Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly

Abstract

A lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine appliance to lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is actuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is momentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in the closed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiring that the water supply conduit remain pressurized.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to lid lock mechanisms for washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

Conventional washing machine appliances include a lid that is pivotally mounted to the washing machine appliance and is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. During certain operating cycles of the washing machine appliance, it is desirable to lock the lid in the closed position to prevent the user from accessing the wash chamber. Typically, the lid includes a striker that extends from the lid and is received in a lid lock assembly when the lid is in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is then actuated to engage the striker and lock the lid in the closed position.

Conventional lid lock assemblies rely on electrical power to actuate the lid lock mechanism, e.g., using a solenoid. Notably, these electrically operated solenoids require that electrical wiring harnesses be routed through the washing machine appliance to supply power to the solenoids. The electricity being supplied to the solenoids presents a safety concern that requires costly design provisions and fail safe mechanisms. In addition, electrically operated solenoids are typically noisy and irritating to the consumer. Furthermore, an increase in the number of required components and time of assembly adds significant costs to the washing machine appliance.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having an improved lid lock assembly is desirable. More particularly, a lid lock mechanism that is not electrically actuated, that generates minimal noise during operation, and that improves overall appliance safety would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine appliance to lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is actuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is momentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in the closed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiring that the water supply conduit remain pressurized. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. A lid is rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the wash chamber, and the lid includes a striker. A lid lock assembly is configured for locking the lid in the closed position during operation of the washing machine appliance. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in a closed position and a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the water supply conduit.

In another exemplary embodiment, a lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet and a lid being pivotally attached to the cabinet, the lid including a striker and being configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in the closed position and a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the water supply conduit.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a lid of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the lid of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a close-up cross sectional view of a lid lock mechanism of the exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1, as indicated by dotted line box in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the lid lock mechanism of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 provides a top view of the lid lock mechanism of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a lock box of the lid lock mechanism of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 provides a cross sectional view of the lock box of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, taken along Line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a hydraulic actuation assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary hydraulic actuation assembly of FIG. 9, taken along Line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a door or lid 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, lid 130 is shown in an open position. FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional side view of washing machine appliance 100. Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. An agitation mechanism, such as an impeller 122 (FIG. 3), extends into wash basket 120 and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. Impeller 122 assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 120 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140. Top panel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Lid 130, rotatably mounted to top panel 140, permits selective access to opening 105; in particular, lid 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, lid 130 inhibits access to wash basket 120. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 120. A window 136 in lid 130 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when lid 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Lid 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing lid 130. Further, although lid 130 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 140, alternatively, lid 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any other suitable support.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, lid 130 may further include a striker 142 extending from a bottom side of lid 130. Striker 142 may be integrally formed with lid 130 or may be a separate part that is attached to lid 130 using any suitable mechanical fastener, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, bonding, welding, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof be used to join striker 142 to lid 130. According to the illustrated embodiment, striker 142 is configured to be received in a receiving slot 144 defined in top panel 140 when lid 130 is rotated to the closed position. As will be described in detail below, striker 142 may be used to lock lid 130 in the closed position during certain operating cycles of washing machine appliance 100.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1) extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input selector 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, controller 108 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Water and/or wash additives may be added to washing machine appliance 100 to assist in the cleaning process. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 122 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120. After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 can be drained and a rinse cycle may be performed. One or more spin cycles also may be used to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 105. During one or more of these operations, it may be desirable for locking lid 130 in the closed position. An exemplary system for locking lid 130 will be discussed below.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 10, a lid lock assembly 200 that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will be described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers to an exemplary lid lock assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other lid locking assemblies in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, lid lock assembly 200 may be positioned elsewhere within cabinet 102, may have different components or configurations, and may use alternative mechanisms for locking striker 142. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, lid lock assembly 200 may be mounted within cabinet 102 using a plurality of mounting features, using mechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof may secure lid lock assembly 200 to cabinet 102. One skilled in the art will appreciate that lid lock assembly 200 may be mounted in other locations and use other mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of lid lock assembly 200 will be described in detail. As shown, lid lock assembly 200 generally includes a lid lock mechanism 202 that is configured to engage striker 142 to lock lid 130 in the closed position. More specifically, lid lock mechanism 202 is a mechanical device that is configured to physically contact and restrain striker 142 to prevent lid 130 from pivoting open when the lid lock mechanism 202 is actuated. As will be described in detail below, lid lock assembly 200 also includes a hydraulic actuation assembly 204 (FIG. 9) for actuating the lid lock mechanism 202. Each of these components of lid lock assembly 200 will be described in detail according to an exemplary embodiment below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, lid lock mechanism 202 is mounted underneath top panel 140 of cabinet 102. Lid lock mechanism 202 defines a locking slot 210 that is configured to receive striker 142. More particularly, locking slot 210 of lid lock mechanism 202 coincides with receiving slot 144 defined in top panel 140. In this manner, when lid 130 is pivoted to the closed position, striker 142 slides through receiving slot 144 and into locking slot 210 of lid lock mechanism 202. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, lid lock mechanism 202 may be installed using any suitable mechanical fastener, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, bonding, welding, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof be used to join lid lock mechanism 202 to top panel 140. Moreover, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the front center of cabinet 102 is only one exemplary location for lid lock mechanism 202. According to alternative embodiments, lid lock mechanism 202 may be placed at any location within washing machine appliance 100 where it could effectively restrict movement of lid 130.

As will be described in detail below, lid lock mechanism 202 is configured to alternate between two states each time it is actuated—a locked state and an unlocked state. When lid 130 is pivoted to the closed position, lid lock mechanism 202 is initially in the unlocked state, in which case lid 130 is free to pivot between the open position and the closed position. Lid 130 may remain in the unlocked state, according to an exemplary embodiment, any time the wash basket 120 and impeller 122 are not rotating. Thus, according to the exemplary embodiment, lid lock mechanism 202 may allow for a user to open lid 130 and add articles of clothing to wash basket 120 when wash tub 121 is filling with water. However, after a wash cycle has started and wash basket 120 or impeller 122 are rotating, safety concerns may necessitate controller 108 placing lid lock mechanism 202 in the locked state.

When lid lock mechanism 202 is placed in the locked state while lid 130 is in the closed position, lid 130 is thereafter prevented from pivotal movement until lid lock mechanism 202 is placed in the unlocked state. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of lid lock mechanisms 202 may be used to engage striker 142, thereby placing lid 130 in the locked state. Although one exemplary lid lock mechanism 202 is described below, any other suitable means of engaging striker 142 and restricting movement of lid 130 may be within the scope of the present subject matter.

The locking feature of lid lock mechanism 202 is a slide locking member 212, which is slidably mounted within lid lock mechanism 202. More specifically, slide locking member 212 is configured to slide along the transverse direction T when lid lock mechanism 202 is mounted in washing machine appliance 100 as shown in FIG. 4. According to the exemplary embodiment, locking slide member 212 is urged toward the locked position, e.g., by a mechanical spring 214, but is free to slide along the transverse direction T when displaced by striker 142. Thus, when striker 142 is inserted into locking slot 210, and when lid lock mechanism 202 is in the unlocked state, locking slide member 212 may freely slide back and forth along the transverse direction T to allow striker 142 to move into and out of locking slot 210 (i.e., lid is “unlocked”).

By contrast, when lid lock mechanism 202 is in the locked state, locking slide member 212 is in an extended position and is restrained from moving along the transverse direction T, e.g., by a lock box 220 as described below. In this manner, when striker 142 is inserted into locking slot 210, and when lid lock mechanism 202 is in the locked state, locking slide member 212 is prevented from sliding such that it clamps or pins striker 142 within locking slot 210. More specifically, due to a cantilevered portion 216 defined on striker 142, striker 142 may not be retracted from locking slot 210 when locking slide member 212 is in the locked state. Therefore, when lid 130 is in the closed position, such that striker 142 (including cantilevered portion 216) is inserted through receiving slot 144 and locking slot 210, and when locking slide member 212 engages striker 142 and is in the locked position, lid 130 may not be pivoted to the open position.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4 through 8, an exemplary mechanism for placing locking slide member 212 in the locked state will be described. As explained above, locking slide member 212 may generally slide back and forth within lid lock mechanism 202. However, a lid lock mechanism 202 further includes lock box 220, which is configured to place locking slide member 212 in either the locked or the unlocked state. As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, lock box 220 includes a locking pin 222 which is configured for engaging locking slide member 212 to place it in the locked position. Locking pin 222 is shown in its retracted state in FIG. 7, i.e., locking pin 222 is flush with the surface of lock box 220. However, when locking pin 222 is in its extended state, it is configured to engage locking slide member 212. More specifically, locking pin 222 is configured to engage a track (not shown) in locking slide member 212 and prevent further sliding motion of locking slide member 212 along the transverse direction T, which as described above, locks lid 130 in the closed position.

Although a variety of mechanisms may be used to place locking pin 222 in the extended (i.e., “locking” position), a cam mechanism 228 is used according to the exemplary illustrated embodiment. Although the details of operation of cam mechanism 228 are beyond the scope of the present application, as best shown in FIG. 8, cam mechanism 228 includes several rotating members which engage each other and are configured to extend locking pin 222 when an actuating cam 230 is rotated and latched in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 8). Conventional lid locks use a solenoid to rotate actuating cam 230, but excess costs and safety issues may be avoided by providing an alternative actuating means for the actuating cam 230. As is described in detail below, one such actuating means is hydraulic actuation assembly 204.

Referring now to FIG. 8, prior art lid locks that required a solenoid to rotate actuating cam 230 by pulling actuating cam 230 to rotate it about a cam pivot point 232. According to the exemplary embodiment, hydraulic actuation assembly 204 rotates actuating cam 230 in the same manner, except that it pushes on actuating cam 230 to rotate actuating cam 230 about cam pivot point 232. More specifically, hydraulic actuation assembly 204 contacts actuating cam 230 on contact surface 234, causing actuating cam 230 to rotate about cam pivot point 232. In order to access contact surface, lid lock mechanism 202 and lock box 220 may define an aperture 236. Hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may be mounted to lid lock mechanism 202 using mechanical fasteners or in any other suitable manner such that hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may access contacting surface 234 through aperture 236.

According to the illustrated embodiment, hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may generally include a plunger housing 250 and a water supply conduit 252. A hydraulically-actuated plunger 254 may be slidably received within plunger housing 250 and is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. When plunger 254 moves to the extended position, it engages contact surface 234 and rotates cam mechanism 228 of lock box 220. Immediately following its extension, plunger 254 is retracted. Notably, movement of plunger 254 from a retracted position, to an extended position, and then back to the retracted position constitutes a single actuation event of cam mechanism 228 of lock box 220. Each time lock box 220 is actuated, lid lock mechanism 202 alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, i.e., locking slide member 212 is locked in a latched position or is free to slide along the transverse direction T, respectively.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10, details of hydraulic actuation assembly 204 will be described. According to the illustrated embodiment, plunger housing 250 has a first end 262 and a second end 264 and defines an axial direction A and radial direction R. First end 262 is configured to receive water supply conduit 252 that is placed in flow communication with a plunger chamber 268. For example, first end 262 is an open end on which water supply conduit 252 may be received and secured, e.g., using a clamp. Second end 264 of plunger housing 250 defines an aperture 270 through which plunger 254 may extend.

Plunger housing 250 comprises a first cylinder 272 that is proximate first end 262 and a second cylinder 274 that is proximate second end 264. First cylinder 272 and second cylinder 274 may be integrally formed, e.g., via injection molding, or may be separate components that are operably coupled, e.g., via spin welding. Notably, first cylinder 272 has a larger diameter than second cylinder 274. In this manner, plunger housing 250 defines a flange 276 that extends inwardly along the radial direction R from first cylinder 272. Although the illustrated embodiment of plunger housing 250 includes first and second cylinders 272, 274, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a plunger housing having a different cross sectional shape or configuration could be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

According to the illustrated embodiment, plunger 254 also defines a first portion 280 and a second portion 282. First portion 280 is slidably received within plunger chamber 268. In addition, first portion 280 may define one or more ridges 284 that extend circumferentially around first portion 280 and are configured to receive a gasket or seal, e.g., O-ring 286. O-rings 286 provide a seal to prevent water from plunger chamber 268 from leaking out of hydraulic actuation assembly 204. Second portion 282 of plunger 254 is slidably received in second cylinder 274 of plunger housing 250 and may slide in and out of plunger housing 250 through aperture 270. First portion 280 and second portion 282 may be integrally formed, e.g., via injection molding, or may be separate components that are operably coupled, e.g., via spin welding. Notably, first portion 280 has a larger diameter than second portion 282. In this manner, plunger 254 defines a shoulder 288 that extends outwardly along the radial direction R from second portion 282.

When plunger 254 moves toward the extended position, flange 276 of plunger housing 250 and shoulder 288 of plunger 254 engage to prevent plunger 254 from sliding out of plunger housing 250. According to the illustrated embodiment, a spring 290 may be positioned around second portion 282 of plunger 254 within plunger housing 250. In this manner, spring 290 may urge plunger 254 into the retracted position when plunger chamber 268 is depressurized. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative embodiments need not include spring 290. In addition, other alterations and configurations to hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, a protruding ridge may be defined on an inner surface of first cylinder 272 of plunger housing 250 to prevent plunger 254 from retracting too far into plunger housing 250.

During operation of hydraulic actuation assembly 204, water is supplied through water supply conduit 252 to pressurize plunger chamber 268. When plunger chamber 268 is pressurized, plunger 254 is urged toward the extended position, such that spring 290 is compressed, second portion of plunger 282 extends through aperture 270 and engages contact surface 234 of lock box 220. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, an actuating pin 292 that is attached to second portion 282 of plunger 254 engages contact surface 234.

After plunger chamber 268 has been pressurized and plunger 254 has reached the extended position, plunger 254 must be moved toward the retracted position to complete actuation of the lid lock mechanism 202. To achieve this, a pressure relief port 300 is placed in flow communication with plunger chamber 268. For example, plunger relief port 300 may be a small pipe, preferably smaller in diameter than first cylinder 272 of plunger housing 250 that extends from plunger housing 250. Pressure relief port 300 may be constantly open to depressurize plunger chamber 268, and may route drained water into wash tub 121 or any other suitable drain.

Referring again to FIG. 3, hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may further include a valve 302 for controlling the flow of water through water supply conduit 252. For example, valve 302 may be positioned within control panel 110 and may be a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to controller 108. However, any other suitable valve may be used to control the flow of water through water supply conduit 252. Controller 108 may selectively open and close valve 302 to allow water to flow from a water supply 304 through water supply conduit 252. Therefore, when it is desirable to lock lid 130, e.g., during a spin cycle, controller 108 may open valve 302 to supply water to water supply conduit 252, pressurize plunger chamber 268, drive plunger 254, and rotate cam mechanism 228 of lock box 220. Notably, valve 302 need only be opened momentarily, e.g., less than one second, to pressurize plunger chamber 268. Thereafter, valve 302 is closed and pressure in plunger chamber 268 is relieved through pressure relief port 300. As pressure is relieved, plunger 254 moves toward the retracted position, and actuation of lock box 220 is complete, thereby locking lid lock mechanism 202. The same process may be repeated to unlock lid lock mechanism 202.

Because lid lock mechanism 202 is only effective for locking lid 130 when lid 130 is in the closed position, it is desirable to have a feedback mechanism that indicates when lid 130 is in the closed position and lid lock mechanism 202 is engaging striker 142, thereby preventing lid 130 from pivoting into the open position. For example, a feedback mechanism may be any suitable electrical continuity circuit that is closed only when striker 142 is inserted into locking slot 210 and lid lock mechanism 202 is in the locked state, thus engaging striker 142. One exemplary feedback mechanism 310 including a continuity circuit is illustrated in FIG. 8. When striker 142 is inserted into lid lock mechanism 202, locking slide member 212 may be configured to establish an electrical connection between a first electrical terminal 312 and a second electrical terminal 315. This connection may be achieved, for example, by allowing a conductive strip (not shown) connected to second electrical terminal 315 to lower and touch a pin (not shown) connected through first electrical terminal 312. In addition, when locking pin 222 is in the extended (i.e., “locked”) state, an electrical connection may be established between a third electrical terminal 316 and second electrical terminal 315. This connection may be achieved, for example, by allowing a conductive strip 314 connected to second electrical terminal 315 to lower and touch a contact on third electrical terminal 316. When these two electrical connections are established, a circuit may be completed that may be sensed, e.g., via electrical terminals 312, 315, 316, by controller 108, indicating that lid 130 is closed and locked. In addition to the method used above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many alternative means for establishing such electrical connections are possible and known in the art.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to the configurations of lid lock assembly 200 described herein, alternative configurations of lid lock assembly 200 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, although lid lock mechanism 202 is located within top panel 140, it may be located elsewhere within washing machine appliance 100. In addition, an alternative lid lock mechanism 202 or cam mechanism 228 may be used, and the size, shape, and configuration of locking slide member 212 and striker 142 may be modified while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Other configurations are also possible.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a wash tub positioned within the cabinet;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing;

a lid being rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the wash chamber, the lid comprising a striker; and

a lid lock assembly configured for locking the lid in the closed position during operation of the washing machine appliance, the lid lock assembly comprising: a lid lock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in a closed position; and a hydraulic actuation assembly comprising a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the water supply conduit.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a plunger housing in flow communication with the water supply conduit, the hydraulic plunger being slidably received in the plunger housing such that the hydraulic plunger slides into an extended position to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is pressurized and into a retracted position when the water supply conduit is depressurized.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the plunger housing is a cylindrical pipe defining a first end operably coupled with the water supply conduit and a second end through which the hydraulic plunger extends, the second end of the plunger housing defining a flange that extends radially inward to engage a shoulder on the hydraulic plunger that extends radially outward to prevent the hydraulic plunger from sliding out of the plunger housing.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein a spring is positioned around the hydraulic plunger between the flange and the shoulder to urge the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the water supply conduit is depressurized by bleeding water through a pressure relief port placed in flow communication with the plunger housing.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a valve, the valve being configured to regulate the flow of water from a water supply to the water supply conduit to pressurize the water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plunger toward the extended position or depressurize the water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the lid lock mechanism is actuated by momentarily opening the valve to move the hydraulic plunger into the extended position and then closing the valve to allow the hydraulic plunger to move toward the retracted state, and wherein each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve positioned within a control panel of the washing machine appliance.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a feedback mechanism for indicating when the lid is closed and the lid lock mechanism is engaging the striker or when the lid lock mechanism is disengaged and the lid is not restricted from pivotal movement.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the lid lock mechanism is a cam mechanism.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a top load washing machine.

12. A lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a cabinet and a lid being pivotally attached to the cabinet, the lid comprising a striker and being configured to move between an open position and a closed position, the lid lock assembly comprising:

a lid lock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in the closed position; and

a hydraulic actuation assembly comprising a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the water supply conduit.

13. The lid lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a plunger housing in flow communication with the water supply conduit, the hydraulic plunger being slidably received in the plunger housing such that the hydraulic plunger slides into an extended position to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is pressurized and into a retracted position when the water supply conduit is depressurized.

14. The lid lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the plunger housing is a cylindrical pipe defining a first end operably coupled with the water supply conduit and a second end through which the hydraulic plunger extends, the second end of the plunger housing defining a flange that extends radially inward to engage a shoulder on the hydraulic plunger that extends radially outward to prevent the hydraulic plunger from sliding out of the plunger housing.

15. The lid lock assembly of claim 14, wherein a spring is positioned around the hydraulic plunger between the flange and the shoulder to urge the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.

16. The lid lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the water supply conduit is depressurized by bleeding water through a pressure relief port placed in flow communication with the plunger housing.

17. The lid lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a valve, the valve being configured to regulate the flow of water from a water supply to the water supply conduit to pressurize the water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plunger toward the extended position or depressurize the water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.

18. The lid lock assembly of claim 17, wherein the lid lock mechanism is actuated by momentarily opening the valve to move the hydraulic plunger into the extended position and then closing the valve to allow the hydraulic plunger to move toward the retracted state, and wherein each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state.

19. The lid lock assembly of claim 17, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve positioned within a control panel of the washing machine appliance.

20. The lid lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a feedback mechanism for indicating when the lid is closed and the lid lock mechanism is engaging the striker or when the lid lock mechanism is disengaged and the lid is not restricted from pivotal movement.