JPH0571259A - Door clamping device for household instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To safely and rapidly assemble a door by equipping a lockdevice on a support element exclusively fixed to a body and making it possible for a user to rotate the lock device from the outside by means of a holding device which can be pushed in. CONSTITUTION: A door 4 is fixed onto a charging/discharging opening 3 formed on a body 2 of a household apparatus such as a washing machine or the like, and a lock device 12 cooperating with the opening 3 at the periphery is provided. Then, a support element 11 formed of a single unit exclusively mounted on the body 2 is integrally fixed to the body 2 adjacently to the door 4. Then, the lock device 12 is mounted rotatably on the support element 11 against the action of a first elastic device 13. A holding device 18 is provided to make it possible for a user to rotate the lock device 12 from the outside of a washing machine or the like. The holding device 18 is constituted so as to be pushed in and it is made to be flush with the door 4 at the pushed-in position and the door 4 is released at a position where it is pulled out.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a door tightening device for household appliances, and more particularly to a loading / unloading door of a washing machine which enables access to a washing drum movably supported inside a washing machine body. Related to the tightening device.

[0002]

Clamping devices currently used in washing machine doors are partially mounted on the door itself and the washing machine body, respectively, and an opening formed in the body allows access to the washing drum. It is well known to be formed as described above and closed in a fluid-tight manner by a door. The device consists in practice of a lock which is usually operated by a handle mounted on the door.

[0003]

Clamping devices of the type described above have a number of drawbacks, the most major of which is a clamping device which is mounted on different parts of a washing machine (door and body). The device, and also the door hinges, must sometimes be adjusted after assembly. Further, the device does not have a safety device to prevent the user from accidentally opening the door during operation of the washing machine, is cumbersome in design, expensive to manufacture, and unreliable. is there.

[0004]

A door tightening device for a domestic appliance is provided with a locking device cooperating peripherally with the door to close an opening formed in a body of the domestic appliance. A locking unit comprising a single unit dedicated to the body of the device, adjacent to the door and fixedly attached to the body integrally with the locking device,
A pushable grip, which is supported and pivotally supported by the support element against the action of the first elastic device, and which, when pushed out, can be swiveled outward by the user in the direction in which the locking device releases the door. A device is provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference numeral 1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 indicates a household appliance, in this case, a washing machine, and a body 2 of the washing machine.
Comprises an opening 3 which in this case is closed in a fluid-tight manner in this case by a circular door 4 (e.g. allowing access to a known washing drum not shown). As an example,
The opening 3 is fitted with a known peripheral seal 5 with which the door 4 cooperates in a fluid-tight manner, the opening 3 being formed in a circular recess 6 defining the seat of the door 4, the door 4 being When closed, it is housed in the recess 6 in a plane substantially flush with the body 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the door 4 moves in and out of the recess 6 so as to open and close the opening 3 by a well-known hinge 8 on one side, in particular on the side opposite to the tightening device, in the direction of the arrow. Swivel on body 2 about hinge axis A at recess 6
Has a lateral recess 7 in the door seat that houses the tightening device 10 for the door 4.

According to the invention, the tightening device 10 comprises a single self-supporting unit which is mounted exclusively on the body 2, in the example shown, inside the lateral recess 7 of the door seat, adjacent to the door 4. Then, the supporting element 1 is integrally mounted and fixed to the body 2.
1 and a locking device, generally designated 12, which is supported by the support element 11 against the action of the first elastic device 13 (FIG. 2) and pivots to lock the door 4 towards the peripheral seal 5. 18
And a pushable gripping device which allows the locking device 12 to pivot outwardly by the user in the direction of releasing the door 4 when pushed out as shown in FIG.

The fixed support element 11 is approximately cup-shaped in the shape of a parallelepiped on the outside and is almost entirely open at the side opposite to the side facing the door 4, at which side The lateral opening 20 extends continuously to the front opening 21 (FIG. 3) of the support element 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the element 11 is
Inserting the element 11 axially (ie perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 4 and 5) inside the appropriately shaped seat 22 until the outer shoulder flange 23 integral with the element 11 contacts the body 2 of the flange 23. Sliding the support element 11 inside the seat 22 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4 so as to insert the respective locking tab 24 formed immediately below the side wall of the element 11 below the edge of the seat 22. As a result, it is inserted and connected in the lateral recess 7 of the fan seat of the body 2.

The locking device 12 is fully supported on the support element 11 and is parallel to the hinge axis A (FIG. 1) of the door 4 and diametrically opposite the first axis B (FIGS. 2 and 3). The locking device 12 is loosely housed in the element 11 so that it pivots inside the element 11 towards the opening 20 and of the support element 11 by means of a pin 28 formed in the element 11 parallel to the surface through which the opening 20 penetrates. It comprises a hollow box base 26 which swivels on an end wall 27. The base 26 is vertically and integrally attached to a housing 29 that houses the push-in gripping device 18. The housing 29 further supports 30
So that the support 30 can be snapped inside a known outer recess 34, which is usually formed at the edge of the door 4, by means of a second elastic element (compression spring 33) on a pin 31 (second axis). The lock element (coupling element) 32 configured to
It is supported so as to swing around a second axis (pin 31) parallel to the shaft 8. The housing 29 and the support 30 may be integrally formed with the base 26, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the coupling element 32 has a position that is normally maintained by the compression spring 33 (indicated by the solid line) and an opening that allows the door 4 to pivot and open, as will be described in more detail below. The pin 31 between two positions, a release position towards the part 20 (shown in phantom) and a position in which the coupling element 32 can be clicked into the recess 34, in particular when the door 4 is closed. Turn over.

In the example shown, the first elastic device 13 comprises a base 26 and an opening 2 of the supported elements 29, 30, 32.
In order to counteract swivel towards 0, ie swivel to the position of FIG. 3, and thus to keep the base 26 and the elements 29, 30, 32 in the position of FIG. Has the arms 36 at its both ends that rest at
It consists of a spiral spring wound around 8.

The pushable gripping device 18 has a hollow tubular element 38 integrally mounted on a protruding handle 40 and having a first end 39 protruding from the housing 29 and sliding within the housing 29 in a known manner. And the user handles 40
The handle 40 is biased to push the tubular element 38 into the extruded position shown in FIG. 3 where the end of the handle 40 concentrically projects from the housing 29.
8 and the end wall 42 of the housing 29 (FIG. 2) between the compression spring 41 mounted inside the tubular element 38 and the tubular element 38 in the extruded position of FIG. 3 or in the stowed position shown in FIG. And a so-called push-push device for selectively fixing the tubular element 38 in this position in FIG.
Is completely contained inside the housing 29 except at the end 39, and the handle 40 is approximately flush with the door 4 when the door 4 is closed over the opening 3. The push-push device may be, for example, a lateral through seat 52 of the housing 29.
A resilient element 50 that engages a positive cam track 51, such as a heart-shaped cam groove formed within the outer surface of the tubular element 38.

According to another feature of the invention, the base 26
To prevent the base and the elements integral to the base from pivoting with respect to the support element 11 when the instrument 1 is operable, and thus to prevent the door 4 from being opened unintentionally as will be explained below. A safety lock device is installed inside. According to the present invention, the cavity 60 inside the base 26 houses several blades or bars 61, one of which is flexible and is connected to the teeth 62. The tooth 62 normally engages a first hole 63 through the base 26 (FIG. 4) and in the second working position (FIG. 5) corresponds to the hole 63 in the support element 1.
The second hole 64 formed by penetrating the side wall of No. 1 is also engaged. In the example shown, the holes 64 are concentric with the holes 63 when the base 26 is in the position of FIG.
1 is coupled to the tooth 62 by engaging one end inside the lateral recess 65 of the tooth 62. The teeth 62 are fed by a device that electrically couples the appliance 1 with the flexible blade 61.
Blade 61 connected to teeth 62 by a heat-expandable resistive conductive element, such as the well-known PTC thermistor element 66, which is inserted between the blade and another non-flexible blade 61.
It is moved between the two positions shown in FIGS. In the example shown, the device is housed inside a cavity 60 and is coupled in a known manner (not shown) to a known wiring system of the instrument 1 via an opening 70 (not shown). ) Connector 68.

In the release position shown in FIG. 4, the teeth 62 are in the holes 6
3 only and thus the base 26 is released from the support element 11. 5 achieved by PTC thermistor element 66 expanding and thus flexing flexible blade 61. FIG.
In the locked position shown in FIG. 6, the tooth 62 engages both the holes 63, 64 and thus the base 26 and the support element 11 are integral with each other. The support element 11 also comprises an elastic element 72 towards the door 4, for example a flat V-shaped spring, which elastic element 72
Cooperates with the door 4 when the door 4 is closed over the opening 3 as shown in FIG. 2 and easily opens the door 4 when the door and the locking device 12 are released as shown in FIG. So that flexible pressure is applied.

In use, the door 4 hinges towards the opening 3 until it is locked by the coupling element 32 which cooperates in front of the elastic element 72 and the seal 5 and which snaps into the recess 34. It is closed by swiveling at 8. When the door 4 is locked, the tubular element 38 is in the retracted position and the handle 40 and the door 4 are in relation to each other.
It is flush with the outer surface of the body 2 and thus provides an attractive and compact clamping device 10 and door 4 assembly at the same time. The push-push mechanism is released by simply pressing the handle 40 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, so that the compression spring 41 pushes the tubular element 38 into the position of FIG. 3 and the door 4 is opened. At this point, the handle 40 and the protruding portion of the tubular element 38 are grasped by the user and used as a lever to pivot the base 26 to the position of FIG. This releases the coupling element 32 from the recess 34 and thus the door 4, which pivots away from the opening 3 at the hinge 8 due to the thrust exerted on it by the seal 5 and in particular the elastic element 72. And therefore opening 3 for loading or unloading the washing machine 1
Open up. The door 4 is reclosed by pivoting the door 4 in the opposite direction, either before or after pressing the handle 40 to push the tubular element 38 in and lock it inside the housing 29.

During operation of the washing machine 1, the door 4 has a tubular element 38
Can not be opened in any way, even by pressing the handle 40 in an attempt to push it out. this is,
This is accomplished by a PTC thermistor element 66 which is energized for heating and expansion during operation of the washing machine and thus engages the teeth 62 within the bore 64. Thus, as long as the element 66 remains hot, the base 26 is prevented from pivoting relative to the support element 11 and the coupling element 32 remains engaged within the recess 34. When the washing machine is stopped, PT
The power supply to the C thermistor element 66 is cut off and therefore PT
The C thermistor element 66 cools and releases the tooth 62 from the hole 64 and thus also the base 26.

[0016]

The advantages of the tightening device according to the invention are clear from the foregoing. In particular, the device is simple, reliable, compact, attractive in design and inexpensive to manufacture, and simply and effectively prevents unintentional opening of the door 4 during operation of the appliance. Further, the device provides a quick and unobstructed assembly by wiring through openings 22, 70 prior to assembly and then plugging in from outside the instrument through opening 22.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front load type washing machine featuring a door tightening device according to the present invention.

2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in an open position.

FIG. 4 is the line I of FIG. 2 in the released state of the safety locking device.
It is sectional drawing which follows V-IV.

5 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2 in a locked state of the safety locking device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Household appliances (washing machine) 2 Body 3 Opening 4 Circular door 5 Peripheral seal 6 Circular recess 7 Circular recess 7 Side recess of door seat 10 Tightening device 11 Support element 12 Lock device 13 First elastic device 18 Pushable gripping device 20 side opening 26 hollow box base 27 end wall 29 housing 31 second shaft (pin) 32 locking element (coupling element) 33 second elastic element (compression spring) 34 outer recess of door 38 hollow tubular element 39 first end Part 40 Handle 41 Compression spring 42 End wall 50 Elastic element 51 Proper cam track such as heart-shaped cam groove 60 Cavity 62 Teeth 63 First hole 64 Second hole 66 PTC thermistor element 68 Faston connector 72 Elastic element (V-shaped spring) ) A hinge axis B first axis

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A door tightening device for a household appliance, comprising a locking device for cooperating peripherally with a door of the appliance so as to close an opening formed in the body of the household appliance, wherein the appliance body is exclusively for the appliance body. A single unit to be mounted, comprising a support element integrally mounted and fixed to the body adjacent to the door, wherein the locking device opposes the action of the first elastic device to the support element. Household, characterized in that it is supported and pivotally mounted and further comprises a pushable gripping device which allows the user to pivot the locking device outwards in a direction to release the door when pushed out. Device door tightening device. 2. The door tightening device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support element has a lateral opening on the side opposite to the door and the instrument body inside the lateral recess of the door seat. ,
Limited by a cup-shaped, generally parallelepiped element that is plugged into the side of the door, the locking device being fixed to the end wall of the support element and parallel to the lateral opening of the support element. A housing having a base that pivots on the end wall about a first axis and that houses the pushable gripping device and is integrally formed with the base; and similarly fixed integrally with the base A locking element pivoting on the base about a second axis parallel to the first axis, the locking element being adapted to click within an outer recess at an edge of the door. A door tightening device for household appliances. 3. The door tightening device according to claim 2, wherein the first elastic device is provided between the base and an end wall of the supporting element so as to counteract the pivoting of the base into the lateral opening. A home appliance, characterized in that said locking element cooperates with a second elastic device to counteract the pivoting of said locking element on said base into said lateral opening of said supporting element. Door tightening device. 4. The door tightening device according to claim 2, wherein the push-in gripping device is integrally attached to a handle that slides and projects inside the housing. A tubular element projecting from the housing and pushing the tubular element into an extruded position concentrically projecting the handle end of the tubular element from the housing by an amount sufficient for a user to grasp the handle. A compression spring mounted between the tubular element and the end wall of the housing and a complete housing of the tubular element within the housing except at the extruded position or at the end and the handle for the door. And a device for selectively locking the tubular element in a pushed-in position that is substantially flush with the door. 5. A door fastening device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base prevents pivoting of the base relative to the support element when the instrument is operable. Therefore, a door tightening device for household appliances, which is provided with a safety lock device for preventing an unintended opening of the door. 6. The door tightening device according to claim 5, wherein the safety locking device is electrically coupled to a device housed in a void inside the base and electrically coupled to the appliance. A thermally expandable resistive conductive element coupled to the device, and first and second penetratings coupled to the thermally expandable element and formed on the base and the support element, respectively, facing each other At least one tooth set by expansion of the heat-expandable element in an extruded position that simultaneously engages a hole. 7. A door tightening device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the support element is the door when the door is closed over the opening in the instrument body. A home characterized in that it is provided with an elastic element for applying flexible pressure to the door so as to assist the opening of the door when releasing the door and the locking device in cooperation with the door. Device door tightening device. 8. A household appliance having a body formed with a proximity opening closed by a door hinged to the body, wherein the door tightening device according to any one of claims 2 to 7. A door tightening device for household appliances, characterized in that the first axis about which the base pivots with respect to the support element is parallel to the hinge axis of the door. 9. The household appliance according to claim 8,
The door tightening device is exclusively attached to the instrument body and is housed in a lateral recess of the seat of the door in which the opening is formed in the same plane as the door, and the locking device is the opening. A door tightening device for household appliances, characterized in that it is configured to lock the door around a perimeter seal inside the seat.