US20190032269A1 - Laundry treating appliance and method of control - Google Patents

Laundry treating appliance and method of control Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190032269A1
US20190032269A1 US15/659,066 US201715659066A US2019032269A1 US 20190032269 A1 US20190032269 A1 US 20190032269A1 US 201715659066 A US201715659066 A US 201715659066A US 2019032269 A1 US2019032269 A1 US 2019032269A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
door
laundry treating
door stop
treating appliance
venting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/659,066
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Pushkar P. Gijare
Luis E. Oseguera
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool Corp
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool Corp filed Critical Whirlpool Corp
Priority to US15/659,066 priority Critical patent/US20190032269A1/en
Priority to EP18183030.8A priority patent/EP3434821B1/de
Publication of US20190032269A1 publication Critical patent/US20190032269A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
    • D06F39/14—Doors or covers; Securing means therefor
    • D06F33/02—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F39/005—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/44—Opening, closing or locking of doors
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs

Definitions

  • laundry treating appliances such as washing machines
  • a latch/lock mechanism can be provided to hold the door closed while in operation.
  • a laundry treating appliance that has a cabinet defining an interior of the laundry treating appliance and a treating chamber located within the interior and having an access opening.
  • the laundry treating appliance has a door movably mounted to the cabinet between an open position and a venting position.
  • the door stop assembly has a door stop carried by the cabinet that is moveable between at least a venting position where the door is maintained ajar and a non-venting position where the door is in a closed position.
  • the door stop assembly can engage the door in the venting position and move the door to the closed position in response to a user input.
  • a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet that defines an interior of the laundry treating appliance.
  • the laundry treating appliance also has a treating chamber located within the interior and has an access opening.
  • a door is movably mounted to the cabinet between at least venting and closed positions to selectively vent/close the access opening.
  • a door stop assembly is carried by the cabinet and is operable between a venting position where the door is prevented from moving to the closed position and a non-venting position where the door is in the closed position.
  • a latch is located on the door. The door stop assembly is operable to engage the latch on the door and move the door from the venting position to the closed position.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the description is a method of preventing closing of an appliance door relative to a cabinet during non-operation of the appliance.
  • the method comprises the step of automatically moving a door stop assembly from a non-venting position, where the door is closed, to a venting position, where the door is prevented from moving to the closed position upon the movement of the door from the closed position to the venting position.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the description is a method of closing an appliance door relative to a cabinet during operation of the appliance.
  • the method comprises the step of receiving a user input at a controller of the appliance and in response to the received user input by the controller, activating a door stop assembly to move a door stop from an extended position, where the door is prevented from moving to a closed position to a retracted position, where the door is closed.
  • Activation of the door stop assembly causes the door stop to engage a latch on the door and causes the door to move to the closed position.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a washing machine.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic of a control system of the laundry treating appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of a door assembly with a door stop assembly in a venting position for the laundry treating appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4A is a side view of the door stop assembly of FIG. 3 in a venting position.
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the door stop assembly of FIG. 3 moving to a non-venting position.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of operating a laundry treating appliance having a door stop assembly.
  • one beneficial and advantageous feature is a door stop assembly that prevents the door of the laundry treating appliance from closing while the appliance is not operating.
  • the door stop assembly allows the door of the appliance to be moved between open and venting positions while the appliance is not in use for loading or unloading laundry.
  • the door stop assembly Upon user activation, for example, by powering on the appliance, selecting a cycle, or selecting the start button, the door stop assembly is configured to engage the door when it is in the venting position and close the door so the laundry treating appliance can run the selected wash cycle.
  • the door stop assembly Upon completion of the wash cycle, the door stop assembly automatically opens the door to the venting position, and prevents the door from closing without user activation.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry treating appliance 10 such as a washing machine.
  • the laundry treating appliance 10 can be any appliance which performs a cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal clothes washer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine.
  • the laundry treating appliance 10 can include a structural support system comprising a cabinet 12 which defines a housing within which a laundry holding system resides.
  • the cabinet 12 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame, defining an interior enclosing components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the invention.
  • the laundry treating appliance comprises a tub 14 supported within the cabinet 12 by a suitable suspension system and a drum 16 provided within the tub 14 , the drum 16 defining at least a portion of a laundry treating chamber 18 .
  • the drum 16 can include a plurality of perforations 20 such that liquid can flow between the tub 14 and the drum 16 through the perforations 20 .
  • a plurality of baffles 22 can be disposed on an inner surface of the drum 16 to lift the laundry load received in the treating chamber 18 while the drum 16 rotates. It is also within the scope of the invention for the laundry holding system to comprise only a tub with the tub defining the laundry treating chamber.
  • the laundry treating appliance 10 also includes a control system for controlling the operation of the treating appliance 10 to implement one or more cycles of operation.
  • the control system can include a controller 96 located within the cabinet 12 and a user interface 98 that is operably coupled with the controller 96 .
  • the user interface 98 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output.
  • the user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.
  • the controller 96 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the treating appliance 10 .
  • the controller 96 can include the machine controller and a motor controller.
  • Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 96 .
  • the specific type of controller is not germane to the invention.
  • the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software.
  • proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control) can be used to control the various components.
  • the laundry treating appliance 10 further includes a door 24 that can be movably mounted to the cabinet 12 between open, venting, and closed positions.
  • the door 24 In the open position, the door 24 can be opened far enough to allow a laundry to be loaded in drum.
  • the door 24 In the venting position, the door 24 can be slightly “ajar” to allow airflow into and out of the tub, and in the closed position the door seals against a bellows 26 to close the tub 14 and the drum 16 .
  • the cabinet 12 can further comprise a door stop assembly 35 having venting and non-venting positions.
  • the door stop assembly 35 prevents the door 24 from moving to the closed position.
  • the door 24 can freely move between the open position, for allowing a user to load or unload laundry items, and the venting position, where the door will be maintained in a slightly opened or ajar position.
  • the non-venting position the door is in the closed position.
  • FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic of a control system of the laundry treating appliance.
  • the controller 96 can be provided with a memory 100 and a central processing unit (CPU) 102 .
  • the memory 100 can be used for storing the control software that is executed by the CPU 102 in completing a cycle of operation using the treating appliance 10 and any additional software.
  • controller 96 can be operably coupled with one or more components of the treating appliance 10 for communicating with and controlling the operation of the component to complete a cycle of operation.
  • the controller 96 can be operably coupled with the motor 88 , the pump 74 , the dispenser 62 , the sump heater 84 , door stop assembly 35 and other components to control their operation and to implement one or more of the cycles of operation.
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of a laundry treating appliance door assembly with the door stop assembly 35 mounted on the cabinet 12 and in the venting position.
  • door 24 is hinged to cabinet 12 .
  • the cabinet 12 carries the door stop assembly 35 comprised of an actuator 204 and door stop or latch 206 .
  • the door stop assembly 35 is in the venting position. In this position, the door stop 206 is in an extended position which ensures a clearance gap 40 is maintained between the door 24 and the cabinet 12 .
  • door stop 206 engages door 24 and moves to a retracted position, thereby fully closing door 24 and sealing door 24 against cabinet 12 or bellows 26 .
  • Actuator 204 can be operably connected to the controller 96 and to door stop 206 to move the door stop 206 between the extended, venting position, and retracted, non-venting position.
  • the door stop assembly 35 including the actuator 204 can be activated by the controller 96 through programmed instructions activated by user input, or by a separate user input on the user interface.
  • the door stop assembly may be activated by a user powering-on the appliance, choosing a wash cycle, or pressing the start button.
  • the door stop assembly 35 can be activated at the end of a wash cycle or at any point during a cycle. In this way, the controller 96 automatically or through user input, can operably control activation of the door stop assembly 35 between venting and non-venting positions.
  • the clearance gap 40 maintains a sufficient gap for acting as both an inlet and outlet for exhaust of air and/or gasses. It is contemplated the clearance gap 40 , or the angle between the door 24 and the cabinet 12 or bellows 26 , will be greater than or equal to about 2 degrees. Such a gap 40 will allow airflow (A) to enter and exit the wash chamber. This solution reduces cost of the washing machine 10 by eliminating parts such as hoses, clamps, plastic housing, and other passive ventilation parts typically associates with washing machines.
  • FIG. 4A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the door and door stop assembly taken across line IV-IV in FIG. 3 . While FIG. 4 illustrates a door stop assembly 35 and a relating door latching system, it should be understood that there are many ways to implements a door latching system without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
  • the door 24 is in the venting position. In this position, typically in a power down state, the door 24 abuts door stop 206 , preventing the door 24 from being fully closed.
  • the door 24 can carry a door catch 220 and the cabinet 12 or bellows 26 can carry door stop assembly 35 comprised of an actuator 204 , door stop 206 and latch 212 .
  • door stop 206 is extended, thus preventing door 24 from moving to a closed position. As discussed, in the venting position, the door stop 206 extends an amount sufficient to block the movement of the door 24 , thus maintaining the door 24 in a venting position and preventing the door 24 from closing.
  • Actuator 204 can be connected to door stop 206 , and can be configured to move the door stop 206 between extended and retracted positions. Actuator 204 slidably or rotatably extends and retracts the door stop 206 between extended and retracted positions.
  • the mechanical actuation of actuator 204 can be achieved by any number of mechanical actuators known in the art such as by wax motor, a mechanical cam and rotator, or any similar mechanism that can be deployed or retracted for purposes of opening or maintaining a door in an open position.
  • actuator 204 maybe a manual mechanical actuator.
  • the door stop assembly 35 could also be manually activated by a user.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the door and door stop assembly of FIG. 4A except with the door stop assembly 35 starting to move from the venting position to the non-venting position.
  • the door catch 220 can operably connect to door stop 206 , such that when the door stop assembly 35 is activated either automatically or via user input, the door stop 206 engages door catch 220 and causes the door 24 to move to a closed position without intervention by the user. Once in the closed, non-venting position, door laundry treating appliance 10 can be operated.
  • the actuator 204 can move or slidably retract the door stop 206 into its retracted position without engaging the door.
  • the retracted position of the door stop 206 is such that it does not extend beyond the length of the catch 220 and allows catch 220 to engage with and catch the latch 212 if a user manually closes the door.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a door stop assembly 35 being carried on the cabinet 12 or bellows 26
  • the door stop assembly 35 could be located on the door 24 instead.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B show that the door 24 carries a catch 220 and the cabinet 12 or bellows 26 carries a latch 212 , it is feasible for the door 24 and the cabinet 12 carry opposite elements, or for other closing and latching elements to be provided, without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method of the steps of operating a laundry treating appliance having a door stop assembly.
  • the door can be in either the venting or open position, illustrated as step 110 .
  • the user can load laundry into the washing machine, shown as step 112 . If the door is in the open position, the user can load laundry 112 into the washing machine. If the door is in the venting position, the user can open the door and load laundry 112 into the washing machine. After laundry is loaded 112 into the washing machine, the user can move the door to the venting position, shown as step 114 . In this position, the door stop is fully extended, thus preventing the door from being pushed completely closed to a non-venting position by the user.
  • the user can power on the washing machine, shown as step 116 .
  • the user can select the desired wash cycle and any other modifications desired to a specific wash cycle.
  • the user can press the “Start” button, shown as step 118 to begin operation of the washing machine.
  • the controller of the washing machine causes the door stop to retract.
  • the door stop engages the door catch and pulls the door completely closed 54 to the non-venting position, shown as step 120 .
  • the controller locks the door in the closed position, and the wash cycle begins.
  • the controller of the washing machine unlocks the door and causes the door stop to extend.
  • the door stop pushes the door until it is open to the vent position, shown as step 132 .
  • the user can open the door and unload laundry from the washing, shown as step 134 .
  • the laundry is unloaded, the can move the door back to the venting position, shown as step 136 .
  • the user cannot fully close the door as the door stop prevents the door from closing to the non-venting position.
  • door stop assembly can be applied to any number of appliances, including washer-dryer combos, horizontal and vertical axis washers, horizontal and vertical axis dryers, refrigerators and other appliances without limiting the scope of disclosure.
US15/659,066 2017-07-25 2017-07-25 Laundry treating appliance and method of control Abandoned US20190032269A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/659,066 US20190032269A1 (en) 2017-07-25 2017-07-25 Laundry treating appliance and method of control
EP18183030.8A EP3434821B1 (de) 2017-07-25 2018-07-11 Wäschebehandlungsgerät

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/659,066 US20190032269A1 (en) 2017-07-25 2017-07-25 Laundry treating appliance and method of control

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US20190032269A1 true US20190032269A1 (en) 2019-01-31

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US15/659,066 Abandoned US20190032269A1 (en) 2017-07-25 2017-07-25 Laundry treating appliance and method of control

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EP (1) EP3434821B1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112127105A (zh) * 2019-06-25 2020-12-25 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种滚筒洗衣机
US11319661B1 (en) 2020-12-22 2022-05-03 Whirlpool Corporation Ventilation solution for closed-loop dryer systems
US11536070B2 (en) 2020-06-04 2022-12-27 Whirlpool Corporation Dish treating appliance with a door opener

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111560755B (zh) * 2019-02-14 2022-05-06 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 一种洗衣机机门

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040163684A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-08-26 Hapke Kenyon A. Automatic door for dishwasher
US20060283482A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Erik Berends Dishwasher having a flushing container with a lockable door and method for performing a dishwashing program in such dishwasher
US20110062839A1 (en) * 2009-09-14 2011-03-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus

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KR100600762B1 (ko) * 2004-10-22 2006-07-18 엘지전자 주식회사 상하 자동 개폐식 도어를 갖는 드럼 세탁기
KR100675804B1 (ko) * 2005-05-18 2007-02-02 삼성전자주식회사 세탁기의 도어
CN102720042A (zh) * 2012-06-29 2012-10-10 昆山富泰科电脑有限公司 洗衣机上盖自动打开机构
US9466439B2 (en) * 2013-06-26 2016-10-11 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance and method of operation for a laundry treating appliance

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040163684A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-08-26 Hapke Kenyon A. Automatic door for dishwasher
US20060283482A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Erik Berends Dishwasher having a flushing container with a lockable door and method for performing a dishwashing program in such dishwasher
US20110062839A1 (en) * 2009-09-14 2011-03-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112127105A (zh) * 2019-06-25 2020-12-25 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种滚筒洗衣机
US11536070B2 (en) 2020-06-04 2022-12-27 Whirlpool Corporation Dish treating appliance with a door opener
US11319661B1 (en) 2020-12-22 2022-05-03 Whirlpool Corporation Ventilation solution for closed-loop dryer systems
US11686040B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-06-27 Whirlpool Corporation Ventilation solution for closed-loop dryer systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3434821A1 (de) 2019-01-30
EP3434821B1 (de) 2020-03-25

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