Electromagnetic locking structure of dishwasher cover

Abstract

A dishwasher (100) may include a wash chamber and a hood (310). The washing chamber holds articles to be washed. The wash cycle may include a period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the items completing the wash cycle are disinfected. If the hood is opened during a wash cycle, water may escape from the wash chamber and air may enter the wash chamber, thereby interrupting disinfection of the items. An electromagnetic locking structure (500) or a pin (550) locking structure is used to keep the hood closed during the wash cycle. The locking structure prevents the cover from being opened unless the amount of force applied exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the applied force exceeds the predetermined threshold, the cover opens without being damaged. The electromagnetic locking structure may include an electromagnet attached to the body of the dishwasher and an iron ingot (510) attached to the cover.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A dishwasher can clean items (e.g., dishes, utensils, etc.). The dishwasher can include a washing chamber, and items can be positioned in the washing chamber. When the washing chamber is closed, the temperature and humidity of the washing chamber can be controlled by the dishwasher, thereby allowing the items being cleaned to be sterilized. Opening the dishwasher hood while items are being washed may interrupt the wash cycle, resulting in the need to repeat the entire wash cycle or the use of improperly cleaned items. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] In the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like reference numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example and not limitation.

[0003] Figure 1 A. Figure 1 B. Figure 1 C and Figure 1 D is a diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher, Figure 1 A shows a front view, Figure 1 B shows a side view of the dishwasher with the hood closed, Figure 1 C shows a side view with the hood open, and Figure 1 D shows a top view.

[0004] Figure 2 is an example with attachments Figure 1 Illustration of an embodiment of a dishwasher.

[0005] Figure 3 An isometric view of a dishwasher including a hood is illustrated, according to some example embodiments.

[0006] Figure 4 Illustrated according to some example embodiments Figure 3 Isometric view of a dishwasher with the hood open and closed.

[0007] Figure 5 An electromagnetic locking structure for a dishwasher cover according to some example embodiments is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 6 A pin locking structure for a dishwasher hood according to some example embodiments is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example machine is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] A dishwasher may include a washing chamber and a hood. The washing chamber holds items to be washed. When the hood is closed, the washing chamber is watertight. When the hood is opened, items can be added to or removed from the washing chamber. A wash cycle may include a period of time at a predetermined temperature, such that items are disinfected upon completion of the wash cycle.

[0011] If the hood is opened during a wash cycle, water can escape from the wash chamber, causing inconvenience to the dishwasher operator. Additionally, air can enter the wash chamber, interrupting the disinfection of the items. To ensure disinfection after interrupting the wash cycle by opening the hood, restart the wash cycle.

[0012] According to the systems and methods disclosed herein, an electromagnetic locking mechanism is used to keep the hood closed during the wash cycle. In an alternative embodiment, a pin locking mechanism is used. This locking mechanism prevents the hood from opening unless the amount of force applied exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the applied force exceeds the predetermined threshold, the hood opens without being damaged.

[0013] The electromagnetic locking structure can include an electromagnet attached to the main body of the dishwasher and an iron ingot attached to the cover. When current is supplied to the electromagnet, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field that attracts the iron ingot. The force required to disengage the iron ingot from the electromagnet and open the cover depends on the physical properties of the iron ingot and the electromagnet (e.g., size, shape, and chemical composition), as well as the amount of current supplied. Therefore, during manufacturing, the physical properties of the iron ingot at the electromagnet can be determined so that the opening force can be controlled for a constant current value. Alternatively, after manufacturing, the current supplied to the electromagnet can be modified to adjust the opening force.

[0014] Figure 1 A. Figure 1 B. Figure 1 C and Figure 1 D is a diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher 100. Figure 1 A to Figure 1 Dishwasher 100, shown in FIG. 1 and discussed as an example for purposes of illustration and not limitation, is a hood-type dishwasher that includes a hood 102 to cover a washing chamber (also referred to as a main washing chamber) 101 during each cleaning cycle. A hood lift handle 103 can be lifted by a user to open hood 102 for loading objects to be washed into washing chamber 101 before the cleaning cycle, lowered by the user to close hood 102 to cover washing chamber 101 before the start of the cleaning cycle, and lifted by the user to open hood 102 for unloading cleaned objects after the cleaning cycle is complete. A hood lock 104 mounted on hood 102 automatically locks at the start of a cleaning cycle to prevent hood 102 from being accidentally opened during the cleaning cycle. Figure 1 A shows a front view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is closed. Figure 1B shows a side view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is closed. Figure 1 C shows a side view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is open. Figure 1 D shows a top view of the dishwasher 100 .

[0015] Dishwasher 100 includes a dispenser 105 that holds various chemicals for dispensing during different periods of a cleaning cycle. Each chemical can be in liquid or solid form, and dispenser 105 is configured to hold the liquid and / or solid form of each chemical, depending on the form of the chemical available and intended for use. Each chemical in dispenser 105 is refillable. In one example, dishwasher 100 can perform a cleaning cycle including a descaling cycle, a washing cycle, and a rinsing cycle, and dispenser 105 is an integrated dispenser that can hold descaling agent, detergent, and rinse aid, and can dispense descaling agent for use during the descaling cycle, detergent for use during the washing cycle, and rinse aid for use during the rinsing cycle.

[0016] The dishwasher 100 includes a user interface 106 that visually and / or audibly indicates its operating status and allows the user to control its operation. The user interface 106 may include a display screen, such as a touch screen, that can display the operating status of the dishwasher 100 and receive commands and other information from the user. The user interface 106 may include a power switch for the user to turn the dishwasher 100 on and off. The user interface 106 allows the user to start a cleaning cycle, optionally after indicating to the user that the cleaning cycle is ready to begin (e.g., after closing the hood 102). In one example, the user interface 106 allows the user to select which cycle to include in the cleaning cycle. When, for example, the dishes are known to be clean but need to be disinfected, the user can select only the rinse cycle. The user can select the wash and rinse cycle only when no indication is given that the dishes need to be descaled. In another example, the user interface 106 is configured (e.g., programmed) to follow sanitation procedures and / or comply with regulations for ensuring food safety.

[0017] Dishwasher 100 provides high space and power efficiency to reduce operating costs and / or allow food service organizations to operate under limited space and / or power capacity. For example, dishwasher 100 includes an internal wastewater recirculation system 107 and an internal steam reduction system 111 to recycle the heat energy generated by operation during each cleaning cycle for heating the clean water to be used in operation. Wastewater recirculation system 107 includes: a wash tank (also referred to as a main wash tank) 108 and a wastewater tank 109 (also referred to as an overflow tank), which recirculates the hot washing liquid to be sprayed into and returned from the wash chamber 101 during the wash cycle, and the wastewater tank is used to receive excess hot washing liquid as wastewater from the wash tank 108. A heat exchange module is placed in the wastewater tank 109 to heat the clean water while cooling the wastewater before it is discharged into a drain pipe (e.g., a drain pipe connected to the sewer of a building). As needed, heated clean water is added to the wash tank 108 and the booster tank (also referred to as a rinse tank) 110. In the illustrated example, the booster tank 110 receives clean water and a descaling agent to form a descaling solution to be sprayed into the washing chamber 101 during the descaling cycle, and receives clean water and a rinse aid to form a rinse solution to be sprayed into the washing chamber 101 during the rinse cycle. The steam reduction system 111 includes a fan 112 for drawing steam from the washing chamber 101 and a condenser 113 positioned in the steam passage to condense the steam while heating the clean water (in addition to recovering heat from the waste water). The fan 112 blows the remaining steam out of the dishwasher 100.

[0018] The dishwasher 100 can be sized to allow for easy operation and maintenance by users 150 cm or taller. When the hood is unlocked, the force required to open the hood 102 by lifting the hood lift handle 103 can be approximately 3.5 kg (approximately 35 Newtons) or less. In one example, the wash tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 24 L, the wastewater tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 12 L, and the boost tank 110 has a capacity of approximately 10 L.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher 100 having several accessories. Figure 2As shown, by way of example and not limitation, the accessories may include a dirty dish rack 220, a clean dish rack 223, a dishwasher rack 224, and an exhaust hood 225. The dirty dish rack 220 includes one or more sinks 221 and one or more faucets 222. When necessary or convenient, dishes and / or other objects to be cleaned can be placed in the sink 221 and pre-washed using water from the faucet 222 before being loaded into the washing chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open). When the washing chamber 101 is empty, a rack 224 can be placed in the washing chamber, and for each cleaning cycle, dishes and / or other objects can be placed into the rack 224. After the cleaning cycle is complete, the rack 224 loaded with cleaned dishes and / or other objects can be removed from the washing chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open) and placed on the clean dish rack 223 before use and / or further disposal. The exhaust hood 225 may discharge steam blown from the dishwasher 100 by the fan 113 to the outside of a building where the dishwasher 100 is placed.

[0020] Figure 3 An isometric view of a dishwasher 300 including a hood 310 is illustrated, according to some exemplary embodiments. When activated, an electromagnetic lock 320 holds the hood closed unless at least a predetermined force is applied. For example, a lever arm 330 can be raised, thereby applying a vertical force to the hood 310 via a gear mechanism in the dishwasher 300. If the vertical force exceeds a predetermined force (e.g., approximately 25 Newtons, approximately 250 Newtons, or another predetermined force), the strength of the attractive force of the electromagnetic lock 320 is overcome, and the hood is lifted from the washing chamber of the dishwasher 300. The strength required to overcome the magnetic lock does not damage the electromagnet of the electromagnetic lock 320, the iron ingot of the electromagnetic lock 320, the hood 310, or the washing chamber of the dishwasher 300.

[0021] The electromagnetic lock 320 is activated by supplying current to an electromagnet mounted to the main body of the dishwasher 300. For example, power can be supplied from a 12-volt power supply to a wire wrapped around an iron core, causing magnetic flux to pass through the core. When activated, the electromagnet attracts an iron ingot mounted to the cover 310. Therefore, the iron ingot is magnetically coupled to the electromagnet when the cover is closed and current is supplied to the electromagnet. By removing the current from the electromagnet, the attraction between the electromagnet and the iron ingot stops, thereby releasing the cover 310. Current can be automatically supplied to the electromagnet at the beginning of the wash cycle and automatically removed when the wash cycle is completed. A sensor can detect that the cover 310 is closed, and the wash cycle can only be started when the cover 310 is closed. The sensor can detect that the cover 310 is opened during the wash cycle and terminate the wash cycle in response.

[0022] Figure 4 Illustrated according to some example embodiments Figure 3Isometric views 400 and 450 of dishwasher 300 are shown with hood 310 opened and closed. In view 450, hood 310 is closed and secured by electromagnetic lock 320. In view 400, hood 310 is opened, revealing electromagnet 420 and washing chamber 430. Iron ingot 410 is separated from electromagnet 420.

[0023] Figure 5 An electromagnetic locking structure 500 for a dishwasher cover according to some exemplary embodiments is illustrated. The electromagnetic locking structure 500 includes an iron ingot 510, an electromagnet 520, a cable 530, a housing 540, a pin 550, and a spring 560.

[0024] When activated, the electromagnet 520 receives current via the cable 530 and generates a magnetic field. When deactivated, the cable 530 does not provide power to the electromagnet 520, and the electromagnet 520 does not generate a magnetic field. Likewise, if power to the dishwasher is lost (e.g., during a power outage, because the power cable to the dishwasher is connected, or for another reason), the power to the electromagnet 520 may be interrupted, causing the electromagnet 520 to stop generating a magnetic field. When the electromagnet 520 generates a magnetic field, the iron ingot 510 is attracted to the electromagnet 520. The iron ingot 510 is mounted to the cover (e.g., by pins 550). Figure 3 The iron ingot 510 may have a certain range of angular freedom relative to the pin 550. Thus, in some example embodiments, Figure 3 The cover 310 includes pins 550 that couple the cover 310 to the iron ingot 510 , such that the pins 550 are configured to allow the iron ingot 510 to change position in response to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 520 .

[0025] The spring 560 allows the iron ingot to have a certain degree of flexibility in movement. For example, the spring 560 can be Figure 3 The assembly of the cover 310 and the spring 560 can provide a floating angle deflection to the iron ingot. Therefore, the angle of the iron ingot 510 to the pin 550 (at Figure 5 The iron ingot 510 may be enclosed in a housing 540. The housing 540 may be watertight and waterproof (e.g., made of plastic) to prevent water from contacting the iron ingot 510, which may rust when wet. Figure 3 The cover 310 may include a plastic shell surrounding the iron ingot, the plastic shell being configured to protect the iron ingot from moisture.

[0026] During production, dishwashers can undergo a 96-hour salt spray test to verify that the components will not be damaged by salt water during normal use. Similarly, a chemical alkali vapor test can be performed to verify resistance to chemical alkali vapors.

[0027] Figure 6 A pin locking structure 600 for a dishwasher cover according to some exemplary embodiments is illustrated. The pin locking structure 600 includes a motor 610, a locking tongue 620, a spring 630, a shaft 640, and a stopper 650. The motor 610 is engaged to extend or retract the locking tongue 620. When the locking tongue 620 is retracted, Figure 3 The hood 310 can be lifted without resistance. When the locking tongue 620 extends, the shaft 640 is pushed into the stop 650. Therefore, the hood 310 may not be lifted without overcoming the resistance from the shaft 640. If sufficient force is applied to the hood 310, the stop 650 begins to move, forcing the shaft 640 to compress the spring 630 and allow the hood 310 to be opened without damaging the hood 310 or the pin locking structure 600. The shape of the stop 650, the shape of the shaft 640, and the spring constant of the spring 630 can be selected to control the force required to open the hood 310 when the locking tongue 620 extends. For example, a force of 25 Newtons or 250 Newtons can be selected to allow the hood 310 to be intentionally opened while indicating to the user that the hood 310 is intentionally closed and preventing it from being opened.

[0028] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example machine 700 is illustrated, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter, on which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) discussed herein may be performed. As described herein, examples may include logic or multiple components or mechanisms in the machine 700, or operate through them. A circuit (e.g., a processing circuit) is a collection of circuits implemented in a tangible entity of the machine 700 including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). The machine 700 may be implemented as Figure 3A printed circuit board (PCB) within dishwasher 300. Circuit membership can be flexible over time. A circuit includes components that can perform specified operations individually or in combination during operation. In examples, the hardware of a circuit can be permanently designed to perform a specific operation (e.g., hardwired). In one example, the hardware of a circuit can include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) and physically modified machine-readable media (e.g., magnetic or electrically movable placement of aggregated particles with constant mass) that encode instructions for a specific operation. When the physical components are connected, the basic electrical properties of the hardware components change, for example, from an insulator to a conductor or vice versa. The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or a loading mechanism) to create components of the circuit in hardware through variable connections that perform parts of a specific operation during operation. Therefore, in examples, the machine-readable medium element is part of the circuit or is communicatively connected to other components of the circuit during device operation. In examples, any physical component can be used in more than one member of more than one circuit. For example, in operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit in a first circuit system at one point in time and reused at a different time by a second circuit in the first circuit system or by a third circuit in the second circuit system.Additional examples of these components with respect to machine 700 are as follows.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the machine 700 can be operated as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 700 can operate as a server machine, a client machine, or the capabilities of both in a client-server network environment. In an example, the machine 700 can act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 700 can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a network appliance, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequentially or otherwise) that specify the actions that the machine will take. In addition, although only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" should also be understood to include any collection of machines that individually or collectively execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more methods discussed herein, such as cloud-based computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations, etc.

[0030] The machine (e.g., a computer system) 700 may include a hardware processor 702 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 704, a static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, basic input and output (BIOS), a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.) 706, and a mass storage device 708 (e.g., a hard drive, a tape drive, a flash storage device, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnect (e.g., a bus) 730. The machine 700 may also include a display unit 710, an alphanumeric input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 714 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 710, the input device 712, and the UI navigation device 714 may be a touch screen display. The machine 700 may further include a mass storage device (e.g., a drive) 708, a signal generating device 718 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 720, and one or more sensors 716, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors. The machine 700 may include an output controller 728, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0031] The registers of the processor 702, main memory 704, static memory 706, or mass storage 708 may be or include a machine-readable medium 722 on which is stored one or more data structures or instructions 724 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functionality described herein. During execution of the instructions 724 by the machine 700, the instructions may also reside, completely or at least partially, within any register of the processor 702, main memory 704, static memory 706, or mass storage 708. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 702, main memory 704, static memory 706, or mass storage 708 may constitute the machine-readable medium 722. Although the machine-readable medium 722 is illustrated as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 724.

[0032] The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium that can store, encode, or carry instructions for execution by the machine 700 and cause the machine 700 to perform any one or more of the techniques disclosed herein, or that can store, encode, or carry data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other photon-based signals, sound signals, etc.). In an example, a non-transitory machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable medium having a plurality of particles whose mass is constant (e.g., stationary), and is therefore a composition of matter. Thus, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that does not include a transient propagating signal. Specific examples of non-transitory machine-readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0033] The instructions 724 may be further transmitted or received over a communication network 726 via the network interface device 720 using a transmission medium utilizing any of a variety of transmission protocols (e.g., Frame Relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, and a wireless data network (e.g., a wireless network known as a cellular network). The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards, known as .16 family of standards), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and the like. In an example, the network interface device 720 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communication network 726. In an example, the network interface device 720 may include multiple antennas to enable wireless communication using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology. The term "transmission medium" shall be taken to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions to be executed by the machine 700, and includes digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of such software. Transmission media is machine-readable media.

[0034] Example

[0035] Embodiment 1 is a dishwasher comprising: a washing chamber for holding items to be washed; a hood configured to be placed in an open position and a closed position, such that when the hood is in the open position, items can pass through an opening in the washing chamber, and when the hood is in the closed position, the washing chamber is watertight; and an electromagnet that, when current is supplied to the electromagnet, holds the hood in the closed position unless an amount of force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the hood.

[0036] In embodiment 2, the subject matter of embodiment 1 wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 25 Newtons.

[0037] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 250 Newtons.

[0038] In embodiment 4, according to the subject matter of embodiments 1-3, the cover further comprises an iron ingot that is magnetically coupled to the electromagnet when the cover is closed and the current is provided to the electromagnet.

[0039] In embodiment 5, according to the subject matter of embodiment 4, the cover further comprises a plastic shell surrounding the iron ingot, the plastic shell being configured to protect the iron ingot from moisture.

[0040] In Example 6, according to the subject matter of Examples 4-5, the cover further comprises a pin coupling the cover to the iron ingot, the pin configured to allow the iron ingot to change position in response to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

[0041] In Example 7, according to the subject matter of Examples 4 to 6, the cover further comprises a spring that provides floating angular deflection to the ingot.

[0042] In embodiment 8, the subject matter of embodiments 1 to 7 wherein the current is provided by a 12 volt power source.

[0043] Embodiment 9 is a locking device for a dishwasher, comprising: an electromagnet and an iron ingot, which are magnetically coupled when current is supplied to the electromagnet, thereby maintaining a cover in a closed position unless an amount of force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the cover.

[0044] In embodiment 10, the subject matter of embodiment 9 wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 25 Newtons.

[0045] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 9-10 wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 250 Newtons.

[0046] In embodiment 12, the subject matter of embodiments 9 to 11 wherein the iron ingot is enclosed in a plastic housing configured to protect the iron ingot from moisture.

[0047] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 9-12 wherein the ingot is coupled to the cover by a pin configured to allow the ingot to change position in response to a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

[0048] In Example 14, according to the subject matter of Examples 9-13, the ingot is coupled to the cover by a spring that provides floating angular deflection to the ingot.

[0049] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 9 to 14 wherein the current is provided by a 12 volt power source.

[0050] Embodiment 16 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations to implement any one of embodiments 1-15.

[0051] Embodiment 17 is a device comprising means for implementing any one of embodiments 1 to 15.

[0052] Embodiment 18 is a system for implementing any one of embodiments 1 to 15.

[0053] Embodiment 19 is a method for implementing any one of embodiments 1 to 15.

[0054] This detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples that provide only those elements shown or described.

[0055] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, independent of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more." In the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0056] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the examples described above (or one or more of them) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used, such as those of ordinary skill in the art who review the above description and can use other embodiments.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, comprising: a washing chamber for holding items to be washed; a hood configured to be positioned in an open position and a closed position such that when the hood is in the open position, items can pass through the opening in the washing chamber, and when the hood is in the closed position, the washing chamber is watertight; as well as An electromagnet maintains the cover in the closed position when current is supplied to the electromagnet unless an amount of force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the cover. 2 . The dishwasher of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 25 Newtons. The dishwasher of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 250 Newtons. 4 . The dishwasher according to claim 1 , wherein the hood further comprises an iron ingot that is magnetically coupled to the electromagnet when the hood is closed and the current is supplied to the electromagnet. 5 . The dishwasher of claim 4 , wherein the cover further comprises a plastic shell surrounding the iron ingot, the plastic shell being configured to protect the iron ingot from moisture. 6 . The dishwasher of claim 4 , wherein the cover further comprises a pin coupling the cover to the iron ingot, the pin being configured to allow the iron ingot to change position in response to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. 7 . The dishwasher of claim 4 , wherein the cover further comprises a spring providing a floating angular deflection to the iron ingot.

8. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electric current is provided by a 12 volt power supply.

9. A locking device for a dishwasher, comprising: An electromagnet and an iron ingot that magnetically couple when current is supplied to the electromagnet, thereby maintaining the cover in a closed position unless an amount of force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the cover.

10. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 25 Newtons.

11. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 250 Newtons.

12. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the iron ingot is enclosed in a plastic housing configured to protect the iron ingot from moisture.

13. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the iron ingot is coupled to the cover by a pin configured to allow the iron ingot to change position in response to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

14. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the ingot is coupled to the cover by a spring, the spring providing a floating angular deflection to the ingot.

15. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the current is provided by a 12 volt power supply.

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