Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6954992B2/en
Timestamp: 2018-04-24 03:34:08
Document Index: 462365669

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 82', 'art 82', 'art 82', 'arts 83', 'arts 83', 'art 82', 'arts 82', 'arts 83', 'art 82', 'arts 83', 'arts 82', 'arts 82', 'art.\n4']

US6954992B2 - Dryer - Google Patents
US6954992B2
US6954992B2 US10720394 US72039403A US6954992B2 US 6954992 B2 US6954992 B2 US 6954992B2 US 10720394 US10720394 US 10720394 US 72039403 A US72039403 A US 72039403A US 6954992 B2 US6954992 B2 US 6954992B2
US10720394
US20040107598A1 (en )
Disclosed is an apparatus for opening/closing a door of a dryer, by which the door is opened/closed more simply and swiftly. The present invention includes a housing, a drum rotatably installed in the housing, a heating apparatus for supplying hot air to the drum, a door opening/closing an entrance formed at the housing for putting a laundry in the drum, and an apparatus for opening/closing the door. And, the apparatus for opening/closing the door includes a hook provided at one side of the door of the dryer, the hook having a hanging portion formed at one end to have an incline surface, a latch body provided to the housing in the vicinity of the entrance wherein the hanging portion is inserted the latch body, a pair of holders provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion, a pair of springs provided in rear of the holders, respectively.
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application(s) No. 10-2002-0075012 filed on Nov. 28, 2002 which is/are hereby incorporated by reference.
Meanwhile, a door 10 is provided at one side of the opening 2 a in the front panel 33 to open/close the opening 2 a.
The door 10 consists of a hook 30 and a latch assembly 34. The hook 30 is fixed to one side of the door 10 using screws 31, and the latch assembly 34 is fixed to one side of the front panel 33 using screws 34 a. And, the door 10 is provided to a hinge 12 fixed to the front panel 33 in the vicinity of the opening 2 a to revolve centering around the hinge 12.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a dryer that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related at.
To achieve these objects and other advantages in accordance with the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a dryer including a housing, a drum rotatably installed in the housing, a heating apparatus for supplying hot air to the drum, a door opening/closing an entrance formed at the housing for putting a laundry in the drum, and an apparatus for opening/closing the door. And, the apparatus for opening/closing the door includes a hook provided at one side of the door of the dryer, the hook having a hanging portion formed at one end to have an incline surface, a latch body provided to the housing in the vicinity of the entrance wherein the hanging portion is inserted the latch body, a pair of holders provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion, a pair of springs provided in rear of the holders, respectively.
Moreover, a recess is formed at one end of each of the second reception parts to support the corresponding spring. And, a hanging protrusion is formed on one side of each of the holders to be held by an upper end of the first reception part.
In this case, fixing protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to hold one ends of the springs, respectively and guide protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to guide to move the holders, respectively.
Coupling holes are formed at both sides of the latch body and wherein bolts are screwed in the coupling holes, respectively to fix the latch body to the front panel.
Preferably, the incline surface of the hook guides insertion and separation of the hanging portion. More preferably, the incline surface is provided to open a gap between the holders and substantially to push the holders backward.
Specifically, the incline surface includes a first incline surface opening a space between the holders to guide an insertion of the hanging portion therein. And, the first incline surface is formed at a front side of the hanging portion. Moreover, the incline surface comprises a second incline surface opening a space between the holders to guide a retreat of the hanging portion. And, the second incline surface is formed at a rear side of the hanging portion. Preferably, the incline surface further includes an intermediate portion between the first and second incline surfaces to maintain a hanging state of the hanging portion.
Preferably, an incline angle of the first incline surface is smaller than that of the second incline surface.
Moreover, at least one rib is provided to the hook to reinforce strength thereof.
FIG. 6 is a layout of a latch assembly according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a rear view of a latch assembly according to the present invention; and
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are a layout and a cross-sectional view of a hook according to the present invention.
Moreover, the latch assembly 80 for catching or releasing the hook 71 thereon is fixed to the front panel 63 using bolts 80 a.
The latch assembly 80 includes a latch body 81, a holder 85, a pair of springs 90, and a latch cap 87.
The latch body 81 includes an insertion hole 81 a in which the hook 71 is inserted. The holder 85 is provided with a pair confronting each other in the latch body 81, and two confronting one ends of the holder 85 are slant to form incline planes, respectively. The hanging portion 73 of the hook 71 is inserted in the latch body 81 by sliding in along the incline planes so as to be held by the holder 85. A pair of the springs 90 are provided to the other ends of the holder 85, respectively. The springs 90 are elastically compressed when the hanging portion 73 is inserted, whereby the holder 85 moves backward. If an external force applied to the holder 85 is released, the springs 90 return the holder 85 back to its original position. And, the latch cap 87 is coupled to a rear side of the latch body 81 to prevent the separation of the holder 85 and the springs 90.
The hanging portion 73 of the hook 71, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B, has an incline surface slant at a predetermined angle. The incline surface guides the insertion of the hook 71 into the latch body 81 and the separation of the hook 71 from the latch body 81. Specifically, the incline surface basically includes a first incline surface 73 a formed at a front side of the hanging portion 73. The first incline surface 73 a comes into contact with the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b to open a space between them. Namely, a gap between the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b is widened. Hence, the hanging portion 73 is guided to enter the latch body 81 by the first incline surface 73 a. Moreover, a second incline surface 73 b is further formed at a rear side of the hanging portion 73. When the door 70 is pulled, the second incline surface 73 b pushes back the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b to guide the hanging portion 73 to retreat. In this case, the first incline surface 73 a is preferably formed to have an incline angle smaller than that of the second incline surface 73 b. A difference between the incline angles facilitates to close the door 70 with a less force. In contrast, the second incline surface 73 b having the relatively greater incline angle interrupts to open the door 70, whereby the door 70 is opened by a force relatively greater than a force needed to close the door 70. Besides, the door 70 is not opened by a vibration generated from operating the dryer or other external forces. Preferably, an intermediate portion 73 c is formed between the first and second incline surfaces 73 a and 73 b to assist the hanging portion 73 to keep being caught on the holder 85 in order not to open the door 70 with ease. As explained in the foregoing description, the incline surfaces 73 a and 73 b widen the gap between the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b. More specifically, the incline surfaces 73 a and 73 b push the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b backward to expand the space or gap between them. Hence, the hanging portion 73 is smoothly inserted in or separated from the latch body 81. Besides, at least one or more ribs, as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, are provided to the hook 71. Specifically, vertical and horizontal ribs 78 and 79 extend between the hook 71 and the fixing plate 75, thereby substantially reinforcing strength of the hook 71.
The holder 85, as shown in FIG. 3, includes the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b provided at both sides of the latch body 81 to confront each other.
Moreover, tips of the holder 85 are rounded, and the second incline surface 73 b of the hanging portion 73 brought contacted with the tips of the holder 85 to be held is rounded as well. Hence, if the door 70 is pulled by a certain force, the springs 90 are compressed to move backward the holder 85 guided by the second incline surface 73 b so that the user enables to open the door 70 conveniently.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a rectangular first reception part 82 is formed on a central portion of the latch body 81, and the hook 71 is inserted in the first reception part 82. A pair of passing holes 82 a are formed at both sides of the first reception part 82 to communicate with a pair f second reception parts 83, respectively. The second reception parts 83 are provided adjacent to both sides of the first reception part 82, respectively to hold and guide the holder 85. Hence, the holder 85 enables to reciprocate between the first and second reception parts 82 and 83 through the passing holes 82 a.
A support 84 is formed at an end of each of the second reception parts 83 to support one end of the corresponding spring 90. A center of the support 84 is recessed to provide a step so that a loaded location of the corresponding spring 90 is fixed thereto, whereby the corresponding spring 90 loaded in the latch body 81 is prevented from fluctuating.
Each portion of the holder 85 to be brought contact with the hanging portion 73 is formed slant to correspond to the hanging portion 73. Hence, once the hanging portion 73 of the hook 71 is inserted, the gap between the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b is easily widened by the elastic deformation of the springs 90. And, a hollow portion is formed inside each of the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b to have one end of the corresponding spring 90 inserted therein.
FIG. 6 is a layout of a latch assembly according to the present invention and FIG. 7 is s a rear view of a latch assembly according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, the insertion 81 a is formed in the latch body 81 provided on the front side of the latch assembly 80. The hanging portion 73 of the hook 71 is inserted through the insertion hole 81 a. Moreover, bolt coupling holes 80 b are formed at both ends of the latch body 81. Bolts are screwed in the bolt coupling holes 80 b so that the latch body 81 is fixed to the front panel 63 in the vicinity of the opening 52 a.
Referring to FIG. 7, the first reception part 82 and a pair of the second reception parts 83 protrude from a rear side of the latch body 81, and the first and second reception parts 82 and 83 are covered with the latch cap 87. Hence, one side of the front panel 63 where the latch assembly 80 is installed is partially recessed inward to correspond to protruding portions of the first and second reception parts 82 and 83.
First of all, when the door is closed after the laundry has been put in the dryer, the hanging portion 73 of the hook 71 is inserted through the insertion hole 81 a of the latch assembly 80. As the hanging portion 73 of the hook 71 is inserted, the holder 85 loaded in the latch assembly 80, which is guided by the first incline surface 73 a, moves backward. Namely, as the hanging portion 73 is inserted, the gap between the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b gets widened by the first incline surface 73 a.
After the insertion of the hanging portion 73, the first and second holders 85 a and 85 b return to their original positions by the elasticity of the springs 90 so as to hold to fix the hanging portion 73. Once the door 70 is closed, a drying step of the dryer is executed. Meanwhile, the second incline surface 73 b of the hanging portion 73 coming into contact with the holder 85 has the predetermined incline angle. When the door is pulled by a certain force, the hanging portion 73 slides out to be released from the holder 85. Thus, the user pulls the door 70 by the certain force to open.
a door opening/closing an entrance formed at the housing for putting a laundry in the drum; and
an apparatus for opening/closing the door, comprising:
a hook provided at one side of the door of the dryer, the hook having a hanging portion formed at one end to have an incline surface;
a latch body provided to the housing in the vicinity of the entrance wherein the hanging portion is inserted into the latch body;
a pair of holders provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion; and
a pair of springs provided at a rear of the holders, respectively,
wherein the latch body comprises
a pair of second reception parts provided adjacent to both sides of the first reception part to hold and guide the holders, respectively, and wherein a pair of passing holes communicating with the second reception parts are formed at both of the sides of the first reception part to let the holders pass through, respectively.
2. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein a recess is formed at one end of each of the second reception parts to support the corresponding spring.
3. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hanging protrusion is formed on one side of each of the holders to be held by an upper end of the first reception part.
4. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hanging portion has a triangular cross-section.
5. The dryer as claimed in claim 4, wherein confronting planes of the holders are inclined to correspond to the triangular cross-section of the hanging portion.
6. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein a surface of the hanging portion to be brought into contact with the holders is rounded.
7. The dryer as claimed in claim 6, wherein two confronting tips of the holders are rounded.
8. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hollow portion is provided at a rear side of each of the holders to have one end of the corresponding spring inserted therein.
9. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a latch cap covering the first and second reception parts to prevent separation of the holders and the springs.
10. The dryer as claimed in claim 9, wherein fixing protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to hold one ends of the springs, respectively.
11. The dryer as claimed in claim 9, wherein guide protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to guide the moving holders, respectively.
12. The dryer as claimed in claim 9, wherein coupling holes are formed at corners of the latch cap and wherein bolts are screwed in the coupling holes, respectively to fix the latch cap to the latch body.
13. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook is built in one body of a fixing plate screw-coupled to one side of the door.
14. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein coupling holes are formed at both sides of the latch body and wherein bolts are screwed in the coupling holes, respectively to fix the latch body to the front panel.
15. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein an insertion hole is formed in the latch body so that the hanging portion is inserted in the insertion hole.
16. The dryer as claimed in claim 15, wherein the insertion hole comprises an incline surface inclining inward to guide the hanging portion.
17. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the incline surface guides insertion and separation of the hanging portion.
18. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the incline surface is provided to open a gap between the holders.
19. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the incline surface is provided to push the holders backward.
20. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the incline surface comprises a first incline surface opening a space between the holders to guide an insertion of the hanging portion therein.
21. The dryer as claimed in claim 20, wherein the incline surface comprises a first incline surface that is formed at a front side of the hanging portion.
22. The dryer as claimed in claim 21, wherein the incline surface comprises a second incline surface opening a space between the holders to guide a retreat of the hanging portion.
23. The dryer as claimed in claim 22, wherein the second incline surface is formed at a rear side of the hanging portion.
24. The dryer as claimed in claim 22, wherein the incline surface further comprises an intermediate portion between the first and second incline surfaces to maintain a hanging state of the hanging portion.
25. The dryer as claimed in claim 22, wherein an incline angle of the first incline surface is smaller than that of the second incline surface.
26. The dryer as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one rib is provided to the hook to reinforce strength thereof.
27. A dryer comprising:
a door opening/closing an entrance formed in the housing for putting laundry in the drum; and
an apparatus for latching the door, comprising:
a hook provided at one side of the door of the dryer, the hook having a hanging portion formed at one end;
a latch body provided on the housing in the vicinity of the entrance wherein the hanging portion is inserted into the latch body;
a pair of slidable holders provided to confront each other in the latch body and being guided to hold the hanging portion; and
a pair of springs provided at least partially inside the holders, respectively, wherein the latch body comprises:
a pair of second reception parts provided at sides of the first reception part to hold and guide the holders, respectively, and wherein a hanging protrusion is formed on one side of each of the holders, and the hanging protrusion is configured to be blocked by a corresponding protrusion on the first reception part to thereby limit movement of the holders.
28. The dryer as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a latch cap covering the first and second reception parts to prevent separation of the holders and the springs.
29. The dryer as claimed in claim 28, wherein fixing protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to hold ends of the springs, respectively.
30. The dryer as claimed in claim 28, wherein guide protrusions protrude from a bottom of the latch cap to guide movement of the holders, respectively.
31. The dryer as claimed in claim 28, wherein coupling holes are formed at corners of the latch cap and wherein bolts are screwed in the coupling holes, respectively to fix the latch cap to the latch body.
US10720394 2002-11-28 2003-11-25 Dryer Active US6954992B2 (en)
KRP2002-75012 2002-11-28
KR20020075012A KR100457580B1 (en) 2002-11-28 2002-11-28 door locking apparatus
US20040107598A1 true US20040107598A1 (en) 2004-06-10
US6954992B2 true US6954992B2 (en) 2005-10-18
ID=32464449
US10720394 Active US6954992B2 (en) 2002-11-28 2003-11-25 Dryer
US (1) US6954992B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100457580B1 (en)
US20040103928A1 (en) * 2002-11-28 2004-06-03 Kang Myung Ho Dishwasher
US20080036217A1 (en) * 2006-08-10 2008-02-14 Ching-Hsiang Wang Double door hook for an oven
US20080073389A1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-03-27 Takeshi Nagase Spare tire cover supporting structure
CN101991395A (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-30 Bsh博世和西门子家用器具有限公司 Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher
US20140001934A1 (en) * 2010-12-24 2014-01-02 Arcelik Anon Sirketi Washer/dryer comprising a lock
CN103584814A (en) * 2012-08-17 2014-02-19 emz-汉拿两合有限公司 Dish washer
US20140375189A1 (en) * 2010-12-23 2014-12-25 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus
KR100776593B1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2007-11-15 삼성전자주식회사 Drum type washing machine
KR100762339B1 (en) * 2006-05-30 2007-10-02 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 Supporting structure for hook module of drum washer
KR101431448B1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2014-08-22 동부대우전자 주식회사 Washing machine
US9763554B2 (en) * 2012-02-14 2017-09-19 Premark Feg L.L.G. Warewash machine with removable rotating arm and related method
WO2017174157A1 (en) 2016-04-08 2017-10-12 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Laundry dryer having a door with improved usability
US4272111A (en) * 1979-03-26 1981-06-09 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Safety latch device
US5062668A (en) * 1989-04-13 1991-11-05 Ellenberger & Poensgen Gmbh Safety lock for the doors of electrical applicances
US7299809B2 (en) * 2002-11-28 2007-11-27 Lg Electronics Inc. Dishwasher having a lock with an elastic coupling
US8020736B2 (en) * 2006-09-25 2011-09-20 Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Spare tire cover supporting structure
US9458565B2 (en) * 2010-12-23 2016-10-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus
US9096967B2 (en) * 2010-12-24 2015-08-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Washer/dryer comprising a lock
CN103584814B (en) * 2012-08-17 2016-04-20 emz-汉拿两合有限公司 dishwasher
US9380924B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2016-07-05 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Dish washer
KR20040046965A (en) 2004-06-05 application
US20040107598A1 (en) 2004-06-10 application
KR100457580B1 (en) 2004-11-18 grant
US20030172692A1 (en) 2003-09-18 Device for linking door to case in drum type washing machine and method for assembling the same
US20060086154A1 (en) 2006-04-27 Drum washing machine with automatically vertically-openable/closable door
US20050044898A1 (en) 2005-03-03 Door assembly
WO2006072904A1 (en) 2006-07-13 A washer/dryer
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HWANG, SUNG GI;REEL/FRAME:014737/0261