Door latch for a dishwasher

摘要

The present invention is directed to a latch assembly for a dishwasher including a door having a front surface and a back surface and a tub. The latch assembly includes a bolt secured to the door. The bolt has a catch including a ramp surface facing toward the tub. An actuator is slidably connected to the bolt. A switch is secured to the bolt such that movement of the actuator may selectively close the switch. A handle is moveably mounted to the bolt in a position for access from the front surface of the door. A strike plate is connected to the tub and includes a forward latching portion extending outwardly from the tub toward the rear surface of the door. The strike plate flexes vertically to deflect up over the latch when the door moves toward a closed. The strike plate may be released from the latch by upwardly moving the handle such a drive surface of the handle engages a drive shoulder of the actuator moving the actuator upwardly wherein the actuator forces the latching portion of the strike plate upwardly until the strike plate clears the catch of the bolt.