Automatic door for dishwasher
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorKenyon A. Hapke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Automatic sealing of a dishwasher door is obtained through an electric actuator that moves the door from a close position adjacent to the opening of the washing chamber to a seal position in which the washing chamber is sealed typically against a gasket or the like. The actuator eliminates the need for the user to provide the force necessary to seal the gasket and/or can be used for improved venting of the washing chamber.
Claims25
A dishwasher comprising:
- a washing chamber having a door movable from an open position permitting the loading of the washing chamber, through a close position visually covering the washing chamber, to a seal position sealing water within the washing chamber;
- and
- an electric actuator responding to an electric signal to move the door between the close position and the seal position.
A latch for a dishwasher having a washing chamber with a door movable between an open position to permit the loading of the washing chamber and a seal position to seal water within the washing chamber, wherein the latch comprises:
- interacting door and tub positioned latch portions retaining the door at a vent position between the open and close positions allowing venting of the washing chamber around the door or retaining the door at a seal position to seal water within the washing chamber;
- and
- an electric actuator responding to an electric signal to move the door latch from the vent to the seal positions.
A dishwasher comprising:
- a washing chamber having a door movable from an open position permitting the loading of the washing chamber to a seal position sealing water within the washing chamber;
- a timer/controller controlling the washing of dishes within the washing chamber and providing a washing signal during a washing period and a drying signal during a drying period during which the dishes dry after washing;
- and
- an electric door actuator communicating with the timer/controller to close the door the washing period to seal water within the washing chamber and to open the door for venting of water vapor from within the washing chamber during the drying period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.