IT202000026263A1 - DEVICE FOR CLOSING AND OPENING DOORS, IN PARTICULAR DOORS OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES SUCH AS DISHWASHERS OR SIMILAR - Google Patents

Description

Patent application for industrial invention entitled: ?Device for closing and opening doors, in particular for doors of household appliances such as dishwashers or similar?

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention belongs to the field of household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, cooking ovens, refrigerators and/or similar household appliances. In particular, the present invention ? relating to a closing and opening device, in particular for flaps, doors or the like, for example of household appliances of the aforementioned type, but also of furniture, for example of modular kitchens with lockable doors. In detail, the present invention ? relating to a device of the aforesaid type suitable for allowing the door to be opened in various ways? and/or actions by a user but also to inhibit one or more? of these methods? of opening. even more in detail, the present invention ? relating to a device of the aforementioned type in which, according to modality? innovative solutions, closing the door translates into the generation of an electric consent signal suitable for allowing the start of the functionalities? of the appliance (for example of the washing cycle) while opening the door results in the inhibition of at least some of the functions of the appliance, in particular in the impossibility (in the case of a dishwasher and/or washing machine) to start and carry out the washing cycle. The present invention ? also relating to a closing and opening system including a closing and opening device of the aforementioned type, as well as to a household appliance (for example a washing machine or similar household appliance) equipped with a device and/or system of the aforementioned type.

STATE OF THE ART NOTE

The devices and/or closing and opening systems most? commonly used and used for household appliances such as for example dishwashers and/or similar household appliances, they essentially comprise a real and proper closing (and opening) unit, usually applied to the appliance casing and a striker element (bolt, or hook or pin) usually fixed to the door of the appliance itself. The group of closing and opening also includes, according to the most solutions? common devices, a ?U? shaped closing and opening element, commonly called a ?wheel?, switchable by rotation between a first opening position in which ? positioned and arranged to receive the striker pin and be engaged and set in rotation by the striker pin on the door, and a second closing position in which it holds the striker pin, thus guaranteeing closure of the door itself, while on the contrary, the switching of the closing element in the open position results in the disengagement of the striker pin, and therefore in the possibility? to open the door. For example , devices and/or systems known as of the ?push-to-open? type are known, in which cio? the switching of the closing and opening element from the closed to the open position, and therefore ultimately the opening of the door, is obtained by pushing the door by the user. In systems of this type, solutions and/or feedback devices are also provided for verifying that the door is effectively closed, as well as? locking systems for locking the door in the closed position.

Am I otherwise? known devices and/or systems of the type ?pull-to-open?, in which cio? the switching of the closing and opening element from the closed to the open position, and therefore definitively the opening of the door, is obtained by exerting a traction on the door by the user. Also in systems of this type solutions and/or feedback devices can also be provided for verifying effective closing of the door, as well as? locking systems for locking the door in the closed position.

Furthermore, devices and/or systems of the so-called ?automatic opening? type are known, in which what? the switching of the closing and opening element from the closed to the open position, and therefore ultimately the opening of the door, takes place automatically by means of electrical means which, once the washing cycle is complete, activate the element electrically closing and opening, precisely causing the switching from the closed to the open position, and therefore ultimately causing the opening of the door.

Finally, closing and opening devices are known which are able both to supply the household appliance with an electric signal for the door open and one for the door closed, and to receive from the household appliance an electric load used to activate the automatic door opening function.

The devices and/or closing systems of the known type briefly summarized above, even those according to the prior art although appreciable from various points of view (simplicity of construction and operation, good reliability, overall low manufacturing and/or installation costs), they nevertheless have some drawbacks which it is intended to remedy by means of the present invention.

A first drawback of the devices according to the prior art of the ?push-to-open? type? ? relating to the fact that they necessarily require the use of an actuator, where the ?push-to-open? ? available only when the appliance is connected to the network. Conversely, a ?push-to-open? that it was always available to the user regardless of whether or not the appliance was connected to the network. Furthermore, a device that guarantees the ?push-to-open? function would be desirable. using only mechanical components.

An additional inconvenience or factor of dissatisfaction? relating to the fact that the? opening of the door by pushing according to the modalities? summarized previously necessarily requires the intervention of the user who ? however called to act in thrust on the door itself, where the action of thrust on the door can? be unpleasant to the user.

Another drawback? relating to the fact that in devices of the known type the pull-to-open function requires an excessive effort on the part of the user such as to generate an unwelcome sensation in the user, and in particular the perception of a failure or malfunction.

A further inconvenience, perhaps more? serious than those previously mentioned and common to all devices and/or systems according to the known art, and therefore both to those of the ?push-to-open? type? than those of the ?pull-to-open? type, than those of the ?automatic opening? type, ? relative to the fact that none of them brings together pi? of two of the above functions ?push-to-open?, ?pull-to-open? and ?automatic opening?; in fact, no devices are known in which the opening of the door is possible by means of a function selected from the push-to-open, pull-to-open and ?automatic opening? functions.

Furthermore, devices of the known type do not allow the inhibition or exclusion of one of the opening functions, where on the contrary experience has shown the usefulness to be able to exclude one or more? opening functions, for example the pushto-open function for safety reasons, in particular to prevent children from opening the door.

Finally, devices of the known type capable both of supplying the household appliance with an electrical signal for door open and one for door closed, and of receiving from the household appliance an electrical load used to activate the automatic door opening function, always comprise two separate electrical circuits, one of which is dedicated to generating the open or closed door signal and the other is dedicated to automatic opening, where the presence of two separate electrical circuits complicates the wiring operations, therefore making them expensive, with obvious repercussions both in practical and in terms of the final cost of the device and the appliance.

The main purpose of the present invention ? therefore that of overcoming or at least minimizing the problems summarized above and found in the closure devices and/or systems according to the prior art.

In particular, a first object of the present invention ? that of providing a closing and opening device which allows the door to be opened according to each of the three methods? ?push-to-open?,and ?pull-to-open? and? automatic opening?, in particular according to at least one of the modalities? push-to-open and pull-to-open regardless of the connection of the device (of the household appliance) to the mains.

A further object of the present invention ? that of providing a closing and opening device that allows a user to exclude or inhibit, by means of simple and immediate, at least one of the two modalities? ?push-toopen? and ?pull-to-open?, especially the push-to-open function.

A further object of the present invention ? that of making available a solution that allows the door?

Finally, the closing and opening device and/or system according to the present invention must be characterized by a simplified electrical circuit which is nonetheless capable of supplying the household appliance with an electrical signal for door open and one for door closed, and of receiving from the household appliance an electrical load used to activate the automatic door opening function.

Furthermore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a closing and opening device characterized by contained dimensions and bulk, simplicity and simplicity. construction, production costs content and reliability?, as well as? applicable to household appliances of known type according to modality? just as simple and at just as low cost and without requiring substantial modifications of said household appliances.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is based on the general consideration according to which ? Is it possible to achieve the above pre-established purposes and in particular to meet the functional and reliability requirements? by means of a device comprising a locking lever having the purpose of engaging and locking the closing and opening element or wheel in the closed position, whereas with the closing and opening wheel blocked in the closed position by the locking lever, each of the the push and pull actions exerted by the user on the door result in the reciprocal disengagement of the closing and opening wheels and the locking lever.

Based on the above considerations, as well as? in consideration of the problems and/or drawbacks encountered in the closing and opening devices and/or systems according to the prior art, according to a first embodiment a closing and opening device for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking ovens and similar household appliances, comprises a closing and opening unit including a closing and opening element adapted to be engaged and disengaged alternately by a striker pin adapted to be rigidly fixed to a said flap or door, where said closing and opening element ? switchable by rotation about a first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation from a first position to a second position and in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation from said second position to said first position, wherein the? reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin against said closing and opening element results in a first switching by rotation of said closing and opening element from said first position to said second position in which said abutment pin ? held by said closing and opening element, wherein said closing and opening assembly comprises a locking lever switchable between its own first position and its own second position, and wherein the switching by rotation of said closing and opening element about the said first axis of rotation from said first position to said second position translates into switching said locking lever from said first position thereof to said second position in which it engages and locks said opening and closing element; wherein said device comprises a selection lever switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein with said selection lever in said first position and with said closing and opening element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever , the rotation of said closing and opening element in said first direction of rotation beyond said second position results in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever, and where, with said selection lever in said second position and with said closing and opening element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever, rotation of said closing and opening element in said first direction of rotation beyond said second position does not result in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever, whereas with said closing and opening element e mutually disengaged lock lever said closing and opening element ? free to be switched to said second position in which it releases said abutment pin, and where with said closing and opening element and locking lever mutually engaged said closing and opening element is not? free to be switched to said second position in which it releases said abutment pin.

According to one embodiment, said selection lever ? switchable between said first position and second position by rototranslation.

According to an embodiment, said selection lever comprises a striker accessible from the outside of said device, wherein said selection lever ? switchable between said first position and second position by manual action on said abutment.

According to one embodiment, said feedback ? housed in a seat of said device and positionable in a first position and a second position of said seat corresponding to said first position and respectively second position of said selection lever.

According to an embodiment, with said selection lever in one of said first and second positions, and with said closing and opening element engaged and blocked in said second position by said locking lever, the rotation of said locking element closing and opening in said second direction of rotation results in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever, whereas with said closing and opening element and locking lever mutually disengaged said closing and opening element ? free to be switched to said second position in which it releases said abutment pin.

According to one embodiment, said locking lever ? switchable by rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to said first axis of rotation, wherein switching by rotation of said closing and opening element about said first axis of rotation from said first position to said second position translates into switching by rotation about said second axis of rotation of said locking lever from said first position thereof to said second position thereof in which it engages and locks said closing and opening element in said second closing position.

According to an embodiment, said locking lever has a first engagement geometry, wherein said closing and opening element has a second engagement geometry, wherein the switching by rotation of said closing and opening element about said first axis of rotation from said first position to said second position results in the mutual engagement of said first engagement geometry and second engagement geometry and in the switching by rotation about said second axis of rotation of said locking lever from said first position thereof in said its own second position in which it engages and locks said closing and opening element in said second closing position.

According to one embodiment, said locking lever ? also switchable by translation on a plane perpendicular to said first axis of rotation and by rotation around a third axis of rotation, wherein with said closing and opening element engaged and blocked in said second position by said locking lever, the rotation of said closing and opening element in said second direction of rotation from said second position towards said first position translates into switching said locking lever by translation on said plane and rotation around said third rotation axis and in reciprocal positioning in a position in which ? mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and abutment pin is possible.

According to an embodiment, said device comprises elastic thrust means, wherein the switching by rototranslation of said locking lever from said second position to said first position and up to an intermediate position takes place against the elastic resistance of said elastic thrust means, and where the switching by rototranslation of said locking lever from said intermediate position to said second position? favored by the elastic thrust of said elastic thrust means.

According to an embodiment, said elastic thrust means comprise a thrust lever and a spring, wherein said thrust lever ? switchable for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation parallel to said first axis of rotation, wherein rotation of said thrust lever in a first direction of rotation is opposed by the elastic resistance of said spring, and wherein the rotation of said push lever in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation? favored by the elastic thrust of said spring.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises a switching slide translatable between its first position and its second position, wherein with said closing and opening element engaged and blocked in said second position by said locking lever, the translation of said switching slide from its own first position to its own second position results in the switching of said locking lever by rotation about a fifth axis of rotation, and by the fact that the rotation of said locking lever about said fifth axis of rotation translates into the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever. According to an embodiment, said locking lever has a first strike, wherein said switching slide has a second strike, wherein the translation of said switching slide from its first position into its second position results in the engagement reciprocal of said first abutment and second abutment, and therefore in the switching by rotation around said fifth axis of rotation of said locking lever and in the reciprocal disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever. According to one embodiment, said device comprises electric means for translating said switching slide from said second position thereof into said first position thereof.

According to an embodiment, a household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking oven or similar household appliance comprises a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an access opening and a door or flap switchable by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening is ? closed by said door or flap, wherein said household appliance comprises a closing and opening device applied to said main body and a striker pin fixed to said door or flap, and wherein said closing and opening device ? a device according to one of the above embodiments, and wherein the switching by rotation of said door or flap from said open position to said closed position results in the engagement of said closing and opening element by said pin abutment pin, and then in the commutation by rotation about said first axis of rotation of said closing and opening element from said first position to said second position in which said abutment pin ? retained by said closing and opening element.

According to one embodiment, said access opening ? bounded by a front crosspiece, where said closing and opening device ? arranged in a housing formed in said front crossbar.

According to an embodiment, a closing and opening system for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances comprising a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an opening and of a door or flap switchable by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening ? closed by said door or flap, comprises a closing and opening device suitable for being fixed to the main body of said household appliance and a striker pin suitable for being rigidly fixed to a flap or door of said household appliance, wherein said device ? a device according to one of the above embodiments.

According to one embodiment, a closing and opening device for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking ovens and similar household appliances, comprises a closing and opening unit including of a closing and opening element capable of being engaged and disengaged alternately by a striker pin capable of being rigidly fixed to said hatch or door, wherein said closing and opening element ? switchable by rotation about a first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation from a first position to a second position and in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation from said second position to said first position, wherein the? reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin against said closing and opening element results in a first switching by rotation of said closing and opening element from said first position to said second position in which said abutment pin ? retained by said closing and opening element; wherein said device comprises an enabling lever which can be rotated and is adapted to be engaged and disengaged alternately by said abutment pin, wherein the reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin against said closing and opening element results in mutual engagement by pushing also against said enabling lever and therefore also in switching by rotation of said enabling lever in said first direction of rotation; wherein said device comprises an electric circuit comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and an electric contact switchable between a first position in which the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal ? open and a second position in which the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal ? closed by said switchable electrical contact, wherein the commutation of said enable lever in said first direction of rotation results in the commutation of said electrical contact from said first position to said second position and therefore in the closure of the electrical circuit between said first terminal and second terminal, and wherein, with the contact in said second position, the switching of said enable lever for rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation results in the switching of said contact from said second position to said first position and then in the opening of the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal.

According to an embodiment, said electric contact comprises a fixed portion and an elastic portion which can be switched between said first position and second position, whereas with said enabling lever in said first position, said elastic portion ? subject to elastic deformation, whereas with said enable lever in said second position, said elastic portion is not? subjected to elastic deformation, wherein the switching of said enable lever in said first direction of rotation results in the elastic return of said elastic portion of said electrical contact from said first position to said second position and therefore in the closing of the electrical circuit between said first terminal and second terminal, and wherein, with said elastic portion of said contact in said second position, switching of said enable lever for rotation in said second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation results in the elastic deformation of said elastic portion of said electric contact from said second position to said first position and therefore in the opening of the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal. According to an embodiment, said electric circuit comprises a third terminal, wherein said third terminal ? placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal.

According to one embodiment, said third terminal ? placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal by said fixed portion of said electrical contact.

According to an embodiment, said electric circuit comprises a solenoid, wherein the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal results in the passage of electric current through said solenoid and therefore in the electric solicitation of said solenoid.

According to an embodiment, said closing and opening unit comprises a locking lever which can be switched between its own first position and its own second position, wherein the switching by rotation of said closing and opening element about said first axis of rotation from said first position to said second position it translates into switching of said locking lever from said first position of its own to said second position of its own in which it engages and locks said closing and opening element.

According to an embodiment, said device comprises a switching slide translatable in a first translation direction and a second translation direction opposite to said first translation direction and connected to said solenoid so that the electrical solicitation of said solenoid translates into translation of said slide in said first direction of translation, wherein, with said closing and opening element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever, translation of said switching slide in said first direction of translation results in commutation of said locking lever by rotation about a second rotation axis, and by the fact that the rotation of said locking lever about said second rotation axis results in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and locking lever .

According to an embodiment, said locking lever has a first abutment, wherein said switching slide has a second abutment, wherein the translation of said switching slide in said first direction of translation results in the mutual engagement of said first abutment and second abutment, and therefore in the switching by rotation around said second axis of rotation of said lock lever and in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element and lock lever.

According to one embodiment, said device ? adapted to be connected both to an electric current source and to a control unit, wherein the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal results in the generation of an electric signal which can be processed by said unit. According to an embodiment, a closing and opening system for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances comprising a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an opening and of a door or flap switchable by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening ? closed by said door or flap, comprises a closing and opening device suitable for being fixed to the main body of said household appliance and a striker pin suitable for being rigidly fixed to a flap or door of said household appliance, wherein said closing device and opening? a closing and opening device according to one of the above embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking oven or similar household appliance comprises a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an access opening and a door or flap switchable by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening is ? closed by said door or flap, wherein said household appliance comprises a closing and opening device applied to said main body and a striker pin fixed to said door or flap, wherein said closing and opening device ? a device according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the switching by rotation of said door or hatch from said open position to said closed position results in the engagement of said closing and opening element by said locking pin abutment, and then in the commutation by rotation around said first axis of rotation of said closing and opening element from said first position to said second position in which said abutment pin ? retained by said closing and opening element, and where the reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin against said closing and opening element results in a reciprocal engagement by thrust also against said enable lever and therefore also in switching by rotation of said enabling lever in said first direction of rotation, and then in switching said electric contact from said first position to said second position and finally in closing the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal.

According to one embodiment, said access opening ? bounded by a front crossbar and said closing and opening device ? arranged in a housing formed in said front crossbar.

According to one embodiment, said door or flap ? switchable by rotation around its own substantially horizontal axis of rotation, wherein with said door or hatch in said closed position said abutment pin ? oriented essentially vertically.

According to one embodiment, said household appliance ? a dishwasher, where the axis of rotation of said door or hatch, with said dishwasher in the working or operating position, is? located near of the floor or ground. According to an embodiment, said household appliance comprises a control unit and a source of electric current both connected to said electric circuit of said closing and opening device, wherein the closing of the electric circuit between said first terminal and second terminal results in the generation and in sending an electric signal to said central control unit, and in enabling by said central unit the functions of said household appliance.

According to one embodiment, said control unit ? designed to detect the status of the functionality? of said household appliance and to command the electrical solicitation of said solenoid according to the state of said functions.

Possible further embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following, the present invention will be further clarified by means of the following detailed description of the possible embodiments represented in the drawings in which features and/or corresponding or equivalent component parts of the present invention are identified by the same reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, all those variants and/or modifications of the embodiments described below and represented in the attached drawings which will appear clear and obvious to the man of the trade fall within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention finds particularly advantageous application in household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, cooking ovens and similar household appliances, this being the reason why the present invention will be referred to in the following. clarified with reference to its implementation in a dishwasher. However, it should be noted that the possible applications of the present invention are not limited to dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, refrigerators and similar household appliances; on the contrary, the present invention ? adapted to be implemented in an equally convenient way in furniture with a door, such as for example modular kitchen furniture, and in any case in all cases in which access to a space is regulated by opening and closing a door or flap. In the drawing tables:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance equipped with a closing and opening system according to an embodiment;

Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a detail of the appliance of figure 1;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the closing and opening device according to an embodiment;

Figures 3 to 5 show perspective views of component parts of the device and of the system according to an embodiment;

Figures 6 to 8 show plan views of the device and system according to one embodiment during different phases of the function or mode. push-to-open;

Figures 9 to 11 show perspective views of component parts of the device according to an embodiment during the phases of the function or mode. automatic opening;

Figures 12 to 14 show plan views of further component parts of the device according to one embodiment during the function or mode steps. pull-to-open;

Figures 15 to 16 show further peculiarities of the device according to an embodiment;

Figure 17 shows further details of the device according to an embodiment;

Figures 18 and 19 show how for overriding or inhibiting the push-to-open function in a device according to an embodiment;

Figures 20 and 21 show the electric circuit and the relative diagram of a device according to an embodiment;

Figures 22 and 23 show the electric circuit and the relative diagram of a device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention finds particular application in the field of dishwashers, this being the reason why, in the following, the present invention will be referred to described with possible particular reference to its applications in the field of dishwashers.

However, it should be considered that the possible applications of the present invention are not limited to those described below. On the contrary, the present invention finds convenient application also in the case of household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and similar household appliances, as well as in all cases in which reliable, simple, safe closing and opening are necessary and according to methods? several (see previous description) of a counter.

In figures 1 and 1a, the reference number 2000 identifies a dishwasher; as shown, the dishwasher 2000 comprises a main body 5 which defines a front opening for access to a treatment (washing) chamber or tank inside the main body 5. Access to the chamber via the front opening is ? adjusted by means of a door 50 switchable for rotation (see double arrow) around a horizontal rotation axis (with the dishwasher in use position) and positioned at the bottom, i.e. in the vicinity? of the floor or support surface of the dishwasher 2000. The door 50 ? in particular it can be switched by rotation between a closed position (represented in figure 1) in which it isolates the washing chamber from the outside, and an open position (not shown), in which it allows access to the washing chamber. The 2000 dishwasher? equipped with a closing and opening system including a closing and opening device 1000 housed in a niche obtained in an upper crosspiece 2 of the body 5, and a stop pin or pawl 3 fixed to the upper edge (opposite the axis of rotation) of the door 50. The switching of the door 50 from the open to the closed position results in the engagement of the device 1000 by the pawl 3, in particular in the locking of the pawl 3 by the device 1000, and therefore of the door 50 in the closed position (in which the washing program can be started), according to the methods? described below with reference to figures 2 to 6.

As shown, the device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as possibly a lock) ? composed of a support 6 in which are housed: a metal sheet 11 and a slide 16 able to provide (see the following description) the door closed or open signal and respectively to open the door 50 according to the modality? automatic opening; a closing and opening element or wheel 8 shaped like a ?U?, a first helical spring 14, whose function is ? that of pushing the wheel 8 towards the opening position (see the following description); a solenoid group 15 and the solenoid slide 16 with relative second spring 150 whose function is that of automatically opening the door at the end of the wash (see the following description); a locking lever 9, a thrust lever 12 and relative third spring 13, the function of said third spring 13 and thrust lever 12 being that of acting in thrust and rotation on the lever 9 (see the following description). Finally, the references 7, 10 and 17 respectively identify a cover adapted to close the support 6 protecting the components of the lock 1000 from dust and water, a consent lever and a selection lever.

The closing and opening element 8 (as anticipated also called wheel or closing and opening cam) ? switchable for rotation around a first rotation axis A, defined by a rotation pin on which there is? engaged the spiral portion of the spring 14, where the engagement lever 9 is rotatable about a second rotation axis B parallel to said first rotation axis B, wherein the locking lever 9 is also translatable in a plane perpendicular to said first axis of rotation A and second axis of rotation B, as well as? switchable for rotation around a third rotation axis C parallel to axis A and to a further axis lying on a plane parallel to said translation plane.

With the door open, wheel 8 ? positioned in the opening position of figure 2 with the opening of the U-shaped portion facing outwards; during closing of the door, the abutment pin 3 is first brought closer to the wheel 8 until it is housed in the U-shaped portion of the wheel 8; continuing the closure until the door is placed in the final closing position, the pin 3 engages the wheel 8 by rotating it in a first direction of rotation around the axis A (counterclockwise with respect to figure 2 and against the elastic resistance of the spring 14) until it switches to the final closed position of figure 5 in which it holds the striker pin 3 and therefore keeps the door 50 in the closed position.

Furthermore, the switching of the wheel 8 from the open position (figure 2) to the closed position (figure 5), results in the dragging and in particular in the switching by rotation around the axis B (in an anti-clockwise direction with respect to figure 2 and against the resistance of the lever 12 and of the spring 13) of the locking lever 9 from its own first initial position (FIG. 2) into its own second final position (FIG. 5). For this purpose, the lever 9 has an engagement geometry 90 which protrudes from the surface of the lever 9 facing the wheel 8, where the wheel 8 is? equipped with an engagement pawl 18 (figure 3) which extends parallel to the rotation axes A and B, and where the switching by rotation of the wheel 8 from the open position to the closed position results in the mutual engagement of the geometries 90 and 18, and then in the commutation by rotation around the axis B of the lever 9 from the initial position to the final one. Furthermore, the geometries 90 and 18 are shaped in such a way as to be mutually engaged even with the lever 9 in the final position of figure 5, in particular so as to block the wheel 8 in the closed position, preventing its automatic rotation in a second direction of rotation. rotation (anticlockwise with respect to the figures) contrary to said first direction of rotation, from the closed position to the open position under the elastic thrust of the spring 14 and therefore preventing the spontaneous opening of the door. The opening of the door 50 ? in fact possible only by mutually disengaging the locking lever 9 and the wheel 8, in particular the respective engagement geometries 90 and 18, so as to allow the wheel 8 to switch, thanks to the elastic thrust of the spring 14, into the opening position in which frees pin 3 and therefore door 50.

As anticipated, according to the present invention, the reciprocal release of the lever 9 and of the wheel 8? possible in different and multiple ways? described below.

A first mode? called ?push-to-open? ? represented in Figures 6 to 8 ; as represented in figure 6, in the closed door position in which the wheel 8 is locked by the lever 9 in the closed position and the lever 9 is in its own second position, the engagement pawl 18 and the geometry 90 are mutually engaged, and the switching of the wheel 8 towards the open position? prevented by the contrast between the pawl 18 and the geometry 90 of the lever 9, the latter being kept in the second (locked) position of figure 6 by the thrust of the lever 12 generated by the spring 13.

The conformation of the geometries 90 and 18? such that, with the wheel 8 locked in the closed position by the lever 9, a further rotation of the wheel 8 in the first direction of rotation (clockwise with respect to the figures) beyond the closed position results in the release of the pawl 18 from the geometry 90 ; in practice, the rotation of the wheel 8 beyond the closed position takes place without further rotation of the lever 9. With the pawl 18 released from the geometry 90, the lever 9, thanks to the action of the lever 12 generated by the spring 13, switches immediately by rotating ( clockwise with respect to the figures) from the second locking position to the first position, where at the same time the wheel 8, released from the lever 9, switches by rotating (counterclockwise with respect to the figures), under the action of the spring 14, from the second closed position in the first open position in which it expels the striker pin 3 from the U-shaped portion, thus opening the door 50. Obviously, the rotation of the wheel 8 in the first direction of rotation and beyond the second closed position can be obtained by a user exerting a push against the closed door 50; in this regard, it should be remembered that this push? possible thanks to the play enjoyed by the door in the closed position, said play being due for example to the gasket arranged between the door 50 and the main body 5 of the dishwasher, where therefore the push on the door by the user translates into an advance of the abutment pin 3 which in turn translates into the previously described rotation of the wheel 8 in the first direction of rotation and beyond the second closed position.

A second way? called ?automatic opening? ? represented in figures 9 to 11; as shown in figure 9, the device 1000 comprises a slide 16 able to be put into translation by means of a solenoid 15, wherein the translation of the slide 16 in a first direction of translation (from left to right with respect to the figures) is? due to the traction action exerted by the solenoid 15 and takes place against the elastic resistance of the spring 150, while the translation of the slide 16 in a second translation direction opposite to the first (from right to left with respect to the figures) is? due to the thrust by the spring 150 in the absence of traction by the solenoid 15.

The slide 16 also has on its upper face (facing the locking lever 9) an abutment 160 which defines an inclined plane 162; moreover, also the lever 9, on the face facing the slide 16, has an end abutment 93 which defines its own inclined plane 94. With the locking lever 9 in the second locking position, the reciprocal position of the abutments 160 and 93? the one shown in figure 11.

AND? therefore evident that with the lever 9 and the slide 16 positioned as in figure 11, the translation of the slide 16 in the first direction of translation indicated by the arrow results in the engagement of the stop 93 by the stop 160, in particular of the inclined plane 94 by the inclined plane 162; the result ? a rotation of the lever 9 (see the arrow in figure 11) around a substantially horizontal rotation axis (and perpendicular to the rotation axes A and B), and therefore the release of the engagement geometry 90 of the lever 9 from the pawl 18. At this point, the lever 9, thanks to the action of the spring 13 and of the lever 12, switches by turning (clockwise with respect to figure 5) from the second locked position to the first unlocked position, where at the same time the wheel 8, released by lever 9, it switches by turning (counterclockwise with respect to figure 5), under the action of spring 14, from the second closed position to the first open position in which it ejects the striker pin 3 from the U-shaped portion, in this way by opening the flap 50.

Obviously, the traction on the slide 16 by the solenoid 15 takes place by electrically powering the solenoid 15, the electrical power supply of the solenoid 15 being in particular possible, for example , thanks to an end-of-wash signal generated by a dishwasher control unit; in particular, according to the present invention (see the following description), said signal for the end of washing or cycle ultimately results in the electrical power supply of the solenoid 15. Alternatively, the activation of the solenoid 15 can? be achieved by a user pressing a button on a dishwasher push button or control panel.

A third way? called ?pull-to-open? ? shown in figures 12 to 14. As shown in figure 12, the lever 12, thanks to the spring 13, exerts a permanent and continuous thrust on the lever 9; with the locking lever 9 in the second locking position, the reciprocal position of the lever 9 and of the lever 12 ? the one shown in figure 12.

AND? therefore evident that with the lever 9 positioned as in figure 12, a rotation of the wheel 8 around the axis of rotation A, and therefore in the second direction of rotation (counterclockwise with respect to the figures), from the closed position towards the open position ( said rotation deriving for example from a traction exerted by a user on the door 50 and aimed at opening the door) results in a push by the pawl 18 on the engagement geometry 90 of the lever 9, and therefore in a translation of the lever 9 ( from right to left with respect to the figures, see the arrow in figure 12), as well as? in the simultaneous rotation of the lever 9 clockwise (with respect to the figures, see the arrow in figure 12) around a mobile rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes A and B with consequent repositioning of the locking lever 9, wheel 8 and pawl 18, in a position where ? it is possible to release the abutment pin 3 and wheel 8. The said roto-translation of the lever 9 from the locked position (figure 12), identifiable as the first equilibrium position, takes place against the resistance of the lever 12 and of the spring 13 up to the position of figure 13, identifiable as an intermediate position. On the contrary, from the intermediate position of figure 13, the rototranslation of the lever 9 is due to the thrust exerted by the lever 12 and by the spring 13, therefore where the lever 9, under the thrust of the spring 13 and of the lever 12, reaches the release position of figure 14, and where at the same time the wheel 8 reaches the position of opening (figure 14) in which the pin 3 is ejected from the wheel 8 with consequent opening of the door 50.

Further peculiarities? of the device 1000 according to the present invention are shown in figures 15 to 19.

According to the embodiment represented therein, the device 1000 in fact comprises a selection lever 17 which can be switched between a first position (figure 18) and a second position (figure 17); for this purpose, the support 6 of the device comprises a U-shaped through seat 172, through which a selection pawl 171 extends, said pawl 171 being therefore accessible for a user or operator and operable manually. Again as shown, the repositioning of the pawl 171 at a first end? of the seat 172 (figure 16a) translates into the positioning of the selection lever 17 in said second position <[4391]> (figure 17), while the positioning of the pawl 171 at the second end? of the seat 172 (figure 16b) results in the positioning of the lever 17 in said first position. It should also be considered that lever 17 ? subjected to the elastic thrust action of a spring 175, wherein the repositioning of the lever 17 in said first position and second position takes place partly against the resistance of the spring 175 and partly with the aid of the thrust of the spring 175.

With the selection lever 17 in the first position of figures 18 and 19 the mode? or push-to-open function ? inhibited and therefore not available. In fact, imagining the closure of the door according to the modalities? clarified above starting from the opening position of figure 18a, and then a rotation of the wheel 8 in a clockwise direction, with consequent rotation of the lever 9 in an anticlockwise direction, it can be seen that the lever 9, during its rotation towards its second position lock, meets the selection lever 17 subjecting it to a translation (from left to right with respect to the figures) against the elastic resistance of the spring 175. When the lock position is reached by the lever 9, with consequent reciprocal release of the lever 17 from the lever 9, lever 17 ? enabled to resume the starting position it had in the situation with the door open. In this way, the lever 17 is positioned on the return trajectory of the lever 9 from the locked position to the unlocked position, inhibiting its switching by rotation from the locked position to the unlocked position. At this point, a thrust action against the door 50 still results in the rotation of the wheel 8 beyond the closed position and in the release of the pawl from the engagement geometry 90 of the lever 9. But by ceasing the thrust action, not being able the locking lever switch to the first position due to the interference with the lever 17, during the rotation of the wheel 8 towards the opening position, the pawl will go? to re-engage the geometry 90 of the lever 9 which will block? the wheel 8 again in the closed position.

With the selection lever 17 in the first position (figures 18 and 19) both the pull-to-open function and the automatic opening function remain available.

In fact, as shown in figure 19, a traction on the door, and therefore the rotation of the wheel 8 towards the open position, results in the previously clarified rototranslation of the lever 9, and therefore in a release of the lever 9 from the lever 17, where the lever 9 will be? free to reach the release position and wheel 8 will be? then free to reach the open position.

In the same way, the activation of the solenoid 15 and the consequent translation of the slide 16, translate as clarified in a rotation of the lever 9 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation axes A and B, and therefore again in the release of the lever 9 from the lever 17 (in particular in the positioning of the lever 9 above the lever 17, where the lever 9 and the wheel 8 will be free to reach the respective unlocking and opening positions according to the methods described above.

Further peculiarities? of the device 1000 will be clarified below with reference to figures 19 to 23.

As shown, the device 1000 comprises an enabling lever 10 shaped and positioned so that a rotation of the wheel 8 from the first opening position to the second closing position results in a rotation of the lever 10 in the opposite direction from a first position to a second position. The lever 10, in said first position, ? positioned under an elastic electrical contact keeping it raised; on the contrary, lever 10, in the second position, ? released from the contact 24, where the contact 24 closes in circuit between the terminals 22 and 19. Therefore, the switching of the wheel 8 from the open position to the closed position results in the closure of the electric circuit between the terminals 22 and 19, and in particular in the generation of a signal (of door closed) which can be received by a control unit, wherein said control unit, upon receipt of said door closed signal 50, can? enable at least part of the functions of the 2000 appliance, for example the wash cycle.

Furthermore, in the situation with the door closed, and therefore with the electric circuit closed between the terminals 22 and 19, the circulation of electric current in the circuit, for example controlled by the control unit at the end of the washing cycle, results in the activation of the solenoid 15 , and therefore in the opening of the door 50.

According to the embodiment of figures 20 and 21, the electric circuit comprises a third terminal; in this configuration, the electrical contact comprises a rigid portion by which the terminals 19 and 20 are permanently connected, and a resilient portion capable of being switched so as to alternatively open and close the electrical circuit between the terminals 22 and 19 according to the modalities? clarified earlier.

In summary, by averaging the electrical configurations shown in figures 20 to 23, ? Is it possible to generate both a door closed signal and a door open signal, where a dishwasher control unit, on the basis of said signals, enables and respectively inhibits the functions? of the dishwasher.

The control unit can? it also controls (for example at the end of the washing cycle, and with the door closed signal) the sending of electric current to the solenoid 15 and therefore the opening of the door 50.

Yup ? therefore demonstrated by means of the previous detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention represented in the drawings that the present invention allows to obtain the desired results and to overcome or at least limit the drawbacks encountered in the state of the art. In particular, the present invention provides a closing and opening device which:

it allows to overcome or at least minimize the problems summarized above and encountered in the closing devices and/or systems according to the prior art;

allows the opening of the door according to each of the three modalities? ?push-toopen? and ?pull-to-open? and? automatic opening?, in particular according to at least one of the modalities? push-to-open and pull-to-open regardless of the connection of the device (of the household appliance) to the mains;

allows a user to exclude or inhibit, using mode? simple and immediate, at least one of the two modalities? ?push-to-open? and ?pull-to-open?, in particular the push-to-open function;

allows spontaneous and automatic opening of the door, for example upon completion of the washing cycle or in any case through a programming that can be set by the user;

? characterized by a simplified electrical circuit which is nonetheless able to supply the household appliance with an electrical signal for door open and one for door closed, and to receive from the household appliance an electrical load used to activate the automatic door opening function;

? characterized by contained dimensions and encumbrance, simplicity? construction, production costs content and reliability?, as well as? applicable to household appliances of known type according to modality? just as simple and at just as low cost and without requiring substantial modifications of said household appliances.

Although the present invention has been elucidated above by means of the detailed description of the embodiments represented in the drawing tables, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the drawings; on the contrary, all those variants and/or modifications of the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings which will appear clear and obvious to the man of the trade fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, according to embodiment variants, the device according to the present invention can implement only the peculiarities? suitable to allow the opening by pushing or pulling on the door or only those suitable to allow the automatic opening of the door.

The scope of protection of the present invention? therefore defined by the claims.

Claims (16)

1. Closing and opening device (1000) for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking ovens and similar household appliances, said device comprising a closing and opening unit ( 100) comprising a closing and opening element (8) able to be engaged and disengaged alternately by a striker pin (3) able to be rigidly fixed to said flap or door, where said closing and opening element (8) ? switchable by rotation about a first axis of rotation (A) in a first direction of rotation from a first position to a second position and in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation from said second position to said first position, wherein the reciprocal engagement by thrust of said striker pin (3) against said closing and opening element (8) results in a first switching by rotation of said closing and opening element (8) from said first position to said second position in which said reference pin (3) ? retained by said closing and opening element (8); wherein said device (1000) comprises an enabling lever (10) which can be switched by rotation and which is able to be engaged and disengaged alternately by said abutment pin (3), wherein the reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin (3) against said closing and opening element (8) results in a reciprocal engagement by thrust also against said enabling lever (10) and therefore also in switching by rotation of said enabling lever (10) in said first direction of rotation; characterized in that said device (1000) comprises an electric circuit comprising a first terminal (22), a second terminal (19) and an electric contact (24) switchable between a first position in which the electric circuit between said first terminal ( 22) and second terminal (19) ? open and a second position in which the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19) is closed by said switchable electric contact (24), by the fact that switching of said enable lever (10) in said first direction of rotation translates into switching of said electric contact (24) from said first position to said second position and therefore in closing the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19), and by the fact that, with the contact (24) in said second position, the commutation of said consent lever (10) by rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation results in the switching of said contact (24) from said second position to said first position and therefore in the opening of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19). 2. Device (1000) according to claim 1, characterized in that said electric contact (24) comprises a fixed portion and an elastic portion which can be switched between said first position and second position, in that with said enabling lever (10 ) in said first position the said elastic portion ? subject to elastic deformation, by the fact that with said enabling lever (10) in said second position, said elastic portion is not? subjected to elastic deformation, since the switching of said enable lever (10) in said first direction of rotation results in the elastic return of said elastic portion of said electrical contact (24) from said first position to said second position and therefore in the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19), and by the fact that, with said elastic portion of said contact (24) in said second position, switching of said enable lever (10) by rotation in said second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation results in the elastic deformation of said elastic portion of said electric contact (24) from said second position to said first position and therefore in the opening of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19). 3. Device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said electric circuit comprises a third terminal (20), and in that said third terminal (20) ? placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal (19). 4. Device (1000) according to claim 3, characterized in that said third terminal (20) ? placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal (19) by means of said fixed portion of said electrical contact (19). 5. Device (1000) according to one of claims from 1 to 4, characterized in that said electric circuit comprises an electric actuator (15), and in that the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal ( 19) translates into the electrical stress of said electric actuator (15). 6. Device (1000) according to one of claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that said closing and opening unit (100) comprises a locking lever (9) which can be switched between its own first position and its own second position, wherein the switching by rotation of said closing and opening element (8) around said first axis of rotation (A) from said first position to said second position results in switching of said locking lever (9) from said first of its own position in said its own second position in which it engages and locks said closing and opening element (8). 7. Device (1000) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a switching slide (16) translatable in a first translation direction and a second translation direction opposite to said first translation direction and connected to said electric actuator ( 15) so that the electric solicitation of said electric actuator (15) results in the translation of said slide (16) in said first direction of translation, and by the fact that, with said closing and opening element (8) engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever (9), the translation of said switching slide (16) in said first translation direction results in switching of said locking lever (9) by rotation about a second axis of rotation (E), and by the fact that the rotation of said locking lever (9) around said second axis of rotation (E) results in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element (8) and block (9). 8. Device (1000) according to claim 7, characterized in that said locking lever (9) has a first strike (93), in that said switching slide (16) has a second strike (160), in that that the translation of said switching slide (16) in said first direction of translation results in the mutual engagement of said first strike (93) and second strike (160), and therefore in the commutation by rotation around said second axis of rotation (E) of said locking lever (9) and in the mutual disengagement of said closing and opening element (8) and locking lever (9). 9. Device (1000) according to one of claims from 1 to 8, characterized in that it is adapted to be connected both to an electric current source and to a control unit, and in that the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19) results in the generation of an electric signal which can be processed by said control unit. 10. Closing and opening system for doors and/or flaps and/or similar components, in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances comprising a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an access opening and a door or flap switchable by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening is ? closed by said door or flap, said system comprising a closing and opening device adapted to be fixed to the main body of said household appliance and a striker pin (3) adapted to be rigidly fixed to a flap or door of said household appliance characterized by the fact that said closing and opening device ? a closing and opening device according to one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Household appliance (2000) such as washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking oven or similar household appliance, said household appliance comprising a main body which defines a treatment chamber including an access opening and a door or flap which can be switched by rotation between a first open position in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening and a second closed position in which said access opening is ? closed by said door or flap, wherein said household appliance (1000) comprises a closing and opening device applied to said main body and a striker pin (3) fixed to said door or flap, characterized in that said closing and opening device (1000) ? a device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 9, and by the fact that the switching by rotation of said door or hatch from said open position to said closed position results in the engagement of said closing and opening element ( 8) by said abutment pin (3), and then in the commutation by rotation around said first axis of rotation (A) of said closing and opening element (8) from said first position to said second position in which said stop pin (3) ? retained by said closing and opening element (8), and where the reciprocal engagement by thrust of said abutment pin (3) against said closing and opening element (8) results in a reciprocal engagement by thrust also against said lever consent lever (10) and therefore also in the commutation by rotation of said consent lever (10) in said first direction of rotation, and therefore in the commutation of said electric contact (24) from said first position to said second position and finally in closing of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19). 12. Household appliance (2000) according to claim 11, characterized in that said access opening ? delimited by a front crosspiece and by the fact that said closing and opening device (1000) ? arranged in a housing formed in said front crossbar. 13. Household appliance (2000) according to claim 12, characterized in that said door or flap ? switchable by rotation around its own substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and by the fact that with said door or flap in said closed position, said abutment pin (13) ? oriented essentially vertically. 14. Household appliance (2000) according to claim 13, characterized in that said household appliance is a dishwasher, and by the fact that the axis of rotation of said door or hatch, with said dishwasher in the working or operating position, is? located near of the floor or ground. 15. Household appliance (2000) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a control unit and a source of electric current both connected to said electric circuit of said closing and opening device (1000), and in that that the closure of the electric circuit between said first terminal (22) and second terminal (19) translates into the generation and sending to said control unit of an electric signal, and in the enabling by said control unit of the functions of said household appliance. 16. Household appliance (2000) according to one of claims from 11 to 15, characterized in that said control unit ? designed to detect the status of the functionality? of said household appliance and to command the electric solicitation of said electric actuator (15) according to the state of said functions.