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(11) | EP 4 223 921 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | WASHING MACHINE |
| (57) There is disclosed a washing machine (100) comprising an outer drum (110) and an
inner drum (120) configured to hold items to be washed, wherein the inner drum is
rotatably arranged around a rotational axis R in the outer drum. The washing machine further comprises an outer drum opening (115) arranged in the outer drum for accessing the inner drum and a door (130) configured to seal the outer drum opening, wherein the door is arranged to be repeatably movable between a sealed position and an opened position. The transition between the sealed position and the opened position is divided into a sealing movement along a first axis A1 extending outwards from the outer drum and in a sliding movement along a second axis A2. The washing machine further comprises a door guiding means (140) configured to allow the door to move along the first axis and the second axis. |
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines. In particular, the present invention relates to the technical field of sliding doors for machines such as washing or drying machines.
Background
[0002] It is to be noted that in the present application the expression "washing machine" may indicate a "simple" washing machine (i.e. a washing machine which can only wash and rinse the laundry) as well as a washing-drying machine (i.e. a washing machine which can also dry the laundry). It may also indicate a washer-extractor or a washer without extractor. The washing machine may have a horizontal, inclined, or vertical axis of rotation.
[0003] Washing machines generally comprise a housing or outer casing or drum with an opening for reaching an inner drum or washing compartment. This opening generally comprises a door or cover attached to the housing or casing of the machine with hinges. This is a common solution for all type of washing machines, e.g. front-loaded washers, vertical-axis top-loaded washers, top-loaded and side-loaded horizontal-axis washers.
[0004] Depending on the placement of the washing machine such a door may be impractical. Further, the outer door of a machine with hinges often needs to be opened manually.
[0005] There is a need in the field for washing machines that provide new solutions to problems seen in the prior art.
Summary
[0006] The inventors have reached the insight that there is a need for a washing machine that at least partially improves the outer door for washing machines. In particular there is a need for a washing machine that can easily be used in a narrow or small space. Further, it is concluded that an outer drum door that is at least partially automatic both in locking, unlocking and moving away from and in front of the opening is advantageous in many situations.
[0007] The present disclosure seeks to provide at least some embodiments of a washing machine which reduces at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks and some of the drawbacks of washing machines available in the prior art. More specifically, the present disclosure aims at providing at least some embodiments offering an automatic and space-saving door for an outer drum or housing of a washing machine.
[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a washing machine comprising an outer drum. The washing machine further comprises an inner drum configured to hold items to be washed. The inner drum is rotatably arranged around a rotational axis R in the outer drum. The washing machine further comprises an outer drum opening arranged in the outer drum for accessing the inner drum. The washing machine further comprises a door configured to seal the outer drum opening. The door is arranged to be repeatably movable between a sealed position and an opened position. The transition between the sealed position and the opened position is divided into a sealing movement along a first axis A1 extending outwards from the outer drum and in a sliding movement along a second axis A2. Further, the washing machine comprises a door guiding means configured to allow the door to move along the first axis and the second axis.
[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for moving a door of a washing machine according to the first aspect. The method is implemented in a control unit and comprises receiving a signal for closing or opening the door of the washing machine. The method further comprises moving the door along a first axis A1 allowing the door to perform a sealing movement. The method further comprises moving the door along a second axis A2 allowing the door to perform a sliding movement. The door is moved along the first axis A1 prior to being moved along the second axis A2 in case the signal tells the control unit to open the door. The door is moved along the second axis A2 prior to being moved along the first axis A1 in case the signal tells the control unit to close the door.
[0010] Thus, there is provided a washing machine with at least a first function of providing a door configured to be repeatably movable between a sealed position and an opened position. There is also provided a method for moving the door between the sealed position and the opened position. The present invention is advantageous at least in that the door does not take up a large amount of space when opened. The door easily moves from a sealed position outward from the machine in order to be able to slide away from the drum opening giving a user access to the inner drum. Compared to prior art machines this machine may be placed in a smaller space, and it may help in making the usage of the washing machine more effective. The present invention also brings the advantage of avoiding water drops or spilling on the floor. The door may move within the machine which may prevent drops falling on the floor while handling the machine. This is advantageous since it may reduce the injury risk due to slippery floors. The present invention is further advantageous in that is reduces the need for intervention of the user or operator. Further, it improves the ergonomics of the machine.
[0011] With the term sealing movement is meant a movement along the first axis A1. The door can both be opened and closed, and during both these operations the door moves along the first axis A1, thusly the sealing movement refers to the motion along the first axis A1 regardless if the door is opening or closing. When opening the door, the sealing movement moves the door away from the remainder of the machine. After it has been moved away it may slide along the second axis A2. When closing the door, the door has first been slid along the second axis A2 and then the sealing movement moves the door towards the remainder of the machine.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the door guiding means comprises a locking device configured to lock/seal the door and to perform the sealing movement. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the locking mechanism is configured to move the door outward from a sealed position to be able to be slid downward. Further, the locking mechanism is configured to move the door inward along the first axis when closing the door. It is advantageous that the same mechanism sealing the door also is configured to move the door along the first axis. When unlocking the outer drum door, the door will automatically be moved along the first axis A1. The washing machine may comprise more than one locking device. For example, one locking device may be placed at the top of the outer drum opening and one by the bottom of the outer drum opening. Having more than one locking device may provide a tighter and more secure seal.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the washing machine further comprises a control unit configured to operate the washing machine. And the locking device comprises a first actuator configured to be activated by the control unit, and a transmission bar configured to be moved by the first actuator and to move the door along the first axis A1 in order to perform the sealing movement, wherein the transmission bar is configured to move the door between said sealed position and an intermediate position. The first actuator may be any type of actuator. For example, it may be an electric or pneumatic actuator configured to move the transmission bar in order to move the door upon receiving a signal from the control unit. The sealed position may the position when the door is closed and locked and the washing machine may be started or currently running. The intermediate position may be a position the door passes during opening and closing. For example, when opening the washing machine, the transmission bar may move the door along the first axis A1 from the sealing position to the intermediate position. The door may then be moved from the intermediate position to the opened position along the second axis A2. According to an embodiment, the locking device comprises a male-female configuration. The male-female configuration comprises a first connector attached to the door, and a second connector attached to and configured to be moved by the transmission bar. The second connector is configured to engage the first connector in order to lock and seal the door and to perform the sealing movement. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the first connector and second connector may engage in order to lock and seal the door ensuring that no water will exit the machine during use. Further, the connectors may be used in order to move the door outward and inward along the first axis A1. The connectors may for example be a hook and a loop or any other suitable male-female connector configuration. It is understood that there may be more than one male-female configuration. For example, there may be more than one male-female configuration per locking device, and there may be more than one locking device. An advantage with having more male-female configurations may be that a tighter seal can be achieved. Further, when moving the door, it may be advantageous to have more than one male-female configuration to ensure that the door is moved properly and that the connectors are not damages from friction or strain.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the transmission bar is attached to the second connector via at least one attachment point forming a bistable mechanism so that the second connector moves along the first axis when the transmission bar moves between a first stable position and a second stable position. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the transmission bar has two stable positions, one position when the second connector is pulled towards the washing machine causing it to move the first connector and thusly the door towards the drum opening and sealing it. In the second stable position the transmission bar has moved the second connector outwards along the first axis A1 causing it to move the first connector and thusly the door outward from the drum opening, and into a position where it can proceed into a sliding movement and move into the opened position.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the locking device further comprises a transmission mechanism attached to the door and to the transmission bar configured to move the door when the transmission bar is moved. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the transmission mechanism may help to move the door along the first axis A1 so that the connector does not get exposed to an excessive amount of stress. The transmission mechanism may also move the door further than the connector so that the first connector is disengaged from the second connector. This may be advantageous in that the connectors will not get damaged due to friction when the door starts the sliding movement along the second axis A2.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the transmission mechanism comprises a door moving bar mechanically connected to the door and a rotatable element attached to the door moving bar and to the transmission bar. The transmission bar is configured to move the rotatable element and the rotatable element transfers the movement to the door moving bar.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the rotatable element comprises a rotation pin connected to the outer drum. The rotatable element may be configured to rotate around the rotation pin. The rotatable element further comprises at least two rolls, wherein the door moving bar may be arranged between the rolls. The rolls may be configured to translate movement to the door moving bar. The present embodiment may work in the following way: when the transmission bar is moved the attachment point will also be moved. The attachment point may then move the rotatable element which rotates around the rotation pin. This rotation may then be translated into a movement of the two rolls which forces the door moving bar to move. The door moving bar then helps to move the door.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the door moving bar moves the door such that the first connector disengages the second connector. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it allows for the door to be slid away from the opening without any friction and ensures that the connectors are not damaged when the door is slid away.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the door guiding means further comprises a second actuator configured to perform said sliding movement of the transition between the sealed position and the opened position. The second actuator may be any type of actuator, for example a pneumatic actuator or an electric actuator. Other similar solutions are also possible. For example, the door could be attached to some sort of conveyor belt that is rotated in order to move the door along the second axis.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the control unit sends a first signal to the first actuator to perform the sealing movement and sends a second signal to the second actuator to perform the sliding movement in order to open the door automatically when a washing cycle has finished. The wording sealing movement is used to the describe the movement of the door along the first axis A1 throughout the application. It is understood that the sealing movement therefore both can be performed when closing and locking the machine, and when opening the machine. In this particular embodiment the sealing movement incorporates a movement along the first axis A1 away from the remainder of the machine. The door may for example be moved to the intermediate position and after that slid down the second axis. This movement may be automatic after a washing cycle has finished. The sliding movement of the door is along the second axis A2. The sliding movement may move the door from the opening in order to allow a user to reach the laundry within. The sliding movement may also move the door in front of the opening in order when closing the door. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the door will be automatically opened when the washing machine has completed a washing cycle. Similarly, the outer drum door may be closed automatically upon, for example, a button pushed or an input from a user. Then the control unit may send a signal first to the second actuator in order to perform the sliding movement, and then a signal to the first actuator in order to perform the sealing movement.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. The second axis may for example be extending vertically allowing the door to slide downwards or upwards in order to give a user access to the inner drum. According to an embodiment, the washing machine further comprises a housing. The outer drum, the inner drum and the door guiding means may be placed within the housing and the door may be configured to move inside the housing. For example, the door may be slid away from the opening along the second axis so that it is hidden by the housing. The present embodiment is advantageous in that no water will drop on the floor while opening the washing machine. This may reduce the injury risk.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the washing machine may comprise a control panel. A signal to close or open the door of the washing machine may be triggered from the control panel by a user or be an automatic signal sent when a washing cycle has finished.
[0023] It is noted that other embodiments using all possible combinations of features recited in the above described embodiments may be envisaged. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of features mentioned herein. Any embodiment described herein may be combinable with other embodiments also described herein, and the present disclosure relates to all combinations of features.
Brief description of the drawings
[0024] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described in more detail, with reference to the following appended drawings:
Figure 1a,1b,1c schematically illustrates a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 schematically illustrates a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4a,4b,4c schematically illustrates a locking device of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a, 5b schematically illustrates parts of a washing machine when the door is in a opened position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6a, 6b schematically illustrates parts of a washing machine when the door is in an intermediate position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7a, 7b schematically illustrates parts of a washing machine when the door is in a sealed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a locking device of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9a, 9b schematically illustrates the bistable mechanism of the locking mechanism of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig 10 schematically illustrates a method implemented in a control unit for operating a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description
[0025] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0026] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. With reference to Figure 1a-1c a washing machine 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0027] The washing machine 100 may be a "simple" washing machine (i.e. a washing machine which can only wash and rinse the laundry) as well as a washing-drying machine (i.e. a washing machine which can also dry the laundry). It may also be a washer-extractor or a washer without extractor.
[0028] The washing machine 100 comprises an outer drum housing an inner drum. The washing machine also comprises an outer drum door 130 and a door guiding means for opening the door. The washing machine 100 further comprises a housing 105. The housing may be an exterior casing made from any suitable material. The housing 105 may be adapted for allowing an inflow and outflow of water and to facilitate any other type of standard operations for a washing machine.
[0029] The housing 105 may have an opening as seen in Figure 1a-1c allowing a user to reach laundry when the outer drum door 130 is opened.
[0030] In Figure 1a the washing machine 100 is depicted with the outer drum door 130 in a sealed position. The outer drum door is sealed during an active washing cycle.
[0031] In Figure 1b the washing machine 100 is depicted with the outer drum door between a sealed and an opened position. Here, the outer drum door 130 is sliding along the second axis A2 (see figure 2b for further details). As seen the door may be allowed to slide within the housing 105 in order to avoid water spilling on the floor. It is however perceivable that the outer drum door 130 would move in any other direction or on the outside of the housing 105.
[0032] In Figure 1c the outer drum door 130 cannot be seen and the washing machine 100 is opened. A user may load the machine 100 with laundry or empty the machine 100 during this instance.
[0033] The washing machine 100 may be configured for home use or for professional use. The washing machine 100 may for example be placed within a wall dividing two rooms and allow for access from each of the two rooms. In such an embodiment the washing machine 100 may comprise more than one outer drum door 130. This may be advantageous in certain environments where unwashed laundry and washed laundry may not be kept in the same room, for example in certain hospital environments.
[0034] Further details regarding the washing machine 100 and plausible embodiments will follow with reference to the remaining Figures.
[0035] With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 a washing machine 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0036] The washing machine 100 comprises an outer drum 110. The washing machine 100 further comprises an inner drum 120 configured to hold items to be washed. The inner drum 120 is rotatably arranged around a rotational axis R in the outer drum 110. The washing machine 100 further comprises an outer drum opening 115 arranged in the outer drum 110 for accessing the inner drum 120. The washing machine 100 further comprises an outer drum door 130 configured to seal the outer drum opening 115. The door 130 is arranged to be repeatably movable between a sealed position and an opened position. The transition between the sealed position and the opened position is divided into a sealing movement along a first axis A1 extending outwards from the outer drum and in a sliding movement along a second axis A2. The washing machine further comprises a door guiding means 140 configured to allow the door to move along the first axis and the second axis.
[0037] The door guiding means 140 is in other words used in order to perform the sealing movement along the first axis A1 and the sliding movement along the second axis A2.
[0038] The first axis A1 may be orthogonal to a plane in which the outer drum opening 115 is placed. The sealing movement along the first axis A1 would then be straight out from the washing machine 100, or straight in towards the washing machine. The second axis A2 may be orthogonal to the first axis A1 and the sliding movement may therefore move the door 130 vertically or horizontally away from the outer drum opening 115, and then back again when closing the door 130.
[0039] The inner drum 120 may have a hatch (not shown) for further securing the laundry within the inner drum 120. This hatch may be reachable through the outer drum opening 115.
[0040] The washing machine 100 may also be placed in an exterior casing or housing 105, as disclosed in Figure 1a-1c.
[0041] The washing machine 100 may further comprise a control unit 145 configured to operate the washing machine 100. The control unit 145 may be placed in any suitable location. The control unit 145 may be configured to operate any part of the washing machine 100.
[0042] Figure 2 discloses the washing machine 100 with the door 130 in the sealed position. And Figure 3 discloses the washing machine 100 with the door 130 in the opened position.
[0043] Starting from Figure 2 and ending in Figure 3 the door 130 will first move along the first axis A1 away from the washing machine 100 and the outer drum 110. The sealing movement will thusly, when opening the washing machine 100, move the door 130 outward away from the washing machine 100. After the sealing movement the door 130 will be slid away from the outer drum opening 115 along the second axis A2. The sliding movement will thusly, when opening the washing machine 100, move the door 130 away from the outer drum opening 115. In Figures 2 and 3, the second axis A2 is vertical which depicts one possibility for the second axis A2. As depicted in Figure 1c, the outer drum door 130 may be configured to move within the housing or exterior casing of the washing machine. When the door 130 is moved away from the outer drum opening 115 along axis A2 is may be partially or completely hidden behind the housing of the washing machine 100. This may reduce the risk of water spillage on the floor around the washing machine 100 reducing the risk of accidents in a workplace.
[0044] Starting from Figure 3 and ending in Figure 2 the door 130 will first move along the second axis A2 until it covers the outer drum opening 115. The sliding movement will thusly, when closing the washing machine 100, move the door 130 towards the outer drum opening 115. After the sliding movement the door 130 will be moved along the first axis A1 until it seals the outer drum opening 115. The sealing movement till thusly, when closing the washing machine 100, move the door 130 towards the outer drum 110 until a seal is achieved.
[0045] With reference to Figure 4a, 4b and 4c a locking device 150 of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0046] The locking device 150 may be part of the door guiding mechanism 140 in Figures 2 and 3. A washing machine according to the invention may comprise more than one locking mechanism 150. For example, one locking device 150 may be placed at the top of the outer drum opening, and one may be placed at the bottom of the opening. In case the washing machine has more than one outer drum opening and more than one door, the washing machine may comprise more than one or two locking device 150. For example, the washing machine may comprise two locking device 150 for each door.
[0048] The locking device 150 comprises a first actuator 160 configured to be activated by the control unit 145. The locking device 150 further comprises a transmission bar 170 configured to be moved by the first actuator 160. When the transmission bar 170 is moved it may, by being mechanically connected to the door, move the door along the first axis A1 in order to perform the sealing movement.
[0049] The first actuator 160 can move the transmission bar 170 in two directions causing it to move the door either away from the washing machine and the outer drum opening or towards the washing machine and the outer drum opening.
[0050] The locking device 150 may further comprise a male-female configuration in order to lock and seal the washing machine. The male-female configuration may comprise of a first connector (not shown in Figure 4a, 4b, and 4c) attached to the door of the washing machine. The male-female configuration may further comprise of a second connector 180b attached to and configured to be moved by the transmission bar 170. The second connector 180b may be configured to engage the first connector in order to lock/seal the door and to perform the sealing movement.
[0051] The transmission bar 170 may be mechanically connected to the second connector 180b. When the transmission bar 170 is moved by the first actuator 160 the second connector 180b may be moved along the first axis A1. In case the second connector 180b engages the first connector it may therefore move the first connector and thus move the door. There may be more than one first and more than one second connector 180b per locking device 150. In the figures of this application there are two first and second connectors per locking device 150.
[0052] The male- female configuration may be a hook and loop configuration or any other suitable connector configuration.
[0053] The transmission bar 170 may be attached to the second connector 180b via at least one attachment point 185 forming a bistable mechanism 190. The connection and the bistable mechanism 190 may ensure that the second connector 180b moves along the first axis A1 when the transmission bar 170 moves between a first stable position and a second stable position. More details regarding the bistable mechanism 190 are disclosed with reference to Figures 9a and 9b.
[0054] The locking device 150 may further comprise a transmission mechanism 200 attached to the door and to the transmission bar 170. The transmission mechanism 200 may be configured to move the door when the transmission bar 170 is moved. The transmission bar 170 may therefore have multiple functions. Partly to move the second connector 180b in order to move the first connector in order to move the door, and partly to move a transmission mechanism 200 in order to also move the door. The transmission mechanism 200 may also be used in order to make the connectors disconnect prior to the sliding movement. And the transmission mechanism 200 may help the connectors connect and or engage after the sliding movement and prior to the sealing movement.
[0055] The transmission mechanism 200 may comprise a door moving bar 210 mechanically connected to the door. It may further comprise a rotatable element 220 attached to the door moving bar 210 and to the transmission bar 170. The transmission bar 170 may be configured to move the rotatable element 220 and the rotatable element 220 may transfer the movement to the door moving bar 210.
[0056] The door moving bar 210 may move the door such that the first connector 180a (seen in Figure 5b) disengages the second connector 180b. Seeing that the first connector 180a is attached to the door it can be pushed out further from the washing machine than the second connector 180b and therefore disengage the second connector 180b. This is advantageous to do before sliding the door away from the outer drum opening since there will be no friction damage to the connectors.
[0057] With reference to Figure 5a and 5b parts of a washing machine with the door 130 in an opened position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are disclosed.
[0058] Figure 5a discloses the door 130 in an opened position. The door guiding means (140 in Figure 2 and 3) comprises the locking device 150. The door guiding means may further comprise a second actuator 230 configured to perform the sliding movement of the transition between the sealed position and the opened position. The second actuator 230 may for example be a pneumatic or an electric actuator. The second actuator 230 may be configured to slide the door 130 away from the outer drum opening 115 and to slide the door 130 back in front of the outer drum opening 115.
[0059] The washing machine may be configured to close the door 130 and start automatically upon a command from a user. A user may when the machine is in the current position for example load the inner drum with laundry to be washed. When loading is done the user may for example press a button or an icon on a display of the washing machine. This may cause the control unit to send a signal to the second actuator 230 in order to slide the door 130 in front of the outer drum opening 115. The control unit may then send a signal to the first actuator of the locking device 150 causing the transmission bar to move and thus pulling the door 130 towards the washing machine until a seal is achieved. A washing cycle may then begin.
[0060] Figure 5b discloses how the locking device 150 and the different parts may be arranged while the door 130 is in the opened position. The door moving bar 220 is mechanically connected to the door 130 as discussed in relation to previous figures.
[0061] The first connector 180a is in this instance not in contact with the second connector 180b. When the door 130 is closed the first connector 180a will slide into the loop of the second connector 180b and then be engaged by the second connector 180b when the transmission bar moves the door 130 towards the machine.
[0062] With reference to Figure 6a and 6b parts of a washing machine when the door 130 is in an intermediate position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are disclosed.
[0063] Figure 6a discloses the door 130 in an intermediate position. Here the door 130 may have been brought in front of the outer drum opening by the second actuator 230, i.e. moved up from the position in Figure 5a. It is also representative for the scenario when the door 130 has been moved outwards along the first axis and being in an intermediate position before being slid away from the outer drum opening, i.e. moved from the position in Figure 7a.
[0064] Most of the parts of the locking device 150 in Figure 6b are arranged similarly as in Figure 5b. However, the door 130 has moved in front of the outer drum opening by the second actuator 130 so that the first connector 180a and the second connector 180b are placed at least partially in the same plane. In case the second connector 180b now moves, it will engage the first connector 180a. As compared to Figure 7b there is still a gap between the door 130 and the locking device 150 in Figure 6b. The door 130 has yet to be sealed and can be moved either along the first axis or the second axis. It therefore represents an intermediate step between the sealing movement and the sliding movement. With reference to Figure 7a and 7b parts of a washing machine when the door 130 is in a sealed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are disclosed.
[0065] Figure 7a discloses the door in a sealed position. The door has been brought towards the outer drum and sealed by the door guiding means. In this position a washing cycle could be set to start. After a washing cycle has finished the control unit of the washing machine may be configured to automatically signal the first actuator 160 to perform the sealing movement and then the second actuator 230 to perform the sliding movement in order to open the machine.
[0066] Compared to Figure 6b the components of the locking device 150 in Figure 7b have moved. The actuator 160 has moved the transmission bar 170 which in turn moves the second connector 180b. In Figure 7b one can see that the second connector 180b has moved with respect to the locking device 150. The second connector 180b has during this motion engaged the first connector 180a and pulled the door 130 towards the outer drum opening and creating a seal.
[0067] In comparison with Figure 6b one can also see that the rotatable element 220 and the door moving bar 210 has moved in Figure 7b. When the door 130 is opened these elements will move the opposite direction and the door 130 will be further pushed by the door moving bar 220 being connected to the door 130. This will ensure that the first connector 180a can disengage from the second connector 180b.
[0068] With reference to Figure 8 an exploded view of a locking device 150 of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0069] In Figure 8 the locking device 150 and the parts of the locking device 150 are disclosed in further detail. The first actuator 160 is connected to the transmission bar 170. The transmission bar 170 extends to two sides and connects to two second connectors 180b. The transmission bar 170 is mechanically connected to the second connectors 180b through attachment points 185, this forms a bistable mechanism. By moving the transmission bar 170 the second connectors 180b are moved, and thus the door can be moved. Further, one can see how the rotatable element 220 is connected to the transmission bar 170. As disclosed, there may be more than one rotatable element 220. The rotatable element 220 is connected to the outer drum with rotation pin 225. The rotation pin 225 will act as the axis of rotation. When the first actuator 160 move the transmission bar 170 the rotatable element 220 will rotate around pin 225. This rotation is then translated into movement of the door moving bar.
[0070] The door moving bar (not shown) may then be moved by the rotation of the rotatable element 220 and also help in moving the door. The door moving bar may be moved by the rotatable element 220 comprising two rolls or pins 215a, 215b. The door moving bar may be placed between the rolls 215a, 215b so that when the rotatable element 220 is rotated the rolls 215a, 215b translates the movement to the door moving bar and causes it to move.
[0071] With reference to Figure 9a and 9b a bistable mechanism 190 of the locking mechanism of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0072] In Figure 9a and 9b two stable positions of the transmission bar 170 are illustrated. The first position disclosed in Figure 9a illustrates when the door 130 has been pushed away from the washing machine, alternatively before the door 130 has been brought towards the machine. In other words, it illustrates the scenario before or after the sealing movement when the door is in an intermediate position.
[0073] The second position disclosed in Figure 9b illustrates when the door 130 has been pulled towards the washing machine sealing the outer drum opening.
[0074] A bistable mechanism 190 is a mechanism with two stable positions. This is used in the present invention to allow the door 130 to be correctly sealed. And for the door 130 to be in a stable position before sliding away from the outer drum opening.
[0075] Starting from the door 130 in a sealed position, the scenario depicted in Fig 9b. The transmission bar 170 is in a first stable position. The transmission bar 170 is attached to the second connector 180b via at least one attachment point 185 being part of the bistable mechanism 190. The transmission bar 170 is further attached to the outer drum 110. When the first actuator 160 receives a signal from the control unit (not shown) the transmission bar 170 will start moving, in this particular embodiment to the right in order to open the door 130. In the sealed position the joint, comparable to a knee joint, is only slightly bent, i.e the attachment point 185 is placed with a smaller angle compared to the bistable mechanism 190, so that the second connector 180b is moved inwards along the first axis A1 and pulls the first connector 180a with it in order to move the door 130 towards the washing machine.
[0076] The transmission bar 170 moves to the right and reaches a second stable position, Figure 9a. The second connector 180b has as the transmission bar 170 moves started to move outward from the washing machine (downwards in Figures 9a, 9b). The second connector 180b comes into contact with the first connector 180a and pushed it and thusly also the door 130 outwards along the first axis A1. As the transmission bar 170 moves to the right, the transmission mechanism (not shown) further moves the door slightly in order to disengage the first connector 180a from the second connector 180b.In the unlocked position, or intermediate position, the knee joint has a bigger bend than in Figure 9b in order for the second connector 180b to be moved along the first axis A1 away from the washing machine.
[0077] When the transmission bar 170 is moved to the left, i.e. when the door 130 is to be sealed, the second connector 180b instead moves inwards along the first axis A1. The second connector 180b engages the first connector 180a and pulls the door 130 towards the outer drum opening and seals the door.
[0078] In the Figures 9a and 9b the outer drum 110 is connected to the transmission bar 170 as part of the bistable mechanism. The illustrated lines going from the upper illustrative circle of the bistable mechanism 190 does not connect to the outer drum 110 but merely passes it. The outer drum 110 can be seen as stable in the configuration while the transmission bar 170 moves and thereby also moves the attachment point 185 which move the upper illustrative circle of the bistable mechanism which, in the end, also moves the outer drum door 130. With reference to Figure 10 a method implemented in a control unit of a washing machine is illustrated.
[0079] The washing machine described in relation to any one of the previous figures may comprise a control unit configured to control the operation of the washing machine. The control unit may be configured to receive M1 a signal for closing or opening a door of the washing machine. In case the outer drum door of the washing machine currently is closed, the signal may tell the control unit to open the door. The control unit may then ensure that the door is moved M2 along a first axis A1 allowing the door to perform a sealing movement. Subsequently moving M3 the door along a second axis A2 allowing the door to perform a sliding movement.
[0080] However, if the door is open the signal received in step M1 may tell the control unit to close the door. Here the control unit may be configured to ensure moving M3 of the door along a second axis A2 allowing the door to perform a sliding movement. And then, subsequentially moving (M2) the door along a first axis A1 allowing the door to perform a sealing movement.
[0081] The signal to either open or close the door may be sent automatically or by a user. In case a user sends the signal, it may be using a control panel or button on the washing machine.
[0082] Any feature of the washing machine discussed throughout this text may be controlled by the control unit. For example, in order to move the door along the first axis A1 the control unit may activate the first actuator. This will in turn move the transmission bar causing the door to move along A1. The control unit may then activate the second actuator causing the door to move along A2. Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.
[0083] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.
1. A washing machine (100) comprising:
an outer drum (110);
an inner drum (120) configured to hold items to be washed, wherein said inner drum is rotatably arranged around a rotational axis R in said outer drum;
an outer drum opening (115) arranged in said outer drum for accessing said inner drum;
a door (130) configured to seal said outer drum opening, wherein said door is arranged to be repeatably movable between a sealed position and an opened position, wherein the transition between said sealed position and said opened position is divided into a sealing movement along a first axis A1 extending outwards from said outer drum and in a sliding movement along a second axis A2; and
a door guiding means (140) configured to allow the door to move along said first axis and said second axis.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1 wherein said door guiding means comprises
a locking device (150) configured to lock/seal said door and to perform said sealing
movement.
3. The washing machine according to claim 2 further comprising a control unit (145) configured
to operate said washing machine, and wherein said locking device further comprises:
a first actuator (160) configured to be activated by said control unit; and
a transmission bar (170) configured to be moved by said first actuator and to move said door along the first axis A1 in order to perform the sealing movement, wherein the transmission bar is configured to move the door between said sealed position and an intermediate position.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein said locking device comprises a
male-female configuration comprising:
a first connector (180a) attached to said door; and
a second connector (180b) attached to and configured to be moved by said transmission bar, wherein said second connector is configured to engage said first connector in order to lock/seal said door and to perform said sealing movement.
5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein said transmission bar is attached
to said second connector via at least one attachment point (185) forming a bistable
mechanism (190) so that said second connector moves along said first axis when said
transmission bar moves between a first stable position and a second stable position.
6. The washing machine according to any one of claim 4 to 5, wherein said locking device
further comprises a transmission mechanism (200) attached to said door and to said
transmission bar configured to move said door when said transmission bar is moved.
7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein said transmission mechanism comprises:
a door moving bar (210) mechanically connected to said door; and
a rotatable element (220) attached to said door moving bar and to said transmission bar, wherein said transmission bar is configured to move said rotatable element and wherein said rotatable element transfers said movement to said door moving bar.
8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein said rotatable element comprises:
a rotation pin (225) connected to the outer drum, wherein said rotatable element is configured to rotate around said rotation pin, and
at least two rolls (215a), (215b), wherein said door moving bar is arranged between said rolls, and wherein said rolls translate movement to said door moving bar.
9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein said door moving bar moves said
door such that said first connector disengages said second connector.
10. The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said door
guiding means further comprises a second actuator (230) configured to perform said
sliding movement of the transition between said intermediate position and said opened
position.
11. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein said control unit sends a first
signal to said first actuator to perform said sealing movement and sends a second
signal to said second actuator to perform said sliding movement in order to open said
door automatically when a washing cycle has finished.
12. The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second
axis is orthogonal to said first axis.
13. The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a housing 105, wherein said outer drum, said inner drum and said door guiding means
are placed within said housing and wherein said door 130 is configured to move inside
said housing.
14. A method for moving a door of a washing machine according to any one of the previous
claims, the method is implemented in a control unit and comprises the steps of:
receiving (M1) a signal for closing or opening said door of said washing machine,
moving (M2) said door along a first axis A1 allowing said door to perform a sealing movement, and
moving (M3) said door along a second axis A2 allowing said door to perform a sliding movement,
wherein said door is moved along said first axis A1 prior to being moved along said second axis A2 in case said signal tells the control unit to open said door, and wherein said door is moved along said second axis A2 prior to being moved along said first axis A1 in case said signal tells the control unit to close said door.
15. The method according to claim 14 wherein said signal may be triggered from a control
panel by a user or be an automatic signal sent when a washing cycle has finished.