Washer dryer self reset lock group

EP4719155A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-08SERDAR PLASTIK SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-24
Publication Date
2026-04-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lock systems in white goods, such as washer dryers, face issues with liquid contact causing short circuits, leakage, rust, and corrosion, as well as complex structures leading to difficult assembly and wear out over time.

Method used

A self-resetting lock mechanism using a standard spring with special forms, made from plastic materials, featuring a switch trigger system with a stopper to prevent over-pressing, a retaining nail structure for secure installation, and a poke-yoke protrusion to prevent incorrect assembly.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively prevents liquid damage to electrical components, prolongs switch life, ensures secure and easy installation, and reduces assembly complexity and costs, while maintaining a flexible and durable lock mechanism.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention is characterised by a system that is suitable for use in all white goods and similar systems such as washer dryers, works with a spring and can be easily assembled by hand, allows the water coming to the switch to be guided and removed from the electronic components by means of its special forms, has a stopper trigger system that does not fully press the switch trigger, has a retaining nail structure that fits well, is shaped in accordance with the counter lock tongue part without the need to replace other parts other than the lock group, has a self-resetting feature, a flexible structure and a minimum number of parts, uses two different plastic materials, is grouped so that the same plastic screw is used with the existing lock group, uses a standard spring with more economical and repeatable forms, and has a poke-yoke protrusion to prevent this spring from being grouped incorrectly.
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Description

SR3- WASHER DRYER SELF RESET LOCK GROUPTechnical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention is related to a lock system group suitable for use in all white goods and similar covered machines such as tumble dryers, having a self-resetting feature and a flexible structure, works with a spring that can be easily assembled by hand, allows the water coming to the switch to be guided and removed from the electronics with the sharp ribs on the part, has a switch trigger system with a stopper that does not fully press the switch trigger to prolong the life of the switch, and has a retaining nail structure that fits perfectly.

[0002] The system of the invention provides advantages in terms of assembly and cost, with the use of a minimum number of parts. Two different plastic raw materials were used on the product. It can be characterized as a locking system that uses a standard spring with special forms that are economical and highly repeatable, produced in a way that it can be grouped using plastic screws in the section shaped for it in all white goods and similar systems such as washer dryers, and also has a flat protrusion (poke-yoke) that is left at the end of only one side in order to prevent the spring from being grouped incorrectly and by means of which prevents the spring from being installed upside down and causing problems at the end points.The State of the Art

[0003] Today, in all white goods systems that operate using different liquids, such as washer dryers, etc., the parts that make up the system damage the system if the liquids on it come into contact with the electrical parts. In the state of the art, contact with liquids in the lock area may cause short circuit problems in the systems in which they are used. In addition, fluid passages in the parts of the system cause problems such as leakage and may lead to rust and corrosion in the future.

[0004] Apart from these, in known systems, the fact that lock systems consist of more parts, that is, have a more complex structure, causes the assembly and manufacturing processes to be difficult.

[0005] In addition, in the state of the art, the door lock used in the machines may wear out over time as a result of long-term and intensive use and all the opening and closing movements, and problems such as the lock latch not locking, remaining stuck, moving out of place and loosening may occur. If the machine's door not closing is not due to foreign objects getting stuck or adhered, it is due to a structural or technical problem in the machine. It will be necessary to check the lock / seal etc. systems on the machine's cover in order and find the source of the problem. Such problems cause loss of time and labour during the use of machines.

[0006] Our patent application for 'Self-Resetting Lock Mechanism' with file number 2020 / 05084 was filed in Turkey and in EP, CN and US (PCT) with file number WO2018231181A2. Our application with file number 2020 / 05084 is suitable for use in all existing white goods, etc., all machines having a door. Said application relates to the lock group, which has a self-reset locking mechanism, can be easily grouped by hand, does not use any metal other than the spring, and has a poke-yoke protrusion. This patent study provides the opportunity to use it in different structures than our previously applied 'Self-Resetting Lock Mechanism' application mentioned above by being produced with a structure with a stopper that does not fully press the trigger, which ensures longer switch life, a lock group structure shaped according to the existing counter lock part without the need to replace other parts other than the lock group and two different raw materials used for more precise operation of the mechanism.Brief Description of The Invention

[0007] The present invention is characterised by a system that is suitable for use in all white goods and similar systems such as washer dryers, works with a spring and can be easily assembled by hand, allows the water coming to the switch to be guided and removed from the electronic components by means of its special forms, has a switch trigger system with a stopper that does not fully press the switch trigger to extend the life of the switch, has a retaining nail structure that fits perfectly into place, has a self-resetting feature and a flexible structure for which minimum number of parts and plastic raw materials are used, produced using plastic material, uses standard springs with economical, highly repeatable forms, and has a poke-yoke protrusion to prevent the spring from being grouped incorrectly.Detailed Description of The Invention

[0008] The product of the invention can be characterised by being suitable for use in all white goods and similar machines with a door such as washer dryers and consisting of a spring system that can be easily assembled by hand.

[0009] One of the biggest dangers for electronic devices is short circuits that may occur in the system. The power supply burns the conductive part in places where there is no resistance (in a short-circuited conductor), or the power supply cannot withstand this current and breaks down. Although it is known that pure water generally does not harm electronic devices, corrosion begins when the liquids we encounter in daily life (rain water, tap water, sea water, etc.) come into contact with electronics due to the ions and solutions they contain. This corrosion gradually contacts the inside of the device and causes it to malfunction. Special sealing gaskets are used in most of the products available on the market. In said invention, the water in the system is guided away from the switch by means of its specially shaped body, and no gasket is used. The invention can be characterised by being in complete control of the water coming onto the system by means of the specially shaped forms on the body. In this way, water is prevented from damaging the existing lock switch system and mechanism, and is guided and removed from the lock in a controlled manner.BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure-1: Washer Dryer Lock Group - Body

[0011] Figure-2: Washer Dryer Lock Group - Latch

[0012] Figure-3: Washer Dryer Lock Group - Spring

[0013] Figure-4: Washer Dryer Lock Group - Spring Holder

[0014] Figure-5: Figure showing the direction of water flow on the Washer Dryer

[0015] Figure-6: Washer Dryer Lock Group - MechanismREFERENCES

[0016] (3a): Latch junction

[0017] (3b): Poke Yoke protrusion

[0018] (5a, 5b, 5c,5d,5e): Water paths

[0019] Another feature of the invention is characterised by a switch trigger system with a stopper that closes the switch integrated on the latch in the operating direction without forcing it and at the same time does not fully press the switch trigger to prolong the life of the switch.

[0020] In lock systems, the number of socket nails, the retaining nail structure, the lock fitting properly and not being easily removed are among the important factors. If the lock is not fully seated, it may cause malfunctions / deterioration in the lock part and the machine not working even if all its functions are active. Additionally, if the door lock is removed from its slot, it may cause the device's cover not to close. In such cases where the door cannot be closed properly, problems such as the system not working or operating in a dangerous way may be encountered. If the user forces the door to be closed, situations such as the lock latch or lock tongue breaking may occur. In these cases, the machine should be stopped, the service should be called and the problems should be resolved and the device should not be used during that period. These problems occurring in the lock part constitute a major problem and cause some malfunctions / deteriorations in the system and shorten the lifespan of the devices. Such problems lead to loss of time and to extra costs.

[0021] By means of its sharp and holding nail structure, the system can be easily installed in its place within the system (fits exactly in its place), and is characterised by being difficult to remove in response to dislodgement measures, as it is intended to be.

[0022] Another feature of the invention is that it is produced in a way that it is suitable for installation in the existing volume, in the section shaped for it, in all white goods and similar systems, such as existing dryers. It has a switch trigger system structure with a stopper that closes the switch integrated on the latch on the lock system in the working direction without forcing it in the working direction and at the same time does not fully press the switch trigger to prolong the life of the switch, and has a retaining and flexible lock system structure during the door opening.

[0023] Another feature of the invention is the self-resetting lock mechanism, which is not similar to existing products in terms of visual and mechanical structure, and is characterised by allowing the user to close the door without any problems, even when the lock latch is closed.

[0024] Another feature of the invention is that there is a standard spring (3) in the system, which is both economical and highly repeatable. In the end forms of the spring, incorrect assembly is prevented with the help of forms made on the opposite parts. In order to prevent the spring from being grouped incorrectly in the lock of the invention, a flat protrusion (poke-yoke protrusion) is left at the end of the spring on only one side, and a shape-appropriate slot is left on the opposite plastic part. These measures taken eliminate risky situations that may occur, such as electronic card damage, etc. In addition, the system consists of only four parts including the spring (3) (body (1), latch (2), spring (3) and spring holder (4)), and it is a lock mechanism with a self-resetting feature that provides advantages in terms of installation, time and cost (production costs).

[0025] Another feature of the invention is that the part body (1), mechanism parts (latch (2) and spring holder (4)) are made of plastic material. By using two different plastic raw materials on the product, more sensitive operation of the mechanism has been ensured. Additionally, these plastic materials used have advantages / features that metals do not have, such as elasticity, high hardness, superior durability and dimensional stability. In addition, these materials do not deteriorate after pressure, are resistant to impacts, and do not deform in a very long time, even if they are kept under load for a long time.

[0026] Said invention is characterised by the fact that the spring system used is both economical and has high repeatability, using standard spring end forms with forms made on counter parts. A flat protrusion is left at the end of the spring on only one side, which centres the spring and prevents the spring from rotating and being grouped incorrectly, and a corresponding slot is left on the opposite plastic piece.

[0027] The spring holder, which has a slot into which the protrusion attached to the spring will enter (poke-yoke), is characterised by preventing the spring from being installed upside down and causing problems at the end points by means of this structure.Industrial Applicability of the Invention

[0028] Said invention has been proposed for all white goods and similar systems such as washer dryers and will be preferred due to its features and advantages.

Claims

A lock system for white goods, consisting of only four parts as lock system (1), latch (2), spring (3) and spring holder (4).A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, comprising the trigger system with stopper that allows the water coming to the switch to be guided through 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e water paths and away from the electronic components, without fully pressing the switch trigger.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, comprising the elastic socket tab and holder tab that fits perfectly, providing flexibility in opening and closing the door of the white goods with the help of the stopper trigger system that does not fully press the switch trigger.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, comprising retaining tabs that enable it to be shaped in accordance with the lock tongue part without the need to replace any other parts other than the system lock group.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, wherein it is flexible and has a self-resetting feature, allows the user to close the door without any problems, even when the lock latch is closed with the locking mechanism consisting of body (1), latch (2), spring (3) and spring holder (4).A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, wherein the part body (1), and mechanism parts (latch (2) and spring holder (4)) are made of plastic material.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, wherein more sensitive operation of the mechanism is ensured by using two different plastic raw materials on the product, wherein, these plastic materials used have advantages / features that metals do not have, such as elasticity, high hardness, superior durability and dimensional stability, and wherein, these materials also do not deteriorate after pressure, are resistant to impacts, and do not deform in a very long time, even if they are kept under load for a long time.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, comprising a spring system consisting of a spring and a spring holder that centres the spring, prevents the spring from rotating and being grouped incorrectly, having a flat protrusion at the end of the spring only on one side, and a corresponding slot being left on the opposite plastic part.A lock system for white good according to Claim 1, comprising a spring holder that has a slot with a poke-yoke (3 b) protrusion, wherein the protrusion attached to the spring will enter, by leaving a flat protrusion at the end of the spring only on one side, and leaving a slot for it on the opposite plastic part, in order to prevent the spring from being grouped incorrectly.