EP3215665A1

EP3215665A1 - Laundry washing/drying machine front door with a mechanically improved locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP3215665A1
Application number: EP14792812.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bugra CETINKAYA; Salih YILDIRIM; Ergin METIN; Servet CATALTEPE; Selahattin CORAK
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2017-09-13
Also published as: WO2016070889A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry washing and/or drying machine comprising a front door (1) having an improved front door opening and locking mechanism. The present invention more particularly relates to a laundry washing/drying machine comprising a rotary drum in which the laundry is placed, an electric motor rotating the rotary drum and a front door (1) allowing access into the rotary drum for loading or unloading laundry through an access opening (2), the front door (1) being openable around a door hinge (5) in the manner that a lock mechanism (6) releasably secures an engagement end (12) such that a handle (7) is rotatable in mechanical communication with a hook lever (9) that is drivable by the handle (7), whereby the engagement end (12) is activated to lock or unlock the front door (1). An outer frame (3) and an inner frame (4) of the front door (1) joined to one another define the perimeter of the front door (1), the outer frame (3) comprising an outer frame opening (13) into which a hook pivoting device (14) in association with the handle (7) projects, the device at least partially enclosing the hook lever (9). The hook pivoting device (14) of the handle (7) extending through the outer frame opening (13) advantageously provides that the hook lever (9) is directly driven in a practical manner by the hook pivoting device (14) without any additional element. The hook pivoting device (14) provides an enclosure for a hook lever biasing means (11) and positions end-portions of the hook lever biasing means (11) to be aligned with reciprocating members of the inner frame (4). Therefore, when the outer and inner frames (3, 4) are joined, use of any additional parts to pre-load the hook lever biasing means (11) is unnecessary.

Description

LAUNDRY WASHING/DRYING MACHINE FRONT DOOR WITH A MECHANICALLY IMPROVED LOCKING MECHANISM

The present invention relates to a laundry washing/drying machine comprising a front door having an improved front door opening and locking mechanism.
The laundry washing and/or drying machines for instance washing machines, drying machines and combo washing/drying machines comprise a rotary drum in which cloth items are placed and accessible via a front door and a motor providing the rotary drum to be driven by means of a pulley mechanism. To this end, laundry washing/drying machines have front doors typically allowing access into the rotary drum for loading and unloading the laundry to be processed.
A front door opening mechanism typically functions in the manner that a handle associated with a handle lever is rotatable to drive a hook lever, the latter being activated to lock or unlock the front door. The handle lever and the hook lever therefore cooperate to initiate the proper positioning of the mechanical components such that an engagement end of the hook lever is displaced a certain distance to be released from a locking slot.
The above-described mechanical design allows a given user to reach for a handle cover to unlock the front door of the laundry washing/drying machine by way of retracting the handle lever relative to the handle cover. It is to be noted that the mechanical structure outlined above can be designed by various connection elements, which may substantially affect production efficiency of the laundry washing/drying machine as a large number of individual elements can be necessary for the operation of the locking mechanism.
Therefore, a more efficient manner of providing operational functionality with a simplified mechanical structure is desirable so as to decrease manufacturing costs through reduction of involved components and accordingly man-hours. It goes without saying that a large number of elements may also significantly contribute to the overall cost in a mass-produced appliance.
The present invention proposes a laundry washing/drying machine with an alternative simplified mechanical arrangement to obtain a front door opening and locking mechanism in a laundry washing/drying machine.
A prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention may be referred to as EP0349494 among others, the document disclosing a door lock for front-loading washing machines, comprising a support body associated with the structure of the machine and a lever articulated to the body and having an end opposite the articulated end which is connected to a flexible operating cable. A slide is articulated to the lever and has a lateral edge surface situated adjacent an aperture in the body, which is provided for the passage of a catch member connected to the door of the machine. The lateral edge surface of the slide also has a cut-out portion for enabling the catch member to be released, and the door to be opened, when the slide slides.
The present invention provides a laundry washing/drying machine in which efficient operational functionality is obtainable with a simplified mechanical structure as defined by the characterizing features in Claim 1 and subsequent Claims.
Primary object of the present invention is hence to provide a laundry washing/drying machine having a simplified yet equally efficient mechanical arrangement in the front door locking mechanism thereof.
The present invention proposes a laundry washing/drying machine with a front door having an outer frame and an inner frame joined one another. The outer frame has an outer frame opening by which a hook pivoting device of a handle driving a hook lever can extend into a region defined between the outer and inner frames. When the inner frame having a pair of reciprocating members is mounted on the outer frame, it pre-loads a hook lever biasing means so that the hook lever displaces in a locking direction.
A hook lever pin extends through side wall bores of the hook pivoting device without contact and is pivotally supported by the outer frame’s hook pin seats. When the handle is rotated, a contact portion of the hook pivoting device leans against the hook lever to rotate the same.
The handle rotates around at least one handle pin mounted on the inner surface of the outer frame, the end portions of at least one handle pin being connected in a supported manner to handle pin seats. Preferably, two coaxial handle pins extend parallel to the hook pin’s axis and at longitudinal sides thereof with an eccentric direction.
Accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying a laundry washing/drying machine, whose advantages over prior art were outlined above and will be explained in brief hereinafter.
The drawings are not meant to delimit the scope of protection as identified in the claims nor should they be referred to alone in an effort to interpret the scope identified in the claims without recourse to the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.
Fig. 1 demonstrates a general front view of a laundry washing/drying machine front door according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 demonstrates a general rear view of the laundry washing/drying machine front door according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 demonstrates an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 2 according to the present invention
Fig. 4 demonstrates a rear-side view of a handle of the locking mechanism according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 demonstrates a general inner-side view of the outer frame according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 demonstrates a general inner-side view of the outer frame together with the handle being mounted according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 demonstrates an enlarged view of detail B of Fig. 5 according to the present invention
Fig. 8 demonstrates an enlarged view of detail C of Fig. 6 according to the present invention
The following numerals are assigned to different parts demonstrated in the drawings:

Front door
Access opening
Outer frame
Inner frame
Door hinge
Locking mechanism
Handle
Handle pin
Hook lever
Hook lever pin
Hook lever biasing means
Engagement end
Outer frame opening
Hook pivoting device
Side wall
Side wall bore
Handle pin seat
Hook pin seat
Contact portion
Inner frame fixation means
Inner frame fixation slots
Fixing bracket
Fixing aperture
Handle pin holder
Biasing means end portions

The present invention relates to a laundry washing/drying machine comprising a rotary drum, in which the laundry is to be placed and an electric motor rotating the drum. A front door (1) typically allows access into the drum for loading or unloading laundry through an access opening (2). The front door (1) of the laundry washing/drying machine is conventionally openable around a door hinge (5) and a locking mechanism (6) releasably secures an engagement end (12) part to a locking slot such as a catch plate. The front door (1) comprises an outer and an inner frame (respectively 3 and 4) joined one another, which typically define the perimeter of the front door (1).
In accordance with the present invention, a handle (7) is provided such that rotation thereof around at least one handle pin (8) axis drives a hook lever (9) through a hook lever biasing means (11) as will be described below. The handle (7) is rotatable around the handle pins’ (8) axes, the latter pins being pivotally mounted on the inner surface of the outer frame (3) with the end portions being connected in a supported manner to respective seats of the outer frame (3) while a handle pin holder (24) of the handle (7) enclose the pins. Two handle pin seats (17) are provided at axial ends of each handle pin (8), while a given handle pin’s (8) axis extends parallel to the outer frame’s (3) inner surface. Preferably two handle pins (8) are coaxially arranged at both sides of a hook pivoting device (14) as will be delineated hereinafter.
The handle (7) and a hook lever (9) activate or deactivate the lock mechanism (6) of the front door (1) in cooperation. The outer frame (3) comprises an outer frame opening (13) into which projects a hook pivoting device (14) in association with the handle (7), the device forming a partial enclosure for the hook lever biasing means (11) mounted around a hook lever pin (10). End portions of the latter pin are pivotally supported by hook pin seats (18) of the outer frame (3). The hook pivoting device (14) has two side walls (15) with opposing side wall bores (16) through which the hook lever pin’s (10) shaft extends. The diameter of the side wall bores (16) is selected such that the hook lever pin’s (10) shaft extends therethrough without contact.
Rotation of the handle (7) provides that a contact portion (19) of the hook pivoting device (14) leans on the hook lever (9), which is normally biased by the helical hook lever biasing means (11) in the direction to engage with a female member for effectuating locking of the front door (1). The force exerted by the contact portion (19) on the hook lever (9) either releases the locking mechanism (6) or provides positioning of the hook lever (9) in the engaging state.
More particularly, rotational movement imparted to the handle (7) by the user is transferred to the hook lever (9) and the handle (7) and the hook lever (9) accordingly cooperate by way of the contact portion (19) pressing against the hook lever (9) in response to the rotational movement of the handle (7).
The hook lever biasing means (11) is a torsional spring extending around the hook lever pin (10) and biasing the hook lever (9) in the locking direction. The hook lever biasing means (11) is held in compressed form with the two end extensions thereof being pressed by reciprocating members of the inner frame (4) when the latter is mounted on the inner face of the outer frame (3). The connection of the outer frame (3) with the inner frame (4) is effected by means of fixation apertures (23) of the inner frame (4) engaging with fixation brackets (22) of the outer frame (3) as indicated in Fig. 3. While this tight-fit connection enables correct relative positioning and joining of the two parts, inner frame fixation means (20) fitted into inner frame fixation slots (21) of the outer frame (3) ensure interlocking of the two frames.
In a nutshell, the present invention proposes a laundry washing/drying machine comprising a rotary drum in which the laundry is placed, an electric motor rotating the rotary drum and a front door (1) allowing access into the rotary drum for loading or unloading laundry through an access opening (2), the front door (1) being openable around a door hinge (5) in the manner that a lock mechanism (6) releasably secures an engagement end (12) such that a handle (7) is rotatable in mechanical communication with a hook lever (9) that is drivable by the handle (7), whereby the engagement end (12) is activated to lock or unlock the front door (1).
In one embodiment of the present invention, an outer frame (3) and an inner frame (4) of the front door (1) joined one another define the perimeter of the front door (1), the outer frame (3) comprising an outer frame opening (13) into which a hook pivoting device (14) in association with the handle (7) projects, the device at least partially enclosing the hook lever (9). The hook pivoting device (14) of the handle (7) extending through the outer frame opening (13) advantageously provides that the hook lever (9) is directly driven in a practical manner by the hook pivoting device (14) without any additional element. The hook pivoting device (14) provides an enclosure for a hook lever biasing means (11) and positions end-portions of the hook lever biasing means (11) to be aligned with reciprocating members of the inner frame (4). Therefore, when the outer and inner frames (3, 4) are joined, use of any additional parts to pre-load the hook lever biasing means (11) is unnecessary.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook pivoting device (14) comprises side walls (15) with opposing side wall bores (16) through which a hook lever pin (10) shaft extends to be pivotally supported by the outer frame (3).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, end portions of the hook lever pin (10) are pivotally supported by hook pin seats (18) of the outer frame (3).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the side wall bores (16) is selected such that the hook lever pin’s (10) shaft extends therethrough without contact. The hook pivoting device (14) therefore allows pivotal connection of the hook lever pin (10) with the outer frame (3) so that the operation of the handle (7) is not affected by the hook lever pin (10) because the latter has no contact therewith. This is especially advantageous in overcoming problems due to the separate axes of operation of the handle (7) and the hook lever (8), such separate axes, on the other hand, ensuring asymmetrical rotational ranges for the handle (7) and the hook lever (9).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, rotational movement imparted to the handle (7) is transferred to the hook lever (9) by the hook pivoting device (14) through a contact portion (19) pressing against the hook lever (9) in response to the rotational movement of the handle (7).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, rotational movement of the handle (7) around at least one handle pin (8) axis drives the hook lever (9) through a hook lever biasing means (11). The hook pivoting device (14) provides an enclosure for the hook lever biasing means (11).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one handle pin (8) is pivotally mounted on the inner surface of the outer frame (3) with the end portions being connected in a supported manner to handle pin seats (17) of the outer frame (3).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one handle pin’s (8) axis extends parallel to the outer frame’s (3) inner surface.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, two handle pin seats (17) are provided at axial ends of each handle pin (8).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, two handle pins (8) are coaxially arranged at both sides of the hook pivoting device (14).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook lever (9) is driven by the handle (7) to be rotatable around a hook lever pin (10) through the hook lever biasing means (11) mounted around the hook lever pin (10).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook lever biasing means (11) biases the hook lever (9) in a locking direction in response to the two end extensions thereof being pressed by reciprocating members of the inner frame (4) when the latter is mounted on the outer frame (3). The hook pivoting device (14) positions the end-portions of the hook lever biasing means (11) to be aligned with the reciprocating members of the inner frame (4). Therefore, when the outer and inner frames (3, 4) are joined, use of any additional parts to pre-load the hook lever biasing means (11) is unnecessary.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the handle (7) and the hook lever (9) are rotatable around parallel axes.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the axes of rotation of the handle (7) and the hook lever (9) are eccentric. The dual pivotal support of the handle (7) by the handle pins (8) at axial sides of the hook lever pin (10) provides a reliable symmetrical structure while eccentricity of the operational axes provides that rotation of the handle (7) in the range of eight degrees provides a rotational movement of fifteen degrees for the hook lever (9), that is, doubles the angle swept by the hook lever (9).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, connection of the outer frame (3) with the inner frame (4) is effected by means of fixation apertures (23) of the inner frame (4) engaging with fixation brackets (22) of the outer frame (3).
Therefore, the invention provides operational functionality with a simplified mechanical structure while at the same time decreasing manufacturing costs through reduction of involved components.

Claims

A laundry washing/drying machine comprising a rotary drum in which the laundry is placed, an electric motor rotating the rotary drum and a front door (1) allowing access into the rotary drum for loading or unloading laundry through an access opening (2), the front door (1) being openable around a door hinge (5) in the manner that a lock mechanism (6) releasably secures an engagement end (12) such that a handle (7) is rotatable in mechanical communication with a hook lever (9) that is drivable by the handle (7), whereby the engagement end (12) is activated to lock or unlock the front door (1), characterized in that

an outer frame (3) and an inner frame (4) of the front door (1) joined one another define the perimeter of the front door (1), the outer frame (3) comprising an outer frame opening (13) into which a hook pivoting device (14) in association with the handle (7) projects, the device at least partially enclosing the hook lever (9).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 1, characterized in that the hook pivoting device (14) comprises side walls (15) with opposing side wall bores (16) through which a hook lever pin (10) shaft extends to be pivotally supported by the outer frame (3).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 2, characterized in that end portions of the hook lever pin (10) are pivotally supported by hook pin seats (18) of the outer frame (3).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the diameter of the side wall bores (16) is selected such that the hook lever pin’s (10) shaft extends therethrough without contact.
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that rotational movement imparted to the handle (7) is transferred to the hook lever (9) by the hook pivoting device (14) through a contact portion (19) pressing against the hook lever (9) in response to the rotational movement of the handle (7).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that rotational movement of the handle (7) around at least one handle pin (8) axis drives the hook lever (9) through a hook lever biasing means (11).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 6, characterized in that at least one handle pin (8) is pivotally mounted on inner surface of the outer frame (3) with the end portions being connected in a supported manner to handle pin seats (17) of the outer frame (3).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 7, characterized in that at least one handle pin’s (8) axis extends parallel to the outer frame’s (3) inner surface.
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that two handle pin seats (17) are provided at axial ends of each handle pin (8).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 9, characterized in that two handle pins (8) are coaxially arranged at both sides of the hook pivoting device (14).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 6, characterized in that the hook lever (9) is driven by the handle (7) to be rotatable around a hook lever pin (10) through the hook lever biasing means (11) mounted around the hook lever pin (10).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 11, characterized in that the hook lever biasing means (11) biases the hook lever (9) in a locking direction in response to two end extensions thereof being pressed by reciprocating members of the inner frame (4) when the latter is mounted on the outer frame (3).
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 1, characterized in that the handle (7) and the hook lever (9) are rotatable around parallel axes.
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 13, characterized in that the axes of rotation of the handle (7) and the hook lever (9) are eccentric.
A laundry washing/drying machine as in Claim 12, characterized in that connection of the outer frame (3) with the inner frame (4) is effected by means of fixation apertures (23) of the inner frame (4) engaging with fixation brackets (22) of the outer frame (3).