Latching and sealing mechanism for a drawer-type dishwasher

摘要

A dishwasher (2) includes a drawer (16) which is slidably mounted in a frame (4) and forms a washing chamber (28). A lid assembly (35) is mounted to the frame (4) for selectively sealing the washing chamber (28) during a washing operation. A closing mechanism (86, 87) moves the lid assembly (35) from a first or open position to a second or closed position that provides a water-tight seal during a washing operation. The dishwasher (2) is further provided with a latching mechanism (140) including a pivoting door front member (142), a locking member (145) and a linking bar (147) interconnecting the door front member with the locking member. Manipulation of the pivoting drawer front member (142) causes the locking member (145) to engage/disengage with the lid assembly (35). The latching mechanism (140) further includes a locking bar (150) and a micro-switch (164) that combine to prevent operation of the dishwasher (2) if the drawer (16) is not properly positioned in the frame (4).