Device for opening and closing the door of a household machine, in particular a washing machine

Abstract

A device (100) for closing and opening doors and / or hatches of household appliances, the device (100) comprising a body (110) from which extends an engagement portion (120) adapted to be introduced and removed through a through opening (1002) of a wall (1001) of the household appliance, the through opening (1002) being delimited by a substantially rectilinear first edge (1003) and a substantially rectilinear second edge (1004) parallel to the first edge (1003), wherein the engagement portion (120) comprises a middle portion (121) extending from the body (110) and an end portion (122) extending from the middle portion (121), the middle portion (121) being externally delimited by a first engagement surface (123) and a second end surface (124), and wherein the device (100) comprises a slider (200) which is translatable relative to the middle portion (121).

Description

[0001] Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention belongs to the field of household appliances (for example washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and / or similar household appliances). In particular, the invention relates to a closing and opening device, in particular a closing and opening device for hatches, doors, etc. of household appliances of the aforementioned type. In particular, the invention relates to a device of the aforementioned type, which is suitable for being installed on and / or fastened to a household appliance of the aforementioned type according to a process that is simple, immediate and quickly implemented or actuated. The invention also relates to a household appliance (for example a washing machine or a dryer or a similar household appliance) equipped with a device and / or system of the aforementioned type. Background Art

[0003] The most common and widespread closing and opening devices and / or systems for household appliances, such as washing machines and / or similar household appliances, essentially consist of a true closing (and opening) unit, which is usually applied to the housing or frame of the household appliance, in particular on the rear side of a front panel of the household appliance, in which an inlet opening in the household appliance is obtained, for example leading to the drum in the case of a washing machine, wherein the front panel supports a closing hatch of the inlet opening.

[0004] The closing and opening device according to the prior art comprises in particular a body containing a locking and unlocking mechanism of a latch firmly carried by the hatch, which locking and unlocking mechanism cooperates with an engagement portion extending from the body and defining an engagement opening intended to be engaged by said latch (generally hook-shaped).

[0005] Opening and closing devices of known type are also mounted on the front panel of a household appliance so that the engaging portion is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (and thus can be latched by switching the hatch (usually by rotation) into the closed position), wherein, on the contrary, the body is positioned on the rear side or the inside of the front panel. For this purpose, the installation operation of the closing device according to the prior art requires the operator to insert the engaging portion from the rear side or the inside of the front panel through a corresponding opening of the front panel and finally fasten the body of the device to the inside of the front panel by screws, elastic bands or alternatively by adhesive and / or welding.

[0006] However, the above-mentioned known type of closing devices and / or systems and the related installation operations have drawbacks and / or disadvantages which the applicant of the present patent application intends to overcome or at least minimize by means of the present invention.

[0007] A first disadvantage is related to the use of screws and / or elastic bands and involves the machining of corresponding holes and / or openings (at least two) intended to be engaged by said screws or elastic bands, both in the closing and opening device (in particular in the body) and in the panel (usually the front panel) on which said device is mounted.

[0008] However, the use of screws and corresponding engagement holes may have a negative impact on the final appearance of the household appliance, since said holes are visible from the outside of the device, since, as mentioned above, these holes are usually obtained on the front panel of the household appliance.

[0009] Furthermore, the need to provide the above-mentioned engagement openings for the screws as well as the screws themselves leads to restrictions on the design and layout of the device, which leads to restrictions on the arrangement of the component parts, in particular on the locking and unlocking mechanisms.

[0010] Furthermore, during operation of the household appliance, the tightness of the mounting screws may be compromised (eg due to vibrations), with the risk of unwanted movement or even detachment of the device.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of screws necessarily results in a non-perfectly repeatable positioning of the device, with the risk that, in the event of differences greater than the tolerance limits, the engagement opening may not be fully engaged by the latch.

[0012] Finally, the use of screws results in excessive installation times which are often incompatible with the installation times of other assembly operations of the household appliance, wherein said installation times result in excessive production costs which are incompatible with market demands.

[0013] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to overcome or at least minimize the problems summarized above and found in closing devices and / or systems according to the prior art.

[0014] Specifically, a first object of the present invention is to provide a closing and opening device suitable for installation on and removal from a household appliance, in particular suitable for being fastened to and removed from a panel (e.g. a front panel) of the household appliance by a simple, immediate and quickly implemented or actuated process.

[0015] Furthermore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a closing and opening device, the mounting of which on a household appliance can be carried out without the use of screws, elastic bands, adhesives and / or similar fastening means, in particular without the use of welding and / or similar processes.

[0016] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a closing and opening device suitable for being mounted on a domestic appliance by a process which ensures a repeatable positioning of the device, thus substantially eliminating even the smallest positioning tolerances.

[0017] Finally, one of the objects of the invention is to provide a closing and opening device that ensures a reliable and permanent fastening to the household appliance, thus eliminating the risk of the device being unintentionally moved throughout the use of the device and thus of being accidentally detached. Summary of the invention

[0018] The present invention is based on the general consideration that the above-mentioned preset objectives can be achieved by a device including a fastening solution (which allows the device to be fastened to a coupling part arranged through a corresponding opening of a household appliance by simple movement of the device itself), and in particular the disadvantages found in the installation operation of the device according to the prior art can be overcome. The device further prevents the risk of accidental and undesirable movement of the device from the fastening position.

[0019] In view of the above-mentioned objects, as well as the drawbacks found in closing and opening devices according to the prior art, the present invention relates, according to a first embodiment, to a closing and opening device for doors and / or hatches of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar household appliances, said device comprising a body from which extends an engaging portion, which engaging portion is suitable for being engaged by a latch carried by a hatch of said appliance and for being introduced and removed through a through opening in a wall or panel of said household appliance, said through opening being delimited by a substantially rectilinear first edge and a substantially rectilinear second edge parallel to said first edge, wherein said engaging portion comprises a middle portion extending from said body and end portions extending from said middle portion. The portion is externally defined by a first engaging surface and a second end surface, the first engaging surface and the second end surface are opposite and parallel to the extension direction of the middle portion, the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the end portion extend from the first engaging surface and the second end surface respectively substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the middle portion and perpendicular to the first engaging surface and the second end surface, and wherein the device includes a slider that can be translated relative to the middle portion; wherein the slider can be translated relative to the middle portion between a first end position and a second end position along a translation direction substantially perpendicular to the first engaging surface and the second end surface of the middle portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the slider includes an end surface of its own, which is parallel to both the first engagement surface and the second end surface of the middle part, wherein when the slider is in the first end position, the end surface of the slider of its own is placed at a first distance from the first engagement surface of the middle part, and wherein when the slider is in the second end position, the end surface of the slider of its own is placed at a second distance from the first engagement surface of the middle part, which second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the slider is U-shaped and includes a first prong and a second prong parallel to the first prong, the first prong and the second prong being connected to each other by a connecting portion, wherein the end surface of the slider itself is defined by the connecting portion, wherein the slider can be translated from the first end position to the second end position by pushing the end portion of at least one of the first prong and the second prong, and wherein the slider can be translated from the second end position to the first end position by pushing the end surface of itself.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first and second prongs are housed in first and second guides, respectively, of the intermediate portion of the engagement portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first fork comprises an abutment protrusion, wherein the first receiving guide of the first fork comprises a first recess or groove, and wherein the first recess or groove is engaged by the abutment protrusion when the slider is in the first end position.

[0024] According to one embodiment, said first accommodation guide of said first fork comprises a second recess or groove, wherein said second recess or groove is engaged by said abutment projection when said slider is in said second end position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the engagement portion defines an engagement opening adapted to be engaged by a latch rigidly fastened to the door or the hatch of the household appliance.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a locking and unlocking mechanism is housed in the body of the device, the locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to respectively lock the latch when the latch is inserted through the engagement opening and to release the latch so that the latch can be withdrawn from the engagement opening.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the device comprises locking and unlocking means adapted to respectively lock the slider in the second end position and to unlock the slider so that the slider can be translated from the second end position to the first end position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the locking and unlocking device comprises a locking and unlocking lever which can be switched between a first locking position and a second unlocking position by translation in a direction perpendicular to the translation direction of the slider.

[0029] According to one embodiment, in the locked position, the locking and unlocking lever is positioned between the second end surface of the intermediate portion and the connecting portion of the slider.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the device comprises repositioning means for manually repositioning the locking and unlocking lever in the unlocking position in which the slider can be switched by translation from the second end position to the first end position.

[0031] The invention also relates to a household appliance, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, or a similar household appliance, comprising a wall or a panel in which a through opening is obtained, the through opening being delimited by a substantially rectilinear first edge and a substantially rectilinear second edge parallel to the first edge, the household appliance comprising a closing and opening device according to one of the embodiments of the invention, the device thus comprising a body from which extends an engagement portion, the engagement portion being adapted to be engaged by a latch carried by a hatch of the household appliance and being adapted to be introduced and removed through the through opening of the wall or the panel of the household appliance, wherein the engagement portion comprises a middle portion extending from the body and an end portion extending from the middle portion, the middle portion being externally delimited by a first engagement surface and a second end surface, the first engagement surface and the second end surface being opposite and parallel to the extension direction of the end portion, the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the end portion extending from the first engagement surface and the second end surface respectively substantially perpendicularly to the first engagement surface and the second end surface, wherein the device comprises a slider, which is positioned at the middle portion and which can be moved relative to the middle portion. The device is characterized in that the middle portion of the device is arranged to translate between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the middle portion and the end portions of the engaging portion are shaped and sized so that the device can translate along a direction perpendicular to the wall and the first engaging surface and the second end surface of the middle portion, the middle portion being positioned through the through opening, wherein, with the middle portion positioned through the through opening, the body is placed in contact with a first main surface of the wall, the second contact surface of the end portion is placed in contact with a second portion of a second main surface of the wall opposite to the first main surface, the second portion being adjacent to the second edge, the end surface of the slider itself being placed in abutment against the second edge, and wherein, with the middle portion positioned through the through opening, translation of the device along the direction perpendicular to the wall causes translation of the slider from the first end position to the second end position, causes positioning with the first engaging surface in abutment against the first edge, and causes positioning with the first contact surface in contact with a first portion of the second surface of the wall opposite to the first surface, the first portion being adjacent to the first edge.

[0032] According to one embodiment, with the middle part positioned through the through opening, translation of the device along the direction perpendicular to the wall causes the locking and unlocking rods to automatically switch to the locked position and causes the locking rod to automatically position between the second end surface of the middle part and the connecting part of the slider.

[0033] According to one embodiment, manual actuation of the repositioning device causes the locking and unlocking lever to be repositioned in the unlocking position in which the slider can be switched by translation from the second end position to the first end position.

[0034] Any additional embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be further explained below by the following detailed description of possible embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, wherein the features of the invention and / or corresponding or equivalent components are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted in any case that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and depicted in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, all modifications and / or changes of the embodiments described below and depicted in the accompanying drawings that will be clear and obvious to a person skilled in the art fall within the scope of the invention.

[0036] In the attached picture:

[0037] Figure 1A and Figure 1B and Figure 1C shows a perspective view of a closing and opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2A and Figure 2B respectively showing a perspective view of a fastening panel for a device according to the invention and a partial front transparent view of a closing and opening device according to an embodiment of the invention, which is fastened to said panel;

[0039] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C shows a first step of an installation process for closing and opening a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C shows a second step of the installation process of closing and opening the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C shows the third step of the installation process of closing and opening the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing details of a closing and opening device according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively, and details of said device in the final installed position;

[0043] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A perspective view showing details of a closing and opening device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The steps of the disassembly process of closing and opening the device according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0045] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A slider for closing and opening a device according to an embodiment of the invention and a perspective view of the device are shown, with the slider highlighted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The invention finds particular application in the field of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and similar household appliances, which is why the invention will be described hereinafter with particular reference to its application in the field of household appliances, in particular dryers.

[0047] However, it should be emphasized that the possible applications of the invention are not limited to those described below. Instead, the invention is conveniently applied to all those cases in which it is necessary or at least convenient to optimize the fastening operation of an element or component to a panel provided with an opening through which the element or component can be positioned at least partially.

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, especially Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the figure, the device according to the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 100 and comprises a body 110 from which extends an engagement portion 120 defining an engagement opening 129. In the body 110, the components of the locking and unlocking mechanism of a latch, which is usually hook-shaped, are housed, the latch being carried, for example, by the hatch of a household appliance, such as a washing machine or a dryer. The locking and unlocking mechanism comprises mechanical components, such as an abutment cam adapted to be engaged by the latch and switched to a position in which it locks the latch and thus the hatch in the closed position, as well as electrical and / or electromechanical components, which are basically known and therefore not described in detail for the sake of brevity. The methods for locking and unlocking the latch by means of the locking and unlocking mechanism are also not described in detail, since these methods are basically known, wherein for the purposes of the present invention it is useful to remember that the insertion of a latch (not shown in the figures) into the opening 129 causes the locking cam (usually but not exclusively by rotation) to automatically switch to the locking position and thus cause the hatch to be locked in the closed position. It should therefore be taken into account that the device 100 is mounted on a panel of a household appliance (according to the method explained and described in more detail below), in particular on a panel (typically a front panel) that rotatably supports a hatch of the household appliance and is therefore in a position in which the engaging portion 120 is accessible from the outside and is therefore suitable for being engaged by the latch of the hatch by switching the hatch from an open position (in which the interior of the household appliance, for example the laundry drum of a washing machine and / or dryer, is accessible) to a closed position (in which, conversely, the interior of the household appliance is not accessible).

[0049] As again depicted, engagement portion 120 has a rectangular planar shape, the shape and dimensions (width and length) of engagement portion 120 substantially corresponding to panel 1001 ( Figure 2A ) of the shape and size of the through-opening 1002, wherein the engaging portion 120 is arranged through the opening 1002, wherein the opening 1002 is defined by a straight first edge 1003 and a straight second edge 1004, the straight second edge 1004 being parallel to and opposite to the straight first edge 1003. The engaging portion 120 includes a middle portion 121 ( Figure 5B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B), the middle portion 121 extends from the body 110 along an extension direction substantially perpendicular to the body 110; it will be apparent from the following description that, when the device 100 is in the installed position, and therefore when the middle portion 121 is positioned through the opening 1002 of the panel 1001, the extension direction of the middle portion 121 corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the panel 1001, in particular perpendicular to the opposite and parallel main surfaces 1010 and 1011 of the panel 1001 ( Figure 3C ) in each direction. Again as described, see FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , the middle part 121 is delimited externally by two opposite and parallel surfaces, in particular by a first joining surface 123 and a second end surface 124, wherein these two surfaces 123 and 124 extend perpendicularly to the body 110 and therefore parallel to the extension direction of the middle part 121, and in particular wherein, with the device 100 fastened to the panel 1001 in the fully mounted position, the first joining surface 123 and the second end surface 124 are positioned perpendicularly to the panel 1001, in particular perpendicularly to the two opposite main surfaces (perpendicular to the thickness) 1010 and 1011 of the panel 1001. The first joining surface 123 and the second end surface 124 are also positioned at a mutual distance that is smaller than the mutual distance between the first edge 1003 and the second edge 1004, which internally delimit the opening 1002 of the panel 1001.

[0050] The first contact surface 125 of the end portion 122 extends from the engagement surface 123, and the first contact surface 125 is perpendicular to the first engagement surface 123. Similarly, the second contact surface 126 of the end portion 122 extends from the end surface 124, and the second contact surface 126 is perpendicular to the second end surface 124. Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Figure 1AAs depicted, the device 100 comprises a U-shaped slider 200 and therefore comprises two parallel prongs, in particular a first prong 203 and a second prong 204, which are joined by a transverse connection 202 perpendicular to both the first prong 203 and the second prong 204. The slider 200 is positioned at the middle portion 121 of the device 100, in particular between the body 110 and the end portion 122, wherein the first prong 203 and the second prong 204 are positioned along parallel and opposite walls of the middle portion 121, which walls join the first engagement surface 123 and the second end surface 124. In particular, the first prong 203 and the second prong 204 are housed in a first guide and a second guide, respectively, each obtained in one of the surfaces of the portion 121 joining the first engagement surface 123 and the second end surface 124, wherein the connection portion 202 is positioned in a position adjacent to the second end surface 124.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one of the first prong 203, the second prong 204 and the connecting portion 202 comprises an abutment ridge 205, in particular a protrusion, adapted to engage with a first groove or recess and a second groove or recess according to the method explained in detail below.

[0052] The slider 200 is also adapted to be switched by translation in two opposite translation directions parallel to the first prong 203 and the second prong 204 , and thus perpendicular to both the first engagement surface 123 and the second end surface 124 . The connecting portion 202 of the slider 200 defines an engagement surface 201 of the slider 200, wherein the slider 200 can be translated between a first end position, in which the engagement surface 201 of the slider 200 and the first engagement surface 123 of the intermediate portion 121 are positioned at a first preset mutual distance (in which the connecting portion 202 is adjacent to and actually in contact with the second end surface 124 of the portion 121, and the ridge 205 is engaged in the first recess or groove), and a second end position, in which the engagement surface 201 of the slider 200 and the first engagement surface 123 of the intermediate portion 121 are positioned at a second preset mutual distance greater than the first distance (in which the connecting portion 202 is placed at a certain distance from the second end surface, and the ridge 205 is engaged in the second recess or groove). In particular, by pushing one or both of the end portions of the first fork 203 and the second fork 204 opposite to the connecting portion 202, the slider 200 can be translated from the first end position to the second end position, and by pushing the connecting portion 202, in particular, pushing the engaging surface 201 of the slider 200, the slider 200 can be translated from the second end position to the first end position.

[0053] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B further details and features of the device according to the invention are described, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The device 100 is shown to include a locking lever 300 that can be switched by translating along a translation direction perpendicular to the translation direction of the slider 200 (eg Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In particular, when the slider 200 is in the second end position, the locking lever 300 automatically switches to the first position, in which the locking lever 300 is arranged between the connecting portion 202 and the middle portion 121, in particular, between the connecting portion 202 and the second end surface 124 of the middle portion 121, thereby locking the slider 200 and preventing the slider 200 from accidentally switching from its second end position to its first end position.

[0054] Therefore, by moving the locking lever 300 from its first end position ( Fig. 7A ) switches to its own second end position ( Figure 7B), the slider 200 can be switched from its own second end position to its own first end position, in which the lever 300 is positioned outside the lateral projection of the connecting portion 202, so that in the second end position of the locking lever 300, the portion 202 of the slider 200 is released from the locking lever 300. The switching of the slider 200 from its own first end position to its own second end position causes the locking lever 300 to automatically switch from its own second end position to its own first end position (a position for locking the slider 200), while conversely, by pushing the pusher 400 in a direction parallel to the translation direction of the locking lever 300, the locking lever 300 can be switched from its own first end position to its own second end position (a second end position for unlocking the slider 200).

[0055] Reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C , the method of fastening the device 100 to the panel 1001 can be summarized as follows.

[0056] During a first step of the installation process (not shown), the device 100 is moved close to the panel 1001 and tilted relative to the panel 1001 so that the engagement portion 120 can be partially inserted through the opening 1002 of the panel 1001 .

[0057] In the subsequent steps ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C ), with the engagement portion 120 positioned partially through the opening 1002, the engagement surface 201 of the slider 200 (which is positioned in its first end position) is positioned to engage on the edge 1004 of the opening 1002, and the device 100 (relative to Figure 3B Rotate clockwise until you reach Figure 4B1002, in which the engaging portion 120 is fully inserted through the opening 1002, the surface 201 of the slider 200 is still engaged (adjoined) on the edge 1004, and the first engaging surface 123 of the intermediate portion 121 is placed at the edge 1003 of the opening 1002 (a predetermined distance from the edge 1003). In addition, in the intermediate position, the body 110 is placed in contact with the surface 1011 of the panel 1001, and the contact surface 126 is placed in contact with the corresponding portion of the surface 1010 of the panel 1001 opposite to the surface 1011. In this position, the contact surface 125 of the end portion 122 is placed not in contact with any portion or surface of the panel 1001. Instead, the end portions of the first prong 203 and the second prong 204 are placed at the first edge 1003 of the opening 1002 and are substantially in contact therewith.

[0058] Then in the subsequent (final) step of the installation process ( FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C ), so that the device 100 is translated relative to the panel 1001 (refer to Figure 5B , from left to right), wherein the translation of the device 100 causes the application of a thrust by the edge 1003 to the ends of the first prong 203 and the second prong 204 opposite to the connecting portion 202, thus causing a translation of the middle portion 121 relative to the slider 200 and thus causing a repositioning of the slider 200 from a first end position to a second end position in which the slider 200 is locked by the ridge 205. When this step is completed, the first engagement surface 123 of the middle portion 121 and the engagement surface 201 of the slider 200 are respectively engaged by the first edge 1003 and the second edge 1004 of the through opening 1002, so that any further translation of the device 100 along the translation direction of the slider 200 perpendicular to the surfaces 123 and 124 of the middle portion 121 is impossible. Moreover, in Figure 5B and Figure 6B In the final position, the main body 110 is still placed in contact with the surface 1011 of the panel 1001, the contact surface 126 is placed in contact with the corresponding part of the surface 1010 of the panel 1001 opposite to the surface 1011, and the contact surface 125 of the end portion 122 is also placed in contact with the corresponding part of the surface 1010 of the panel 1001 opposite to the surface 1011, whereby any movement of the device 100 transverse to the panel 1001 is impossible, and the device 100 is therefore firmly fastened to the panel 1001 in a reliable manner.

[0059] Finally, as mentioned, when the device is in Figure 6B In the case of the locking lever being positioned in its first end position ( Fig. 7A ), in which first end position the locking lever locks the slider 200.

[0060] To disassemble the device 100 ( Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ), it is necessary and sufficient to switch the slider 200 from its own second end position so that the device 100 is in the second switching direction (relative to Figure 2B as well as Figures 3A to 3C to Fig. 6A and 6B The slide 200 is moved in translation from right to left), wherein for this purpose it is necessary to unlock the slide 200 beforehand by switching the locking lever 300 from its own first end position to its own second end position, which is achieved by pushing the pusher 400 and manually maintaining such a push until the slide 200 is in its own first end position. Once the slide 200 has been switched to its own first end position, the engagement portion 120 can be withdrawn from the opening 1002.

[0061] Thus, the above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings has demonstrated that the invention allows achieving the desired results and overcomes or at least limits the disadvantages found in the prior art.

[0062] Specifically, according to the present invention, there is provided a closing and opening device, which:

[0063] can be mounted on and detached from a household appliance, in particular fastened to and removed from a panel (e.g. a front panel) of said household appliance by a process that is simple, immediate and quickly implemented or actuated;

[0064] can be mounted on a household appliance without using screws, adhesives and / or similar fastening means, in particular without using welding and / or similar processes;

[0065] can be mounted on a household appliance by a process that ensures repeatable positioning of the device, thereby substantially eliminating even the smallest positioning tolerances;

[0066] A reliable and permanent fastening of the household appliance is ensured, thus eliminating the risk of undesired movement of the device throughout the use of the device and thus eliminating the risk of accidental detachment of the device.

[0067] Although the present invention has been explained above through the detailed description of the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the drawings; on the contrary, all variations and / or modifications of the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings that will be obvious and apparent to those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for closing and opening a door of a household appliance, the device (100) comprising a body (110) from which extends an engagement portion (120), the engagement portion being adapted to be introduced and removed through a through opening (1002) in a wall of the household appliance, the through opening (1002) being delimited by a substantially rectilinear first edge (1003) and a substantially rectilinear second edge (1004) parallel to the first edge (1003), wherein The engaging portion (120) comprises a middle portion (121) extending from the main body (110) and an end portion (122) extending from the middle portion (121); the middle portion (121) is externally defined by a first engaging surface (123) and a second end surface (124); the first engaging surface and the second end surface are opposite and parallel to the extending direction of the middle portion (121); a first contact surface (125) and a second contact surface (126) of the end portion (122) are respectively extended from the first contact surface to the end portion (123); and a second contact surface (124) is provided on the end portion (122). The engaging surface and the second end surface extend substantially perpendicularly to the extension direction of the middle part (121), and wherein the device (100) comprises a slider (200) which is capable of translating relative to the middle part (121); characterized in that the slider (200) is capable of translating relative to the middle part (121) between a first end position and a second end position along a translation direction substantially perpendicular to the first engaging surface (123) and the second end surface (124) of the middle part (121); wherein the slider (200) comprises an end surface thereof, the end surface thereof being parallel to both the first engagement surface (123) and the second end surface (124) of the middle portion (121), wherein, when the slider (200) is in the first end position, the end surface thereof is disposed at a first distance from the first engagement surface (123) of the middle portion (121); and wherein, when the slider (200) is in the second end position, the end surface thereof is disposed at a second distance from the first engagement surface (123) of the middle portion (121), the second distance being greater than the first distance; wherein, when the slider (200) is positioned at the first end position, the end surface of the slider itself is positioned to engage with the second edge (1004) of the through opening (1002), the engaging portion (120) is fully inserted through the through opening (1002), the end surface of the slider itself is still engaged with the second edge (1004), and the first engaging surface (123) of the middle portion (121) is placed at the first edge (1003) of the through opening (1002); Wherein, after the slider (200) is repositioned from the first end position to the second end position, the first engagement surface (123) of the middle portion (121) and the end surface of the slider (200) itself are respectively engaged by the first edge (1003) and the second edge (1004) of the through opening (1002).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The slider (200) is U-shaped and comprises a first fork claw (203) and a second fork claw (204) parallel to the first fork claw (203), the first fork claw (203) and the second fork claw (204) being connected to each other via a connecting portion (202), wherein the end surface of the slider (200) itself is defined by the connecting portion (202), wherein by pushing the end portion of at least one of the first fork claw (203) and the second fork claw (204), the slider (200) can be translated from the first end position to the second end position, and wherein by pushing the end surface of the slider (200) itself, the slider (200) can be translated from the second end position to the first end position.

3. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first fork claw (203) and the second fork claw (204) are respectively accommodated in a first accommodation guide and a second accommodation guide of the middle portion (121) of the engaging portion (120).

4. The device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The first fork (203) includes an abutment protrusion, wherein the first receiving guide of the first fork (203) includes a first recess or a first groove; and wherein, when the slider (200) is in the first end position, the first recess or the first groove is engaged by the abutment protrusion.

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The first receiving guide of the first fork comprises a second notch or a second groove, and wherein the second notch or the second groove is engaged by the abutment protrusion when the slider (200) is in the second end position.

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The engagement portion (120) defines an engagement opening (129) adapted to be securely fastened to a latch engagement of the door of the household appliance.

7. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that A locking and unlocking mechanism is housed in the body (110) of the device (100), the locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to respectively lock the latch when the latch is inserted through the engagement opening (129), and to release the latch so that the latch can be withdrawn from the engagement opening (129).

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The device (100) comprises locking and unlocking means adapted to respectively lock the slider (200) in the second end position and to unlock the slider (200) so that the slider can translate from the second end position to the first end position.

9. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The device (100) comprises locking and unlocking means adapted to respectively lock the slider (200) in the second end position and to unlock the slider (200) so that the slider can translate from the second end position to the first end position.

10. The device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The locking and unlocking device comprises a locking and unlocking lever which can be switched between a first locking position and a second unlocking position by translating along a direction perpendicular to the translation direction of the slider (200).

11. The device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The locking and unlocking device comprises a locking and unlocking lever which can be switched between a first locking position and a second unlocking position by translating along a direction perpendicular to the translation direction of the slider (200).

12. The device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that In the locked position, the locking and unlocking lever is positioned between the second end surface (124) of the intermediate portion (121) and the connecting portion (202) of the slider (200).

13. The device (100) according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that The device (100) comprises repositioning means for repositioning the locking and unlocking lever in the unlocking position in which the slider (200) can be switched by translation from the second end position to the first end position.

14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, 7 and 9-12, characterized in that The household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

15. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

16. The device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

17. The device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that The household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

18. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, 7, 9-12 and 15-17, characterized in that The door comprises a hatch.

19. A household appliance comprising a wall in which a through opening (1002) is formed, the through opening being delimited by a substantially rectilinear first edge (1003) and a substantially rectilinear second edge (1004) parallel to the first edge (1003), the household appliance comprising a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the device (100) thus comprising a body (110) from which extends an engagement portion (120), the engagement portion being adapted to be introduced and removed through the through opening (1002) of the wall of the household appliance, wherein The engaging portion (120) comprises a middle portion (121) extending from the body (110) and an end portion (122) extending from the middle portion (121); the middle portion (121) is externally defined by a first engaging surface (123) and a second end surface (124); the first engaging surface and the second end surface are opposite and parallel to an extending direction of the middle portion (121); a first contact surface (125) and a second contact surface (126) of the end portion (122) are respectively extended from the first engaging surface and the second end surface substantially perpendicular to the first engaging surface (123). ) and the second end surface (124), wherein the device (100) includes a slider (200) which is positioned at the middle part (121) and can be switched by translating between a first end position and a second end position relative to the middle part (121), characterized in that the shape and size of the middle part (121) and the end part (122) are set so that when the middle part (121) is positioned through the through opening (1002), the device (100) can be moved along the wall perpendicular to the middle part (121). The first engaging surface (123) and the second end surface (124) are translated in the direction of each other; wherein, when the middle portion (121) is positioned through the through opening (1002), the body (110) is placed in contact with the first main surface of the wall, the second contact surface (126) of the end portion (122) is placed in contact with a second portion of the second main surface of the wall, the second portion is adjacent to the second edge (1004), the second main surface is opposite to the first main surface, and the end surface of the slider (200) itself is placed in abutment against the second edge (1004). 4), and wherein, with the intermediate portion (121) positioned through the through opening (1002), translation of the device (100) in the direction perpendicular to the wall causes translation of the slider (200) from the first end position to the second end position, causing the first engagement surface (123) to be positioned in abutment against the first edge (1003), and causing the first contact surface (125) to be positioned in contact with a first portion of the second main surface of the wall, the first portion being adjacent to the first edge (1003), the second main surface being opposite to the first main surface.

20. The household appliance according to claim 19, characterized in that The slider (200) is U-shaped and comprises a first fork (203) and a second fork (204) parallel to the first fork (203), the first fork (203) and the second fork (204) being connected to each other via a connecting portion (202), wherein when the middle portion (121) is positioned through the through opening (1002), translation of the device (100) in the direction perpendicular to the wall causes the locking and unlocking lever to automatically switch to the locked position and causes the locking and unlocking lever to automatically position between the second end surface (124) of the middle portion (121) and the connecting portion (202) of the slider (200).

21. The household appliance according to claim 20, characterized in that The device (100) comprises a repositioning device for repositioning the locking and unlocking lever in an unlocking position, activation of the repositioning device causing the locking and unlocking lever to be automatically repositioned in the unlocking position, in which the slider (200) can be switched by translating from the second end position to the first end position.

22. The household appliance according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

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