Door locking device with improved security module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door locking device with improved safety module for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like, of the type having a door with lugs, wherein said door locking device comprises a slider (7) arranged to assume a disengagement position and an engagement position with the lugs of the door of the household appliance, a detection and safety module (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door locking device with an improved security module.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a door locking device installed in a door locking device of a household appliance, particularly a washing machine, etc., which is designed and manufactured in particular to ensure greater security and reduce any risk of closing the door.

[0003] The following description will focus on the installation in the washing machine, but it is clear that it should not be considered as limited to this specific purpose. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, the door locking devices currently installed in washing machines are equipped with electromechanical safety modules.

[0005] This barrier safety module is configured to typically interact with the slider, and in turn with the lugs of the washing machine door.

[0006] Specifically, when the washing machine door is closed, in addition to engaging with the door lock, the lugs, through their own encumbrance, cause the slider to move in order to keep the washing machine door closed. Therefore, the slider can move from the indicated door open position to the indicated door closed position.

[0007] The slider typically also has a surface opening or window. Furthermore, the slider also has a sensor release mechanism.

[0008] The safety module of the door locking device is usually located above the sliding element.

[0009] The safety module contains: a coil that can be activated and energized by the washing machine's control logic; and a locking pin that is driven by the coil through a suitable mechanical device and can be in a retracted or extended position when it moves.

[0010] The locking pin and the slider are arranged such that when the door is open, the slider is positioned to prevent the locking pin from moving from the retracted position to the extended position by its own obstruction; and when the door is closed, the slider is positioned such that the opening window thereon overlaps with the locking pin, thereby allowing access from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0011] The locking pin is also connected to close the main switch's electrical contacts when it is in the extended position and open them when it is in the retracted position. This allows a signal to be sent to the appliance control logic, precisely instructing the door lock stop to be in a safe state when the door is closed.

[0012] The safety module also includes a safety pin that interacts with the sliding member, such that when the sliding member is in the closed position, the safety pin can close another contact or electrical or safety switch arranged in series with the coil, so that power can be supplied only when the door is closed.

[0013] Normally, when the door is opened, the safety switch, driven by the safety pin, is deactivated; that is, the safety switch is activated before the slider begins to present one of the positions that prevents the locking pin from moving from the retracted position to the extended position. In other words, the safety switch is reactivated before the slider is able to "cover" the locking pin.

[0014] Generally, it is necessary to avoid the safety switch closing too close to the moment when the slider does not allow the locking pin to be withdrawn (also referred to below as the locking point or "lockable point").

[0015] The technical problem with existing solutions (such as the aforementioned technical problem) is that, for example, when the washing machine drum is particularly loaded, stress may be generated on the door lugs and thus on the sliding parts of the door locking device, which increases the risk of a "stopped position" when the sensor switch is turned on and the main switch is closed (the locking pin is pulled out). However, the sensor switch may turn on too close to the locking point, thereby preventing the coil from being energized and thus preventing the locking pin from moving.

[0016] Clearly, this process is expensive in terms of security. Summary of the Invention

[0017] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a door locking device that can overcome the limitations of the prior art.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a security module that can be easily adapted to or installed in door locking devices currently on the market.

[0019] Therefore, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a door locking device for a household appliance (e.g., a washing machine, a dishwasher, etc.) having a door with lugs, wherein the door locking device includes: a slider arranged to present a disengaged position and an engaged position with the lugs of the appliance door; and a detection and safety module. The detection and safety module includes: a main transmission plate; a locking pin capable of presenting a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the locking pin engages with the slider when the slider is in the engaged position; a main switch arranged on the main plate to open when the locking pin is in the retracted position and close when the locking pin is in the extended position, wherein when the main switch is closed, it indicates that the slider is locked by the locking pin in the engaged position; a sensor switch arranged in series with the main switch for indicating that the slider is in the engaged position when it is closed; and a safety pin interfering with the slider such that when the slider moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the safety pin closes the sensor switch. The main board is characterized in that it is fixed to the locking pin such that when the locking pin is in the retracted position, the main board is in a first position, and conversely, when the locking pin is in the withdrawn position, the main board is in a second position. The safety pin includes: a lower release member arranged such that the safety pin rotates when the sliding member interferes with the lower release member; and a baffle arranged such that it interferes with the main board when the safety pin rotates, wherein the rotation of the safety pin varies depending on the position of the main board.

[0020] According to the present invention, the slider may include a safety release member that interferes with the lower release member when the slider moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0021] Still according to the invention, the safety pin may include a cylindrical body having an axis of symmetry, a lower base and an upper base, wherein the rotational release member is eccentrically arranged on the lower base relative to the axis of symmetry, and wherein the baffle is arranged corresponding to the upper surface.

[0022] Advantageously, according to the invention, the safety pin may include a second rotational release element arranged eccentrically relative to the axis of symmetry.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, the device may include a resilient sheet arranged to interfere with the top of the safety pin, and the sensor switch may be made using the motherboard and the resilient sheet.

[0024] According to the invention, the safety pin may include an upper release element designed to interfere with the resilient sheet to raise or lower it.

[0025] Still according to the invention, the slider may have an opening arranged such that when the slider is in the engaged position, the opening is arranged to correspond to the locking pin, allowing the locking pin to move from the retracted position to the withdrawn position. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, according to preferred embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of a first embodiment of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A top view of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line A1-A1 in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 5 A perspective view of the safety pin of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 A diagram showing the activation of the sensor switch relative to the door lug position when the door is opened;

[0033] Figure 7 A perspective cross-sectional view of a door locking device according to the invention in the closing step is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of the door locking device;

[0036] Figure 10 A diagram showing the activation of the sensor switch relative to the door lug position when the door is in the closing step is displayed;

[0037] Figure 11 A perspective view of a portion of the door locking device according to the invention is shown when the door is closed;

[0038] Figure 12 The diagram shows the activation of the sensor switch relative to the door lug when the door is closed and the sensor switch is closed;

[0039] Figure 13 A top view of the sensor pin in its first position is shown;

[0040] Figure 14 A perspective view of a portion of the door locking mechanism is shown when the door is closed;

[0041] Figure 15 The position of the sensor pin is shown when the door is closed;

[0042] Figure 16 A top view of the sensor pin in its second position is shown;

[0043] Figure 17 The sensor pin in the second position is shown;

[0044] Figure 18 A diagram showing the activation of the sensor switch relative to the door lug position when the door is reopened;

[0045] Figure 19 A partial cross-sectional view of the door locking device according to the invention is shown when the door is open;

[0046] Figure 20 This illustrates the interaction between the sensor pin and the slider when the door is opened;

[0047] Figure 21 A top view of the sensor pin in the third position is shown;

[0048] Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 A transparent top view;

[0049] Figure 23 The diagram shows the activation of the sensor switch relative to the door lug when the door is open and the sensor switch remains closed;

[0050] Figure 24 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the door locking device according to the present invention is shown; and

[0051] Figure 25 It shows that according to Figure 24 Details of the sensor pins of the door locking device. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In each figure, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, a portion of the door locking device BP and safety device 1 according to the present invention can be observed.

[0054] More specifically, safety module 1 is arranged within a door locking device BP, typically installed in washing machines or other common household appliances. The washing machine includes a door, which in turn has lugs. When the door is closed, the lugs interact with the door locking device BP, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0055] Specifically, the safety module 1 mainly includes a protective housing 2, a locking pin 3, an activation unit 4 for activating the locking pin 3, a circuit 5, and a safety pin 6.

[0056] The protective housing 2 includes a base portion 21 and a cover 22. The base portion includes a cavity in which various components contained within the protective housing can be suitably accommodated. The cover is arranged above the base portion 21 and can mate with the base portion.

[0057] The locking pin 3 can be in a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the locking pin is contained within the safety module 1, and in the extended position, the locking pin is at least partially withdrawn from the safety module 1.

[0058] Specifically, when the locking pin 3 is in the withdrawn position, the locking pin protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion 31.

[0059] The function of the locking pin 3 will now be further examined.

[0060] As described above, the safety module 1 also includes an activation unit 4 configured to actuate a locking pin to move it from the retracted position to the withdrawn position.

[0061] The activation unit 4 includes: a coil 41 connected to the control logic of a household appliance equipped with a door lock and including a security module 1; a spring 42; and mechanical components 43 and 44 designed to allow movement of the locking pin 3.

[0062] Circuit 5 consists of a main board 51, additional connecting boards 52 and 53, and a flexible sheet 54 connecting them. In other embodiments, circuit 5 may consist of secondary or primary components, boards, or connectors.

[0063] The circuit 5 includes a main switch 55 having a first electrode 551 and a second electrode 552. The first electrode is disposed on the main board 51 and mechanically connected to the locking pin 3. The second electrode is disposed fixedly and clearly corresponding to the first electrode 551, located on the connecting plate 53. Thus, when the locking pin 3 is in the withdrawn position, the main switch 55 is closed, and therefore the first electrode 551 contacts the second electrode 552.

[0064] The circuit 5 also includes a sensor switch 56 implemented between the elastic sheet 54 and the main board 51.

[0065] Still refer to Figure 2 It can be observed that the slider 7 is arranged below the safety module 1. The slider 7 of the door locking device BP has an opening 71 and a safety release element 72.

[0066] Typically, the slider 7 can interact with the lug of the door, causing the lug to move the slider 7, thereby allowing the slider to move relative to the safety module 1.

[0067] The opening 71 is arranged to overlap with the locking pin 3 when the washing machine door is closed. In this configuration, the locking pin 3 can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0068] On the other hand, the safety release element 72 raises the safety pin 6, which will be explained better below.

[0069] Specifically, the safety pin 6 includes a body 61 with a cylindrical shape, at the lower base of which are arranged two rotary release members 62 and 63, which are eccentrically arranged with respect to the axis of symmetry R of the cylindrical body 61. The rotary release member 62 is arranged to interfere with the safety release member 72 of the sliding member 7 of the door lock to allow vertical translational movement and rotation of the safety pin 6, which will be explained in detail below.

[0070] In addition, the safety pin includes a release member 64 and a baffle 65 at its upper base. The release member is designed to interfere with the elastic sheet 54 to raise or lower the elastic sheet 54, and the baffle is designed to interfere with the main board 51, which will be explained better below.

[0071] The operation of the aforementioned security module 1 is as follows.

[0072] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 4 Safety module 1 is located in the open door configuration, where locking pin 3 is retracted. Therefore, main switch 55 is open, and slider 7 is positioned overlapping with safety pin 6, thus preventing accidental movement from the open position to the closed position by its own obstruction.

[0073] In addition, the safety pin 6 is kept raised by the safety release member 72 of the slider 7, thereby also keeping the sensor switch 56 open.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 The Cartesian graph can be observed with the position of the lugs on the horizontal axis of the appliance door, such that, as shown, the movement of the indicator (a circle represented by the letter C) to the left indicates that the door is closed. Point LP indicates the position of the lugs beyond which the door can be closed, i.e., the opening 71 of the slider overlaps with the locking pin 3 to allow it to be pulled out if necessary.

[0075] Conversely, the graph on the vertical axis shows the state of sensor 56, which can be presented as an open position (or "disconnected"), as shown in the graph. Figure 2 or Figure 4 (as shown), or closed position (or "on", as explained in detail later).

[0076] Reference Figure 7-10 It can be observed that the sliding element 7 and the safety module 1 work together during the closing phase of the appliance door.

[0077] Specifically, when the door of the household appliance is closed, the sliding member 7 moves in the opposite direction D2 to direction D1.

[0078] The position of the slider 7 allows the locking pin 3 to overlap the window 72 of the slider 7, and allows movement from the retracted position to the withdrawn position if necessary.

[0079] Figure 10 The indicator C is shown at point LP, where the door can be locked. In this position, sensor pin 6 keeps sensor switch 56 open, while the elastic tab 54 remains raised due to safety release 72.

[0080] After the slider 7 has slid continuously along direction D2, the sensor pin 6 descends (see...). Figure 11 ), until sensor switch 56 is closed, such as Figure 12 As can be seen, indicator C is in the position indicating that sensor switch 56 is closed (or "on"). (See reference...) Figure 13 In this configuration, the sensor pin 6 is in a first position and rotates clockwise (viewed from above), thereby allowing the baffle 65 to detach from the main board 51.

[0081] When the door is open and the door lock is not activated, i.e., when the locking pin 3 is retracted (e.g., when the washing machine has completed its work cycle), in order to unlock the door and allow it to be opened, the control logic moves the locking pin 3 by means of the coil 41 of the activation unit 4. Therefore, the operation of the safety module 1 is as follows.

[0082] Reference Figure 14-18 As the locking pin 3 retracts, the sliding member moves freely in direction D1. Thus, due to the action of the safety release member 72, the safety pin 6 also rises. This opens the sensor switch 56. Furthermore, due to the interference between the safety release member 72 and the rotational release member 62 of the safety pin 6, as described above, the rotational release member is eccentrically arranged relative to the axis of symmetry R of the safety pin 6 itself, causing the safety pin to undergo a counterclockwise rotation at an angle α, particularly as... Figure 16As shown. Thus, the pin moves from a first position (as described above, in which the baffle 65 does not interfere with the mainboard 51) to a second position (in which the baffle 65 interferes with the edge of the mainboard 51). As described above, since the locking pin 3 is in the retracted position, this means that the mainboard 51 (on which the first electrode 551 of the main switch 55 is located) has a certain degree of tilt to act as a stop for the rotation of the sensor pin 6, thus opening the sensor switch 56 as described above.

[0083] This rotation means that at the contact point between sensor pin 6 and slider 7, there is a force... Figure 18 The amount indicated by X. In other words, when the slider 7 intercepts the rotary release 62 by means of its safety release 72, the safety pin 6 rotates at least partially before it is lifted, moving the aforementioned amount X before the main board 51 stops its movement, resisting the bending caused by the baffle 65.

[0084] Reference Figure 18 This has the following effect: the point at which sensor switch 56 is opened occurs closer to the locked position LP than the position where the same sensor switch 56 is closed when the door is closed. Thus, the operation of sensor switch 56 is delayed relative to the movement of the lug and the movement of the door.

[0085] Now, referring to the scenario where the door lock is activated, or when the locking pin is in the withdrawn position and then the slider 7 is blocked in the appropriate position, the following operations are performed.

[0086] Reference Figure 19-23 The locking pin 3 is in the withdrawn position and thus engages with the slider 7 inserted into the opening 71.

[0087] In this configuration, the main switch 55 closes, causing the first electrode to descend and contact the second electrode 552. The main board 51, mechanically driven by the locking pin 3, also descends vertically, with the main board connected to the locking pin.

[0088] Furthermore, the sliding member 7 interferes with the rotational release member 62, which is eccentric relative to the axis of symmetry R, ​​by means of the safety release member 72, causing the safety pin 6 to rotate.

[0089] As described above, the motherboard 51 is in the lowered position. This includes the safety pin 6 rotating at a second angle β greater than the aforementioned first angle α before interfering with the edge of the motherboard 51 (see...). Figure 21 This is precisely because the mainboard 51 is lowered. This rotation means that the safety pin 6 travels an additional space X+Y in the slider 7 (i.e., given by the sum of the displacements of X and Y, such as...). Figure 23 (As shown) was then raised.

[0090] Thus, the activation function of sensor switch 56 is delayed relative to the position of the door lug, causing the second sensor switch 56 to remain closed (position "on"), making the switch's opening point substantially beyond point LP (theoretically, since the switch never opens, this is because the slider 7 cannot slide beyond point LP and is blocked by the locking pin 3 in the withdrawn position). Therefore, it is possible to prevent sensor switch 56 from opening when the door is closed and the door lock BP is in the locked position.

[0091] Finally, in cases where the mechanical structure of the door lock provides different sliding directions for the slider 7, such as... Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, where the direction is opposite to that of the previous embodiment, in order to have the same function and hysteresis, contact can be provided between the safety release member 72 and the rotational release member 63 of the safety pin 6 to obtain the reverse rotation of the safety pin 6.

[0092] The operation in this case is exactly the same as the first embodiment of the door locking device BP, but in order to enter the first, second, and third positions, the safety pin 6 performs the same action as... Figure 1-23 The first embodiment described herein is a reverse rotation.

[0093] advantage

[0094] The advantage of this invention is that it allows for more secure door locks, which prevents the safety switch from being opened when the door is locked.

[0095] The invention has been described for illustrative and not limiting purposes based on preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art may introduce modifications and / or changes without departing from the relevant scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door locking device (BP) for a household appliance having a door with lugs, wherein the door locking device comprises: The sliding member (7) is arranged to present both a disengaged position and an engaged position with the lug of the appliance door. The detection and security module (1) has the following features: Motherboard (51); Locking pin (3) is capable of presenting a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position, when the slider (7) is in the engaged position, the locking pin is capable of engaging the slider. A main switch (55) is arranged on the main board (51) to open when the locking pin (3) is in the retracted position and to close when the locking pin (3) is in the extended position, wherein when the main switch (55) is closed, it indicates that the slider (7) is locked in the engaged position by the locking pin (3). A sensor switch (56), which is arranged in series with the main switch (55), is used to indicate that the slider (7) is in the engaged position when it is closed; as well as A safety pin (6) interferes with the slider (7) such that when the slider (7) moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the safety pin (6) closes the sensor switch (56). The main board (51) is characterized in that it is fixed to the locking pin (3) such that when the locking pin (3) is in the retracted position, the main board (51) is in a first position; conversely, when the locking pin (3) is in the extended position, the main board (51) is in a second position. The safety pin (6) includes: A rotary release member (62) is arranged such that the safety pin (6) rotates when the slider (7) interferes with the rotary release member (62), and A baffle (65) is arranged such that it interferes with the main board (51) when the safety pin (6) rotates. The rotation of the safety pin (6) varies depending on the position of the main board (51).

2. The device (BP) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (7) includes a safety release member (72) that interferes with the rotation release member (62) when the slider (7) moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

3. The device (BP) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety pin (6) includes a cylindrical body (61) having a symmetrical axis (R), a lower base, and an upper base. The rotary release member (62) is eccentrically arranged on the lower base relative to the axis of symmetry (R), and The baffle (65) is arranged corresponding to the upper base.

4. The device (BP) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The safety pin (6) includes a second rotational release element (63) arranged eccentrically relative to the axis of symmetry (R).

5. The device (BP) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a resilient sheet (54) arranged to interfere with the top of the safety pin (6), and The sensor switch (56) is made with the help of the motherboard (51) and the elastic sheet (54).

6. The device (BP) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The safety pin (6) includes an upper release member (64) designed to interfere with the elastic sheet (54) to raise or lower it.

7. The device (BP) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The slider (7) has an opening (71) arranged such that when the slider (7) is in the engaged position, the opening is arranged to correspond to the locking pin (3), allowing the locking pin (3) to move from the retracted position to the withdrawn position.

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