Door Safety Latch Detail Patents (Class 68/12.26)
  • Patent number: 12163266
    Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub, a wash basket, and a controller, the controller being configured to direct a laundry operation. The laundry operation includes receiving wash requests from a plurality of unique users, wherein each of the wash requests includes a unique laundry load weight provided by each unique user of the plurality of unique users, matching a first unique user and a second unique user from the plurality of users, the first user having a first unique laundry load weight and the second user having a second unique laundry load weight, determining a first individual cost for the first unique user and a second individual cost for the second unique user in response to confirming the first and second unique laundry load weights, and generating a joint washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Myunggeon Chung, Jee Eun Oh, Jongdeok Jang
  • Patent number: 12098497
    Abstract: A clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet having a receiving space formed therein, in which clothing is received, a holder configured to be located in the receiving space to hold a clothing supporter configured to support the clothing, a steamer configured to spray steam toward the clothing while locating inside the receiving space, a rotation motor configured to rotate the steamer so that the steamer is in contact with the clothing, and an elevating motor configured to elevate the steamer in a state where the steamer is in contact with the clothing. The steamer may include a front steam body formed long in the left and right direction and in contact with the front surface of the clothing, and a rear steam body spaced apart from the front steam body, formed long in the left and right direction, and in contact with the rear surface of the clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeongjoon Roh, Jihyun Yoon, Ayeong Lee, Taehee Lee
  • Patent number: 12065775
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drawer body, a tub including a tub body disposed within the drawer body to configured to receive water and a tub cover coupled to a top side of the tub body and having a tub entrance configured to receive laundry, a drum disposed within the tub body and configured to accommodate the laundry and having a drum entrance for putting the laundry by communicating with the tub entrance, a driver disposed under a bottom side of the tub body and configured to provide power for rotating the drum, a door configured to slide on a top side of the tub cover to open/close the tub entrance, and a door opening detection sensor disposed at the tub cover to detect an opening/closing of the door by contacting with the door that slides on the tub cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihong Lee, Kwanwoong Jeong, Yeongho Jeong
  • Patent number: 11891747
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening. The laundry appliance also includes a vessel mounted within the cabinet and accessible through the opening. The laundry appliance further includes a door assembly rotatably mounted to the cabinet at the opening. The door assembly includes a frame and a window in the frame. The door assembly further includes a shield outbound of the window. The shield includes a first plurality of locking tabs spaced around an outer circumference of the shield. The door assembly also includes a trim ring surrounding the shield. The trim ring includes a second plurality of locking tabs spaced around an inner circumference of the trim ring. The shield and the trim ring are coupled together by mutual engagement of the first plurality of locking tabs and the second plurality of locking tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. MacDonald, III, Lucius Cole
  • Patent number: 11802365
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus may include a main body having a front panel having a laundry inlet port and configured to receive laundry loaded through the laundry inlet port, and a door rotatably coupled to the front panel to open and close the laundry inlet port. The door may include an outer frame provided with an opening and facing an outside of the main body; a front glass coupled to a front surface of the outer frame to cover the opening; and an inner frame coupled to a rear surface of the outer frame and facing an inside of the main body. The outer frame may include an adhesive groove provided on a front surface of the outer frame to receive an adhesive for bonding the front glass to the outer frame; a reinforcing portion provided on a rear surface of the outer frame in correspondence to the adhesive groove to reinforce a rigidity of the outer frame; and a first hook that protrudes from an outer circumference of the outer frame toward an outer circumference of the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongwoo Kwon, Jungsang You, Donghyun Jin
  • Patent number: 11761140
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including a main body having a first inlet, a drum arranged inside the main body to accommodate laundry, and a door configured to open and close the first inlet, wherein the door includes a second inlet to allow laundry to be introduced into the drum while the first inlet closed, an auxiliary door configured to open and close the second inlet, and a restraining device configured to restrain the auxiliary door such that the auxiliary door remains locked onto the door, and the main body includes a pressing device arranged inside the main body and configured to press the restraining device such that the restraining device locks the auxiliary door and to release from the retraining device such that the restraining device unlocks the auxiliary door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seongwoo Yi, Jun-Young Choi, Minhyung Kim, Joonho Kim, Dong-Il Back, Byoungwoong An, Seung-Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 11725333
    Abstract: A multi-functional storage system includes a storage compartment and a machine compartment provided at one side of the storage compartment. The multi-functional storage system also includes a door provided at a foreside of the storage compartment and the machine compartment. The machine compartment includes an intake port and an exhaust port communicating with outside air, and a blower unit for drawing in the outside air through the intake port and exhausting it through the exhaust port. While the door is closed and the intake port and the exhaust port are open, the blower unit is operated so as to dry an inner side of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Kyung Kang, In Kyu Back, Hyo Sung Kim, Kyung Su Lee, Gyeongcheol Sin, Il Song Park, Dong Hun Lee, Jin Min Kim, Sung Hwan Heo, Hyun Kuk Choi, Byung Soo Yun
  • Patent number: 11585039
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preventing an accident related to children or pets that may occur by a home appliance using artificial intelligence. According to the present disclosure, the method for preventing the accident comprises comparing a distance between the home appliance and a generation position of the voice signal and a reference distance when the generation position of the voice signal is outside of the home appliance. Then, the present disclosure enables switching a door of the home appliance to a lock state when a distance between the home appliance and the generation position of the voice signal is less than the reference distance. Thus, the present disclosure may enable controlling the home appliance to prevent children or pets from entering an inside of the home appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Yongwoon Jang
  • Patent number: 11441334
    Abstract: A lock, a lid lock and a locking mechanism are provided. The lock includes a base, and a driving mechanism, a connecting mechanism and a locking mechanism which are provided on the base. The base is buckled to a housing. The connecting mechanism has a first end connected to the driving mechanism, and a second end thereof connected to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is rotatably connected to the base to perform a locking operation or an unlocking operation. A return spring is sleeved on the locking mechanism, one end of the return spring is connected to the housing, and the other end to the locking portion of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is connected to a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 11427952
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus may include a main body having a laundry inlet port disposed at a front surface thereof and configured to receive laundry through the laundry inlet port, and a door rotatably coupled to a front surface of the main body to open and close the laundry inlet port. The door may include an outer frame provided with an opening and facing an outside of the main body; a front glass coupled to a front surface of the outer frame to cover the opening; an inner frame coupled to a rear surface of the outer frame and facing an inside of the main body; and a plurality of hooks that extends from each of the outer frame and the inner frame to fasten the outer frame and the inner frame, thereby enhancing a fastening force between the outer frame and the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongwoo Kwon, Jungsang You, Donghyun Jin
  • Patent number: 11421371
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus may include a main body having a front panel having a laundry inlet port through which laundry may be loaded, and a door rotatably coupled to the front panel to open and close the laundry inlet port. The door may include an outer frame provided with an opening and facing an outside of the main body; a front glass coupled to a front surface of the outer frame to cover the opening; an inner frame coupled to a rear surface of the outer frame and facing an inside of the main body; a handle provided at a rear surface of the inner frame in a direction opposite to the front glass to receive a user's hand to pull the door while the door is closed; a hook that protrudes from an outer circumference of the outer frame to cover a side surface of the handle; and a hook coupling portion that protrudes from the side surface of the inner frame to engage with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongwoo Kwon, Jungsang You, Donghyun Jin
  • Patent number: 11384476
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus may include a main body provided with a front panel having a laundry inlet port, and a recess recessed into the front panel to surround the laundry inlet port; and a door rotatably coupled to the front panel to open and close the laundry inlet port, and having a portion thereof protruding forward from the recess. The door may include an outer frame facing an outside of the recess; a front glass attached to a front surface of the outer frame; an inner frame coupled to a rear surface of the outer frame, the inner frame facing an inside of the recess; and a handle recessed into a rear surface of the inner frame so as to face a portion where the recess starts to be recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongwoo Kwon, Yeongkyeong Choi, Gyuri Kim
  • Patent number: 11293130
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a household appliance (1), such as a washing machine and the like, comprising a chassis (11), a drum (12), for containing clothes (P), said drum (12) being contained in said chassis (11) and accessible through an opening (13), and a door (2), hinged to said chassis (11), for closing said opening (13), characterized in that it comprises a safety device (3) arranged to interact with said door (2) and configured to interrupt the operation of said household appliance (1) in case of said clothes (P) contained in said drum (12) exert a stress on said door (2) exceeding a safety threshold. The present invention also relates to a safety device (3) to prevent the exit of clothes (P) from a household appliance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BITRON S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Promutico
  • Patent number: 11270032
    Abstract: A Tamper Switch Assembly to protect cryptographic modules and electronic components within a closeable unit. The Tamper Switch Assembly includes a Lid Switch Actuator affixable to an underside of a lid of the closeable unit, and a Lid Switch Guard Bracket affixable within a chassis of the closeable unit. The Tamper Switch Assembly includes an Electronic Switch Assembly insertable within the Lid Switch Guard Bracket to provide electrical monitoring of a switch state. A microprocessor is coupled to the Electronic Switch Assembly by communication means to monitor the switch for electrical continuity to determine its state, and in response, determine whether a tampering of the securely closed unit has occurred. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: THALES E-SECURITY, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cook, Gerald Thomas Wardrop, Gary M. Angelone
  • Patent number: 11180884
    Abstract: Washing machine (1) having a method for powering it in the event of a power supply failure, wherein said washing machine (1) comprises: a drum, an opening with a water-tight door, a water inlet, at least one electronic control unit (5) and an auxiliary power source (3), wherein when the control unit (5) detects a power supply failure the washing machine (1) switches powering means from a main external power source (2) to said auxiliary power source (3) through the use of a switch (4). The auxiliary power source (3) supplies energy to the control unit (5) for a limited amount of time in order for the control unit (5) to execute one or more sets of pre-established actions according to data obtained by different sensors (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Jordi Sans Serra
  • Patent number: 10815598
    Abstract: A door for a drum washing machine comprises an inner frame, a glass tub, a middle frame, a window screen and an outer frame which are arranged sequentially from the inner side of the door to the outer side of the door. The middle frame is in welded connection with the inner frame, the glass tub is clamped between the inner frame and the middle frame, the outer frame is in snapped connection with the middle frame and/or the inner frame, and the window screen is clamped between the outer frame and the middle frame. The window screen is free of snap jaw, so that the structure is simplified, and production of the window screen is accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huacheng Zhang, Zongyuan Weng, Zhiqiang Zhang, Qidui Liang
  • Patent number: 10697102
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a first cabinet, a first drawer drawably disposed in the first cabinet, a first receiver disposed in the first drawer so as to contain laundry therein, a second cabinet disposed under the first cabinet so as to support the first cabinet, a second receiver disposed in the second cabinet so as to contain laundry, a cabinet connecting unit for connecting the first cabinet to the second cabinet, and a cabinet supporting unit for preventing the first cabinet from falling down from the second cabinet when the first drawer is taken out of the first cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwangchul Heo, Juhan Yoon
  • Patent number: 10640907
    Abstract: A laundry machine (1) having cabinet (2) housing a chamber (3) for treating laundry having a rotation axis (RR), a porthole (8) for providing access to and tightly closing the chamber (3), a hinge (11) to pivot the porthole (8) to the cabinet (2), an electromechanical lock (12) having a first member (13) on the porthole (8) and a matching member (14) on the cabinet (2), and a grip-only handle (15). The porthole (8) has at least one frame (30, 30a, 31), and a glass (32) secured to the at least one frame (30, 30a, 31). The electromechanical lock (12) is configured to be released by applying a force beyond a threshold onto the porthole (8) away from the cabinet (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Sergio Pillot, Luca Gruppo, Calum Armstrong, Levente Szabo, Daniele Striato, Luca Pradal
  • Patent number: 10604879
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an upper surface, the upper surface being configured to receive an object thereon, a drawer adapted to be drawn from the cabinet, a drum disposed in the drawer and defining a space for receiving laundry, a driving unit configured to rotate the drum, a control unit configured to control the driving unit, and a connector unit configured to impact an ability of the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on whether or not the object is placed on the upper surface of the cabinet by preventing the control unit from controlling operation of the driving unit based on the object being absent from the upper surface of the cabinet and by allowing the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on the object being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minkyu Sang, Kwangchul Heo
  • Patent number: 10316454
    Abstract: An appliance latch receives a strike when the appliance lid is closed and provides an electrically activated lock holding the lid closed during portions of the wash cycle that might present a hazard. The strike presents two different surfaces to the latch, the first to activate a lock mechanism and the second to activate an anti-tamper switch before the appliance may be actuated thereby reducing the risk of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Randy S. McDonald, Joel C. Bragg, Jeffrey J. Krieger
  • Patent number: 10316449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine which comprises: a cabinet having a first insertion hole; a tub provided in the cabinet and having a second insertion hole aligned with the first insertion hole; a cabinet door provided to the cabinet, for opening and closing the first insertion hole; a tub door provided to the tub, for opening and closing the second insertion hole; a hinge unit for elastically supporting the tub door in the opening direction of the second insertion hole; and an antifriction member provided on one surface among the surfaces where the tub door and the cabinet door face each other, for preventing a direct friction between the tub door and the cabinet door. Accordingly, the present invention prevents the vibration and noise from the tub from being transmitted to the cabinet and may increase the capacity of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyu Jo, Seungchul Park, Dongwon Kim
  • Patent number: 10184199
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an upper surface, the upper surface being configured to receive an object thereon, a drawer adapted to be drawn from the cabinet, a drum disposed in the drawer and defining a space for receiving laundry, a driving unit configured to rotate the drum, a control unit configured to control the driving unit, and a connector unit configured to impact an ability of the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on whether or not the object is placed on the upper surface of the cabinet by preventing the control unit from controlling operation of the driving unit based on the object being absent from the upper surface of the cabinet and by allowing the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on the object being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minkyu Sang, Kwangchul Heo
  • Patent number: 9957657
    Abstract: An appliance lock includes a housing and a lid movable between an open and closed positions. First and second sliders supported for movement by the housing. A striker is attachable to the other of the appliance body and lid. The striker is connectable with the housing upon movement of the lid to the closed position. The striker has a first portion for engaging and moving the first slider from a first position to a second position upon lid movement to the closed position. The striker has a second portion for engaging and moving the second slider from a first position to a second position upon lid movement to the closed position. The first and second sliders being in the second positions enables activation of the appliance. Structure minimizes the ability to move the first and second sliders to the second position by substantially anything but the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: EMZ-HANAUER GMBH & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Albert Otto Dirnberger, Markus Michael Lang
  • Patent number: 9840799
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an upper surface, the upper surface being configured to receive an object thereon, a drawer adapted to be drawn from the cabinet, a drum disposed in the drawer and defining a space for receiving laundry, a driving unit configured to rotate the drum, a control unit configured to control the driving unit, and a connector unit configured to impact an ability of the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on whether or not the object is placed on the upper surface of the cabinet by preventing the control unit from controlling operation of the driving unit based on the object being absent from the upper surface of the cabinet and by allowing the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on the object being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minkyu Sang, Kwangchul Heo
  • Patent number: 9273425
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for treating laundry and a method for controlling the same. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum, a motor, a door, and a door switch. The cabinet defines an external appearance and has a laundry loading hole for laundry. The drum houses the laundry and is rotatably installed. The motor rotates the drum. The door is rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the laundry loading hole. The door switch allows the door to be closed. Here, when close protection is set by manipulation of a close protection button, or the drum vibrates without rotation of the motor, the door switch allows the door not to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinwoong Kim, Jaewon Chang, Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 8984915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry washing apparatus and particularly to a laundry washing apparatus comprising a base that forms a lower face, front/rear plates that form front and rear directions, side plates that form both sides, and a top plate that forms an upper part, wherein the top plate is further furnished with a locking device that controls the locking state of the top plate by means of an external key insertion operation, so that theft of a payment apparatus installed on the top plate can be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nam Yeong Heo, In Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20150005943
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method operating a laundry treating appliance having at least one automatic cycle of operation, a plurality of components selectively operable by a controller to implement the at least one cycle of operation on a load of laundry received within a treating chamber of the appliance with the controller having a user interface for receiving input from a user and a door for closing an open face of the treating chamber, the method comprising determining a movement of the door in a closing direction and actuating the user interface when it is determined the door is moved in the closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: DARRYL C. BODINE, DONALD E. ERICKSON, MICHELLE K. FLACHS, TERRY K. LITAKER, CHRIS W. PARASKEVOPOULOS, SCOTT ALBRIGHT, ROBERT BLAKE
  • Patent number: 8800325
    Abstract: A washing machine having a structure which stably supports a hose or a wire used in the washing machine to prevent sagging or movement of the hose or the wire. The washing machine includes a main body, a spin basket disposed within the main body, an upper cover connected to the upper portion of the main body, a detergent box connected to the bottom surface of the upper cover to supply detergent to the inside of the spin basket, a water supply valve connected to the rear end of the upper cover, a water supply hose connecting the water supply valve to the detergent box, and a support bracket connected to the bottom surface of the upper cover to support the water supply hose so as to prevent sagging of the water supply hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Chung, Seung Kyu Park, Myung Sun Kang
  • Publication number: 20140102149
    Abstract: A distance sensor and a washing machine including the distance sensor are provided. The washing machine may include a main body having a laundry loading hole formed therein, a door coupled to the main body, at a position corresponding to the laundry loading hole, and a plurality of reed sensors. The door may include a magnet disposed therein. The plurality of reed sensors provided in the main body and react to the magnet provided in the door to determine an open/closed state of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Youngbae PARK, Youngjae Lee
  • Publication number: 20140085046
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus including a cabinet, an accommodating unit within the cabinet to hold laundry, a door provided on one face of the cabinet to access the accommodating unit, a control panel to receive a washing cycle control order, a first communication module to communicate with a mobile communication terminal through a local area network to receive ID information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyosang Shin, Hyunsang Kim, Minkyu Park
  • Patent number: 8661859
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a door lock device of a drum washing machine and a drum washing machine having the same, a door of which is opened by force of a predetermined magnitude or greater. The door opening is accomplished by providing a door lever of the door lock device with a bent portion. The bent portion formed at the door lever creates a predetermined angle X° between a contact point between a holding protrusion of the door lever and a raised portion of a body of the washing machine, a center point of a door lever shaft, and a contact point between a handle contact portion of the door lever and a door handle, allowing the door to be opened upon receiving force of a predetermined magnitude or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 8590346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1), the drum of the washer/dryer (1) is rotated by an electric motor (2), and over heating of the electric motor (2) is controlled by a thermal protector (8) that cuts off the current passing through it when the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined limit value. The thermal protector (8) is energized by the triac (7) that drives the door lock (6) and thereby is prevented from being subjected to high currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Kerem Erenay, Fehmi Sonmezoz
  • Publication number: 20130152641
    Abstract: A seal assembly and method for sealing a door and a tub in a laundry treating appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: RAUL HERNANDEZ CARRILLO
  • Patent number: 8459065
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a housing having an introduction port, a door to open and close the introduction port, a locking member provided at the door, a locking device provided at the housing to lock the locking member. The locking device has a first through hole and a first support extending from the perimeter of the first through hole. The housing has a second support extending from the perimeter of a second through hole, through which the first support is inserted, to support the outside of the first support in a plane contact state. The first support is prevented from being damaged due to impact during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Hun Sung
  • Patent number: 8286287
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an electrical domestic appliance with a component that presents a danger to the user and a protection component for protecting the user against a danger presented by the dangerous component, has a control device monitoring the operating states of the dangerous component and the protection component and also to activate and/or deactivate the protection component. A protection device prevents a deactivation of the protection component by the control device outside a deactivation operating range of the dangerous component, in which range deactivation of the protection component is permissible. The control apparatus also has a protection-device monitoring device that initiates a deactivation of the protection component within a simulation operating range of the dangerous component within which the operating state of the dangerous component does not present a danger to the user and which range is outside the deactivation operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Simon
  • Patent number: 8215135
    Abstract: A lock for a washing machine or the like provides fast actuation through a solenoid driven bolt that remains stably in the locked position after power is no longer applied to the solenoid. The possibility of power failure preventing subsequent access to the washing machine is avoided through the use of a slower actuation time, thermal actuator storing sufficient energy to unlock the bolt after a time delay when power is lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Michael S. Osvatic
  • Patent number: 8186183
    Abstract: A latching and locking mechanism for a door includes a locating pin passing through a portion of a door frame and a handle. A tapered portion formed at an end of the locating pin mates with a tapered opening formed in a casing of the machine to position the door frame relative to the casing. A cam surface defined on the casing engages a latching pin connected to the locating pin and extending radially therefrom adjacent to the tapered portion such that the latching pin pulls the door frame toward the closed position when the handle is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
    Inventor: Scott M. Esser
  • Patent number: 8161776
    Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a door switch thereof are provided. The door switch includes a switch housing unit, which is a predetermined distance apart from a cabinet. Thus, water flown along the cabinet may be able to be discharged through the space between the cabinet and the switch housing unit. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the infiltration of water into the switch housing unit and to improve the durability and the safety of the door switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8151602
    Abstract: Top-loading clothes washing machine, including a wash tub, inside which there is arranged a cylindrical drum adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis thereof. The drum is provided with an access or loading port situated on a portion of the cylindrical side surface thereof, and at least a flap for closing/opening the drum access port. There is also provided a top lid adapted to close the aperture into the wash tub from above, and hinged with an edge portion thereof on the upper rear edge portion of the outer casing of the machine. The machine is provided with interference means applied on to a portion of the machine comprised between the drum and the top lid, and adapted to be rotated upwards when the drum flap is opened, thereby interfering with the top lid. As a result, the interference means will act to make it impossible for the top lid to be closed if the drum flap is not duly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Ennio Zardetto
  • Patent number: 8132432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, and, more particularly, to a safe laundry machine which enables a user to open/close a door easily, and can prevent an accident caused by opening/closing of the door from taking place. The laundry machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, a door having a latch for being opened/closed selectively to expose an inside of the drum to an outside of the laundry machine, and a door switch assembly provided for enabling opening/closing of the door, wherein the door switch assembly includes a switch unit for making selective connection to the latch, and an opening operation unit spaced from the switch unit for the user to enable to disconnect the connection between the latch and the switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Yoen Lim, Seong No Yoon, Jong Chul Bang, Ki Chul Cho
  • Publication number: 20120011891
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine has a cabinet forming an outer appearance of the washing machine, a tub fixed inside the cabinet for storing the washing water, a drum disposed in the tub and having both side surfaces supported by the cabinet to be rotatable and an inlet through which laundries come in/go out on a circumferential surface thereof, and a driving motor fixed on one side surface of the drum to rotate the drum. Washing capacity can be increased while maintaining the entire size of the washing machine by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing the size of the cabinet, and the entire size of the washing machine can be compacted by minimizing the installation space of the driving motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jae Won CHANG
  • Publication number: 20120011892
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine has a cabinet forming an outer appearance of the washing machine, a tub fixed inside the cabinet for storing the washing water, a drum disposed in the tub and having both side surfaces supported by the cabinet to be rotatable and an inlet through which laundries come in/go out on a circumferential surface thereof, and a driving motor fixed on one side surface of the drum to rotate the drum. Washing capacity can be increased while maintaining the entire size of the washing machine by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing the size of the cabinet, and the entire size of the washing machine can be compacted by minimizing the installation space of the driving motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jae Won CHANG
  • Patent number: 8046855
    Abstract: A method and control system for automatically halting operation of a washing machine by stopping operation of the washing machine motor is provided. The washing machine that implements the method includes a motor controller having a primary microprocessor and a secondary microprocessor which serves as a backup redundancy processor in the event there is a malfunction with the primary microprocessor or the primary microprocessor fails to halt washing machine operation within a prescribed window of time. The primary microprocessor controls operation of all of the washing machine electrically controlled components. The secondary microprocessor is electrically connected to a lid switch and the washing machine motor and is configured to halt operation of the motor in response to the primary microprocessor failing to halt motor operation after the lid is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Finch, Donald Richard Dickerson, Jr., Robert Hollenbeck, Meher Kollipara
  • Patent number: 8006521
    Abstract: A locking device for the closing lid of washing machines having a containing body that houses a cursor equipped with an opening capable of receiving the hook mounted on the lid. A delaying device is capable of locking the cursor in a position retaining the latch. In order to ensure that the user operates under safe conditions, the device provides a lever that is equipped with a device to lock the cursor, and is connected to the body by a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L.
    Inventor: Onofrio Rocchitelli
  • Patent number: 7963129
    Abstract: A drum type laundry machine is disclosed. A drum type laundry machine comprises a cabinet cover for defining a front surface of a body, the cabinet cover having an opening for loading/unloading the laundry therein/there from, a recess part recessed toward an inside of the body along a circumference of the opening, a door assembly having some portion inserted in the recess part when being closed together with the opening, a protrusion projected from an inner surface of the recess part to reinforce strength of the recess part and to support the door assembly securely. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can precisely communicate a hook assembly of a door assembly with a locking assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can prevent the damage of the door assembly due to deformation between the door assembly and a body, external impact might cause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae Hee Kwon
  • Patent number: 7866191
    Abstract: An automatic clothes washer having a clothes trap for reducing the likelihood that an article of clothing can escape from a wash basket during the spinning of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Turner, Eric E. Chang
  • Patent number: 7856854
    Abstract: An appliance with a hazardous device contains a first controller controlled by a first control element which, in turn, is controlled by a second controller by use of a first switching element. An electrically controllable protection device is provided and is controlled by a second control element, it is possible to deactivate the protection device. A storage capacitor is provided between the first and the second control element and supplies the second control element with energy for a control pulse and is charged by the first control element when the first controller is switched off and is discharged by the first switching element when the first controller is switched on. This circuit generates a safe control circuit. In the event of a possible hazardous state, either the first controller is no longer supplied with energy or the protection device cannot be deactivated, and so danger to a user is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Simon
  • Patent number: 7849716
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine having a preventing member which can structurally prevent the laundry from coming between a tub and a drum. When the drum is stopped or rotated at a low speed, an end of the preventing member is in contact with a drum door or the tub. When the drum is rotated at a high speed, the preventing member is separated apart from the drum door or the tub by centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Hyun Seok Seo, Min Kyu Jo, Jae Won Chang
  • Patent number: 7823236
    Abstract: An actuation device comprises a driving member, a driven member and an actuator device. The driven member has a seat, in which there is operatively inserted, with possibility of relative movement, an engagement part of the driving member. According to the invention also the driving member has a seat, which, in at least one position of the actuation system, at least partially faces the seat of the driven member. The actuation system further comprises a floating body, displaceable in a controlled way between the two seats when said seats at least partially face one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A
    Inventor: Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 7823422
    Abstract: A front-loading machine for treating laundry includes a loading opening, a hinged door, a locking mechanism and an operating device. The loading opening is disposed on a front wall of the machine. The hinged door is receivable by a receiving area on the front wall so as to close the loading opening. The locking mechanism is configured to hold the door in a closed position. The operating device is configured to activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. The operating device includes a sensor configured to detect a contact or a contact-free incursion into a detection zone thereof. The sensor is disposed on at least one of the door and the receiving area on the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Bextermoeller, Dirk Dahlke, Alfons Eblenkamp, Holger Hoppe, Hartmut Linnemann