Self-adjusting dishwasher latch with self-repairing strike

Abstract

A door lock assembly for use with an appliance having a door includes a housing positioned relative to the appliance. A latch is disposed within the housing, wherein the latch is movable relative to the housing between a locked position, an intermediate position, and a released position. A slider is connected to the latch, wherein the slider is configured to move forward and rearward within the housing such that the latch moves between the locked position, the intermediate position, and the released position. A striker is positioned relative to the door, the latch being engageable with the striker in the locked position and the intermediate position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 792,587, filed April 22, 2025. That co-pending provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is part of this document, including but not limited to those portions which appear hereinafter. Background Technology Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a door lock, and more particularly to an electrical door lock for household appliances.

[0003] Related technical discussions Typically, door locks are installed on the doors and / or tub of appliances such as dishwashers. To close the door, a push is applied, and a latch is then inserted into the lock to secure it; to open the door, a pull is applied, and the latch is then pulled out of the lock. Door locks are needed to lock the dishwasher door for safe use while the dishwasher is running, thus preventing the dishwasher from being opened while it is in operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a door lock assembly including: a housing, a latch, a slider, and a striker, wherein the latch is disposed within the housing; the latch is movable relative to the housing to be in a locked position, an intermediate position, and a released position relative to the striker; and the slider is connected to the latch; and the slider is configured to move backward and forward, wherein when the slider moves, the latch can move between the released position and the intermediate position and the locked position, and vice versa.

[0005] According to the door lock described above, the slider elastic device includes a pair of springs, wherein the pair of springs are respectively connected to the slider, and each of the springs has a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the slider.

[0006] According to the door lock described above, the latch includes a pair of locking arms, each of which includes a locking end that can move toward or away from each other to allow the pair of locking arms to reach a locked position and a released position. According to the door lock described above, the pair of locking arms is capable of holding a locked component between the pair of locking arms, and the locking end of the pair of locking arms is configured to prevent the locked component from disengaging from the pair of locking arms.

[0007] According to the door lock described above, the locking ends of the pair of locking arms include a pair of protrusions that bend toward each other. When the pair of locking arms are in the locked position, the pair of protrusions are located on one side of the locked part in the direction of movement of the slider, so as to prevent the locked part from moving toward the locking ends in the direction of movement of the slider.

[0008] According to the door lock described above, each of the pair of locking arms includes a connecting end that is rotatably or slidably connected to the slider; and the door lock further includes a locking arm return device, which is respectively connected to the pair of locking arms and capable of applying a spring force to the pair of locking arms to hold the pair of locking arms in a released position. According to the door lock described above, each of the pair of locking arms has a locking arm outer section, and when the slider moves from a first position to a second position, the locking arm outer section of the pair of locking arms is pressed by a pair of limiting portions, causing the pair of locking arms to move from a released position to a locked position and / or an intermediate position.

[0009] According to the door lock described above, the door lock also includes a switch assembly that switches from a first switch state to a second switch state when the slider reaches the desired position.

[0010] This disclosure provides an electrical appliance that includes a door lock assembly as described above.

[0011] The door lock assembly disclosed herein allows for locking and unlocking of locked components. The door lock of this disclosure includes a slider, locking arm, bolt, and spring, which improve control awareness during door opening and closing.

[0012] One drawback of using door locks with eccentric springs is that the lock can be tampered with or accidentally moved to the closed position when the door is actually opened. Therefore, a self-healing latch is desired in this invention. That is, the user can simply close and reopen the appliance door to return the latch to its normal operating state. Such a self-healing latch is described in part below and is an object of this invention.

[0013] Further, it is expected that the theme lock assembly will minimize the changes in the door opening feel caused by inconsistencies in installation, which could otherwise lead to misalignment between the lock and the bolt. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a door lock according to one embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is an exploded top perspective view of a door lock according to an implementation scheme; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The exploded top perspective view of the door lock shown; Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of a strike bolt used with a door lock according to one embodiment; Figure 5 This is a top view of the latch and striker in the middle position according to the implementation scheme; Figure 6 It is in the locked position. Figure 5 A top view of the latch and striker; Figure 7 This is a side perspective view of the housing and bracket according to one embodiment; Figure 8A It is positioned at a moving edge. Figure 7 A top view of the housing and bracket shown; Figure 8B It is positioned in relation to Figure 8A relative moving edge Figure 7 A top view of the housing and bracket shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The side sectional view of the housing and bracket shown; and Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The bottom sectional view of the housing and bracket shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Various specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating direction, such as “front,” “rear,” “back,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “left,” and “right,” are used herein to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, these terms are for ease of description only and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the arrangements in the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure can be in various orientations, these directional terms are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this disclosure refer to the same parts.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the door lock assembly 10 disclosed herein, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a door lock 20 according to one embodiment. U.S. Publication 2024 / 0360698 shows another embodiment of a door lock assembly using a pair of eccentric springs, and is incorporated herein by reference. In this application, the door lock assembly 10 includes a door lock 20 having a latch 30 mounted to a cabinet of a household appliance and a striker 40 mounted to a door of the household appliance. The door lock 20 and the latch 30 can cooperate with the striker 40 to lock or release the latch 30 in order to lock and release the door. The door lock 20 preferably includes a housing 50, a slider 60, a latch 30 including a pair of locking arms 90, and a switch assembly 70. Each of the slider 60, the switch assembly 70, and the latch 30 is at least partially housed within the housing 50.

[0017] The slider 60 is preferably movable relative to the housing 50. One end of each of the pair of locking arms 90 is connected to the slider 60, and the other end is movable toward or away from each other under the actuation of the slider 60 to lock or release the latch 30. The latch 30 preferably includes a latch spring 100 arranged between the pair of locking arms 90 to provide a spring force that allows the locking arms to move away from each other.

[0018] The slider 60 preferably also includes a pair of slider springs 80, which, in embodiments of this disclosure, may comprise torsion springs. The slider springs 80 are preferably arranged on either side of the slider 60, and each of the slider springs 80 connects the slider 60 to the housing 50 to provide a spring force between the housing 50 and the slider 60. The spring force provided by the slider springs 80 preferably changes during forward and backward movement of the slider 60 relative to the housing 50. A switch assembly 70 is preferably arranged on one side of the slider 60 and / or the housing 50, and is preferably actuated during movement of the slider 60.

[0019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the housing in one embodiment is best shown. As shown, the housing 50 preferably includes a structure sufficient to accommodate the slider 60 and the associated switch assembly 70, as well as a forward opening. The locking arm 90 is movable within the forward opening and is preferably movable with the striker 40 ( Figures 2 to 3 (Not shown in the image) Joining.

[0020] The switch assembly 70 is preferably arranged generally along one side of the housing 50. The switch assembly 70 may include one or more switches functionally associated with one or more operations of an electrical appliance. When the latch 30 moves between positions, the switch assembly 70 preferably transitions from at least a first switching state (such as "on") to at least a second switching state (such as "off").

[0021] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of slider 60 is also shown. Slider 60 preferably includes a pair of mounting holes 65 for receiving corresponding parts of locking arm 90 in a pivotally engaged manner. In one embodiment, auxiliary slider 110 may be positioned within slider 60 to engage with both bolt 40 and switch assembly 70. In this way, auxiliary slider 110 can slide within slider 60, which can also slide within housing 50.

[0022] The slider 60 can also be connected to the housing 50 via a pair of slider springs 80. In one embodiment, the slider springs 80 include a pair of torsion springs and a suitable mounting portion between the slider 60 and the housing 50. The auxiliary slider 110 may include an auxiliary spring 115 for achieving an offset arrangement of the auxiliary slider 110 relative to the housing 50.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of a pair of locking arms 90 including a latch 30 is shown. The locking arms 90 are preferably structurally similar to each other and arranged symmetrically. Each locking arm 90 preferably includes a locking end 93 and a connecting end 96. The end portion of each locking end 93 preferably includes a hook-shaped protrusion 95 curved toward the locking arm 90. A latch spring 100 preferably holds the two locking arms 90 in an biased state relative to each other. Thus, a spring force is applied between the locking arms 90, and the respective locking ends 93 of the locking arms 90 are biased away from each other.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown in the optimal configuration, the strike bolt 40 is preferably disposed in the door of the appliance. The strike bolt 40 can engage with the latch 30, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Specifically, the striker 40 preferably includes a front rib 42 and a pair of angled rear surfaces 44, wherein the angled rear surfaces 44 are capable of engaging with the latch 30 in the locked position, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. When in Figure 6 In the locked position shown, the front rib 42 is preferably able to engage with at least one of the slider 60 and / or the auxiliary slider 110.

[0025] In addition, such as Figure 4 As best shown, the bolt 40 preferably further includes a compression intermediate engagement region 46 having a pair of angled intermediate surfaces 48, wherein the angled intermediate surfaces 48 are capable of engaging with the latch 30 in an intermediate position, as shown. Figure 5 As shown.

[0026] As described above, and as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a latch 30, including two locking arms 90, is disposed within the housing 50, wherein the latch 30 is capable of being in a locked position relative to the housing 50. Figure 6 ), middle position ( Figure 5 ) and release or open position ( Figure 1 The slider 60 is connected to the latch 30 to allow forward and backward movement within the housing 50, such that the latch 30 moves relative to the striker 40 between a locked position, a neutral position, and a released position.

[0027] Functionally, the pair of locking arms 90, including the latch 30, are configured to hold the striker 40 between the pair of locking arms 90, and the locking ends 93 of the pair of locking arms 90 are configured to prevent the striker 40 from disengaging from the pair of locking arms 90 without a specific action by the user. Therefore, the pair of protrusions 95 are located on one side of the striker 40 in the direction of movement of the slider 60 to prevent the striker 40 from moving toward the locking ends 93 in the direction of movement of the slider 60.

[0028] In practice, when the appliance door is closed, the strike bolt 40 contacts the latch 30 and the slider 60, which are preferably connected to two eccentric slider springs 80. As the door closes further, the slider springs 80 move past the center, and the locking arm 90, surrounding the rear side of the strike bolt 40, is driven by a cam and pulls the door closed. The strike bolt 40 preferably contacts an auxiliary slider 110 that can be embedded within the slider 60, which closes a switch in the switch assembly 70. This allows the appliance's electronic control system to know when the door is closed and can initiate a cycle, such as a washing cycle in a dishwasher. When the door is open, the cycle will preferably not run.

[0029] The present invention preferably includes an intermediate position between the latch 30 and the striker 40, which may alternatively be referred to as a "self-healing" striker. If the door lock mechanism is tampered with and enters the closed position, the slider 60 preferably pulls the locking arm 90 back. Since the door is open, the appliance door (dishwasher) gasket does not impede the movement of the mechanism, so it is pulled back continuously. With prior art strikers, the consumer must push very hard to engage the latch 30 into the striker 40. If possible, the latch wall must flex, and the dishwasher gasket must be fully compressed to insert the striker 40 into the latch 30.

[0030] The self-healing bolt 40 comprises at least the three features described above. The bolt 40 includes: (1) a front rib 42 for actuating the switch assembly when the door is closed; (2) a rear surface 44 for engaging the locking arm 90 during normal door opening and closing operations; and (3) a self-healing feature located in the central region of the bolt 40. The self-healing feature is preferably a clamping intermediate portion 46, i.e., its profile is narrower than the total width of the bolt 40, to minimize the force required to insert the bolt 40 into the released latch 30. Furthermore, since the self-healing feature, particularly the angled intermediate surface 48, is closer to the latch 30 than the rear surface 44, the washer does not need to be compressed during self-healing, which minimizes the required self-healing force. Additionally, during self-healing mode, the door switch will not engage, thus preventing electrical operation when the door is partially open.

[0031] An additional feature of the invention is a laterally flexible mounting alignment structure. When installing appliances such as dishwashers, the dishwasher tub is often unintentionally pushed to the side during installation, especially if the kitchen cabinets are not square or vertical. This can cause misalignment of the bolt 40 and latch 30 from one side to the other, resulting in poor tactile feedback and potential leaks. In this embodiment, where the latch 30 is mounted to the appliance and the bolt 40 is mounted to the door, an adjustment mechanism is preferably included on the latch 30 rather than on the bolt 40. The latch is typically concealed under the countertop, and the bolt is located near the appliance's control system and touch points.

[0032] Therefore, the present invention preferably includes a self-adjusting latch for adding a bracket 130 to the housing 50. Figures 7 to 10 The embodiment of this integrated bracket 130 and housing 50 is best illustrated. The bracket 130 is preferably positioned relative to the housing 50 such that the bracket 130 is mounted to the appliance and is configured to allow the housing 50 to slide therein from one side to the other. Figure 8A The housing 50 is shown in a lateral position relative to the bracket 130, and Figure 8B The housing 50 is shown in a lateral position relative to the bracket 130.

[0033] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, bracket 130 and housing 50 are preferably joined together with a dovetail joint. The dovetail design absorbs the normal opening and closing forces of the door, but allows housing 50 to move from side to side to align with bolt 40. After an appliance such as a dishwasher is installed, the first door closing mechanism pushes the latch 30 laterally to align it with bolt 40. The latch 30 and bolt 40 will then be fully aligned to allow subsequent door opening and closing.

[0034] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents that are currently known or anticipated or recently contemplated may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosure in this specification can be used to solve other technical problems and may have other technical effects. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure as described above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all known or previously disclosed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A door lock assembly for use with an appliance having a door, the door lock assembly comprising: A housing, positioned relative to the electrical appliance; A latch, wherein the latch is disposed within the housing, and wherein the latch is movable relative to the housing between a locked position, an intermediate position, and a released position; A slider connected to the latch, wherein the slider is configured to move forward and backward within the housing, such that the latch moves between a locked position, an intermediate position, and a released position; and A striker, positioned relative to the door, wherein the latch is capable of engaging the striker in the locked position and the intermediate position.

2. The door lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch comprises two locking arms.

3. The door lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking arm is held open by a latch spring.

4. The door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A slider spring, which is connected relative to the slider and configured to apply a spring force to the slider.

5. The door lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bracket positioned relative to the housing, the bracket being mounted to the electrical appliance and configured to allow the housing to slide from one side to the other therein.

6. The door lock assembly of claim 5, wherein the bracket is joined to the housing with a dovetail joint to allow for sliding engagement from one side to the other.

7. The door lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the striker includes a front rib and a pair of angled rear surfaces capable of engaging the latch in the locked position.

8. The door lock assembly of claim 7, further comprising a clamping intermediate engagement region having a pair of angled intermediate surfaces capable of engaging the latch at the intermediate position.

9. The door lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a pair of locking arms, each of the pair of locking arms including a locking end movable toward or away from each other to allow the pair of locking arms to reach the locked position, the intermediate position, and the released position.

10. The door lock assembly of claim 9, wherein the pair of locking arms are configured to hold the bolt between the pair of locking arms, and the locking ends of the pair of locking arms are configured to prevent the bolt from disengaging from the pair of locking arms.

11. The door lock assembly of claim 10, wherein the locking end of the pair of locking arms includes a pair of protrusions that bend toward each other, wherein when the pair of locking arms are in the locked position, the pair of protrusions are located on one side of the striker in the direction of movement of the slider to prevent the striker from moving toward the locking end in the direction of movement of the slider.

12. The door lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the door lock further comprises a switch assembly that switches from a first switch state to a second switch state as the latch moves between positions.

13. A door lock assembly for an appliance having a door, the door lock assembly comprising: case; A latch, wherein the latch is disposed within the housing, and wherein the latch is movable relative to the housing between a locked position, an intermediate position, and a released position; A slider connected to the latch, wherein the slider is configured to move forward and backward so that the latch can move from the released position to the intermediate position and then to the locked position and return; and A striker, positioned relative to the door, wherein the latch is capable of engaging the striker in the locked position, the intermediate position, and the released position, wherein the striker includes a front rib, a pair of angled rear surfaces, and a clamping intermediate engagement region having a pair of angled intermediate surfaces.

14. The door lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the latch comprises two locking arms.

15. The door lock assembly of claim 14, wherein the locking arm is held open by a latch spring.

16. The door lock assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A slider spring, which is connected relative to the slider and configured to apply a spring force to the slider.

17. The door lock assembly of claim 13, further comprising a bracket positioned relative to the housing, the bracket being mounted to the electrical appliance and configured to allow the housing to slide from one side to the other therein.

18. The door lock assembly of claim 17, wherein the bracket is joined to the housing with a dovetail joint to allow for sliding engagement from one side to the other.

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