BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is related to a laundry processing apparatus which has a door
for closing and opening an opening to take laundry in and out.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Laundry processing apparatuses such as washing machines, laundry dryers, and washing
and drying machines which subject laundry to predetermined processes (washing, dewatering,
rinsing, and drying processes) typically have a housing and a processing tub (a washing
tub, a dewatering tub, or a drying tub) stored in the housing. The processing tub
is rotated to perform the predetermined processes such as washing, rinsing, dewatering
and drying processes. An opening for taking laundry in and out the processing tub
is formed on the housing.
[0003] Document
WO 2007/110441 A1 relates to a houshold appliance that comprises a door locked by a lock.
[0004] A washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2000-279679 or Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2009-95529 have a door attached to a housing so as to rotate between a closing position where
an opening is closed and an opening position where the opening is opened. When the
door is at the opening position, laundry may be taken in and out a washing tub. The
door at the closing position isolates a user from the washing tub during rotation
of the washing tub and prevents the laundry from bouncing out the housing.
[0005] The washing machine disclosed in these patent documents has a lock mechanism configured
to lock the door at the closing position. The lock mechanism prevents the door from
accidentally rotating from the closing position to the opening position.
[0006] After unlocking the lock mechanism, a user may hold a handle attached to the outer
surface of the door and turn the door from the closing position to the opening position.
[0007] The door of each washing machine is sensitive to a wrong operation by the user. As
the wrong operation, it may be exemplified that the user attempts to turn the door
to the opening position without unlocking the lock mechanism. In this case, relatively
high local stress is caused in a connection between the handle attached to the outer
surface of the door and the door, which results in damage to the handle and/or the
door.
[0008] The aforementioned drawbacks on the damage to the handle and/or the door are also
in common with laundry processing apparatuses such as laundry dryers, and washing
and drying machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry processing apparatus which
has an attachment structure of a handle to suitably prevent damage to the handle and/or
a door.
[0010] A laundry processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has:
a housing in which an opening for taking laundry in and out is formed; a door configured
to rotate between a closing position where the door closes the opening and an opening
position where the door opens the opening; and a handle used for rotating the door
between the closing position and the opening position, wherein the handle includes
a first piece pivotally supported by the door and a second piece protruding from the
first piece and exposed outside the housing when the door is at the closing position,
the door includes a restricting surface facing the housing when the door is at the
closing position and restricting an angular motion of the first piece, and the first
piece is positioned between the housing and the restricting surface when the door
is at the closing position, and the first piece abuts the restricting surface when
the door is rotated from the closing position to the opening position to restrict
an angular motion of the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing and drying machine according to
one embodiment of a laundry processing apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing and drying machine shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a door of the washing and drying machine
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the exploded door shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an inner perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an attachment ring of the door shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the attachment ring of the door shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the door around a handle
of the door shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the door around the handle shown
in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the door around the handle shown
in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a positional relationship between the handle shown
in FIG. 9 and a lock mechanism;
FIG. 13A-13C are schematic cross-sectional views of a lock control unit which forms
a lock hole on the housing of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a detector of the
washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart schematically showing operations of the detector shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 16 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view around a connection between the
door and the housing of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view around the connection between
the door and the housing of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a exploded left-hand door.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The laundry processing apparatus according to one embodiment is described hereinafter
with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that directional terms such as
"upper/above," "lower/below," "left" and "right" hereinafter is to merely clarify
the descriptions and not to limit the methodologies of the laundry processing apparatus
in any way.
(Configuration of Laundry Processing Apparatus)
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing and drying machine exemplified as the laundry
processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a front view of the washing and drying machine shown
in FIG. 1. In the following descriptions, the washing and drying machine is exemplified
as the laundry processing apparatus. However the laundry processing apparatus may
be a washing machine without a drying function or a laundry dryer without a washing
function. It should be noted that the term "washing and drying machine" means an apparatus
which has both the washing function and the drying function.
[0014] A washing and drying machine 100 has a housing 200 and a door 300. The rectangular-boxed
housing 200 includes an upright front wall 210, a back wall 220 opposite to the front
wall 210, left and right walls 230, 240 which stand upright between the front and
back walls 210, 220, a top wall 250 which forms the upper surface of the housing 200,
and a bottom wall 260 which forms a bottom surface of the housing 200.
[0015] The front wall 210 includes a lower wall 211 disposed on a lower portion of the washing
and drying machine 100, a main wall 212 disposed above the lower wall 211, and an
upper wall 213 disposed above the main wall 212. The main and upper walls 212, 213
are upwardly curved and inclined toward the back wall 220. In the present embodiment,
the outer surface of the main wall 212 is exemplified as the first surface. The outer
surface of the back wall 220 is exemplified as the second surface.
[0016] The main wall 212 includes an annular concave surface 214 which forms a concave area
complementary to a substantially disc-shaped door 300. The concave surface 214 surrounds
an opening 215 formed on substantially the center of the main wall 212. The opening
215 is communicated with a washing and drying tub (described later) stored in the
housing 200. A user may take laundry (clothes and alike) in and out the housing 200
through the opening 215. In the present embodiment, the washing and drying tub is
exemplified as the processing tub. If the laundry processing apparatus is a washing
machine without a drying function, a washing tub configured to perform wash, rinsing
and/or dewatering processes may be used as the processing tub. If the laundry processing
apparatus is a laundry dryer without a washing function, a drying tub configured to
agitate the laundry to facilitate drying thereof may be used as the processing tub.
[0017] The washing and drying machine 100 has a hinge structure 400 configured to pivotally
connect the door 300 to the housing 200. The hinge structure 400 allows the door 300
to rotate between a closing position where the door 300 closes the opening 215 and
an opening position where the door 300 opens the opening 215. The door 300 rotated
to the closing position is stored in the concave area surrounded by the concave surface
214. It should be noted that the door 300 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are positioned at
the opening position.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing and drying machine 100
with the door 300 at the closing position. The entire structure of the washing and
drying machine 100 is further described using FIGS. 1 to 3. It should be noted that
other structures than the internal structure of the housing 200 shown in FIG. 3 may
be applied to the laundry processing apparatus.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the washing and drying tub 110 is disposed in the housing 200.
The washing and drying tub 110 includes a one-end bottomed cylindrical water tub 111
which is supported in the housing 200 and allowed to be rolling, and a one-end bottomed
cylindrical rotary drum 112 which is rotatably supported in the water tub 111. A motor
113 configured to rotate the rotary drum 112 is also disposed in the housing 200.
The motor 113 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the water tub 111.
An opening of the water tub 111 is formed by a substantially cylindrical tubular port
114 which projects toward the door 300 at the closing position. A substantially cylindrical
seal member 115 is fitted into the tubular port 114.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door 300 includes a one-end bottomed transparent window
310 which is in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal cone, and a substantially
disc-shaped support frame 320 configured to support the window 310. As shown in FIG.
3, when the door 300 is situated at the closing position, the window 310 is inserted
into the opening 215 formed on the housing 200 to push the seal member 115 attached
to the water tub 111. Accordingly, a watertight seal structure is formed between the
water tub 111 and the window 310. A user may observe laundry in the washing and drying
tub 110 through the transparent window 310 while the door 300 is at the closing position.
It should be noted that a surface of the door 300 which faces the opening 215 and/or
the concave surface 214 when the door 300 is at the closing position is referred to
as "inner surface 313".
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, a drain port 116 configured to drain washing liquid and an inflow
port 117 into which the washing liquid flows are formed on the water tub 111. The
washing liquid used for washing the laundry is circulated between the drain port 116
and the inflow port 117.
[0022] The housing 200 further stores a water supply system 120 configured to supply water
into the water tub 111, a drainage system 130 configured to drain or circulate the
washing liquid in the water tub 111, and a drying system 140 configured to send hot
air to the washing and drying tub 110 to dry laundry. It should be noted that the
drying system 140 is not required if the laundry processing apparatus is a washing
machine without a drying function. Also, the water supply system 120 or the drainage
system 130 may not be used if the laundry processing apparatus is a laundry dryer
without a washing function.
[0023] The drying system 140 includes a circulation pipeline 142 which has one end connected
to an exhaust port 141 of the water tub 111 and a vent for sending drying air from
the bottom of the water tub 111, and a blower 143 disposed in the circulation pipeline
142 and allowing the air to flow in the circulation pipeline 142. Optionally, the
drying system 140 may also include a filter for recovering lint to remove dust, a
dehumidifier configured to dehumidify the air introduced after the dust removal, and
a heater configured to heat the air after the dust removal to generate the dry and
hot air.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing and drying machine 100 has an operation panel
500 disposed on the upper wall 213. The operation panel 500 allows a user to select
a mode of an operation course or various other functions of the washing and drying
machine 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 500 includes a control circuit
510. The control circuit 510 displays information input by the user on a display of
the operation panel 500. If a start of an operation of the washing and drying machine
100 is set by the operation panel 500, for example, detection signals are received
from a liquid level sensor, which detects a liquid level of the water tub 111, an
optical sensor 131, which is used as a turbidity sensor for detecting turbidity of
the washing liquid, as well as from an electrode sensor 132, which is used as an electrical
conductive sensor for detecting the electrical conductivity of the washing liquid.
Based on these detection signals, devices such as a solenoid valve included in the
water supply system 120 and a drain valve 133 included in the drainage system 130
are controlled. The motor 113, the water supply system 120, the drainage system 130
and the drying system 140 are automatically controlled by the control circuit 510
in accordance with the mode setting or a control program, so that the washing, rinsing,
dewatering and drying processes may be executed.
[0025] As schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing and drying machine 100 has a
lock mechanism 600 configured to lock the door 300 at the closing position. The control
circuit 510 is used as a control element configured to control a lock control unit
(described later), which locks the door at the closing position in cooperation with
the lock mechanism 600.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply system 120 includes a water supply pipeline
121 connected to the water tub 111, and a detergent storage 122 configured to store
detergent. As shown in FIG. 1, a cover 251 configured to close the detergent storage
122 is attached to the top wall 250 of the housing 200.
[0027] The water supply system 120 shown in FIG. 3 may supply water to the water tub 111
via the water supply pipeline 121 at appropriate timings by means of opening/closing
operations of the solenoid valve (see the solid arrows in FIG. 3). In addition, the
washing and drying machine 100 may introduce, into the water tub 111 at appropriate
timings, the detergent stored in the detergent storage 122, which partially crosses
the water supply pipeline 121, using water supplied by the water supply system 120.
[0028] The drainage system 130 includes a first pipeline 134 which has one end connected
to the drain port 116 of the water tub 111, a drainage control unit 135 which is connected
to the other end of the first pipeline 134 to receive the washing liquid from the
water tub 111, and a second pipeline 137 which extends between a circulation pump
136 of the drainage control unit 135 and the water tub 111. The circulation pump 136
is fixed to a board 138 disposed in the housing 200. One end of the second pipeline
137 is connected to an ejection port of the circulation pump 136 while the other end
of the second pipeline 137 is connected to the inflow port 117 of the water tub 111.
The water tub 111, the first pipeline 134, the drainage control unit 135 and the second
pipeline 137 form a circulation path for the washing liquid. The circulation pump
136 allows the washing liquid to flow and circulate from the drain port 116 toward
the inflow port 117 in the circulation path.
[0029] In addition to the circulation pump 136, the drainage control unit 135 includes the
optical sensor 131 which is used as a turbidity sensor for detecting turbidity of
the washing liquid, the electrode sensor 132 which is used as an electrical conductive
sensor for detecting the electrical conductivity of the washing liquid, a drainage
pipeline 139 for draining the washing liquid to the outside, the drain valve 133 which
is disposed in the middle of the drainage pipeline 139 and opens/closes the drainage
pipeline 139, and a filter 191 which recovers lint (yarn wastes and alike) contained
in the washing liquid flowing from the first pipeline 134.
[0030] The drain valve 133 opens as appropriate, for example, at the end of the washing
or rinsing process. Consequently, washing water flowing from the first pipeline 134
into the drainage control unit 135 is subjected to a lint removal process by the filter
191, and then discharged to the outside.
[0031] If the drain valve 133 is closed and the circulation pump 136 is activated, the washing
liquid in the water tub 111 flows into the drainage control unit 135 via the first
pipeline 134. Thereafter, the washing liquid passes through the filter 191 in the
drainage control unit 135, and is subjected to impurity removal. After passing through
the filter 191, the washing liquid flows into the circulation pump 136 through a suction
pipeline 192 connected to a suction port of the circulation pump 136, and then is
returned to the water tub 111 through the second pipeline 137 connected to the ejection
port of the circulation pump 136. The washing and rinsing processes are effectively
performed by repeatedly carrying out this circulation of the washing liquid as appropriate
during the washing or rinsing process.
[0032] The circulation pump 136 may vary in rotational speed. In the case of higher rotational
speed of the circulation pump 136 (e.g., 3500 rpm), the washing liquid which flows
into the inflow port 117 of the water tub 111 moves along a trajectory toward the
rotary drum 112 (see the arrow Fi in FIG. 3). On the other hand, in the case of lower
rotational speed of the circulation pump 136 (e.g., 1000 rpm), the washing liquid
which flows into the inflow port 117 of the water tub 111 moves toward a space between
the rotary drum 112 and the water tub 111 (see the arrow Fo in FIG. 3).
[0033] For example, the circulation pump 136 is rotated at lower speed at the beginning
of at least one of the washing and rinsing processes, so that it becomes less likely
that unresolved detergent remaining after the washing process or highly concentrated
softener immediately after its introduction into the washing tub 111 spreads over
the laundry in the rotary drum 112.
[0034] The washing liquid flowing into the space between the rotary drum 112 and the water
tub 111 is drained from the drain port 116 to the drainage system 130, and again returns
to the inflow port 117 of the water tub 111 (a water tub circulation process). It
is likely that the repetitive water tub circulation process completely dissolves the
detergent and makes the concentration of the softener uniform. Therefore it is less
likely that problems such as stain on the laundry are caused by the unresolved detergent
or the highly concentrated softener.
[0035] The water tub circulation process is preferably set to start, for example, about
10 seconds after the water supply process for the washing and/or rinsing processes.
Alternatively, the water tub circulation processes is preferably started, for example,
when a liquid level of about 40 mm from the lower end of the water tub 111 is detected.
Thus it is less likely that the circulation pump 136 is activated without a sufficient
amount of the washing liquid therein, so that abnormal noise such as bubble intrusion
sound in the circulation pump 136, an abnormal temperature of the circulation pump
136 generated because of an insufficient amount of the washing liquid, and the activation
of the circulation pump 136 under such abnormal temperature are less likely to occur.
[0036] The washing and drying machine 100 may further have a pump configured to supply bathwater
to the water tub 111. In this case, it is preferred that the water tub circulation
process is performed after supplying the bathwater to the water tub using the bathwater
supply pump in order to prevent simultaneous operation of the bathwater supply pump
and the circulation pump 136, which causes loud noise and makes a user uncomfortable.
[0037] A user may operate the operation panel 500 to set reserved operations on the washing
and drying machine 100. Once the reserved operation is set on the washing and drying
machine 100, for example, the water tub circulation process is preferably performed
for a period of time, which is twice as long as usual. Consequently, the detergent
solidified while the washing and drying machine 100 is on reservation standby (during
a period of time from setting the reservation to actually starting the operation of
the washing and drying machine 100) is dissolved thoroughly. This may not only cause
great washing power but also prevent unresolved detergent during the reserved operation.
[0038] Optionally, the washing and drying machine 100 may further have a temperature sensor.
The duration of the water tub circulation process may be changed according to the
temperature of the washing water, which is measured by the temperature sensor. For
instance, if the temperature sensor detects 5°C of the washing water temperature,
the washing and drying machine 100 may execute the water tub circulation process for
a period of time which is, for example, twice as long as the water tub circulation
process executed when 20°C is detected as the washing water temperature. Therefore,
the detergent may be dissolved thoroughly even under low water temperature.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing and drying machine 100 has a handle 700 attached
to the support frame 320 of the door 300 beside the lock mechanism 600. A user may
hold the handle 700 projecting from the support frame 320 to rotate the door 300 between
the closing position and the opening position.
(Structure of Door)
[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the door 300. FIG. 5 is a schematic
perspective view of the exploded door 300. The door 300 is described using FIGS. 1,
4 and 5.
[0041] The door 300 has the window 310 and the support frame 320, as described above. The
glass-made window 310 is in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal cone. A leading
wall 311, which is inserted first into the opening 215 (see FIG. 1) when the door
300 is rotated to the closing position, is smaller in diameter than a circular space
surrounded by a substantially circular rim 312 connected to the support frame 320.
As described above, the seal member 115 (see FIG. 4) abuts a substantially annular
inclined wall 314, which extends from the substantially circular leading wall 311
to the rim 312.
[0042] The support frame 320 includes a substantially annular attachment ring 321, a cover
disc 322 which externally covers the attachment ring 321, and a substantially annular
edge ring 323 which is fitted into the periphery of the cover disc 322. A surface
of the cover disc 322 has substantially the same curved surface as the curved main
wall 212. Because the surface of the cover disc 322 is curved along the main wall
212, a user may easily clean the cover disc 322. The handle 700, the lock mechanism
600 and the hinge structure 400 are attached to the attachment ring 321 in addition
to the window 310. The hinge structure 400 and the lock mechanism 600 are roughly
aligned along the horizontal diameter of the door 300. As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge
structure 400 and the lock mechanism 600 are disposed on either end of the diameter
of the door 300. The handle 700 is disposed adjacent to and above the lock mechanism
600.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support frame 320 further has a substantially annular
holding ring 324. The holding ring 324 nips the rim 312 of the window 310 with the
attachment ring 321. The attachment ring 321 and the holding ring 324 are used as
supporting portions configured to support the handle 700, the lock mechanism 600 and
the hinge structure 400.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the holding ring 324 has a substantially L-shaped cross section.
A flat surface 325 of the holding ring 324 and a surface of the leading wall 31 of
the window 310, which face the inside of the housing 200 when the door 300 is at the
closing position, form the inner surface 313 of the door 300. An inclined surface
326 that extends at an angle from the flat surface 325 of the holding ring 324 toward
the attachment ring 321 forms a part of the periphery zone of the door 300.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the concave surface 214 of the housing 200 includes a connecting
surface 216, which faces the flat surface 325 of the holding ring 324 when the door
300 is at the closing position, and an opposing surface 217, which faces the inclined
surface 326 of the holding ring 324 when the door 300 is at the closing position.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the opposing surface 217 faces the periphery of the door
300. As shown in FIG. 5, the hinge structure 400 has first and second connecting members
410, 420. As shown in FIG. 1, the first connecting member 410 is connected to the
connecting surface 216. The second connecting member 420 is connected to a surface
327 of the attachment ring 321 facing the holding ring 324 (see FIG. 5).
(Structure of Hinge Structure)
[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the door 300 viewed from a side of the inner surface
313. It should be noted that the holding ring 324 and the handle 700 are removed from
the door 300 shown in FIG. 6. FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the attachment
ring 321 attached with the hinge structure 400, the lock mechanism 600 and the handle
700. The attachment rings 321 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are depicted from different angles.
The structure of the hinge structure 400 is described with reference to FIGS. 5 to
8.
[0047] The hinge structure 400 includes a pair of arm pieces 430, which project toward the
second connecting member 420 from the substantially crescent-shaped and highly rigid
first connecting member 410, which is made of zinc alloy and attached to the connecting
surface 216. The hinge structure 400 also includes a support shaft 440 of which ends
are supported by the paired arm pieces 430, and a torsion coil spring 450 which is
wound around the support shaft 440 between the paired arm pieces 430. The torsion
coil spring 450 is exemplified as the biasing member through which the support shaft
440 extends and which biases the door 300 toward the opening position using the first
and second connecting members 410, 420.
[0048] In the following descriptions, an open angle of the door 300 at the closing position
defined as "0 degree" If the open angle of the door 300 is 30 degrees or more, the
torsion coil spring 450 biases the door 300 toward the opening position. If the open
angle of the door 300 is from 0 to 30 degrees, the door 300 moves toward the closing
position. If the open angle of the door 300 is 30 degrees or less and a user releases
his/her hand from the door 300, the door 300 gradually rotates to the closing position
and then stops near the closing position. Thus, it becomes less likely that the door
300 rotates to the opening position when the user unintentionally releases his/her
hand from the door 300.
[0049] The paired arm pieces 430 support the support shaft which is away from the first
connecting member 410 attached to the connecting surface 216. The second connecting
member 420 is highly rigid because it is formed from a galvanized steel plate with
bending and drawing processes. The second connecting member 420 includes a connecting
piece 422 in which an opening 421 is formed so that an end of the support shaft 440
is fitted into the opening 421. The stainless support shaft 440 is pivotally fitted
to the opening 421 of the connecting piece 422. Therefore, since the support shaft
440 pivotally supports the second connecting member 420 connected to the door 300,
the door 300 is pivotally attached to the housing 200 by the hinge structure 400.
It should be noted that the arm pieces 430 are preferably made of metal. The hinge
structure 400 may be downsized if the arm pieces 430 are made of highly rigid metal.
The small hinge structure 400 may appropriately hold the door 300. In the present
embodiment, the arm pieces 430 are formed by casting zinc alloy. Alternatively, the
arm pieces may also be formed by using other metal. In addition, because the second
connecting member 420 is formed by bending a metallic steel plate, the second connecting
member 420 may appropriately hold the heavy door 300 with the glass-made window 310
in cooperation with the arm pieces 430.
[0050] Substantially rectangular notches 328, into which the arm pieces 430 are inserted,
are formed on the holding ring 324. Accordingly, the second connecting member 420
disposed inside the door 300 may be suitably coupled to the first connecting member
410 outside the door 300.
(Structure of Handle)
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an outer rim area of the surface 327 of the attachment
ring 321 facing the holding ring 324 includes a substantially flat restricting surface
329 and concave side surface 331, which form a recessed area to store the handle 700.
When the door 300 is at the closing position, the restricting surface 329 faces the
connecting surface 216 of the housing 200 (see FIG. 1).
[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing and drying machine 100
around the handle 700. It should be noted that the door 300 shown in FIG. 9 is present
at the closing position. The handle 700 is described using FIGS. 1 and 5 to 9.
[0053] The handle 700 includes a first piece 710 between an enclosure, which includes the
attachment ring 321, the cover disc 322 and the edge ring 323, and the connecting
surface 216 forming the concave surface 214, and a second piece 720 which bends away
from the opposing surface 217 forming the concave surface 214. The first piece 710
is situated between the restricting surface 329 and the housing 200 while the door
300 is at the closing position. The second piece 720 includes an exposed piece 721,
which appears on the outer surface of the housing 200 when the door 300 is at the
closing position, and a connecting piece 722 which connects the exposed piece 721
with the first piece 710. As shown in FIG. 6, a notch 332 is formed on the periphery
of the holding ring 324. The notch 332 is depressed toward the center of the door
300. The connecting piece 722 along the periphery of the door 300 projects to the
outside of the housing 200 through the notch 332. When the door 300 is at the closing
position, a gap of about 20 mm is provided between the exposed piece 721 and the housing
200. A finger of a user may be easily inserted into this gap. In addition, the exposed
piece 721 protrudes by about 20 mm from the periphery of the door 300. The user may
turn the handle 700 and an insertion piece 190 (described later) with small force.
The exposed piece 721 is visible from the front, and so easily operated. In addition,
the first piece 710 is positioned on the back of the door 300 without hiding the door
300 and the edge ring 323, which results in quality design of the periphery of the
door 300.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of support shafts 711 project from both edges of the first
piece 710, respectively. The support shafts 711 are pivotally supported on the concave
side surface 331. Accordingly, the first piece 710 is pivotally supported by the attachment
ring 321. It should be noted that the first piece 710 between the attachment ring
321 and the holding ring 324 may be pivotally supported by the holding ring 324.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, a surface 333 of the attachment ring 321 facing the first piece
710 near the periphery of the attachment ring 321, and a rim surface 334 on the periphery
of the attachment ring 321 facing the first piece 710, are substantially flush with
each other to form the aforementioned restricting surface 329.
[0056] A user may pinch or hold the exposed piece 721 of the second piece 720 to rotate
the door 300 from the closing position to the opening position. Meanwhile the first
piece 710 pivotally supported by the attachment ring 321 turns to approach the restricting
surface 329. Subsequently, the first piece 710 abuts the restricting surface 329,
so that the angular motion of the first piece 710 is restricted. It should be noted
that, for example, a torsion coil spring may be attached to the support shafts 711
so that the handle 700 is biased in a direction in which the first piece 710 moves
away from the restricting surface 329.
(Lock Mechanism)
[0057] FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlarged perspective views of the door 300 around the lock mechanism
600. The door 300 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are depicted from different angles. The
lock mechanism 600 is described using FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11.
[0058] The lock mechanism 600 has a lock arm 610. The lock arm 610 forms the insertion piece
190 with a detection arm 810 provided beside the lock arm 610. The detection arm 810
integrally formed with the lock arm 610 is used for detecting position of the door
300. The washing and drying machine 100 may use the detection arm 810 to detect whether
the door 300 is present in the opening or closing position.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, a substantially rectangular opening 335 is formed on the holding
ring 324. The lock and detection arms 610, 810 project from the support frame 320
through the opening 335 formed on the holding ring 324 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the lock mechanism 600 has a shaft 620 configured to pivotally
support the insertion piece 190, and a torsion coil spring 630 wound around the shaft
620. The attachment ring 321 has a pair of ribs 336 projecting toward the holding
ring 324. Notches 337 are formed in the paired ribs 336, respectively. Both ends of
the shaft 620 are inserted into the notches 337 and pivotally connected to the attachment
ring 321. The insertion piece 190 is pivotally connected to the shaft 620 with the
torsion coil spring 630. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the insertion piece 190 turns
about the shaft 620 between an engaging position and a disengaging position. When
the insertion piece 190 turns toward the periphery of the door 300, a tip end of the
insertion piece 190 moves toward the engaging position in which the door 300 is locked.
When the insertion piece 190 turns toward the center of the door 300, the tip end
of the insertion piece 190 moves toward the disengaging position in which the door
300 is unlocked. The torsion coil spring 630 biases the insertion piece 190 towards
the engaging position.
[0061] FIG. 12 schematically shows a positional relationship between the handle 700 and
the insertion piece 190. The lock mechanism 600 is further described using FIGS. 1,
3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 to 12.
[0062] The insertion piece 190 includes a substantially rectangular base plate 611. The
base plate 611 is used as a base shared by the lock and detection arms 610, 810, so
that the lock and detection arms 610, 810 project from the base plate 611. The shaft
620 pierces through the base plate 611. A tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 is formed
into a hook which projects toward the periphery of the door 300. The base plate 611
is wider than the opening 335. Therefore, even if the lock mechanism 600 comes off
inside the door 300, the lock mechanism 600 stays inside the door 300. Consequently
it becomes less likely that the lock mechanism 600 remains in a lock hole 218 while
the door 300 is at the opening position.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 12, a corner of the base plate 611 (the corner closer to the center
of the door 300 than the rotational axis C1 (the same as the shaft 620) of the insertion
piece 190) is disposed between the attachment ring 321 and the first piece 710 of
the handle 700. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the door 300 is rotated from the
closing position to the opening position, the handle 700 is turned so that the first
piece 710 approaches the restricting surface 329 formed in the attachment ring 321.
Consequently the corner of the base plate 611 is pressed by the first piece 710 at
a more central side of the door 300 than the shaft 620, so that the tip end 612 of
the lock arm 610 moves toward the disengaging position (i.e., toward the center of
the door 300).
[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, the substantially rectangular lock hole 218 and a detection hole
219 are formed on the connecting surface 216 of the housing 200. A lock control unit
640 is disposed inside the housing 200 (see FIG. 5). The lock control unit 640 is
fixed to the inner surface of the housing 200. The lock control unit 640 incorporated
in the housing 200 forms the lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219. It should be
noted that the lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219 may be formed as an integrated
opening or partitioned from each other by a wall portion of the housing 200. The lock
control unit 640 is controlled by the control circuit 510.
[0065] FIG. 13A-13C are schematic cross-sectional views of the lock control unit 640. Operations
performed by the lock control unit 640 are sequentially shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C.
The right drawings from FIGS. 13A to 13C show the lock arm 610 inserted into the lock
control unit 640, respectively. The left drawings from FIGS. 13A to 13C show the detection
arm 810 inserted into the lock control unit 640, respectively. The lock control unit
640 is described using FIGS. 1, 3, 10 11 and 13A-13C.
[0066] As described above, the lock control unit 640 attached to the inner surface of the
housing 200 forms the lock hole 218 on the housing 200. The tip end 612 of the lock
arm 610 is inserted into the lock hole 218. The lock control unit 640 forms the detection
hole 219 on the housing 200. When the door 300 is at the closing position, the tip
end of the detection arm 810 is inserted into the detection hole 219.
[0067] The lock control unit 640 includes a housing 641 for storing a circuit or part for
operating the lock control unit 640, and a lock box 642 disposed in the housing 641.
In the housing 641, the lock box 642 forms a common internal space for storing the
tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 and the tip end of the detection arm 810.
[0068] The position of the lock box 642 shown in FIG. 13A is called "allowable position."
If the lock box 642 is at the allowable position, the lock arm 610 and the detection
arm 810 may be removed from the lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219, respectively,
as the door 300 is rotated from the closing position to the opening position. The
position of the lock box 642 shown in FIG. 13C is called "unallowable position." If
the lock box 642 is at the unallowable position, the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610
engages with the housing 641 of the lock control unit 640 and/or the housing 200 of
the washing and drying machine 100 to prevent a user from rotating the door 300 from
the closing position to the opening position. The position of the lock box 642 shown
in FIG. 13B is called "intermediate position." When the lock box 642 is at the intermediate
position, the internal space of the lock box 642 is partially communicated with the
lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219. When the door 300 is rotated from the opening
position to the closing position, the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 and the tip
end of the detection arm 810 may enter the internal space of the lock box 642 through
the lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219, respectively. Meanwhile the lock box
642 comes contact with the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 and instantaneously moves
to the allowable position shown in FIG. 13A. The gentle curved shape of the tip end
612 of the lock arm 610 facilitates entry of the lock arm 610 into the lock box 642
and the instantaneous movement of the lock box 642 to the allowable position. Thereafter,
the lock box 642 is returned to the intermediate position by biasing force acting
on the lock arm 610 toward the engaging position (see FIGS. 10 and 11). While the
lock box 642 is at the intermediate position, the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610
slightly engages with the housing 641 of the lock control unit 640 and/or the housing
200 of the washing and drying machine 100.
[0069] The housing 641 stores a drive source (e.g., a solenoid switch, a spring and alike
although it is not shown) for moving the lock box 642. The control circuit 510, for
example, controls the solenoid switch to move the lock box 642 in the housing 641
between the intermediate and unallowable positions. For instance, if a user operates
the operation panel 500 (see FIG. 1) to rotate the washing and drying tub 110 (e.g.,
in order to perform the washing, rinsing or drying process), the control circuit 510
moves the lock box 642 to the unallowable position. Once the washing, rinsing or dry
process is completed and the rotation of the washing and drying tub 110 is stopped,
the control circuit 510 moves the lock box 642 to the intermediate position.
[0070] If the lock box 642 moves from the intermediate position to the unallowable position,
the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 is pushed by the inner surface of the lock box
642. Consequently the lock arm 610 turns around the shaft 620. Meanwhile the detection
arm 810, which is integrally formed with the lock arm 610 via the base plate 611,
turns around the shaft 620 piercing through the insertion piece 190 together with
the lock arm 610. Once the lock box 642 reaches the unallowable position, the hooked
protrusion of the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 completely engages with the housing
641 of the lock control unit 640 and/or the housing 200 of the washing and drying
machine 100. Meanwhile even if a user holds the second piece 720 of the handle 700
to turn the handle 700 so that the first piece 710 approaches the restricting surface
329, the lock control unit 640 keeps the lock box 642 at the unallowable position.
Therefore, the user may not rotate the door 300 to the opening position. Consequently,
in cooperation with the lock arm 610, the lock hole 218 locks the door 300 at the
closing position.
[0071] If the user holds the second piece 720 of the handle 700 to turn the handle 700 so
that the first piece 710 approaches the restricting surface 329 after the lock box
642 is moved to the intermediate position under control of the control circuit 510,
the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 moves toward the disengaging position. Meanwhile
the tip end 612 of the lock arm 610 abuts the inner surface of the lock box 642, so
that the lock box 642 moves to the allowable position. If the door 300 is rotated
to the opening position thereafter, the lock and detection arms 610, 810 are removed
from the lock hole 218 and the detection hole 219, respectively. Thus in conjunction
with the angular motion of the first piece 710 approaching the restricting surface
329, the lock arm 610 of the lock mechanism 600 may unlock the door 300 at the closing
position.
(Detector)
[0072] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a detector configured to detect the position
of the door 300. The detector is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 13A-14.
[0073] A detector 800 has a first detection element 820 configured to detect existence of
the detection arm 810 in the lock box 642 (i.e., the detection hole 219). The first
detection element 820 may be a transmissive optical sensor attached to the lock box
642, a push-button switch element, or any other element for detecting the existence
of the detection arm 810 in the lock box 642. If the transmissive optical sensor is
used as the first detection element 820, the detection arm 810 inserted in the lock
control unit 640 interferes with an optical path of the optical sensor, so that the
detection arm 810 inserted in the lock box 642 is detected. If the push-button switch
element is used as the first detection element 820, the detection arm 810 inserted
in the lock control unit 640 presses the switch element, so that the detection arm
810 inserted in the lock box 642 is detected.
[0074] The detector 800 has a second detection element 830 configured to detect existence
of the lock arm 610 in the lock box 642 (i.e., the lock hole 218). The second detection
element 830 may be a transmissive optical sensor attached to the lock box 642, a push-button
switch element, or any other element for detecting the existence of the lock arm 510
in the lock box 642. If the transmissive optical sensor is used as the second detection
element 830, the lock arm 610 inserted in the lock control unit 640 interferes with
an optical path of the optical sensor, so that the lock arm 610 inserted in the lock
box 642 is detected. If the push-button switch element is used as the second detection
element 830, the lock arm 610 inserted in the lock control unit 640 presses the switch
element, so that the lock arm 610 inserted in the lock box 642 is detected.
[0075] The control circuit 510 shown in FIG. 3 may be used as a part of the detector 800.
The control circuit 510 has a determination portion 511 and a controller 512. Detection
signals are input from the first and second detection elements 820, 830 to the determination
portion 511. Operation information, which is input to the operation panel 500, may
be output to the determination portion 511. Based on the detection signals from the
first and second detection elements 820, 830, the determination portion 511 determines
condition of the door 300 and outputs a result of the determination to the controller
512.
[0076] The detector 800 may have a warning portion 840 configured to warn a user about an
abnormal condition of the door 300 (e.g., damage to the lock mechanism 600). For example,
a buzzer configured to warn about the abnormal condition of the door 300 using sound
or a lamp configured to warn about the abnormal condition of the door 300 using light
may be used as the warning portion 840. If the determination portion 511 determines
that the door 300 is abnormal, the controller 512 outputs, to the warning portion
840, a signal including information on the abnormality of the door 300. Thereafter,
the warning portion 840 accordingly warns the user about the abnormality of the door
300. The determination portion 51 then outputs a result of the determination on the
position of the door 300 (the closing position or the opening position) to the controller
512. If the door 300 is at the closing position, the controller 512 outputs an activation
signal to the motor 113 for rotating the washing and drying tub 110 in accordance
with inputs onto the operation panel 500 (see FIG. 1) by the user, so that the motor
113 rotates. On the other hand, if the door 300 is at the opening position, the controller
512 does not output the activation signal to the motor 113 for rotating the washing
and drying tub 110, despite operation on the operation panel 500 (see FIG. 1) performed
by the user. Thus the washing and drying tub 110 is inhibited from rotating while
the door 300 is at the opening position. In addition, if the user operates the operation
panel 500 to rotate the washing and drying tub 110 while the door 300 is at the opening
position, a signal indicating the presence of the door 300 at the opening position
may be output to the warning portion 840. Consequently, the warning portion 840 outputs
sound or light for warning the user about the presence of the door 300 at the opening
position.
[0077] FIG. 15 is a flowchart schematically showing operations of the detector 800. The
operations of the detector 800 are described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 15.
[0078] A user uses the operation panel 500 to input operation information for causing the
washing and drying machine 100 to perform a desired operation (S100). Based on the
detection signal from the first detection element 820, the determination portion 511
determines the position of the door 300 (S110). If the detection signal from the first
detection element 820 includes information indicating the presence of the detection
arm 810 in the lock box 642, the determination portion 511 determines that the door
300 is at the closing position. If the detection signal from the first detection element
820 includes information indicating the absence of the detection arm 810 from the
lock box 642, the determination portion 511 determines that the door 300 is at the
opening position.
[0079] After determining that the door 300 is at the closing position, the determination
portion 511 determines whether or not the operation information, which is input to
the operation panel 500, includes information requesting rotation of the washing and
drying tub 110 (S120). If the determination portion 511 determines that the operation
information, which is input to the operation panel 500, includes the information requesting
the rotation of the washing and drying tub 110, the controller 512 activates the motor
113 on the basis of this determination result, and rotates the washing and drying
tub 110 according to the operation information (S130). If the determination portion
511 determines that the operation information, which is input to the operation panel
500, does not include the information requesting the rotation of the washing and drying
tub 110, the controller 512 performs control according to the operation information
to cause the washing and drying machine 100 to execute an operation other than the
rotation of the washing and drying tub 110 (S140).
[0080] After determining that the door 300 is at the opening position, the determination
portion 511 determines whether the detection signal from the second detection element
830 includes information indicating the presence of the lock arm 610 in the lock box
642 (S150). If the detection signal from the second detection element 830 indicates
absence of the lock arm 610 from the lock box 642, the determination portion 511 determines
whether or not the operation information, which is input to the operation panel 500,
includes the information requesting the rotation of the washing and drying tub 110
(S160). If the determination portion 511 determines that the operation information,
which is input to the operation panel 500, does not include the information requesting
the rotation of the washing and drying tub 110, the controller 512 performs control
according to the operation information to cause the washing and drying machine 100
to execute an operation other than the rotation of the washing and drying tub 110
(S140). If the determination portion 511 determines that the operation information,
which is input to the operation panel 500, includes the information requesting the
rotation of the washing and drying tub 110, the controller 512 outputs a signal, which
includes the information indicating the presence of the door 300 at the opening position,
to the warning portion 840, instead of rotating the washing and drying tub 110. Accordingly,
the warning portion 840 warns the user about the presence of the door 300 at the opening
position and encourages the user to rotate the door 300 to the closing position (S170).
The determination portion 511 then determines the position of the door 300 again (S110).
[0081] If the determination portion 511 outputs a determination result showing that the
detection signal from the second detection element 830 indicates the presence of the
lock arm 610 in the lock box 642, the controller 512 outputs a signal, which includes
information indicating damage to the lock mechanism 600, to the warning portion 840.
Thereafter, the warning portion 840 warns the user about the damage to the lock mechanism
600 (S 180). As a result, the user is encouraged to replace the lock mechanism 600.
(Connection Structure Between Door and Housing)
[0082] FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic enlarged views showing a connection between the door
300 and the housing 200. The door 300 shown in FIG. 16 is present at the closing position.
The door 300 shown in FIG. 17 is present at the opening position. The connection structure
between the door 300 and the housing 200 is described with reference to FIGS. 16 and
17.
[0083] As described above, the door 300 is connected to the housing 200 by the hinge structure
400. The first connecting member 410 of the hinge structure 400 is made of zinc alloy
and connected to the connecting surface 216 of the housing 200. The highly rigid second
connecting member 420 formed from a galvanized steel plate by means of bending and
drawing processes is connected to the attachment ring 321, The arm pieces 430, which
project from the first connecting member 410 toward the second connecting member 420,
support the support shaft 440 at a position away from the first connecting member
410 and/or the connecting surface 216. The stainless support shaft 440 is kept at
a position so that the stainless support shaft 440 projects from the concave area
formed by the concave surface 214. The peripheries of the cover disc 322 and the edge
ring 323 become a curved rim 338 which partially surrounds the support shaft 440.
[0084] The outer edge 423 of the second connecting member 420 turns as the door 300 rotates.
The outer edge 423 abuts receiving edge 433 of each arm piece 430 to restrict the
angular motion of the door 300. In addition, outer edges of the arm pieces 430 include
curved edges 431, respectively, so that a tip end 339 may be moved therein as the
door 300 is rotated. As shown in FIG. 16, the curved edge 431 is recessed toward the
center of the door 300 present at the closing position (curved away from the opposing
surface 217). If the door 300 is rotated to the opening position, the tip end 339
of the curved rim 338 is moved into the recess of the curved edge 431. It should be
noted that, in the present embodiment, the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 is made
of resin and corresponds to the periphery of the edge ring 323. Thus the outer edge
423 abuts the receiving edge 433 of each arm piece 430 to restrict the angular motion
of the door 300 from the closing position, so that the outer edge 423 fixes the opening
position in a predetermined position.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 16, if the door 300 is at the closing position, the tip end 339
of the curved rim 338 is positioned between the opposing surface 217, which forms
a bank 221 raised near each of right and left edge of the main wall 212, and the arm
pieces 430. A distance between the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 and the opposing
surface 217 (the shortest distance) is preferably 5 mm or less. Therefore, a void
between each arm piece 430 and the opposing surface 217 is narrowed by the tip end
339 of the curved rim 338. In addition, the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 protrudes
into the concave area formed by the concave surface 214 and is closer to a virtual
planar surface P along the connecting surface 216 than the support shaft 440.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the curved edge 431 of each arm piece 430 forms a space
R with the opposing surface 217 in which the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 moves.
If the door 300 is rotated between the closing position and the opening position,
the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 moves in the space R. The tip end 339 of the
curved rim 338 moves along an arc trajectory toward the curved edge 431 while the
door 300 is rotated from the closing position to the opening position. Even when the
door 300 reaches the opening position, the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338 does
not abut the curved edge 431. Therefore, it is less likely that damage to the tip
end 339 because of the contact between the resin tip end 339 and the metallic curved
edge 431 happens. In the present embodiment, the tip end 339 of the curved rim 338
does not abut the curved edge 431 even after the door 300 is rotated by 90° from the
closing position (e.g., when the door 300 is rotated by 105° from the closing position)
whereas the outer edge 423 of the second connecting member 420 abuts the receiving
edge 433 of each arm piece 430 to restrict the angular motion of the door 300.
[0087] The connection between the door 300 and the housing 200 is further described with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0088] FIG. 2 shows a vertical line V and an inclined line L inclined from the vertical
line V by an angle θ. FIG. 2 also shows a vertical line V0 which passes through the
center of the opening 215 formed on the housing 200. The inclined line L is a virtual
line which passes through the central axis of the support shaft 440 of the hinge structure
400 attached to the housing 200.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 5, the support shaft 440 includes a first end 441 and a second end
442 opposing the first end 441. The first end 441 is located above the second end
442 on the inclined line L shown in FIG. 2. Also, on the inclined line L shown in
FIG. 2, the second end 442 is closer to the vertical line V0 than the first end 441.
Thus, the door 300 in the opening position is kept there by the gravitational action.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 2, the first connecting member 410 of the hinge structure 400 is
fixed to the connecting surface 216 by, for example, a screw 411 (or other appropriate
fixture for attaching the first connecting member 410 to the connecting surface 216).
Therefore, an attachment hole, which extends in a substantially perpendicular direction
to the connecting surface 216, is formed on the connecting surface 216. This attachment
hole is preferably positioned such that the window 310, which projects from the holding
ring 324 of the door 300 turned by 90° from the closing position, does not interferes
with the line of the central axis of the attachment hole (a virtual line which extends
in a substantially perpendicular direction to the connecting surface 216). Thus the
door 300 may be appropriately connected to the housing 200 without any interference
of the window 310.
[0091] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an exploded left-hand door. It should
be noted that the washing and drying machine 100 described in the context of FIGS.
1 to 17 has the right-hand door 300. The left-hand door is described by comparing
FIG. 18 with FIG. 5.
[0092] The arm pieces 430 and the support shaft 440 supported by the arm pieces 430 are
preferably formed in a substantially central position of an arc profile of the first
connecting member 410. Thus parts other than an attachment ring 321A may be shared
by the left-hand door 300A and the right-hand door 300.
[0093] The aforementioned embodiment includes a laundry processing apparatus which mainly
has the following configurations. The laundry processing apparatus with the following
configurations appropriately prevents damage to the handle and/or the door.
[0094] A laundry processing apparatus according to one aspect of the above embodiment has:
a housing in which an opening for taking laundry in and out is formed; a door configured
to rotate between a closing position where the door closes the opening and an opening
position where the door opens the opening; and a handle used for rotating the door
between the closing position and the opening position, wherein the handle includes
a first piece pivotally supported by the door and a second piece protruding from the
first piece and exposed outside the housing when the door is at the closing position,
the door includes a restricting surface facing the housing when the door is at the
closing position and restricting an angular motion of the first piece, and the first
piece is positioned between the housing and the restricting surface when the door
is at the closing position, and the first piece abuts the restricting surface when
the door is rotated from the closing position to the opening position to restrict
an angular motion of the handle.
[0095] According to the aforementioned configuration, a user may put laundry in and out
the housing through the opening formed on the housing. The door of the laundry processing
apparatus is rotated between the closing position where the door closes the opening
and the opening position where the door opens the opening. The door at the closing
position prevents the laundry from bouncing out the housing. In addition, the door
at the opening position allows the user to take the laundry in and out the housing.
The handle used for rotating the door between the closing position and the opening
position includes the first piece pivotally supported by the door, and the second
piece protruding from the first piece. The second piece is exposed outside the housing
when door is at the closing position. The user may use the second piece exposed outside
the housing to rotate the door from the closing position to the opening position.
When the door is situated at the closing position, the restricting surface of the
supporting portion faces the housing. Meanwhile the first piece is positioned between
the housing and the restricting surface. When the door is turned from the closing
position to the opening position, the first piece abuts the restricting surface to
restrict the angular motion of the handle. Therefore, even if an excessively large
force is applied to the handle as a result of a wrong operation performed by the user,
the entire first piece comes into contact with the supporting portion to prevent a
high local stress on the handle and/or the door. Thus, preferably, it is less likely
that the handle and/or the door are damaged.
[0096] In the aforementioned configuration, it is preferred that the laundry processing
apparatus further have a lock mechanism configured to lock the door at the closing
position, wherein the lock mechanism unlocks the door at the closing position in conjunction
with the angular motion of the first piece toward the restricting surface.
[0097] According to the aforementioned configuration, the lock mechanism configured to lock
the door at the closing position works with the angular motion of the first piece
toward the restricting surface of the door to unlock the door at the closing position.
As a result, the door is unlocked in conjunction with an operation for rotating the
door to the opening position, so that it becomes less likely that a wrong operation
performed by the user causes an excessively large force.
[0098] In the aforementioned configuration, it is preferred that a lock hole for locking
the door at the closing position in cooperation with the lock mechanism is formed
on the housing, the lock mechanism has a lock arm which includes a base end pivotally
connected to the door and a tip end inserted into the lock hole to engage with the
housing when the door is at the closing position, the first piece approaching the
restricting surface presses the base end of the lock arm so that the tip end of the
lock arm is turned from an engaging position where the tip end engages with the housing,
to a disengaging position where the tip end disengages from the housing, and the lock
arm is removed from the lock hole by rotation of the door from the closing position
to the opening position.
[0099] According to the aforementioned configuration, the lock hole for locking the door
at the closing position in cooperation with the lock mechanism is formed on the housing.
The lock arm of the lock mechanism includes the base end pivotally connected to the
door and the tip end inserted into the lock hole and engaged with the housing when
the door is at the closing position. The first piece approaching the restricting surface
presses the base end of the lock arm so that the tip end of the lock arm is turned
from the engaging position where the tip end engages with the housing, to the disengaging
position where the tip end disengages from the housing. Thus, the lock mechanism may
unlock the door at the closing position in conjunction with the angular motion of
the first piece toward the supporting portion of the door. Then, when the user turns
the door from the closing position to the opening position, the lock arm is removed
from the lock hole, so that it becomes less likely that a wrong operation performed
by the user causes an excessively large force.
[0100] In the aforementioned configuration, it is preferred that the laundry processing
apparatus further have a detector configured to detect a position of the door; and
a processing tub stored in the housing, wherein the door has a supporting portion
configured to support the lock mechanism, and a detection arm projecting from the
supporting portion, a detection hole, into which the detection arm is inserted when
the door is at the closing position, is formed on the housing, when the door is at
the opening position, the detection arm is removed from the detection hole, the detector
includes a first detection element configured to detect existence of the detection
arm in the detection hole, and a controller configured to control rotation of the
processing tub based on the existence of the detection arm in the detection hole,
and if the detection arm is absent from the detection hole, the controller inhibits
rotation of the processing tub.
[0101] According to the aforementioned configuration, the detection arm projects from the
supporting portion configured to support the lock mechanism. When the door is at the
closing position, the detection arm is inserted into the detection hole formed in
the housing. When the door is at the opening position, the detection arm is removed
from the detection hole. Thus, the detector may detect the position of the door by
causing the first detection element to detect the existence of the detection arm in
the detection hole. The controller of the detector inhibits the rotation of the processing
tub if the detection arm is absent from the detection hole. It makes the laundry processing
apparatus safer that the rotation of the processing tub is inhibited when the door
is at the opening position
[0102] In the aforementioned configuration, it is preferred that the detector includes a
second detection element configured to detect existence of the lock arm in the lock
hole, and if the detection arm is absent from the detection hole whereas the lock
arm is present in the lock hole, the controller outputs information on damage to the
lock mechanism.
[0103] According to the aforementioned configuration, the detector includes the second detection
element configured to detect the existence of the lock arm in the lock hole. If the
detection arm is absent from the detection hole whereas the lock arm is present in
the lock hole, the controller outputs information on damage to the lock mechanism,
and so it becomes less likely that the laundry processing apparatus with the damaged
lock mechanism is operated. Therefore the laundry processing apparatus becomes safer.
[0104] In the configuration described above, it is preferred that the detection arm is integrally
formed with the lock arm adjacent to the detection arm.
[0105] According to the aforementioned configuration, because the detection arm is integrally
formed with the lock arm adjacent to the detection arm, the lock and detection arms
are situated under substantially the same dynamic environment. Therefore, stress on
the detection arm is kept lower than that on the lock arm engaged with the housing.
Thus, it becomes less likely that the detection arm is damaged earlier than the lock
arm, which results in more accurate detection for damage to the lock mechanism. It
becomes less likely that the laundry processing apparatus with the damaged lock mechanism,
so that the laundry processing apparatus becomes safer.
Industrial Applicability
[0106] The methodologies according to the present embodiment are suitably utilized in washing
machines, laundry dryers, and washing and drying machines.
1. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100), aufweisend:
ein Gehäuse (200), in welchem eine Öffnung (215) zum Hineinbringen und Herausnehmen
von Wäsche gebildet ist;
eine Tür (300, 300A), konfiguriert, um sich zwischen einer Schließposition, wo die
Tür (300, 300A) die Öffnung (215) schließt, und einer Öffnungsposition, wo die Tür
(300, 300A) die Öffnung (215) öffnet, zu drehen; und
einen Griff (700), der zum Drehen bzw. Schwenken der Tür (300, 300A) zwischen der
Schließposition und der Öffnungsposition verwendet wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Griff (700) ein erstes Stück bzw. Teil (710), das drehbar durch die Tür (300,
300A) getragen bzw. gestützt wird, und ein zweites Stück bzw. Teil (720) enthält,
das von dem ersten Stück bzw. Teil (710) vorsteht und herausragend außerhalb des Gehäuses
(200) ist, wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition ist,
wobei die Tür (300, 300A) eine Beschränkungsoberfläche (329) enthält, die dem Gehäuse
(200) gegenüberliegend bzw. zugewandt ist, wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition
ist, und eine Winkelbewegung bzw. Drehbewegung von dem ersten Stück bzw. Teil (710)
beschränkt, und
wobei das erste Stück bzw. Teil (710) zwischen dem Gehäuse (200) und der Beschränkungsoberfläche
(329) positioniert ist, wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition ist, und
wobei das erste Stück bzw. Teil (710) an die Beschränkungsoberfläche (329) angrenzt,
wenn die Tür (300, 300A) von der Schließposition in die Öffnungsposition gedreht bzw.
geschwenkt wird, um eine Winkelbewegung bzw. Drehbewegung von dem Griff (700) zu beschränken.
2. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100) gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner aufweisend:
einen Verriegelungsmechanismus bzw. Rastungsmechanismus (600), der konfiguriert ist,
um die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition zu verriegeln bzw. zu verrasten,
wobei der Verriegelungsmechanismus bzw. Rastungsmechanismus (600) die Tür (300, 300A)
in der Schließposition entriegelt, und zwar zusammen mit der Winkelbewegung bzw.
Drehbewegung von dem ersten Stück bzw. Teil (710) in Richtung der Beschränkungsoberfläche
(329).
3. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100) gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei
ein Verriegelungsloch bzw. Rastungsloch (218) zum Verriegeln bzw. Verrasten der Tür
(300, 300A) in der Schließposition in Kooperation mit dem Verriegelungsmechanismus
bzw. Rastungsmechanismus (600) auf dem Gehäuse (200) gebildet ist,
wobei der Verriegelungsmechanismus bzw. Rastungsmechanismus (600) einen Verriegelungsarm
bzw. Rastungsarm (610) hat, welcher ein Basisende (611), das drehbar mit der Tür (300,
300A) verbunden ist und ein Kopfende bzw. Spitzenende (612) enthält, das in das Verriegelungsloch
bzw. Rastungsloch (218) eingefügt wird, um mit dem Gehäuse (200) im Eingriff zu sein,
wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition ist,
wobei das erste Stück bzw. Teil (710), das sich der Beschränkungsoberfläche (329)
nähert, das Basisende (611) von dem Verriegelungsarm bzw. Rastungsarm (610) drückt
bzw. presst, so dass das Kopfende bzw. Spitzenende (612) von dem Verriegelungsarm
bzw. Rastungsarm (610) von einer Eingriffsposition, wo das Kopfende bzw. Spitzenende
(612) mit dem Gehäuse (200) im Eingriff ist, in eine Außer-Eingriff-Position bzw.
Auslöseposition gedreht wird, wo das Kopfende bzw. Spitzenende (612) von dem Gehäuse
(200) außer Eingriff kommt, und
wobei der Verriegelungsarm bzw. Rastungsarm (610) von dem Verriegelungsloch bzw. Rastungsloch
(218) entfernt wird, und zwar durch Drehung bzw. Schwenkung von der Tür (300, 300A)
von der Schließposition zu der Öffnungsposition.
4. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100) gemäß Anspruch 3, ferner aufweisend:
einen Detektor (800), der konfiguriert ist, um eine Position von der Tür (300, 300A)
zu detektieren; und
einen Bearbeitungsbottich (110), der in dem Gehäuse (200) gelagert bzw.
untergebracht ist,
wobei die Tür (300, 300A) einen Trag- bzw. Stützabschnitt (321, 321A, 324) hat, der
konfiguriert ist, um den Verriegelungsmechanismus bzw. Rastungsmechanismus (600) zu
tragen bzw. zu stützen, und einen Detektierungsarm (810) hat, der von dem Trag- bzw.
Stützabschnitt (321, 321A, 324) vorsteht,
wobei ein Detektierungsloch (219), in welches der Detektierungsarm (810) eingefügt
wird, wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Schließposition ist, auf dem Gehäuse (200) gebildet
ist,
wenn die Tür (300, 300A) in der Öffnungsposition ist, wird der Detektierungsarm (810)
von dem Detektierungsloch (219) entfernt,
wobei der Detektor (800) ein erstes Detektierungselement (820), das konfiguriert ist,
um das Vorhandensein von dem Detektierungsarm (810) in dem Detektierungsloch (219)
zu detektieren, und eine Steuer- bzw. Regelungseinrichtung (512) enthält, die konfiguriert
ist, um Drehung bzw. Rotation von dem Bearbeitungsbottich (110) zu steuern bzw. regeln,
und zwar basierend auf dem Vorhandensein von dem Detektierungsarm (810) in dem Detektierungsloch
(219), und
falls der Detektierungsarm (810) von dem Detektierungsloch (219) abwesend ist, verhindert
die Steuer- bzw. Regelungseinrichtung (512) Drehung bzw. Rotation von dem Bearbeitungsbottich
(110).
5. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100) gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei
der Detektor (800) ein zweites Detektierungselement (830) enthält, das konfiguriert
ist, um das Vorhandensein von dem Verriegelungsarm bzw. Rastungsarm (610) in dem Verriegelungsloch
bzw. Rastungsloch (218) zu detektieren, und
falls der Detektierungsarm (810) von dem Detektierungsloch (219) abwesend ist, wobei
der Verriegelungsarm bzw. Rastungsarm (610) in dem Verriegelungsloch bzw. Rastungsloch
(218) vorhanden ist, gibt die Steuer- bzw. Regelungseinrichtung (512) Informationen
über Schaden bzw. Beschädigung an dem Verriegelungsmechanismus bzw. Rastungsmechanismus
(600) aus.
6. Wäschebearbeitungsapparat (100) gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Detektierungsarm (810)
integral mit dem Verriegelungsarm bzw. Rastungsarm (610) gebildet ist, und zwar angrenzend
an den Detektierungsarm (810).