U.S. patent number 3,841,677 [Application Number 05/254,863] was granted by the patent office on 1974-10-15 for combination latching and switching mechanism.
This patent grant is currently assigned to General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Lauren W. Guth.
United States Patent |
3,841,677 |
Guth |
October 15, 1974 |
COMBINATION LATCHING AND SWITCHING MECHANISM
Abstract
There is disclosed a combination latching and switching
mechanism for a cabinet closure which acts to close an electric
circuit upon latching of the closure to the cabinet and which
prevents closing the electric circuit unless the door is latched to
the cabinet. The mechanism comprises a strike on the cabinet and a
latch on the closure. A pivotally mounted handle is provided to
move the latch between an unlatched position and a latched position
and to close a normally open switch when the latch is in the
latched position.
Inventors: |
Guth; Lauren W. (Louisville,
KY) |
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
(Louisville, KY)
|
Family
ID: |
22965882 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/254,863 |
Filed: |
May 19, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
292/335; 292/113;
292/DIG.69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L
15/4259 (20130101); Y10T 292/0917 (20150401); Y10S
292/69 (20130101); Y10T 292/558 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A47L
15/42 (20060101); E05c 005/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;292/223,335,336,336.3,DIG.69 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Moore; Richard E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Boos; Francis H.
Claims
I claim:
1. In a combination latching and switch operating mechanism for a
cabinet or the like of the type provided with an access opening and
a closure therefor having an air passage therethrough and a front
panel providing an opening to the air passage, including a latching
bolt on the closure and a strike on the cabinet for cooperation
therewith; toggle means mounting the bolt for movement between
latched and unlatched positions relative to the strike; an electric
switch disposed in fixed position relative to the toggle means;
means for operating the switch to a certain electric circuit
condition upon predetermined movement of the toggle means in a
latching direction; lockout means for securing the toggle means
against movement in the latching direction; means for operating the
lockout means to effect securement thereof when the bolt is
withdrawn from the strike; and means for actuating the lockout
means to free the toggle means upon movement of the bolt into a
position relative to the strike permitting the bolt to enter into
latching relation therewith whereby the switch may then be operated
to its certain electric circuit condition; the improvement
comprising
bolt operating means including a handle; means pivotally mounting
the handle on the door downwardly extending from the horizontal
over the front panel opening for movement between latching and
unlatching positions; the link, operatively connected to the handle
for movement relative thereto, extending through the front closure
panel opening and operatively connected to the toggle means for
transmitting latching and unlatching movement of the handle into
corresponding movement of the bolt.
2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a finger guard
carried by the handle and underlying the link for substantially
closing the exit opening against finger entry when the handle is in
the unlatched position.
3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the link is pivotally mounted
to the handle.
4. A cabinet providing an access opening and a closure therefor
having a front panel and a combined latching and switch operating
mechanism therefor including a latching bolt on the closure and a
strike on the cabinet for cooperation therewith; means, including a
toggle, mounting the bolt for movement between latched and
unlatched positions relative to the strike, said toggle including a
latch member having a central section captivated between a
rotatable member and a central support portion, said central
section adapted to undergo movement from a first position to a
second position wherein a portion of said movement is rotary
movement without reciprocal movement and a second portion of said
movement is reciprocal movement without rotary movement; an
electric switch disposed in fixed position relative to the toggle;
means for operating the switch to a certain electric circuit
condition upon predetermined movement of the toggle in a latching
direction; bell crank means for securing the latch member against
movement in the latching direction when the bolt is withdrawn from
the strike; means for actuating the securing means to free the
toggle for latching movement upon movement of the bolt into a
position relative to the strike for permitting bolt movement toward
the latched position; and means for moving the bolt between the
latched and unlatched positions thereof including a handle
downwardly extending away from the door, means pivotally mounting
the handle about a horizontal axis on the door for movement in
latching and unlatching directions, and a link extending through
the front closure panel and operatively interconnecting the handle
and the toggle for transmitting latching and unlatching movement of
the handle into corresponding movement of the bolt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is generally applicable to automatic dishwashers,
and particularly pertains to the front-loading type of dishwasher.
It frequently happens that a user desires to place a dish or
utensil in a dishwasher after the dishwasher has been placed in
operation. It is obviously desirable to prevent operation of the
dishwasher when the closure is other than tightly sealed against
the cabinet since streams of washing liquid are directed onto the
dishes during the operation. With the closure even partly open, the
washing liquid would splash out onto the kitchen floor. It is also
desirable that the latching and switch operating mechanism preclude
resumption of operation of the dishwasher when the closure is other
than tightly sealed to the cabinet. The prior art has recognized
the need for these features as evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,005,065; 3,409,320 and 3,415,961. These disclosures basically
teach a latching mechanism for securing a dishwasher closure
tightly against the cabinet, a switch in series with the dishwasher
power circuit and a switch actuator for closing the switch only
when the closure is sealed against the cabinet. An inspection of
U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,065 will reveal that the latching arrangement,
switch actuator and lockout means are somewhat similar to the
elements disclosed hereinafter.
Other disclosures of interest are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,859,999
and 2,873,134.
It will be noted that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,005,065 and 3,409,320 incorporate a handle pivotally mounted
about a vertical axis thereby requiring a horizontal slot through
the escutcheon of the closure. This horizontal slot is readily
visible from the front of the closure and presents a distraction
from a design or esthetic standpoint. It would accordingly be
highly desirable to provide a combination latching and switch
operating mechanism which avoids the necessity of a visible
horizontal slot.
The devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,005,065 and 3,409,320
present a disadvantage from an operation standpoint. Opening of the
closure of these devices is basically a two-step process. First,
the user must grasp and rotate the latch handle about the vertical
axis thereof to open the switch and unlatch the closure. Second,
the user must separately grasp a closure handle to pull the closure
open. Similarly, closing of the dishwasher door is basically a
two-step process and the reverse of the opening procedure.
It would be more desirable to provide a latching and switch
operating mechanism which allows basically a one-step user
manipulation to open and close the dishwasher door while
simultaneously accomplishing the necessary switch manipulating
functions. It will be appreciated that the device disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,415,961 teaches a combination latching and switch
operating mechanism having the desired function. It will also be
evident, however, that a relatively large number of components are
necessary to fabricate the latching and switch operating mechansim
of this disclosure.
In light of the problems and disadvantages of the prior art devices
as enumerated heretofore, it is a primary object of this invention
or provide a combination latching and switching mechanism having a
movable handle adapted for "in and out" motion relative to the
closure which operates satisfactorily to latch the closure and
manipulate the switch and which comprises a minimum number of
parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a
dishwasher illustrating the combined latching and switching
mechanism of this invention in the latched position;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the latching and
switching mechanism in the unlatched position;
FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the latching and switching
mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, certain parts being broken away for
clarity of illustration, showing the mechanism in the latched
position;
FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the latching and switching
mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, certain parts being broken away for
clarity of illustration, showing the mechanism in the unlatched
position;
FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom view of the latching and switching
mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, certain parts being broken away for
clarity of illustration, showing the mechanism in the latched
position;
FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom view of the latching and switching
mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, certain parts being broken away for
clarity of illustration, showing the mechanism in the unlatched
position;
FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a
dishwasher illustrating another embodiment of the combined latching
and switching mechanism of this invention in the latched
position;
FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the locking and switching mechanism
of FIG. 7, certain parts being broken away for clarity of
illustration, showing the mechanism in the latched position;
and
FIG. 9 is an exploded bottom view of the latching and switching
mechanism of FIG. 7, certain parts being broken away for clarity of
illustration, showing the mechanism in the latched position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a
dishwasher 10 having a washing compartment 12 closed by a closure
or door 14 which is typically pivoted about a horizontal axis
adjacent the bottom of the compartment 12. The dishwasher 10
comprises a top wall 16 and an interior compartment wall 18 joined
by a wall 20 providing a recess for the door 14. Secured to the
wall 20 is a strike 22 which functions to condition the latching
mechanism for movement as well as provide an abutment 24 (FIG. 3)
for the latching mechanism.
The door 14 comprises inner and outer walls 26, 28 defining
therebetween a plenum 30 for receiving various components of the
dishwasher 10, e. g., the timer (not shown), and for providing an
exhaust air passage during the drying of dishes and utensils in the
compartment 12. The door 14 also includes a top wall 32 and carries
a resilient seal 34 on the inner wall 26 for sealing the washing
compartment 12 during machine operation.
Carried by the door 14 is a combined latching and switch operating
mechanism 36 which incorporates this invention. The mechanism 36
comprises, as major components, a support 38 which is attached to
the door 14 and carries the movable parts of the mechanism 36, a
pivoted over-center toggle device 40 including a latch bolt 42 and
a switch actuator 44, lockout means 46 for precluding manipulation
of the toggle 40 when the door 14 is open, means 48 for
manipulating the toggle 40 and a normally open switch 50 in circuit
with the power supply to the dishwasher 10.
The support 38 comprises a plate 52 having threaded openings 54
therein providing a securement to the top door wall 32 and a
depressed central portion 56. As will be apparent from FIGS. 1 and
2, depressing the central portion 56 allows the pivotal connections
of the toggle 40 to move relative to the door top wall 32 without
interference therewith. Extending downwardly from the central
portion 56 are a pair of arms 58 which provide a support for the
switch 50. The central portion 56 of the support 38 also comprises
an aperture 60 and an arcuate slot 62 coaxial therewith for
purposes more fully apparent hereinafter. Extending into the
central support portion 56 is a slot 64 directed toward the
aperture 60 and a cutout 66 intersecting one leg of the slot 64 and
presenting an edge generally on a radius of the aperture 60. The
purpose of the slot 60 and cutout 66 will become more fully
apparent as the description proceeds.
The toggle 40 includes a member 68 rotatably mounted on the support
38 by a pivot connection 70 extending through the aperture 60. The
rotatable member 68 also includes a camming pin 72 extending
through the arcuate slot 62. A latch member 74 comprises a central
section 76 captivated between the rotatable member 68 and the
central support portion 56. As shown best in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
latch bolt 42 comprises a part of one end of the latch member 74
while a lug 78 comprises part of the other end thereof. The central
section 76 provides a slot 80 having legs 82, 84 which define
therebetween an obtuse angle. As suggested by the dashed line, the
pivot connection 70 and the camming pin 72 extend through the slot
80 into the aperture 60 and the slot 62 respectively. FIGS. 1 and 5
illustrate the latched position with the camming pin 72 disposed at
the junction of the legs 82, 84 while the pivot connection 70
resides in the end of the leg 84. Rotation of the member 68 causes
sequential rotation-reciprocation movement of the latch member 74
so that the camming pin 72 comes to rest in the end of the leg 82
while the pivot connection comes to rest adjacent the junction of
the legs 82, 84 as suggested in FIG. 6.
Unlatching movement of the latch member 74 is basically the
reverse. Rotation of the member 68 causes the latch member 74 to
undergo rotary movement as the lug 78 is constrained against
reciprocating movement by the edge of the cutout 66 as suggested by
the arcuate arrow in FIG. 6. As the lug 78 enters into the slot 64,
the latch member 74 is constrained against rotary movement and
allowed to reciprocate so that the latch 42 engages the abutment 24
to compress the seal 34 against the dishwasher 10 and seal the
washing compartment 12. The latch member 74 also comprises a
re-entrant notch 86 which cooperates with the lockout means 46 as
will be more fully apparent hereinafter.
The switch member 44 is carried by the rotatable member 68 and
affords a convenient connection between the manipulating means 48
and the toggle 40.
The toggle 40 includes a toggle spring 88 connected at one end to
the support 38 and at the other end to the rotatable member 68. The
connection of the spring 88 to the rotatable member 68 may
conveniently be to the end of the camming pin 72 as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. The spring 88 completes the toggle so that the latch
member 74 will be held either in the fully latched position or in
the fully unlatched position.
The lockout means 46 comprises a bellcrank 90 pivoted onto the
support 38 by a suitable connection 92. On one leg of the bellcrank
90 is a hook 94 for engagement in the re-entrant slot 86 of the
latch member 74 to prevent closing movement thereof. On the other
end of the bellcrank 90 is an upstanding arm 96 which is positioned
to engage the strike 22 for rotating the bellcrank 90 and thereby
withdrawing the hook 94 from the notch 86. The latch member 74 is
thereby released for rotation into the latching position. It will
accordingly be seen that the lockout means 46 prevents the latch
member 74 from rotating into the latching and switch actuating
position unless the door 14 is closed. The lockout means 46 also
includes a spring 98 for biasing the bellcrank 90 toward the
locking position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.
The manipulating means 48 comprises a stationary base 100 which is
conveniently attached to the top door wall 32. A handle 102 is
mounted by a horizontal pivot connection 104 to the base 100. As is
apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 102 depends substantially
vertically from the connection 104 when the mechanism 38 is in the
latching and switch operating position and is downwardly inclined
to the horizontal when the mechanism 36 is in the unlatched
position. It will accordingly be apparent that the handle 102
obscures the opening in the outer door wall 28 in either the
latched or unlatched position. Consequently, the visible elongate
horizontal slot in the outer door wall required by the prior art is
obviated.
Connecting the handle 102 to the toggle 40 is a linkage 106. The
linkage 106 comprises a base 108 secured to the inner side of the
handle 102 by a suitable fastener 110 and a link 112
interconnecting the base 108 and the toggle 40. The link 112 is
conveniently pivoted to the base 108 by a pin 114 to allow relative
rotation of the handle 102. The other end of the link 112
conveniently includes an aperture 116 receiving the switch actuator
44. A keeper 118 is affixed to the switch actuator 44 to retain the
link 112 in place. It is apparent that the link 112 comprises a
flexible push-pull force transmitting device which allows relative
rotation of the handle 112 while transmitting either a pushing or
pulling force in a direction respectively inwardly and outwardly
relative to the door 14.
The switch 50 is mounted on a bracket 120 which is conveniently
attached to the arms 58 of the support 38. The switch 50 as
illustrated is of the type including an actuator button 122 and a
spring leaf 124 which is engaged by the switch actuator 44 for
depressing the button 122.
Projecting from the handle 102 and conveniently from the linkage
base 108 is a finger guard 126. As shown in FIG. 2, the finger
guard 126 extends from the handle 102 toward the outer door wall 28
adjacent the opening 128 therein. The finger guard 126 is selected
of such a length to substantially preclude an individual from
extending a finger from the bottom of the handle 102 into the
moving parts of the latching and switch operating mechanism 36. As
the handle 102 is moved in a counterclockwise direction about the
pivot connection 104, the end of the finger guard 126 passes freely
above the top of the outer door wall 28 into the position shown in
FIG. 1.
It will also be noted from FIG. 1 that the opening 128 is of a
suffucient size to allow venting of air through the plenum 30 into
the kitchen as suggested by the arrow 130. Accordingly, there is
provided a convenient exhaust for moist heated air during the
drying cycle of dishes and utensils in the washing compartment
12.
In reviewing the operation of this invention, it will be assumed
for purposes of illustration that a user desires to close the door
14. After moving the door to the closed position the user may grasp
the handle 102 and rotate it in a clockwise direction about the
lower horizontal axis thereof. As the door 14 approaches the
countertop 16, the strike 22 passes through an opening 132 in the
door 14 and engages the arm 96 of the lockout means 46 thereby
rotating the bellcrank 90 out of engagement with the notch 86.
Disengagement of the lockout means 46 allows the toggle 40 and the
handle 102 to move. Since the user is pushing on the handle 102, it
begins to rotate about the pivot connection 104 thereby rotating
the member 68 about the pivotal connection 70. Coaction between the
cutout 66 and the lug 78 initially restrains the latch member 74
for rotation into juxtaposition to the abutment 24 of the strike
22. As the lug 78 enters the slot 64, the latch member 74 is
constrained for linear movement against the abutment 24 to force
the door 14 toward the cabinet 12 and thereby compress the seal
34.
As the camming pin 72 reaches the end of its travel, the overcenter
spring 88 retains the toggle 40 in the latched position. As the
toggle 40 reaches the latched position, the switch actuator 44
engages the spring leaf 124 and depresses the switch button 122
thereby closing the switch 50 enabling the dishwasher controls (not
shown) to commence machine operation.
Opening the door 14 is substantially the reverse of closing it.
When the user grasps the handle 102 and pulls thereon, the camming
pin 72 is moved from its latched or overcenter position allowing
the spring 88 to commence movement of the toggle 40. Initial
movement of the toggle 40 moves the switch actuator 44 away from
the switch 50 sufficiently to allow the button 122 to open the
electrical circuit thereby ceasing machine operation. Continued
movement of the handle 102 causes the lug 78 to move within the
confines of the slot 64. As the lug 78 clears the slot 64, rotation
of the latch member 74 beings whereby the latch bolt 42 clears the
abutment 24 of the strike 22. At about the time the latch bolt 42
clears the abutment 24, the spring 98 biases the bellcrank 90 so
that the hook 94 engages the notch 86 thereby immobilizing the
latch member 74 and preventing manipulation of the switch 50 until
the door 14 is again closed against the dishwasher 200.
Referring to FIGS. 7-9, there is illustrated another embodiment of
the invention. For purposes of brevity, corresponding elements and
components are identified by analogous reference characters with
only the differences between the embodiments being specifically
discussed. The major distinction between the embodiment of FIGS.
7-9 and that previously discussed is the location of the latch bolt
242 relative to the latch member 274. Several other changes are
indicated by the different positioning of the latch bolt 242.
FIGS. 5 and 9 illustrate the closed position of the combined
latching and switching mechanisms 36, 236 respectively. It is
evident that the latch bolts 42, 242 are disposed on opposite sides
of the latch member 74, 274 respectively. Consequently, the
abutments 24, 224 of the strikes 22, 222 respectively, are disposed
in different positions to abut the latch bolts 42, 242
respectively.
It will be noted that the latch bolt 242 not only forces the door
214 toward the washing machine 200 but also provides a motion
constraining function analogous to that afforded by the lug 78.
In reviewing the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, it will
be assumed for purposes of illustration that a user desires to
close the door 214. The user may grasp the handle 302 and push it
to thereby rotate it in a counterclockwise direction about the
lower horizontal axis thereof. The strike 222 passes through an
opening 332 in the door 214 and engages the arm 296 of the lockout
means 246 thereby rotating the bellcrank 290 out of engagement with
the notch 286. This engagement of the lockout means 246 allows the
toggle 240 and the handle 302 to move. Since the user is pushing on
the handle 302, it begins to rotate about the pivot connection 304
thereby rotating the member 268 about the pivotal connection 270.
Coaction between the cutout 266 and the latch bolt 242 initially
restrains the latch member 274 for rotation in a clockwise
direction as viewed in FIG. 9. As the latch bolt 242 enters the
slot 264, the latch member 274 is constrained for linear movement
against the abutment 224 to force the door 214 toward the cabinet
212 and thereby compress the seal 234.
As the camming pin 272 reaches the end of its travel, the
overcenter spring 288 retains the toggle 240 in the latched
position. Contemporaneously with the toggle 240 reaching the
latched position, the switch actuator 244 engages the spring leaf
324 and depresses the switch button 322 thereby closing the switch
250 enabling the dishwasher controls (not shown) to commence
machine operation.
Opening the door 214 is substantially the reverse of closing it.
When the user grasps the handle 302 and pulls thereon, the camming
pin 272 is moved from its latched or overcenter position allowing
the spring 288 to commence movement of the toggle 240. Initial
movement of the toggle 240 moves the switch actuator 244 away from
the switch 250 sufficiently to allow the button 322 to open the
electrical circuit thereby ceasing machine operation. Continued
movement of the handle 302 causes the latch bolt 242 to move within
the confines of the slot 264 away from the abutment 244. As the
latch bolt 242 clears the slot 264, rotation of the latch member
274 begins whereby the latch bolt 242 clears the abutment 224 of
the strike 222. At about the time the latch bolt 242 clears the
abutment 224, the spring 298 biases the bell crank 290 so that the
hook 294 engages the notch 286 thereby immobilizing the latch
member 274 and preventing manipulation of the switch 250 until the
door 214 is again closed against the dishwasher 200.
* * * * *