EP3610063A1

EP3610063A1 - A washing machine comprising a door

Info

Publication number: EP3610063A1
Application number: EP18713203.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Onur MUHIDDIN; Isik Ozyaka; Ahmet METIN; Firdevs BASARAN ERTAS; Servet CATALTEPE
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2017-04-11
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2020-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-22
Also published as: EP3610063B1; WO2018188929A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a door (5) that is disposed on the body (2), that provides access into the body (2) and that has a first door group (3) and a second door group (4) that are attached to each other; at least one first connection element (6) that is disposed on the first door group (3), and at least one second connection element (7) that is disposed on the second door group (4) and that enables the second door group (4) to be attached to the first door group (3) by engaging with the first connection element (6) when the second door group (4) is rotated on the first door group (3) in an assembly direction.

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A DOOR

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a door having a first door group and a second door group that are attached to each other.
In washing machines, the interior of the body is generally accessed by means of a door that opens left or right by being rotated around a vertical rotation axis. Today, the use of doors wherein the opening direction of the door can be changed according to the user needs and the outer door group and the inner door group are detachably attached to each other is becoming increasingly widespread. However, taking into consideration the impacts acting on the door during the washing and/or drying processes, the need for providing a strong connection between the inner door group and the outer door group arises. Therefore, in the state of the art, the inner door group and the outer door group are screwed to each other at a plurality of points. However, when the opening direction of the door is desired to be changed or in cases such as maintenance, replacing components, etc. where the inner volume is required through the door, all the screws on the door should be unscrewed and screwed again, the mounting and dismounting processes become complicated and inconvenient. Moreover, in case the screws are not tightened sufficiently while attaching the inner door group and the outer door group to each other, problems such as squeaky operation or leaks may occur. Furthermore, the use of screws adversely affects the outer appearance of the door, decreasing the visual quality perception of the user. In addition, the screws may require the use of a special screwdriver depending on the heads thereof, thus increasing the service costs.
In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP2824233, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a first door group and a second door group that are fixed to each other. The first door group and the second door group are attached to each other by engaging the connection elements on the first door group and the second door group with each other. After the attachment process, the first door group and the second door group are fixed to each other by means of a plurality of hooks, each being fitted into a housing.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washing machine comprising a door providing ease of assembly and disassembly.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a first door group having at least one connection element and a second door group having at least one second connection element. When the first door group and the second door group are placed onto each other and rotated, the first connection element and the second connection element engage with each other and thus the first door group and the second door group are attached to each other.
The washing machine of the present invention comprises at least one stopper having at least one support arm that is disposed on the first door group and that bears against the second connection element when the first door group and the second door group are attached to each other so as to prevent the first connection element and the second connection element from separating from each other. When the first door group and the second door group are disposed one above the other and rotated with respect to each other, the support arm stretches to pass over the second connection element and returns to the initial state thereof before stretching and bears against the second connection element from behind. When the first door group and the second door group are desired to be separated from each other, the support arm is stretched and released from behind the second connection element and thus the first door group and the second door group are rotated with respect to each other and separated from each other. By means of the stopper, the first door group and the second door group can be fixed to each other in a simple manner and can be quickly separated from each other with requiring any additional operation. Thus, the assembly and disassembly of the door is facilitated.
In an embodiment of the present invention, an opening that opens into the door is arranged on the door. By means of the opening, the stopper in the door can be easily reached from outside the door and the support arm can be pushed by applying force on the stopper. Thus, defects such as dents, fractures, etc. that may occur in case the inner region of the door is reached by means of a hand tool introduced between the first door group and the second door group are prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the stopper a push arm is disposed, that is connected to the support arm so as to move together with the support arm and that enables the support arm to be pushed when applied force thereon. The push arm is disposed just in front of the opening in an easily accessible manner. When force is applied on the push arm, the push arm stretches together with the support arm so as to be pushed into the door. By means of the push arm disposed just in front of the opening, access to the stopper is facilitated and the second connection element can be separated from the first connection element by simply pushing the support arm.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the second connection element a protrusion-shaped step is provided, over which the support arm passes by stretching. The support arm bears against the step when an excessive force acts thereon in a direction opposite to the assembly direction such as forcing the second door group to rotate. Thus, by means of the step, the support arm is prevented from being released from behind the second connection element and enabled to maintain the correct position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the support arm and the push arm are connected to each other from one ends. When force is applied on the end of the push arm extending towards the opening, the push arm and the support arm rotate around the interconnected ends thereof and thus the support arm passes over the step. By connecting the push arm to the support arm from the end thereof, the force required to be applied on the push arm to pass the support arm over the second connection element is decreased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one rib is provided, that extends between the support arm and the push arm and that connects the support arm and the push arm to each other. Thus, the connection between the support arm and the push arm is strengthened and in case the stopper is produced from a flexible material such as plastic, etc., the support arm and the push arm are prevented from stretching independently.
By means of the present invention, the first door group and the second door group can be fixed to and easily separated from each other with using connection elements such as claw, screw, etc. that require additional fixing operation. Thus, the number of components used for fixation is decreased, providing advantage in terms of time and cost.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where
Figure 1 – is the view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 – is the view of the door related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 – is the view of detail A in Figure 2.
Figure 4 - is the partial view of the first door group related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the door related to an embodiment of the present invention, when the first door group and the second door group are attached to each other.
Figure 6 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the door related to an embodiment of the present invention, while the first door group and the second door group are being separated from each other.
Figure 7 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the door related to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the door related to another embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Washing machine
Body
First door group
Second door group
Door
First connection element
Second connection element
Support arm
Stopper
Opening
Push arm
Step
Rib
Auxiliary arm
Abutment

The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a door (5) that is disposed on the body (2), that provides access into the body (2) and that has a first door group (3) and a second door group (4) that are attached to each other; at least one first connection element (6) that is disposed on the first door group (3), and at least one second connection element (7) that is disposed on the second door group (4) and that enables the second door group (4) to be attached to the first door group (3) by engaging with the first connection element (6) when the second door group (4) is rotated on the first door group (3) in an assembly direction. The first door group (3) and the second door group (4) form the two halves of the door (5), namely the front part of the door (5) visible to the user when the door (5) is closed and the rear part of the door (5) facing the body (2). When the second door group (4) is placed onto the first door group (3) and rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in an assembly direction with respect to the first door group (3), each of the claw-shaped second connection elements (7) engages with one first connection element (6). When the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are desired to be separated from each other, the second door group (4) is rotated in a direction opposite to the assembly direction on the first door group (3) and thus the second connection element (7) is enabled to leave the first connection element (6).
The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises a stopper (9) having a support arm that (8) is disposed on the first door group (3) and that bears against the second connection element (7) when the second connection element (7) is fitted into the first connection element (6) so as to prevent the second door group (4) from being rotated in a direction opposite to the assembly direction with respect to the first door group (3). The support arm (8) extends from over the first door group (3) towards the first connection element (6). When the second door group (4) is seated onto the first door group (3) and rotated in the assembly direction, the support arm (8) rubs against the second connection element (7) and stretches backwards and when the second connection element (7) is fitted into the first connection element (6), the support arm (8) passes over the second connection element (7) and returns to the initial free position. Thus, the second connection element (7) is squeezed between the first connection element (6) and the stopper (9) such that the support arm (8) bears against the second connection element (7) from behind. By means of the stopper (9), the second door group (4) is prevented from rotating in a direction opposite to the assembly direction on the first door group (3). Thus, the fixing process is enabled be automatically realized after the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are attached to each other and an additional fixing operation is not required, decreasing the costs of assembly and labor.
In an embodiment of the present invention, on the door (5) at least one opening (10) is provided, that allows access to the stopper (9) from outside the door (5). The opening (10) is preferably in the form of a hole that is arranged on the rear surface of the door (5) facing the body (2) so as to invisible when the door (5) is closed and that enables the user to reach the stopper (9) in the door (5) directly or by means of a hand tool. Thus, when the second door group (4) and the first door group (3) are desired to be separated from each other, the user can reach the stopper (9) and push the support arm (8), thereby enabling the second connection element (7) to be released from the first connection element (6). Consequently, the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) can be easily separated from each other in a practical manner.
In an embodiment of the present invention, on the stopper (9) at least one push arm (11) is provided, that, when force is applied thereon, moves together with the support arm (8) and pushes the support arm (8) so as to provide the separation of the first connection element (6) and the second connection element (7) from each other. The support arm (11) is connected to the support arm (8) so as to enable the force applied thereon to be transferred to the support arm (8). When the second connection element (4) and the first connection element (3) are desired to be separated from each other, the push arm (11) is accessed through the opening (10) and the push arm (11) is pressed into the door (5). Thus, the push arm (11) stretches backwards together with the support arm (8), and the support arm (8) passes over the second connection element (7), enabling the second door group (4) to be rotated in a direction opposite to the assembly direction. By means of the push arm (11), access to the stopper (9) is facilitated and the pushing force can be transferred onto the support arm (8) in a balanced manner.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the push arm (11) covers the part of the opening (10) facing the interior of the door (5). In the free state the push arm (11) bears against the wall of the opening (10) so as to completely cover the mouth of the opening (10) opening to the interior of the door (5). Thus, the need for using an additional component such as pin, plug, etc. is eliminated and the dirt and dust is prevented from going into the door (5) and from causing the failure of the movable components.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the support arm (8) extends in an inclined manner with respect to the assembly direction. The support arm (8) extends from over the first door group (3) towards the second connection element (7) in a widening manner. Thus, while the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3), the support arm (8) is enabled to rub against the second connection element (7) so as to be gradually pushed backwards. Consequently, the flexing movement of the support arm (8) during the assembly is softened and the second door group (4) can be smoothly rotated on the first door group (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the second connection element (7) at least one protrusion-shaped step (12) is disposed, over which the support arm (8) passes when the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3). The step (12) is in the form of a protrusion disposed at the rear side of the second connection element (7). While the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3), the support arm (8) stretches and passes over the step (12) and returns to the initial state thereof. Thus, the mechanical fixing and separation between the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) can be distinguished by means of the sound and the expiring feeling of force when the support arm (8) passes over the step (12). Consequently, the assembly-disassembly process is facilitated by providing aural and tactile feedback while the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are attached to and separated from each other.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the push arm (11) is connected to the support arm (8) from one end and the other end of the push arm (11) extends towards the opening (10). The support arm (8) and the push arm (11) are connected to each from one end each so as to form a V shape. While the second door group (4) is being rotated in the assembly direction or in a direction opposite to the assembly direction with respect to the first door group (3), the push arm (11) and the support (8) rotate around the interconnected ends thereof. Thus, while the second door group (4) and the first door group (3) are being separated from each other, the force required to be applied on the push arm (11) to pass the support arm (8) over the step (12) is decreased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper (9) has at least one rib (13) that extends between the support arm (8) and the push arm (11). The rib (13) is disposed between the push arm (11) and the support arm (8) so as to enable the pushing force applied on the push arm (11) to be transferred to the support arm (8). By means of the rib (13), the push arm (11) is enabled to be support in a direction opposite to the pushing force, thus increasing the strength thereof. Thus, the push arm (11) is prevented from being subjected to deformations such as bending, breaking, etc.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper (9) comprises an auxiliary arm (14) that is disposed on the support arm (8), that extends perpendicularly to the assembly direction and that bears against the second connection element (7) when the second door group (4) and the first door group (3) are attached to each other. The auxiliary arm (14) bears against the rear side of the second connection element (7) so as to increase the contact surface between the second connection element (7) and the stopper (9). Thus, the stopper (9) is enabled to properly press on the second connection element (7), and the support arm (8) is prevented from displacing when the second door group (4) is forced to rotate.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the first door group (3) at least one abutment (15) is provided, against which the stopper (9) bears so as to prevent the stopper (9) from rotating together with the second door group (4). The abutment (15) prevents the stopper (9) from rotating together with the second door group (4) while the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3). This embodiment is advantageous when the stopper (9) is not a single piece with the first door group (3), but subsequently mounted onto the first door group (3), thus enabling the stopper (9) to remain stationary while the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are rotated with respect to each other.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) is a laundry washing machine, a laundry drying machine or a combo washing/drying machine.
By means of the present invention, the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are enabled to be fixed to each other in a safe and easy manner, thus facilitating the assembly of the door (5). Furthermore, by means of the stopper (9) of the present invention, the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) are enabled to be separated from each other in a quick and practical manner.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a door (5) that is disposed on the body (2), that provides access into the body (2) and that has a first door group (3) and a second door group (4) that are attached to each other; at least one first connection element (6) that is disposed on the first door group (3), and at least one second connection element (7) that is disposed on the second door group (4) and that enables the second door group (4) to be attached to the first door group (3) by engaging with the first connection element (6) when the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3) in an assembly direction, characterized by a stopper (9) having a support arm that (8) is disposed on the first door group (3) and that bears against the second connection element (7) when the second connection element (7) is fitted into the first connection element (6) so as to prevent the second door group (4) from being rotated in a direction opposite to the assembly direction with respect to the first door group (3).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one opening (10) that is disposed on the door (5) and that provides access to the stopper (9) from outside the door (5).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by at least one push arm (11) that is provided on the stopper (9) and that, when force is applied thereon, moves together with the support arm (8) and pushes the support arm (8) so as to provide the separation of the first door group (3) and the second door group (4) from each other.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the push arm (11) that covers the part of the opening (10) facing the interior of the door (5).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the support arm (8) that extends in an inclined manner with respect to the assembly direction.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one protrusion-shaped step (12) that is disposed on the second connection element (7) and over which the support arm (8) passes when the second door group (4) is rotated with respect to the first door group (3).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claim 3 to Claim 6, characterized by the push arm (11) that is connected to the support arm (8) from one end, with the other end extending towards the opening (10).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claim 3 to Claim 7, characterized by at least one rib (13) that extends between the support arm (8) and the push arm (11).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an auxiliary arm (14) that is disposed on the support arm (8), that extends perpendicularly to the assembly direction and that bears against the second connection element (7) when the second door group (4) and the first door group (3) are attached to each other.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one abutment (15) that is provided on the first door group (3) and against which the stopper (9) bears so as to prevent the stopper (9) from rotating together with the second door group (4).