TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electrical household appliances such
as washing machines, dishwashers and/or similar electrical household appliances. In
particular, the present invention relates to a closing and opening device, in particular
for panels, doors or the like, for example of electrical household appliances of the
aforesaid type. In detail, the present invention relates to a device of the aforesaid
type adapted to prevent the accidental opening of a panel or door, for example during
the operation of a washing machine, as well as, again in the case of a washing machine
or a similar electrical household appliance, to provide the hermetic seal of the panel
or door, as well as to allow the easy opening of the panel under special pre-set conditions
(for example, when the washing machine or similar electrical household appliance is
not in operation). The present invention further relates to a closing and opening
system comprising a closing and opening device of the aforesaid type, as well as to
an electrical household appliance (for example, a washing machine or a similar electrical
household appliance) equipped with a device and/or system of the aforesaid type.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The most common closing and opening devices and/or systems employed for electrical
household appliances, such as, for example, washing machines and/or similar electrical
household appliances, essentially comprise an actual closing (and opening) assembly
usually applied to the housing of the electrical household appliance and a striker
element usually fixed to the panel of the same electrical household appliance. Furthermore,
commonly, the closing and opening assembly can be switched between a first closing
position and a second opening position, wherein the closing assembly, in the closing
position, engages the corresponding striker element stop of the panel, thus securing
the closing of the panel itself, while, conversely, in the opening position, it allows
the disengagement of the striker element and thus the opening of the panel. Such a
known closing and opening device is known from e.g.
GB1249117A and
WO2010120647A1.
[0003] For example, manual switching devices and/or systems are known, i.e. in which the
switching of the closing and opening assembly is accomplished manually by a user or
operator, devices and/or systems in which the switching of the closing and opening
assembly is electromechanically assisted, e.g. by means of small electric motors,
solenoids and/or similar components being in fact equally well-known and common.
[0004] Furthermore, regardless of the type of switching (manual or electromechanical switching),
the most recently developed devices and/or systems were conceived to meet different
requirements, said requirements being dictated by both current safety standards and
functional needs.
[0005] For example, in terms of safety, the devices and/or systems according to the prior
art have been conceived so as to prevent the accidental opening of the panel, in particular
during the operation of the electrical household appliance, for example, in the case
of a washing machine, during the washing cycle steps which provide for the presence
of water inside the washing machine, wherein, on the other hand, the safety standards
also require the possibility of an easy (simple and fast) opening of the panel, in
particular, in case of emergencies.
[0006] From the point of view of the functional needs, instead, an essential requirement
is that of ensuring the perfect hermetic seal of the panel so as to prevent water
or liquid leakages and/or similar drawbacks.
[0007] The closing devices and/or systems of the known type, even those according to the
most recent prior art, although being appreciable from the "industrial" point of view
(construction simplicity and cost-effective manufacturing), also have the drawback
of meeting only partially and only some of the requirements and/or needs summarized
above, while the demand for devices which are both compliant to safety standards as
well as appreciable from the functionality and/or reliability point of view is growing.
[0008] It is therefore the main object of the present invention to overcome or at least
minimize the drawbacks summarized above and observed in the closing devices and/or
systems according to the prior art.
[0009] In particular, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a closing
and opening device allowing for a reliable closing (in particular, hermetic and not
subject to accidental and/or unwanted openings) of the panel, while allowing, in case
of emergencies, for a quick and easy opening of the panel.
[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the above objects must be ensured
for a prolonged period of time, in particular, even after a minimum number of closing
and opening cycles compatible with market needs.
[0011] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a closing and opening
device and/or system which allows to achieve the above objects, but which may be obtained
by means of simple and therefore cost-effective manufacturing methods.
[0012] Finally, the closing and opening device and/or system according to the present invention
shall be characterized by reduced size and bulk, as well as be applicable to electrical
household appliances of the known type according to equally simple and cost-effective
modes, as well as not require substantial modifications to said electrical household
appliances.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is based on the general consideration according to which it
is possible to achieve the above pre-set objects and in particular to meet the functionality
and reliability needs in compliance with safety standards by means of a device which
provides for two different reciprocal engagement conditions between switching assembly
and striker element, the switching assembly and the striker element being simply alternatively
engageable (into said first engagement condition) and disengageable (from said first
engagement position) by alternatively acting by means of pushing and traction (or
internal pushing) on the panel, the switching assembly and the striker element being
further alternatively engageable (into said second engagement condition) and disengageable
(from said second engagement position) by means of assisted switching of the switching
assembly, for example by means of electromechanical means such as electric motors
or the like.
[0014] A further consideration underlying the present invention is that the assisted switching
from said first reciprocal engagement condition to said second reciprocal engagement
condition (between the switching assembly and the striker element) may be effectively
used to obtain an improved reciprocal engagement between the panel and the main body
(in particular, the housing) of the electrical household appliance, thus ensuring,
for example, the watertight sealing of the panel itself. Furthermore, being the reciprocal
disengagement of the striker element and of the switching assembly (from said second
position or engagement condition) possible only by means of the activation of said
electromechanical means, the accidental opening of the panel, for example in the presence
of water in the electrical household appliance, will be prevented.
[0015] Based on the above considerations, and in view of the problems and/or drawbacks observed
in the closing and opening devices and/or systems according to the prior art, the
present invention relates to a closing and opening device for doors and/or panels
and/or similar components, in particular of electrical household appliances such as
washing machines, dishwashers and similar electrical household appliances, as it is
defined in claim 1.
[0016] According to an embodiment, said closing and opening assembly comprises first elastic
means, where said first switching of said closing and opening element from said first
position to said second position is accomplished against the resistance exerted by
said elastic means, and where with said striker element at least partially inserted
in said closing and opening element through said through opening, said closing and
opening element is switched again from said second position substantially to said
first position by virtue of the pushing action of said elastic means.
[0017] According to an embodiment, with said striker element at least partially inserted
through said through opening and said closing and opening element in said first position,
a second engagement and switching surface of said closing and opening element engages
a second engagement and switching surface of said striker element so as to prevent
said striker element from accidentally exiting from said closing and opening element
through said through opening, thus preventing the accidental disengagement of said
closing and opening assembly from said striker element.
[0018] According to a variant, at least said second engagement and switching surface of
said closing and opening element is shaped so that, with said striker element at least
partially inserted through said through opening and with said closing and opening
element substantially in said first position, a traction with predefined intensity
exerted on said striker element in a direction opposite to the insertion direction
results in a further switching of said closing and opening element from said first
position to said second position, and therefore in the disengagement of said striker
element from said closing and opening assembly.
[0019] According to an embodiment, said closing and opening element can be further switched
by rotation from said first position to a third position opposite to said second position,
where at least said second engagement and switching surface of said closing and opening
element is shaped so that, with said striker element at least partially inserted into
said closing and opening assembly, the switching of said closing and opening element
from said second position to said third position results in a further insertion of
said striker element into said closing and opening assembly.
[0020] According to an embodiment, said closing and opening element can be switched by rotation
from said third position to a fourth position, said fourth position being such as
to allow said striker element to exit and/or be extracted from said closing and opening
assembly through said through opening of said closing and opening element.
[0021] According to a variant, the rotation direction for switching said closing and opening
element from said third position to said fourth position coincides with the rotation
direction for switching from said first position to said third position.
[0022] According to an embodiment, said closing and opening assembly further comprises second
elastic means, where, with said closing and opening element in each of said third
and fourth positions, said second elastic means are elastically engaged by said striker
element, and where, with said closing and opening element in said fourth position,
the outward movement and/or extraction of said striker element from said closing and
opening assembly through said through opening are facilitated by the elastic reaction
of said second elastic means. According to an embodiment, said closing and opening
assembly further comprises a switchable operating element coupled to said closing
and opening element so that the switching of said operating element results in a switching
of said closing and opening element.
[0023] According to a variant, said operating element can be switched by rotation, where
the switching by rotation of said switching element from a first position to a second
position and from said second position to a third position results in the switching
of said closing and opening element from said first position to said third position
and from said third position to said fourth position, respectively.
[0024] According to an embodiment, said device comprises electromechanical means for switching
said operating element.
[0025] According to an embodiment, said electromechanical means comprise an electric motor
and one or more transmission elements interposed between said electric motor and said
operating element.
[0026] According to a variant, said operating element comprises a circular serrated ring
nut, where said serrated ring nut is engaged by at least one of said transmission
elements.
[0027] The present invention further relates to a closing and opening system for doors and/or
panels and/or similar components, in particular of electrical household appliances
such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar electrical household appliances,
said system comprising a striker element adapted to be rigidly fixed to a said panel,
where said system comprises a closing and opening device according to one of the variants
and/or embodiments summarized above, where the closing and opening assembly of said
device is adapted to alternatively engage and disengage said striker element.
[0028] The present invention further relates to an electrical household appliance such as,
for example, a washing machine, comprising at least one panel, said electrical household
appliance comprising a device according to one of the variants and/or embodiments
summarized above and a striker element rigidly fixed to said panel. Any further embodiments
of the present invention are defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will be further clarified below by means of the following detailed
description of the possible embodiments depicted in the drawings, in which corresponding
or equivalent features and/or component parts of the present invention are identified
by the same reference numerals. It should be noted, however, that the present invention
is not limited to the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings; conversely,
all those variants and/or modifications of the embodiments described below and depicted
in the accompanying drawings, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
fall within the scope of the present invention, as it is defined in the appended claims.
[0030] In the drawings:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective and exploded view of a device and a closing and opening
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Figures from 2 to 10 show perspective views of the device and system according to
an embodiment of the present invention during different respective steps of the reciprocal
engagement and disengagement thereof;
- Figures from 11 to 16 show perspective views of the device and system according to
an embodiment of the present invention during further different respective steps of
the engagement thereof;
- Figures from 17 to 22 show side and partial section views of the device and system
according to an embodiment of the present invention during some of the different steps
of the reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the device, depicted in Figures
from 11 to 16;
- Figures from 23 to 26 show plan and partial section views of the device and system
according to an embodiment of the present invention during some of the different steps
of the reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the device, depicted in Figures
from 11 to 16;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0031] The present invention finds particular application in the field of electrical household
appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar electrical household
appliances, this being the reason why, below, the present invention will be described
with particular reference to the applications thereof in the field of electrical household
appliances, in particular of a washing machine.
[0032] However, it should be pointed out that the possible applications of the present invention
are not limited to those described below. Conversely, the present invention finds
convenient application in all cases in which the closing and the opening of a panel
are required to be reliable, simple, safe, and in accordance with the safety standards.
[0033] In Figure 1, the device according to the embodiment depicted therein is identified
by reference numeral 100 and comprises a support base 10 with a through opening as
well as, arranged on the base 10, electromechanical means 6, 7 and 8, a closing and
opening element 5 housed in a ring nut 3 (the element 5 and the ring nut 3 being assembled
together to form a switching assembly 20) as well as a locking ring 2 and an elastic
flap 11. The closing and opening element 5, with a circular external peripheral surface,
is housed inside the ring nut 3, which in turn defines a cylindrical internal surface
with a radius substantially corresponding to that of the external surface of the element
5, and which is equipped with an external serration 31. The electromechanical means
6, 7 and 8 essentially comprise a small electric motor 6 on the shaft of which a first
pinion 7 is fixed, engaging in turn an intermediate gear 8 (serrated wheel), a third
intermediate gear being engaged by the second gear, where the third gear comprises
a serrated wheel from which a rotation shaft extends with an external surface comprising
a helical groove (in practice, a worm gear) which finally engages the external serration
of the ring nut 3. It thus appears that the activation of the starter motor 6 with
consequent rotation of the shaft and of the pinion 7 results in a rotation of the
intermediate transmission gears, and finally in a rotation of the ring nut 3. The
closing and opening element 5 is housed, as mentioned above, inside the ring nut 3
and is both rotatable with respect to the ring nut 3 (inside a pre-set circular sector)
and rotated by the ring nut 3 according to modes clarified below in greater detail.
The element 5 further comprises a through opening 30 of shape and size substantially
corresponding to those of the opening obtained in the base 10, i.e. with two opposite
straight sides joined by two curved sides which are also opposite. First elastic means
are interposed between the element 5 and the ring nut 3 (see in particular, for example,
Figures from 2 to 5), which essentially consist of a couple of helical clips 4 arranged
in symmetrical positions with respect to a transverse symmetry plane, where the element
5 in non-use conditions (resting) is kept pushed in the end-of-stroke position thereof
with respect to the ring nut 3 by the action of the two clips 4. In Figure 1, reference
numeral 9 further identifies a control and management board adjacent the ring nut
3 and comprising external conductive metal foils adapted to be suitably stressed by
the ring nut 3 during the rotation thereof, again according to modes clarified below
in greater detail.
[0034] With reference to Figures from 23 to 26, the macroscopic features and/or peculiarities
of both the ring nut 3 and the closing and opening element 5 will be described below.
As depicted in Figure 3, the ring nut 3, in addition to the serration 32, comprises
a plurality of protrusions 31 adapted, in fact, to engage, during the rotation of
the ring nut 3, the conductive metal foils of the board 9, where the engagement of
one or more of the metal foils results in the generation of electrical control signals
adapted to be received by a control unit (not depicted in the Figures) belonging to
the electrical household appliance equipped with the device 100. Furthermore, as for
the closing and opening element 5, Figure 26 shows a plan view thereof, in particular,
from the bottom with respect to Figure 1, from which it appears that the element 5
comprises two opposite tapered (inclined) surfaces 51 extending from the opposite
longitudinal edges of the opening 30 tightening towards the inside of the opening
30 itself. For clarity, the two opposite tapered surfaces 51 of the element 5 will
be also defined below as first striker or engagement surfaces of the closing and opening
element 5, where, in element 5 a circular bottom will be identified, which defines
the opening 30 and is surrounded and delimited by a cylindrical side wall. The bottom
surface facing the base 10 (and possibly partially resting on the base 10 itself)
is thus substantially flat (figure 26) without the two opposite tapered surfaces 51
described herein. The bottom of the element 5, on the opposite side of the surface
resting on the base 10, is instead shaped so as to define two inclined surfaces (for
example, as a cam 52) arranged on the sides of the opening 30, where the thickness
of the bottom portions underlaid by the two surfaces 52 varies from a minimum thickness
to a maximum thickness, and where the two cam (or simply inclined) surfaces 52 are
arranged and oriented symmetrically with respect to the opening 30.
[0035] Again with reference to Figure 1, a latch-shaped striker element 11 (substantially
"T-shaped", but not limited to in the embodiment depicted in Figure 1) is further
depicted therein, where the latch is adapted to be fixed to the panel (not depicted)
of an electrical household appliance, for example a washing machine or laundry machine.
It is thus apparent that the reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the latch
11 and of the device 100, according to modes clarified below in greater detail, result
in the closing and opening of the panel, respectively.
[0036] As previously described, the device according to the present invention allows at
least two reciprocal engagement modes between the striker element 11 and the device
itself, and thus two closing and opening modes, respectively, of the panel provided
with the striker element 11; a first reciprocal engagement and disengagement mode
will be clarified below with reference to Figures from 2 to 10, in which component
parts and/or features of the device 100 according to the present invention already
described above with reference to other Figures are identified by the same reference
numerals.
[0037] Figures from 2 to 6 depict the progressive engagement of the striker element 11 and
of the device 100, the progressive engagement being obtained, for example, by the
panel progressively approaching the electrical household appliance equipped with the
device 100.
[0038] In the starting situation depicted in Figure 2, the element 5 is kept in the end-of-stroke
position thereof with respect to the ring nut 3 by the springs 4, where, in this situation,
the opening 30 of the element 5 is not perfectly aligned with the corresponding opening
of the base but, conversely, the bottom of the element 5 at least partially overlaps
the opening of the base 10, the opening of the base 10 being thus at least partially
obstructed by the element 5 (by the bottom thereof). With the progressive approach
of the striker element 11 to the device 10 (Figures from 2 to 3), the striker element
11 is first inserted into the corresponding opening of the base 10, where the engagement
surface 111 of the element 11 is put in contact with the surfaces 51 of the element
5 or at least with the portions thereof placed at the opening of the base 10. It is
thus apparent that by exerting a further pushing action on the striker element 11
(in the insertion direction), by virtue of the shape of the surfaces 51 (and possibly
of a further tapering of the surface 111), the pushing of the striker element 11 on
the surfaces 51 will result in a switching (rotation) of the element 5 in a rotation
direction defined by the orientation of the surfaces 51 and 111 involved, and thus
in a rotation in the counterclockwise direction, in the specific case and with respect
to the Figures, with the subsequent substantial alignment of the opening 30 and of
the opening of base 10 (Figure 5), and thus with the possibility of further inserting
the striker element 11 into the closing and opening assembly 20 through the opening
30. It should be noted in particular how the rotation or switching of the element
5 described herein is accomplished against the pushing action exerted by the clips
4 which are thus elastically loaded, being the ring nut 3 still with respect to the
base 10 (the electromechanical switching means are deactivated).
[0039] With the further insertion of the striker element 11 through the opening 30, until
positioning the striker head 113 (transversely with respect to the rod) of the element
11, in particular the surface 112 (opposite to the surface 111 in the longitudinal
development direction of the element 11) beyond the opening 30, and in particular
beyond the end portions of the cam surfaces 52 underlying the portions of the bottom
with a minimum thickness, the rotating pushing on the element 5 is stopped, which
is thus again switched (rotated) in the opposite direction (clockwise), by virtue
of the action of the previously elastically loaded clips 4, where the surfaces 52
engage the surface 112 of the striker element 12, thus forming a first reciprocal
engagement condition between the device 100 (closing assembly 20) and the striker
element 11 and thus a closing condition between the panel and the electrical household
appliance. This is a particularly advantageous closing condition since it allows to
keep the panel in the minimum bulk orientation (against the electrical household appliance)
and since it is obtainable without any need to activate the electromechanical means
for the assisted switching of the device.
[0040] In an equally simple and immediate manner, the reciprocal disengagement between element
11 and device 100 or closing assembly 20 can be achieved by simply acting in traction
on the striker element 11 (for example by acting on the panel) in the opposite direction
of the engagement or insertion direction. In fact, as depicted in Figures from 7 to
10, the engagement of the surface 112 with the cam surfaces 52, in case of traction
on the element 11, results in a new rotation of the element 5 in a counterclockwise
direction, with the consequent substantial alignment of the opening 30 with the opening
of the base 10 (and thus with the transverse part of the element 11), and thus with
the possibility of extracting the element 11 through the opening 30 and the opening
of the base 10, where again by virtue of the action of the springs 4, the reciprocal
disengagement between the striker element 11 and the closing element 5, results in
a further rotation (in the clockwise direction) of the element 5, which is thus re-positioned
in the starting configuration, in which the closing element 5 is in the end-of-stroke
position thereof with respect to the ring nut 3 and partially obstructs the opening
of the base 10 (Figure 1). The disengagement modes (and thus the opening modes of
the panel) described above ensure both a simplified and immediate opening of the panel
(for example when the electrical household appliance is to be loaded), and the appropriate
guarantees in terms of safety, for example, in emergency conditions, in particular,
being the opening of the panel possible according to similar modes, also acting by
pushing on the panel from the inside of the electrical household appliance, for example
in the unfortunately frequent case of a child trapped in the electrical household
appliance.
[0041] Once again, it should be further noted that during the closing and opening steps
described above, the ring nut 3 has never been rotated, being the switchings only
related to rotations of the element 5 with respect to the ring nut 3.
[0042] The second reciprocal engagement and disengagement modes of the device 100 (of the
assembly 20) and of the striker element 11, and thus the closing and opening modes
of the panel, will be described below with reference to Figures from 11 to 22; for
synthesis purposes, below, it will also be assumed that the striker element 11 and
the closing and opening assembly 20 are already mutually engaged in the first reciprocal
engagement condition depicted in Figure 6.
[0043] In the situation depicted in Figure 6, the activation of the starter motor 6, for
example automatically controlled by the start of the washing program, results in a
rotation of each of the transmission elements, and thus also of the ring nut 3, in
particular in a clockwise direction; the rotation of the ring nut 3 in the clockwise
direction (note the different arrangement of the protrusions 31 with respect to the
control board 9) results first in a progressive compression of the clips 4 (possibly
already partially compressed) but also in a progressive feeding, in the clockwise
direction, of the element 5, which thus results (Figure 12) in a progressive engagement
of the surfaces 52 with the surface 112 of the striker element 11 and thus in the
further movement, in the insertion direction, of the element 11 with respect to the
element 5, and thus, by virtue of the shape of the surfaces 52, in the progressive
approach of the panel to the electrical household appliance, with the subsequent progressive
compression of the elastic gasket (if present) interposed between the panel and the
electrical household appliance.
[0044] The rotation of the ring nut 3 and of the element 5 continues until reaching the
final arrangement depicted in Figure 13, i.e. with the opening 30 of the element 5
arranged (substantially) transversely with respect to the head 113 of the element
11, where the surface 112 is engaged by the portions of the surfaces 52 underlying
the portions of the bottom of the element 5 with greater thickness, and where the
element 11 is thus in the maximum insertion position through the opening 30. At this
point, the starter motor 6 is automatically deactivated, in particular by virtue of
the engagement of the conductive metal foils of the board 9, where the panel is thus
positioned in the sealing condition and the operating cycle of the electrical household
appliance may thus begin, for example the actual washing cycle of a washing machine
or laundry machine.
[0045] It should be noted (see also Figure 21) as (at least) in the closing condition of
Figure 13, the surface 111 (at least the flat part thereof) of the head 113 of the
element 11 engages the elastic flap 1, which is thus elastically loaded and acts by
pushing on the element 11 in the opposite direction of the insertion direction thereof.
[0046] The reciprocal disengagement of the element 11 and of the assembly 20 and thus the
opening of the panel are shown in Figures from 14 to 15 and provide for the further
rotation of the ring nut 3 and of the element 5 (still in the clockwise direction)
by virtue of the activation of the starter motor 6 and the subsequent rotation of
the transmission elements, the actuation of the starter motor being obtained, for
example, automatically at the end of the washing cycle, where, thereby (Figure 16)
the opening 30 is again aligned both with the transverse head 113 of the element 11
and with the opening of the base 10, where the element 11 is thus ejected by virtue
of the pushing exerted thereon by the elastic flap 1, and thus disengaged; the panel
is thus automatically opened. It should be further noted that with the element 11
disengaged (Figure 15), the element 5 is first rotated by a little less than 180°
with respect to the starting position, where, still with the striker element disengaged,
a further rotation of the element 5 with respect to the ring nut 3 occurs, in particular
by virtue of the action of the clips 4, where the element 5 reaches the position of
Figure 16, in which it is rotated by 180° with respect to the starting position.
[0047] It has thus been shown, by means of the above detailed description of the embodiments
of the present invention depicted in the drawings, that the present invention allows
to achieve the desired results and to overcome or at least limit the drawbacks observed
in the prior art.
[0048] In particular, by means of the present invention, a closing and opening device is
provided, which allows for a reliable closing (in particular, hermetic and not subject
to accidental and/or unwanted openings) of the panel, while allowing, in case of emergencies,
but not only, for a quick, easy and automatic opening of the panel. Furthermore, the
above objects are achieved and ensured for a prolonged period of time, in particular,
even after a minimum number of closing and opening cycles compatible with market needs,
where the device according to the present invention may be achieved by means of simple
and therefore cost-effective manufacturing methods, is characterized by reduced size
and bulk, and is applicable to electrical household appliances of the known type according
to equally simple and cost-effective modes, and does not require substantial modifications
to said electrical household appliances.
[0049] Although the present invention has been previously clarified by means of the detailed
description of the embodiments depicted in the drawings, the present invention is
not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the drawings; conversely,
all those variants and/or modifications of the embodiments described below and depicted
in the accompanying drawings, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
are within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.
[0050] For example, according to a variant, a protective lid (not shown in the Figures)
may be included, possibly to replace the ring 2, and thus, in this case, with both
protection and fixing functions. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the electromechanical
means for the assisted switching may be entirely or partially omitted and/or replaced
by equivalent components such as transmission belts or the like, the device according
to the present invention being however arranged for the manual switching of the closing
element 5 by means of the ring nut 5 or, alternatively, directly.
[0051] The scope of protection of the present invention is therefore defined by the claims.
1. A closing and opening device (100) for doors and/or panels and/or similar components,
in particular of electrical household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers
and similar electrical household appliances, said device comprising a closing and
opening assembly (20) adapted to be alternatively engaged by and disengaged from a
striker element (11) adapted to be fixed rigidly to said panel, wherein said closing
and opening assembly (20) comprises a first closing and opening element (5) which
can be switched by rotation between a first position and a second position, said closing
and opening element (5) and striker (11) being shaped in such a way that the reciprocal
pushing action of said striker element (11) against said closing and opening assembly
(20) results or translates into a first switching of said closing and opening element
(5) from said first position to said second position, wherein said closing and opening
element (5) comprises a through opening (30) with two opposite longitudinal edges,
wherein with said closing and opening element (5) in said first position, the reciprocal
pushing of an engagement surface (111) of said striker element (11) against two opposite
tapered surfaces (51) extending respectively from said opposite longitudinal edges
of said through opening (30) and tightening towards the inside of said opening (30)
itself results in said closing and opening element (5) being switched by rotation
from said first position into said second position, and wherein with said closing
and opening element (5) in said second position, said striker element (11) can be
inserted at least partially into said closing and opening element (5) through said
through opening (30).
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said closing and opening assembly (20) comprises first elastic means (4), in that said first switching of said closing and opening element (5) from said first position
to said second position is accomplished against the resistance exerted by said first
elastic means (4), and in that, with said striker element (11) at least partially inserted in said closing and opening
element (5) through said through opening (30), said closing and opening element (5)
is switched again from said second position substantially to said first position due
to the pushing action of said first elastic means (4).
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, with said striker element (11) at least partially inserted through said opening (30)
and said closing and opening element (5) in said first position, a second engagement
and switching surface (52) of said closing and opening element (5) engages a second
engagement and switching surface (112) of said striker element (11) so as to prevent
said striker element (11) from accidentally coming out of said closing and opening
element (5) through said opening (30), thus preventing the accidental disengagement
of said closing and opening assembly (20) from said striker element (11).
4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least said second engagement and switching surface (52) of said closing and opening
element (5) is shaped in such a way that, with said striker element (11) at least
partially inserted through said opening (30) and with said closing and opening element
(5) substantially in said first position, a traction with predefined intensity exerted
on said striker element (11) in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion
results or translates into a further switching of said closing and opening element
(5) from said first position to said second position, and therefore into the disengagement
of said striker element (11) from said closing and opening assembly (20).
5. A device according to one of the preceding claims from 3 to 4, characterized in that said closing and opening element (5) can be further switched by rotation from said
first position to a third position opposite to said second position, and in that at least said second engagement and switching surface (52) of said closing and opening
element (5) is shaped in such a way that, with the striker element (11) at least partially
inserted into said closing and opening assembly (20), the switching of said closing
and opening element (5) from said second position to said third position translates
into a further insertion of said striker element (11) into said closing and opening
assembly (20).
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that said closing and opening element (5) can be switched by rotation from said third
position to a fourth position, said fourth position being such as to allow said striker
element (11) to come out and/or be extracted from said closing and opening assembly
(20) through said opening (30) of said closing and opening element (5).
7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the direction of rotation for switching said closing and opening element (5) from
said third position to said fourth position coincides with the direction of rotation
for switching from said first position to said third position.
8. A device according to one of the preceding claims from 5 to 7, characterized in that said closing and opening assembly (20) further comprises second elastic means (1),
in that with said closing and opening element (5) in each of said third and fourth positions
said second elastic means (1) are elastically engaged by said striker element (11),
and in that with said closing and opening element (5) in said fourth position the outward movement
and/or extraction of said striker element (11) from said closing and opening assembly
(20) through said opening (30) are facilitated by the elastic reaction of said second
elastic means (1).
9. A device according to one of the preceding claims from 1 to 8, characterized in that said closing and opening assembly (20) further comprises a switchable operating element
(3) coupled to said closing and opening element (5) so that the switching of said
operating element (3) translates into a switching of said closing and opening element
(5).
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that said operating element (3) can be switched by rotation and in that the switching by rotation of said operating element (3) from a first position to
a second position and from said second position to a third position translates into
switching of said closing and opening element (5) from said first position to said
third position and from said third position to said fourth position respectively.
11. A device according to one of the claims from 9 to 10, characterized in that said device comprises electromechanical means for switching said operating element
(3).
12. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that said electromechanical means comprises a motor (6) and one or more transmission elements
(7, 8) interposed between said electric motor (6) and said operating element (3).
13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that said operating element (3) comprises a circular serrated ring nut and in that said serrated ring nut is engaged by at least one of said transmission elements (7,
8).
14. A closing and opening system for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in
particular of electrical household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers
and similar electrical household appliances, said system comprising a striker element
(11) adapted to be rigidly fixed to a said panel, characterized in that said system comprises a closing and opening device according to one of the claims
from 1 to 13, wherein the closing and opening assembly of said device is adapted to
alternatively engage and disengage said striker element (11).
15. An electrical household appliance, for example a washing machine including at least
one panel, characterized in that said electrical household appliance comprises a device according to one of the claims
from 1 to 13 and a striker element (11) rigidly fixed to said panel.
1. Schließ- und Öffnungsvorrichtung (100) für Türen und/oder Platten und/oder ähnliche
Komponenten, insbesondere von elektrischen Haushaltsgeräten wie Waschmaschinen, Geschirrspülern
und ähnlichen elektrischen Haushaltsgeräten, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Schließ- und
Öffnungsanordnung (20) umfasst, die so ausgelegt ist, dass sie abwechselnd mit einem
Riegelelement (11), das so ausgelegt ist, dass es starr an der Platte befestigt sein
kann, in Eingriff gebracht und von diesem gelöst werden kann, wobei die Schließ- und
Öffnungsanordnung (20) ein erstes Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) umfasst, das durch
Drehung zwischen einer ersten Position und einer zweiten Position geschaltet werden
kann, wobei das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) und der Riegel (11) so geformt sind,
dass die wechselseitige Druckwirkung des Riegelelements (11) gegen die Schließ- und
Öffnungsanordnung (20) zu einem ersten Schalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) von der ersten Position in die zweite Position führt oder übersetzt wird, wobei
das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) eine Durchgangsöffnung (30) mit zwei gegenüberliegenden
Längskanten aufweist, wobei, wenn sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) in der
ersten Position befindet, das wechselseitige Drücken einer Eingriffsfläche (111) des
Riegelelements (11) gegen zwei gegenüberliegende konische Flächen (51), die sich jeweils
von den gegenüberliegenden Längskanten der Durchgangsöffnung (30) erstrecken, und
das Anziehen in Richtung der Innenseite der Öffnung (30) selbst dazu führt, dass das
Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) durch Drehung von der ersten Position in die zweite
Position geschaltet wird, und wobei, wenn sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5)
in der zweiten Position befindet, das Riegelelement (11) zumindest teilweise in das
Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) durch die Durchgangsöffnung (30) eingeführt werden
kann.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) ein erstes elastisches Mittel (4) umfasst,
dass das erste Umschalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements (5) von der ersten Position
in die zweite Position gegen den von dem ersten elastischen Mittel (4) ausgeübten
Widerstand erfolgt, und dass, wenn das Riegelelement (11) zumindest teilweise durch
die Durchgangsöffnung (30) in das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) eingeführt ist,
das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) aufgrund der Druckwirkung des ersten elastischen
Mittels (4) von der zweiten Position im Wesentlichen wieder in die erste Position
geschaltet wird.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, wenn das Riegelelement (11) zumindest teilweise durch die Öffnung (30) eingeführt
ist und sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) in der ersten Position befindet,
eine zweite Eingriffs- und Schaltfläche (52) des Schließ- und Öffnungselements (5)
mit einer zweiten Eingriffs- und Schaltfläche (112) des Riegelelements (11) in Eingriff
steht, um zu verhindern, dass das Riegelelement (11) versehentlich durch die Öffnung
(30) aus dem Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) herauskommt, wodurch das versehentliche
Lösen der Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) von dem Riegelelement (11) verhindert
wird.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest die zweite Eingriffs- und Schaltfläche (52) des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) so geformt ist, dass, wenn das Riegelelement (11) zumindest teilweise durch die
Öffnung (30) eingeführt ist und sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) im Wesentlichen
in der ersten Position befindet, ein Zug mit vordefinierter Intensität, der auf das
Riegelelement (11) in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt zur Einführungsrichtung ausgeübt
wird, zu einem weiteren Schalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements (5) von der ersten
Position in die zweite Position und somit zum Lösen des Riegelelements (11) von der
Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) führt oder übersetzt wird.
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche von 3 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) durch Drehung von der ersten Position in eine
dritte, der zweiten Position entgegengesetzte Position weiter geschaltet werden kann,
und dass zumindest die zweite Eingriffs- und Schaltfläche (52) des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) so geformt ist, dass, wenn das Riegelelement (11) zumindest teilweise in die Schließ-
und Öffnungsanordnung (20) eingesetzt ist, das Schalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) von der zweiten Position in die dritte Position sich in ein weiteres Einsetzen
des Riegelelements (11) in die Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) übersetzt.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) durch Drehung von der dritten Position in eine
vierte Position geschaltet werden kann, wobei die vierte Position so beschaffen ist,
dass das Riegelelement (11) durch die Öffnung (30) des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) aus der Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) herauskommen und/oder herausgezogen
werden kann.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Drehrichtung zum Schalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements (5) von der dritten
Position in der vierten Position mit der Drehrichtung zum Schalten von der ersten
Position in die dritte Position übereinstimmt.
8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche von 5 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) außerdem ein zweites elastisches Mittel (1)
umfasst, dass, wenn sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) in jeder der dritten
und vierten Positionen befindet, das zweite elastische Mittel (1) elastisch mit dem
Riegelelement (11) in Eingriff steht, und dass, wenn sich das Schließ- und Öffnungselement
(5) in der vierten Position befindet, die Auswärtsbewegung und/oder das Herausziehen
des Riegelelements (11) aus der Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) durch die Öffnung
(30) durch die elastische Reaktion des zweiten elastischen Mittels (1) erleichtert
wird.
9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche von 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung (20) außerdem ein schaltbares Betätigungselement
(3) umfasst, das mit dem Schließ- und Öffnungselement (5) gekoppelt ist, so dass das
Schalten des Betätigungselements (3) sich in ein Schalten des Schließ- und Öffnungselements
(5) umsetzt.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Betätigungselement (3) durch Drehung geschaltet werden kann, und dass das Schalten
durch Drehung des Betätigungselements (3) von einer ersten Position in eine zweite
Position und von der zweiten Position in eine dritte Position sich in ein Schalten
des Schließ- und Öffnungselements (5) von der ersten Position in die dritte Position
bzw. von der dritten Position in die vierte Position umsetzt.
11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche von 9 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung ein elektromechanisches Mittel zum Schalten des Betätigungselements
(3) umfasst.
12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das elektromechanische Mittel einen Motor (6) und ein oder mehrere Übertragungselemente
(7, 8) umfasst, die zwischen dem Elektromotor (6) und dem Betätigungselement (3) angeordnet
sind.
13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Betätigungselement (3) eine kreisförmige gezahnte Ringmutter umfasst und dass
die gezahnte Ringmutter mit mindestens einem der Übertragungselemente (7, 8) in Eingriff
steht.
14. Schließ- und Öffnungssystem für Türen und/oder Platten und/oder ähnliche Komponenten,
insbesondere von elektrischen Haushaltsgeräten wie Waschmaschinen, Geschirrspülern
und ähnlichen elektrischen Haushaltsgeräten, wobei das System ein Riegelelement (11)
umfasst, das so ausgelegt ist, dass es starr an einer der Platten befestigt sein kann,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das System eine Schließ- und Öffnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13
umfasst, wobei die Schließ- und Öffnungsanordnung der Vorrichtung so ausgelegt ist,
dass sie mit dem Riegelelement (11) abwechselnd in Eingriff und außer Eingriff gelangen
kann.
15. Elektrisches Haushaltsgerät, z. B. eine Waschmaschine, die mindestens eine Platte
enthält, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Elektrohaushaltsgerät eine Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13 und
ein starr an der Platte befestigtes Riegelelement (11) umfasst.
1. Dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture (100) pour portes et/ou panneaux et/ou composants
similaires, en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des machines à laver,
des lave-vaisselles et des appareils électroménagers similaires, ledit dispositif
comprenant un ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) apte à être alternativement
engagé par et désengagé d'un élément de gâche (11) apte à être fixé rigidement audit
panneau, dans lequel ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) comprend un premier
élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) qui peut être commuté par rotation entre une
première position et une deuxième position, ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture
(5) et la gâche (11) étant formés de telle manière que l'action de poussée réciproque
dudit élément de gâche (11) contre ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20)
résulte ou se traduit par une première commutation dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture
(5) de ladite première position à ladite deuxième position, dans lequel ledit élément
de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) comprend une ouverture traversante (30) avec deux
bords longitudinaux opposés, dans lequel avec ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture
(5) dans ladite première position, la poussée réciproque d'une surface d'engagement
(111) dudit élément de gâche (11) contre deux surfaces effilées opposées (51) s'étendant
respectivement depuis lesdits bords longitudinaux opposés de ladite ouverture traversante
(30) et se serrant vers l'intérieur de ladite ouverture (30) elle-même a pour résultat
que ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) est commuté par rotation de ladite
première position à ladite deuxième position, et dans lequel, avec ledit élément de
fermeture et d'ouverture (5) dans ladite deuxième position, ledit élément de gâche
(11) peut être inséré au moins partiellement dans ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture
(5) à travers ladite ouverture traversante (30).
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) comprend des premiers moyens élastiques
(4), en ce que ladite première commutation dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de ladite
première position à ladite deuxième position est réalisée contre la résistance exercée
par lesdits premiers moyens élastiques (4), et en ce que, avec ledit élément de gâche (11) au moins partiellement inséré dans ledit élément
de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) à travers ladite ouverture traversante (30), ledit
élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) est commuté à nouveau de ladite deuxième position
sensiblement à ladite première position en raison de l'action de poussée desdits premiers
moyens élastiques (4).
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que, avec ledit élément de gâche (11) au moins partiellement inséré à travers ladite
ouverture (30) et ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) dans ladite première
position, une deuxième surface d'engagement et de commutation (52) dudit élément de
fermeture et d'ouverture (5) engage une deuxième surface d'engagement et de commutation
(112) dudit élément de gâche (11) de manière à empêcher audit élément de gâche (11)
de sortir accidentellement dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) à travers
ladite ouverture (30), empêchant ainsi le désengagement accidentel dudit ensemble
de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) dudit élément de gâche (11).
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins ladite deuxième surface d'engagement et de commutation (52) dudit élément
de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) est formée de telle sorte que, avec ledit élément
de gâche (11) au moins partiellement inséré à travers ladite ouverture (30) et avec
ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) sensiblement dans ladite première position,
une traction d'intensité prédéfinie exercée sur ledit élément de gâche (11) dans une
direction opposée à la direction d'insertion résulte ou se traduit par une autre commutation
dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de ladite première position à ladite
deuxième position, et donc par le désengagement dudit élément de gâche (11) dudit
ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20).
5. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes de 3 à 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) peut être en outre commuté par rotation
de ladite première position à une troisième position opposée à ladite deuxième position,
et en ce qu'au moins ladite deuxième surface d'engagement et de commutation (52) dudit élément
de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) est formée de telle sorte que, avec l'élément de gâche
(11) au moins partiellement inséré dans ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture
(20), la commutation dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de ladite deuxième
position à ladite troisième position se traduit par une insertion ultérieure dudit
élément de gâche (11) dans ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20).
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) peut être commuté par rotation de ladite
troisième position à une quatrième position, ladite quatrième position étant telle
qu'elle permet audit élément de gâche (11) de sortir et/ou d'être extrait dudit ensemble
de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) à travers ladite ouverture (30) dudit élément de
fermeture et d'ouverture (5).
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le sens de rotation pour commuter ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de
ladite troisième position à ladite quatrième position coïncide avec le sens de rotation
pour commuter de ladite première position à ladite troisième position.
8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes de 5 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) comprend en outre des seconds moyens
élastiques (1), en ce que, avec ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) dans chacune desdites troisième
et quatrième positions, lesdits seconds moyens élastiques (1) sont engagés élastiquement
par ledit élément de gâche (11), et en ce que, avec ledit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) dans ladite quatrième position,
le mouvement vers l'extérieur et/ou l'extraction dudit élément de gâche (11) dudit
ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) à travers ladite ouverture (30) sont facilités
par la réaction élastique desdits seconds moyens élastiques (1).
9. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes de 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture (20) comprend en outre un élément de commande
commutable (3) couplé audit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de sorte que la
commutation dudit élément de commande (3) se traduit par une commutation dudit élément
de fermeture et d'ouverture (5).
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de commande (3) peut être commuté par rotation et en ce que la commutation par rotation dudit élément de commande (3) d'une première position
à une deuxième position et de ladite deuxième position à une troisième position se
traduit par la commutation dudit élément de fermeture et d'ouverture (5) de ladite
première position à ladite troisième position et de ladite troisième position à ladite
quatrième position respectivement.
11. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications de 9 à 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif comprend des moyens électromécaniques pour commuter ledit élément
de commande (3).
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen électromécanique comprend un moteur (6) et un ou plusieurs éléments de
transmission (7, 8) interposés entre ledit moteur électrique (6) et ledit élément
de commande (3).
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de commande (3) comprend un écrou à anneau circulaire cranté et en ce que ledit écrou à anneau cranté est engagé par au moins un desdits éléments de transmission
(7, 8).
14. Système de fermeture et d'ouverture pour portes et/ou panneaux et/ou composants similaires,
en particulier d'appareils électroménagers tels que des machines à laver, des lave-vaisselles
et des appareils électroménagers similaires, ledit système comprenant un élément de
gâche (11) apte à être fixé rigidement audit panneau, caractérisé en ce que ledit système comprend un dispositif de fermeture et d'ouverture selon l'une des
revendications de 1 à 13, dans lequel l'ensemble de fermeture et d'ouverture dudit
dispositif est apte à engager et désengager alternativement ledit élément de gâche
(11).
15. Appareil électroménager, par exemple une machine à laver, incluant au moins un panneau,
caractérisé en ce que ledit appareil électroménager comprend un dispositif selon l'une des revendications
de 1 à 13 et un élément de gâche (11) fixé rigidement audit panneau.