Washing machine lid lock with magnetic lid sensor
US7251961B2 · kind B2 · utility
16Cited by
14References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F39/14
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.