…Lid inner surface 53... Lid base 54...Anterior bulge 55... Posterior bulge edge 56…Anterior swelling edge 57…Case vent 58...Posterior bulge 59...Lid bulge 60...Control device t1... Depth dimension of the cover vent t2…Protrusion dimension of the protruding part t3… Distance between the protruding part and the cover vent.

Claims

1. The system comprises a housing having a rear opening on the rear side, a storage case disposed on the rear side of the housing for housing a control device, and a rear cover that covers the rear opening. The storage case has a case ventilation opening on its rear side that connects the inside and outside of the storage case, A washing machine wherein the rear cover has a cover vent that connects the inside and outside of the housing, and above the cover vent, a protrusion that faces the inside of the housing when the rear cover is attached to the rear side of the housing, protruding from the inner surface of the rear cover toward the front and extending in the left-right direction.

2. The aforementioned rear cover is provided with a cover bulge portion formed by the inward bulge of the cover base portion. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover vent is defined by the cover bulge edge formed on the cover bulge portion and the cover base edge formed on the cover base portion, and opens in the vertical direction of the rear cover.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion has a protruding dimension greater than the depth dimension of the cover vent.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is disposed between the cover vent and the case vent located near and above the cover vent.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rear cover further has an upper ventilation opening above the storage case that connects the inside and outside of the housing.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the rear cover further has an intermediate projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the rear cover toward the front and extends in the left-right direction, located below the upper ventilation opening and above the storage case.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate protrusion extends diagonally downward from the center to the side in the left-right direction.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate protrusion extends diagonally downward from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the storage case has an inclined portion that slopes downward from the rear side to the front side.

10. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a connecting portion is provided in the cover vent that partially connects the cover base edge and the cover bulge edge in the front-rear direction.

11. The aforementioned storage case has a case lid on its rear side. The case lid is provided with a front bulge formed by the lid base bulging outwards toward the front, and a rear bulge formed by the lid base bulging outwards toward the rear. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the case vent is defined by a front bulge edge formed in the front bulge portion and a rear bulge edge formed in the rear bulge portion.

12. The case lid is made of metal. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the case vent is formed by punching from the front side to the rear side.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rear cover is made of resin.

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the resin is a recycled material.

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