Automatic opening module for door of household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic opening module (200) for a door of a household appliance, the automatic opening module comprising: a housing (202); a transmission system (226) and a rod engagement pin (228); wherein the transmission system (226) and the rod engagement pin (228) are received within the housing (202); wherein a first portion of the transmission system (226) is operably coupled to the rod engagement pin (228); and wherein a second portion of the drivetrain (226) is configured to operatively engage with an actuator of the door lock module (2b) such that actuation of the actuator causes the drivetrain to move the lever engagement pin between the first locked position and the second unlocked position.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an automatic opening module. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance such as a washing machine or a drying machine. Background Art

[0002] Door lock modules are commonly used in household appliances such as washing machines and dryers to lock the doors of the appliances. For example, washing machines and / or dryers often use door lock modules to securely lock the doors of the appliances before starting a washing or drying cycle. Further, such door lock modules are known to prevent the doors from being opened during a washing or drying cycle, and to prevent a washing or drying cycle from being started when the door of the appliance is open.

[0003] Existing door lock modules contain numerous mechanical components that cooperate with each other to mechanically lock and unlock the door of a household appliance. Typically, an actuator is connected to the control unit of the appliance to command the locking pin to move between a disengaged position and a locked door position, in which the locking pin is not engaged with the appliance door, i.e., the door is open or openable, and in which the locking pin is engaged with the appliance door, i.e., the door is locked. Other door lock modules may have a lock switch that directly cooperates with the locking pin to send a signal to the control unit of the appliance as to whether the locking pin is in a locked position or an unlocked position. However, door lock modules that can determine the position of the locking pin typically have a large number of components, thus resulting in an assembly that occupies a large space. In addition, such modules may only be compatible with a selected range of appliances, and it is typically necessary to modify the door lock module in order to operably cooperate with different household appliances. For example, it is typically necessary to rearrange the layout of the conductive strips and parts within the housing of the module according to the layout of a particular household appliance so that the module works with the appliance. Accordingly, different models of door lock modules must be manufactured and assembled, which requires changes to production equipment and production lines.

[0004] In "smart" appliances, an automatic unlocking device or mechanism may be provided within the door lock module to automate the door opening of the home appliance. Such a mechanism includes additional components, including additional actuators, which increases the space required for the door lock module and further limits the range of appliances that the door lock module is compatible with.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved door lock module configured to alleviate the problems associated with the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door lock module adapted to determine the movement and position of a locking pin, which door lock module (compared to other door lock modules) is more compact and has improved compatibility with different layouts and types of household appliances. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening module configured to cooperate with a door lock module and thus improve compatibility with different layouts and types of household appliances.

[0006] The present invention provides at least alternative embodiments to prior art automatic unlocking or opening devices and mechanisms. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic opening module according to the accompanying claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic opening module for a door of a home appliance is provided. The automatic opening module may include a housing, a transmission system, and a rod engaging pin.

[0009] The transmission system (eg, at least a portion of the transmission system) may be received within the housing.

[0010] The stem engagement pin (eg, at least a portion of the stem engagement pin) may be received within the housing.

[0011] A first portion of the transmission system may be operably coupled to the lever engagement pin.

[0012] The second portion of the transmission system can be configured to be operably engaged with an actuator of the door lock module. Actuation of the actuator can cause the transmission system to move the rod engagement pin between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance is provided, the automatic opening module comprising: a housing; a transmission system; and a rod engaging pin; wherein the transmission system and the rod engaging pin are received in the housing; wherein a first portion of the transmission system is operably connected to the rod engaging pin; and wherein a second portion of the transmission system is configured to be operably engaged with an actuator of a door lock module, so that actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system to move the rod engaging pin between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0014] Thus, the automatic opening module is configured to cooperate with the door lock module. The operable engagement of the second portion of the transmission system with the actuator of the door lock module does not require the provision of an additional or more complex actuator to actuate the rod engagement pin of the automatic opening module. Furthermore, receiving the transmission system and the rod engagement pin within the housing allows the provision of an automatic opening module that can be retrofitted with a door lock module to automate the opening of a door of a household appliance, and thus provide a "smart" household appliance.

[0015] Advantageously, the lever engagement pin moves into the housing of the automatic opening module when in the first locked position, and at least a portion of the lever engagement pin moves out of the housing of the automatic opening module when in the second locked position.

[0016] Advantageously, the transmission system may be a gear assembly, for example a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears.

[0017] Advantageously, the first portion of the transmission system may comprise a first gear of the plurality of gears and the second portion of the transmission system may comprise a second gear of the plurality of gears.

[0018] The gear assembly advantageously provides a compact arrangement particularly suitable for an automatic opening module that is configured to be used with other components of a door lock system of a household appliance (e.g., a door lock module). In other words, the gear assembly allows motion to be transmitted across a predetermined interval between components (e.g., an actuator and a rod engagement pin of a door lock module).

[0019] Advantageously, the rod engaging pin may include a rack portion. The rack portion may be operably coupled to the first portion of the transmission system. The first of the plurality of gears may be a pinion. The rack portion of the rod engaging pin and the first or pinion of the plurality of gears may thus form a rack and pinion pair.

[0020] The rack portion advantageously enables the conversion of the rotary motion of the transmission system into a linear motion of the lever engagement pin within a predetermined interval between two components (eg, an actuator of a door lock module and a lever engagement pin).

[0021] Advantageously, the first part of the transmission system may comprise a clutch mechanism.

[0022] Advantageously, the clutch mechanism may comprise a clutch ring comprising at least two resilient tooth members.

[0023] Advantageously, the clutch mechanism may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged on an inner surface of the first portion of the transmission system.

[0024] The clutch mechanism advantageously ensures that the lever engagement pin remains in the correct position and can be reset to the correct position between use cycles without causing damage to the transmission system. Advantageously, the clutch mechanism also compensates for variations or tolerances in the arrangement of components within the automatic opening module during assembly.

[0025] Advantageously, the automatic opening module may comprise a reset lever.

[0026] Advantageously, the reset lever may be slidably engaged with the lever engagement pin.

[0027] Advantageously, the reset lever may include a body and an elastic arm. An opening may be defined between the body and the elastic arm.

[0028] Advantageously, the housing may comprise a protrusion extending from an inner wall of the housing.

[0029] Advantageously, the opening of the reset lever may be configured to receive the protrusion of the housing.

[0030] Advantageously, the reset lever enables manual resetting of the automatic opening module, for example in an emergency, without causing damage to the gears of the transmission system.

[0031] Advantageously, the housing may include a first opening through which at least a portion of the second gear extends to operatively engage an actuator of the door lock module.

[0032] Advantageously, the housing may include a second opening through which at least a portion of the lever engagement pin extends. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a side view of a door lock module with the housing removed;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a top view of an example embodiment of a door lock module is presented, wherein Figure 2 (a) with a PCB attached, and Figure 2 (b) PCB removed;

[0036] Figure 3 A detailed close up perspective view of the locking pin end of an alternative door lock module is shown, wherein Figure 3 (a) the locking pin is in the first position (i.e., toward the unlocked position), and Figure 3 (b) the locking pin is in the second position (i.e., the locked position);

[0037] Figure 4 A close up view of a cam guide of a locking pin is shown, the cam guide having a first ramp surface and a second ramp surface;

[0038] Figure 5 A close up side view of the locking pin end of a door lock module is shown, wherein Figure 5 (a) the movable contact piece (actuator switch) contacts the corresponding PCB circuit (indicating the locked state), and Figure 5 (b) The movable contact piece (actuator switch) moves and disengages from the corresponding PCB circuit (indicating an unlocked state);

[0039] Figure 6 A partial top view showing the manual actuator and actuator arm in the disengaged position ( Figure 6 (a)), and an exploded view of the gear and locking ring connection including the clutch mechanism ( Figure 6 (b));

[0040] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a partial top view of an example of a door lock module is shown, wherein Figure 7 (a) the actuator arm of the manual actuator is disengaged from the locking ring rod, and Figure 7 (b) the actuator arm is pushed downward, the locking ring rotates and the locking pin moves back to its unlocked position;

[0041] Figure 8 A door lock system including a door lock module and an automatic opening module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Fig. 9 Shown Figure 8 A door lock system wherein an upper portion of the housing is removed;

[0043] Fig.10 A top perspective view of an automatic opening module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Fig.11 Shown Fig.10 A bottom perspective view of the automatic opening module;

[0045] Fig.12 Shown Fig.10 A top plan view of the automatic opening module with the upper housing portion removed;

[0046] Fig.13 Shown Fig.10 An exploded view of the automatic opening module;

[0047] Fig.14 An exploded perspective view showing the clutch mechanism and lever pin from the top, and

[0048] Fig.15 An exploded view of the clutch mechanism and lever pin is shown from the bottom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Certain terms used in the following description are for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "upward", "downward" and "downward" refer to directions referenced in the drawings and are relative to the components described when assembled and installed. The words "inward", "inwardly" and "outwardly", "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, respectively, and the specific meaning is obvious from the context of the specification.

[0050] Further, as used herein, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to encompass a direct connection between two components without any other components interposed therebetween, as well as an indirect connection between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0051] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referenced and is not intended to imply that the objects so described are necessarily in a given order temporally, spatially, in rank, or in any other manner.

[0052] The same reference numerals are used throughout to depict the same features, ie the same reference numerals are used for the same components in different examples or different embodiments of the invention.

[0053] Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and their variations are interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integral bodies or steps. Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as contemplating plural as well as singular forms, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0054] (a) Door lock module

[0055] Reference now Figure 1, shows an example embodiment of a door lock module 2b, which includes a first actuator 22b and a second actuator 23b mounted on a PCB, a corresponding locking ring 12b, and a door sensing pin 13b. The module 2b further includes a PCB 4, an electric motor 6 operably connected to the PCB 4 by an electric wire 8, and a gear mechanism 10. The electric motor 6 can be a 12V DC motor with an output shaft, which is connected to an extended worm gear shaft 11, which is operably connected to the locking ring 12b (e.g., a cam member) via a gear mechanism 10. The gear mechanism 10 includes at least three interconnected gears 10a, 10b, and 10c. Functionally, the worm gear shaft 11 drives the gear 10a, which is coupled to the gear 10b, and the gear 10b then drives the gear 10c. The transmission ratio between the corresponding meshing gears 10a, 10b, 10c and the worm gear 11 is selected so that a given motor rotation provides a suitable rotational movement of the locking ring 12b. The locking ring 12b includes a cam guide 14 disposed within a cylindrical wall portion of the locking ring 12b, and a trigger member 20b adapted to engage with a corresponding first actuator or sensor 22b. In an exemplary embodiment of the door lock module 2b, the trigger member 20b includes a cam surface disposed on the top of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b.

[0056] The door lock module 2b further includes a locking pin 16 adapted to engage with the cam guide 14 via a cam follower 18. The locking ring 12b is operably coupled to the gear 10c and is coaxially arranged therewith to convert the rotational motion of the gear 10c directly into the rotational motion of the locking ring 12b. The rotational motion of the locking ring 12b and the cam guide 14 is then converted into the linear motion (axial motion) of the cam follower 18 and the locking pin 16. In this particular example, the cam guide 14 is formed by an aperture enclosed within a portion of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b, extending between a first aperture end and a second aperture end, thereby limiting the rotational motion of the locking ring 12b and the axial motion of the cam follower 18 to a predetermined range.

[0057] In a preferred example embodiment, the cam guide 14 may be formed by an aperture defining a first slope at a first angle (relative to the rotational axis or central axis of the locking ring 12b) followed by a second slope at a second angle (different from the first angle). For example, a lower portion of the aperture may be at a steeper angle than an immediately following upper portion of the aperture (see, for example, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0058] Now special reference Figure 5In the example embodiment shown, the first actuator or sensor 22b disposed on the printed circuit board 4 (PCB) for cooperating with the trigger member 20b can be a movable contact piece. The second actuator or sensor 23b is also a movable contact piece. During use, the rotation of the locking ring 12b causes the trigger member 20b to move to engage or disengage with the first actuator 22b at a predetermined rotational position. For the example embodiment, the movable contact piece 22b (see, for example, Figure 5 , a resilient metal sheet) is adapted to slidably engage with a cam surface on the top of the locking ring 12b (i.e., the trigger member 20b). During use, the cam surface on the top of the locking ring 12b causes the resilient metal contact to close the circuit position ( Figure 5 (a)) and disconnect circuit position ( Figure 5 In addition, the elastic metal contact (movable contact piece 22b) is biased toward the closed circuit position.

[0059] Return to reference Figure 1 , the door sensing pin 13b is disposed between the second actuator or sensor 23b and the appliance door (e.g., via a connecting rod or other component that can be engaged with the appliance door). Here, the door sensing pin 13b is arranged to be able to slide between an engagement position of engaging the second actuator or sensor 23b (i.e., a bottom-mounted tactile switch or a top-mounted movable sheet contact) and a disengagement position of disengaging from the second actuator or sensor 23b. For example, when the movable sheet contact 23b is used, the door sensing pin 13b is configured to slide the elastic metal contact (i.e., a spring contact) from the closed circuit position to the open circuit position. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that any other suitable door sensing mechanism can be used. For example, a rotatable lever arm can be disposed between the second actuator or sensor (e.g., a lever switch or an optical switch) and the appliance door, and is configured to move to engage and disengage with the second actuator or sensor according to the position of the appliance door (i.e., closed or open).

[0060] like Figure 6 , in which case the appliance door must be manually unlocked, a manual actuator 30 is provided to rotate the locking ring 12b (e.g., counterclockwise) back to its unlocked position via the locking ring rod 28. In order to prevent any damage to the gears 10a, 10b, 10c, 11 when the locking ring 12b is manually rotated back to its unlocked position, a one-way clutch mechanism 34 is provided with a coupling portion between the gear 10c and the coaxially arranged locking ring 12b. The clutch mechanism 34 includes a plurality of apertures or cavities 36 and at least two resilient tooth members 38, which are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the inner surface of the gear 10c (see Figure 6(b)), the at least two resilient tooth members are disposed in the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b. The resilient tooth members 38 are arranged to be operably engaged with the apertures or cavities 36, for example, the resilient tooth members 38 can be slidably moved from one aperture or cavity 36 to another aperture or cavity in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise) while the gear remains stationary; but in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise), the resilient tooth members are locked in engagement with any one aperture or cavity 36, thereby rotating with the locking ring 12b.

[0061] The door lock module 2 b is further provided with a housing 26 adapted to at least operably accommodate components such as the PCB 4 , the motor 6 and wires 8 , the gear mechanism 10 , the locking ring 12 b , the door sensing pin 13 b and the locking pin 16 .

[0062] During operation and if Figure 2 (b) shows that the electric motor 6 is activated or energized, causing the output shaft of the electric motor 6 and the attached worm gear shaft 11 to rotate in the desired direction. The worm gear shaft 11 engages the gear 10a, which in turn engages the gear 10b, which then engages the gear 10c and rotates the locking ring 12b. Figure 2 In (b), the direction of rotation is indicated by arrows on the respective gears 10a, 10b, 10c. Thus, actuation of the electric motor 6 drives the locking ring 12b via the gear mechanism 10 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotational movement of the motor 6 is transmitted to the locking ring 12b via the connected gear 10c. The rotation of the locking ring 12b changes the position of the cam follower 18 of the cam guide 14 relative to the engaged locking pin 16, thereby causing the locking pin 16 to move axially between the locked position and the unlocked position. In particular, when the locking ring 12b rotates counterclockwise, the cam follower 18 is positioned at the first end (left end or upper end) of the cam guide 14, causing the locking pin 16 to move upward (unlock from the appliance door). When the locking ring 12b rotates clockwise, the cam follower 18 is positioned at the second end (right end or lower end) of the cam guide 14, causing the locking pin 16 to move downward (lock the appliance door). Since the electric motor 6 can be driven in both directions (i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise), the position of the locking pin 16 can be controlled via motor control.

[0064] Return to reference Figure 5, the first actuator or sensor 22b is engaged by the trigger member 20b, which generates a signal corresponding to the position of the locking pin 16, thereby indicating the locked state of the appliance door. For example, clockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b to engage with the first actuator or sensor 22b switch, thereby generating a signal indicating the locked position of the appliance door. Counterclockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b to disengage the switch engagement with the first actuator or sensor 22b, thereby generating a signal indicating the unlocked position of the appliance door. Further, integrating the actuator or sensor 22b with the PCB 4 to work in conjunction with the trigger member 20b allows the use of a reduced size PCB 4 (compared to current locking modules) because the position of the locking pin 16 is sensed directly from the position of the locking ring 12b.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clutch mechanism 34 is used to provide a manual unlocking function of the appliance door that is decoupled from the gear mechanism 10. Here, the actuator arm 32 of the manual actuator 30 is urged into engagement with the locking ring rod 28, thereby rotating the locking ring 12b counterclockwise relative to the fixed gear 10c, at which time the tooth member(s) 38 slide through the aperture 36. This decoupled rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the locking pin 16 to the unlocked position.

[0066] (b) Automatic opening module for door lock modules

[0067] We will now refer specifically to Figures 8 to 15 The automatic opening module 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The automatic opening module 200 is particularly suitable for use with the door lock module 2b as described in section (a) to form a door lock system for a household appliance. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the automatic opening module 200 can also be used with any other suitable door lock mechanism or household appliance.

[0068] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the embodiment of the automatic opening module 200 can form part of a door lock system of a household appliance, the described door lock system comprising a door lock module 2b (as described in section (a)) and an external module 300.

[0069] The automatic opening module 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 is generally cuboid, having four outer walls, a lower surface or bottom surface and an upper surface, defining a hollow portion therein. The housing 202 includes a top or upper housing cover 204 and a bottom or lower housing portion 206.

[0070] The upper housing cover 204 includes an upper surface of the housing 202 and one or more walls that form a portion of one or more outer walls of the housing 202 .

[0071] Similarly, lower housing portion 206 includes a bottom surface of housing 202 and one or more walls that form a portion of one or more exterior walls of housing 202 .

[0072] The housing 202 includes a first opening 208 and a second opening 210. Each of the first opening 208 and the second opening 210 is defined between one or more walls of the upper housing cover 204 and one or more walls of the lower housing portion 206.

[0073] The first snap-fit ​​portion 212 is provided on the upper housing cover 204 on the upper surface of the housing 202 .

[0074] The lower housing portion 206 includes a flange 214 extending from one of the walls forming part of one of the outer walls of the housing 202 and corresponding protrusions or teeth 216 adapted for locking engagement with the upper housing cover 204. A second snap-fit ​​portion 218 is provided on an outer surface of the flange 214 (i.e., the second snap-fit ​​portion 218 is provided on a surface of the flange facing away from the hollow portion within the housing 202).

[0075] like Fig.13 As shown, the first shaft 220 and the second shaft 222 extend upwardly from the lower housing portion 206 (ie, the first shaft 220 and the second shaft 222 extend from the bottom surface of the housing 202 into the hollow portion within the housing 202).

[0076] The rib 224 extends inwardly from one of the walls of the lower housing portion 206, such as Fig.12 What is shown.

[0077] The automatic opening module 200 also includes a transmission mechanism 226 and a rod engagement pin 228. The transmission mechanism 226 includes a first portion operably coupled to the rod engagement pin 228 and a second portion configured to operably engage with an actuator of the door lock module, such as the gear member 10e (of the gear assembly 10) and the electric motor 6 of the door lock module 2b.

[0078] Special References Fig.12 and Fig.13 The transmission mechanism 226 is a gear assembly including a plurality of gears. The first part of the transmission mechanism 226 includes a first gear 230 , and the second part of the transmission mechanism 226 includes a second gear 232 .

[0079] The first gear 230 includes a first gear member 234 having a plurality of external teeth 236 and a second gear member 238 having a plurality of external teeth 240. The second gear member 238 is operably coupled to the first gear member 234 and is coaxially arranged therewith so that the second gear member 238 rotates together with the first gear member 234. The diameter of the first gear member 234 is greater than the diameter of the second gear member 238.

[0080] Similarly, the second gear 232 includes a first gear member 242 having a plurality of external teeth 244 and a second gear member 246 having a plurality of external teeth 248. The second gear member 246 is coaxial with the first gear member 242, and the first gear member 242 and the second gear member 246 are integral components. The diameter of the first gear member 242 is greater than the diameter of the second gear member 246. The gear ratio between the respective meshing gears 230, 232 is selected so that a given motor rotation provides the appropriate linear motion of the lever engagement pin 228 (described in detail below).

[0081] In addition, and if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the first gear 230 includes a clutch mechanism 250 that operably couples a first gear member 234 and a second gear member 238 of the first gear 230. The clutch mechanism 250 includes a clutch ring 252 and a plurality of apertures or cavities 256, the clutch ring having two or more resilient tooth members 254 extending radially outward, and the plurality of apertures or cavities are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the inner surface of the first gear member 234. The resilient tooth members 254 are arranged to be operably engaged with the apertures or cavities 256, i.e., the resilient tooth members 254 can be slidingly moved from one aperture or cavity 256 to another aperture or cavity in one direction (i.e., clockwise) while the first gear 230 and the second gear 232 remain stationary; but in the opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise), the resilient tooth members are locked in engagement with any one aperture or cavity 256, thereby rotating together with the clutch ring 252.

[0082] The rod engaging pin 228 is an elongated body having a pin portion 258 at a distal end and a rack portion 260 at a proximal end (inside the housing). The rack portion 260 includes a plurality of teeth 262 extending along one edge of the rack portion 260 and a slot 264 extending along one surface of the rack portion 260 (open toward the proximal end).

[0083] The automatic opening module 200 also includes a reset lever 266 (see also Fig.14 and Fig.15). The reset lever 266 has a body 268 and a resilient arm 270. An opening 272 is defined between the body 268 and the resilient arm 270 of the reset lever 266. The body 268 includes a flange 274 through which extends an aperture 276 and an elongated slide 278 extending along the length of the body 268.

[0084] When assembled, the reset lever 266 is positioned within the lower housing portion 206 such that the protrusion 224 of the lower housing portion 206 is retained within the opening 272 between the body 268 of the reset lever 266 and the resilient arm 270 , and the first shaft 220 extends through the aperture 276 of the body 268 of the reset lever 266 .

[0085] The lever engagement pin 228 is slidingly coupled with the reset lever 266 via the elongated slider 278 and the slot 264 .

[0086] The first gear 230 is operably mounted to the first shaft 220 such that the outer teeth 240 of the second gear member 238 of the first gear 230 engage the teeth 262 of the rack portion 260 of the lever engagement pin 228. The second gear 232 is operably mounted to the second shaft 222 such that the outer teeth 248 of the second gear member 246 of the second gear 232 engage the outer teeth 236 of the first gear member 234 of the first gear 230.

[0087] The upper housing cover 204 is positioned above the lower housing portion 206 to form the housing 202. The pin portion 258 of the lever engagement pin 228 extends through a first opening 208 formed between the upper housing cover 204 and the lower housing portion 206. The first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 extends through a second opening 210 formed between the upper housing cover 204 and the lower housing portion 206. The flange 214 of the lower housing portion 206 extends below the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232.

[0088] The external teeth 244 of the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 engage or interconnect with the external teeth of another gear 10e in the connecting portion of the housing of the door lock module 2b, thereby providing operable engagement between the actuator and the transmission system 226 of the door lock module 2b.

[0089] Once assembled, the automatic opening module 200 may be installed on the door locking system by connecting the automatic opening module 200 to the door locking module 2b of the door locking system.

[0090] The automatic opening module 200 can be positioned adjacent to and aligned with the door lock module 2b so that the external teeth 244 of the first gear member 242 of the second gear 232 engage or interconnect with the external teeth of the gear 10e forming part of the gear assembly 10 of the door lock module 2b, and the second snap portion 218 on the flange 214 of the lower housing portion 206 engages the snap receiver on the housing of the door lock module 2b. Similarly, the first snap portion 212 on the upper housing cover 204 of the housing 202 engages the snap receiver on the flange of the housing 26 of the door lock module 2b.

[0091] In its final configuration (i.e., see Figure 8 or Fig. 9 Components), the automatic opening module 200 is arranged between the door lock module 2b and the external module 300, which is suitable for locking and releasing the sliding block 302 (a part of the external module). In particular, and as previously described, the automatic opening module 200 is operably connected to the door lock module 2b via one of the gears 10e of the gear mechanism 10, and is suitable for operably engaging with the operating rod 280 of the sliding block 302. The assembly and function of the external module 300 and its sliding block 302 are described in detail in the document EP 3483331 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] In summary, the automatic opening module 200 of the present invention replaces the electrically activated actuator (described in EP 3483331 B1), i.e. the pin portion 258 of the lever engagement pin 228 is adapted to push the operating lever 280 so as to disengage the locking projection 304 of the swing block 306 disposed in the sliding block 302, thereby enabling the swing block 306 to rotate within its cavity. The exact mechanism and function of the external module 300 and the included sliding block 302, locking projection 304 and swing block 306 are beyond the scope of the present invention and will not be described in detail (which can be found in EP 3483331 B1).

[0093] Therefore, the automatic opening module 200 provides a simplified door lock module with reduced complexity and a reduced number of components (e.g., electric solenoids), thereby minimizing manufacturing costs and minimizing the risk of potential failures and malfunctions when power is off. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the automatic opening module 200 can be incorporated into an existing door lock system as a retrofit.

[0094] In addition, as already described in the previous paragraphs, during operation and as Figure 2 (b) shows that the electric motor 6 is activated or energized, causing the output shaft of the electric motor 6 and the attached worm gear shaft 11 to rotate in the desired direction. The worm gear 11 engages the gear 10a, which in turn engages the gear 10b, then the gear 10c and rotates the locking ring 12b.

[0095] The gear 10a rotates counterclockwise (eg Figure 2 (b) causes the gear 10e in the connecting portion of the housing of the door lock module 2b to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0096] The rotation of the gear 10 e rotates the second gear 232 , which in turn rotates the first gear 230 .

[0097] Counterclockwise rotation of the first gear 230 causes the lever engagement pin 228 to move outward (clockwise rotation causes the pin to move inward) and pass through the first opening 208 to form an engaging contact with the operating lever 280 so as to push the operating lever against the offset locking protrusion 304 (e.g., a roller, see EP 3483331 B1 for details) of the swing block 306, which will "unlock" the swing block 306 (see above) and allow rotation in its cavity.

[0098] Clockwise rotation of the first gear 230 retracts the pin 228 into disengagement from the operating lever 280, thereby releasing the biased locking projection 304 (e.g., a spring biased roller) and "locking" the swing block 306 within its cavity (i.e., preventing the swing block 306 from rotating).

[0099] The clutch mechanism 250 ensures that the inward movement of the lever engagement pin 228 is restricted so that the pin portion 258 is in the correct position for the next cycle.

[0100] Therefore, the clutch mechanism 250 advantageously ensures that the rod engagement pin 228 remains in the correct position and can be reset to the correct position between use cycles without causing damage to the transmission system 226. Advantageously, the clutch mechanism 250 also compensates for changes or tolerances in the arrangement of components in the automatic opening module 200 during assembly. In the description section and claims of this specification, the words "include" and "contain" and their variants mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, parts, integral bodies or steps. Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular covers the plural. In particular, when using indefinite articles, unless the context otherwise requires, this specification should be understood to consider plural as well as singular forms.

[0101] Features, entities, characteristics, compounds, chemical structures or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any attached claims, abstracts and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination unless at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features among these features disclosed in this specification (including any attached claims, abstracts or drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps among these steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0102] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above (multiple) embodiments have been described by way of example only and without any limiting meaning, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the above detailed design are possible.

[0103] Reference numerals:

[0104] 2b Door lock module 142 Leaf spring

[0105] 4 PCB 200 Automatic opening module

[0106] 6 Electric motor 202 housing

[0107] 8 Wire 204 Upper cover part

[0108] 10 Gear mechanism 206 Lower housing part

[0109] 10a-c, 10e Gear 208 First opening

[0110] 11 Worm gear shaft 210 Second opening

[0111] 12b Locking ring 212 First buckle portion

[0112] 13b Door sensing pin 214 flange

[0113] 14 Cam guide 216 teeth

[0114] 16 Locking pin 218 Second buckle part

[0115] 18 Cam follower 220 First axis

[0116] 20b Trigger member 224 Rib

[0117] 22b First actuator 226 Transmission mechanism

[0118] 23b Second actuator 228 Rod engagement pin

[0119] 26 Housing 230 First gear

[0120] 28 Locking ring rod 232 Second gear

[0121] 30 Manual actuator 234 First gear member (of the first gear)

[0122] 32 Actuator arm 236 External teeth (of the first gear member of the first gear)

[0123] 34 Clutch mechanism 238 Second gear member (of the first gear)

[0124] 36 Aperture or cavity 240 External teeth (of the second gear member of the first gear)

[0125] 38 tooth member 242 first gear member (of the second gear)

[0126] 116 Locking pin 244 (External teeth of the first gear member of the second gear)

[0127] 138 plunger 246 second gear member (of the second gear)

[0128] 140 Bearing 248 External teeth (of the second gear member of the second gear)

[0129] 250 Clutch Mechanism

[0130] 252 Clutch Ring

[0131] 254 elastic tooth member

[0132] 256 Orifice or cavity

[0133] 258 Pin portion (of rod engaging pin)

[0134] 260 Rack portion (of rod engaging pin)

[0135] 262 teeth (of the rack)

[0136] 264 Slot

[0137] 266 Reset lever

[0138] 268 Body (of reset lever)

[0139] 270 Elastic arm (of reset lever)

[0140] 272 (Reset lever body and elastic arm

[0141] The opening between

[0142] 274 Flange

[0143] 276 Orifice

[0144] 278 Long Slide

[0145] 280 (Door lock system) rod

[0146] 300 External modules

[0147] 302 Slider

[0148] 304 Locking protrusion

[0149] 306 Swing Block

Claims

1. An automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance, the automatic opening module comprising: case; Transmission system; as well as rod engagement pin; wherein the transmission system and the rod engagement pin are received within the housing; wherein a first portion of the transmission system is operably coupled to the lever engagement pin; and Wherein, the second portion of the transmission system is configured to operably engage with an actuator of the door lock module, such that actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system to move the rod engagement pin between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

2. The automatic opening module according to claim 1, wherein: The lever engagement pin moves into the housing of the automatic opening module when in the first locked position, and at least a portion of the lever engagement pin moves out of the housing of the automatic opening module when in the second unlocked position.

3. An automatic opening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The transmission system is a gear assembly, and the gear assembly includes a plurality of gears.

4. The automatic opening module according to claim 3, wherein: The first portion of the transmission system includes a first gear of the plurality of gears, and the second portion of the transmission system includes a second gear of the plurality of gears.

5. An automatic opening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lever engaging pin includes a rack portion operably coupled to the first portion of the transmission system.

6. An automatic opening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first portion of the transmission system includes a clutch mechanism.

7. The automatic opening module according to claim 6, wherein: The clutch mechanism includes a clutch ring including at least two resilient tooth members.

8. The automatic opening module according to claim 7, wherein: The clutch mechanism includes a plurality of apertures disposed on an inner surface of the first portion of the transmission system.

9. Automatic opening module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a reset lever.

10. The automatic opening module according to claim 9, wherein: The reset lever is slidably engaged with the lever engagement pin.

11. The automatic opening module according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The reset lever includes a body and an elastic arm; and wherein an opening is defined between the body and the elastic arm.

12. The automatic opening module according to claim 11, wherein: The housing includes a protrusion extending from an inner wall of the housing.

13. The automatic opening module according to claim 12, wherein: The opening of the reset lever is configured to receive the protrusion of the housing.

14. The automatic opening module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The housing includes a first opening through which at least a portion of the lever engagement pin extends.

15. The automatic opening module according to claim 14, wherein: The housing includes a second opening through which at least a portion of the second gear extends to operably engage an actuator of a door lock module.

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