EP2554735B1 - A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid - Google Patents
A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2554735B1 EP2554735B1 EP11176257.1A EP11176257A EP2554735B1 EP 2554735 B1 EP2554735 B1 EP 2554735B1 EP 11176257 A EP11176257 A EP 11176257A EP 2554735 B1 EP2554735 B1 EP 2554735B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washing machine
- lid
- cover sheet
- lid body
- machine according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 61
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000005341 toughened glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
- D06F39/14—Doors or covers; Securing means therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry
- D06F23/04—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid at a top side of said washing machine.
- the lid of a usual top-loading washing machine includes a stamped steel lid and a counter-lid made of plastics, for example polypropylene.
- the counter-lid is formed as a frame with fins inside said frame.
- the stamped steel lid is arranged and fixed upon the counter-lid.
- the stamped steel lid covers the topside of the counter-lid and encloses the sidewalls of said counter-lid.
- the outer dimensions of the counter-lid must be exactly adapted to the inner dimensions of the stamped steel lid.
- the shape of the lid is limited. In particular, the production of the stamped steel lid having a predetermined shape is very complex.
- DE 40 39 508 C2 discloses a lid for a domestic appliance.
- the lid comprises an L-shaped frame enclosing a system of several panels. The panels are connected to the L-shaped frame by a plastic composition.
- EP 1 640 494 B1 discloses a lid of a top-loading washing machine.
- the lid extends over the whole top surface of the washing machine.
- the lid has a plane upper surface.
- the lid is adapted to the upper surface of the hopper of the washing machine.
- GB 2155473 discloses a lid with a see-through plate to open and close an opening portion of an apparatus, comprising: a lid body having an opening for visually checking the interior of the apparatus, a rings haped engaging groove formed along the periphery of the opening, and first engaging means provided in the engaging groove, the lid body opening and closing the opening portion of the apparatus; a see-through plate having an outer peripheral edge closely resembling the opening in shape and second engaging means engaging the first engaging means, and removably attached to the lid body to close the opening, so that the interior of the apparatus can be externally observed through the see-through plate; and holding means removably fitted in the engaging groove to hold the see-through plate as the first and second engaging means are engaged, and to cover the first and second engaging means.
- FR 2624894 discloses a domestic appliance having a body and a cover; it comprises means which perform both a cover/body connection function, a hinge-pin function and a function of returning the cover to the open position.
- US2006/090523 discloses a oor on a washing machine, in which a seating position of a door glass is guided at the time of placing the door glass on a door frame, for securing the door glass at a right position.
- the door includes a transparent door window, and a door frame mounted on a top cover of the washing machine, the top cover having a cloth opening, and the door frame having an opening, and a guide for guiding positioning of the transparent door window to cover the opening.
- US6766596 discloses a door/lid for an appliance, such as a washer or dryer, including a tempered glass panel upon an inner surface of which is applied one or two screen printed borders of fusible ceramic printing medium defining a substantially opaque peripheral border bounding a central viewing area through which clothing associated with a washer or dryer can be viewed when the door/lid is closed.
- An injection molded narrow encapsulation, border or rim surrounds an edge of the tempered glass panel and effects a water-tight seal therewith.
- Third ceramic printing means in the form of instructions or safety rules in applied to the first or second printing medium but is indiscernible from the outside when the door/lid is closed. When the door/lid is open, the instructions/safety rules are totally divisible, upright and readable.
- DE4039508 discloses a housing lid hinged on its sides and for use in a top loading household laundry treatment machine or dishwasher.
- DE8318793U1 discloses an upper cover plate or cover for washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and the like.
- EP0180223 discloses a working table top for electric household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and the like, essentially composed of a one-piece frame preferably made of a plastics material by injection moulding, and a flexible panel to be inserted into the frame.
- US4947516 discloses a lid retainer mechanism for an automatic washer.
- CN101565891 discloses a cover structure of a washing machine.
- EP1862579 discloses a top-loading washing machine.
- US2011121694 discloses a washing machine comprising a cabinet, a top cover arranged at an upper surface of the cabinet and having a laundry entrance hole, wherein the upper surface of the cabinet opens, and a lid assembly arranged at the top cover and opens/closes the laundry entrance hole is provided.
- KR20100095934 discloses a laundry handling device to enhance the safety by preventing the user hands from becoming injured through the control on a door when the door is closed.
- the object of the present invention is achieved by the top-loading washing machine according to claim 1.
- the present invention relates to the top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid at a top side of said washing machine, wherein
- the core of the present invention is that the lid body forms the substantial part of the lid and the cover sheet has a simple structure, wherein said cover sheet forms the substantial part of the upper surface.
- the design of the lid is determined by the shape of the lid body and the colour of the cover sheet.
- the simple structure of the cover sheet allows an easy assembling of the lid by inserting the cover sheet into the lid body.
- the cover sheet is a metal sheet.
- the metal sheet has a good stability and allows a plurality of designs.
- the lid body is made by an injection mould.
- the injected lid body allows a production by low costs.
- the cover sheet is inserted or insertable from the rear side of the lid body.
- the cover sheet preferably comprises a rear lip.
- At least one elastic element interacts between the lid and a hopper or a casing of the washing machine, wherein the elastic element is in a relaxed state when the lid is open, and in a pre-stressed state when the lid is closed.
- the elastic element is made of a wire with branches at its end portions and at least one protruding part at its central portion. This contributes to an easy production.
- the branches and the protruding part extend within one plane in the relaxed state of the elastic element.
- the branches are inserted in or insertable into the lid body and the protruding part is inserted in or insertable into the hopper or the casing of the washing machine.
- lid body and the hopper or the casing of the washing machine are interconnected by two or more, preferably a pair, of hinges.
- the hinges may be inserted in or insertable into corresponding seats in the hopper or casing of the washing machine.
- the hinges may be supported by the elastic element.
- a control panel supported by a body may be arranged on the top side of the washing machine and behind the lid, wherein the designs of the cover sheet and the control panel are adapted to each other, and wherein the shapes of the body of the control panel and the lid body are advantageously adapted to each other.
- cover sheet may advantageously comprise a curved surface or may be curved after inserting into the lid body. This increases the number of the possible designs.
- the present invention relates to a lid for a top-loading washing machine, wherein the lid is provided for a washing machine mentioned above.
- FIG 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a lid for a top-loading washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the lid advantageously comprises a lid body 10, a cover sheet 12, preferably, but not necessarily made of metal (but it may be made also of wood, or plastics, or other material, for example a composite material), a latch element 14, a push button 16, a pair of hinges 18, an elastic element 20 and a gasket 22.
- the lid body 10 is made of plastics. Preferably, the lid body 10 is made of an injected plastic material.
- the cover sheet 12 is provided for decorative and protective purposes, and may have any colour or external finishing.
- the cover sheet 12 is insertable into the lid body 10.
- the lid body 10 advantageously comprises guides 24 in its upper portion.
- the cover sheet 12 is fixable at the lid body 10 preferably by screws.
- the lid according to the present invention has the advantage that the cover sheet 12 is substantially formed as preferably flat sheet only.
- the cover sheet 12 has no complex shape.
- the cover sheet 12 does not need any side walls.
- the cover sheet 12 comprises a rear lip 28.
- the cover sheet 12 only has to be moved between the guides 24 of the lid body 10. Since the guides 24 cover the borders of the cover sheet 12, the dimensions of the lid body 10 and the cover sheet 12 do not require a very high accuracy.
- the latch element 14 and the push button 16 are advantageously provided in the front portion of the lid.
- the latch element 14 allows a locking of the lid with a hopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine.
- the user can release the latch element 14 by pressing the push button 16.
- the hinges 18 allow a pivoting connection to the hopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine.
- the hinges 18 are preferably supported at the lid by the elastic element 20. Further, the hinges 18 are advantageously fixed in corresponding seats 38 of the hopper 26, preferably by snap-fittings.
- the elastic element 20 allows an automatic opening of the lid, after the user has released the latch element 14 by pressing the push button 16.
- the elastic element 20 has preferably two branches 32 which are positioned in corresponding seats in the lid body 10.
- a rear part 34 of the elastic element 20 extends from a central portion of said elastic element 20 in a direction opposite to the branches 32.
- the elastic element 20 is preferably fastened to the lid body 10 by the rear lip 28 of the cover sheet 12.
- the lid In a relaxed state of the elastic element 20 the lid is open ( FIG. 7 ). In said relaxed state the branches 32 and the rear part 34 of the elastic element 20 are advantageously in the same plane. When the lid is closed ( FIG. 6 ), then the elastic element 20 is deformed, so that the plane of the branches 32 and the plane of the rear part 34 form an angle preferably of about 90°.
- the gasket 22 is preferably arranged at the bottom side of the lid body 10. The gasket 22 is clamped between the body 10 and the hopper 26 in the closed state of the lip.
- FIG 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the lid is in an assembled state.
- the cover sheet 12 is inserted in the lid body 10, so that the lid appears compactly.
- the rear part 34 of the elastic element 20 extends rearwards in a horizontal plane. This is the relaxed state of the elastic element 20.
- FIG 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine in a reversed position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG 3 clarifies the arrangements of the latch element 14, the push button 16, the pair of hinges 18, the rear part 34 of the elastic element 20 and the gasket 22.
- FIG 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the hopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the hopper 26 forms an upper part of a casing 30 of the top-loading washing machine.
- the hopper 26 includes a front opening 36 for receiving the latch element 14 of the lid body 12. Further, the hopper 26 includes the seats 38 for receiving the hinges 18 of the lid body 12. Moreover, the hopper 26 includes a rear opening 40 for receiving the rear part 34 of the elastic element 20. In this example, the rear opening 40 advantageously includes two holes with a common vertical axis.
- FIG 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the lid is arranged on the top of the casing 30.
- the shape of the lid body 10 is adapted to the shape of the casing 30.
- a control panel 42 is preferably arranged on the top of the casing 30 and behind the lid.
- the control panel 42 advantageously includes switch elements and displays.
- the control panel 42 is supported by a body 44.
- the shape of the body 44 of the control panel 42 is adapted to the shape of the lid body 10.
- the design of the cover sheet 12 can be adapted to the design of the control panel 42 or vice versa.
- FIG 6 shows a schematic sectional side view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG 6 clarifies the shapes of the lid body 10 and the body 44 of the control panel 42.
- the top wall of the washing machine preferably forms a substantially continuous upper surface of the lid and the control panel 42. Further, the structure of the lid allows a curved upper surface by low complexity.
- FIG 7 shows a schematic sectional side view of an upper part of the top-loading washing machine in an open state according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG 6 and FIG 7 clarify the position of the rear part 34 of the elastic element 20.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid at a top side of said washing machine.
- The lid of a usual top-loading washing machine includes a stamped steel lid and a counter-lid made of plastics, for example polypropylene. The counter-lid is formed as a frame with fins inside said frame. The stamped steel lid is arranged and fixed upon the counter-lid. The stamped steel lid covers the topside of the counter-lid and encloses the sidewalls of said counter-lid.
- However, it is difficult to assemble the counter-lid and the stamped steel lid. The outer dimensions of the counter-lid must be exactly adapted to the inner dimensions of the stamped steel lid. The shape of the lid is limited. In particular, the production of the stamped steel lid having a predetermined shape is very complex.
-
DE 40 39 508 C2 discloses a lid for a domestic appliance. The lid comprises an L-shaped frame enclosing a system of several panels. The panels are connected to the L-shaped frame by a plastic composition. -
EP 1 640 494 B1 discloses a lid of a top-loading washing machine. The lid extends over the whole top surface of the washing machine. The lid has a plane upper surface. The lid is adapted to the upper surface of the hopper of the washing machine. -
GB 2155473 -
FR 2624894 -
US2006/090523 discloses a oor on a washing machine, in which a seating position of a door glass is guided at the time of placing the door glass on a door frame, for securing the door glass at a right position. The door includes a transparent door window, and a door frame mounted on a top cover of the washing machine, the top cover having a cloth opening, and the door frame having an opening, and a guide for guiding positioning of the transparent door window to cover the opening. -
US6766596 discloses a door/lid for an appliance, such as a washer or dryer, including a tempered glass panel upon an inner surface of which is applied one or two screen printed borders of fusible ceramic printing medium defining a substantially opaque peripheral border bounding a central viewing area through which clothing associated with a washer or dryer can be viewed when the door/lid is closed. An injection molded narrow encapsulation, border or rim surrounds an edge of the tempered glass panel and effects a water-tight seal therewith. Third ceramic printing means in the form of instructions or safety rules in applied to the first or second printing medium but is indiscernible from the outside when the door/lid is closed. When the door/lid is open, the instructions/safety rules are totally divisible, upright and readable. -
DE4039508 discloses a housing lid hinged on its sides and for use in a top loading household laundry treatment machine or dishwasher. -
DE8318793U1 discloses an upper cover plate or cover for washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and the like. -
EP0180223 discloses a working table top for electric household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and the like, essentially composed of a one-piece frame preferably made of a plastics material by injection moulding, and a flexible panel to be inserted into the frame. -
US4947516 discloses a lid retainer mechanism for an automatic washer. -
CN101565891 discloses a cover structure of a washing machine. -
EP1862579 discloses a top-loading washing machine. -
US2011121694 discloses a washing machine comprising a cabinet, a top cover arranged at an upper surface of the cabinet and having a laundry entrance hole, wherein the upper surface of the cabinet opens, and a lid assembly arranged at the top cover and opens/closes the laundry entrance hole is provided. -
KR20100095934 - It is an object of the present invention to provide a top-loading washing machine including a lid, wherein the lid is produced by low complexity.
- The object of the present invention is achieved by the top-loading washing machine according to claim 1.
- The present invention relates to the top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid at a top side of said washing machine, wherein
- the lid includes a lid body and a cover sheet,
- the cover sheet is inserted in or insertable into the lid body,
- the cover sheet forms the substantial upper surface of the lid,
- the lid body comprises two lateral guides for inserting the cover sheet,
- the lid body is made of plastics, and
- the lid body forms a single-piece part.
- The core of the present invention is that the lid body forms the substantial part of the lid and the cover sheet has a simple structure, wherein said cover sheet forms the substantial part of the upper surface. Thus, the design of the lid is determined by the shape of the lid body and the colour of the cover sheet. The simple structure of the cover sheet allows an easy assembling of the lid by inserting the cover sheet into the lid body.
- Preferably, the cover sheet is a metal sheet. The metal sheet has a good stability and allows a plurality of designs.
- Preferably, the lid body is made by an injection mould. The injected lid body allows a production by low costs.
- Further, the cover sheet is inserted or insertable from the rear side of the lid body. In this case, the cover sheet preferably comprises a rear lip.
- Advantageously, at least one elastic element interacts between the lid and a hopper or a casing of the washing machine, wherein the elastic element is in a relaxed state when the lid is open, and in a pre-stressed state when the lid is closed.
- Advantageously, the elastic element is made of a wire with branches at its end portions and at least one protruding part at its central portion. This contributes to an easy production.
- For example, the branches and the protruding part extend within one plane in the relaxed state of the elastic element.
- Preferably, the branches are inserted in or insertable into the lid body and the protruding part is inserted in or insertable into the hopper or the casing of the washing machine.
- Further, the lid body and the hopper or the casing of the washing machine are interconnected by two or more, preferably a pair, of hinges.
- Advantageously, the hinges may be inserted in or insertable into corresponding seats in the hopper or casing of the washing machine.
- At the lid, the hinges may be supported by the elastic element.
- Further, a control panel supported by a body may be arranged on the top side of the washing machine and behind the lid, wherein the designs of the cover sheet and the control panel are adapted to each other, and wherein the shapes of the body of the control panel and the lid body are advantageously adapted to each other.
- Moreover, the cover sheet may advantageously comprise a curved surface or may be curved after inserting into the lid body. This increases the number of the possible designs.
- At last, the present invention relates to a lid for a top-loading washing machine, wherein the lid is provided for a washing machine mentioned above.
- The novel and inventive features believed to be the characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.
- The invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which
- FIG 1
- shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a lid for a top-loading washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
- FIG 2
- shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
- FIG 3
- shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine in a reversed position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
- FIG 4
- shows a schematic perspective view of a hopper of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
- FIG 5
- shows a schematic perspective view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
- FIG 6
- shows a schematic sectional side view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and
- FIG 7
- shows a schematic sectional side view of an upper part of the top-loading washing machine in an open state according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
-
FIG 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a lid for a top-loading washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lid advantageously comprises alid body 10, acover sheet 12, preferably, but not necessarily made of metal (but it may be made also of wood, or plastics, or other material, for example a composite material), alatch element 14, apush button 16, a pair ofhinges 18, anelastic element 20 and agasket 22. - The
lid body 10 is made of plastics. Preferably, thelid body 10 is made of an injected plastic material. Thecover sheet 12 is provided for decorative and protective purposes, and may have any colour or external finishing. Thecover sheet 12 is insertable into thelid body 10. For this purpose, thelid body 10 advantageously comprisesguides 24 in its upper portion. Thecover sheet 12 is fixable at thelid body 10 preferably by screws. - The lid according to the present invention has the advantage that the
cover sheet 12 is substantially formed as preferably flat sheet only. Thecover sheet 12 has no complex shape. For example, thecover sheet 12 does not need any side walls. In this example, thecover sheet 12 comprises arear lip 28. For assembling the lid, thecover sheet 12 only has to be moved between theguides 24 of thelid body 10. Since theguides 24 cover the borders of thecover sheet 12, the dimensions of thelid body 10 and thecover sheet 12 do not require a very high accuracy. - The
latch element 14 and thepush button 16 are advantageously provided in the front portion of the lid. Thelatch element 14 allows a locking of the lid with ahopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine. The user can release thelatch element 14 by pressing thepush button 16. The hinges 18 allow a pivoting connection to thehopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine. The hinges 18 are preferably supported at the lid by theelastic element 20. Further, thehinges 18 are advantageously fixed in correspondingseats 38 of thehopper 26, preferably by snap-fittings. - The
elastic element 20 allows an automatic opening of the lid, after the user has released thelatch element 14 by pressing thepush button 16. Theelastic element 20 has preferably twobranches 32 which are positioned in corresponding seats in thelid body 10. Arear part 34 of theelastic element 20 extends from a central portion of saidelastic element 20 in a direction opposite to thebranches 32. Theelastic element 20 is preferably fastened to thelid body 10 by therear lip 28 of thecover sheet 12. - In a relaxed state of the
elastic element 20 the lid is open (FIG. 7 ). In said relaxed state thebranches 32 and therear part 34 of theelastic element 20 are advantageously in the same plane. When the lid is closed (FIG. 6 ), then theelastic element 20 is deformed, so that the plane of thebranches 32 and the plane of therear part 34 form an angle preferably of about 90°. - The
gasket 22 is preferably arranged at the bottom side of thelid body 10. Thegasket 22 is clamped between thebody 10 and thehopper 26 in the closed state of the lip. -
FIG 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. InFIG 2 the lid is in an assembled state. - The
cover sheet 12 is inserted in thelid body 10, so that the lid appears compactly. Therear part 34 of theelastic element 20 extends rearwards in a horizontal plane. This is the relaxed state of theelastic element 20. -
FIG 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the lid for the top-loading washing machine in a reversed position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG 3 clarifies the arrangements of thelatch element 14, thepush button 16, the pair ofhinges 18, therear part 34 of theelastic element 20 and thegasket 22. -
FIG 4 shows a schematic perspective view of thehopper 26 of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thehopper 26 forms an upper part of acasing 30 of the top-loading washing machine. - The
hopper 26 includes afront opening 36 for receiving thelatch element 14 of thelid body 12. Further, thehopper 26 includes theseats 38 for receiving thehinges 18 of thelid body 12. Moreover, thehopper 26 includes arear opening 40 for receiving therear part 34 of theelastic element 20. In this example, therear opening 40 advantageously includes two holes with a common vertical axis. -
FIG 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lid is arranged on the top of thecasing 30. The shape of thelid body 10 is adapted to the shape of thecasing 30. - A
control panel 42 is preferably arranged on the top of thecasing 30 and behind the lid. Thecontrol panel 42 advantageously includes switch elements and displays. Thecontrol panel 42 is supported by abody 44. The shape of thebody 44 of thecontrol panel 42 is adapted to the shape of thelid body 10. The design of thecover sheet 12 can be adapted to the design of thecontrol panel 42 or vice versa. -
FIG 6 shows a schematic sectional side view of the top-loading washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG 6 clarifies the shapes of thelid body 10 and thebody 44 of thecontrol panel 42. The top wall of the washing machine preferably forms a substantially continuous upper surface of the lid and thecontrol panel 42. Further, the structure of the lid allows a curved upper surface by low complexity. -
FIG 7 shows a schematic sectional side view of an upper part of the top-loading washing machine in an open state according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG 6 andFIG 7 clarify the position of therear part 34 of theelastic element 20. -
- 10
- lid body
- 12
- cover sheet
- 14
- latch element
- 16
- push button
- 18
- hinge
- 20
- elastic element
- 22
- gasket
- 24
- guide
- 26
- hopper
- 28
- rear lip
- 30
- casing
- 32
- branch
- 34
- rear part
- 36
- front opening
- 38
- seat
- 40
- rear opening
- 42
- control panel
- 44
- body of the control panel
Claims (12)
- A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid at a top side of said washing machine, wherein- the lid includes a lid body (10) and a cover sheet (12),- the cover sheet (12) is inserted in or insertable into the lid body (10),- the cover sheet (12) forms the substantial upper surface of the lid,- the lid body (10) comprises two lateral guides (24) for inserting the cover sheet (12),- the lid body (10) is made of plastics, and- the lid body (10) forms a single-piece part,- the lid body (10) and a hopper (26) or a casing (30) of the washing machine are interconnected by two or more hinges (18).
characterized in that
the cover sheet (12) is inserted or insertable from the rear side of the lid body (10). - The washing machine according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the cover sheet is a metal sheet (12). - The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the lid body (10) is made by an injection mould. - The washing machine according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the cover sheet (12) comprises a rear lip (28). - The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one elastic element (20) interacts between the lid and the hopper (26) or the casing (30) of the washing machine, wherein the elastic element (20) is in a relaxed state, when the lid is open, and in a pre-stressed state, when the lid is closed. - The washing machine according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the elastic element (20) is made of a wire with branches (32) at its end portions and at least one protruding part (34) at its central portion. - The washing machine according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the branches (32) and the protruding part (34) extend within one plane in the relaxed state of the elastic element (20). - The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7,
characterized in that
the branches (32)are inserted in or insertable into the lid body (10) and the protruding part (34) is inserted in or insertable into the hopper (26) or the casing (30) of the washing machine. - The washing machine according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the hinges (18) are inserted in or insertable into corresponding seats (30) in the hopper (26) or casing (30) of the washing machine. - The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the hinges (18) are supported by the elastic element (20) . - The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a control panel (42) supported by a body (44) is arranged on the top side of the washing machine and behind the lid, wherein the designs of the cover sheet (12) and the control panel (42) are adapted to each other, and wherein the shapes of the body (44) of the control panel (42) and the lid body (10) are adapted to each other. - The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cover sheet (12) comprises a curved surface or is curved after inserting into the lid body (10).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11176257.1A EP2554735B1 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2011-08-02 | A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP11176257.1A EP2554735B1 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2011-08-02 | A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid |
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EP2554735A1 EP2554735A1 (en) | 2013-02-06 |
EP2554735B1 true EP2554735B1 (en) | 2020-04-22 |
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EP11176257.1A Active EP2554735B1 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2011-08-02 | A top-loading washing machine comprising a pivoting lid |
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Families Citing this family (1)
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US11492748B2 (en) | 2019-09-30 | 2022-11-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Appliance lid that incorporates interior structural foam reinforcement |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR20100095934A (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2010-09-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A laundry treatment machine |
US20110121694A1 (en) * | 2009-07-31 | 2011-05-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS58136391A (en) * | 1982-02-08 | 1983-08-13 | 株式会社東芝 | Lid apparatus with viewing plate |
DE8318793U1 (en) * | 1982-07-16 | 1983-10-20 | Faini S.p.A., Bovezzo, Brescia | UPPER COVER PLATE OR LID FOR WASHING MACHINES, DISHWASHER, REFRIGERATORS AND THE LIKE |
IT8434068V0 (en) * | 1984-10-31 | 1984-10-31 | Zanussi Componenti Plastica | WORKTOP FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES. |
FR2624894B1 (en) * | 1987-12-18 | 1991-04-12 | Esswein Sa | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH QUICK COVER IN OPEN POSITION |
US4947516A (en) * | 1988-10-05 | 1990-08-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Lid retainer mechanism for automatic washer |
IT1246499B (en) * | 1989-12-11 | 1994-11-19 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | CASE COVER FOR A HOUSEHOLD MACHINE |
US6766596B1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2004-07-27 | Gemtron Corporation | Appliance door or lid |
PL1640494T3 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2009-04-30 | Electrolux Home Products Corp Nv | Improvement in the lid of a top-loading clothes washing machine |
KR20060039185A (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Door of washing machine |
ITPN20060021U1 (en) * | 2006-05-31 | 2007-12-01 | Electrolux Home Prod Corp | WASHING MACHINE LOADED FROM THE TOP WITH FRONT CONTROL LID |
CN101565891B (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2011-03-02 | 广东格兰仕集团有限公司 | Cover structure of washing machine |
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2011
- 2011-08-02 EP EP11176257.1A patent/EP2554735B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR20100095934A (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2010-09-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A laundry treatment machine |
US20110121694A1 (en) * | 2009-07-31 | 2011-05-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
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