KR100688189B1 - Washer - Google Patents

Abstract

The door buffer device of the drum washing machine according to the present invention includes a cabinet having an opening formed at a front thereof to allow laundry access to and from the laundry machine; A door for opening and closing the opening of the cabinet; A vertical guide mechanism connected between an upper end of the door and a cabinet to vertically move the upper end of the door vertically along the front surface of the cabinet when the door is opened and closed; A door support mechanism connected between the door and the cabinet to support the door to be opened in a substantially horizontal direction when the door is opened, and to cushion the external force when the door is open; By being configured, the support structure for supporting the door is variable when more than an external force is applied, thereby preventing the door and the support structure for supporting the door from being damaged, thereby securing a more stable support structure.

Support rod, cushioning, elastic member, cabinet, door, holder, container, door window

Description

Laundry processing unit {Washer}

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional drum washing machine,

2 is a schematic view showing a door opening state of a conventional drum washing machine,

3 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged cutaway perspective view of a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

4 is an exploded perspective view of a door part in which a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 6 is a side schematic view showing a door opening state of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

7 is a side schematic view showing a door cushioning state of a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are perspective views sequentially illustrating a door opening state of a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a side schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a perspective view of a door of a drum washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an open state;

11 is a side schematic view showing a door buffer state of a drum washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

12 is a lateral schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

13 is a lateral schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10 cabinet 11 opening

12: cabinet body 13: base

14: top cover 15: front cover

19: lower cover 29: gasket

30: door 31: door frame

32: side part 33, 34: curved part

35: door window 36: window frame

37: container type window 39: handle

40: vertical guide mechanism 41: vertical guide

42, 43: curved portion 45: guide assembly

46: roller bracket 47: roller

48: fixing nut 49: bracket pin

50: door support mechanism 51: support rod

52: hinge 55: hinge bolt

56 hinge bracket 150 buffer mechanism

130: slot 151: inner rod

153, 154: hinge shaft 155: outer rod

156: slot 157: spring seat

160: elastic member 165: linear member

166: stopper cap 167: engaging portion

The present invention relates to a door of a laundry treatment apparatus, and in particular, a laundry treatment apparatus that supports the door so that it can be used as a holder of laundry in a state in which the door is opened downward, and does not break while varying when an excessive force is applied to the door. It is about.

In the conventional drum washing machine, as shown in FIG. 1, a tub located in a substantially horizontal direction and an opening 3 communicating with an inside of a drum are formed on a front surface of the cabinet 1, and a door (eg, a door) may be opened and closed. 5) is installed.

The door 5 is configured to pull open, push and close the handle located on the other side with one side connected to the opening 3 side of the cabinet 1 via the hinge mechanism 7.

The door 5 is provided with a door window 5b on a circular door frame 5a. The door window 5b is made of a transparent glass material, and generally has a convex structure inside the washing machine so as to contact the gasket 9 installed in the cabinet 1.

However, since the door of the conventional drum washing machine as described above is configured to open in a lateral direction, the door 5 when the washing machine 1 is installed in close contact with the wall surface W as shown in FIG. There is a problem that does not open completely. When the door 5 is not completely opened in this way, the convex door window 5b is located at the opening 3 side of the washing machine, and thus, there is an inconvenience in that interference occurs when the user puts or removes laundry.

In addition, when the laundry is normally completed, the user takes out the laundry from the washing machine. At this time, the laundry is tangled with each other, and thus the laundry falls to the floor in the process of taking out the laundry. Thus, when the laundry falls on the floor, There is a problem that needs to be washed again.

In addition, in order to shake off foreign matters such as lint, etc. attached to the laundry during the washing process, the laundry is taken out one by one from the washing machine, and then the laundry is taken out and whisked away. To continue, at this time there is a need for a container for storing the laundry separately there is a problem that the user feels inconvenience in the process of taking out the laundry.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and to support the door to be opened in a substantially horizontal direction so that the door can be used as a laundry rack when the door is opened, the force is applied to the door opened in the horizontal direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that is variable in a case so that the door and the supporting structure for supporting the door are not damaged to secure a more stable supporting structure.

Laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention for realizing the above object and the cabinet is formed with an opening to allow the laundry in and out front; A door for opening and closing the opening of the cabinet; A vertical guide mechanism connected between an upper end of the door and a cabinet to vertically move the upper end of the door vertically along the front surface of the cabinet when the door is opened and closed; It is connected between the door and the cabinet to support the lower end of the door to move in a substantially horizontal direction toward the front so that the front of the door toward the upper side when the door is opened and at the same time the external force is applied when the door is open It characterized in that it comprises a door support mechanism for the cushioning action.

The door support mechanism includes a support rod rotatably connected at both ends to the cabinet and the door, and the support rod is provided with a shock absorbing mechanism for cushioning.

According to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the buffer mechanism is configured such that the length of the support rod is variable according to an external force applied to the door.

Here, the shock absorbing mechanism includes an inner rod constituting one side of the support rod, an outer rod constituting the other side of the support rod and having a portion of the inner rod inserted therein, and coupled to the inner rod and supported by the inner rod. And an elastic member for providing an elastic force to the rod.

The shock absorbing mechanism includes a rod length maintaining means for maintaining a constant length so that both rods are not separated between the inner rod and the outer rod.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the rod length maintaining means is formed to have a constant length and consists of a linear member having both ends fixed to the inner rod and the outer rod, respectively.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the rod length maintaining means is formed in a structure in which both rods are mutually caught so that the inner rod does not fall out of the outer rod.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing mechanism is configured to act as a shock absorbing function while the support rod is deformed when a force or more is applied to the support rod.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet is provided with a hinge bracket to which the support rod is rotatably coupled, and the shock absorbing mechanism is provided between the hinge bracket and the support rod.

Here, the buffer mechanism is formed in the hinge bracket, the slot to which the support rod is coupled portion can be moved, the support rod is supported until the support rod is supported by the hinge bracket or cabinet a predetermined amount or more through the support rod It is configured to include an elastic member that restricts movement through the slot.

According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the door is provided with a hinge to which the support rod is rotatably coupled, and the shock absorbing mechanism is provided at a hinge portion between the support rod and the door.

Here, the shock absorbing mechanism is provided on the door side to allow the hinge to move, and is supported on the door to limit the movement of the support rod through the slot before a predetermined force is applied to the door It is comprised including an elastic member.

The door shock absorber of the drum washing machine according to the present invention configured as described above supports the door to be opened and closed while moving in the vertical direction, and when more than necessary external force is applied when the door is completely opened and positioned in the horizontal direction. As the support structure for supporting the door is variable, the door and the support structure for supporting the door are not damaged, thereby ensuring a more stable support structure.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 to 7 are views showing a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drum washing machine, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door, Figure 5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the drum washing machine, 6 is a lateral schematic view showing a door opening state of a drum washing machine, and FIG. 7 is a lateral schematic view showing a door cushioning state.

3 and 4, the drum washing machine to which the door shock absorber of the present invention is applied includes a cabinet 10 in which an opening 11 is formed so as to form an outer portion of the washing machine and to put or take out laundry to the front. do.

Inside the cabinet 10, devices for washing are installed. As main components, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cabinet 10 is supported in the cabinet 10 by a spring 21, a damper 22, and the like. Tub 23 for storing wash water, a drum 25 positioned inside the tub 23 to rotate the laundry, and a driving motor 27 for rotating the drum 25 are installed. do.

In addition, the opening 11 of the cabinet 10 is configured to communicate with the opening of the tub 23 and the drum 25 to enable the laundry 25 to be introduced or withdrawn into the drum 25. Gasket 29 is installed between the opening of the tub 23 and the tub 23 so that the washing water does not enter the cabinet 10 during the washing process.

The cabinet 10 is preferably formed in a substantially hexahedral shape, the configuration of the cabinet body 12 forming both sides and the back, the base 13 forming the bottom surface, and the top cover 14 forming the upper surface and The front cover 15 includes the opening 11 having a front surface.

Above the front cover 15 is located a control panel 17 having various operation switches for operating the washing machine and a display device for informing the operating state of the washing machine. The control panel 17 may be installed at other positions, such as the top cover 14 side, which is the upper surface of the cabinet 10, according to design conditions of the washing machine.

One side of the control panel 17 may be a drawer detergent dispenser 18 that can be dispensed detergent.

A lower cover 19 coupled to the cabinet body 12 and the base 13 is formed below the front cover 15.

In particular, the front of the front cover 15 is provided with a door 30 for opening and closing the opening (11). Here, the front cover 15 is the control panel 17 and the lower portion such that the outer surface when the door 30 is closed has the same height as the outer surface of the control panel 17 and the lower cover 19. It is installed to be coupled to the cabinet body 12, the control panel 17 and the lower cover 19 at a position that enters the inside of the cabinet 10 relative to the cover 19.

A ring-shaped opening frame 16 constituting the opening 11 is formed at the central portion of the front cover 15, and the gasket 29 is connected to the opening frame 16. The opening frame 16 may be formed by integrally bending the front cover 15, or may be manufactured and installed as a separate ring-shaped member.

The door 30 has a substantially rectangular structure in the same shape as the front cover 15. The door 30 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is provided with a door frame 31 matching the front shape of the front cover 15, a central portion of the door frame 31, and an inside of the opening of the cabinet 10. Convexly protruded into a container-shaped door window 35 in close contact with the gasket (29).

The door frame 31 is bent in an 'L' shape such that both sides thereof form a side surface of the door to form a side portion 32. Preferably, the upper and lower ends of the side part 32 are formed with curved parts 33 and 34 to prevent interference with the vertical guide 41 and the lower cover 19 which will be described later when opening or closing the door.

The door window 35 is formed in a container shape to be in contact with the gasket 29 and to hold laundry in an open state of the door 30. The door window 35 has a ring-shaped window frame 36 mounted to the door frame 31 and a container-shaped window 37 which is formed in a concave container shape to hold laundry, and coupled to the window frame 36. It consists of.

Here, the window frame 36 is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, and the container-type window 37 is preferably formed of a transparent member such as glass so that the inside of the washing machine can be seen.

The door 30 is provided with a handle 39 so that the user can grab when opening and closing the door. Detailed description of the handle 39 will be described later in detail.

The door 30 as described above is opened so that the front surface of the door 30 faces upward so that the laundry can be temporarily stored when the laundry is taken out. Therefore, the door 30 is configured to open while moving downward of the cabinet 10 and close while moving upward.

Opening and closing guide mechanisms are installed at both positions of the door between the front cover 15 and the door 30 of the cabinet to enable the opening and closing operation of the door 30 as described above. The opening and closing guide mechanism includes a vertical guide mechanism 40 for guiding the upper end of the door 30 to move up and down along the front surface of the front cover 15, and the door is approximately horizontal when the door 30 is opened. It is composed of a door support mechanism (50) for supporting the opening while being positioned in the direction and at the same time buffering when the external force (F) is applied in the open state.

The vertical guide mechanism 40 includes two vertical guides 41 vertically installed on both front surfaces of the front cover 15, and protrudes from the door 30 to move up and down along the vertical guides 41. Consisting of two pairs of guide combinations 45.

The vertical guide 41 is formed with a guide groove having a 'U'-shaped structure on the inner side, and is formed as a separate member on both sides of the front cover 15, or both ends of the front cover 15' U ' It is also possible to be bent into a '-shaped structure and formed integrally. The vertical guide 41 is protruded in a curved surface so that the upper end and the lower end thereof correspond to the curved portions 33 and 34 of the door frame 31, so that the upper surface and the lower cover 19 of the control panel 17 are closed. It is preferable that the curved portions 42 and 43 are formed to be connected to the upper surface, respectively.

The guide assembly 45 is most preferably composed of rollers 47 rolling along the vertical guide 41, but is composed of a protruding member that is inserted into the vertical guide 41 and slides according to the embodiment conditions. It is also possible.

The roller 47 is connected to a roller bracket 46 installed at the upper end of the door frame 31. The roller bracket 46 is connected to the fixing nut 48 installed on the side portion 32 of the door frame 31 by a bracket pin 49 so as to be rotatable at least within a predetermined angle. Therefore, the roller bracket 46 rotates about the bracket pin 49 when the door 30 is moved up and down so that the roller 47 can move up and down smoothly along the vertical guide 41. Will help.

The door support mechanism 50 is composed of a support rod 51 having a rod structure in which both ends are rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 and the door frame 31. Preferably, the support rods 51 are installed on each of both sides of the door 30.

The upper end of the support rod 51 is connected to the hinge 52 in the side portion 32 of the door frame 31. The connection part of the door frame 31 and the support rod 51 is a fixing nut 53 fixed to the inside of the side portion 32 of the door frame 31 by welding or the like, as shown in FIG. Connection using washers 54 located on both sides of the rod 51 and a hinge bolt 55 and the like, which pass through the washer 54 and the support rod 51 and are fastened to the fixing nut 53. do. Here, the inner bent portion of the side portion 32 of the door frame 31 may be formed in a shape in which a portion of the supporting rod is moved so as not to interfere with the support rod 51.

The lower end of the support rod 51 is connected to a hinge bracket 56 installed on the upper portion of the lower cover 19 forming the cabinet 10. The connecting portion of the support rod 51 and the hinge bracket 56 is connected using components such as a hinge bolt 57, a nut 58, and a washer 59.

As shown in FIG. 7, the support rod 52 has a buffer mechanism 150 that buffers the length of the support rod according to an external force F applied to the door while the door is opened. ) Is provided.

The buffer mechanism 150 is coupled to the structure in which the support rod 51 is divided into a plurality (two in this embodiment), and one rod 151 is inserted to allow relative movement to the other rod 155. The elastic member 160 is provided to provide an elastic force so that the length of the support rod 51 is variable when a predetermined force or more is applied to the support rod 51.

That is, the shock absorbing mechanism 150 is connected to the cabinet 30 by an inner rod 151 which is connected to the door 30 by a hinge 52 and constitutes one side of the support rod 51. The outer rod 155 constituting the other side of the support rod 51 and the lower end of the inner rod 151 is inserted and coupled thereto, and is supported in the outer rod 155 to apply elastic force to the inner rod 151. It is provided between the elastic member 160 and the inner rod 151 and the outer rod 155 is a linear member which is a rod length maintaining means for maintaining a constant length of the support rod to prevent the two rods from being separated It consists of 165.

Inside the outer rod 155, a spring sheet 157 fixed to a sheet pin 159 penetrating the rod to support the elastic member 160 is provided.

The elastic member 160 is made of a coil spring or the like, and is positioned between the spring sheet 157 and the end of the inner rod 151 to provide a compressive elastic force. In particular, the elastic member 160 when the force is applied to the door 30, that is, when a predetermined or more force is applied in a state that the elastic deformation does not occur until a predetermined or more force is applied through the inner rod 151 Preferably, the inner rod 151 is configured to have an elastic modulus enough to be inserted into the outer rod 155 while being compressed.

The linear member 165 is connected to have a predetermined length between the end of the inner rod 151 and the spring seat 157 to prevent the inner rod 151 from being separated from the outer rod 155. The maximum length of the support rod 51 is determined in the state of being tightly coupled between the two members 151 and 157. Of course, it is preferable that the inner rod 151 and the shift sheet 157 are formed with rings 152 and 158 or holes for fixing the linear member 160.

The linear member 165 may be formed of a string or a wire, and has a tensile strength sufficient to withstand the elastic force provided by the elastic member 160 to the inner rod 151. It is preferred to be configured.

Referring to the operation of the door opening and closing device and the door buffer of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are perspective views sequentially illustrating a door opening state of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In order to open the door 30 in the state in which the door 30 is closed as shown in FIG. 8A, when the door 30 is pulled downward by holding the lower handle 39D, the door 30 is shown in FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D. While the process of the upper end is moved downwards, and while the lower end is moved horizontally toward the front of the washing machine is opened as shown in Figure 8e.

That is, the upper end of the door 30 moves the roller 47 downward along the vertical guide 41, wherein the support rod 51 is moved vertically with respect to the lower end in the vertical position. As the upper end is rotated in the front direction of the washing machine to support the state in which the door 30 is opened so that the lower end of the door 30 moves horizontally forward.

As described above, the user can inject laundry into the drum 25 through the opening of the cabinet 10 while the door 30 is opened, and at the same time, the laundry can be taken out of the drum 25. If necessary, the user can store the laundry taken out of the drum 25 in the door window 35 of the container structure.

Here, the support rod 51 stably supports the door 30 in a state in which it is lengthened to the maximum length by the elastic force of the elastic member 160, but the door 30 is completely as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8E. In the open state, when the external force F is applied to the door 30 with a predetermined force or the like by pressing the door 30, the inner rod 151 of the support rod 51 compresses the elastic member 160. While moving to the inside of the outer rod 155. At this time, as the length of the support rod 51 is shortened, the door 30 is rotated downward by moving the lower end of the door about the upper end of the door in which the roller 47 is located. At this time, the linear member 165 is in a relaxed state in the outer rod 155.

In this state, when the force for pressing the door 30, that is, the external force applied to the door 30 is removed, the inner rod 151 is released from the outer rod 155 again by the elastic force of the elastic member 160. The door 30 is supported in a state in which the overall support rod is lengthened. At this time, the inner rod 151 is tightened while the linear member 165 provided between the inner rod 151 and the outer rod 155 is tightened. ) Will determine the maximum displacement.

Therefore, when excessive force is applied to the door 30 by a user or other load in the state in which the door 30 is fully opened as described above, the shock absorbing mechanism 150 varies the length of the support rod 51. By doing so, it is possible to solve the problem that the structure supporting the door 30 such as the support rod 51 is damaged or damaged.

Subsequently, when the door 30 is opened as described above, when the upper handle 39U of the door 30 is held and pulled upward, the door 30 is closed while moving upward.

In this case, as opposed to the process of opening the door 30, the roller 47 installed at the upper end of the door 30 moves upward along the vertical guide 41, and the lower end of the door 30 is approximately horizontal in the washing machine. After moving, the door 30 is closed while being in close contact with the front cover 15 together with the upper end.

Hereinafter, in describing the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those of the above-described first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

9 is a lateral schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the drum washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the shock absorbing mechanism has a structure basically similar to that of the first embodiment described above, but the rod length maintaining means includes the linear member 160. Instead, the rods 151 and 155 are configured to be hooked to each other.

That is, the shock absorbing mechanism 150 has an inner rod 151 inserted into the outer rod 155, and the outer rod 155 includes an elastic member 160 and a spring sheet 157 supporting the same. In particular, the stopper cap 166 is coupled to the upper end of the outer rod 155 so as not to be separated from the upper end of the outer rod 155 so as to have a structure that the rod length holding means is mutually fixed, the inner rod 151 In the stopper cap 166 is formed an extended locking portion 167 is formed.

Of course, as described above, the two rods 151 and 155 are not limited to the stopper cap 166 and the expansion catching portion 167, but the two rods 151 constituting the support rod 51 ( When 155 is elongated by a predetermined length or more, the mutually engaging structures may be variously configured according to the implementation conditions.

Therefore, the rod length maintaining means of the shock absorbing mechanism 150 prevents the entire length of the support rod 51 from being longer than necessary by the elastic force of the elastic member 160, so that the support rod 51 is When the door 30 is opened and closed, the support rod 51 acts as a predetermined length before a predetermined external force is applied to help perform a stable support function.

10 and 11 are views illustrating a drum washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which a door is opened, and FIG. 11 is a lateral schematic view of a door buffer state.

In the drum washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a roller 47 is directly installed on the side surface of the door 30, and the support rod 51 is provided in the cabinet 10. It consists of a configuration installed on the bottom surface.

That is, vertical guides 41 protruding at the same height as the front surface of the door 30 are installed at both front surfaces of the front cover 15, and the door 30 is positioned inside the vertical guide 41. In addition, rollers 247 are installed directly on both side portions 32 of the upper end of the door 30 without a separate roller bracket, and are configured to move up and down along the vertical guide 41. Here, the guide groove into which the roller 47 is inserted is formed on the inner surface of the vertical guide 241.

In addition, the support rod 51 has a lower end inside the cabinet 10 through the front cover 15 and the lower cover 19 while the upper end is rotatably connected to the side portion 32 of the door 30. It extends to be rotatably connected to the base 13 forming the bottom surface of the cabinet 10.

Of course, the base 13 is provided with a pair of hinge brackets 56 so that the support rod 51 is connected. In addition, the front cover 15 and the lower cover 19 are formed with slits 15s and 19s extending in the vertical direction so as to operate freely in a state where the support rod 51 penetrates.

In particular, the shock absorbing mechanism 150 is not constituted by the support rod 51 being separated as in the first and second embodiments described above, and deforms itself when one support rod 51 is applied with a predetermined force or more. It is configured to buffer.

That is, the support rod 51 is formed of a leaf spring structure having a predetermined length so that elastic deformation does not occur when the normal door 30 is opened or closed, but as shown in FIG. 11, the door 30 is positioned in the horizontal direction and fully opened. When the external force F is applied to the door 30 in a predetermined state or more, it is bent while elastically deforming itself. Therefore, when the external force F is removed while the door 30 moves downward from the center of the roller 47 by the external force, the door 30 returns to its original position by the restoring elastic force of the support rod 51.

Both ends of the support rod 51 are connected to the door 30 by a hinge 52 and connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge bracket 56 as in the above-described configuration. .

12 is a lateral schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the drum washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, the basic washing machine has a structure similar to that of the third embodiment described above, but the buffer mechanism 150 cabinets the support rod 51. It is provided on the hinge bracket 56 to be connected to the (10).

That is, the hinge bracket 56 has a slot 156 to which the hinge shaft 153 of the support rod 51 can move is formed to a predetermined length in a substantially horizontal direction or inclined upward, and the hinge shaft 153 and the hinge The elastic member 160 is provided to limit the movement of the hinge shaft 153 before a predetermined force is applied to the support rod 51 to the bracket 56 or the cabinet 10.

Therefore, when the door 30 is normally opened and closed, the hinge shaft 153 is in the initial position of the slot 156 by the elastic force of the elastic member 160, and then the door 30 is completely opened and positioned in the horizontal direction. When the external force F is applied to the door 30 in a predetermined state or more, the support rod 51 and the hinge shaft 153 move in the "B" direction, which is the rear side of the elastic force of the elastic member 160. Done. At this time, the door 30 is moved downward with respect to the roller 47 as the hinge shaft 153 is moved to the rear to open the door 30 or the door by an external force applied to the door 30 more than necessary. It is possible to prevent the supporting structure such as the supporting rod 51 to support from being damaged.

When the external force applied to the door 30 is removed in this state, the support rod in the state in which the hinge shaft 153 is moved along the slot 156 in the 'A' direction again by the elastic force of the elastic member 160. 51 supports the door 30 in a stable state.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 12 referring to the present embodiment, the elastic member 160 has been described with two tension springs and compression springs. However, only one of the two elastic members 160 may be installed depending on the implementation conditions. Of course it is also possible.

13 is a lateral schematic view showing a door buffer structure of a drum washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the drum washing machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13, the structure of the overall washing machine is almost the same as that of the above-described fourth embodiment, but the shock absorbing mechanism 150 is connected to the door 30. It is comprised in the hinge 52 part which connects the support rod 51. As shown in FIG.

That is, a slot 130 in which the hinge shaft 154 of the support rod 51 can move is directly formed in the door 30 or installed in the door 30 to connect the hinge 52 (not shown). And a hinge shaft 154 between the hinge shaft 154 and the door 30 to restrict the hinge shaft 154 from moving along the slot 130 before a predetermined external force F acts on the door 30. An elastic member 160 is provided.

Accordingly, the hinge shaft 154 moves along the slot 130 while supporting the door 30 or the door by applying a predetermined force F to the door 30 as in the above-described fourth embodiment. It is possible to maintain a stable support structure without supporting structure such as support rod 51 is damaged.

The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention configured and operated as described above is configured to be opened and closed while moving the door in the up and down direction, and at the same time, the laundry can be conveniently put or withdrawn in either the left or right direction of the washing machine. Even when the washing machine is installed in a narrow place, since the door is completely opened, there is an advantage that laundry can be easily introduced or withdrawn without interference by the door.

In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention, since the door window of the container structure is installed on the door, when the door is fully open and positioned in the horizontal direction, the laundry falls on the floor in the process of taking out the laundry by using the rack of the laundry There is also an advantage that can improve the user's convenience can be solved.

In particular, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention supports the door to be opened and closed while moving in the up and down direction, and also supports the door when the door is fully opened and is positioned in the horizontal direction when the external force is required. While being variable, there is an advantage that the door and the supporting structure for supporting the door are not damaged to secure a more stable supporting structure.

Claims (12)

A cabinet having an opening formed at a front thereof to allow access to laundry; A door for opening and closing the opening of the cabinet; A vertical guide mechanism connected between an upper end of the door and a cabinet to vertically move the upper end of the door vertically along the front surface of the cabinet when the door is opened and closed; It is connected between the door and the cabinet to support the lower end of the door to move in a substantially horizontal direction toward the front so that the front of the door toward the upper side when the door is opened and at the same time the external force is applied when the door is open Laundry treatment apparatus comprising a door support mechanism that acts as a buffer in the case. The method of claim 1, The door support mechanism includes a support rod rotatably connected to both ends of the cabinet and the door, and the support rod is provided with a shock absorbing mechanism for cushioning the laundry. The method of claim 2, The buffer mechanism is a laundry treatment device, characterized in that configured to vary the length of the support rod according to the external force applied to the door. The method of claim 3, wherein The support rod is composed of an inner rod constituting one side and an outer rod constituting the other side and a part of the inner rod is inserted and coupled, And the shock absorbing mechanism includes an elastic member that is supported in the outer rod and provides an elastic force to the inner rod. The method of claim 4, wherein The buffer mechanism is a laundry treatment apparatus characterized in that it comprises a rod length maintaining means for maintaining a constant length so that the two rods are not separated between the inner rod and the outer rod. The method of claim 5, wherein The rod length maintaining means is a laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that the linear member is formed to have a constant length and the both ends are fixed to the inner rod and the outer rod, respectively. The method of claim 5, wherein The rod length maintaining means is a laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that formed in such a structure that both rods are mutually caught so that the inner rod does not fall out of the outer rod. The method of claim 2, The shock absorbing mechanism is a laundry processing apparatus, characterized in that configured to perform a buffer function while the support rod is deformed when a predetermined force or more is applied to the support rod. The method of claim 2, The cabinet is provided with a hinge bracket to which the support rod is rotatably coupled, The buffer mechanism is laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that provided between the hinge bracket and the support rod. The method of claim 9, The shock absorbing mechanism is formed in the hinge bracket and the slot through which the support rod is coupled to the movable portion, and the support rod is supported until the support rod is supported by the hinge bracket or the cabinet through a predetermined force through the support rod. Laundry treatment apparatus comprising an elastic member for limiting movement through the slot. The method of claim 2, The door is provided with a hinge rotatably coupled to the support rod, The buffer mechanism is laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that provided in the hinge portion between the support rod and the door. The method of claim 11, The shock absorbing mechanism is provided on the door side to allow the hinge to be moved, and an elastic member that is supported by the door to restrict movement of the support rod through the slot before a predetermined force is applied to the door. Laundry treatment apparatus comprising a.

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