CN111615571A - Device for closing and opening a panel, in particular a panel of a household appliance such as a washing machine - Google Patents
Device for closing and opening a panel, in particular a panel of a household appliance such as a washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN111615571A CN111615571A CN201880087209.2A CN201880087209A CN111615571A CN 111615571 A CN111615571 A CN 111615571A CN 201880087209 A CN201880087209 A CN 201880087209A CN 111615571 A CN111615571 A CN 111615571A
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- Prior art keywords
- closing
- rotation
- lever
- opening
- opening element
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
- D06F39/14—Doors or covers; Securing means therefor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
- A47L15/4257—Details of the loading door
- A47L15/4259—Arrangements of locking or security/safety devices for doors, e.g. door latches, switch to stop operation when door is open
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
- E05B17/2007—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position
- E05B17/203—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt
- E05B17/2034—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt moving pivotally or rotatively
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
- E05B47/0607—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents the detent moving pivotally or rotatively
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
- E05B2063/0026—Elongated, e.g. stud-like, striker entering into an opening in which movable detent means engage the elongated striker
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
Abstract
A closing and opening device (1000) for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, said device comprising a closing and opening assembly (100), the closing and opening assembly (100) comprising a closing and opening element (110), the closing and opening element (110) being adapted to be selectively engaged and disengaged by a striker latch (200), the striker latch (200) being adapted to be rigidly fixed to said panel, wherein said closing and opening element (110) can be switched between a first position and a second position by rotation about a first axis of rotation (A), wherein the mutual engagement resulting from pushing said striker latch (200) against said closing and opening element (110) causes the advance by rotation of said closing and opening element (110) from said first position to said second position -a first switching of rows, wherein the closing and opening assembly (100) comprises a locking lever (112), which locking lever (112) can be switched by rotating about a second axis of rotation (B), and wherein the switching by rotation of the closing and opening element (110) from the first position to the second position causes the locking lever (112) to rotate between a first position and a second position, in which second position the locking lever (112) engages the closing and opening element (110) and locks the closing and opening element (110) in the second closed position.
Description
Field of the invention
The present invention is in the field of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and/or similar household appliances. In particular, the present invention relates to a closing and opening device, in particular for panels (panels), doors and the like of household appliances, for example of the aforementioned type. In detail, the present invention relates to a device of the aforementioned type adapted to allow opening of the panels in case of emergency and/or (for example, but not limited to, respectively) electrically operated impingers independently of the closed panels and automatically at the end of the washing cycle. The invention also relates to a closing and opening system comprising a closing and opening device of the aforementioned type, and to a household appliance (for example a washing machine or similar household appliance) equipped with a device and/or a system of the aforementioned type.
Background
The most common closing and opening devices and/or systems for household appliances, such as for example washing machines and/or similar household appliances, basically comprise an actual closing (and opening) assembly, usually applied to the casing of the household appliance, and a striker element (latch or hook), usually fixed on a plate of the same household appliance. According to the most common solution, the closing and opening assembly also comprises a closing element that can be switched by rotation between a first open position and a second closed position, and vice versa, wherein the closing element engages, in the closed position, a corresponding striker element of the plate, thus ensuring the closing of the plate itself, and, conversely, in the open position, it allows the disengagement of the striker element and thus the opening of the plate.
For example, automatic switching devices and/or systems are known, i.e. in which the switching of the closing and opening elements occurs automatically as the latch or hook is pushed, and therefore automatically as the user pushes the plate. In this type of system, a striker device and/or solution for verifying effective closure of the plate is also provided, as well as a locking system for locking the plate in the closed position.
Although fig. 1 to 3 relate to a device and/or a system according to an embodiment of the invention, in the following, with reference to fig. 1 to 3, a description will be given of the operating procedures for closing and opening the device, which are identical to those of devices of known type, in particular of devices of known type produced and sold by the applicant.
In fig. 1 to 3, reference numeral 1000 designates a closing system comprising a closing assembly 100 (suitable for application, as intended, to the casing of a household appliance) and a striker element (latch or hook) 200, generally fixed on the door of the same household appliance. The closing assembly further comprises a closing and opening element 110 (also called closing cam) which can be switched by rotation (see description below), a locking and control lever (112), a disengagement spring 113, a safety spring 114, a solenoid 115, a switching slider 116, a switching lever 117, an opening lever 118, a safety slider 120 and an opening spring 124.
Further, the assembly 100 includes a safety slide 122 and an actuator 123.
The closing and opening element 110 is rotatable about a first rotation axis a defined by a rotation pin 125 on which the helical portion of the disengagement spring 113 is engaged, wherein the lever 112 is rotatable about a second rotation axis B defined by a rotation pin 126, the opposite ends of which are each housed in a corresponding seat 127 defined by the safety slide 120.
Furthermore, an engagement and locking pin 128 protrudes from the cam 110, extending in an extension direction opposite to that of the rotation pin 125, wherein, on the free end of the lever 112 opposite to the rotation pin 127, a shaped portion is obtained comprising a first projection 131 and a second projection 132, both having at least one semi-circular portion, wherein, however, the concavity of the semi-circular portion of the projection 131 faces the free end of the lever 112, while the concavity of the semi-circular portion of the projection 132 faces substantially the engagement pin 128.
In the open-plate state, the safety slide 122 is urged into engagement (from left to right in fig. 1) against the element or cam 110 by a compression spring positioned to urge the end of the slide 122 opposite the cam 110. Furthermore, in the position of fig. 1, the safety slider 122 locks the cam 110, avoiding any possible switching by rotation, and also locks the actuator 123, preventing the actuator 123 from translating in a direction transverse to the translation direction of the slider 122, in particular the actuator 123 may descend and position itself in interference with the cursor 122. With regard to the actuator 123, it should be noted that this actuator 123 is responsible for the alternating activation and deactivation of the electrical module, which, when activated, generates the necessary electrical acceptance for the operation of the household appliance, whereas, on the contrary, when deactivated, the electrical module rejects the aforementioned electrical acceptance and the household appliance may not be activated and/or operated. In the position of figure 1, the actuator 123 in fact rejects acceptance of the electrical module, whereas, conversely, in the position of figure 2F (in which the actuator 123 is lowered relative to the position of figure 1 and positioned to interfere with the cursor 122), the actuator 123 produces acceptance of the circuit.
During closing of the plate (not shown for the sake of clarity), the plate comes gradually closer to the body of the household appliance (equipped with the device 100), first causing the safety slider 122 (the inclined end face of the slider 122) to be engaged by the striker latch or hook 200 (fig. 2b) and therefore the translation of the safety slider 122 moving away from the element 110, while the element 110 is relatively released.
The slider 122 retracts following the push of the hook 200, thus causing the release of the cam 110 and the switching (according to the procedure described above) of the actuator 123 by translation (at which point the actuator 123 is no longer blocked or constrained by the safety slider 122), wherein the effect of the switching of the actuator 123 is as expected the effect of activating the electrical module, thus generating the electrical acceptance required to activate the household appliance.
Furthermore, the end of the latch or hook 200 engages the fork of the element 110, wherein the progressive mutual engagement of the latch 200 in the fork of the element 110 causes a switching of the element 110 by a clockwise rotation (with respect to the drawing), from the open position of fig. 1 and 2A (in which the hook can come out of the fork of the element 110), to an intermediate position of fig. 2B to 2D, and subsequently to the closed position of fig. 2E to 2F (in which the hook cannot come out of the fork of the element 110). Furthermore, when the closed position is reached, the element 110 is locked in said closed position by the lever 112 according to the following procedure.
Rotation of the element 110 from the open position to the closed position, and subsequent loading of the spring 113, causes the lever 112 to be engaged by the pin 128, wherein, in particular, the inclined surface 180 (fig. 2c, 2D) of the projection 131, which is connected to the portion or portion having the concavity facing the free end of the lever 112, is engaged by the pin 128, and therefore wherein the lever 112 is rotated anticlockwise (the free end of the lever 112 opposite the rotation pin 126 is raised with respect to the starting position, fig. 2D), compressing the safety spring 114. Continuing the rotation of the element 110, and consequently the further loading of the spring 113, the inclined surface 180 of the projection 131 disengages from the pin 128 (fig. 2E), wherein the lever 112 is therefore rotated in the opposite direction (clockwise with respect to the drawing) by means of the elastic reaction of the spring 114, and wherein in the same way, by means of the action of the spring 113, the element 110 is also rotated back (towards the open position), whereas, when the engagement pin 128 engages the concave surface of the projection 131 (fig. 2F), the aforesaid relative rotation of the lever 112 and of the cam 110 is stopped, the cam 110 being therefore locked in the closed position. Indeed, any further rotation of cam 110 towards the open position, and consequently the release of hook 100 from the fork of element 110, can take place only by releasing lever 112 (concave surface of projection 131) from pin 128 beforehand, the mutual release of lever 112 from pin 128 taking place according to the following procedure.
Starting from the closed position of fig. 2F, with reference to the subsequent fig. 3A and 3B, it is evident that a further clockwise rotation of the cam 110 and therefore of the spring 113 first causes the pin 128 to slide into the concave surface of the projection 131 and therefore the pin 128 to come out of the concave surface of the projection 131. At this point, the cam 110 is free to rotate again in the anticlockwise direction by means of the elastic reaction force of the spring 113, wherein, due to the shape of the projection 131 (as depicted, the projection 131 has a variable thickness and therefore defines the inclined surface 133), the pin 128 actually engages said inclined surface 133 of the projection 131 during the anticlockwise rotation of the cam 110, and wherein the anticlockwise rotation of the cam 110 therefore causes the pin 128 to push the lever 112. Thus, the lever rotates about the third rotation axis C (fig. 4B), moving away from the cam 110, then the lever 112 and the cam 110 are mutually released, the cam 110 can rotate again in the counterclockwise direction under the urging of the spring 113 until the open position is reached again, then the hook 200 is automatically released from the fork of the cam 110, and thus the plate is automatically opened.
The known types of closing devices and/or systems, even according to the latest background art, although appreciable from a different point of view (simplicity of construction and operation, good reliability, limited overall manufacturing and/or installation costs), present some drawbacks which the present invention intends to overcome.
The first drawback relates to the fact that: opening the plate by pushing the plate itself according to the procedure described above can in any case only be achieved by a user outside the household appliance, on the contrary, in the rare but not impossible case of a child being trapped in the household appliance, any pushing by the child on the plate, and therefore outwards, will have no effect other than engaging the cam 110 and the lever 112 more and more in the locking position.
Further disadvantages or dissatisfaction factors relate to the fact that: opening the plate according to the procedure summarized above necessarily requires the intervention of the user, who is in any case required to act by pushing the plate itself; in fact, in the devices of known type, the electrical components are only suitable for "allowing" the opening of the panel, which in fact remains closed in any case without the necessary intervention of the user itself. Obviously, in the case of washing machines and dishwashers, for example, the washing cycle may be completed without the presence of the user and/or of the relative operator, wherein the prolonged closing of the plate after completion of the washing cycle prevents or in any case delays the drying of the laundry and may cause the laundry itself to develop unpleasant odours. Furthermore, the condition of the closing plate does not allow to "visually" perceive whether the washing cycle is actually completed, with the risk of opening the plate in the condition of incomplete washing. It is therefore clear that it would be very advantageous to have a solution that allows opening the plate itself also by pushing it from inside the household appliance and/or allows spontaneous and automatic opening of the plate once the washing cycle is completed.
It is therefore a main object of the present invention to overcome or at least minimize the drawbacks summarized above and observed in the closing devices and/or systems according to the background art.
In particular, a first object of the present invention is to provide a closing and opening device which also allows opening the plate by pushing it itself from inside the household appliance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows the plate to open spontaneously and automatically, for example once the washing cycle is completed, or in any case by means of a program that can be set by the user.
Finally, the closing and opening device and/or system according to the present invention should be characterized by reduced size and bulk, and be suitable for household appliances of known type according to an equally simple and cost-effective procedure, and without requiring substantial modifications to said household appliances.
Description of the invention
The present invention is based on the general consideration that: the above predefined objects are achieved and in particular the operational and reliability requirements in compliance with safety regulations may be met by a device comprising a locking lever which is not only rotatable about one or more axes of rotation, but also translatable along predefined directions of translation, wherein translation of the locking lever in at least one direction of translation causes reciprocal release of the locking lever and the opening and closing element or cam.
Based on the above considerations, and in view of the problems and/or drawbacks observed in closing and opening devices and/or systems according to the background art, the present invention relates, according to a first embodiment, to a closing and opening device (1000) for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular for doors and/or panels and/or similar components of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, said device comprising a closing and opening assembly (100), the closing and opening assembly (100) comprising a closing and opening element (110), the closing and opening element (110) being adapted to be selectively engaged and disengaged by a striker latch (200), the striker latch (200) being adapted to be rigidly fixed to said panel or door, wherein said closing and opening element (110) can be switched between a first position and a second position by rotating about a first axis of rotation (a), wherein the mutual engagement resulting from the pushing of the striker latch (200) against the closing and opening element (110) results in a first switching by rotation of the closing and opening element (110) from the first position to the second position, wherein the closing and opening assembly (100) comprises a locking lever (112), which locking lever (112) can be switched by rotating about a second axis of rotation (B), and wherein switching by rotation of the closing and opening element (110) from the first position to the second position causes the locking lever (112) to rotate between a first position and a second position, in the second position, the locking lever (112) engages the closing and opening element (110) and locks the closing and opening element (110) in the second closed position; wherein the apparatus comprises a first rotatable switching device (LC, 121), wherein rotation of the first rotatable switching device (LC, 121) in a first rotational direction results in positioning of at least a part of the first rotatable switching device (LC, 121) interfering with the closing and opening element (110) and thus in a impossibility of switching of the closing and opening element (110) from the second position to the first position, and wherein rotation of the first switching device (LC, 121) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction results in positioning of at least a part of the first rotatable switching device (LC, 121) in a position not interfering with the closing and opening element (110) and thus in a impossibility of switching of the closing and opening element (110) from the second position to the first position.
According to an embodiment, the translation of the locking lever (112) in the first translation direction causes a rotation of the locking lever (112) around the third rotation axis (C).
According to an embodiment, the locking lever (112) comprises a switching projection, wherein the closing and opening assembly (100) comprises a fixed switching device, and wherein the translation of the locking lever (112) in the first translation direction causes a progressive mutual engagement of the projection and the fixed switching device, resulting in a rotation of the locking lever (112) around the third rotation axis (C) and, consequently, in a mutual disengagement of the closing and opening element (110) and the locking lever (112).
According to an embodiment, the projection of the locking lever (112) comprises an inclined and tapered engagement surface, wherein a progressive engagement of the projection and the fixed switching means by translation of the locking lever in the first translation direction results in a progressive rotation of the locking lever (1112) about the third rotation axis (C).
According to an embodiment, during the rotation of the first switching means (LC, 121) in the second rotation direction, the locking lever (112) rotates about a third rotation axis (C) different from the first and second rotation axes (a, B) and is thus released from the closing and opening element (110).
According to an embodiment, the first switching device (LC, 121) is rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation (D) substantially parallel to the third axis of rotation (C).
According to an embodiment, the first rotatable switching means (LC) comprises a switching Lever (LC) and a locking and/or safety lever (121) rotated by the switching Lever (LC), wherein rotation of the Lever (LC) in the first rotation direction causes an interference positioning of the locking and/or safety lever (121) with the closing and opening element (110), and wherein rotation of the switching Lever (LC) in the second rotation direction, opposite to the first rotation direction, causes a positioning of the locking and/or safety lever (121) in a position not interfering with the closing and opening element (110).
According to an embodiment, the first switching means comprises a torsion spring (124) rotated by the switching Lever (LC), and the torsion spring (124) comprises a helical portion and two substantially linear portions (150, 151) respectively extending from opposite ends of the helical portion, wherein rotation of the switching Lever (LC) in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the compression spring (124) and causes pushing of the locking lever (112) by one of the substantially linear portions (150, 151) of the spring (124) and thus rotation of the locking lever (112) about the third rotational axis (C) and finally release of the locking lever (112) from the closing and opening element (110).
According to an embodiment, the device comprises a translatable switching slider (116), wherein translation of the switching slider (116) in its first translation direction causes rotation of the Lever (LC) in the second rotation direction and, consequently, positioning of the locking and/or safety lever (121) in a position that does not interfere with the closing and opening element (110).
According to an embodiment, the device comprises electrical means for switching the switching slider by translation.
According to an embodiment, the electrical device comprises a solenoid (115).
According to an embodiment, the locking lever (112) can be further switched by translation, wherein, with the closing and opening element (110) engaged and locked by the locking lever (112) in the second position, a rotation of the closing and opening element (110) towards the first position results in a translation of the locking lever (112) in a first translation direction and in a mutual disengagement of the closing and opening element (110) and the locking lever (112) and thus in the possibility of switching by rotation of the closing and opening element (110) until the first position is reached.
A further object of the present invention is a closing and opening system for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, comprising a striker latch or hook adapted to be rigidly fixed to said panel, said system comprising a closing and opening device according to any one of the embodiments summarized above.
Finally, the object of the present invention is a household appliance comprising at least one plate, such as for example a washing machine, comprising a device according to any one of the embodiments summarized above and a striker element rigidly fixed to said plate.
Any further embodiments of the invention are defined in the claims.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be further elucidated below by the following detailed description of possible embodiments depicted in the drawings, wherein corresponding or equivalent features and/or components of the invention are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and depicted in the accompanying drawings; rather, all those variations and/or modifications of the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention.
In the drawings:
figures 1 and 2A show perspective views of a device and a closing and opening system according to an embodiment of the invention;
figures 2B to 2F show perspective views of the device and system according to an embodiment of the invention during respective closing steps;
figures 3A to 3D show perspective views of the device and system according to an embodiment of the invention during respective opening steps;
figures 4A to 4C show perspective views of the device and system according to an embodiment of the invention during the opening step and according to the innovative procedure;
figures 5A to 5D show perspective views of the device and system according to an embodiment of the invention during the opening step and according to a further innovative procedure;
figures 5E and 5F show perspective views of details of the device and the system according to an embodiment of the invention;
figures 6A to 6C show perspective views of further characteristics of the device according to the invention and the relative operating procedure.
Detailed Description
The invention is particularly suitable for use in the field of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, for which reason the invention will be described hereinafter with particular reference to its application in the field of household appliances, in particular washing machines.
It should be noted, however, that possible applications of the present invention are not limited to those described below. On the contrary, the invention has convenient application in all cases where it is required that the closing and opening of the panels is reliable, simple, safe and in compliance with safety standards.
The procedure of opening and closing by simply pushing the plate from the outside has been previously clarified, and thus further description is omitted for comprehensive purposes. Therefore, with reference to fig. 4A to 4C, a description will be given hereinafter of a procedure for opening a plate by pushing the plate from the inside of the electric home appliance (or, alternatively, by pulling the plate from the outside), which is provided by the characteristics of the closing and opening apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in fig. 4A to 4C.
The first characteristic relates to the locking lever 112, as depicted in the figures, the locking lever 112 comprising a projection 140 positioned along the lever 112 intermediate the rotation pin 126 and the free end of the lever 112, wherein the projection 140 has a thickness gradually decreasing towards the pin 126 until the thickness is substantially zero and thus defines an inclined pushing surface 141.
The second characteristic relates to the fact that: the slots 142 in which the opposite ends of the pins 127 are housed have an oval shape and therefore define a minor axis of length substantially equal to the diameter of the pins 127 and a major axis of length greater than the outer diameter of the pins 127, the translation of the pins 127 (and therefore of the levers 112) in two opposite translation directions being therefore possible along a direction substantially parallel to the major axis of each slot 142. Further, the third characteristic relates to the fact that: the device 100 comprises a fixed switching block 143, for example fixed to a device cover (not shown for clarity).
Thus, it is clear from the foregoing that, starting from the closed position (for example the position of fig. 2F), any push of the plate from the inside or pull from the outside causes a rotation of the cam 110 towards the open position (and therefore anticlockwise with respect to the drawing), wherein a rotation of the cam 110 in the direction of said anticlockwise rotation causes a push of the pin 128 on the projection 131 and therefore a translation of the lever 112 (from right to left with respect to the drawing) against the resistance exerted by the safety spring 114. Obviously, during the above-mentioned translation of the lever 112, the tapered or inclined surface 141 of the protrusion 140 meets the fixed switching block 143, wherein the mutual and progressive engagement or contrast of the protrusion 140 and the block 143 causes a push on the lever 112 and, consequently, a rotation of the lever 112 about the rotation axis C (the rotation allowed by the above-mentioned shape of the slot 142), the lever 112 moving away from the cam 110 and until the pin 128 is released from the protrusion 131.
With the pin 128 released from the projection 131 (and therefore with the cam 110 released from the lever 112), the cam is free to rotate towards the open position, by means of the elastic reaction force of the separation spring 113, and until the open position is reached, in which the hook 200 can come out of the fork of the cam 110 and the plate can therefore be opened.
Next, with reference to fig. 5A to 5F, a description will be given of further characteristics of the apparatus according to the embodiment depicted in fig. 5A to 5F, and a related procedure for automatically releasing the hook 200 from the cam 110 and thus automatically opening the plate.
For clarity of illustration, starting from the closed state of fig. 2F, and further assuming that the completion of the washing cycle results in an electrical pulse to the solenoid 115, the solenoid itself will re-engage (re-enter), causing the switching slider 116 to translate, the switching slider 116 thus approaching the solenoid 115 (translating from right to left with respect to the drawing).
In the seat for housing the slider 116, the end of an arm 117 of a switching lever LC is housed rotatable about a rotation axis D, wherein, in addition to said first arm 117, the lever LC comprises a second arm 118 substantially opposite to the arm 117, and wherein a translation of the slider 116 towards and away from the solenoid 115 thus causes a rotation of the lever LC and thus of the arm 117 and of the arm 118 respectively in a counterclockwise direction and in a clockwise direction (with respect to the drawing). Furthermore, the second arm 118 comprises an end 161 engaged in a shaped seat 160 of a further safety and locking lever 121, said further safety and locking lever 121 being rotatable with respect to a rotation axis D2 substantially parallel to the rotation axis D. Thus, during the anticlockwise rotation of the switching lever LC (thus generated by the translation of the slider 116 close to the solenoid 115), the free end 161 of the arm 118 (opposite to the rotation axis D and engaged in the seat 160 of the lever 121) rotates (in the same direction of rotation as the arm 118, thus in an anticlockwise direction with respect to the figures) the lever 121, wherein the end of the lever 121 opposite to the rotation axis D2 therefore positions itself in a position not interfering with the cam 110 (fig. 5D and 5E). In addition, the linear portion 150 of the spring 124 is rotated (clockwise with respect to the drawing) by the end of the arm 118, and then the coil portion 151 of the spring 124 is spring loaded. Furthermore, the free end of the linear portion 150 of the spring 124 is positioned with respect to the free end of the lever 112 such that the linear portion 150 of the spring 124, during the aforementioned rotation thereof caused by the rotation of the switching lever LC, engages the lever 112 and rotates the lever 112 (about the axis C), thereby releasing the lever 112 from the cam 110.
At this time, the cam 110 is automatically switched to the open position with the urging of the spring 113, the hook 200 is thus automatically ejected from the fork portion of the cam 100, and the plate is thus automatically opened.
Conversely, at the beginning of the washing cycle, the action of solenoid 115 causes a translation of slider 116 away from solenoid 115 (from left to right with respect to the drawing), followed by a clockwise rotation of lever LC and of lever 121, wherein the end of lever 121 opposite rotation axis D2 therefore positions itself in interference with cam 110 (fig. 2F), preventing any accidental and/or undesired rotation thereof towards the open position.
Further features of the apparatus according to embodiments of the invention and associated operating procedures are set forth below with reference to fig. 6A-6C.
As depicted, the device comprises, on the path of the slider 122 and on the opposite part with respect to the cam 110, a striker having a seat 171, the seat 171 being adapted to engage with the end of the slider 122 according to the following procedure.
Starting from the closed position of the cam 110 depicted in fig. 6A (and therefore engaged by the latch 200), and assuming that the reel (reel) or shaft 111 of the cam 110 breaks, the cam will freely switch from the closed position to the open position, in fact, in the condition in which the cam 110 is complete, the reel or shaft 111 interferes with the lever 121 according to the procedure described above.
However, said accidental switching of the cam 110 is avoided by the slider 122, which, as the relative spring pushes and is no longer blocked by the reel 111, translates to engage the seat 171 (fig. 6C), positioning itself in interference with the second reel (still intact) of the cam 110, and thus preventing the cam 110 from switching to the open position, thus preventing the plate from opening.
Thus, by the above detailed description of embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings, it has been demonstrated that the present invention allows achieving the desired results, and overcomes or at least limits the drawbacks observed in the background art.
In particular, by means of the present invention, a closing and opening device is provided which allows the latch 200 to be released from the cam 110 and thus allows the plates to be opened simply by pushing or pulling the plates from the inside and outside of the household appliance, respectively.
The device according to an embodiment of the present invention also allows automatic release of the hook 200 from the cam 110, for example at the end of a wash cycle, and thus automatic opening of the plate.
Finally, the closing and opening device and/or system according to the invention is characterized by reduced size and bulk, and is suitable for household appliances of known type according to an equally simple and cost-effective procedure, and which does not require substantial modifications to said household appliances.
Although the invention has been elucidated above by means of a detailed description of embodiments depicted in the drawings, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the drawings; rather, all variations and/or modifications of the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention. For example, according to an embodiment, the device according to the invention may only realize a characteristic suitable for allowing opening by pushing or pulling the plate, or only a characteristic suitable for allowing automatic opening of the plate.
The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. A closing and opening device (1000) for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, comprising a closing and opening assembly (100), said closing and opening assembly (100) comprising a closing and opening element (110), said closing and opening element (110) being adapted to be selectively engaged and disengaged by a striker latch (200), said striker latch (200) being adapted to be rigidly fixed to said panel or door, wherein said closing and opening element (110) is switchable between a first position and a second position by rotation about a first axis of rotation (A), wherein the mutual engagement resulting from pushing said striker latch (200) against said closing and opening element (110) causes the rotation from said first position to said second position by said closing and opening element (110) A first switching of the second position, wherein the closing and opening assembly (100) comprises a locking lever (112), the locking lever (112) being switchable by rotation about a second axis of rotation (B), and wherein the switching by rotation of the closing and opening element (110) from the first position to the second position causes the locking lever (112) to rotate between a first position and a second position, in the second position the locking lever (112) engaging the closing and opening element (110) and locking the closing and opening element (110) in the second closed position; characterized in that said apparatus comprises first rotatable switching means (LC, 121), the rotation of said first rotatable switching means (LC, 121) in a first rotation direction causing the positioning of at least a part of said first rotatable switching means (LC, 121) to interfere with said closing and opening element (110) and thus making it impossible for said closing and opening element (110) to switch from said second position to said first position, and the rotation of said first switching means (LC, 121) in a second rotation direction opposite to said first rotation direction causing the positioning of at least a part of said first rotatable switching means (LC, 121) in a position not interfering with said closing and opening element (110) and thus causing the possibility of said closing and opening element (110) to switch from said second position to said first position.
2. The apparatus (1000) according to claim 1, wherein, during the rotation of the first switching means (LC, 121) in the second rotation direction, the locking lever (112) rotates about a third rotation axis (C) different from the first and second rotation axes (a, B) and is therefore released from the closing and opening element (110).
3. Apparatus (1000) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first switching means (LC, 121) are rotatable about a fourth rotation axis (D) substantially parallel to said third rotation axis (C).
4. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first rotatable switching means (LC) comprise a switching Lever (LC) and a locking and/or safety lever (121) rotated by said switching Lever (LC), the rotation of said Lever (LC) in said first rotation direction causing an interference positioning of said locking and/or safety lever (121) with said closing and opening element (110), and the rotation of said switching Lever (LC) in said second rotation direction, opposite to said first rotation direction, causing a positioning of said locking and/or safety lever (121) in a position not interfering with said closing and opening element (110).
5. The apparatus (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first switching means comprises a torsion spring (124) rotated by the switching Lever (LC), and the torsion spring (124) comprises a helical portion and two substantially linear portions (150, 151) extending from opposite ends of the helical portion respectively, and rotation of the switching Lever (LC) in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the compression spring (124), and causing the locking lever (112) to be pushed by one of the substantially linear portions (150, 151) of the spring (124), and thus a rotation of the locking lever (112) about the third axis of rotation (C), and finally causes the release of the locking lever (112) from the closing and opening element (110).
6. The device (1000) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises a translatable switching slider (116), the translation of said switching slider (116) in its first translation direction causing the rotation of said Lever (LC) in said second rotation direction and therefore the positioning of said locking and/or safety lever (121) in a position not interfering with said closing and opening element (110).
7. The apparatus (1000) according to the preceding claim 6, characterized in that it comprises electrical means for switching by translating the switching slider.
8. The apparatus (1000) of claim 7, wherein the electrical device comprises a solenoid (115).
9. Device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking lever (112) is further switchable by translation and that when the closing and opening element (110) is engaged and locked in the second position by the locking lever (112), the rotation of the closing and opening element (110) towards the first position results in a translation of the locking lever (112) in a first translation direction and in a mutual disengagement of the closing and opening element (110) and the locking lever (112) and thus in the possibility of switching the closing and opening element (110) by rotation until the first position is reached.
10. The apparatus (1000) according to claim 9, wherein a translation of the locking lever (112) in the first translation direction results in a rotation of the locking lever (112) about the third rotation axis (C).
11. The apparatus (1000) according to claim 10, wherein said locking lever (112) comprises a switching projection, said closing and opening assembly (100) comprises fixed switching means, and the translation of said locking lever (112) in said first translation direction causes a progressive mutual engagement of said projection and said fixed switching means, thus causing a rotation of said locking lever (112) about said third rotation axis (C), and thus a mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element (110) and said locking lever (112).
12. The apparatus (1000) according to claim 11, wherein the projection of the locking lever (112) comprises an inclined and tapered engagement surface and the progressive engagement of the projection and the fixed switching means by translation of the locking lever in the first translation direction causes a progressive rotation of the locking lever (1112) about the third rotation axis (C).
13. A closing and opening system for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, comprising a striker latch or hook (200) adapted to be rigidly fixed to the panel, characterized in that it comprises a closing and opening device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. A household appliance, such as a washing machine, comprising at least one plate, characterized in that it comprises a device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a striker element (200) rigidly fixed to said plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102017000134593 | 2017-11-23 | ||
| IT201700134593 | 2017-11-23 | ||
| PCT/IB2018/059243 WO2019102403A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 | 2018-11-23 | Device for closing and opening panels, in particular panels of electrical household appliances such as washing machines and the like |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN111615571A true CN111615571A (en) | 2020-09-01 |
Family
ID=61656117
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201880087209.2A Pending CN111615571A (en) | 2017-11-23 | 2018-11-23 | Device for closing and opening a panel, in particular a panel of a household appliance such as a washing machine |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3714093B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN111615571A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL3714093T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2019102403A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT202000026260A1 (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2022-05-04 | Elettrotecnica Rold Srl | DEVICE FOR CLOSING AND OPENING DOORS, IN PARTICULAR DOORS OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES SUCH AS DISHWASHERS OR SIMILAR |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101250963A (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-27 | 美驰技术有限责任公司 | Support mechanism and a latch mechanism |
| EP2087829A1 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-12 | BITRON S.p.A. | Button device for blocking and releasing a door, particularly a door of a home appliance |
| CN101570927A (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-04 | Lg电子株式会社 | Washing machine |
| CN103562478A (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2014-02-05 | 伊莱克斯家用产品股份有限公司 | Electric household appliance door locking device |
| WO2015140306A1 (en) * | 2014-03-21 | 2015-09-24 | Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L. | Combined release door locking device |
| CN107075872A (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2017-08-18 | 索斯科公司 | Cam lock |
| WO2017155627A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-14 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Door-lock with door sensing |
-
2018
- 2018-11-23 EP EP18821739.2A patent/EP3714093B1/en active Active
- 2018-11-23 CN CN201880087209.2A patent/CN111615571A/en active Pending
- 2018-11-23 PL PL18821739T patent/PL3714093T3/en unknown
- 2018-11-23 WO PCT/IB2018/059243 patent/WO2019102403A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101250963A (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-27 | 美驰技术有限责任公司 | Support mechanism and a latch mechanism |
| EP2087829A1 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-12 | BITRON S.p.A. | Button device for blocking and releasing a door, particularly a door of a home appliance |
| CN101570927A (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-04 | Lg电子株式会社 | Washing machine |
| CN103562478A (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2014-02-05 | 伊莱克斯家用产品股份有限公司 | Electric household appliance door locking device |
| WO2015140306A1 (en) * | 2014-03-21 | 2015-09-24 | Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L. | Combined release door locking device |
| CN107075872A (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2017-08-18 | 索斯科公司 | Cam lock |
| WO2017155627A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-14 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Door-lock with door sensing |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3714093A1 (en) | 2020-09-30 |
| EP3714093B1 (en) | 2021-09-08 |
| WO2019102403A1 (en) | 2019-05-31 |
| PL3714093T3 (en) | 2022-02-14 |
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