LOCKING DEVICE FOR A MOVING ELEMENT, PARTICULARLY FOR A DRUM OF A TOP-LOADING WASHING MACHINE

摘要

The locking device (20) for retaining a moving element (5) in a predetermined position, particularly a drum (5) of a top-loading washing machine (1) in a loading/unloading position of the drum (5), comprises a casing (21) in which is mounted a catch (22) which is slidable in a guided way between an outward position and a retracted position, in which it can, respectively, lock and release the moving element (5), and which is associated with first opposing resilient means (27) tending to move it to the outward position. The casing (21) also includes locking members (32, 33) which in an operating condition can move the catch (22) to the retracted position and retain it there, and release members (34) which in an operating condition can make the locking members (33) move to a release condition in which they allow the catch (22) to return to the outward position. The locking means (32, 33) and the release means (34) are associated, respectively, with first and second actuators (38, 60), which are capable of causing these means to move from an inoperative condition to their respective operating conditions.