Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly

a technology of lid lock and hydro-electric power, which is applied in the direction of other washing machines, washing machines with receptacles, textiles and paper, etc., can solve the problems of the time of assembly, requiring costly design provisions and fail-safe mechanisms, and increasing the number of required components. , the effect of increasing the cost of the washing machine applian

Inactive Publication Date: 2017-11-16
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance. It includes a lid lock mechanism and a hydraulic actuation assembly that locks the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state to lock the lid without using any electrical power or keeping the water supply conduit pressurized. This invention can be used in vertical, lateral and transverse direction washing machines. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a safe and reliable lid lock assembly for washing machines that reduces the risk of injury and ensures the lid is securely closed during operation.

Problems solved by technology

The electricity being supplied to the solenoids presents a safety concern that requires costly design provisions and fail safe mechanisms.
In addition, electrically operated solenoids are typically noisy and irritating to the consumer.
Furthermore, an increase in the number of required components and time of assembly adds significant costs to the washing machine appliance.

Method used

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  • Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly
  • Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly
  • Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0021]Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022]FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a door or lid 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, lid 130 is shown in an open position. FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional side vie...

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PUM

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Abstract

A lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine appliance to lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is actuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is momentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in the closed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiring that the water supply conduit remain pressurized.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to lid lock mechanisms for washing machine appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and / or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.[0003]Conventional washing machine appliances include a lid that is pivotally mounted to the washing machine appliance and is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): D06F39/14D06F39/08D06F37/18
CPCD06F39/14D06F39/088D06F37/18D06F23/04D06F33/08D06F37/42
InventorWRIGHT, TROY MARSHALLVOWELS, CHRISTOPHER GENE
OwnerGENERAL ELECTRIC CO