How the washing machine lock works

Despite its miniature size, the hatch lock device (UBL) is an important element of the washing machine. With its help, the system monitors the integrity of the body during washing, and in case of any problem, it automatically stops the cycle and displays an error signal on the display. Knowing how the lock on a washing machine works, you can not only broaden your horizons, but also be prepared for possible problems. Therefore, we recommend that you find out in advance the design and operating principle of the locking device, which we will discuss in detail below.

How does the door lock function?

An incorrectly functioning blocker does not need to be completely replaced with a new one. Firstly, such a replacement will not be cheap, and secondly, finding an alternative spare part is not easy. Therefore, it is better to understand the door lock structure in advance and try to diagnose the cause of the breakdown. It is possible that minor repairs can be done. The lock is a small part that looks like a cassette. If you remove the plastic case, you can see:

• a metal plate connected to the spring of the loading hatch cover (the spring passes through a special hole and is attached to the door body);
• thermistor;
• a bimetallic element capable of responding to temperature by changing color;
• contact connectors;
• pin.

Important! The appearance of the UBL may differ depending on the model of the washing machine.

Now you can imagine the principle of operation of the hatch lock. The door closes and the hook hits the latch and engages the plate.Everything is locked in a certain position, after which a signal is sent to the control board. Then an electric current is supplied to the thermistor, which changes the shape of the bimetallic part. It, in turn, pushes the pin, which provokes complete fixation of all elements of the UBL and the hatch itself.

At the finish line, the internal contacts are closed, and the triggered mechanism is reported to the control module. Reverse unlocking occurs like this: the voltage on the thermistor is turned off, the contacts come off, and the pin and plate return to their original position.

What if the device is broken?

A non-functioning UBL, among other breakdowns, may prevent the washing machine from starting a new cycle. To accurately determine whether a lock needs repairs, you only need to take a couple of steps.

First, open the door, expose the lock and find the movable plate. We move it to the “working” position and connect the multimeter probes to the contacts. We evaluate its performance by checking the displayed values ​​with the established norm. Then we don’t relax and pay attention to how the locking mechanism behaves after the tension is relieved. If the click does not occur automatically, there is a problem.

Faulty constipation leads to unpleasant situations. For example, after the wash is completed, the hatch door does not open and the washed items cannot be removed from the drum. To solve the problem you will have to:

1. Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and water supply.
2. Unscrew the screws from the back of the case and remove the top panel.
3. Tilt the machine back.
4. Move the metal bolt from the hatch hook by hand.

There is also an absolutely opposite situation, when even with strong pressure the UBL does not work and the door does not close.Accordingly, the washing does not start - the control board does not receive a signal about the drum being tight. In such cases, most likely the lock has become worn and weakened. To find out, you need to unscrew the hatch door and check the condition of the blocker with a multimeter and visual inspection.

If a defect is detected, the UBL should be replaced. To do this, the lock will have to be dismantled and a similar copy installed in its place. The algorithm is as follows:

Important! It is recommended to record the disassembly on the camera to facilitate the assembly process and avoid errors and confusion.

1. We open the hatch.
2. Remove the outer clamp from the cuff.
3. We fill the rubber seal inside the drum.
4. Carefully unscrew the bolts holding the lock.
5. We get UBL.
6. We install the new device in the reverse order.

Having figured out how the washing machine hatch door lock works, you can not panic when the door is locked, but quickly and correctly assess the scale of the problem on your own. The main thing is not to let the operation of the machine take its course, do not forget about prevention and careful care. Then the machine will last a long time and save its owners from accidents, floods, mold and unpleasant odors.

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