Locking Device For A Moving Element, Particularly For A Drum Of A Top-Loading Washing Machine

Locking device for a moving element, particularly for a drum of a top-loading washing machine. 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.