EP4339353A1 - Automatisches öffnungsmodul für eine tür eines haushaltsgeräts - Google Patents

Automatisches öffnungsmodul für eine tür eines haushaltsgeräts Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4339353A1
EP4339353A1 EP23198038.4A EP23198038A EP4339353A1 EP 4339353 A1 EP4339353 A1 EP 4339353A1 EP 23198038 A EP23198038 A EP 23198038A EP 4339353 A1 EP4339353 A1 EP 4339353A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
automatic opening
gear
door
opening module
transmission system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23198038.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bojan Bicic
Dino Chirumbolo
Ahsan Ali
Joze Lavrencic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority to PCT/US2023/033136 priority Critical patent/WO2024064132A1/en
Publication of EP4339353A1 publication Critical patent/EP4339353A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • E05B47/02—Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means
    • E05B47/026—Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means the bolt moving rectilinearly
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/0025—Devices for forcing the wing firmly against its seat or to initiate the opening of the wing
    • 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
    • E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
    • E05B2047/0018—Details of actuator transmissions
    • E05B2047/002—Geared transmissions
    • 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
    • E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
    • E05B2047/0018—Details of actuator transmissions
    • E05B2047/0024—Cams
    • E05B2047/0025—Cams in the form of grooves
    • 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
    • E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
    • E05B2047/0018—Details of actuator transmissions
    • E05B2047/0026—Clutches, couplings or braking arrangements
    • E05B2047/003—Clutches, couplings or braking arrangements of the overload- slip- or friction type
    • 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
    • E05B2047/0048—Circuits, feeding, monitoring
    • E05B2047/0067—Monitoring
    • E05B2047/0069—Monitoring bolt position
    • 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
    • E05B2047/0084—Key or electric means; Emergency release
    • E05B2047/0086—Emergency release, e.g. key or electromagnet

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to an automatic opening module.
  • the invention relates to an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance such as a washing machine or a dryer.
  • Door-locking modules are typically used in household appliances such as washing machines and dryers to lock the door of the appliance.
  • washing machines and/or dryers typically use a door-locking module to securely lock the door of the appliance before starting a washing or drying cycle.
  • door-locking modules are known to prevent the door from being opened during the washing or drying cycle, as well as, prevent the washing or drying cycle from being started when the door of the appliance is open.
  • Existing door-locking modules contain a multitude of mechanical components which cooperate with one another to mechanically lock and unlock the door of the household appliance.
  • an actuator is connected to a control unit of the appliance to command the movement of a locking pin between a disengaged position, in which the locking pin does not engage with the appliance door, i.e. the door is open or openable, and a locked door position, in which the locking pin engages with the appliance door, i.e. the door is locked.
  • Other door-locking modules may have a lock switch that cooperates directly with the locking pin in order to signal to a control unit of the appliance whether the locking pin is in a locked position or an unlocked position.
  • door-locking modules that can determine the position of the locking pin often have a large number of components, thus, resulting in an assembly that occupies a large space.
  • such modules may only be compatible with a select range of appliances and modifications are often required to the door-locking modules in order to operably fit with different household appliances. For example, it is often necessary to rearrange the layout of conductive strips and parts within the casing of the module depending on the layout of a particular household appliance for it to work with that appliance. Accordingly, different models of the door-locking module have to be manufactured and assembled, requiring varying production equipment and production lines.
  • Automatic unlocking means or mechanisms may be provided within door-locking modules in order to implement automation of opening the door of the household appliance in 'smart' appliances.
  • Such mechanisms include additional components, including an additional actuator, which increases the space required by the door locking module and further limits the range of appliances with which the door-locking module is compatible.
  • an improved door-locking module configured to mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.
  • the present invention provides at least an alternative embodiment to automatic unlocking or opening means and mechanisms of the prior art.
  • an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance.
  • the automatic opening module may comprise a housing, a transmission system and a lever engaging pin.
  • Said transmission system for example, at least a part of said transmission system, may be received within said housing.
  • Said lever engaging pin for example at least a part of said lever engaging pin, may be received within said housing.
  • a first part of said transmission system may be operably coupled to said lever engaging pin.
  • a second part of said transmission system may be configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module. Actuation of the actuator may cause the transmission system to move the lever engaging pin between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position.
  • an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance comprising: a housing; a transmission system; and a lever engaging pin; wherein said transmission system and said lever engaging pin are received within said housing; wherein a first part of said transmission system is operably coupled to said lever engaging pin; and wherein a second part of said transmission system is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module such that actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system to move the lever engaging pin between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked position.
  • the automatic opening module is thus configured to cooperate with door locking modules.
  • the operable engagement of the second part of the transmission system with an actuator of a door locking module removes the requirement to provide an additional or more complex actuator to actuate the lever engaging pin of the automatic opening module.
  • the receipt of the transmission system and the lever engaging pin within the housing enables the provision of an automatic opening module, which may be retrofitted with a door locking module to implement automation of opening the door of the household appliance and thus the provision of a 'smart' household appliance.
  • said lever engaging pin when in said first, locked, position, said lever engaging pin is moved into said housing of said automatic opening module, and when in said second, locked, position, at least part of said lever engaging pin is moved out of said housing of said automatic opening module.
  • the transmission system may be a gear assembly, for example a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears.
  • the first part of said transmission system may comprise a first gear of said plurality of gears and said second part of said transmission system may comprises a second gear of said plurality of gears.
  • the gear assembly advantageously provides a compact arrangement that is particularly suitable for an automatic opening module that is configured to be used with other components of a door locking system for a household appliance, for example a door locking module.
  • the gear assembly allows motion to be transferred over a predetermined spacing between the components, e.g. an actuator of a door locking module and the lever engaging pin.
  • the lever engaging pin may comprises a rack gear portion.
  • the rack gear portion may be operably coupled to said first part of said transmission system.
  • Said first gear of said plurality of gears may be a pinion gear.
  • Said rack gear portion of said lever engaging pin and said first gear or said pinion gear of said plurality of gears may therefore form a rack and pinion gear pair.
  • Said rack gear portion advantageously enables the conversion of rotary movement of said transmission system to linear movement of the lever engaging pin within a predetermined spacing in between two components, e.g. an actuator of a door locking module and the lever engaging pin.
  • the first part of said transmission system may comprise a clutch mechanism.
  • said clutch mechanism may comprise a clutch ring comprising at least two resilient tooth members.
  • said clutch mechanism may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged on an inner surface of said first part of said transmission system.
  • the clutch mechanism advantageously ensures that the lever engaging pin is retained in the correct position, and can be reset to the correct position, between usage cycles without damage being caused to the transmission system.
  • the clutch mechanism also compensates for variation or tolerances in the arrangement of components within the automatic opening module during assembly.
  • said automatic opening module may comprise a reset lever.
  • said reset lever may be slidingly engaged with said lever engaging pin.
  • said reset lever may comprise a body and a resilient arm.
  • An opening may be defined between said body and said resilient arm.
  • said housing may comprise a protrusion extending from an inner wall of said housing.
  • said opening of said reset lever may be configured to receive said protrusion of said housing.
  • the reset lever enables the manual resetting of the automatic opening module without causing damage to the gears of the transmission system, for example in the event of an emergency.
  • said housing may comprise a first opening through which at least a portion of the second gear extends to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module.
  • said housing may comprises a second opening through which at least a portion of the lever engaging pin extends.
  • the terms 'connected', 'attached', 'coupled', 'mounted' are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween.
  • the terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
  • a door-locking module 2b including a PCB-top-mounted first and second actuators 22b, 23b and a respective locking ring 12b, as well as, a door sensing pin 13b.
  • the module 2b further includes a PCB 4, an electric motor 6 that is operably connected to the PCB 4 by electric wires 8, and a gear mechanism 10.
  • the electric motor 6 may be a 12V DC motor having an output shaft connected to an extending worm gear shaft 11 that is operably coupled to the locking ring 12b (e.g. a cam member) via the gear mechanism 10.
  • the gear mechanism 10 comprises at least three interconnected gears 10a, 10b and 10c.
  • the worm gear shaft 11 drives gear 10a coupled with gear 10b, which then drives gear 10c.
  • the gear ratios between the respective engaging gears 10a, 10b, 10c and the worm gear 11 are chosen so that a given motor rotation provides a suitable rotational movement of the locking ring 12b.
  • the locking ring 12b includes a cam guide 14 that is provided within a cylindrical wall portion of the locking ring 12b, as well as, a trigger member 20b adapted to engage with the respective first actuator or sensor 22b.
  • the trigger member 20b comprises a cam surface provided on top of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b.
  • the door-locking module 2b further includes a locking pin 16 adapted to engage with the cam guide 14 via a cam follower 18.
  • the locking ring 12b is operably coupled to and coaxially arranged with the gear 10c, so as to directly transfer rotational movement of the gear 10c into rotational movement of the locking ring 12b.
  • the rotational movement of the locking ring 12b and cam guide 14 then translates into a linear movement of the cam follower 18 and locking pin 16 (axial movement).
  • the cam guide 14 is formed by an enclosed aperture within a portion of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b, extending between a first aperture end and a second aperture end, thus, limiting the rotational movement of the locking ring 12b and the axial movement of the cam follower 18 to a predetermined range.
  • the cam guide 14 may be formed by an aperture defining a first ramp at a first angle (with respect to the rotational or centre axis of the locking ring 12b) followed by a second ramp at a second angle (different from the first angle).
  • the lower portion of the aperture may be at a steeper angle than the following upper portion of the aperture (see, for example, Figures 3 , 4 or 5 ).
  • the first actuator or sensor 22b provided on the printed circuit board 4 (PCB) for cooperation with the trigger member 20b, may be a movable contact blade.
  • the second actuator or sensor 23b also be a movable contact blade.
  • a movable contact blade 22b e.g. a resilient metal blade, see Figure 5
  • the cam surface on top of the locking ring 12b moves the resilient metal contact between a close-circuit position ( Figure 5(a) ) and an open-circuit position ( Figure 5(b) ) on the PCB 4. Further, the resilient metal contact (movable contact blade 22b) is biased towards the close-circuit position.
  • a door sensing pin 13b is provided between the second actuator or sensor 23b and the appliance door (e.g. via a linkage or other components engageable by the appliance door).
  • the door sensing pin 13b is arranged, so as to allow sliding movement between an engaged position, engaging the second actuator or sensor 23b (i.e. the bottom-mounted tactile switch, or the top-mounted movable blade contact), and a disengaged position, disengaged from the second actuator or sensor 23b.
  • the door sensing pin 13b is configured, so as to slidingly move the resilient metal contact (i.e. spring contact) from the close-circuit position into the open-circuit position and vice versa.
  • a rotatable lever arm may be provided between the second actuator or sensor (e.g. a lever switch, or an optical switch) and the appliance door that is configured to move into and out of engagement with the second actuator or sensor in accordance with the position of the appliance door (i.e. closed or open).
  • a manual actuator 30 is provided to rotate the locking ring 12b back to its unlocked position (e.g. counter-clock wise) via a locking ring lever 28.
  • a unidirectional clutch mechanism 34 is provided with the coupling between the gear 10c and the coaxially arranged locking ring 12b.
  • the clutch mechanism 34 comprises a plurality of apertures or cavities 36 that are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on an inner surface of gear 10c (see Figure 6(b) ) and at least two resilient tooth members 38 provided within the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b.
  • the resilient tooth members 38 are arranged so as to operably engage with the apertures or cavities 36, i.e. the resilient tooth members 38 can slidably move from one aperture or cavity 36 to another in one direction (e.g. counter-clockwise), while the gears remain stationary, but lockingly engage with any one of the apertures or cavities 36 in the opposite direction (e.g. clockwise), thus rotating with the locking ring 12b.
  • the door locking module 2b is further provided with a housing 26 adapted to operably accommodate at least the component parts, such as, the PCB 4, motor 6 and wires 8, gear mechanism 10, locking ring 12b, door sensing pin 13b and locking pin 16.
  • the electric motor 6 is actuated or energised so that the output shaft of the electric motor 6 and the attached worm gear shaft 11 rotate in a desired direction.
  • the worm gear shaft 11 engages gear 10a, which in turn engages gear 10b to then engage gear 10c and rotating the locking ring 12b.
  • the directions of rotation are indicated by arrows on respective gears 10a, 10b, 10c.
  • the actuation of the electric motor 6 drives the locking ring 12b via gear mechanism 10 either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • the rotational motion of the motor 6 is transferred onto the locking ring 12b via coupled gear 10c.
  • Rotation of the locking ring 12b changes the position of the cam guide 14 relative to the engaged cam follower 18 of the locking pin 16, thus, axially moving the locking pin 16 between the locked and unlocked position.
  • the cam follower 18 is positioned at a first end (left end or upper end) of the cam guide 14, causing the locking pin 16 to be moved up (unlocked from the appliance door).
  • the cam follower 18 When the locking ring 12b is rotated clockwise, the cam follower 18 is positioned at the second end (right end or lower end) of the cam guide 14, causing the locking pin 16 to be moved down (locking the appliance door). Since the electric motor 6 is drivable bidirectionally (i.e. clockwise and counter-clockwise), it is possible to control the position of the locking pin 16 via motor control.
  • the first actuator or sensor 22b is engaged by the trigger member 20b, which generates a signal corresponding to the position of the locking pin 16 indicating the locking state of the appliance door.
  • clockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b into switching engagement with the first actuator or sensor 22b causing a signal to be generated that indicates the locked position of the appliance door.
  • Counter-clockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b out of switching engagement with the first actuator or sensor 22b causing a signal to be generated that indicates the unlocked position of the appliance door.
  • integrating the actuator or sensor 22b with the PCB 4, so as to cooperate with the trigger member 20b allows the use of PCB's 4 with reduced dimensions (compared to present locking modules), because the position of the locking pin 16 is sensed directly from the position of the locking ring 12b.
  • the clutch mechanism 34 is used to provide a manual unlock function of the appliance door that is decoupled from the gear mechanism 10.
  • the actuator arm 32 of the manual actuator 30 is pushed into engagement with the locking ring lever 28, thus, rotating the locking ring 12b counter-clockwise relative to a stationary gear 10c, with the tooth member(s) 38 sliding through the apertures 36.
  • This decoupled rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the locking pin 16 into the unlocked position.
  • the automatic opening module 200 is particularly suitable for use with a door-locking module 2b, as described in section (a), so as to form a door-locking system of a household appliance.
  • a door-locking module 2b as described in section (a)
  • the automatic opening module 200 may also be used with any other suitable door-locking mechanisms or household appliances.
  • embodiments of the automatic opening module 200 may form part of a door locking system of a household appliance, the door locking system described includes a door locking module 2b (as described in section (a)) and an external module 300.
  • the automatic opening module 200 includes a housing 202.
  • the housing 202 is generally cuboid, having four outer walls, a lower face or base and an upper face within which a hollow is defined.
  • the housing 202 includes a top or upper housing cover 204 and a bottom or lower housing portion 206.
  • the upper housing cover 204 includes the upper face of the housing 202 and one or more walls which form part of one or more of the outer walls of the housing 202.
  • the lower housing portion 206 includes the base of the housing 202 and one or more walls which form part of one of more of the outer walls of the housing 202.
  • the housing 202 also includes a first opening 208 and a second opening 210. Each of the first opening 208 and the second opening 210 are defined between the one or more walls of the upper housing cover 204 and the one or more walls of the lower housing portion 206.
  • a first catch portion 212 is provided on the upper housing cover 204 on the upper face of the housing 202.
  • the lower housing portion 206 includes a flange 214, which extends from one of the walls which form part of one of the outer walls of the housing 202, and a respective protrusions or teeth 216 adapted to lockingly engage with the upper housing cover 204.
  • a second catch portion 218 is provided on an outer surface the flange 214 (i.e. the second catch portion 218 is provided on a surface of the flange which faces away from the hollow within the housing 202).
  • a first shaft 220 and a second shaft 222 extend upwardly from the lower housing portion 206 (i.e. the first shaft 220 and the second shaft 222 extend from the base of the housing 202 into the hollow within the housing 202).
  • a rib 224 extends inwardly from one of the walls of the lower housing portion 206, as illustrated in Figure 12 .
  • the automatic opening module 200 also includes a transmission mechanism 226 and a lever engaging pin 228.
  • the transmission mechanism 226 includes a first part, which is operably coupled to the lever engaging pin 228, and a second part, which is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module, for example, the gear member 10e (of gear assembly 10) and the electric motor 6 of the door locking module 2b.
  • the transmission mechanism 226 is a gear assembly including a plurality of gears.
  • the first part of the transmission mechanism 226 includes a first gear 230 and the second part of the transmission mechanism 226 includes a second gear 232.
  • the first gear 230 includes a first gear member 234 having a plurality of outer teeth 236 and the second gear member 238 having a plurality of outer teeth 240.
  • the second gear member 238 is operably coupled to and coaxially arranged with the first gear member 234 such that the second gear member 238 and the first gear member 234 rotate together.
  • the diameter of the first gear member 234 is greater than the diameter of the second gear member 238.
  • the second gear 232 includes a first gear member 242 having a plurality of outer teeth 244 and a second gear member 246 having a plurality of outer teeth 248.
  • the second gear member 246 is coaxial with the first gear member 242, and the first and second gear members 242, 246 are integral parts.
  • the diameter of the first gear member 242 is greater than the diameter of the second gear member 246.
  • the gear ratios between the respective engaging gears 230, 232 are chosen so that a given motor rotation provides a suitable linear movement of the lever engaging pin 228 (described in more detail below).
  • the first gear 230 incorporates a clutch mechanism 250 operably coupling the first and second gear member 234, 238 of the first gear 230.
  • the clutch mechanism 250 includes a clutch ring 252, having two or more resilient tooth members 254 extending radially outward, and a plurality of apertures or cavities 256 that are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on an inner surface of the first gear member 234.
  • the resilient tooth members 254 are arranged so as to operably engage with the apertures or cavities 256, i.e. the resilient tooth members 254 can slidably move from one aperture or cavity 256 to another in one direction (e.g. -clockwise) while the first and second gears 230, 232 remain stationary, but lockingly engage with any one of the apertures or cavities 256 in the opposite direction (e.g. counter-clockwise), thus rotating with the clutch ring 252.
  • the lever engaging pin 228 is an elongate body that has a pin portion 258 at a distal end and a rack gear portion 260 at a proximal end (inside the housing).
  • the rack gear portion 260 includes a plurality of teeth 262, which extend along one edge of the rack gear portion 260, and a slot 264, which extends along one surface of the rack gear portion 260 (open towards the proximal end).
  • the automatic opening module 200 also includes a reset lever 266 (see also Figures 14 and 15 ).
  • the reset lever 266 has a body 268 and a resilient arm 270.
  • An opening 272 is defined between the body 268 and the resilient arm 270 of the reset lever 266.
  • the body 268 includes a flange 274 through which an aperture 276 extends, and an elongate slider 278 which extends along the length of the body 268.
  • the reset lever 266 When assembled, the reset lever 266 is positioned within the lower housing portion 206, such that the protrusion 224 of the lower housing portion 206 is held within the opening 272 between the body 268 and the resilient arm 270 of the reset lever 266 and the first shaft 220 extends through the aperture 276 of the body 268 of the reset lever 266.
  • the lever engaging pin 228 is slidingly coupled with the reset lever 266 via the elongate slider 278 and the slot 264.
  • the first gear 230 is operably mounted onto the first shaft 220 such that the outer teeth 240 of the second gear member 238 of the first gear 230 engage the teeth 262 of the rack gear portion 260 of the lever engaging pin 228.
  • the second gear 232 is operably mounted onto the second shaft 222 such that the outer teeth 248 of the second gear member 246 of the second gear 232 engage the outer teeth 236 of the first gear member 234 of the first gear 230.
  • the upper housing cover 204 is positioned over the lower housing portion 206 to form the housing 202.
  • the pin portion 258 of the lever engaging pin 228 extends through the first opening 208 that is formed between the upper housing cover 204 and the lower housing portion 206.
  • the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 extends through the second opening 210 that is formed between the upper housing cover 204 and the lower housing portion 206.
  • the flange 214 of the lower housing portion 206 extends below the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232.
  • the outer teeth 244 of the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 engage with or interconnect with the outer teeth of a further gear 10e in a connection portion of the housing of the door locking module 2b, thereby providing an operable engagement between the actuator of the door locking module 2b and the transmission system 226.
  • the automatic opening module 200 may be installed on a door locking system by connecting the automatic opening module 200 to a door locking module 2b of a door locking system.
  • the automatic opening module 200 may be positioned adjacent to and aligned with the door locking module 2b, such that the outer teeth 244 of the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 engage with or interconnect with the outer teeth of the gear 10e forming part of the gear assembly 10 of the door locking module 2b, and the second catch portion 218 on the flange 214 of the lower housing portion 206 engages a catch receiver on the housing of the door locking module 2b.
  • the first catch portion 212 on the upper housing cover 204 of the housing 202 engages a catch receiver on a flange of the housing 26 of the door locking module 2b.
  • the automatic opening module 200 is arranged between the door locking module 2b and an external module 300 adapted to lock and release a sliding block 302 (part of the external module).
  • the automatic opening module 200 is operably coupled with the door locking module 2b via one of the gears 10e of the gear mechanism 10, and is adapted to operably engage with an operating lever 280 of the sliding block 302.
  • the assembly and function of the external module 300 and its sliding block 302 is described in detail in document EP3483331B1 , which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the automatic opening module 200 of the present invention replaces the electrically activated actuator (described in EP3483331B1 ), i.e. the pin portion 258 of the lever engaging pin 228 is adapted to push the operating lever 280, so as to disengage a locking protrusion 304 of a rocking block 306 provided in the sliding block 302, thus, enabling the rocking block 306 to rotate within its cavity.
  • the exact mechanism and function of the external module 300 and the included sliding block 302, locking protrusion 304 and rocking block 306 is beyond the scope of the description for the present invention and will not be described in any more detail (which can be found in EP3483331B1 ).
  • the automatic opening module 200 provides for a simplified door locking module with a reduced complexity, as well as, a reduced number of components (such as an electrically powered solenoid), thus, minimising the costs of manufacture, as well as, minimising the risk of potential faults and malfunctioning when losing power. It is understood by the person skilled in the art, that the automatic opening module 200 may be incorporated as a retrofit to existing door locking systems.
  • the electric motor 6 is actuated or energised so that the output shaft of the electric motor 6 and the attached worm gear shaft 11 rotate in a desired direction.
  • the worm gear 11 engages gear 10a, which in turn engages gear 10b to then engage gear 10c and rotating the locking ring 12b.
  • Rotation of gear 10e results in rotation of the second gear 232 and subsequently of the first gear 230.
  • Anti-clockwise rotation of the first gear 230 moves the lever engaging pin 228 outwardly (clock-wise rotation moves the pin inwardly) and through the first opening 208 into an engaging contact so as to push the operating lever 280 against the biased locking protrusion 304 (e.g. a roller, see EP3483331B1 for specific details) of the rocking block 306, which will then "unlock” the rocking block 306 (see above) and allow rotation with in its cavity.
  • the biased locking protrusion 304 e.g. a roller, see EP3483331B1 for specific details
  • a clock-wise rotation of the first gear 230 retracts the pin 228 out of engagement with the operating lever 280, releasing the biased locking protrusion 304 (e.g. spring biased roller) and "locking" the rocking block 306 within its cavity (i.e. prevent rotation of the rocking block 306).
  • the biased locking protrusion 304 e.g. spring biased roller
  • the clutch mechanism 250 ensures that the inward movement of the lever engaging pin 228 is limited such that the pin portion 258 is in the correct position for the next cycle.
  • the clutch mechanism 250 thus advantageously ensures that the lever engaging pin 228 is retained in the correct position, and can be reset to the correct position, between usage cycles without damage being caused to the transmission system 226.
  • the clutch mechanism 250 also compensates for variation or tolerances in the arrangement of components within the automatic opening module 200 during assembly.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
EP23198038.4A 2022-09-19 2023-09-18 Automatisches öffnungsmodul für eine tür eines haushaltsgeräts Pending EP4339353A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2023/033136 WO2024064132A1 (en) 2022-09-19 2023-09-19 Automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22196421 2022-09-19
EP23172899 2023-05-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4339353A1 true EP4339353A1 (de) 2024-03-20

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ID=88018158

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23198038.4A Pending EP4339353A1 (de) 2022-09-19 2023-09-18 Automatisches öffnungsmodul für eine tür eines haushaltsgeräts

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP4339353A1 (de)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019147821A1 (en) * 2018-01-29 2019-08-01 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Motorized lock switch module for a door-lock for appliances
EP3859106A1 (de) * 2020-01-31 2021-08-04 Bitron S.p.A. Türverriegelungsvorrichtung und mit solch einer türverriegelungsvorrichtung ausgestattetes haushaltsgerät
EP3483331B1 (de) 2016-07-06 2022-01-05 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Türschloss

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3483331B1 (de) 2016-07-06 2022-01-05 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Türschloss
WO2019147821A1 (en) * 2018-01-29 2019-08-01 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Motorized lock switch module for a door-lock for appliances
EP3859106A1 (de) * 2020-01-31 2021-08-04 Bitron S.p.A. Türverriegelungsvorrichtung und mit solch einer türverriegelungsvorrichtung ausgestattetes haushaltsgerät

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