NL1038913C2

NL1038913C2 - A machine for treating laundry, a door assembly for a machine for treating laundry and a kit of parts for a machine for treating laundry.

Info

Publication number: NL1038913C2
Application number: NL1038913A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Vladimir Vonka
Original assignee: Vladimir Vonka
Priority date: 2011-07-01
Filing date: 2011-07-01
Publication date: 2013-01-07
Also published as: EP2540899A1

Description

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A MACHINE FOR TREATING LAUNDRY, A DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A MACHINE FOR TREATING LAUNDRY AND A KIT OF PARTS 5 FOR A MACHINE FOR TREATING LAUNDRY

The present invention relates to a machine for treating laundry, a door assembly for a machine for treating laundry and a kit of parts for a machine for treating laundry.

A machine for treating laundry may be, for example, a washing machine, a 10 centrifuge or a dryer. Some types of machines for treating laundry combine some of these functionalities. The machine may comprise a cabinet having an outside wall, the outside wall having an opening for introduction of laundry into the machine, a door for closing the introduction opening, and a lock for locking the door. A rotatable drum is usually positioned inside the cabinet, and is designed for receiving and working the laundry. The 15 laundry is treated during the drum’s action of tumbling and/or spinning.

Safety aspects of the machines for treating laundry have been considered already for a long period of time, in particular in respect of the safety for children. A child may become injured and even die as a result of contact with the interior of the machine when in operation. When not in operation, a child may climb into the machine. Frequently the 20 door can lock automatically so that the child may become hidden and locked-up in the machine. The child may become injured or the child may even die when the machine is then started. However, also without the machine being started, the situation may be harmful to the child, as it has been reported that children suffocated when trapped in a machine for treating laundry.

25 US-A-3803725 discloses a starting switch effecting that the machine can operate only when the door is closed. GB-A-2317002, KR-A-20050019474 (English language abstract), KR-A- 20100046950 (English language abstract) and DE-C-4304086 disclose a door having a lock which can be opened from the interior. However, this would require an action from a child to free itself from its lock-up position. GB-A-2293610 discloses a 30 plastic disc for covering the window of a washing machine to prevent a child climbing up on top of the machine. None of these references address the danger that children may suffocate in a machine for treating laundry.

The present invention provides a machine for treating laundry which machine comprises 1038913 2 - a cabinet having an outside wall, the outside wall having an opening for introduction of laundry into the machine, - a door for closing the introduction opening, - a lock for locking the door, and 5 - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door 10 from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

The invention also provides a door assembly for a machine for treating laundry, which door assembly comprises - a door for closing an introduction opening of the machine, 15 - a lock for locking the door, and - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and 20 (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

The invention also provides a kit of parts for a machine for treating laundry, which kit of parts comprises 25 - a door for closing an introduction opening of the machine, - a lock for locking the door, and - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition 30 (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

3

The safety device of this invention is effective in eliminating the possibility that children suffocate in a machine for treating laundry. It is surprising that no earlier an effective solution for this pressing and long-lasting problem has been proposed. As it will become apparent from the description hereinafter, the safety device of this invention is a 5 simple device and easy to implement in the design of a machine for treating laundry.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the machine in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of a detail of an embodiment of the machine in accordance with this invention, in particular the safety device, in a position that the door 10 is almost closed and the door is unlocked.

FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of the safety device shown in FIG. 2, but in a position that the door is closed and locked.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of a detail of an embodiment of the machine in accordance with this invention, in particular the safety device, in a position that the door 15 is almost closed and the door is unlocked.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the safety device shown in FIG. 4, but in a position that the door is closed.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of a detail of a preferred embodiment of the safety device shown in FIG. 4, in a position that the door is closed and locked.

20 FIG. 7 provides a schematic of a portion of the electrical circuit of an embodiment of the machine in accordance with this invention.

The machine in accordance with this invention may typically be a washing machine, a centrifuge or a dryer, or it may be a machine which combines some of these functionalities. For example, it may be a washing machine, which also incorporates the 25 capability of centrifuging laundry and optionally also drying. Such machines, per se, are known in the art, for example, from the references cited hereinbefore.

The machine comprises a cabinet having an outside wall, the outside wall having an opening for introduction of laundry into the machine, a door for closing the introduction opening, and a lock for locking the door. A skilled person will appreciate that in general 30 the machine additionally comprises additional components and parts, such as movable parts for working the laundry, an electric motor for driving such movable parts, an electric power supply unit, programming equipment, control knobs, electric heating equipment, a support, such as legs and/or wheels, and utility connections for, for example, electricity, water supply, waste water discharge, ambient air supply and waste air discharge, 4 depending of the functionality of the machine. As a matter of definition, the bottom side of the machine is the side which is intended to have contact with a supporting floor by means of the support; the top side is the side opposite to the bottom side; the back side is the side which during use of the machine is intended to be positioned adjacent to a wall; and the 5 front side is the side opposite to the back side. A skilled person will immediately recognise the back side of the machine as the backside locates most, if not all, of the utility connections and the back side is less well finished than the other sides of the machine, except the bottom side.

The introduction opening may be located in the top side of the machine (a so-called 10 top loading machine), or in the front side of the machine (a so-called front loading machine). The moving parts of the machine which work the laundry may be a drum, usually having perforations, or a propeller shaped agitator. A drum is preferred, but when the machine is a top loading washing machine the propeller shaped agitator is preferred.

The door for closing the introduction opening may have a hinge connecting the door 15 to the cabinet. The hinge allows the door to be opened, typically in a direction away from the cabinet, and closed. The door may have a window which permits viewing the laundry during operation of the machine. The lock may comprise components located in the door, preferably located at the end of the door opposite to the hinge. The cabinet may comprise components capable of receiving components of the lock when the door is locked and to 20 the effect that the door becomes locked.

The safety device in accordance with this invention is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine. In activated condition the safety device permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition the safety device prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door. The 25 person’s action may comprise acting upon an input device located on the exterior of the machine. The input device may be, for example, a knob, a button, a lever, a microphone or a key together with a device for receiving the key. Such key may be separate from the machine, whereas the device for receiving the key may be located on the exterior of the machine. The person’s action may be, for example, pushing, pulling, squeezing, speaking, 30 touching, or introducing and/or turning a key. Preferably, the person’s action is pushing or pulling a knob, pushing or pulling a lever, touching a soft button, or introducing a key into the device for receiving the key and/or turning the key in the device for receiving the key.

The input device may be adapted to communicate with an action device. The action device may be, for example, a rod, a bolt, a solenoid magnet, or a plate, such as a disc or a 5 segment of a disc. The action device may be movable relative to the portion of the machine to which it is attached. Such communication may be, for example, mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical. The action device may be adapted to act upon one or more components of the lock or interact otherwise with the lock, permitting the lock to 5 lock the unlocked door (activated condition), or preventing the lock to lock the unlocked door (non-activated condition). The action or interaction of the action device preventing the lock to lock the door may be concurrently with the person’s action and during the person’s action. The action device may be adapted such that at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the action device prevents the lock to lock the 10 door, so that a child hidden in the machine will not be trapped in the machine. The safety device is adapted such that at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the safety device prevents the door to be closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine. In preferred embodiments, the action device may be adapted such that at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is 15 unlocked, the action device prevents the door to be closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

In preferred embodiments components of the safety device may be integrated with the lock or components of the lock.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the 20 Figures. The same parts or components will be given the same reference symbols throughout the Figures.

FIG. 1 shows machine 10 in accordance with this invention comprising cabinet 12, outside wall 14, opening 16 for introduction of laundry into the machine, door 18 for closing introduction opening 16, and lock 20 for locking door 18. Lock 20 may be 25 operated by means of hand hold 21 (not visible in FIG. 1). Machine 10 may have a perforated drum 22, window 24 and control knobs 25. Hinge 26 may connect door 18 to cabinet 12. As drawn, machine 10 is a front loading machine. Machine 10 may be supported by legs 28. Machine 10 comprises a safety device comprising an action device (not visible) and input device 32 which can communicate with the action device. Machine 30 10 may be a washing machine, in which case machine 10 may comprise a detergent loading device 34.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show details of a machine in accordance with this invention, in particular a cross-section in a plane parallel with the topside of the machine, showing door 18 in the vicinity of lock 20 (FIG. 1), and cabinet 12 in the vicinity of opening 16. Door 6 18 may comprise window 24. Lock 20 comprises rod 40 positioned in hole 41 in door 18.

Rod 40 can rotate around axis 42, to the extent as determined by stoppers 44 and 46 attached to door 18. Axis 42 is fixed in the body of door 18. In its rest position rod 40 rests against stopper 44, forced by the elastic force of a spring, for example a torsion spring 5 (not drawn) located around axis 42. Notch 48 in rod 40 has a flat surface 50 perpendicular to the axial direction of rod 40 and facing towards axis 42. At one end, rod 40 has a flat surface 52 perpendicular to the axial direction of rod 40. At the opposite end, rod 40 is attached to, or integrated in, hand hold 21. Disc 54 attached to the inside of cabinet 12 has hole 56. Hole 58 in cabinet 12 overlaps entirely with hole 56.

10 FIG. 2 shows door 18 in a position of having almost been closed and being unlocked.

Disc 54 is positioned such that, in the position of door 18 shown in FIG. 2, rod 40 encounters disc 54. Disc 54 and rod 40 prevent door 18 to close entirely and they prevent lock 20 to lock door 18 (non-activated condition). In the position shown a person’s action may be to pull hand hold 21 in the direction of arrow A against the elastic force of the 15 torsion spring. The position of disc 54 is also such that, while pulling, surface 52 can face hole 56 in disc 54 (activated condition). Then, door 18 may be pushed from the outside so that the end of rod 40 passes hole 56 and the door can be closed entirely. In this position hand hold 21 may be released so that door will become locked, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows door 18 in a position of having been closed and locked. Notch 48 has 20 received the inner side of disc 54. In locked position, elastic band 57 may provide a water tide seal. In the position shown in FIG. 2, there is space 59 between elastic band 57 and cabinet 12, leaving a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine so that venting of air can prevent a child hidden in the machine from suffocating.

FIGS. 4,5 and 6 show details of a machine in accordance with this invention,- in 25 particular a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the front side of the machine, showing action device 60, door 18 and cabinet 12. Action device 60 may be located at door 18 in the vicinity of lock 20 (FIG. 1). Action device 60 comprises rod 62 attached to door 18.

Rod 62 can pass through hole 64 in cabinet 12 and hole 64 is located such that it can receive rod 62. Action device 60 also comprises rod shaped stopper 63. Stopper 63 is 30 slidably mounted in guide 66 which allows movement of stopper 63 in its axial direction.

Guide 66 is attached to cabinet 12. In the position shown in FIG. 4 rod 62 encounters stopper 63, preventing door 18 to close entirely and lock 20 (FIG. 1) to lock door 18 (non-activated condition). Rod 62 is inserted in hole 64 and rests against stopper 63. The length of rod 62 is such that the position of door 18 prevents a lock (not drawn) to lock door 18.

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Stopper 63 may move into the direction of arrow B by the action of, for example, a solenoid magnet (not drawn), a lever (not drawn) or a Bowden cable (not drawn) against the elastic force of an extension spring (not drawn). The solenoid magnet, the lever or the Bowden cable communicate with an input device as described hereinbefore (not drawn), to 5 the effect that the person’s action causes stopper 63 to move into the direction of arrow B and to be held in that position during the person’s action, the movement of stopper 63 being sufficient to allow rod 62 to pass stopper 63, so that door 18 can be closed and lock 20 (FIG. 1) can lock door 18 (activated condition).

FIG. 4 shows door 18 in a position of having almost been closed and being unlocked. 10 Movement of stopper 63 in the direction of arrow B allows door 18 to be closed. FIG. 5 shows door 18 in a position of having been closed. In the absence of the person’s action, the elastic force of the extension spring brings stopper 63 in a position that it rests against rod 62. In the position shown in FIG. 5 the lock is no longer prevented from locking door 18. When door 18 is locked, an elastic band (not drawn) provides a water tide seal 15 between door 18 and cabinet 12. In the position shown in FIG. 4, there is a space between the elastic band and cabinet 12, leaving a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine so that venting of air can prevent a child hidden in the machine from suffocating.

In a more preferred embodiment of the safety device of FIG. 4, shown in FIG. 6, rod 62 has hole 67 which is capable of receiving stopper 63. In closed position, as shown in 20 FIG. 6, and in the absence of the person’s action, the elastic force of the extension spring causes stopper 63 to slide into hole 67 of rod 62, causing door 18 to be locked. The person’s action can unlock door 18 again by causing stopper 63 to move into the direction of arrow B (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the action device is integrated with the lock.

FIG. 7 shows portion 70 of an electric circuit of an embodiment of the machine of 25 this invention. An electric power supply (not drawn) is connected to connecting points 72. Portion 70 further comprises push-button 74 and solenoid magnet 76. Solenoid magnet 76 communicates mechanically with, for example, stopper 63 shown in FIGS 4, 5 and 6, to the effect that, when pushed during the person’s action, push-button 74 closes the circuit and solenoid magnet 76 causes stopper 63 to move in the direction of arrow B (FIG. 4) 30 (activated condition).

The following summarises embodiments of the invention: 1. A machine for treating laundry which machine comprises - a cabinet having an outside wall, the outside wall having an opening for introduction of laundry into the machine, 8 - a door for closing the introduction opening, - a lock for locking the door, and - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition 5 permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

10 2. The machine of embodiment 1, wherein the safety device comprises an input device and an action device, and wherein the input device is adapted to communicate mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically with the action device.

3. The machine of embodiment 2, wherein the input device is a knob, a button, a lever, a microphone, or a key and a device for receiving the key, and the person’s action 15 comprises pushing, pulling, squeezing, speaking, touching, or introducing and/or turning a key.

4. The machine of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the action device is a rod, a bolt, a solenoid magnet, or a plate, for example a disc or a segment of a disc.

5. The machine of any of embodiments 2-4, wherein the action device is adapted to 20 act upon one or more components of the lock.

6. The machine of any of embodiments 2-5, of which machine the action device is adapted to prevent the door to be closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine, at times that there is no person’s action and the door is unlocked.

25 7. The machine of any of embodiments 1-6, which machine is a washing machine, a centrifuge or a dryer, or combines at least two of the functionalities of a washing machine, a centrifuge or a dryer.

8. A kit of parts for a machine for treating laundry, which kit of parts comprises - a door for closing an introduction opening of the machine, 30 - a lock for locking the door, and - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and 9 (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

9. The kit of parts of embodiment 8, wherein the safety device comprises an input 5 device and an action device, and wherein the input device is adapted to communicate mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically with the action device.

10. The kit of parts of embodiment 9, wherein the input device is a knob, a button, a lever, a microphone, or a key and a device for receiving the key, and the person’s action comprises pushing, pulling, squeezing, speaking, touching, or introducing and/or turning a 10 key.

11. The kit of parts of embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the action device is a rod, a bolt, a solenoid magnet, or a plate, for example a disc or a segment of a disc.

12. The kit of parts of any of embodiments 9-11, wherein the action device is adapted to act upon one or more components of the lock.

15 13. The kit of parts of any of embodiments 9-12, of which kit of parts the action device is adapted to prevent the door to be closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine, at times that there is no person’s action and the door is unlocked.

14. The kit of parts of any of embodiments 8-13, wherein the machine is a washing 20 machine, a centrifuge or a dryer, or combines at least two of the functionalities of a washing machine, a centrifuge or a dryer.

15. A door assembly for a machine for treating laundry, which door assembly comprises - a door for closing an introduction opening of the machine, 25 - a lock for locking the door, and - a safety device which is adapted to be activated as a result of, and concurrently with, a person’s action outside of the machine, and which safety device in activated condition permits the lock to lock the unlocked door and in non-activated condition (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and 30 (2) prevents at times that there is no person’s action, and the door is unlocked, the door from being closed entirely, leaving at least a gap between the interior and the exterior of the machine.

1038913

Claims

1. A washing treatment machine, which machine is provided with - a cupboard having an outer wall, with an opening in the outer wall for introducing laundry into the machine, - a door serving to close the opening, - a lock which serves to close the door, and 10. a safety device, which safety device is arranged to be activated as a result of, and simultaneously with, an action performed outside the machine by a person, and which safety device in the activated state allows the lock to close the unlocked door and in the non-activated state prevents (1) the lock from locking the unlocked door, and 15 (2) at times when there is no action by a person and the door it is not closed that the door can be closed completely so that at least one gap is maintained between the inside and the outside of the machine.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the safety feature is provided with an input device and an action device, and wherein the input device is adapted to communicate mechanically, electrically or electromechanically with the action device.

A machine according to claim 2, wherein the input device is a button, a push button, a lever, a microphone or a key and a device in which the key fits, and the action by a person pressing, pulling, pinching, speaking, touching or 25 includes inserting and / or turning a key.

A machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the handling device is a rod, a bolt, an electromagnet or a plate, for example a disc or a segment of a disc.

5. A machine according to one or more of the claims 2-4, wherein the handling device is adapted to act on one or more components of the lock.

A machine as claimed in one or more of claims 2-5, of which machine the handling device is arranged to prevent the door from being completely closed, such that at least one space is maintained between the inside and the outside of the 1038913 machine , at times when there is no action by a person and the door is not locked.

7. A machine according to one or more of the claims 1-6, which machine is a washing machine, a centrifuge or a clothes dryer, or combines at least two of the functions of a washing machine, a centrifuge and a clothes dryer.

8. A package of parts for a machine for handling laundry, which package contains parts - a door that serves to close an opening that serves to enter laundry into the machine, 10. a lock that serves to close off the door, and - a safety device, which safety device is arranged to be activated as a result of, and simultaneously with, an operation performed outside the machine by a person, and which safety device in the activated state allows the lock to open the non-locked door shut-off and in the non-activated state 15 (1) prevents the lock from locking the unlocked door, and (2) at times when there is no action by a person and the door is not locked, the door can be completely closed so that at least one gap is maintained between the inside and the outside of the machine.

9. A package of parts according to claim 8, wherein the safety feature is provided with an input device and an action device, and wherein the input device is adapted to communicate mechanically, electrically or electromechanically with the action device.

10. A package of parts according to claim 9, wherein the input device is a button, a push button, a lever, a microphone or a key and a device in which the key fits, and the action by a person pressing, pulling, pinching, speaking, touch or insert a key and / or turn.

A package of parts according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the handling device is a rod, a bolt, an electromagnet or a plate, for example a disc or a segment of a disc.

A package of parts according to one or more of claims 9-11, wherein the handling device is adapted to act on one or more components of the lock.

A package of parts according to one or more of the claims 9-12, of which package of parts the handling device is adapted to prevent the door from being completely closed, such that at least one space between the inside and the outside of the machine is maintained at times when there is no action by a person and the door is not locked.

A package of parts according to one or more of claims 8-13, wherein the machine is a washing machine, a centrifuge or a clothes dryer, or combines at least two of the functions of a washing machine, a centrifuge and a clothes dryer.

15. A composite door element for a washing machine, which door element is provided with - a door that serves to close an opening that serves to introduce laundry into the machine, 10. a lock that serves to close of the door, and - a safety device, which safety device is arranged to be activated as a result of, and simultaneously with, an operation performed outside the machine by a person, and which safety device in the activated state allows the lock to close the non-locked door can close and in the non-activated state prevents (1) the lock from closing the unlocked door, and (2) at times when there is no action by a person and the door is not locked, the door is completely closed can be maintained so that at least one gap is maintained between the inside and the outside of the machine. 1038913-