Latch assembly

摘要

A latch assembly with a first magnet and a second magnet is provided. The first and second magnets engage each other when the latch assembly is in a closed position. The latch assembly also includes features for determining when the latch assembly is in the closed position. Knowledge of when the latch assembly is in the closed position can assist with operation of an associated appliance.

主权项

1. A latch assembly, comprising:
a metal stator having a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, said stator extending continuously between the first and second elongated portions of said stator; a first magnet mounted to the first elongated portion of the stator; a second magnet mounted to the second elongated portion of the stator; a mover shaped complementary to the stator such that the mover may be received between the first and second elongated portions of the stator when the latch assembly is in a closed position; a third magnet mounted to the mover, the third magnet engaging the first magnet when the latch assembly is in the closed position; a fourth magnet mounter to the mover, the fourth magnet engaging the second magnet when the latch assembly is in the closed position; and means for determining if the latch assembly is in the closed position; wherein said third magnet is aligned to overlap said first magnet such that an attractive magnetic force between the first and third magnets decreases as the latch assembly closely approaches the closed position and said fourth magnet is aligned to overlap said second magnet such that an attractive magnetic force between said second and fourth magnets decreases as the latch assembly closely approaches the closed position.