Abstract
Provided is a locking mechanism incorporating a cost-effective, non-contact lid or door sensing switch that is housed in a hydrophobically sealed enclosure. The lid or door position sensing feature is quiet in operation. The lid or door position sensing switch and the lock position sensing switch both carry high electrical power without the need for additional electrical components. The design also incorporates a spring-loaded lid or door pawl or a breaking pawl that protects the latch from catastrophic failure from a force open event making the appliance inoperable after the occurrence of such an event, thus requiring either the user (or a technician) to replace the pawl in order to operate the appliance.
Claims
1. An appliance lock comprising: a pawl mechanism acting as a latch for a lid of an appliance, for restricting movement of the lid of the appliance, wherein the pawl mechanism comprises: a pawl bracket and a pawl arm comprising at least one protruding arm-like structure which extends away from the pawl bracket; and a lock mechanism for engaging the pawl mechanism and thereby retaining the lid of the appliance in a closed state, wherein the lock mechanism comprises: a locking pin for engaging with the pawl arm of the pawl mechanism to thereby retain the pawl mechanism against movement; a solenoid for displacing a solenoid plunger upon receipt of a momentary activation signal, wherein the solenoid plunger is connected to the locking pin such that as the solenoid plunger is extended, the locking pin is extended, moving the locking pin into a locked position for engaging and restricting the pawl arm, and wherein as the solenoid plunger is retracted, the locking pin is retracted so that the pawl arm can pass freely through an area occupied by the locking pin when in the extended position.
2. The appliance lock of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism further comprises a labyrinth block for limiting motion of the solenoid plunger to a locked state or unlocked state.
3. The appliance lock of claim 2, further comprising a plunger cam, located beneath the plunger, for confining motion of the solenoid plunger according to the labyrinth block.
4. The appliance lock of claim 2, further comprising a toggle pin, connected to the solenoid plunger, and extending downwardly, in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the solenoid plunger, for engagement with the toggle labyrinth.
5. The appliance lock of claim 1, further comprising a housing assembly for receiving the lock mechanism, wherein the housing assembly comprises a receiving channel for receiving the pawl arm of the pawl mechanism.
6. The appliance lock of claim 5, further comprising a bezel inserted onto the housing assembly for guiding the pawl arm into engagement with the receiving channel, the bezel comprising at least one tab inserted into at least one receiving slot of the housing assembly.
7. The appliance lock of claim 1, further comprising a pawl magnet, retained on the pawl arm, for interacting with an actuator magnet in the lock mechanism, interacting with a lid switch button that sends a signal that the pawl arm is engaged with the lock mechanism.
8. The appliance lock of claim 1, wherein the pawl arm comprises a pawl breakage area designed to break into two distinct pawl segments that spread apart when the lid is forced open, being pulled over the locking pin.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The appliance lock disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pawl mechanism, showing the internal workings thereof;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing assembly and a bezel associated therewith;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the housing assembly with the bezel attached thereto;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lock cover when separated from a lock mechanism;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the internal workings of the lock mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing assembly with the bezel attached thereto, accompanied by the pawl mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows the locking pin in a retracted, or unlocked, position;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows the locking pin in an extended, or locked, position;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the interaction between the pawl arm and the locking pin;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of the pawl arm during a force open event;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an inverted isometric view of the pawl arm interacting with the locking pin when in an extended, or locked, position;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an inverted isometric view of the pawl arm interacting with the locking pin when in an extended, or locked, position;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an alternative view of the pawl mechanism;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a view of the lid pawl assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a view of the lid pawl assembly with the lid pawl in a broken condition caused by a forced open lid event;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of lid pawl assembly components;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the lid lock assembly, the mounting bezel, and the lid pawl assembly;
[0030] FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing the mounting bezel snapped onto the lid lock assembly;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a view of the lid pawl assembly engaged with lid lock assembly;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a view of the lid pawl assembly in the forced open condition;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a view of the lid pawl assembly in the forced open condition indicating that the washing machine lid cannot be closed for operation;
[0034] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of lock assembly components;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the solenoid plunger and components;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective phantom view of the plunger components and related components shown in the unlocked position;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective phantom view of the plunger and related components shown in the locked position;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a view of the lock housing showing pivotal motion of the locking toggle;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a view of the locking toggle with toggle pin in the unlocked state;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a view of the locking toggle with toggle pin transitioning to the locked state;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a view of the locking toggle with toggle pin in the locked state;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a view of the locking toggle with toggle pin transitioning to the unlocked state;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a view of the circuit board assembly;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a view of the circuit board assembly with the solenoid plunger in the unlocked position;
[0045] FIG. 33 is a view of the circuit board assembly with the solenoid plunger in the unlocked position;
[0046] FIG. 34 is a view of the components of the lock housing;
[0047] FIG. 35 is an exploded view of lock housing components;
[0048] FIG. 36 is an alignment illustration of the lock assembly and the pawl assembly;
[0049] FIG. 37 is a cut-away illustration of locking components in the locked position;
[0050] FIG. 38 is an electrical schematic showing circuit logic and symbolic references;
[0051] FIG. 39 is a detail view of the components of the switch actuator assembly;
[0052] FIG. 40 shows the interface of the lid pawl with the lid lock assembly; and
[0053] FIG. 41 shows the interface of the lid pawl with the lid lock assembly in engagement with the lid switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of an appliance lock only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pawl mechanism 10 of an appliance lock which can be used in order lock various types of appliances. The pawl mechanism 10 is thus of such a nature and design that when inserted into a corresponding appliance locking mechanism, the pawl mechanism 10 restricts the movement of the lid, door, or other surface to which the pawl mechanism 10 is affixed to only that of a single direction of movement. In doing so, the pawl mechanism 10 acts as a latch between the lid, door, or other surface and that of the appliance itself.
[0055] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a pawl bracket 16 is comprised of a relatively flat surface which may be constructed so as to have a series of compartments thereon. According to the example as shown in FIG. 1, the top surface of the pawl bracket 16 contains a generally rectangular-type enclosure which is defined by approximately four sidewalls. Positioned about any different number of the approximately four sidewalls may be any different number of connection means 22. The connection means 22 of the example shown in FIG. 1 are that of a cylindrical receiver connector. This type of connection means 22 may receive a screw or other type of fastener so as to secure the pawl bracket 16 to that of a lid, door, or other surface so as to be used in the opening/closing procedure of the appliance.
[0056] Located on the underside of the pawl bracket 16 is a pawl arm 12. The pawl arm 12 is generally defined by a protruding arm-like structure which extends away from that of the pawl bracket 16. The pawl arm 12 may be of a generally circular nature at the point extending immediately beneath the pawl bracket 16, followed by a gradated curved portion which extends into a tab-like feature capable of being inserted into any different number of corresponding receivers. Approaching the end of the tab, as defined as that portion which is furthest away from that of the generally circular portion of the pawl arm 12, the tab may taper off such that the end of the tab is of a sufficient size so as to be received by the corresponding receiver.
[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 1, positioned about substantially the center of the generally circular portion of the pawl arm 12 is that of a pawl magnet 14. The pawl magnet 14 may be of any type of magnet as chosen by those having skill in the pertinent art. While the magnet as shown in FIG. 1 is of a circular nature, the geometric shape of the pawl magnet 14 may vary according to that of the corresponding receiver magnet contained within that of the locking mechanism, as will be described in greater detail below, or according to any other design criteria as identified by those having skill in the art.
[0058] Located within the rectangular-shaped enclosure positioned about the top of the pawl bracket 16 is a pawl pivot pin 18, surrounded by a pawl spring 20. The pawl spring 20 provides a means of allowing the pawl mechanism 10 to be involved in a force open event without subjecting the pawl mechanism 10 to a catastrophic failure. A force open event may occur, for example, when the associated appliance to which the pawl mechanism 10 is being used to secure is confronted with a situation in which the lid or door requires opening from the interior. Such a scenario requires the opening of the lid or door in the absence of following the typical protocol of releasing the locking mechanism, and thereby forcing the lid or door open.
[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the interaction of the pawl arm 12 and the locking pin 46 is shown during a force open event. With specific reference to FIG. 10, the rotational movement of the pawl arm 12 can be seen as the force to open event continues. The pawl spring 20 induces a torque on the pawl arm 12, causing a rotational pivot on the pawl pivot pin 18. The pawl spring 20 thus allows the pawl arm 12 to pivot and thereby release itself from the lock mechanism 40. The pawl arm 12 is restricted from rotating for any other functions. Returning now to FIG. 9, the natural position of the pawl arm 12 is shown. The angle of the pawl arm 12 with respect to the locking pin 46 allows the pawl arm 12 to move about in a rotational manner upon the application of force to the lid or door according to an opening function. The pawl spring 20 has a preset force that biases the pawl arm 12. The relationship of the angle and the pawl spring 20 requires a predetermined minimum force for opening the appliance lid or door.
[0060] With reference now to FIG. 2, a housing assembly 24 of the appliance lock is shown. The housing assembly 24 may be used to cover that of the locking mechanism, as will be described in further detail below. The housing assembly 24 is thus generally defined by a geometric shape which corresponds to that of the locking mechanism. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing assembly 24 is of a generally rectangular design, with one of the width portions being further defined by an overhang portion which extends beyond that of the base region of the assembly. The presence of this overhang portion gives the housing assembly 24 an L-shaped, or staircase, appearance when viewed about the front face of the assembly. Positioned about opposing sides of the length of the housing assembly 24 are a first receiving slot 26 and a second receiving slot 28. Each of the respective receiving slots 26 and 28 may be generally rectangular in nature, defined by a hollow portion of the housing assembly 24, extending from the top portion of the housing assembly 24 to approximately the lower portion, or base. Located between the receiving slots 26 and 28 is a hollow cavity, or receiving channel 30. While occupying the space between that of the receiving slots 26 and 28, the receiving channel 30 does not share an opening with either respective receiving slot. The receiving slot 30 is generally rectangular in nature, having a depth approximately equal to that of the overall height of the housing assembly 24.
[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a corresponding bezel 32 of the appliance lock is shown. The bezel 32 may have a generally rectangular shape, however the corners of the bezel 32 may be rounded or filleted so as to give the bezel 32 the appearance of an elongated oval. On the underside of the bezel 32 are two protruding structures, a first tab 34 and a second tab 36. Each of the first and second tabs 34 and 36 extend away from the face of the bezel 32, and may further have various types of securement means positioned about either of the various faces thereof. The spacing of the respective tabs is equivalent to that of the spacing of the respective receiving slots 26 and 28 located on the housing assembly 24. The bezel 32 may thus be inserted onto the face of the housing assembly 24 by way of inserting each of the first tab 34 and second tab 36 into that of the first receiving slot 26 and second receiving slot 28, respectively.
[0062] Positioned between that of the first and second tabs, 34 and 36, is that of a receiving channel slot 38. The receiving channel slot 38 has dimensions substantially similar to that of the receiving channel 30 located on the housing assembly 24. The receiving channel slot 38 may further be defined as a cutaway portion of the central region of the bezel 32, accompanied by a series of tapered edges extending away from the underside of the bezel 32. When the first tab 34 and second tab 36 are inserted into the respective receiving slots 26 and 28, the bezel 32 sits flush about the face of the housing assembly 24, with each of the receiving channel 30 and the receiving channel slot 38 aligning with one another so as to create a single, continuous opening.
[0063] With reference now to FIG. 3, the bezel 32 is shown with each of the first tab 34 and second tab 36 inserted into the respective receiving slots 26 and 28. The single opening defined by each of the receiving channel 30 and receiving channel slot 38 may thus be seen.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, the lock mechanism 40 of the appliance lock is shown in an exploded view, isolating each of the primary components of the mechanism. FIG. 5 illustrates the lock mechanism 40 of the appliance lock when fully assembled. The lock base 42 serves as a platform upon which each of the various components which comprise the lock mechanism 40 may rest. The lock base 42 is of a generally rectangular design. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lock base 42 may have an additional panel which extrudes beyond that of the width of the front portion of the panel, creating an L-shaped appearance to the overall lock base 42. A series of compartmentalized features, consisting of dividers and other similar paneling, may extend up and away from that of the lock base 42.
[0065] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing assembly 24 is seen in an elevated position above that of the lock mechanism 40, thus generally illustrating the manner in which the housing assembly 24 is positioned atop that of the lock mechanism 40. A solenoid 48 is positioned central to each of a solenoid plunger 54 to the rear and a locking pin 46 to the front. Surrounding the solenoid plunger 54 is that of a plunger spring 56. The plunger 54 is affixed to a labyrinth block 52. Located beneath the plunger 54 is a plunger cam 50. When the solenoid 48 is activated electrically, the plunger 54 is able to slide about a horizontal axis via the plunger cam 50. As the plunger 54 is confined by the labyrinth block 52, this sliding motion of the plunger 54 is limited to only that of a desired direction and distance. As the plunger 54 extends, this in turn causes the locking pin 46 to extend, as it is positioned about the opposing side of the solenoid 48. With the guide sleeve 44 affixed to the end of the locking pin 46, the extension of the locking pin 46 thus causes the lock mechanism to be placed in the locked, or closed-circuit position.
[0066] With continued reference to FIG. 5, a lid sensor slide 60 is shown. Connected about one end of the lid sensor slide 60 is a lid sensor magnet 62. The lid sensor magnet 62, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, is circular in design. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various types and geometric shapes of magnets may be used.
[0067] With reference now to FIG. 7, the locking pin 46 is shown in a retracted, or unlocked, position. This unlocked position is defined by the locking pin 46 being retracted such that the pawl arm 12 can pass freely through that area which would otherwise be occupied by the locking pin 46 when in the extended position. Conversely, with reference to FIG. 8, the locking pin 46 is shown in an extended, or locked, position. This locked position is defined by the locking pin 46 being in an extended position such that the movement of the pawl arm 12 is restricted by the position of the locking pin 46.
[0068] With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, an inverted view of the locking mechanism 40 is shown wherein the locking pin 46 is in an extended, or locked, position with the pawl mechanism 10 in place. The locking mechanism 40 is spring biased when placed in a retracted, or locked, position. As the appliance lid or door closes, the pawl magnet 14 acts upon slide magnet 62 to actuate switch slide 60, in turn pulling the slide toward the pawl magnet 14 and thus actuating the lid sensor switch 66. With switch 66 actuated, the appliance controller can proceed with momentarily activating solenoid 48, which actuates the plunger 54, the labyrinth block 52, and the locking pin 46. This linear actuation of the plunger 54, labyrinth block 52, and locking pin 46 manipulates the plunger cam 50 to a locking position in the labyrinth block 52, thus holding the locking pin 46 in an extended and locked position. Further, the labyrinth block 52 actuates the lock switch 58 to allow the appliance controller to proceed with the selected function. Upon completion of the appliance function, the appliance controller will momentarily reactivate the solenoid 48 to release the plunger cam 50 from the labyrinth block 52 locked position and allow the plunger biasing spring 56 to retract the plunger 54, labyrinth block 52, and locking pin 46 such that the lid or door of the associated appliance can be opened. When the lid or door is opened, the distance between the pawl magnet 14 and the slide magnet 62 increases, thus resulting in the attracting forces of the two magnets to diminish, thereby allowing the sensor slide biasing spring 64 to move away from the pawl magnet 14 and deactivate the lid sensor switch 66.
[0069] With reference now to FIG. 6, the lock mechanism 40 is shown encapsulated in the housing assembly 24, with the housing assembly 24 having the bezel 32 affixed thereto. The contents of the lock mechanism, when encapsulated by the housing assembly 24, are thus completely hydrophobically sealed from the outside environment. The combination of the receiving channel 30 and receiving channel slot 38, which resemble a cavity or opening within that of the housing assembly 24, are such that they keep the internal contents of the lock mechanism 40 free from all sources of moisture, such as water, steam, condensation, or the like.
[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 6, when the pawl mechanism 10 is inserted into the receiving channel 30 and receiving channel slot 38 of the housing assembly 24, the pawl magnet 14 interacts with that of the lid sensor magnet 62. This magnetic interaction sends a signal to the programmable controller (not shown), indicating that the associated appliance is in the closed position. When in the closed position, the appliance is then capable of being activated for use according to the parameters of the associated appliance. For example, where the appliance is a washing machine, a rinse cycle may be commenced. Upon activation of the appliance, the programmable controller may send an electric signal which activates the solenoid 48. Upon causing the solenoid to actuate, the locking mechanism 40 may be placed in the locked position, whereby the locking pin 46 extends outward towards the opposing end of the housing assembly 24. When in the locked position, the pawl arm 12 becomes obstructed by the locking pin 46, thus causing the pawl mechanism to be unable to be withdrawn from that of the housing assembly 24.
[0071] During a force open event, the locking pin 46 stays in the locked, or extended, position. However, the magnetic relationship between the pawl magnet 14 and slide magnet 62 is altered, as the distance therebetween is suddenly increased, with such a change allowing the slide 60 to return via the force of the slide spring 64, thus deactivating the lid sensor switch 66. This in turn signals an open circuit state to the controller, shutting off any function of the appliance. Due to the protruding feature of pawl arm 12, the lid or door of the associated appliance cannot reclose completely because the locking pin 46 obstructs the path of the pawl arm 12 from reentering the locking mechanism 40. Consequently, the open circuit state of the lid sensor switch 66 precludes the appliance from functional use without first repairing or resetting the lock mechanism to an unlocked state.
[0072] FIGS. 14-41 depict alternate embodiments of a lid lock assembly 100 according to the present invention. It is to be understood and appreciated that similarly named components in these alternate embodiments have similar functions to those in the embodiments described hereinabove.
[0073] FIG. 14 shows an alternative type lid pawl assembly 110 having a pawl groove 124. The similar view of FIG. 15 shows the lid pawl assembly 110 and the pawl groove 124 with a lid pawl 112 in a broken condition caused by a forced open lid event. The pawl groove 124 is designed to cause the lid pawl 112 to fail at the pawl breakage area 122 when the lid is forced open, resulting in the lid pawl 112 being pulled over the locking pin 170, described in greater detail hereinbelow. The lid pawl 112 is thus designed to break into two distinct pawl segments 112A, 112B that are designed to spread apart from force induced by the pawl spring 120 when broken.
[0074] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the lid pawl assembly 110. The lid pawl 112 has an aperture for receiving a lid pawl magnet 114. The pawl spring 120 is a coil spring for biasing the lid pawl 112 into a closed position. The pawl 112 is received into a lid pawl housing 116 and secured into place with a lid pawl retainer 118.
[0075] FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing a lid lock assembly 100 with a mounting bezel 132 and the lid pawl assembly 110. FIG. 18 shows the mounting bezel 132 snapped onto the lid lock assembly 100 for the purpose of attaching the lock assembly 100 to the top of a washing machine (not shown) and the lid pawl assembly 110. FIG. 19 shows the lid pawl assembly 110 engaged with the lid lock assembly 100. In the preferred embodiment, the lid lock assembly 100 is attached to the appliance body (e.g., a washing machine) and the lid pawl assembly 110 is attached to the appliance lid.
[0076] FIG. 20 depicts the lid pawl assembly 110 in the forced open, broken pawl condition. FIG. 21 shows the lid pawl assembly 110 in a forced open, broken pawl condition showing that the washing machine lid cannot be closed for operation, thus rending the machine inoperable because the lid pawl magnet 114 cannot be moved to an aligned position with the actuator magnet 156. In this state, the lid switch 230 is not actuated and the control circuit is open.
[0077] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of components of the lid lock assembly 100 in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. A housing 140 is enclosed by a cover 168 and sealed with a cover gasket 166. A locking toggle 144 is received in the housing 140 and retained in place with a retainer washer 146. A solenoid coil 150 engages a plunger spring 148 and is displaced using a solenoid plunger 152. The plunger 152 engages a bushing 142 that is retained in a side wall of the housing 140. As also shown in the exploded view of FIG. 22, a switch actuator assembly 154 receives the actuator magnet 156 and connects to a circuit board assembly 160. A wire harness 164 connects to the circuit board assembly 160 and engages the housing 140 with a wire grommet 162.
[0078] FIG. 23 shows the components of the solenoid plunger 152, including a locking pin 170 and a plunger core 172, which are aligned longitudinally along an axis of the solenoid plunger 152. A toggle pin 174 extends downwardly, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the solenoid plunger 152, for engagement with the toggle labyrinth 182, as explained hereinbelow. A switch cam 176 is mounted along a top of the solenoid plunger 152. A plunger back support 180 is at an opposite end of the solenoid plunger 152 from the locking pin 170, and includes a plurality of plunger back guide surfaces 178.
[0079] FIG. 24 shows the solenoid coil 150 and plunger spring 148 engaged with the solenoid plunger 152 retained in the housing 140 in the unlocked position. The toggle pin 174 is engaged with the locking toggle 144 in the unlocked position within the toggle labyrinth 182. FIG. 25 also shows the solenoid coil 6, plunger spring 5, and solenoid plunger 152 displaced into the locked position, with the locking pin 170 engaging lid pawl 112 as described hereinabove, and penetrating the bushing 142 on the housing 140 to retain the lid pawl 112 securely in place. The toggle pin 174 is in a different position within the toggle labyrinth 182 of the locking toggle 144 when in the locked position, as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow.
[0080] FIG. 26 shows the lock housing 140 with the locking toggle 144 retained therein with the retainer washer 146. This view shows the side-to-side pivotal motion of the locking toggle 144 as the toggle pin 174 moves through the toggle labyrinth 182. FIG. 27 is an overhead view of the locking toggle 144 with the toggle pin 174 in a position within the toggle labyrinth 182 indicative of the unlocked state. The overhead view of FIG. 28 shows the locking toggle 144 with the toggle pin 174 in transition to a locked state. FIG. 29 shows the position within the locking toggle 144 of the toggle pin 174 cradled within the locking niche 188, which is the locked position, so that the state of the lock is locked. FIG. 30 shows the locking toggle 144 with the toggle pin 174 within the toggle labyrinth 182 in transition to an unlocked state.
[0081] The movement of the toggle pin 174 through the toggle labyrinth 182 of the locking toggle 144 is effected by displacement of the solenoid plunger 152 by the solenoid coil 150. The toggle labyrinth 182 is configured so that back-and-forth, reciprocating motion of the solenoid plunger 152 moves the toggle pin 174 in a sequential path along the toggle labyrinth 182 through the states indicated in FIGS. 27-30. The locking toggle 144 pivots in the side-to-side motion indicated in FIG. 26 as the solenoid plunger 152 moves in its back-and-forth, reciprocating motion as the toggle pin 174 traces its path through the toggle labyrinth 182.
[0082] In this manner, the solenoid plunger 152 is in the position indicated in FIG. 24 when the toggle pin 174 is in the position indicated in FIG. 27. The solenoid plunger 152 is displaced in the direction indicated by FIG. 25 when the toggle pin 174 is moved through the toggle labyrinth 182 into the first transition path indicated in FIG. 28. Another displacement of the solenoid plunger 152 toward the direction of FIG. 24 moves the toggle pin 174 into the locked position within the locking niche 188 as shown in FIG. 29. Another displacement of the solenoid plunger 152 toward the direction of FIG. 25 moves the toggle pin 174 along the second transition path of FIG. 30 to return the toggle pin 174 to the original unlocked position of FIG. 27.
[0083] FIG. 31 is a view of the circuit board assembly 160 for actuating the solenoid coil 150 for displacing the solenoid plunger 152. The circuit board assembly 160 includes an actuator guide slot 190 for guiding the switch actuator assembly 154, which will be further discussed hereinbelow. Also included is a plunger guide slot 192 for guiding the plunger back support 180, as particularly indicated in FIG. 23. Circuit board mounting holes 194 are used for affixing the circuit board assembly 160 to the housing 140.
[0084] FIG. 32 shows the solenoid plunger 152 in the unlocked position with respect to the circuit board assembly 160. The plunger back support 180 is at the top of the plunger guide slot 42. The solenoid plunger 152 includes a switch cam 176 that interacts with a lock switch 200 having a lock switch button 26. FIG. 33 shows the solenoid plunger 152 displaced into the locked position. The switch cam 176 is moved to a position where it engages the lock switch 200 so that the lock switch button 202 is depressed. The switch button 202 thus sends a signal to the system indicating a locked state.
[0085] FIG. 34 is a detailed view of featured found on the lock housing 140. A toggle pivot 184 supports the locking toggle 144, as explained hereinabove. Actuator guide rails 210 guide the movement of the switch actuator assembly 154, as will be explained hereinbelow. Plunger guide rails 212 guide and support the plunger back support 180 for reciprocating movement. Circuit board mounting bosses 214 provide for a structure for attaching the circuit board assembly 160. A grommet retaining groove 216 retains the wire grommet 162. Housing snaps 218 engage cover snaps 224 on the cover 168. A gasket compression rib 220 engages with the cover gasket 166.
[0086] The exploded view of FIG. 35 shows the lock housing 140 with the gasket 166 and cover 168 having a gasket groove 116 for receiving and retaining the gasket 166, providing sealing of the electronic components against a moist environment. The cover snap features 224 are shown, which engage the housing snaps 218, as had been indicated in FIG. 18.
[0087] FIG. 36 is an alignment illustration of the lock assembly 100 in accordance with the alternate embodiments, further including an alternate style pawl assembly 110. The cut-away view of FIG. 37 shows the solenoid coil 150 inside the lock housing 140 with the cover 168 in place and the lid pawl 112 in the engagement position. The locking pin 170 is shown in the locked position where it engages and retains the lid pawl 112.
[0088] FIG. 38 is an electrical schematic showing circuit logic and symbolic references for the to the solenoid plunger core 172 with locking pin 170, residing within the solenoid coil 150. As indicated, the locking pin 170 is in the locked position and engaged with the lid pawl 112. The lock sensing switch 200 detects the locked position. The lid sensing switch 230 detects the presence of the pawl magnet 114, as will be further explained hereinbelow.
[0089] FIG. 39 illustrates details of the switch actuator assembly 154. The switch actuator body 240 retains the actuator magnet 156. The switch actuator 240 has multiple actuator guide surfaces 242 that move back and forth within the actuator guide rails 210 in the housing 140. Also included is a switch actuator surface 244 that engages the lid switch 230.
[0090] FIG. 40 shows the interface of the lid pawl 112 with the lid lock assembly 100. The lid pawl 112 is shown in a non-engaged position, indicating that the lid is open and the appliance is thereby deactivated. Before the pawl 112 is lowered into position, the lid pawl magnet 114 has no influence on switch actuator magnet 156. The switch actuation surface 244 of the switch actuator 240 does not engage with the lid switch 230 and the lid switch button 246 is not yet depressed.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 41, the lid pawl 112 is lowered into the lid lock assembly 100 so that the lid pawl magnet 114 influences the switch actuator magnet 156, being magnetically drawn to the lid pawl magnet 114, thereby displacing the switch actuator 240 so that the switch actuation surface 244 is brought into engagement with the lid switch 230, causing the lid switch button 246 to be depressed, thereby sending a signal to the system that the lid pawl 112 is engaged. This signal enables the appliance to be activated. In accordance with other views described hereinabove, the locking pin 170 is now engaged, retaining the lid pawl 112 unless and until the lid is forcibly opened, which breaks the pawl, rendering the appliance inoperable.
[0092] Numerous embodiments have been described by the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this disclosure. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
