Patent Description:
Door-locking modules are typically used in household appliances such as washing machines and dryers to lock the door of the appliance. For example, washing machines and/or dryers typically use a door-locking module to securely lock the door of the appliance before starting a washing or drying cycle. Further, such door-locking modules are known to prevent the door from being opened during the washing or drying cycle, as well as, prevent the washing or drying cycle from being started when the door of the appliance is open.

Existing door-locking modules contain a multitude of mechanical components which cooperate with one another to mechanically lock and unlock the door of the household appliance. Usually, an actuator is connected to a control unit of the appliance to command the movement of a locking pin between a disengaged position, in which the locking pin does not engage with the appliance door, i.e. the door is open or openable, and a locked door position, in which the locking pin engages with the appliance door, i.e. the door is locked. Other door-locking modules may have a lock switch that cooperates directly with the locking pin in order to signal to a control unit of the appliance whether the locking pin is in a locked position or an unlocked position. However, door-locking modules that can determine the position of the locking pin often have a large number of components, thus, resulting in an assembly that occupies a large space. Also, such modules may only be compatible with a select range of appliances and modifications are often required to the door-locking modules in order to operably fit with different household appliances. For example, it is often necessary to rearrange the layout of conductive strips and parts within the casing of the module depending on the layout of a particular household appliance for it to work with that appliance. Accordingly, different models of the door-locking module have to be manufactured and assembled, requiring varying production equipment and production lines.

Automatic unlocking means or mechanisms may be provided within door-locking modules in order to implement automation of opening the door of the household appliance in 'smart' appliances. Such mechanisms include additional components, including an additional actuator, which increases the space required by the door locking module and further limits the range of appliances with which the door-locking module is compatible.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved door-locking module configured to mitigate the problems associated with the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door-locking module adapted to determine the movement and position of a locking pin, that is more compact (compared to other door locking modules) and that has an improved compatibility with different layouts and types of household appliances. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic opening module that is configured to cooperate with door locking modules and thus has improved compatibility with different layouts and types of household appliances.

The present invention provides at least an alternative embodiment to automatic unlocking or opening means and mechanisms of the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an automatic opening module according to the appended claims.

According to the present invention there is provided an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance. The automatic opening module comprises a housing, a transmission system and a lever engaging pin.

Said transmission system is received within said housing.

Said lever engaging pin is received within said housing.

A first part of said transmission system may be operably coupled to said lever engaging pin.

A second part of said transmission system is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module. Actuation of the actuator may cause the transmission system to move the lever engaging pin between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance, comprising: a housing; a transmission system; and a lever engaging pin; wherein said transmission system and said lever engaging pin are received within said housing; wherein a first part of said transmission system is operably coupled to said lever engaging pin; and wherein a second part of said transmission system is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module such that actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system to move the lever engaging pin between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked position.

The automatic opening module is thus configured to cooperate with door locking modules. The operable engagement of the second part of the transmission system with an actuator of a door locking module removes the requirement to provide an additional or more complex actuator to actuate the lever engaging pin of the automatic opening module. Furthermore, the receipt of the transmission system and the lever engaging pin within the housing enables the provision of an automatic opening module, which may be retrofitted with a door locking module to implement automation of opening the door of the household appliance and thus the provision of a 'smart' household appliance.

Advantageously, when in said first, locked, position, said lever engaging pin is moved into said housing of said automatic opening module, and when in said second, locked, position, at least part of said lever engaging pin is moved out of said housing of said automatic opening module.

Advantageously, the transmission system may be a gear assembly, for example a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears.

The first part of said transmission system comprises a first gear of said plurality of gears and said second part of said transmission system comprises a second gear of said plurality of gears.

The gear assembly advantageously provides a compact arrangement that is particularly suitable for an automatic opening module that is configured to be used with other components of a door locking system for a household appliance, for example a door locking module. In other words, the gear assembly allows motion to be transferred over a predetermined spacing between the components, e.g. an actuator of a door locking module and the lever engaging pin.

Advantageously, the lever engaging pin may comprises a rack gear portion. The rack gear portion may be operably coupled to said first part of said transmission system. Said first gear of said plurality of gears may be a pinion gear. Said rack gear portion of said lever engaging pin and said first gear or said pinion gear of said plurality of gears may therefore form a rack and pinion gear pair.

Said rack gear portion advantageously enables the conversion of rotary movement of said transmission system to linear movement of the lever engaging pin within a predetermined spacing in between two components, e.g. an actuator of a door locking module and the lever engaging pin.

Advantageously, the first part of said transmission system may comprise a clutch mechanism.

Advantageously, said clutch mechanism may comprise a clutch ring comprising at least two resilient tooth members.

Advantageously, said clutch mechanism may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged on an inner surface of said first part of said transmission system.

The clutch mechanism advantageously ensures that the lever engaging pin is retained in the correct position, and can be reset to the correct position, between usage cycles without damage being caused to the transmission system. Advantageously, the clutch mechanism also compensates for variation or tolerances in the arrangement of components within the automatic opening module during assembly.

Advantageously, said automatic opening module may comprise a reset lever.

Advantageously, said reset lever may be slidingly engaged with said lever engaging pin.

Advantageously, said reset lever may comprise a body and a resilient arm. An opening may be defined between said body and said resilient arm.

Advantageously, said housing may comprise a protrusion extending from an inner wall of said housing.

Advantageously, said opening of said reset lever may be configured to receive said protrusion of said housing.

Advantageously, the reset lever enables the manual resetting of the automatic opening module without causing damage to the gears of the transmission system, for example in the event of an emergency.

Advantageously, said housing may comprise a first opening through which at least a portion of the second gear extends to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module.

Advantageously, said housing may comprises a second opening through which at least a portion of the lever engaging pin extends.

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout, i.e. identical reference numerals are used for components identical in different examples or in different embodiments of the present invention.

Through the description and claims of this specification, the terms 'comprise' and 'contain', and variations thereof, are interpreted to mean 'including but not limited to', and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality, as well as, singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example embodiment of a door-locking module 2b is illustrated including a PCB-top-mounted first and second actuators 22b, 23b and a respective locking ring 12b, as well as, a door sensing pin 13b. The module 2b further includes a PCB <NUM>, an electric motor <NUM> that is operably connected to the PCB <NUM> by electric wires <NUM>, and a gear mechanism <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> may be a 12V DC motor having an output shaft connected to an extending worm gear shaft <NUM> that is operably coupled to the locking ring 12b (e.g. a cam member) via the gear mechanism <NUM>. The gear mechanism <NUM> comprises at least three interconnected gears 10a, 10b and 10c. Functionally, the worm gear shaft <NUM> drives gear 10a coupled with gear 10b, which then drives gear 10c. The gear ratios between the respective engaging gears 10a, 10b, 10c and the worm gear <NUM> are chosen so that a given motor rotation provides a suitable rotational movement of the locking ring 12b. The locking ring 12b includes a cam guide <NUM> that is provided within a cylindrical wall portion of the locking ring 12b, as well as, a trigger member 20b adapted to engage with the respective first actuator or sensor 22b. In the example embodiment of the door locking module 2b, the trigger member 20b comprises a cam surface provided on top of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b.

The door-locking module 2b further includes a locking pin <NUM> adapted to engage with the cam guide <NUM> via a cam follower <NUM>. The locking ring 12b is operably coupled to and coaxially arranged with the gear 10c, so as to directly transfer rotational movement of the gear 10c into rotational movement of the locking ring 12b. The rotational movement of the locking ring 12b and cam guide <NUM> then translates into a linear movement of the cam follower <NUM> and locking pin <NUM> (axial movement). In this particular example, the cam guide <NUM> is formed by an enclosed aperture within a portion of the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b, extending between a first aperture end and a second aperture end, thus, limiting the rotational movement of the locking ring 12b and the axial movement of the cam follower <NUM> to a predetermined range.

In a preferred example embodiment, the cam guide <NUM> may be formed by an aperture defining a first ramp at a first angle (with respect to the rotational or centre axis of the locking ring 12b) followed by a second ramp at a second angle (different from the first angle). For example, the lower portion of the aperture may be at a steeper angle than the following upper portion of the aperture (see, for example, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>).

Referring now particularly to the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first actuator or sensor 22b, provided on the printed circuit board <NUM> (PCB) for cooperation with the trigger member 20b, may be a movable contact blade. The second actuator or sensor 23b also be a movable contact blade. During use, the rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b into or out of engagement with the first actuator 22b at a predetermined rotational position. For the example embodiment, a movable contact blade 22b (e.g. a resilient metal blade, see <FIG>) is adapted to slidingly engage with the cam surface on top of the locking ring 12b (i.e. the trigger member 20b). During use, the cam surface on top of the locking ring 12b moves the resilient metal contact between a close-circuit position (<FIG>) and an open-circuit position (<FIG>) on the PCB <NUM>. Further, the resilient metal contact (movable contact blade 22b) is biased towards the close-circuit position.

Referring back to <FIG>, a door sensing pin 13b is provided between the second actuator or sensor 23b and the appliance door (e.g. via a linkage or other components engageable by the appliance door). Here, the door sensing pin 13b is arranged, so as to allow sliding movement between an engaged position, engaging the second actuator or sensor 23b (i.e. the bottom-mounted tactile switch, or the top-mounted movable blade contact), and a disengaged position, disengaged from the second actuator or sensor 23b. For example, when using the movable blade contact 23b, the door sensing pin 13b is configured, so as to slidingly move the resilient metal contact (i.e. spring contact) from the close-circuit position into the open-circuit position and vice versa. Further, it is understood by the person skilled in the art, that any other suitable door sensing mechanisms may be used. For example, a rotatable lever arm may be provided between the second actuator or sensor (e.g. a lever switch, or an optical switch) and the appliance door that is configured to move into and out of engagement with the second actuator or sensor in accordance with the position of the appliance door (i.e. closed or open).

As illustrated particularly in <FIG>, in the event that the appliance door has to be unlocked manually, a manual actuator <NUM> is provided to rotate the locking ring 12b back to its unlocked position (e.g. counter-clock wise) via a locking ring lever <NUM>. In order to prevent any damage to the gears 10a, 10b, 10c, <NUM> when manually rotating the locking ring 12b back to its unlocked position, a unidirectional clutch mechanism <NUM> is provided with the coupling between the gear 10c and the coaxially arranged locking ring 12b. The clutch mechanism <NUM> comprises a plurality of apertures or cavities <NUM> that are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on an inner surface of gear 10c (see <FIG>) and at least two resilient tooth members <NUM> provided within the cylindrical wall of the locking ring 12b. The resilient tooth members <NUM> are arranged so as to operably engage with the apertures or cavities <NUM>, i.e. the resilient tooth members <NUM> can slidably move from one aperture or cavity <NUM> to another in one direction (e.g. counter-clockwise), while the gears remain stationary, but lockingly engage with any one of the apertures or cavities <NUM> in the opposite direction (e.g. clockwise), thus rotating with the locking ring 12b.

The door locking module 2b is further provided with a housing <NUM> adapted to operably accommodate at least the component parts, such as, the PCB <NUM>, motor <NUM> and wires <NUM>, gear mechanism <NUM>, locking ring 12b, door sensing pin 13b and locking pin <NUM>.

During operation and as illustrated in <FIG>, the electric motor <NUM> is actuated or energised so that the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> and the attached worm gear shaft <NUM> rotate in a desired direction. The worm gear shaft <NUM> engages gear 10a, which in turn engages gear 10b to then engage gear 10c and rotating the locking ring 12b. In <FIG> the directions of rotation are indicated by arrows on respective gears 10a, 10b, 10c. As such, the actuation of the electric motor <NUM> drives the locking ring 12b via gear mechanism <NUM> either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotational motion of the motor <NUM> is transferred onto the locking ring 12b via coupled gear 10c. Rotation of the locking ring 12b changes the position of the cam guide <NUM> relative to the engaged cam follower <NUM> of the locking pin <NUM>, thus, axially moving the locking pin <NUM> between the locked and unlocked position. In particular, when the locking ring 12b is rotated counter-clockwise, the cam follower <NUM> is positioned at a first end (left end or upper end) of the cam guide <NUM>, causing the locking pin <NUM> to be moved up (unlocked from the appliance door). When the locking ring 12b is rotated clockwise, the cam follower <NUM> is positioned at the second end (right end or lower end) of the cam guide <NUM>, causing the locking pin <NUM> to be moved down (locking the appliance door). Since the electric motor <NUM> is drivable bidirectionally (i.e. clockwise and counter-clockwise), it is possible to control the position of the locking pin <NUM> via motor control.

Referring back to <FIG>, the first actuator or sensor 22b is engaged by the trigger member 20b, which generates a signal corresponding to the position of the locking pin <NUM> indicating the locking state of the appliance door. For example, clockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b into switching engagement with the first actuator or sensor 22b causing a signal to be generated that indicates the locked position of the appliance door. Counter-clockwise rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the trigger member 20b out of switching engagement with the first actuator or sensor 22b causing a signal to be generated that indicates the unlocked position of the appliance door. Further, integrating the actuator or sensor 22b with the PCB <NUM>, so as to cooperate with the trigger member 20b allows the use of PCB's <NUM> with reduced dimensions (compared to present locking modules), because the position of the locking pin <NUM> is sensed directly from the position of the locking ring 12b.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the clutch mechanism <NUM> is used to provide a manual unlock function of the appliance door that is decoupled from the gear mechanism <NUM>. Here, the actuator arm <NUM> of the manual actuator <NUM> is pushed into engagement with the locking ring lever <NUM>, thus, rotating the locking ring 12b counter-clockwise relative to a stationary gear 10c, with the tooth member(s) <NUM> sliding through the apertures <NUM>. This decoupled rotation of the locking ring 12b moves the locking pin <NUM> into the unlocked position.

An automatic opening module <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to <FIG>. The automatic opening module <NUM> is particularly suitable for use with a door-locking module 2b, as described in section (a), so as to form a door-locking system of a household appliance. However, it is understood by the person skilled in the art, that the automatic opening module <NUM> may also be used with any other suitable door-locking mechanisms or household appliances.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, embodiments of the automatic opening module <NUM> may form part of a door locking system of a household appliance, the door locking system described includes a door locking module 2b (as described in section (a)) and an external module <NUM>.

The automatic opening module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is generally cuboid, having four outer walls, a lower face or base and an upper face within which a hollow is defined. The housing <NUM> includes a top or upper housing cover <NUM> and a bottom or lower housing portion <NUM>.

The upper housing cover <NUM> includes the upper face of the housing <NUM> and one or more walls which form part of one or more of the outer walls of the housing <NUM>.

Similarly, the lower housing portion <NUM> includes the base of the housing <NUM> and one or more walls which form part of one of more of the outer walls of the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> also includes a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>. Each of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> are defined between the one or more walls of the upper housing cover <NUM> and the one or more walls of the lower housing portion <NUM>.

A first catch portion <NUM> is provided on the upper housing cover <NUM> on the upper face of the housing <NUM>.

The lower housing portion <NUM> includes a flange <NUM>, which extends from one of the walls which form part of one of the outer walls of the housing <NUM>, and a respective protrusions or teeth <NUM> adapted to lockingly engage with the upper housing cover <NUM>. A second catch portion <NUM> is provided on an outer surface the flange <NUM> (i.e. the second catch portion <NUM> is provided on a surface of the flange which faces away from the hollow within the housing <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, a first shaft <NUM> and a second shaft <NUM> extend upwardly from the lower housing portion <NUM> (i.e. the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> extend from the base of the housing <NUM> into the hollow within the housing <NUM>).

A rib <NUM> extends inwardly from one of the walls of the lower housing portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The automatic opening module <NUM> also includes a transmission mechanism <NUM> and a lever engaging pin <NUM>. The transmission mechanism <NUM> includes a first part, which is operably coupled to the lever engaging pin <NUM>, and a second part, which is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module, for example, the gear member 10e (of gear assembly <NUM>) and the electric motor <NUM> of the door locking module 2b.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the transmission mechanism <NUM> is a gear assembly including a plurality of gears. The first part of the transmission mechanism <NUM> includes a first gear <NUM> and the second part of the transmission mechanism <NUM> includes a second gear <NUM>.

The first gear <NUM> includes a first gear member <NUM> having a plurality of outer teeth <NUM> and the second gear member <NUM> having a plurality of outer teeth <NUM>. The second gear member <NUM> is operably coupled to and coaxially arranged with the first gear member <NUM> such that the second gear member <NUM> and the first gear member <NUM> rotate together. The diameter of the first gear member <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the second gear member <NUM>.

Similarly, the second gear <NUM> includes a first gear member <NUM> having a plurality of outer teeth <NUM> and a second gear member <NUM> having a plurality of outer teeth <NUM>. The second gear member <NUM> is coaxial with the first gear member <NUM>, and the first and second gear members <NUM>, <NUM> are integral parts. The diameter of the first gear member <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the second gear member <NUM>. The gear ratios between the respective engaging gears <NUM>, <NUM> are chosen so that a given motor rotation provides a suitable linear movement of the lever engaging pin <NUM> (described in more detail below).

Furthermore, and as shown in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first gear <NUM> incorporates a clutch mechanism <NUM> operably coupling the first and second gear member <NUM>, <NUM> of the first gear <NUM>. The clutch mechanism <NUM> includes a clutch ring <NUM>, having two or more resilient tooth members <NUM> extending radially outward, and a plurality of apertures or cavities <NUM> that are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on an inner surface of the first gear member <NUM>. The resilient tooth members <NUM> are arranged so as to operably engage with the apertures or cavities <NUM>, i.e. the resilient tooth members <NUM> can slidably move from one aperture or cavity <NUM> to another in one direction (e.g. -clockwise) while the first and second gears <NUM>, <NUM> remain stationary, but lockingly engage with any one of the apertures or cavities <NUM> in the opposite direction (e.g. counter-clockwise), thus rotating with the clutch ring <NUM>.

The lever engaging pin <NUM> is an elongate body that has a pin portion <NUM> at a distal end and a rack gear portion <NUM> at a proximal end (inside the housing). The rack gear portion <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth <NUM>, which extend along one edge of the rack gear portion <NUM>, and a slot <NUM>, which extends along one surface of the rack gear portion <NUM> (open towards the proximal end).

The automatic opening module <NUM> also includes a reset lever <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). The reset lever <NUM> has a body <NUM> and a resilient arm <NUM>. An opening <NUM> is defined between the body <NUM> and the resilient arm <NUM> of the reset lever <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> through which an aperture <NUM> extends, and an elongate slider <NUM> which extends along the length of the body <NUM>.

When assembled, the reset lever <NUM> is positioned within the lower housing portion <NUM>, such that the protrusion <NUM> of the lower housing portion <NUM> is held within the opening <NUM> between the body <NUM> and the resilient arm <NUM> of the reset lever <NUM> and the first shaft <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the reset lever <NUM>.

The lever engaging pin <NUM> is slidingly coupled with the reset lever <NUM> via the elongate slider <NUM> and the slot <NUM>.

The first gear <NUM> is operably mounted onto the first shaft <NUM> such that the outer teeth <NUM> of the second gear member <NUM> of the first gear <NUM> engage the teeth <NUM> of the rack gear portion <NUM> of the lever engaging pin <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> is operably mounted onto the second shaft <NUM> such that the outer teeth <NUM> of the second gear member <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> engage the outer teeth <NUM> of the first gear member <NUM> of the first gear <NUM>.

The upper housing cover <NUM> is positioned over the lower housing portion <NUM> to form the housing <NUM>. The pin portion <NUM> of the lever engaging pin <NUM> extends through the first opening <NUM> that is formed between the upper housing cover <NUM> and the lower housing portion <NUM>. The first gear member <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> extends through the second opening <NUM> that is formed between the upper housing cover <NUM> and the lower housing portion <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the lower housing portion <NUM> extends below the first gear member <NUM> of the second gear <NUM>.

The outer teeth <NUM> of the first gear member <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> engage with or interconnect with the outer teeth of a further gear 10e in a connection portion of the housing of the door locking module 2b, thereby providing an operable engagement between the actuator of the door locking module 2b and the transmission system <NUM>.

Once assembled, the automatic opening module <NUM> may be installed on a door locking system by connecting the automatic opening module <NUM> to a door locking module 2b of a door locking system.

The automatic opening module <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to and aligned with the door locking module 2b, such that the outer teeth <NUM> of the first gear member <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> engage with or interconnect with the outer teeth of the gear 10e forming part of the gear assembly <NUM> of the door locking module 2b, and the second catch portion <NUM> on the flange <NUM> of the lower housing portion <NUM> engages a catch receiver on the housing of the door locking module 2b. Similarly, the first catch portion <NUM> on the upper housing cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> engages a catch receiver on a flange of the housing <NUM> of the door locking module 2b.

In its final configuration (i.e. assembly, see <FIG> or <FIG>), the automatic opening module <NUM> is arranged between the door locking module 2b and an external module <NUM> adapted to lock and release a sliding block <NUM> (part of the external module). In particular, and as described earlier, the automatic opening module <NUM> is operably coupled with the door locking module 2b via one of the gears 10e of the gear mechanism <NUM>, and is adapted to operably engage with an operating lever <NUM> of the sliding block <NUM>. The assembly and function of the external module <NUM> and its sliding block <NUM> is described in detail in document <CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In summary, the automatic opening module <NUM> of the present invention replaces the electrically activated actuator (described in <CIT>), i.e. the pin portion <NUM> of the lever engaging pin <NUM> is adapted to push the operating lever <NUM>, so as to disengage a locking protrusion <NUM> of a rocking block <NUM> provided in the sliding block <NUM>, thus, enabling the rocking block <NUM> to rotate within its cavity. The exact mechanism and function of the external module <NUM> and the included sliding block <NUM>, locking protrusion <NUM> and rocking block <NUM> is beyond the scope of the description for the present invention and will not be described in any more detail (which can be found in <CIT>).

Consequently, the automatic opening module <NUM> provides for a simplified door locking module with a reduced complexity, as well as, a reduced number of components (such as an electrically powered solenoid), thus, minimising the costs of manufacture, as well as, minimising the risk of potential faults and malfunctioning when losing power. It is understood by the person skilled in the art, that the automatic opening module <NUM> may be incorporated as a retrofit to existing door locking systems.

Also, and as already described in previous paragraphs, during operation and as illustrated in <FIG>, the electric motor <NUM> is actuated or energised so that the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> and the attached worm gear shaft <NUM> rotate in a desired direction. The worm gear <NUM> engages gear 10a, which in turn engages gear 10b to then engage gear 10c and rotating the locking ring 12b.

Rotation of the gear 10a in the counter-clockwise direction, as illustrated in <FIG> results in the rotation of gear 10e in the connection portion of the housing of the door locking module 2b in the counter-clockwise direction.

Rotation of gear 10e results in rotation of the second gear <NUM> and subsequently of the first gear <NUM>.

Anti-clockwise rotation of the first gear <NUM> moves the lever engaging pin <NUM> outwardly (clock-wise rotation moves the pin inwardly) and through the first opening <NUM> into an engaging contact so as to push the operating lever <NUM> against the biased locking protrusion <NUM> (e.g. a roller, see <CIT> for specific details) of the rocking block <NUM>, which will then "unlock" the rocking block <NUM> (see above) and allow rotation with in its cavity.

A clock-wise rotation of the first gear <NUM> retracts the pin <NUM> out of engagement with the operating lever <NUM>, releasing the biased locking protrusion <NUM> (e.g. spring biased roller) and "locking" the rocking block <NUM> within its cavity (i.e. prevent rotation of the rocking block <NUM>).

The clutch mechanism <NUM> ensures that the inward movement of the lever engaging pin <NUM> is limited such that the pin portion <NUM> is in the correct position for the next cycle.

The clutch mechanism <NUM> thus advantageously ensures that the lever engaging pin <NUM> is retained in the correct position, and can be reset to the correct position, between usage cycles without damage being caused to the transmission system <NUM>. Advantageously, the clutch mechanism <NUM> also compensates for variation or tolerances in the arrangement of components within the automatic opening module <NUM> during assembly. Through the description and claims of this specification, the words 'comprise' and 'contain' and variations of them mean 'including but not limited to', and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Claim 1:
An automatic opening module (<NUM>) for a door of a household appliance, the automatic opening module (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a transmission system (<NUM>); and
a lever engaging pin (<NUM>) comprising a rack gear portion (<NUM>);
wherein said transmission system (<NUM>) is a gear assembly, comprising a plurality of gears;
wherein said transmission system (<NUM>) and said lever engaging pin (<NUM>) are received within said housing (<NUM>);
wherein a first part of said transmission system (<NUM>) comprises a first gear (<NUM>) of said plurality of gears and a second part of said transmission system (<NUM>) comprises a second gear (<NUM>) of said plurality of gears;
wherein said first part of said transmission system (<NUM>) is operably coupled to said rack gear portion (<NUM>) of said lever engaging pin (<NUM>); and
wherein said second part of said transmission system (<NUM>) is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module such that, in use, actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system (<NUM>) to move the lever engaging pin (<NUM>) between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position.