Door opening striker of dish washing machine
By using a single-channel latch mechanism in the dishwasher and using the controller to release the impact piece to push open the dishwasher door, the problem of insufficient drying performance of the existing dishwasher is solved, and the effect of efficient drying and energy consumption is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411180940.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing dishwashers have insufficient drying performance during the drying cycle, and are costly and complex, making it difficult to achieve efficient drying and energy consumption reduction.
A single-channel latch mechanism is adopted to optimize the drying of the bowl by sending a signal to the actuator using the dishwasher controller after the washing cycle, releasing the impact member, allowing the pad pressure and door bias spring to push the dishwasher door open.
Improves the drying performance of the dishwasher, reduces cost and complexity, avoids additional door switches and wiring harness connections, ensures that the door does not run when opened and prevents damage to water flow.
Smart Images
Figure CN119523381A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 534,940, filed on August 28, 2023. The co-pending provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions specifically appearing below. Background Art Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a dishwasher latch striker and, more particularly, to a dishwasher latch striker configured to hold a dishwasher door in an open position after a wash cycle.
[0004] Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Conventional dishwasher latches include a latch and a mating striker. These latches are usually (but not always) mounted to the dishwasher door, while the mating striker is mounted to the dishwasher tub. Such latches may include an over-center spring and cam mechanism or similar configuration to pull the door tight so that the dishwasher tub rests against the gasket to prevent water leakage during the wash cycle, thereby maintaining a watertight seal. In most dishwashers, the striker is a simple and fixed / non-moving mechanical piece that snaps into a feature provided by the dishwasher tub or is attached to the dishwasher tub by a mounting screw. The door latch also typically includes an electrical switch for indicating when the door is open (and / or closed).
[0006] Most dishwasher cycles are run entirely with the dishwasher door in the closed position. The dish drying function is usually provided by a venting mechanism and a heating mechanism. The venting mechanism provides an opening in the housing to promote air flow. The heating mechanism promotes drying but is energy inefficient. It is also known to open the dishwasher door after the wash cycle is complete to increase air flow to improve drying performance. Today, a small number of dedicated dishwashers open the door to improve drying performance.
[0007] In North America, one such dishwasher uses a thermal actuator and lever mechanism to provide the force and travel to push the door open. In Europe, another such dishwasher uses a large AC synchronous motor and gearbox actuator to do this. In both examples, when the door is pushed open, the door latch cam moves to the open position, just as the user would physically pull the door open in the past. Since the door and latch are now disengaged, expensive and complex features are added to the hinges and door balance spring to prevent the door from falling to the horizontal / fully open position.
[0008] An additional method includes a complex motor, switch, sensor, and telescopic striker mechanism. Instead of having a handle on the door for the user to pull, the user taps twice on the dishwasher panel. A sensor on the control panel detects the knocking sound, and the motor extends the length of the telescopic striker, allowing the user to separate the latch from the striker and fully open the door. The same motor and telescopic striker mechanism partially open the door at the appropriate time during the cycle to dry the dishes. Because the striker is telescopic, the latch and striker remain connected together when the door is partially open. Although no additional features are required to the dishwasher hinge or balance spring, this design is quite complicated and expensive, with limit switches for indicating position status and a clutch for preventing finger pinching.
[0009] Therefore, a solution with less cost and complexity is needed to facilitate efficient drying cycles and reduced energy consumption. Summary of the invention
[0010] The present invention generally relates to a system, method and apparatus for releasing and propping a dishwasher door open during a drying cycle to improve drying performance.
[0011] The preferred embodiment utilizes a cost-saving latch mechanism that is commonly available in cheaper / larger capacity dishwashers. It improves dishwasher drying performance without the features added to the dishwasher hinges and door springs, or the cost of expensive motorized gearboxes, limit switches, clutches or sensors. The new solution is a one-way mechanism. At the appropriate time after the wash cycle, the dishwasher controller sends a signal to the actuator within the striker assembly to release the striker, which enables the pad pressure and door bias spring to push the dishwasher door open a specific amount. The amount of travel pushed open is selected to optimize the drying of the dishes and is controlled by the dishware size and the snap feature on the movable striker; the travel stops on the base housing. The striker preferably includes a movable part "movable striker", and a fixed part "fixed striker frame", which enables the device to be attached to the dishwasher without the need for an additional door switch and wiring harness connection. The movable striker extends to provide an opening in the dishwasher housing to promote airflow, while the latch and striker are still connected. Only when the striker mechanism is retracted does the fixed striker frame close the latch door switch.
[0012] This arrangement prevents the dishwasher from operating with the door open without the expense of additional openings and closings, which could cause water damage to the consumer's home. After the door is opened and the dishes are dried, the cycle is complete. The consumer pulls the door open to remove the clean dishes and then closes the door. The natural action of closing the door resets the device back to the original or retracted position so the dishwasher is ready for use again.
[0013] Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a latch strike mechanism according to one embodiment;
[0015] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a latch strike mechanism according to one embodiment;
[0016] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the latch strike mechanism shown;
[0017] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The latch strike mechanism shown in Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the device as seen from the opposite side;
[0018] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A top perspective view of the latch strike mechanism shown in , without the top portion of the housing;
[0019] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A top view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0020] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 6 Section 7-7 of Figure 1 A rear cross-sectional view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0021] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 6 Section 8-8 of Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0022] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 2 A top perspective view of the latch strike mechanism shown in , without the top portion of the housing;
[0023] Fig.10 Shown along Fig. 9 Section 10-10 of Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0024] Fig.11 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the latch strike mechanism shown in , without the top portion of the housing;
[0025] Fig.12 Shows Figure 2 A top view of the latch strike mechanism shown in , without the top portion of the housing;
[0026] Fig.13 Shown along Fig.12 Section 13-13 of Figure 2 A rear cross-sectional view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0027] Fig.14 Shown along Fig.12 Section 14-14 of Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the latch strike mechanism shown in ;
[0028] Fig.15 shows a top view of a latch strike mechanism according to one embodiment;
[0029] Fig.16 shows a top view of a latch strike mechanism according to one embodiment; and
[0030] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a dishwasher utilizing the subject latch strike mechanism is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Figures 1 to 16 Different embodiments and locations of a latch slam mechanism 10 are shown for a dishwasher 5. As described, the subject latch slam mechanism 10 is configured to improve drying performance by holding the dishwasher door 7 in a slightly open position after a drying cycle. Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a dishwasher 5 is shown, wherein the dishwasher door 7 is propped open by the subject latch slam mechanism 10 .
[0032] The latch strike mechanism 10 preferably includes a housing 20 for housing various internal components and for mounting to one of the dishwasher tub 9 or the dishwasher door 7. In a preferred embodiment, the latch strike mechanism 10 is mounted to the dishwasher tub 9, but it is contemplated that this assembly may be reversed so as to be integrated with the dishwasher door 7. As described in more detail herein, Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The latch strike mechanism 10 is most clearly shown in the closed, retracted position, and Figure 2 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 The latch strike mechanism 10 is most clearly shown in the fully open, extended position.
[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4An exploded view of a latch mechanism 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The movable striker 50 is preferably protrudable from the housing 20 and engageable with a latch in the dishwasher door 7. The movable striker 50 is preferably configured to slide relative to the housing 20, and more specifically may be slidably engaged with or within the housing 20, such as along a track 95. The track 95 may engage with a damping gear 100 between a retracted position and an extended position.
[0034] The movable striker 50 is configured to extend relative to the dishwasher door 7, preferably to engage with a latch and / or another portion of the dishwasher door 7, thereby retaining the dishwasher door 7 in a partially open position, such as Fig.17 . The partially open position of the dishwasher door is defined as a position between a fully closed and sealed position relative to the dishwasher drum and a fully open position and thus perpendicular to the opening face of the dishwasher drum. By keeping the dishwasher door 7 in the partially open position, the dishwasher drum 9 is ventilated to the ambient conditions and thereby a more thorough drying of the dishes in the dishwasher can be achieved during or immediately after a drying cycle.
[0035] As such, a movable striker 50 is preferably used and configured to partially open the dishwasher door 7 while remaining latched and holding the dishwasher door 7 in the partially open position.
[0036] In one embodiment of the latch strike mechanism 10, the movable striker 50 is configured to extend at the end of the washing cycle of the dishwasher. In an alternative embodiment, the movable striker 50 is configured to extend at the beginning of the drying cycle. In yet another embodiment, the movable striker 50 is configured to extend at the end of the drying cycle.
[0037] As in Figure 5 and Fig.11 As best shown therein, the movable striker 50 may be coupled relative to a spring 90 within the housing 20 and may be slidable within the housing 20 and spring biased relative to the housing 20 .
[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the latch strike mechanism 10 may further include an actuator 70 positioned within the housing 20 and engageable with the release plate 80. The actuator 70 may include a Figure 7 and Fig.13 . In addition, the actuator 70 includes a wedge 75 that engages with the release plate 80 to achieve the desired rotational or pivoting motion. In one embodiment, the wedge 75 can engage with a conical element 83 on the release plate 80 to provide the desired pivoting motion of the release plate 80 relative to the movable striker 50.
[0039] The release plate 80 is positioned within the housing 20 between the actuator 70 and the movable striker 50. The release plate 80 may include a conical element 83 for engaging with the wedge 75 of the actuator 70. Additionally, the release plate 80 may include an axis 87 about which the release plate pivots, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is most clearly shown in the . Figure 8 The release plate 80 is shown engaged with the movable striker 50 in a closed, retracted position, while Fig.14 The engagement in the open, extended position is shown. The actuator 70 can be configured to be actuated after the washing cycle ends, after the drying cycle begins, or after the drying cycle ends. As shown in the figure, the actuator 70 can be positioned to extend and retract vertically relative to the travel direction of the movable striker 50.
[0040] The actuator 70 preferably prevents the release plate 80 from rotating when in the retracted position, such as Figure 8 and permits the release plate 80 to rotate when in the extended position, as shown in Fig.14 After the actuator 70 engages the release plate 80, the rotation of the release plate 80 relative to the plane of movement of the movable striker 50 preferably releases the spring 90 to extend the movable striker 50. Figures 8 to 14 This action is most clearly shown in FIG. Thus, the release plate 80 can pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. Alternatively or additionally, the release plate 80 can slide between the retracted position and the extended position. Figure 8 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 8 , a release plate spring 85 is preferably positioned between the housing 20 and the release plate 80 to bias the release plate 80 toward the retracted position.
[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 8 and Fig.14 As shown in , the release plate 80 may include a front edge 92 that engages one of at least two inhibitors or stops 55 located along the length of the movable striker 50. The at least two stops 55 are preferably located in a fully retracted closed position of the latch mechanism 10 and a fully extended open position of the latch mechanism 10.
[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 70 may include a wax motor thermal actuator, a solenoid, a motor and / or a shape memory alloy. The actuator 70 may be thermally actuated by temperature, such as a desired or set temperature within a drying cycle.
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figures 1 to 141 shows that the damping gear 100 can be positioned relative to the movable striker 50, specifically along a track 95 formed in or relative to the movable striker 50. The damping gear 100 is preferably configured to slow down the extension of the movable striker 50 along the track 95 relative to the biasing force of the spring 90. In this way, when the movable striker 50 slides to the extended open position, the dishwasher door 7 can be opened slowly, gradually and in a metered manner relative to the dishwasher drum.
[0044] In one embodiment, an additional door position switch (not shown) may be configured to activate a tub light within the dishwasher tub or to provide an additional level of safety to the dishwasher controls.
[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the latch strike mechanism 10 as described herein is configured to be reset when the dishwasher door is closed by a user. Specifically, the movable striker 50 is configured to slide to a retracted position, thereby resetting the latch mechanism 10 and / or the actuator 70 by the action of closing the dishwasher door.
[0046] A corresponding method for operating the latch strike mechanism 10 of a dishwasher door includes providing a movable striker 50 protruding from the housing 20 and engageable with the door latch. Subsequent sliding of the movable striker 50 relative to the housing 20 preferably extends against at least a portion of the dishwasher door to hold the dishwasher door in a partially open position.
[0047] The subject method and sliding movement of the movable striker 50 may be activated by the actuator upon completion of the wash cycle and / or the beginning and / or completion of the drying cycle, whereby the release plate 80 pivots from the retracted position to the extended position due to subsequent contact with the actuator 70. The release plate 80 may pivot to release the spring 90 upon rotation of the release plate 80, and thereby extend the movable striker 50 relative to the housing 20.
[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring 90 for providing bias relative to the dishwasher door may be omitted due to the dishwasher gasket force and door balance spring often present in conventional dishwashers.
[0049] Fig.15 and Fig.16An alternative embodiment of a latch strike mechanism is shown, wherein a fixed striker frame 30 preferably protrudes from the housing 20 and is engageable with a latch in the door. A movable striker 50 is preferably configured to slide relative to the fixed striker frame 30, and more specifically can be slidably engaged with or engaged within the fixed striker frame 30. The movable striker 50 is configured to protrude relative to the dishwasher door, preferably engage with the latch and / or another part of the dishwasher door, thereby maintaining the dishwasher door in a partially open position. The partially open position of the dishwasher door is defined as a position between the following two positions: a position that is fully closed and sealed relative to the dishwasher drum, and a position that is fully open and thereby perpendicular to the opening face of the dishwasher drum. By maintaining the dishwasher door in the partially open position, the dishwasher drum is ventilated to the ambient conditions, and thereby a more thorough drying of the dishes in the dishwasher can be achieved during or immediately after a drying cycle.
[0050] As such, a movable striker 50 is preferably used and configured to partially open the dishwasher door while remaining locked and holding the dishwasher door in a partially open position. A fixed striker frame is preferably used and configured to trigger an indicator switch of the latch.
[0051] As in Fig.15 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the movable striker 50 may be connected relative to a spring 90 within the housing 20 and may be slidable within the fixed striker frame 30 and spring biased relative to the housing 20 .
[0052] In this embodiment, the actuator 70 preferably prevents the release plate 80 from rotating when in the retracted position, such as Fig.15 and permits the release plate 80 to rotate when in the extended position, as shown in Fig.16 As shown in . Figures 1 to 14 Unlike the rotation shown in , the release plate 80 in this embodiment rotates within the plane of movement of the movable striker 50. After the actuator 70 engages the release plate 80, the rotation of the release plate 80 preferably releases the spring 90 to extend the movable striker 50 relative to the fixed striker frame 30. Figure 15 to Figure 16 This action is most clearly shown in FIG. Thus, the release plate 80 can pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. Alternatively or additionally, the release plate 80 can slide between the retracted position and the extended position. Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, a release plate spring 85 is preferably positioned between the housing 20 and the release plate 80 to bias the release plate 80 toward the retracted position.
[0053] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element, portion, step, component or ingredient which is not specifically disclosed herein.
[0054] Although the present invention has been described in the foregoing specific embodiments with respect to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, and many details have been set forth for illustrative purposes, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that some of the details described herein may be changed considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.
Claims
1. A latch strike mechanism for a dishwasher door to improve drying performance, the latch strike mechanism comprising: case; A movable striker is slidably engaged with the housing, the movable striker being configured to extend to retain the dishwasher door in a partially open position.
2. The latch strike mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The movable latch is configured to extend when a wash cycle of the dishwasher ends.
3. The latch strike mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The movable striker is slidable along a track within the housing and is spring biased relative to the housing.
4. The latch strike mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The housing further includes an actuator that is engageable with the release plate upon completion of a wash cycle.
5. The latch strike mechanism of claim 4, wherein: The actuator prevents movement of the release plate when in the retracted position and permits movement of the release plate when in the extended position.
6. The latch strike mechanism of claim 5, wherein: Movement of the release plate releases the spring to extend the movable striker relative to the fixed striker frame.
7. The latch strike mechanism of claim 4, wherein: The release plate may perform at least one of a pivoting movement and a sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
8. The latch strike mechanism of claim 4, wherein: The actuator is thermally actuated by the temperature of the drying cycle.
9. The latch strike mechanism of claim 4, wherein: The actuator includes one of a wax motor thermal actuator, a solenoid, a motor, and a shape memory alloy.
10. The latch striker mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a damping gear positioned relative to a track of the movable striker and configured to slow extension of the movable striker relative to the housing.
11. The latch strike mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising an additional door position switch configured to activate a bucket light or maintain product security.
12. The latch strike mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The actuator is positioned to extend and retract perpendicularly relative to the travel of the movable striker.
13. A method for operating a latch strike mechanism of a dishwasher door to improve drying performance, the method comprising: providing a housing and a movable striker engageable with a door latch; The movable striker is slidable relative to the housing to extend out of the dishwasher door, thereby retaining the dishwasher door in a partially open position, the movable striker being slidable between two stops.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The actuator is activated at the end of the wash cycle; as well as The release plate is moved to the extended position by the actuator, thereby allowing the movable striker to translate.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Activation of the actuator moves the release plate from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby allowing the movable striker to translate between the two stops.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The spring is released after the release plate rotates; as well as The movable striker is extended relative to the fixed striker frame.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The release plate is pivoted from the retracted position to the extended position upon activation of the actuator.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The release plate is slid from the retracted position to the extended position upon activation of the actuator.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The latch mechanism is reset by manually closing the door.
20. A latch strike mechanism for a dishwasher door to improve drying performance, the latch strike mechanism comprising: case; a fixed striker frame projecting from the housing and engaging the door latch; A movable striker is slidably engaged with the fixed striker frame, the movable striker being configured to extend to retain the dishwasher door in a partially open position.