GB1320422A - Locking device for the door of a washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1320422 Locks INDUSTRIE A ZANUSSI SpA 28 May 1971 [5 June 1970] 18006/71 Heading E2A A locking device for the door of a washing machine comprises a latching member, a hook 12, which has a step 31, which engages an edge 32 of the machine in one position and in a second position is retained by a second step 33 engaging a locking member, an edge portion 34 of a plate 13, the locking member being released with delayed action by displacing the latching member from the one position to the second position, the latching member in the second position opening a switch 29 controlling the power supply to an electric motor. The plate 13 supports a cup 16 which is urged by a spring 17 away from a second cup 22 mounted on a tube 20 having a frusto conical' opening closable by a cylindrical valve 23 on a stem 24 adjustable by a screw threaded plug 25 to adjust the volume of air within the tube which has a side opening 28. When the spring urged hook 12 enters apertures in the machine and in the plate 13 it depresses the plate 13 and causes the cup parts 16, 22 to be compressed air being therefore vented through the opening 28. When the hook is displaced upwardly to disengage the machine it abuts the edge portion 34 of the locking plate 13 and is retained thereby and it removes pressure from the cup 16 which is urged upwardly by the spring 17 thus drawing in air between the cups, until they separate moving the plate 13 upwardly and releasing the hook. The switch 29 is actuated by a pivoted lever, one end of which is moved by the hook when in latching position. As the hook is withdrawn the lever pivots to open the switch. The time delay in releasing the hook can be varied by adjusting the setting of the valve 23 by the plug 25 so that it is longer than the time taken by the machine drum to change from the centrifuging speed to the washing speed.