Laundry treating apparatus

The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the laundry treating apparatus, the cabinet having a laundry entrance opening for introducing laundry therethrough, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet for opening and closing the laundry entrance opening, a hook provided at the door, and a door switch provided at the cabinet such that the hook can be latched to the door switch to prevent the door from being opened. The door switch separates the hook for opening the door.

The present application claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2009-0086532 filed in Korea on Sep. 14, 2009, Korean Application No. 10-2009-0087143 filed in Korea on Sep. 15, 2009, Korean Application No. 10-2009-0092579 filed in Korea on Sep. 29, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus, and, more particularly, to a laundry treating apparatus capable of having a door that automatically opens.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Generally, a laundry treating apparatus is a common designation for various kinds of treating apparatus that treat laundry by applying physical and chemical actions to the laundry, such as a washing machine that removes contaminants from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as ‘laundry’) using a chemical decomposition action of water and detergent, and a physical action, such as friction, between water and laundry; a drying machine that dries wet laundry by spinning; and a refresher that sprays heated steam to the laundry for preventing the occurrence of allergic reaction due to the laundry and, in addition, for easily and conveniently washing the laundry.

In such a laundry treating apparatus, however, a laundry entrance opening is kept closed by a door when the laundry treating apparatus is not in use, with the result that germs and mold are easily propagated due to damp air and the airtight environment of the laundry treating apparatus. Consequently, an inherent goal of the laundry treating apparatus, to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of clothes, is not satisfied.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the disclosure to disclose a laundry treating apparatus having an automatic opening type door.

It is another object of the disclosure to disclose a laundry treating apparatus wherein locking, lock releasing, and automatic opening of a door are easily achieved.

Accordingly, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a laundry treating apparatus including a cabinet forming an external appearance of the laundry treating apparatus, the cabinet having a laundry entrance opening for introducing laundry therethrough, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet for opening and closing the laundry entrance opening, a hook provided at the door for closing the door, and a door switch provided at the cabinet such that the hook can be latched to the door switch, wherein the door switch separates the hook for opening the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The advantages and features of the laundry treating apparatus, and the way of attaining them, will become apparent with reference to embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be embodied in a variety of different forms; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Now, exemplary embodiments of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2is a plan view ofFIG. 1as seen in a direction indicated by an arrow A.

In this embodiment, a laundry treating apparatus1includes a cabinet10for accommodating laundry therein, the cabinet10having a laundry entrance opening21for introducing the laundry therethrough, and a door30rotatably mounted to the front of the cabinet10for opening and closing the laundry entrance opening21.

The cabinet10forms an external appearance of the laundry treating apparatus1. A door receiving part23for receiving the door30is formed at the cabinet10around the laundry entrance opening21.

The door30includes a transparent part35formed in the shape of a circle and made of a transparent material and a door frame33forming the circumference of the transparent part35.

The door30has one end40brotatably coupled to the door receiving part23of the cabinet10via a door hinge38. The door30moves toward the laundry entrance opening21, while rotating about the door hinge38, and is located at the door receiving part23to close the laundry entrance opening21.

The door hinge38is provided with a door elastic member39having one end39′ supported by a first support part39aformed in the cabinet10and the other end39″ supported by a second support part39bformed at a hinge rod37connected to the door30. The door elastic member39provides elastic force in a direction in which the door30opens away from the laundry entrance opening21. The door elastic member39may be in a form of a torsion spring provided at the door hinge38.

A hook60is disposed at the other end40aof the door30. The hook60is latched to a door switch100(see, for example,FIG. 5) provided at the door receiving part23for latching the door30to prevent the door30from being opened and to prevent wash water from leaking outside during washing. The hook60is rotatably coupled to the door30such that the hook60can be latched to or latch released from the door switch100.

When the door30is closed, the hook60is latched to the door switch100. When the treatment of laundry is completed, the door switch100releases the hook60to open the door30. Details thereof will be described in detail later.

FIG. 3is a sectional view of the door taken along line B-B ofFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 3, the laundry treating apparatus1according to this embodiment further includes a support unit40mounted in the door30that contacts the cabinet10when the door30is opened and maintains a predetermined separation gap50between the door30and the cabinet10.

In this embodiment, the support unit40is provided in the door30. However, this should not be construed as a limitation. For example, the support unit40may be provided in the cabinet10.

The support unit40achieves communication between the interior and exterior of a drum (not shown) rotatably disposed in the cabinet10through the separation gap50between the door30and the door receiving part23.

The support unit40includes a support body41disposed so as to move inwardly or outwardly of the door30and a mount frame42having an insertion hole43formed inside the door30such that the support body41is inserted into and protrudes from the insertion hole43.

When the hook60is released from the door switch100, and, as a result, the door30opens from the door receiving part23, the support body41contacts the cabinet10to maintain the separation gap60between the cabinet10and the door30.

When the door30opens, the support body41contacts the cabinet10, for example, before the hook60is completely released from the door switch100so as to maintain the separation gap50between the cabinet10and the door30.

The mount frame42may be formed at the door frame33as one body. The support body41is inserted into the insertion hole43of the mount frame42. A separation preventing protrusion41afor preventing the separation of the support body41from the insertion hole43may be formed at the support body41as one body. The depth of the insertion hole43may be greater than at least the length of the support body41.

The support body41is elastically supported with respect to the cabinet10by a support elastic member44. When the hook60is released from the door switch100, the support elastic member44applies elastic force to the support body41to maintain the separation gap50between the door30and the cabinet10in cooperation with the door elastic member39.

The support unit40may further include a magnet45mounted at the tip end of the support body41for magnetically coupling the support body41with the cabinet10. The magnet45is made of a material having magnetic properties. The door receiving part23of the cabinet10, to which the support body41comes into contact at the magnet45, is preferably made of a material exhibiting high magnetic coupling with the magnet45, e.g., metal.

The support unit40further includes a contact part at the tip end of the support body41that may prevent noise from being generated during contact between the support body41and the cabinet10.

The contact part46is coupled to the tip end of the support body41to prevent noise from being generated when the magnet45or the tip end of the support body41comes into direct contact with the door receiving part23of the cabinet10, made of metal. The contact part46may be made of silicone or rubber so as to minimize noise generated during contact.

Referring toFIG. 4, the door30may be provided with a door handle72. A user may manipulate the door handle72to open the door30. The door handle72is rotatably provided inside the door30. The door handle72is operatively connected to the hook60such that the hook is rotated simultaneously with the rotation of the door handle72.

A handle casing75may be provided such that the door handle72is mounted in the handle casing75. The door handle72is provided in the handle casing75such that the door handle72is rotated about a handle hinge73. The hook60may be coupled to the handle hinge73. Also, the hook60may be operatively connected to the door handle72such that the hook60is rotated simultaneously when the door handle72is rotated.

When a user grips the door handle72through an opening34of the handle casing75from the front of the door30when the door30is closed, the door handle72and the hook60are rotated together, with the result that the coupling between the hook60and the door switch100is released, whereby the door30can be opened.

When the coupling between the hook60and the door switch100is released, the door30is rotated in a direction in which the door30is opened that releases forces of the door elastic member38provided at the door hinge38and the support elastic member44.

Meanwhile, a handle elastic member74may be provided between the door handle72and the handle casing75such that the hook60returns to the original position thereof when the user releases the door handle72.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view showing a door switch of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 6is a view showing a hook latched to the door switch ofFIG. 5,FIG. 7is a view showing the door switch ofFIG. 5releasing the hook, andFIG. 8is a view showing a door being opened as a result of the separation of the hook from the door switch ofFIG. 5.

In this embodiment, the door switch100includes a lower switch body111to which the hook60is latched, an upper switch body131coupled to the lower switch body111, a motor141for generating rotational force, a cam143configured to be rotated by the motor141, a follower125configured to contact the cam143for performing a rectilinear motion, and a lever121driven by the follower125for releasing the hook60.

The lower switch body111is provided with a hook hole113, into which the hook60is inserted. The lower switch body111is provided with a switch latch part115, to which a hook latch part61of the hook60is latched when the door30is closed. The hook latch part61latches to the switch latch part115when the door30is closed.

The motor141, the cam143, the follower125, and the lever121are provided at the upper switch body131. The upper switch body131and the lower switch body111constitute a switch body.

The motor141generates rotational force to rotate the cam143. The motor141is preferably provided at the upper switch body131. The motor141is preferably a synchronous motor suitable for driving the cam143.

The cam143is rotated by the motor141. A cam protrusion143cis formed at the cam143. When the door30is closed, the cam protrusion143cis positioned in the direction opposite to the follower125, as shown inFIG. 6. The cam protrusion143cis rotated by the motor141to push the follower125, as shown inFIG. 7. When the hook60is released, and, as a result, the door30is opened, as shown inFIG. 8, the cam protrusion143cpreferably returns to the original position thereof.

The follower125is rectilinearly moved by the cam143. The follower125is moved forward by the cam protrusion143cof the cam143. The follower125is moved backward by the switch elastic member123. The follower125is preferably slidably coupled to the upper switch body131. The follower125has a follower rotation shaft125a, which is preferably coupled in a lever hole121aformed in the lever121.

The motor141, the cam143, and the follower125may be referred to as a lever driver for driving the lever121.

The lever121is driven by the follower125to push the hook60such that the hook60is released from the door switch100. The lever121has a lever rotation shaft121b, which is preferably coupled in an upper switch hole131bformed in the upper switch body131. The lever121is rotated by the follower125to push a hook head63of the hook60such that the hook60is rotated.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door switch100with the above-stated construction according to this embodiment will be described.

When laundry treatment is completed by the laundry treatment apparatus1, the motor141rotates the cam143. When the cam143is rotated, the cam protrusion143cof the cam143pushes the follower125such that the follower125performs a rectilinear motion. When the follower125is moved forward, the lever121is rotated to push the hook head63of the hook60. When the hook head63is pushed, the hook60is rotated.

When the hook60is rotated, the hook latch part61is released from the switch latch part115, with the result that the hook60is released from the door switch100. When the hook60is released from the door switch100, the support elastic member44of the support unit40applies elastic force to the support body41such that the door30is rotated, whereby the door30is opened. At this time, the door30may be rotated by elastic force of the door elastic member39.

Since the support body41is in contact with the door receiving part23of the cabinet10by magnetic force of the magnet45of the support unit40, the door30is opened merely by the separation gap50.

When the hook60is separated from the door switch100, and, as a result, the door30is opened, the follower125is preferably moved backward by the switch elastic member123such that the lever121returns to the original position thereof.

When the door30is not opened for a long period of time without laundry treatment, the door30of the laundry treat apparatus1may be automatically opened in the same method as when the laundry treatment is completed as described above.

FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view showing a door switch of a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 10is a view showing a hook latched to the door switch ofFIG. 9,FIG. 11is a view showing the door switch ofFIG. 9releasing the hook, andFIG. 12is a view showing a door being opened as a result of the separation of the hook from the door switch ofFIG. 9.

In this embodiment, a door switch200includes a lower switch body211to which the hook60is latched, an upper switch body231coupled to the lower switch body211, a solenoid241for generating rectilinear force, and a lever221driven by the solenoid241for releasing the hook60.

A description is omitted with respect to components of the door switch200according to this embodiment similar to those of the door switch100according to the previous embodiment.

The solenoid241generates rectilinear force to move the lever221. When the door30is closed, the solenoid241protrudes as shown inFIG. 10. When an electric signal is inputted, the solenoid241is moved backward, as shown inFIG. 11, to pull the lever221. When the hook60is separated, and, as a result, the door30is opened, as shown inFIG. 11, the solenoid241preferably returns to the original position thereof by a solenoid elastic member223. The solenoid241has a solenoid rotation shaft241b, which is preferably coupled in a lever hole221bformed in the lever221.

The lever221is driven by the solenoid241to push the hook60such that the hook60is released. The lever121has a lever rotation shaft221a, which is preferably rotatably coupled in an upper switch hole231aformed in the upper switch body231. The lever221is rotated by the solenoid241to push the hook head63of the hook60such that the hook60is rotated.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door switch200with the above-stated construction according to this embodiment will be described.

When laundry treatment is completed by the laundry treatment apparatus1, the solenoid241is rectilinearly moved backward. As a result, the lever221is rotated to push the hook head63of the hook60. When the hook head63is pushed, the hook60is rotated.

When the hook60is rotated, the hook latch part61is released from a switch latch part215, with the result that the hook60is separated from the door switch200. When the hook60is separated from the door switch100, the support elastic member44of the support unit40applies elastic force to the support body41such that the door30is rotated, whereby the door30is opened. At this time, the door30may be rotated by elastic force of the door elastic member39.

Since the support body41is in contact with the door receiving part23of the cabinet10by magnetic force of the magnet45of the support unit40, the door30is opened merely by the separation gap50.

When the hook60is separated from the door switch200, and, as a result, the door30is opened, the solenoid241is preferably moved forward by a solenoid elastic member223such that the lever221returns to the original position thereof.

FIG. 13is a sectional view showing a lever rotation shaft coupling region of a door switch of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 14is a sectional view showing another embodiment of a lever rotation shaft coupling region of a door switch.

If the lever121does not return to the original position thereof after the door30is opened as shown inFIG. 8orFIG. 12, the hook60may impact with the lever121or221when the door30is closed subsequently, with the result that the lever rotation shaft121b(or the follower rotation shaft125a) or the solenoid rotation shaft241bmay be damaged. In order to prevent the occurrence of this problem, a rotation shaft elastic member is preferably provided around the rotation shaft to absorb the impact. The rotation shaft elastic member is preferably made of rubber.

Referring toFIG. 13, a first rotation shaft elastic member127aand a second rotation shaft elastic member127bmay be provided between the lever rotation shaft121band the upper switch body131. Referring toFIG. 14, a third rotation shaft elastic member129may be provided between the lever rotation shaft121band the lever121.

In addition to the lever rotation shaft121b, the follower rotation shaft125aor the solenoid rotation shaft241bmay be provided with a rotation shaft elastic member as inFIG. 13orFIG. 14.

FIG. 15is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between a hook and a door switch where a door of a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is lock released.

Referring toFIG. 15, a door switch300includes a switch body310forming an external appearance thereof, the switch body310having a hook insertion part311into which the hook360is inserted, a slider320slidably provided in the switch body310for rotating the hook360to lock, lock release, or automatically open the door30, and a slider actuator330for transmitting force from a driver, which will be described later, to the slider320to actuate the slider320.

Although not shown inFIG. 15, the driver may be disposed in the switch body310. Alternatively, the driver may be disposed outside the switch body310to transmit driving force to the slider actuator330through an additional connection member, such as a link (not shown). Exemplary embodiments of the driver will be described later with reference toFIGS. 18 and 19. The hook insertion part311may include a hook insertion hole312and a hook latch part313formed around the hook insertion hole312in a protruding shape such that the hook360is latched to the hook latch part313.

The hook latch part313may have an insertion inclined plane313aformed in an inclined shape such that the hook360is smoothly inserted when the door30is closed and a release inclined plane313bformed in an inclined shape reverse to the inclined shape of the insertion inclined plane313asuch that the hook360is smoothly released when the door30is opened.

The slider320may include a slider inclined plane324inserted into the slider actuator330for converting the direction of force applied from the slider actuator330as the slider actuator330moves upward and downward such that the slider320moves left and right, a first stopper322configured to be latched to the slider actuator330for limiting the movement distance of the slider320in the right direction, and a second stopper323configured to be latched to the slider actuator330for limiting the movement distance of the slider320in the left direction.

The slider actuator330may include a first actuator part for applying force to the slider320during downward movement and a second actuator part for applying force to the slider320during upward movement. Referring toFIG. 15, in this embodiment, the first actuator part includes a first actuation plane331configured to be in plane contact with the slider inclined plane324of the slider320for generating sufficient frictional force. In the same manner, the second actuator part may include a first actuation plane332.

The slider320may include a first conversion plane324acorresponding to the first actuation plane331and a second conversion plane324bcorresponding to the second actuation plane332for converting the direction of force applied from the slider actuator330, when the slider actuator330moves upward and downward, such that the slider320moves left and right.

Hereinafter, the movement direction of the slider320or the slider actuator330will be described. InFIG. 15, the downward direction is indicated by an arrow a (direction a), the upward direction is indicated by an arrow b (direction b), the right direction is indicated by an arrow c (direction c), and the left direction is indicated by an arrow d (direction d). Direction c is a direction in which the slider320moves to rotate the hook360such that the door30is locked. Direction d is a direction in which the slider320moves to rotate the hook360such that the door30is lock released/automatically opened. Direction a is a direction in which the slider actuator330moves to move the slider320in direction c. For example, direction a may be a direction in which the slider actuator330is not perpendicular to but at a predetermined angle to the first conversion plane324aformed at the slider320. Direction b is a direction in which the slider actuator330moves to move the slider320in direction d. For example, direction b may be a direction in which the slider actuator330is not perpendicular to but at a predetermined angle to the second conversion plane324bformed at the slider320.

A state in which the door30is lock released is a state in which the door30is closed such that a user opens the door using the door handle72. In the state in which the door30is lock released, the hook360is latched to the hook latch part313. However, a separation gap321is formed between the hook360and the slider320, with the result that the hook360escapes through the separation gap321, while being rotated, by the manipulation of the door handle72.

Meanwhile, when the slider actuator330moves in direction a in the state in which the door30is lock released, the slider320moves in direction c to lock the door30. On the other hand, when the slider actuator330moves in direction b, the door30is automatically opened. The locking and automatic opening of the door30will hereinafter be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between a hook and a door switch where a door of a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is locked.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, when the slider actuator330is moved in direction a, the slider320moves in direction c, whereby the hook is constrained by a hook constraint part327formed at one end of the slider320such that the hook360is not released from the hook latch part313.

At this time, force applied from the first actuation plane331of the slider actuator330is converted into c direction force by the first conversion plane324aof the slider320to move the slider320in direction c. After the slider320moves a predetermined distance in direction c, the first stopper322is latched to the slider actuator330, whereby the movement distance of the slider320in direction c is limited.

FIG. 17is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between a hook and a door switch where a door of a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is automatically opened.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 17, when the slider actuator330is moved in direction b, the slider320moves in direction d. Consequently, a hook release part326formed at one end of the slider320pushes the hook360, whereby the hook360is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, with the result that the hook360is released from the hook latch part313. At this time, the door30is automatically rotated in the direction in which the door30is opened by elasticity of the door elastic member39and the support unit40provided in the door30, with the result that the hook360is released from the door switch300.

At this time, force applied from the second actuation plane332of the slider actuator330is converted into d direction force by the second conversion plane324bof the slider320to move the slider320in direction d. After the slider320moves a predetermined distance in direction d, the second stopper323is latched to the slider actuator330, whereby the movement distance of the slider320in direction d is limited.

At this time, the door30is not completely opened but is restrictively opened since the support unit40is attached to the door location part23by magnetism of the magnet45provided at the support unit40.

So as to restrictively open the door30as described above, it is necessary for the door elastic member30and the support elastic member44to have appropriate coefficients of elasticity and for the magnet45to have appropriate magnetism.

FIG. 18is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a driver applicable to a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 18, the driver may be variously embodied by a device for providing driving force to move the slider actuator430in direction a or direction b (seeFIG. 15). For example, the slider actuator430may be manually actuated by a link mechanism, or the slider actuator430may be electrically actuated by a motor or an actuator.

In this embodiment, the driver is embodied by a dynamic device using a solenoid. In this embodiment, the driver470includes a first coil472and a second coil473provided in the driver body471. The slider actuator430is movably disposed inside the first coil472and the second coil472such that the slider actuator430moves by current flowing in the first coil472and/or the second coil473. The slider actuator430is preferably formed with a conductor.

At this time, the movement distance of the slider actuator470varies depending upon a state in which current flows in the first coil472or the second coil473. In a state in which current flows in the first coil472but not in the second coil473, force to move the slider actuator430is generated only by the first coil472. When current simultaneously flows in the first coil472and the second coil473, force to move the slider actuator430is generated by the first coil472and the second coil473. Consequently, the movement direction of the slider actuator430is greater when current simultaneously flows in the first coil472and the second coil473than when current flows in the first coil472or the second coil473. It is possible to limit the movement distance of the slider actuator430in direction a, such that the door30is lock released (seeFIG. 15) or locked (seeFIG. 16), using such properties.

Meanwhile, the driver470may further include a drive elastic member474for providing restoring force to return the slider actuator470to the original position thereof when the supply of current to the coils472and473is interrupted when the slider actuator430is moved in direction a.

On the other hand, when the supply of current to the second coil473is interrupted when the door30is locked, the slider actuator430is moved in direction b to lock release the door30(seeFIG. 15). When the supply of current to the first coil472is also interrupted, the slider actuator430is further moved in direction b to automatically open the door30(seeFIG. 17).

In this embodiment, the driver470includes a plurality of coils, and the supply of current to the respective coils is controlled to move the slider actuator470in stages. However, a method of moving the slider actuator470in stages using the solenoid is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to move the slider actuator470in stages by controlling intensity of current flowing in one of the coils to control the magnitude of magnetic force.

FIG. 19is a sectional view showing another embodiment of a driver applicable to a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 19, a driver570according to this embodiment is embodied by a rack and pinion device.

More specifically, the driver570includes a motor571for providing rotational force, a pinion572configured to be rotated by the motor571, and a rack573provided at the slider actuator430for engaging with the pinion472.

When the pinion572is rotated by the motor571, the slider actuator530is moved by the motion of the rack473engaging with the pinion572. In the same manner as in the previous embodiment, the rotation of the motor571is preferably controlled to control the movement distance of the slider actuator570.

Meanwhile, the slider actuator may be embodied by a cam device for converting rotational movement into reciprocating movement in addition to the previous embodiments. The cam device may be constructed so as to control the displacement of the follower performing reciprocating movement in stages such that the slider actuator is moved in stages.

FIG. 20is a typical view showing a laundry treating apparatus and a door switch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In a laundry treating apparatus600according to this embodiment, a hook660is disposed at the rear of a door630. The hook660is latched to a door switch670for closing the door630to prevent the door630from being opened and, in addition, to prevent wash water from leaking out of a cabinet610of the laundry treating apparatus601during washing.

The door switch670holds the tip end of the hook660to prevent the other end of the door630from being rotatably opened when the hook660reaches a position where the hook660is latched to the door switch670as the door630is closed to perform washing in the laundry treating apparatus601.

When the washing in the laundry treating apparatus601is completed, the hook660is released from the door switch670such that the other end of the door630rotatably opens.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 20, the door switch670includes a door switch body671mounted at the side of the cabinet610corresponding to the other end of the door630, a latch part672rotatably disposed at the door switch body671for latching or latch releasing the hook660when a laundry entrance opening621is closed by the door630, a stopper673movable upward and downward disposed at the door switch body671, such that the stopper673contacts the latch part672, for stopping the rotation of the latch part672or releasing the latch part672by the upward and downward movement thereof, a moving rod675having one end connected to the stopper673and the other end connected to a manipulation rod674for moving the stopper upward and downward, the moving rod675being operatively connected to the manipulation rod674such that the moving rod675is moved simultaneously when the manipulation rod674is moved, the manipulation rod674, and an actuator680connected to the manipulation rod674via a wire676for moving the manipulation rod674upward and downward.

The actuator680is configured to be fully automatically operated according to an electric signal from a button manipulation part690disposed at the upper part of the front of the cabinet610of the laundry treating apparatus601. The button manipulation part690is preferably disposed at the upper part of the front of the cabinet610such that a user easily manipulates the button manipulation part690.

The operation of the door switch670with the above-stated construction will be described in brief. When a user manually manipulates the button manipulation part690to lock release the door630, the wire676is pulled upward by the actuator680, which is actuated fully automatically. At this time, the manipulation rod674, connected to the wire676, is moved upward from the door switch body671to move the moving rod675upward and thus moving the stopper673connected to the moving rod675. As a result, the latch part672is rotated, and therefore, the hook660is released from the latch part672.

FIG. 21is a typical view showing a door switch of a laundry treating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 22is a typical view showing a door switch of a laundry treating apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 21, the laundry treating apparatus includes a door switch700for moving a hook760horizontally and thus moving the door730to form a separation gap750defined between the door730and a cabinet710of the laundry treating apparatus for achieving communication between the interior and exterior of the cabinet710.

The door switch700may include a contact rod701configured to contact the hook760at a position before the hook760is latched to the door switch770for moving the hook760to a latch position and an actuator702for moving the contact rod701to the latch position.

Also, the contact rod701moves perpendicularly to the movement path of the hook760while being in slidingly contact with the outside of the hook760.

Hereinafter, a process of moving the hook760to the latch position by the contact rod701will be described in more detail.

In a stopped state, the contact rod701is disposed on the movement path of the hook760. When the hook760approaches the contact rod701, a tip end765of the hook760makes contact with the contact rod701.

That is, when a user pushes the door730toward the cabinet710, the tip end765of the hook760comes into contact with the contact rod701. When the user further pushes the door730toward the cabinet710, the contact rod701moves to the middle of the hook760in slidingly contact with the tip end765of the hook760and reaches a stop position of the hook760.

At the stop position, the door730is stopped by the contact rod701to form the predetermined separation gap750between the cabinet710and the door730, thereby achieving objects of the laundry treating apparatus in accordance with the disclosure.

In a standstill period in which the laundry treating apparatus is not in use, therefore, the separation gap750is formed by the door switch700to achieve communication between the interior and the exterior of the laundry treating apparatus, thereby preventing the propagation of germs and mold in the interior of the laundry treating apparatus.

When a user wishes to close the door730for performing washing in the laundry treating apparatus at the stop position, the user actuates the actuator702to move the contact rod701.

Consequently, the contact rod701moves while being in slidingly contact with the hook760in a state in which the contact rod701is in contact with a latch position of the hook760to move the hook760in the movement path. As a result, the hook760is moved to the latch position.

Hereinafter, a process of moving the hook760from the latch position to the stop position will be described in more detail.

When a user manually or automatically converts a locked state of the door730into a lock released state of the door730, the latch part772is rotated, and therefore, the hook760is released from the latch part772.

At the same time, the actuator702is preferably actuated to move the contact rod701to the stop position.

When the hook760is released from the latch part772, the door730is moved forward by elastic force of a door elastic member, and the hook760comes into contact with the contact rod701moved to the latch position, with the result that the hook760is latched to the contact rod701. At this time, the predetermined separation gap750for achieving communication between the interior and the exterior of the laundry treating apparatus is formed/maintained between the cabinet710and the door730.

When a user pulls a grip (not shown) provided at the front of the door730forward to put laundry into the interior of the laundry treating apparatus, the contact rod701moves over the tip end765of the hook760in slidingly contact, with the result that the latch between the contact rod701and the hook760is released, whereby the door730is completely opened.

In a laundry treating apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 22, a hook860may have a tip end861formed in the shape of a hook.

The hook860is provided at the rear of a door830such that the tip end861of the hook860protrudes toward a cabinet810of the laundry treating apparatus.

Specifically, the hook860is rotatably coupled to a second hinge coupling part863disposed at the rear of the door830such that the tip end861of the hook860is rotated by a predetermined angle about the second hinge coupling part863.

The hook860may be operatively connected to a grip (not shown) mounted at the front of the door830such that the hook860is rotated about the second hinge coupling part863.

A support elastic member (not shown) exhibiting predetermined elastic force may be provided at the second hinge coupling part863. When any external force is transmitted to the hook860, and, as a result, the tip end861of the hook860is rotated about the second hinge coupling part863, the support elastic member serves to provide restoring force by which the tip end861of the hook860returns to the original position thereof.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 22, the door switch800may include a latch part803configured to move along the same movement path as the hook860and to be latched to the tip end861of the hook860for moving the hook860along the movement path and an actuator801connected to the latch part803via a wire802, the actuator801being configured to wind the wire802.

The tip end861of the hook860may be formed with a latch protrusion configured to be latched to the latch part803when the latch part803moves along the movement path.

Hereinafter, a process of moving the hook860from the latch position to the closed position by the door switch800will be described in more detail.

In a stopped state, the latch part803is disposed on the movement path of the hook860. When the hook860approaches the latch part803, the tip end861of the hook860comes into contact with the latch part803.

When a user pushes the door830toward the cabinet810, the tip end861of the hook860is latched to the latch part803.

When the user further pushes the door830toward the cabinet810, the hook860moves over the latch part803in slidingly contact while the tip end861of the hook860is rotated about the second hinge coupling part863, with the result that the hook860moves to the latch position where the latch part803is latched to the latch protrusion of the hook860. The tip end861of the hook860with which the latch part803is in contact may be formed in an inclined shape for easy slidingly contact.

When the user applies no external force in a state in which the latch part803is latched at the latch position, force to rotatably rotate the door830forward is applied to the door by elastic force of a door elastic member839of the door830, with the result that a separation gap850is formed in a normal state, i.e., in a state in which the hook860is not latched.

When the user wishes to close the door830for performing washing in the laundry treating apparatus at the latch position, the user further moves the latch part803along the movement path of the hook860.

In a state in which the hook860is latched to the latch part802, therefore, the latch part802moves the hook860to the closed position to move the door830backward.

At the closed position is located a latch part872disposed on a rotational path of the hook860. The hook860is latched to the latch part803at the closed position, and, at the same time, the rotation of the hook860is prevented by the latch part872, thereby achieving a closed state.

Hereinafter, a process of moving the hook860from the closed position to the latch position will be described in more detail.

When a user manipulates to release the locked door830, the drive motor801may be operated such that the wire802, wound by predetermined external force, is unwound.

At this time, when the user pulls the grip provided at the front of the door830forward to open the door830, the wire802wound by the drive motor801is unwound, with the result that the tip end861of the hook860is moved forward while being latched to the latch part803. At this time, the hook860is moved from the closed position to the latch position, with the result that the separation gap850is formed.

In addition, complete opening may be necessary for the user to put laundry into the laundry treating apparatus. When the user pulls the grip forward, the tip end865of the hook860is rotated about the second hinge coupling part863. At this time, the latch between the tip end865of the hook860and the latch part103is released, and therefore, the door830opens completely.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that example embodiments can be implemented in other specific forms. Therefore, it should be noted that the forgoing embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. All changes or modifications or their equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the claims.

According to the laundry treating apparatus of the disclosure, one or more effects as follows may be achieved.

First, the door is automatically opened when the treatment of laundry is completed.

Second, the door is automatically opened using the door closing structure.

Third, locking, lock releasing, and automatic opening of the door are achieved through the door switch, the structure of which is simplified.

Fourth, the door is automatically opened while the predetermined separation gap between the door and the cabinet is maintained without complete opening of the door.

Fifth, damage to the parts for automatically opening the door is prevented when the door is closed.

Sixth, impact when the door is closed is alleviated.

Seventh, communication between the interior and the exterior of the cabinet is achieved by the support unit while the laundry treating apparatus is not in use, thereby preventing the propagation of germs and thus maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of clothes.

Eighth, user manual manipulation of the door is not necessary to achieve communication between the interior and the exterior of the cabinet, thereby improving user convenience.

Ninth, excessive opening of the door is not necessary, and therefore, interference with surrounding objects does not occur, thereby improving aesthetically pleasing appearance of products.

It should be noted that other effects may be realized from the understanding of the claims and from the practice of one skilled in the art.