Dishwasher door opening system with sliding latch

Abstract

A dishwasher includes a door hingedly coupled to a main body and moveable to selectively close and open over an open side of the main body. A door latch assembly includes a base unit fixed within the door and defining an arcuate track portion thereon and a latch body movably mounted within the door to alternately engage with and disengage from a latch hook connected with the main body to selectively retain the door in a closed position. The door latch assembly further includes a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body and into a release position that causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook and a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move the slider into the release position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a door opening system that is integrated within the door latch assembly.

[0002] Dishwashers typically rely on a combination of water jets, detergents, and heat to clean and sanitize dishes. However, the drying phase of the wash cycle has posed challenges in achieving optimal results. To address this, some existing dishwasher models incorporate dedicated electromechanical pushers designed to force the door open at the end of the wash cycle. This mechanism facilitates the drying process by allowing moisture to escape from the interior washing cavity. The electromechanical pusher operates by exerting a controlled force on the face of the dishwasher housing from the door, causing it to open partially.

[0003] These electromechanical pushers are typically controlled by the dishwasher's control system, ensuring synchronized operation with the drying phase of the wash cycle. While effective, this approach adds complexity and cost to the dishwasher design. The need for additional components and precise control mechanisms can also impact the overall reliability and maintenance requirements of the appliance.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes a main body defining an interior washing cavity and an open side to the washing cavity, a door hingedly coupled to the main body and moveable to selectively close and open over the open side of the main body, a latch hook coupled with the main body adjacent the open side, and a door latch assembly mounted within the door. The door latch assembly includes a base unit fixed within the door and defining an arcuate track portion thereon and a latch body movably mounted within the door to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook to selectively retain the door in a closed position. The door latch assembly further includes a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body and into a release position that causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook and a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move the slider into the release position.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher door latch includes a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing. A latch body is rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path. A slider is mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position. The door latch further includes a linear actuator including a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator and a link body coupled between an end of the operator of the linear actuator and the slider such that operation of the linear actuator moves the slider.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher door opening system includes a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing and a latch body rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path. The system further includes a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position, a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move such that the latch body moves into the retracted position, and a controller electrically connected with the linear actuator and programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of the dishwasher with a door thereof in a partially open condition in connection with a drying mode thereof;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior of the door showing a door latch assembly and related door opening system according to the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the dishwasher including the door latch assembly with the door in a closed position;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the door interior taken along line V-V in FIG. 4 and showing the door latch assembly in an engaged condition;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interior of the door showing the door latch assembly in an intermediate position during reconfiguration thereof;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the door interior taken along line V-V in FIG. 4 and showing the door latch assembly in the intermediate condition;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an interior of the door showing the door latch assembly in a disengaged condition;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the dishwasher including the door latch assembly with the door in a drying position;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the door interior taken along line V-V in FIG. 4 and showing the door latch assembly in the disengaged condition;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the dishwasher including an alternative door latch assembly; and

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the dishwasher including a further alternative door latch assembly.

[0021] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a dishwasher. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0023] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0024] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0025] Ordinal modifiers (i.e., “first”, “second”, etc.) may be used to distinguish between various structures of a disclosed article in various contexts, but such ordinals are not necessarily intended to apply to such elements outside of the particular context in which they are used and that, in various aspects different ones of the same class of elements may be identified with the same, context-specific ordinal. In such instances, other particular designations of the elements are used to clarify the overall relationship between such elements. Ordinals are not used to designate a position of the elements, nor do they exclude additional, or intervening, non-ordered elements or signify an importance or rank of the elements within a particular class.

[0026] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0027] For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “about,”“approximately,” or “substantially” are intended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. Thus, unless otherwise noted, differences of up to ten percent (10%) for a given value are reasonable differences from the ideal goal of exactly as described. In many instances, a significant difference can be when the difference is greater than ten percent (10%), except as where would be generally understood otherwise by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the context in which such term is used.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, reference numeral 10 generally designates a dishwasher. The dishwasher 10 includes a main body 12 defining an interior washing cavity 14 and an open side 16 to the washing cavity 14, a door 18 hingedly coupled to the main body 12 and moveable to selectively close and open over the open side 16 of the main body 12, a latch hook 20 coupled with the main body 12 adjacent the open side 16, and a door latch assembly 22 mounted within the door 18. The door latch assembly 22 includes a base unit 24 fixed within the door 18 and defining an arcuate track portion 26 thereon and a latch body 28 movably mounted within the door 18 to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook 20 to selectively retain the door 18 in a closed position. The door latch assembly 22 further includes a slider 30 mounted on the arcuate track portion 26 of the base unit 24 so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body 28 and into a release position that causes disengagement of the latch body 28 from the latch hook 20 and a linear actuator 32 coupled with the slider 30 and operable to move the slider 30 into the release position.

[0029] In the present arrangement, the operation of the linear actuator 32 to move the slider 30 into the release position can cause the door 18 to partially open away from at least a portion of the open side 16 under a natural opening force 34. In general operation, the door 18 of the dishwasher 10 is hinged toward the bottom edge 42 thereof such that the door 18 opens downward and away from the location of the latch hook 20, which protrudes from a front face 44 of the main body 12. In one aspect, the hinge point HP at which the door 18 is connected with the main body 12 can be positioned closer to the front face 44 than the center of gravity CG of the door 18 such that the natural opening force 34 can include a gravitational force on the door 18 due to this positioning. In one respect, a spring force of the hinges used to attach the door 18 to the main body 12 can increase with the door opening to balance the opening force, such that the door 18 will not fully open, but rather open at an initial distance D that may be sufficient to allow moisture to escape from the washing cavity 14 during at least a portion of the drying cycle of the dishwasher 10. In another aspect, the natural opening force 34 can include an expansion force of a seal 36 that is coupled with the door 18. As shown, the dishwasher 10 can further include seal 36 coupled with the door 18 and arranged to compress against the main body 12 when the door 18 is in the closed position. This arrangement helps to prevent moisture (e.g., both liquid water and water vapor) from escaping the washing cavity 14 during the wash cycle of the dishwasher10. In this arrangement, the latch body 28 is engaged with the latch hook 20 to maintain the door 18 in the closed position against the front face 44 of the main body 12 at least during the washing cycle, which includes maintaining the seal 36 in the compressed condition. As can be appreciated, the latch assembly 22 is configured to maintain the latch body 28 in the engaged condition with respect to the latch hook 20 against the aggregate natural opening force 34. The use of the door latch assembly 22 described herein can, accordingly, allow for opening of the door 18 by the initial distance D (i.e., into a drying position) without the use of a separate pusher assembly.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3-10, the door latch assembly 22 is configured to use the operation of the linear actuator 32 to drive movement of the latch body 28, while allowing for effective packaging of the linear actuator 32 within the existing available space within the interior 46 of the door 18. Additionally, the door latch assembly 22 is configured to efficiently translate the linear operation of the linear actuator 32 to rotational movement of the latch body 28, as the latch body 28 is rotationally coupled to the base unit 24. In such configuration, the door latch assembly 22 can further include a link body 38 coupled between an operating end 40 of the linear actuator 32 and the slider 30. In this arrangement, the linear actuator 32, as discussed further below, is operable to move the operating end 40 downward (i.e., away from the base unit 24). By way of the pivoting connection between the link body 38, the downward movement of the operating end 40 pulls the slider 30 in an initial downward direction, with the arcuate track portion 26, on which the slider 30 is mounted, constraining the movement to rotation about a center of the arcuate track portion 26. The components are, accordingly, arranged such that the link body 38 is coupled with a first end 48 of the slider 30 that is positioned on the arcuate track portion 26 so as to move through a desired range of rotational motion to effect the movement of the latch body 28 to disengage from the latch hook 20 with the movement of the operating end 40 through the available downward movement by operation of the linear actuator 32, as discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 5-7.

[0031] The slider 30 is configured to effect the movement of the latch body 28 by contact of a second end 50 of the slider 30 with a lever 52 that extends from a side of the latch body 28 that is positioned to align with the slider 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the lever 52 extends from the latch body 28 at a location that is opposite from the retention end 54 of the latch body 28 with respect to the rotational axis 55 of the latch body 28. In this manner, the rotation of the slider 30 pushes the lever 52 in a direction that causes rotation of the latch body 28 that moves the retention end 54 from the position shown in FIG. 5, wherein the retention end 54 is engaged with the latch hook 20 in a position where such engagement maintains the door 18 in the above-described closed position, to the position shown in FIG. 7, wherein the latch body 28 is moved into a position that causes the retention end 54 to disengage from the latch hook 20.

[0032] As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-7, the latch body 28 can be rotatably coupled with the base unit 24 such that rotation of the latch body 28 from the extended position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 to the retracted position shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 disengages the latch body 28 from the latch hook 20. In the present configuration, the slider 30 does not need to fully move the latch body 28 into the retracted position to cause disengagement of the latch body 28 from the latch hook 20. In particular, the door latch assembly 22 includes a spring 47 that is coupled between the latch body 28 and the base unit 24 such that the spring 47 is operable to selectively maintain the latch body 28 in the extended position (FIGS. 3 and 5) or the retracted position (FIGS. 8 and 10) by rotation of the latch body 28 past an intermediate break over position 58, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The break over position 58 can correspond with a fully extended position of the spring 47 with respect to the attachment location thereof on the latch body 28 such that the extension and corresponding retraction of the spring 47 creates a bi-stable condition of the latch body 28 with respect to the extended and retracted positions. In this manner, the movement of the slider 30 through the designated range of motion about the arcuate track portion 26 of the base unit 24, as achieved through the operation of the linear actuator 32 can be configured to drive movement of the latch body 28, by acting on the lever 52 to just past the break over position 58, at which point the contraction force of the spring 47 causes the latch body 28 to move into the retracted position (FIGS. 8 and 10).

[0033] To allow for continued movement of the latch body 28, beyond that which is achieved by the slider 30, the latch body 28 is configured to be moveable between the extended position and the retracted position (i.e., to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook 20) independent of movement by the slider 30. In particular, the second end 50 of the slider 30 can be generally open such that it is in contact with, or moveable into contact with, the lever 52 when the latch body 28 is in the extended position. In the illustrated example, the second end 50 is generally concave to generally match the round profile of the lever 52, but other configurations may be possible. By the open configuration of the second end 50, the slider 30 does not retain engagement with the lever 52, allowing continued movement of the latch body 28 into the retracted position by movement of the lever 52 away from the second end 50 of the slider 30 when movement of the slider 30 stops with the latch body 28 past the break over position 58. The allowance for movement of the latch body 28 independent from the slider 30 also allows for the door 18 to be pulled open by the user. In this respect, the dishwasher 10 includes a handle 62, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is mounted with the door 18, and configured such that a user can grasp the handle 62 to exert an outward force on the door that is sufficient to cause movement of the latch body 28 by inward rotation 56 thereof against the force of the spring 47 (by way of the resultant force of the latch hook 20 on the retention end 54). As can be appreciated, once the latch body 28 has been moved to the intermediate break over position 58, such that the spring 47 causes continued movement of the latch body 28 into the retracted position.

[0034] As further shown in FIGS. 3-10, the door latch assembly 22 can further include a cam block 60 that is also moveably coupled with the base unit 24. Specifically, the cam block 60 is configured for rotation into and out of the path P of the movement of latch hook 20 into and out of the door 18 and into the latch housing 72 portion of the base unit 24 in a direction opposite the latch body 28. In this manner, the cam block 60 can move into path P when the latch body 28 moves into the retracted position (FIGS. 8 and 10). Accordingly, when the door 18 is pushed into the closed position, the latch hook 20 contacts the cam block 60, causing rotation thereof into contact with the latch body 28, which in turn moves the latch body past the break over position 58 and into the extended position to cause latching of the door 18 in the closed position, as discussed above.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 3-10, the linear actuator 32 can include a main housing 64 and an operator 66 that is retractable into and extendable from the main housing 64 by operation of the linear actuator 32. The above-described operating end 40 is disposed on the operator 66 to drive the movement thereof toward and away from the main housing 64 described above. The linear actuator 32 can be coupled with the interior 46 of the door 18, specifically, to the liner 68 of the door 18 and can be positioned with the operator 66 between the main housing 64 and the slider 30. In one implementation, the linear actuator 32 can be a wax motor, which converts thermal energy into mechanical energy by exploiting the phase-change behavior of waxes. This type of actuator may provide smooth motion with sufficient force to manipulate the latch body 28 by way of the above-described arrangement. In such an implementation, the main housing 64 is generally sealed and filled with wax within a cavity defined by the main housing 64 and an interior 46, moveable, end of the operator 66. A heat source, such as a Positive Temperature Coefficient (“PTC”) thermistor is included within, or in communication with, the cavity. When the heat source is activated, such as by selective application of an electrical current thereto, it heats the wax, causing it to undergo a phase change from solid to liquid. This phase change results in a significant expansion of the wax, creating pressure within the chamber. In the present arrangement, the linear actuator 32 can be configured such that the pressure draws the operator 66 into the main housing 64, generating the downward linear motion of the operating end 40, as discussed above. When the heat source is turned off, the wax cools and solidifies, contracting back to its original volume. A biasing force, which may be provided by a spring 47 on a side of the chamber opposite the wax, can cause extension 74 of the operator 66 to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, thereby returning the slider 30 to the corresponding position by way of the connection between operating end 40 achieved by the link body 38. Other types of electromechanical linear actuators can be used in place of the wax motor described herein, although the configuration of the present wax motor may present certain advantages associated with the use in a dishwasher 10 and / or for the present purposes.

[0036] To achieve the desired electromechanical operation of the linear actuator 32, particularly, by supplying the current thereto to cause heating in the case of a wax motor, a controller 70 can be electrically connected with the linear actuator 32. In this manner, the controller 70 can selectively supply power to the linear actuator 32 or operate a separate switch that controls the connection and disconnection of the linear actuator 32 from a power source of the dishwasher 10 that may draw from mains power. In one respect, the controller 70 can be used to control the general functionality of the dishwasher 10, including the operation of the various washing cycles provided by the dishwasher 10. In this respect, the controller 70 can be a microcontroller that acts as the central processing unit for the dishwasher 10, orchestrating the dishwasher 10 operations by executing programmed instructions that can be included in on-board or connected memory. The controller 70 processes inputs from various sensors, such as water level, temperature, and soil sensors, in connection with the dishwasher 10 operation and cycles. Based on these inputs, the controller 70 controls outputs like the water inlet valve state, heating element, and pump operation. The controller 70 can also manage the timing and duration of each wash cycle phase and interfaces with the control panel for user settings and status updates. As discussed above, the controller 70 can provide various drying phases of one or more available wash cycles and can be programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator 32 at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation within such cycle(s). In this manner, the operation of the linear actuator 32 by the controller 70 can disengage the latch body 28 from the latch hook 20 to allow partial opening of the door 18, with respect to the open side 16, to allow moisture to escape the wash cavity 14, which may speed the drying process. In this arrangement, the various components herein associated with the automated movement of the latch body 28 can operate with the controller 70 as a door opening system in connection with the depicted dishwasher 10 or variations thereof.

[0037] In an alternative configuration, a heated drying mode may operate at a higher temperature than the cleaning portion of the cycle. In connection with such operation, the linear actuator 32, when provided as a wax motor may be tuned to operate passively at the higher temperature of the drying mode, such that a separate connection to the controller 70 or power supply is not needed.

[0038] In a further alternative configuration, shown in FIG. 11, the general components of the door opening system are the same as discussed above, unless otherwise noted, with the reference numerals increased by 100. In this configuration, the linear actuator 132 can include a main housing 164 and an operator 166 that is extendable and retractable from the main housing 164 by operation of the linear actuator 132, as discussed above. As shown, the linear actuator 132 can be fixed within the door 118 such that the main housing 164 is in a position between the operator 166 and the slider 130 with the operator 166 in a downwardly extending position with respect to the base unit 124. In this arrangement, linear actuator 132 can be configured to be in a state with the operator 166 withdrawn into the main housing 164 in the absence of a current applied thereto (i.e., at ambient temperature in the instance of a wax motor). To facilitate operation of the latch body 128, as discussed above, during operation of the linear actuator 132, the door latch assembly 122 can further include an extension 174 connecting the operator 166 with the slider 130. In this arrangement, the linear actuator 132 can be mounted closer to the base unit 124 of the door latch assembly 122 than in the other arrangement discussed above. Accordingly, a still further variation is facilitated, as shown in FIG. 12, in which the main housing 164 of the linear actuator 132 can be coupled with the base unit 124 by way of a mounting extension 176 that can be formed or otherwise coupled with the base unit 124.

[0039] The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes a main body defining an interior washing cavity and an open side to the washing cavity, a door hingedly coupled to the main body and moveable to selectively close and open over the open side of the main body, a latch hook coupled with the main body adjacent the open side, and a door latch assembly mounted within the door. The door latch assembly includes a base unit fixed within the door and defining an arcuate track portion thereon and a latch body movably mounted within the door to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook to selectively retain the door in a closed position. The door latch assembly further includes a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body and into a release position that causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook and a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move the slider into the release position.

[0041] In the dishwasher of ¶, operation of the linear actuator to move the slider into the release position can cause the door to partially open away from at least a portion of the open side under a natural opening force.

[0042] In the dishwasher of ¶, the natural opening force can include a gravitational force on the door.

[0043] The dishwasher of ¶¶ or , can further include a seal coupled with the door and compressing against the main body when the door is in the closed position with the latch body engaged with the latch hook, and the natural opening force can include an expansion force of the seal.

[0044] In the dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , the door latch assembly can further include a link body coupled between an operating end of the linear actuator and the slider.

[0045] In the dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , the latch body can be rotatably coupled with the base unit such that rotation of the latch body from an extended position to a retracted position disengages the latch body from the latch hook.

[0046] In the dishwasher of ¶, the door latch assembly can further include a spring coupled between the latch body and the base unit and operable to selectively maintain the latch body in the extended position or the retracted position by rotation of the latch body past an intermediate break over position, and the release position of the slider can cause disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook by moving the latch body from the extended position past the break over position.

[0047] In the dishwasher of ¶, the door latch assembly can further include a cam block moveably coupled with the base body and moveable by the latch hook to cause movement of the latch body and moveable by the latch hook to cause movement of the latch body from the retracted position past the break over position such that movement of the door into the closed position can cause the latch body to engage with the latch hook.

[0048] In the dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , the latch body can be moveable to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook independent of movement thereof by the slider.

[0049] In the dishwasher of ¶, an opening force applied to the door can cause movement of the latch body independent of the latch body to disengage from the latch hook.

[0050] In the dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , the linear actuator can include a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator, and linear actuator can be coupled with an interior portion of a liner of the door and can be positioned with the operator between the main housing and the slider.

[0051] In the dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , the linear actuator can include a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator, the linear actuator can be fixed within the door with the main housing in a position between the operator and the slider, and the door latch assembly can further include an extension connecting the operator with the slider.

[0052] In the dishwasher of ¶, the main housing of the linear actuator can be coupled with the base unit.

[0053] The dishwasher of any of ¶¶ to , can further include a controller electrically connected with the linear actuator and programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation, and the operation of the linear actuator by the controller can disengage the latch body from the latch hook to allow partial opening of the door with respect to the door opening.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher door latch includes a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing. A latch body is rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path. A slider is mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position. The door latch further includes linear actuator including a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator and a link body coupled between an end of the operator of the linear actuator and the slider such that operation of the linear actuator moves the slider.

[0055] The dishwasher door latch of ¶, can further include a spring coupled between the latch body and the base unit and operable to selectively maintain the latch body in the extended position or the retracted position by rotation of the latch body past an intermediate break over position, and the release position of the slider can cause disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook by moving the latch body from the extended position past the break over position.

[0056] The dishwasher door latch of ¶, can further include a cam block moveably coupled with the base body and moveable by the latch hook to cause movement of the latch body from the retracted position past the break over position such that the latch body moves into the extended position.

[0057] In the dishwasher door latch of ¶¶ or , the cam block can be positionable within the latch hook path such that a latch hook moving into the latch hook path causes the latch body to engage with the latch hook.

[0058] In the dishwasher door latch of any of ¶¶ to , an opening force applied to the door can cause movement of the latch body independent of the latch body to disengage from the latch hook.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher door opening system includes a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing and a latch body rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path. The system further includes a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position, a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move such that the latch body moves into the retracted position, and a controller electrically connected with the linear actuator and programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation.

[0060] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0061] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0062] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, comprising:a main body defining an interior washing cavity and an open side to the washing cavity;a door hingedly coupled to the main body and moveable to selectively close and open over the open side of the main body;a latch hook coupled with the main body adjacent the open side; anda door latch assembly mounted within the door and including:a base unit fixed within the door and defining an arcuate track portion thereon;a latch body movably mounted within the door to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook to selectively retain the door in a closed position;a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body and into a release position that causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook; anda linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move the slider into the release position.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein operation of the linear actuator to move the slider into the release position causes the door to partially open away from at least a portion of the open side under a natural opening force.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the natural opening force includes a gravitational force on the door.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, further including a seal coupled with the door and compressing against the main body when the door is in the closed position with the latch body engaged with the latch hook, wherein:the natural opening force includes an expansion force of the seal.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the door latch assembly further includes a link body coupled between an operating end of the linear actuator and the slider.

6. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the latch body is rotatably coupled with the base unit such that rotation of the latch body from an extended position to a retracted position disengages the latch body from the latch hook.

7. The dishwasher of claim 6, wherein:the door latch assembly further includes a spring coupled between the latch body and the base unit and operable to selectively maintain the latch body in the extended position or the retracted position by rotation of the latch body past an intermediate break over position; andthe release position of the slider causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook by moving the latch body from the extended position past the break over position.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the door latch assembly further includes a cam block moveably coupled with the base unit and moveable by the latch hook to cause movement of the latch body from the retracted position past the break over position such that movement of the door into the closed position causes the latch body to engage with the latch hook.

9. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the latch body is moveable to alternately engage with and disengage from the latch hook independent of a movement thereof by the slider.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein an opening force applied to the door causes movement of the latch body independent of the latch body to disengage from the latch hook.

11. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein:the linear actuator includes a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator; andthe linear actuator is coupled with an interior portion of a liner of the door and is positioned with the operator between the main housing and the slider.

12. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein:the linear actuator includes a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator; andthe linear actuator is fixed within the door with the main housing in a position between the operator and the slider, the door latch assembly further including an extension connecting the operator with the slider.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the main housing of the linear actuator is coupled with the base unit.

14. The dishwasher of claim 1, further including a controller electrically connected with the linear actuator and programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation, wherein:the operation of the linear actuator by the controller disengages the latch body from the latch hook to allow partial opening of the door with respect to the open side.

15. A dishwasher door latch assembly, comprising:a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing;a latch body rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path;a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position;a linear actuator including a main housing and an operator that is extendable and retractable from the main housing by operation of the linear actuator; anda link body coupled between an end of the operator of the linear actuator and the slider such that operation of the linear actuator moves the slider.

16. The dishwasher door latch assembly of claim 15, further including a spring coupled between the latch body and the base unit and operable to selectively maintain the latch body in the extended position or the retracted position by rotation of the latch body past an intermediate break over position; whereinmovement of the latch body by the slider causes disengagement of the latch body from the latch hook by moving the latch body from the extended position past the break over position.

17. The dishwasher door latch assembly of claim 16, further including a cam block moveably coupled with the base unit and moveable by the latch hook to cause movement of the latch body from the retracted position past the break over position such that the latch body moves into the extended position.

18. The dishwasher door latch assembly of claim 17, wherein the cam block is positionable within the latch hook path such that a latch hook moving into the latch hook path causes the latch body to engage with the latch hook.

19. The dishwasher door latch assembly of claim 16, wherein an opening force applied to the door causes movement of the latch body independent of the latch body to disengage from the latch hook.

20. A dishwasher door opening system, comprising:a base unit defining a latch housing and an arcuate track portion disposed outside of the latch housing;a latch body rotatably mounted within the latch housing so as to be moveable between an extended position, wherein a portion of the latch body is positioned in a latch hook path within the latch housing, and a retracted position, wherein the latch body is disposed outside of the latch hook path;a slider mounted on the arcuate track portion of the base unit so as to be moveable into operable contact with the latch body causing movement thereof into the retracted position;a linear actuator coupled with the slider and operable to move such that the latch body moves into the retracted position; anda controller electrically connected with the linear actuator and programmed to cause operation of the linear actuator at an end of a cleaning cycle as part of a drying mode initiation.

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