Patent · US Active

Washing machine lid lock with magnetic lid sensor

US7493783B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
12References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 31, 2006
Grant dateFeb 24, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 31, 2026

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.