WO2022097025A1 - Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de trappes, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des lave-vaisselle ou analogues - Google Patents

Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de trappes, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des lave-vaisselle ou analogues Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022097025A1
WO2022097025A1 PCT/IB2021/060150 IB2021060150W WO2022097025A1 WO 2022097025 A1 WO2022097025 A1 WO 2022097025A1 IB 2021060150 W IB2021060150 W IB 2021060150W WO 2022097025 A1 WO2022097025 A1 WO 2022097025A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
opening
rotation
closing
closing element
lever
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/060150
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stefano ROCCHITELLI
Vito MASI
Luca TRENTINI
Original Assignee
Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L.
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 Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L. filed Critical Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L.
Priority to EP21811477.5A priority Critical patent/EP4240930A1/fr
Publication of WO2022097025A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022097025A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/02—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
    • A47L15/4257—Details of the loading door
    • A47L15/4259—Arrangements of locking or security/safety devices for doors, e.g. door latches, switch to stop operation when door is open
    • 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
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • 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
    • E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0002—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets
    • E05B47/0003—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets having a movable core
    • E05B47/0004—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets having a movable core said core being linearly movable
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
    • E05B47/0603—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents the detent moving rectilinearly
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
    • E05B63/0065—Operating modes; Transformable to different operating modes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/02—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing
    • E05C19/022—Released by pushing in the closing direction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/02—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing
    • E05C19/024—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing with a bifurcated latch
    • 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
    • E05B2047/0068—Door closed
    • 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
    • E05B2047/0072—Operation
    • E05B2047/0073—Current to unlock only
    • E05B2047/0074—Current to unlock only holding means other than current (mechanical, magnetic)

Definitions

  • the present invention belongs to the field of household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, cooking ovens, refrigerators, and/or similar household appliances.
  • the present invention relates to an opening and closing device, in particular for doors, hatches, or the like, e.g., of household appliances of the aforesaid type, but also pieces of furniture, e.g., of modular kitchens with closing doors.
  • the present invention relates to a device of the aforesaid type adapted to allow the opening of the hatch according to different modes and/or actions by a user but also to inhibit one or more of said opening modes.
  • the present invention relates to a device of the aforesaid type in which, according to innovative methods, the closing of the hatch results in the generation of an electrical consent signal adapted to allow the starting of the functions of the household appliance (e.g., the washing cycle) while the opening of the hatch results in the inhibition of at least some of the functions of the household appliance, in particular in the impossibility of starting and carrying out the washing cycle (in the case of dishwashers and/or washing machines).
  • the present invention further relates to a closing and opening system comprising a closing and opening device of the aforesaid type and to a household appliance (e.g., a washing machine or similar appliance) equipped with a device and/or system of the aforesaid type.
  • closing and opening devices and/or systems for household appliances e.g. dishwashers and/or similar household appliances
  • a closing (and opening) assembly itself, usually applied to the casing of the household appliance, and a backing element (or latch or pin) usually fastened to the hatch of the appliance itself.
  • the closing and opening assembly further comprises a "U"- shaped closing and opening element, commonly named “wheel”, switchable by rotation between a first opening position, in which it is positioned and arranged to receive the backing pin and be engaged and rotated by the backing pin on the hatch, and a second closing position, in which it retains the backing pin, thus guaranteeing the closing of the hatch itself, while on the contrary, the switching of the closing element to the opening position results in the disengagement of the backing pin, and thus the possibility of opening the hatch.
  • a "U"- shaped closing and opening element commonly named “wheel”
  • devices and/or systems of the push-to-open type are known, in which the switching of the closing and opening element from the closing position to the opening position, and thus ultimately the opening of the hatch, is achieved by the user pushing the hatch.
  • feedback solutions and/or devices are provided for checking whether the hatch is actually closed, as well as locking systems for locking the hatch in the closing position.
  • Pull-to-open type devices and/or systems are also known, in which the switching of the closing and opening element from the closing position to the opening position, and thus ultimately the opening of the hatch, is achieved by the user pulling the hatch. Also, in the systems of this type, feedback solutions and/or devices can be provided for checking whether the hatch is actually closed, as well as locking systems for locking the hatch in the closing position.
  • devices and/or systems of the so-called automatic opening type are also known, in which the switching of the closing and opening element from the closing position to the opening position, and thus the opening of the door, takes place automatically by means of electrical means which, once the washing cycle has been completed, electrically activate the closing and opening element causing it to switch from the closing position to the opening position, and thus ultimately causing the opening of the hatch.
  • closing and opening devices are known that are capable of providing the appliance with an open door and a closed door electrical signal, and receiving an electrical load from the appliance used to activate the automatic hatch opening function.
  • a first drawback of the devices according to the prior art of the push-to-open type relates to the fact that they necessarily involve the use of an actuator, wherein the push-to-open function is available only when the appliance is connected to the power network. On the contrary, it would be desirable for a push-to-open function to be always available to the user regardless of whether the appliance is connected to the power network or not. Furthermore, a device which guarantees the push-to-open function by using only mechanical components would be desirable.
  • a further drawback or factor of dissatisfaction is related to the fact that the opening of the hatch by pushing according to the methods summarized above necessarily requires the intervention of the user who is still called to push on the hatch itself, where the action of pushing on the hatch may be unwelcome to the user.
  • Another drawback is related to the fact that in devices of known type the pull-to- open function requires an excessive effort by the user such as to generate in the user an undesirable feeling and in particular the perception of a failure or malfunction.
  • a further drawback, perhaps more serious than those mentioned above and common to all devices and/or systems according to the prior art, and therefore both to those of the push-to-open type and to those of the pull-to-open type, as well as to those of the automatic opening type, is related to the fact that neither of them combines more than two of the aforesaid push-to-open, pull-to-open or automatic opening functions; indeed, there are no known devices in which it is possible to open the hatch by means of a function chosen from the push-to-open, pull-to-open and automatic opening functions.
  • the devices of known type do not allow the inhibition or exclusion of one of the opening functions, whereas on the contrary experience has shown that being able to exclude one or more of the opening functions is useful, e.g., to exclude the push-to-open function for safety reasons, in particular to prevent the hatch from being opened by children.
  • devices of the known type capable of supplying the household appliance with an open door and closed door electrical signal and of receiving an electrical load from the household appliance used to activate the automatic hatch opening function always comprise two separate electrical circuits, one of which is dedicated generating the open door or closed door signal and the other for the automatic opening, wherein the presence of two separate electrical circuits complicates the wiring operations, making them expensive, with obvious repercussions both in practical terms as well as on the final cost of the device and the household appliance.
  • the closing and opening device and/or system according to the present invention must be characterized by an electrical circuit which is simplified yet adapted to supply the appliance with an open door and a closed door electrical signal, and to receive an electrical load appliance used to activate the automatic hatch opening function. It is a further object of the present invention to make available a closing and opening device characterized by small size and footprint, simple construction, low production costs and reliability, and applicable to household appliances of known types in a similarly simple manner and at similarly low cost and without requiring substantial modifications of said household appliance.
  • the present invention is based on the general consideration that the predetermined objects set forth above can be achieved, and in particular that functional and reliability requirements can be met, 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 closing position, wherein with the closing and opening wheel locked in the closing position by the locking lever, each of the pushing and pulling actions applied by the user on the hatch results in the mutual disengagement of the closing and opening wheel and locking lever.
  • a device for closing and opening doors and/or hatches and/or similar components in particular of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking ovens, and similar household appliances, comprises an opening and closing assembly comprising an opening and closing element adapted to be alternately engaged and disengaged by a backing pin adapted to be firmly fixed to said hatch or door, wherein said opening and closing element is switchable by rotation about a first rotation axis in a first rotation direction from a first position to a second position, and in a second rotation direction, opposite to said first rotation direction, from said second position to said first position, wherein the mutual pushing engagement of said backing pin against said opening and closing element results in a first switching by rotation of said opening and closing element from said first position to said second position in which said backing pin is retained by said opening and closing element, wherein said opening and closing assembly comprises a locking
  • said selection lever is switchable between said first position and second position by roto-translation.
  • said selection lever comprises a backing member accessible from the outside of said device, wherein said selection lever is switchable between said first position and said second position by manual action on said backing member.
  • said backing member is 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 second position of said selection lever, respectively.
  • the rotation of said opening and closing element in said second rotation direction results in the mutual disengagement of said opening and closing element and locking lever, wherein with said opening and closing element and locking lever mutually disengaged, said opening and closing element is free to be switched to said second position in which it releases said backing pin.
  • said locking lever is switchable by rotation about a second rotation axis parallel to said first rotation axis, wherein the switching by rotation of said opening and closing element about said first rotation axis from said first position to said second position results in said locking lever being switched by rotation about said second rotation axis from said first own position thereof to said second own position thereof in which it engages and locks said opening and closing element in said second closing position.
  • said locking lever has a first engagement geometry
  • said closing and opening element has a second engagement geometry
  • the switching by rotation of said opening and closing element about said first rotation axis from said first position to said second position results in the mutual engagement of said first engagement geometry and second engagement geometry
  • said locking lever being switched by rotation about said second rotation axis from said first own position thereof to said second own position thereof in which it engages and locks said opening and closing element in said second closing position.
  • said locking lever is also switchable by translation in a plane perpendicular to said first rotation axis and by rotation about a third rotation axis, wherein with said opening and closing element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever, the rotation of said opening and closing element in said second rotation direction from said second position to said first position results in the switching of said locking lever both by translation onto said plane and by rotation about said third rotation axis, and in the mutual positioning in a position in which the mutual releasing of the opening and closing element and the backing pin is possible.
  • said device comprises elastic thrust means, wherein the switching by roto-translation of said locking lever from said second position to said first position and to an intermediate position takes place against the elastic resistance of said elastic thrust means, and wherein the switching by roto- translation of said locking lever from said intermediate position to said second position is promoted by the elastic thrust of said elastic thrust means.
  • said elastic thrust means comprise a pushing lever and a spring, wherein said pushing lever is adapted to be switched by rotation about a fourth rotation axis parallel to said first rotation axis, wherein the rotation of said pushing lever in a first rotation direction is contrasted by the elastic resistance of said spring, and wherein the rotation of said pushing lever in a second rotation direction opposite to said first rotation direction is promoted by the elastic thrust of said spring.
  • the device comprises a switching slide translatable between a first own position thereof and a second own position thereof, wherein, with said opening and closing element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever, the translation of said switching slide from said first own position thereof to said second own position thereof results in said locking lever being switched by rotation about a fifth rotation axis, and in that the rotation of said locking lever about said fifth rotation axis results in said opening and closing element and locking lever being mutually disengaged.
  • said locking lever has a first backing member, wherein said switching slide has a second backing member, wherein the translation of said switching slide from said first own position thereof to said second own position thereof results in said first backing member and second backing member being mutually engaged, and thus said locking lever being switched by rotation about said fifth rotation axis and said opening and closing element and locking lever being mutually disengaged.
  • said device comprises electric means for causing the translation of said switching slide from said second own position thereof to said first own position thereof.
  • a household appliance such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, a refrigerator or a cooking oven, or similar household appliance, comprises a main body defining a treatment chamber comprising an access opening and a door or hatch which is adapted to be switched by rotation between a first opening position, in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening, and a second closing position, in which said access opening is closed by said door or hatch, wherein said household appliance comprises an opening and closing device applied to said main body and a backing pin fixed to said door or hatch, and wherein said opening and closing device is a device according to one of the embodiments above, and wherein the switching by rotation of said door or hatch from said opening position to said closing position results in said opening and closing element being engaged by said backing pin, and thus in said opening and closing element being switched by rotation about said first rotation axis from said first position to said second position in which said backing pin is
  • said access opening is delimited by a front crosspiece, wherein said opening and closing device is arranged in a housing or seat obtained in said front crosspiece.
  • a system for opening and closing doors and/or hatches and/or similar components in particular of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and similar household appliances
  • a main body defining a treatment chamber comprising an access opening and a door or hatch which is adapted to be switched by rotation between a first opening position, in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening, and a second closing position, in which said access opening is closed by said door or hatch
  • said opening and closing device adapted to be fixed to the main body of one said household appliance and a backing pin adapted to be firmly fixed to a hatch or door of one said household appliance, wherein said device is a device according to one of the embodiments above.
  • a device for closing and opening doors and/or hatches and/or similar components in particular of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking ovens, and similar household appliances, comprises an opening and closing assembly comprising an opening and closing element adapted to be alternately engaged and disengaged by a backing pin adapted to be firmly fixed to said hatch or door, wherein said opening and closing element is switchable by rotation about a first rotation axis in a first rotation direction from a first position to a second position, and in a second rotation direction, opposite to said first rotation direction, from said second position to said first position, wherein the mutual pushing engagement of said backing pin against said opening and closing element results in a first switching by rotation of said opening and closing element from said first position to said second position in which said backing pin is retained by said opening and closing element; wherein said device comprises a consent lever switchable by rotation and adapted to be engaged and disengaged alternately by said backing pin, wherein the mutual engagement by pushing said backing pin against said closing and opening element results in
  • said electrical contact comprises a fixed portion and an elastic portion and switchable between said first position and said second position, wherein with said consent lever in said first position said elastic portion is subject to elastic deformation, wherein with said consent lever in said second position said elastic portion is not subject to elastic deformation, wherein the switching of said consent lever in said first rotation direction results in the elastic return of said elastic portion of said electrical contact from said first position to said second position and thus in the closing of the electrical circuit between said first terminal and said second terminal, and wherein, with said elastic portion of said contact in said second position, the switching of said consent lever by rotation in a second direction rotation opposite to said first rotation direction results in the elastic deformation of said elastic portion of said electric contact from said second position to said first position and thus in the opening of the electrical circuit between said first terminal and said second terminal.
  • said electrical circuit comprises a third terminal, wherein said third terminal is placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal.
  • said third terminal is placed in permanent electrical contact with said second terminal by means of said fixed portion of said electrical contact.
  • said electric circuit comprises a solenoid, wherein the closing the electric circuit between said first terminal and said second terminal results in the passage of electric current through said solenoid and thus in the electric energizing of said solenoid.
  • said opening and closing assembly comprises a locking lever switchable between a first own position thereof and a second own position thereof, wherein the switching by rotation of said opening and closing element about said first rotation axis from said first position to said second position results in the switching of said locking lever from said first own position thereof to said second own position thereof in which it engages and locks said opening and closing element.
  • 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 energizing of said solenoid results in the translation of said slide in said first translation direction, wherein, with said closing and opening element engaged and locked in said second position by said locking lever, the translation of said switching slide in said first translation direction results in the switching of said locking lever by rotation about a second rotation axis, and in 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.
  • said locking lever has a first backing member, wherein said switching slide has a second backing member, wherein the translation of said switching slide in said first translation direction results in said first backing member and second backing member being mutually engaged, and wherein said locking lever being switched by rotation about said second rotation axis and in said opening and closing element and locking lever being mutually disengaged.
  • said device is adapted to be connected to both an electric current source and a control unit, wherein the closing of the electric circuit between said first terminal and said second terminal results in the generation of an electric signal which can be processed by said control unit.
  • a household appliance such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, a refrigerator and a cooking oven or similar household appliance, comprises a main body which defines a treatment chamber comprising an access opening and a door or hatch which is adapted to be switched by rotation between a first opening position, in which it allows access to said treatment chamber through said access opening, and a second closing position, in which said access opening is closed by said door or hatch, wherein said household appliance comprises an opening and closing device applied to said main body and a backing pin fixed to said door or hatch, wherein said opening and closing device is a device according to one or more of the embodiments above, wherein the switching by rotation of said door or hatch from said opening position to said closing position results in said opening and closing element being engaged by said backing pin, and thus in said opening and closing element being switched by rotation about said first rotation axis from said first position to said second position in which said backing pin is retained by said opening and closing element, and wherein the mutual engagement by pushing said backing pin against said closing and opening element results in a mutual engagement by pushing
  • said access opening is delimited by a front crosspiece, and said opening and closing device is arranged in a housing or seat obtained in said front crosspiece.
  • said door or hatch is switchable by rotation about its own substantially horizontal rotation axis, wherein with said door or hatch in said closing position said backing member pin is oriented in a substantially vertical direction.
  • said appliance is a dishwasher, wherein the rotation axis of said door or hatch, with said dishwasher in a working or operating position, is positioned near the floor or ground.
  • said household appliance comprises a control unit and an electrical current source connected both to said electrical circuit of said closing and opening device, wherein closing the electrical circuit between said first terminal and said second terminal results in generating and sending an electrical signal to said control unit, and in enabling the functions of said household appliance by said control unit.
  • said control unit is adapted to detect the operating state of said household appliance and to control the electrical energizing of said solenoid according to the state of said functions.
  • the present invention finds particularly advantageous application in household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, cooking ovens, and similar appliances, this being the reason why, hereafter, the present invention will be elucidated with reference to its implementation in a dishwasher.
  • the possible applications of the present invention are not limited to dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, refrigerators, and similar appliances; on the contrary, the present invention is adapted to be implemented in an equally convenient manner in furniture with a hatch, such as, e.g., modular kitchen furniture, and in any case in which access to a space is regulated by opening and closing a door or hatch.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance equipped with an opening and closing system according to an embodiment
  • Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a detail of the household appliance in figure 1 ;
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the closing and opening device according to an embodiment;
  • Figures from 3 to 5 show perspective views of component parts of the device and the system according to an embodiment
  • Figures 6 through 8 show plan views of the device and system according to an embodiment during the various steps of the function or push-to-open mode
  • Figures 9 to 11 show perspective views and views of component parts of the device according to an embodiment during the steps of the automatic opening function or mode
  • Figures from 12 to 14 show plan views of additional component parts of the device according to an embodiment form during the steps of the function or pull-to-open mode;
  • Figures from 15 to 16 show further peculiarities of the device according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 17 shows further details of the device according to an embodiment
  • Figures 18 and 19 show modes for excluding or inhibiting the push-to-open function in a device according to an embodiment
  • Figures 20 and 21 show the electrical circuit and the related diagram of a device according to an embodiment
  • Figures 22 and 23 show the electrical circuit and related diagram of a device according to an embodiment.
  • the present invention is applied in the field of dishwashers, this being the reason why the present invention is described hereafter with particular reference to its applications in the field of dishwashers.
  • reference numeral 2000 identifies a dishwasher; as depicted, the dishwasher 2000 comprises a main body 5, which defines a front access opening to a treatment (washing) chamber or tank within the main body 5.
  • the access to the chamber through the front opening is regulated by means of a hatch 50 switchable by rotation (see double arrow) about a horizontal rotation axis (with the dishwasher in a position of use) and positioned at the bottom, i.e. close to the floor or supporting plane of the dishwasher 2000.
  • the hatch 50 is switchable by rotation between a closed position (shown 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 dishwasher 2000 is equipped with a closing and opening system comprising a closing and opening device 1000 housed in a recess formed in an upper crosspiece 2 of the body 5, and a backing member pin or pawl 3 attached to the upper edge (opposite to the rotation axis) of the hatch 50.
  • the switching the hatch 50 from the opening position to the closing 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 thus of the hatch 50 in the closing position (in which the washing program can be started), in the manner described below with reference to figures from 2 to 6.
  • the device 1000 (hereinafter possibly referred to as the lock) comprises a support 6 in which are housed: a metal plate 11 and a slide 16 adapted to provide (see the description below) the closed or open door signal and to open the hatch 50 according to the automatic opening mode, respectively; a U- shaped closing and opening element or wheel 8, a first helical spring 14 the function of which is to push the wheel 8 towards the opening position (see the description below); a solenoid assembly 15 and solenoid slide 16 with relative second spring 150, the function of which is to automatically open the hatch at the end of the washing cycle (see description below); a lock lever 9, a push lever 12, and respective third spring 13, the function of said third spring 13 and push lever 12 being to act in push and rotation on lever 9 (see description below).
  • 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 referred to as closing and opening wheel or cam) is switchable by rotation about a first rotation axis A, defined by a rotation pin on which the spiral portion of the spring 14 is coupled, wherein the locking lever 9 is rotatable about a second rotation axis B parallel to said first rotation axis B, wherein the locking lever 9 is further translatable in a plane perpendicular to said first rotation axis A and said second rotation axis B, as well as switchable by rotation about a third rotation axis C parallel to said axis A and about a further axis lying on a plane parallel to said translation plane.
  • the wheel 8 When the hatch is open, the wheel 8 is positioned in the opening position shown in figure 2 with the U-shaped portion facing outwards; when the hatch is closed, the backing member pin 3 is first approached to wheel 8 until it is housed in the U- shaped portion of wheel 8; continuing the closing until the hatch is positioned in the final closing position, the pin 3 engages the wheel 8 imparting a rotation to it in a first direction around the axis A (counterclockwise relative to figure 2 and against the elastic resistance of the spring 14) until it switches to the final closing position of figure 5, in which it retains the backing member pin 3 and thus keeps the hatch 50 in the closing position.
  • the lever 9 has an engagement geometry 90 which protrudes from the surface of the lever 9 facing towards the wheel 8, wherein the wheel 8 is equipped with an engagement pawl 18 (figure 3) which extends parallel to the rotation axes A and B, and wherein the switching by rotation of the wheel 8 from the opening position into the closing position results in the mutual engagement of the geometries 90 and 18, and thus in the switching by rotation about the axis B of the lever 9 from the initial position to the final position.
  • an engagement geometry 90 which protrudes from the surface of the lever 9 facing towards the wheel 8
  • the wheel 8 is equipped with an engagement pawl 18 (figure 3) which extends parallel to the rotation axes A and B, and wherein the switching by rotation of the wheel 8 from the opening position into the closing position results in the mutual engagement of the geometries 90 and 18, and thus in the switching by rotation about the axis B of the lever 9 from the initial position to the final position.
  • the geometries 90 and 18 are shaped so as to be mutually engaged also with the lever 9 in the final position of figure 5, in particular to lock the wheel 8 in the closed position preventing its automatic rotation in a second direction of rotation (counterclockwise relative to the figures) opposite to said first rotation direction, from the closing position into the opening position under the elastic thrust of the spring 14 and thus preventing the spontaneous opening of the hatch.
  • the hatch 50 can only be opened by disengaging the locking lever 9 and the wheel 8, and in particular the respective engagement geometries 90 and 18, so that the wheel 8 can switch to the opening position by means of the spring force 14, which frees the pin 3 and thus the door 50.
  • a first mode named push-to-open, is shown in figures from 6 to 8; as shown in figure 6, in the closed hatch position in which the wheel 8 is locked by the lever 9 in the closing position and the lever 9 is in its own second position, the engagement pawl 18 and the geometry 90 are mutually engaged, and the commutation of the wheel 8 to the opening position is prevented by the contrast between the pawl 18 and the geometry 90 of the lever 9, the latter being maintained in the second (locking) position of figure 6 by the push of the lever 12 generated by the spring 13.
  • the design of the geometries 90 and 18 is such that, with the wheel 8 locked in the closing position by the lever 9, a further rotation of the wheel 8 in the first rotation direction (clockwise relative to the figures) beyond the closing position, results in the release of the pawl 18 from the geometry 90; in practice, the rotation of the wheel 8 beyond the closing position occurs without further rotation of the lever 9.
  • the lever 9 With the pawl 18 released from the geometry 90, the lever 9, by virtue of the action of the lever 12 generated by the spring 13, immediately switches by rotating (clockwise relative to the figures) from the second locking position to the first position, wherein at the same time the wheel 8, released from the lever 9, switches by rotating (counterclockwise relative to the figures), under the bias of the spring 14, from the second locking position into the first opening position in which it expels the backing pin 3 from the U-shaped portion, thereby opening the hatch 50.
  • the rotation of the wheel 8 in the first rotation direction and beyond the second closing position can be obtained by a user by pushing against the closed hatch 50; in this respect, it is worth noting that such a push is possible by virtue of the clearance afforded by the hatch in the closing position, said clearance being due, for example, to the gasket arranged between the hatch 50 and the main body 5 of the dishwasher, thus wherein the push on the hatch by the user results in advancement of the backing member pin 3 which, in turn, results in the rotation described above of the wheel 8 in the first direction of rotation and beyond the second closing position.
  • a second mode called "automatic opening” mode is shown in the figures from 9 to 11 ; as shown in figure 9, the device 1000 comprises a slide 16 adapted to be put into translation by means of a solenoid 15, wherein the translation of the slide 16 in a first translation direction (from the left to the right relative to the figures) is due to the traction action applied by the solenoid 15 and occurs against the elastic bias of the spring 150, while the translation of the slide 16 in a second translation direction opposite to the first (from right to left relative to the figures) is due to the pushing by the spring 150 in the absence of traction by the solenoid 15.
  • the slide 16 has a backing member 160 on its upper face (facing the locking lever 9), which backing member defines an inclined plane 162; the lever 9, on its face facing the slide 16, also has an end backing member 93 which defines its own inclined plane 94.
  • the traction on the slide 16 by the solenoid 15 occurs by electrically powering the solenoid 15, the electric powering of the solenoid 15 being in particular possible, e.g., by virtue of an end-of-wash signal generated by a dishwasher control unit; in particular, according to the present invention (see the following description), said end-of-wash signal or cycle ultimately results in the electric powering of the solenoid 15.
  • the activation of the solenoid 15 may be achieved by a user pressing a button on a hand control or control panel of the dishwasher.
  • a third mode is shown in figures from 12 to 14.
  • the lever 12 by virtue of the spring 13, applies a permanent and continuous pushing on the lever 9; with the locking lever 9 in the second locking position, the mutual position of the lever 9 and the lever 12 is as shown in figure 12.
  • the device 1000 indeed comprises a selection lever 17 switchable 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 thus being accessible for a user or operator and manually operable.
  • the repositioning of the pawl 171 at a first end of seat 172 (figure 16a) results in the positioning of the selection lever 17 at said second position (figure 17), while the positioning of the pawl 171 at a second end of seat 172 (figure 16b) results in the positioning of the lever 17 at said first position.
  • lever 17 is subjected to the elastic thrust action of a spring 175, wherein the repositioning of the lever 17 in said first position and second position occurs partly against the resistance of the spring 175 and partly with the aid of the pushing of the spring 175.
  • the lever 17 is positioned on the return path of the lever 9 from the locking position to the unlocking position, inhibiting its switching by rotation from the locking position to the unlocking position.
  • a pushing action against the hatch 50 still results in the rotation of the wheel 8 beyond the closing position and the release of the pawl from the engagement geometry 90 of the lever 9.
  • the pawl will again engage the geometry 90 of the lever 9, which will lock the wheel 8 again in the closing position.
  • the device 1000 comprises a consent lever 10 shaped and positioned so that a rotation of the wheel 8 from the first opening position into the second closing position results in a rotation of the lever 10 in the opposite direction from a first position into a second position.
  • the lever 10, in said first position is positioned below an elastic electric contact keeping it raised; on the contrary, the lever 10, in said second position, is released from the contact 24, where the contact 24 closes in the circuit between the terminals 22 and 19.
  • the switching of the wheel 8 from the open position to the closing position results in the closing of the electrical circuit between the terminals 22 and 19, and in particular in the generation of a signal (closed hatch) receivable by a control unit, wherein said control unit upon receiving said closed hatch signal 50, can enable the functions of the household appliance 2000, e.g., the washing cycle, at least in part.
  • the circulation of electrical current in the circuit e.g., controlled by the control unit at the end of the washing cycle, results in the activation of the solenoid 15, and thus in the opening of the hatch 50.
  • the electrical 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 an elastic portion adapted to be switched to alternately open and close the electrical circuit between the terminals 22 and 19 in the manner clarified above.
  • the control unit can also control (e.g., at the end of the washing cycle, and with a closed hatch signal), the sending of electric current to the solenoid 15 and thus the opening of the hatch 50.
  • the present invention provides an opening and closing device which: makes it possible to overcome, or at least minimize, the drawbacks outlined above and found in the closing devices and/or systems of the prior art; allows the hatch to be opened according to each of the three push-to-open, pull-to- open, and automatic opening modes, in particular according to at least one of the push-to-open and pull-to-open modes independently of the connection of the device (of the household appliance) with the electrical power network; allows a user to override or inhibit, by simple and immediate means, at least one of either the push-to-open or the pull-to-open mode, in particular the push-to-open mode; allows the hatch to be opened spontaneously and automatically, e.g., upon completion of the washing cycle or in any case by means of user-settable programming; is characterized by a simplified electrical circuit yet adapted to both provide the appliance with an open door and a closed door electrical signal, and receive an electrical load appliance used to activate the automatic hatch opening function; is characterized by small size and footprint, simple construction,
  • the present invention is explained above by means of a detailed description of the embodiments thereof shown in the drawings the present invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments described above and shown on the drawings; on the contrary, all the variants and/or changes to the embodiments described and shown on the accompanying drawings are comprised in the object of the present invention and will be apparent and immediate to a person skilled in the art.
  • the device according to the present invention may implement only the peculiarities adapted to allow opening by pushing or pulling on the hatch or only those which allow the hatch to open automatically.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (1000) pour l'ouverture et la fermeture de portes et/ou de trappes et/ou d'éléments similaires, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers, tels que des machines à laver, des lave-vaisselle et analogues, ledit dispositif comprenant un ensemble d'ouverture et de fermeture (100), comprenant un élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8) conçu pour être mis en prise et libéré en alternance par une broche de support (3) conçue pour être fixée de façon rigide à ladite trappe ou à ladite porte, ledit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8) pouvant être commuté par rotation autour d'un premier axe de rotation (A) dans une première direction de rotation d'une première position à une seconde position et dans une seconde direction de rotation, opposée à ladite première direction de rotation, de ladite seconde position à ladite première position, la mise en prise mutuelle par poussée de ladite broche de support (3) contre ledit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8) conduisant à une première commutation par rotation dudit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8) de ladite première position à ladite seconde position dans laquelle ladite broche de support (3) est retenue par ledit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8), ledit ensemble d'ouverture et de fermeture (100) comprenant un levier de verrouillage (9), qui peut être commuté entre une première position de celui-ci et une seconde position de celui-ci, et la commutation par rotation dudit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8) autour dudit premier axe de rotation (A) de ladite première position à ladite seconde position entraînant la commutation dudit levier de verrouillage (9) de ladite première position de celui-ci à ladite seconde position de celui-ci, dans laquelle il entre en prise avec et verrouille ledit élément d'ouverture et de fermeture (8).
PCT/IB2021/060150 2020-11-04 2021-11-03 Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de trappes, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des lave-vaisselle ou analogues WO2022097025A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21811477.5A EP4240930A1 (fr) 2020-11-04 2021-11-03 Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de trappes, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des lave-vaisselle ou analogues

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102020000026260A IT202000026260A1 (it) 2020-11-04 2020-11-04 Dispositivo per la chiusura e apertura di sportelli, in particolare di sportelli di elettrodomestici quali lavastoviglie o simili
IT102020000026260 2020-11-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022097025A1 true WO2022097025A1 (fr) 2022-05-12

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PCT/IB2021/060150 WO2022097025A1 (fr) 2020-11-04 2021-11-03 Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de trappes, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des lave-vaisselle ou analogues

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EP (1) EP4240930A1 (fr)
IT (1) IT202000026260A1 (fr)
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013124873A2 (fr) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Bitron S.P.A. Dispositif de verrouillage de porte pour une porte d'appareil ménager
US20190017216A1 (en) * 2017-07-13 2019-01-17 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Overlifting door latch with locking mechanism
US20190219269A1 (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-07-18 Hti Technology And Industries, Inc. Push-to-Open/Signal-to-Open Appliance Door Latching System with an Integrated Locking Device
EP3714093A1 (fr) * 2017-11-23 2020-09-30 Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L. Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de panneaux, en particulier de panneaux d'appareils électroménagers tels que des machines à laver et similaires

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013124873A2 (fr) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Bitron S.P.A. Dispositif de verrouillage de porte pour une porte d'appareil ménager
US20190017216A1 (en) * 2017-07-13 2019-01-17 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Overlifting door latch with locking mechanism
EP3714093A1 (fr) * 2017-11-23 2020-09-30 Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L. Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture de panneaux, en particulier de panneaux d'appareils électroménagers tels que des machines à laver et similaires
US20190219269A1 (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-07-18 Hti Technology And Industries, Inc. Push-to-Open/Signal-to-Open Appliance Door Latching System with an Integrated Locking Device

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EP4240930A1 (fr) 2023-09-13
IT202000026260A1 (it) 2022-05-04

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