Abstract:
A latching assembly uses a flat sheet metal chassis with electrical switches, an electrical motor driving a cam, a push rod, a hook, a spring, and various actuators/levers. When a first actuator/lever is moved by an outside force, a circuit connection may be opened or closed depending upon the configuration of the electro-mechanical system. This will generate a signal which will allow current to flow to a motor. The motor will, in turn, drive the cam which will push a second actuator/lever to move and cause a hook to move from a first, non-latching position to a second, latching position. The assembly is useful for latching an oven or other appliance door when operating at high temperature.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    Provided is an electromechanical latching apparatus for an appliance. Also provided is a corresponding method for assembling an electromechanical latching apparatus within an appliance. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cooking ovens are often equipped with a self-cleaning feature in which the oven is heated to high temperatures in order to burn-off organic material within the oven. At the end of the self-cleaning cycle, ashes are easily removed from the oven. For safety purposes, it is important to keep the oven door closed during the self-cleaning cycle. Consequently, ovens with self-cleaning features are equipped with mechanical or electro-mechanical latches. Other appliances that may use electro-mechanical latches include cooking stoves and ranges. These latches typically use sensor switches that detect the latch position and the oven door position. The resulting detections interface with a controller within the control panel. 
         [0003]    Electro-mechanical latches are typically powered by an electric synchronous gear motor which actuates the latch linkage and rotates a cam that actuates one or more sensor switches. The oven door activates another sensor switch by means of a secondary cam or simple linkage. The motor and switches each have a minimum of two terminals; thus each latch has a minimum of four and a maximum of ten wire connection terminals. The most common latches have six wire connection terminals. 
         [0004]    Oven and other cooking appliance manufacturers must connect the controller wires to the appropriate terminals on the latch. Failure to connect the wires correctly can cause unsafe operating conditions. The opportunity for connection error is a significant problem for oven manufacturers. Further, the labor for connecting wires to many connection points is costly. 
         [0005]    Conventional issues that arise with the electromechanical assemblies now in use on cooking stove, ranges and ovens include difficulty in connecting multiple wire-harness connectors to their respective socket ports on the assembly, waste of assembly time in the latter activity, electromagnetic interference from motors on or near the assembly causing false signals and complexity and time requirements of point-to-point wiring. The present disclosure provides an electromechanical assembly for oven door and other cooking appliance latching that solves known issues of current oven and other cooking appliance latches. In particular, the present disclosure provides improvements to interlocking assemblies, improvements that overcome problems with respect to saving assembly time, reducing assembly errors and improving operational performance as well as other benefits. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the presently described apparatus. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a view of a proximal portion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a view of a proximal portion of a distal portion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a proximal portion shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a proximal front perspective view of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the presently described apparatus. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is an alternative front perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the top side of an exemplary embodiment of the presently described apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the bottom side of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the top side of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0018]    Provided is a latching apparatus having a proximal end and a distal end and movable between a non-latching state and a latching state. The latching apparatus is suitable for use with an appliance having a door and includes a chassis which houses at least one electrical switch, an electrical motor driving a cam, a door switch actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, a latch hook, and a flexible printed circuit. When the latching apparatus is in the non-latching state, the proximal end of the door switch actuator is in an first position with respect to the electrical switch and the distal end of the door switch actuator is in a corresponding first position; the position of the proximal end of the door switch actuator with respect to the electrical switch results in an open or closed electrical circuit with the electrical switch; and the latch hook is in a non-latching position wherein the proximal end of the latch hook is engaged with the cam, the cam being in contact with but not activated by the switch. When the latching apparatus is in the latching state, the proximal end of the door switch actuator is in a second position with respect to the electrical switch and the distal end of the door switch actuator is in a corresponding second position; the door of the apparatus will engage the door switch actuator, so as to move the door switch actuator into the second position, wherein movement of the door switch actuator causes the proximal end of the door switch actuator to contact or not contact the electrical switch to close a circuit between the switch and the motor; and the latch hook is in a latching position wherein the proximal end of the latch hook, engaged with the cam, is activated by the electrical switch and the motor, wherein the motor is activated by the closed circuit between electrical switch and the motor and wherein the activated motor causes the cam and the latch hook to move to the latching position. The electrical switch and the electrical motor are electrically connected to each other through a flexible printed circuit which connects the electrical switch to a single point power connector comprising a connector port and electrical connector pins, wherein the connector port and electrical connector pins receive a plug on a wire harness which provides electrical power to the motor. 
         [0019]    In certain embodiments, the electrical connector pins of the connector port may extend into and penetrate through the flexible printed circuit. 
         [0020]    In further embodiments, the single power point connector is integrated into the motor. 
         [0021]    In further embodiments, the latching apparatus includes three or more electrical switches. 
         [0022]    In further embodiments, at least one electrical switch receives a signal from a control panel indicating that a user has provided an instruction to engage the latch hook when the door is closed. Specifically, a user enters an input (e.g., selects a self-clean function) within the control panel. The controller within the appliance engages the latching or locking mechanism. When the latching mechanism fully latches the door, a switch returns a signal to the controller allowing the self-clean function to initiate. 
         [0023]    In further embodiments, the electrical circuit between the switches and the motor is completed upon closing of the door. 
         [0024]    In further embodiments, the motor is a synchronous motor and the cam is a switch actuation eccentric cam. 
         [0025]    In further embodiments, a lever connects the switch actuation eccentric cam to a pivotal axle on the latch hook. 
         [0026]    In further embodiments, the distal end of the latch hook engages a slot so that as the switch actuation eccentric cam rotates, the latch hook may both move along the slot between a latching position and a non-latching position. 
         [0027]    In further embodiments, a first biasing device engages the door switch actuator to a first latching portion on the chassis. 
         [0028]    In further embodiments, a second biasing device engages the latch hook to a second latching portion on the chassis. 
         [0029]    Also provided is a latching apparatus having a proximal end and a distal end and movable between a non-latching state and a latching state. The latching apparatus is suitable for use with an appliance having a door and includes a chassis which houses a first electrical switch, a second electrical switch, an electrical motor driving a cam, a flexible printed circuit, a push rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a hook, a spring, and a first actuator rod and a second actuator rod having a proximal end and a distal end. When the latching apparatus is in the non-latching state, the first actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein the proximal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the spring, the spring being in a relaxed state, thereby making contact with the first electrical switch to form a closed electrical circuit with the first electrical switch, and the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod by a pivoting link member, the push rod being in a distal position; and the second actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein the proximal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the cam, the cam being in contact with but not activated by the second switch, and the distal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the hook, the hook being in a non-latching state. When the latching apparatus is in the latching state, the first actuator rod is in a distal position wherein the door of the appliance will engage the push rod, so as to move the push rod toward a proximal position and wherein movement of the push rod actuates the first actuator rod to move to a distal position causing the proximal end of the first actuator rod, engaged with the spring, to break contact with the first electrical switch to form an electrical open and the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod by a pivoting link member in a manner which allows the push rod to be in a proximal position; and the second actuator rod is in a distal position wherein the proximal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the cam, is in contact with and is activated by the second switch to axially translate the second actuator rod to the distal position, and the distal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the hook, moves the hook to a latching position, wherein when the pushrod is moved towards the proximal end of the latching apparatus, the first electrical circuit formed by the first switch is broken, thereby forming a second electrical circuit with the second switch which energizes and causes rotation of the electric motor which causes the cam to rotate to cause a latching action by the hook; wherein the electrical switches and the electrical motor are electrically connected to each other through a flexible printed circuit which connects the electrical switches to a single point power connector comprising a connector port and electrical connector pins, wherein the connector port and electrical connector pins receive a plug on a wire harness which provides electrical power to the motor. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, the electrical connector pins of the connector port extend into and penetrate through the flexible printed circuit. 
         [0031]    In further embodiments, the single power point connector is integrated into the motor. 
         [0032]    In further embodiments, the latching apparatus includes three or more electrical switches. 
         [0033]    In further embodiments, at least one electrical switch receives a signal from a control panel indicating that a user has provided an instruction to engage the latch hook when the door is closed. Such an instruction may be provided by the user engaging a self-clean function within a control panel and a controller subsequently activating the latching apparatus. 
         [0034]    In further embodiments, the electrical circuit between the second and third electrical switches and the motor is completed upon closing of the door. 
         [0035]    In further embodiments, the motor is a synchronous motor and the cam is a switch actuation eccentric cam. 
         [0036]    Also provided is a method of assembling a latching apparatus within an appliance. The method includes the following steps: providing an appliance comprising a door and a door latch; providing a latching apparatus comprising a chassis housing a first electrical switch, a second electrical switch, an electrical motor driving a cam, a flexible printed circuit, a push rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a hook, a spring, and a first actuator rod and a second actuator rod having a proximal end and a distal end within a chassis, wherein the latching apparatus operates in the following manner: wherein when the latching apparatus is in the non-latching state: the first actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein: the proximal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the spring, the spring being in a relaxed state, thereby making contact with the first electrical switch to form a first closed electrical circuit with the first electrical switch, and the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod, the push rod being in a distal position; and the second actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein: the proximal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the cam, the cam being in contact with but not activated by the second switch, and the distal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the hook, the hook being in a non-latching state; and wherein when the latching apparatus is in the latching state: the first actuator rod is in a distal position wherein: the proximal end of the first actuator rod, engaged with the spring, is actuated by breaking contact with the first electrical switch to form an electrical open and the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod in a manner which allows the push rod to be in a proximal position; and the second actuator rod is in a distal position wherein: the proximal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the cam, is in contact with and is activated by the second switch to axially translate the second actuator rod to the distal position, and the distal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the hook, moves the hook to a latching position, wherein when the pushrod is moved towards the proximal end of the latching apparatus, the first electrical circuit formed by the first switch is broken, thereby forming a second electrical circuit with the second switch which energizes and causes rotation of the electric motor which causes the cam to rotate to cause a latching action by the hook wherein the electrical switches and the electrical motor are electrically connected to each other through a flexible printed circuit which connects the electrical switches to a single power point connector comprising a connector port and connector pins which receive a plug on a wire harness and wherein the electrical connector pins of the connector port extend into and penetrate through the flexible printed circuit; inserting the chassis containing the component parts of the latching assembly within the appliance; orienting the chassis and latching assembly within the appliance in a manner which allows the hook to engage the door; mechanically connecting the latching assembly to the appliance by connecting the chassis to the appliance; and electrically connecting the latching assembly to the appliance by connecting the plug to the connector port through the single point power connection. 
         [0037]    Also provided is a method of assembling a latching apparatus within an appliance. The method includes the following steps: providing an appliance comprising a door and a door latch; providing a latching apparatus comprising a chassis which houses at least one electrical switch, an electrical motor driving a cam, a door switch actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, a latch hook, and a flexible printed circuit; wherein when the latching apparatus is in the non-latching state: the proximal end of the door switch actuator is in a first position with respect to the electrical switch and the distal end of the door switch actuator is in a corresponding first position, wherein the position of the proximal end of the door switch actuator with respect to the electrical switch, results in an open or closed electrical circuit with the electrical switch, and the latch hook is in a non-latching position wherein the proximal end of the latch hook is engaged with the cam, the cam being in contact with but not activated by the switch, and wherein when the latching apparatus is in the latching state: the proximal end of the door switch actuator is in a second position with respect to the electrical switch and the distal end of the door switch actuator is in a corresponding second position wherein: the door of the apparatus will engage the door switch actuator, so as to move the door switch actuator into the second position, wherein movement of the door switch actuator into the second position causes the proximal end of the door switch actuator to contact or not contact the electrical switch to close a circuit between the switch and the motor and the latch hook is in a latching position wherein the proximal end of the latch hook, engaged with the cam, is activated by the electrical switch and the motor, wherein the motor is activated by the closed circuit between electrical switch and the motor and wherein the activated motor causes the cam and the latch hook to move to the latching position, and wherein the electrical switch and the electrical motor are electrically connected to each other through a flexible printed circuit which connects the electrical switch to a single point power connector comprising a connector port and electrical connector pins, wherein the connector port and electrical connector pins receive a plug on a wire harness which provides electrical power to the motor, wherein the electrical connector pins of the connector port extend into and penetrate through the flexible printed circuit. inserting the chassis containing the component parts of the latching assembly within the appliance; orienting the chassis and latching assembly within the appliance in a manner which allows the hook to engage the door latch; mechanically connecting the latching assembly to the appliance by connecting the chassis to the appliance; and electrically connecting the latching assembly to the appliance by connecting the plug to the connector port through the single point power connection. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Provided is an electromechanical assembly that incorporates a flexible printed circuit. In certain embodiments, the flexible printed circuit connects all sensor switch terminals and motor terminals. In further embodiments, a single power point connection is built into a motor terminal body. 
         [0039]    The presently described oven door latching assembly  5  is mounted as a part of an appliance (not shown) such as a cooking stove or oven. It is positioned within the appliance in a position where it is able to safely lock an oven door during high temperature operations such as oven cleaning. 
         [0040]    In a first exemplary embodiment referred to as a long bar oven latch, shown in  FIG. 1 , assembly  5  may be constructed with a rectangular sheet metal chassis  10  which may be an elongated, generally flat part which may have flanges  20 ,  30 ,  40  on three sides providing rigidity, structural support and other benefits.  FIG. 1  shows a front face of chassis  10 . Electrical switches and a motor may be fixedly mounted at a proximal end  80  of chassis  10  and a push rod and a hook may be movably mounted at an opposing distal end  110 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , electrical switches  50  and  60  and an electrical motor  70  ( FIG. 4 ) may be fixedly mounted to chassis  10  at the proximal end  80 . A push rod  90  and a hook  100  may be movably mounted at the distal end  110  and both push rod  90  and hook  100  may extend outwardly from the distal end  110  through penetrations  120  and  130  in flange  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Actuator rods  140  and  150  may be secured on chassis  10  in a manner that enables them to move axially. The actuator rod  140  is secured for axial motion so as to transfer force between push rod  90  and switch  50 . The actuator rod  150  is secured for axial motion so as to transfer force between motor  70  and hook  100 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show that a printed circuit board  160  is mounted on switch  60  above, and spaced apart from, chassis  10 , and a connector port  170  may be mounted on the front face of chassis  10 . The electrical connector pins  170 ′ of port  170  may extend into, and penetrate through, board  160  as is shown in  FIG. 5 . Switches  50  and  60  also may have electrical terminals  50 ′ and  60 ′ respectively, which may extend through board  160 . Board  160  may carry passive electrical components such as fuses, capacitors, and resistors (not shown). Such a circuit on surface  162  may be subjected to electromagnetic fields and electrical transients induced by switches  50  and  60 , and especially by motor  70 . The underside  164  of board  160  may be metal coated so as to form a conductive ground plane and electromagnetic shield which may protect against transient electromagnetic fields produced by the operation of switches  50  and  60 , and motor  70 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows by arrow “A” that actuator rod  140  is able to translate axially. In  FIGS. 2 and 5 , it is shown that spring  145  presses rod  140  against a lever of switch  50 , whereby rod  140  is in a proximal position. Now, moving distally, in  FIG. 3 , it is shown that actuator rod  140  pivotally engages push rod  90  through rotational link  95  which may rotate about pivotal axle  95 ′ which may be rotationally fixed to chassis  10 . Pivotal axles  90 ′ and  140 ′ may rotationally fasten push rod  90  and actuator rod  140  respectively to link  95 . Therefore, as can be seen that a terminal end of, push rod  90  may be extended distally away from flange  20 . Link  95  may function to reverse a directional sense of rod  90  so that when rod  140  moves proximally (to the right in  FIG. 3 ), rod  90  moves distally (to the left in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows that actuator rod  150  may be engaged with eccentric cam  70 ′ which may be rotated by motor  70 . With cam  70 ′ in the position shown in  FIG. 5 , rod  150  is at its proximally terminal location. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the distal end of rod  150  may engage slot  107  so that as cam  70 ′ rotates, rod  150  and hook  100  both may move along slot  107 . Sheet metal bridge  105  may be positioned over rod  150  preventing it from disengaging from slot  107 . As the distal end of rod  150  moves along slot  107  hook  100  extends outward from flange  20  until curve  109 ′ engages peg  109  at which time both hook  100  and rod  150  are in their distally extreme positions whereupon hook  100  may engage a door latch (not shown) thereby securing an oven door in its sealed position. As the oven door is closed, it pushes rod  90  in the proximal direction thereby releasing the lever of the switch  50  (electrical open) thereby signaling that the oven door is secured and that it is acceptable to energize motor  70  to cause latching as described above. However, it is understood within the art that the switch logic depends upon the appliance controller. Some controllers use broken (open) circuits to engage a function whereas other controllers may use closed switches to engage a function. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure also encompasses embodiments where the push rod  90  by itself (i.e., without a first actuator rod  140  and a rotational link  95 ) moves in the proximal direction to directly contact the lever of the switch  50  to close an electrical circuit which signals that the oven door is secured and that it is acceptable to energize the motor  70 . 
         [0045]    The above-described sequence of events is triggered when the oven door is closed and a console button is depressed to generate an electrical signal for high temperature cleaning. This signal is transmitted through pins  170 ′ of connector port  170  via a plug on a wire harness (not shown) and then through printed circuit conductive paths on circuit board  160  to energize motor  70  through switch  60 . Thus, electrical switches  50  and  60  and the electrical motor  70  are electrically connected to each other through the printed circuit board  160  which receives electrical power through a single point power connection. The single point power connection used to transmit electrical power to electrical switches  50  and  60  and the electrical motor  70  is established by connecting a plug to a receptacle within the connector port  170 . In certain cases, this embodiment may be referred to as a long bar oven latch with a single power point connector. 
         [0046]    In a second exemplary embodiment referred to as a front mount latch, shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , assembly  200  may be constructed with a sheet metal chassis  210  which may be a generally flat part which may have flanges  220  and  230  on two sides providing rigidity, structural support and other benefits.  FIG. 11  shows a front face of chassis  210 . Electrical switches  240 ,  250 , and  260  and a motor  270  may be fixedly mounted at a proximal end  280  of chassis  210  and a door switch actuator  300  and a latch hook  310  may be movably mounted at an opposing distal end  290 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , electrical switches  240 ,  250  and  260  and an electrical motor  270  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) may be fixedly mounted to chassis  200  at the proximal end  280 . An example of a motor which may be used within the present assembly is a synchronous motor in which rotation of the shaft is synchronized with the frequency of the current although any type of motor sufficient for use in such devices may be utilized. A door switch actuator  300  and a hook  310  may be movably mounted at the distal end  290  and both the door switch actuator  300  and hook  310  may extend outwardly from the distal end  290  through penetrations  320  and  330  in flange  220  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The door switch actuator  300  and hook  310  may be secured on chassis  210  in a manner that enables them to move radially with respect to a pivotal axle  340  and  350  respectively. A biasing device  360  (e.g., a tension spring) attaches to a peg  370  on the door switch actuator  300  and connects to a latching portion  380  (e.g., a hook) on the frame or chassis  210  to hold the door switch actuator  300  in position. The biasing device  360  is secured to transfer radial force and supply radial motion to the door switch actuator  300  along pivotal axis  340 . The latch hook  310  is secured for radial motion along pivotal axis  350 . Radial force is transferred between motor  270  and hook  310  through a switch actuation cam  390  and lever  400  which connects the switch actuation cam  390  to the latch hook  310 . A biasing device  410  (e.g., a tension spring) attaches to a latch hook slot  420  on the latch hook  310  and connects to a latching portion  430  (e.g., a hook) on the frame or chassis  210  to hold the latch hook  310  in position. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show that a flexible printed circuit  440  is mounted on the top portion of switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . The flexible printed circuit  440  may be constructed of a material capable of undergoing a sufficient amount of torsional strain to connect several different components of the latching apparatus. As shown within  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the flexible printed circuit  440  wraps around the motor  270  and connects to a connector port  450  (e.g., on the face or any other portion of the connector port) which is integrated directly within the motor  270 . The electrical connector pins  460  of the connector port  450  may extend into and penetrate through the flexible printed circuit  440  and into the motor  270  as is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Switches  240 ,  250  and  260  also may have electrical terminals  470  respectively, which may extend through the flexible printed circuit  440 . The flexible printed circuit  440  may also connect passive electrical components such as fuses, capacitors, and resistors (not shown). Flexible printed circuits have at least one lamination layer of protective insulation material over the copper circuit paths. In certain embodiments, the flexible printed circuit may be further protected against transient electromagnetic fields present within the system by laminating metallic shielding materials over the flexible printed circuit. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show by arrow “B” that the door switch actuator  300  is able to move within penetration  320  by rotation of its distal end along pivotal axle  340 . Biasing device  360  holds the door switch actuator  300  in a position in which the proximal end of the door actuator switch does not contact switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . When a force is applied to the distal end of the door switch actuator  300  (e.g., a radial clockwise force), a corresponding opposing rotational force is applied to the biasing device  360  causing the biasing device  360  to extend. This causes the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  to contact switches  240 ,  250  and  260  to complete the electrical circuit between the connector port  450 , switches  240 ,  250  and  260 , the flexible printed circuit  440  and the electrical motor. In certain embodiments, once the circuit is complete, a signal is sent to the electrical motor  270  to initiate activation of the switch actuation cam  390  (it is noted that in other embodiments, completion of the circuit may signal that the electrical motor  270  not to operate the switch actuation cam  390 ). The electrical motor then rotates the switch actuation cam  390  which causes lever  400  to move towards the distal end of the assembly  200 . This, in turn, causes the latch hook  310  to move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion within the penetration  330  to engage a door latching feature (not shown). Biasing device  410  engaged to a latching portion  430  (e.g., a hook) on the frame or chassis  210  assists in holding the latch hook  310  in a closed position within penetration  330 . This feature enables the latch hook  310  to remain engaged to the door latching feature (not shown), thereby securing the latch hook  310  to the door latch (not shown). 
         [0050]    As mentioned above, this locking mechanism begins with the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  rotating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner to a first position contact switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . This clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  may be the result of an inner surface of a door contacting the distal end of the door switch actuator  300  which causes the distal end of the door switch actuator  300  to correspondingly rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner. Once the inner surface of the door contacts the distal end of the door switch actuator  300  and the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  contacts switches  240 ,  250  and  260 , a signal is sent by the switches to the electrical motor  270  indicating that the door is closed and that it is now safe for the motor to initiate the locking mechanism through operation of the latch hook  310 . To release the latch hook  310 , a signal is sent to the motor that a certain event or period of time is complete (e.g., that an oven or appliance cleaning cycle is complete) indicating that the latch mechanism may be released. The motor  270  will then cause the switch actuation cam  390  to rotate in a direction opposite to the closing mechanism to a second position which will cause the lever  400  to move laterally towards the proximal end of the assembly  200  and the distal end of the latch hook  310  to move or rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise within penetration  330  to a second position. 
         [0051]    In an alternative embodiment, the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  may be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner so as not to contact switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . This will result in an electrical open, which may be used to signal that the door (not shown) is secured and that it is acceptable to energize motor  270  to engage the latching mechanism. In such embodiments, the inner surface of the door causes the distal end of the door switch actuator  300  to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise position within penetration  320  and the proximal end of the door switch actuator  300  to correspondingly rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner to a position away from the switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . Biasing device  360  engaged to a latching portion  380  (e.g., a hook) on the frame or chassis  210  assists in holding the door switch actuator  300  in the appropriate position within penetration  320 . This feature enables the door switch actuator  300  to remain engaged with a door receiving portion (not shown), thereby securing the door switch actuator  300  to the door receiving portion (not shown). 
         [0052]    It should be understood that the terms “clockwise” and “counter-clockwise” may refer to the door switch actuator and latch hook moving to the left or to the right when one stands in front of an appliance having the installed latching apparatus and directly faces penetrations  320  and  330 . It should be further understood that the configuration of the latching apparatus, the orientation of the components within the latching apparatus and the orientation of the latching apparatus within the appliance may vary in different embodiments and that the directional operation of the various component parts such as the door switch actuator and latch hook may vary accordingly. 
         [0053]    As in other embodiments, the sequence of events may be triggered when the door (e.g., an oven or other appliance door) is closed and a console button is depressed to generate an electrical signal for high temperature cleaning. This signal is transmitted through pins  460  of connector port  470  via a plug on a wire harness (not shown) and then through flexible printed circuit  440  to energize motor  270 . The switches  240 ,  250  and  260  function as a gateway which determines whether or not power from the connector port  450  is permitted to energize the motor  270 . Thus, electrical switches  240 ,  250  and  260 , the flexible printed circuit  440 , connector port  450 , electrical connector pins  460  and the electrical motor  270  are electrically connected to each other through the flexible printed circuit  440  at a single point power connection. The single point power connection is connected directly to the motor  270  and is used to transmit electrical power to directly to the motor while electrical switches  240 ,  250  and  260  control the transmission of electrical power to the motor  270 . The electrical connection is established by connecting a plug to a receptacle within the connector port  450 . In certain cases, this embodiment may be referred to as a front mount oven latch with a single power point connector. It should be understood that although the single point power connection referred to throughout this disclosure is connected to certain mechanical or latching mechanisms which are described in detail herein, the single point power connection is intended to work with any type of mechanical or latching mechanism within the art. 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, the connector pins are oriented within the receptacle in an asymmetrical manner to require a polarized connection between the plug and the connector port which requires the plug to be oriented to a specific side to engage the connector port. The receptacle of the connector port may include a first horizontal row and a second horizontal row of connector pins. The first horizontal row and the second horizontal row of connector pins may form an asymmetrical pattern of connector pins within the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the receptacle of the connector port may include six (6) connector pins within the first horizontal row and six (6) connector pins within the second horizontal row although any number of connector pins suitable for use within the connector port may be utilized. 
         [0055]    In a further embodiment, the single point power connector described with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7  may be incorporated into a long bar oven latch or a similar type latching device described within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . An example of such an assembly is provided within  FIGS. 8 through 12 . In this embodiment, mechanical operation of the assembly will occur in a manner similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 4  whereas operation of the electrical components and motor will occur in a manner similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In this embodiment, the actuator rod  140  will trigger operation of the switches  240 ,  250  and  260  and that the operation of the cam  390  will trigger operational movement of the actuator rod  150 . In an alternative embodiment, latching apparatus will not have an actuator rod  140  or rotational link  95  and the push rod  90  will extend through the length of the chassis to trigger operation of the switches  240 ,  250  and  260 . In this embodiment, closed circuit resulting from the push rod  90  contacting the switch or switches will signal the operation of the motor  270 . 
         [0056]    Assemblies  5 ,  200  and  500  are constructed in a manner that improves assembly speed in production by reducing the amount of labor and the number of parts that are required and thereby avoiding assembly errors (e.g., wire assembly and mechanical assembly errors) which are common in the art. Assemblies  5 ,  200  and  500  also provide simplified operation as compared with current prior art devices in use. For assembly  5  the transmission of transient electrical signals are prevented from affecting the electrical circuit on board  160 . 
         [0057]    Additionally, assemblies  200  and  500  provide the following benefits. First, the single point power connection reduces or eliminates wire connection errors. In this case, it is not possible for printed circuit paths to be connected incorrectly. Therefore, assembly workers and service technicians will not have an opportunity to misconnect the wiring. Second, assemblies  200  and  500  will reduce assembly time in oven manufacturing since the mating wire harness will only have one connector that plugs into the latch. Third, the oven latch connection will install easier and reduce repetitive motion injuries for assembly workers. This is due at least in part to the single point connector using normal hand and finger motion to install the connector. This is in contrast to male and female wire terminals which are typically installed with needle nose pliers and use abnormal hand and finger manipulations. Such hand and finger manipulations are known to cause carpal tunnel injuries and expose workers to sharp edges of surrounding structures. Fourth, the flexible printed circuit improves wire connection integrity by incorporating robust manufacturing processes of wave soldering the switch and motor terminals to the flexible circuit paths. This eliminates the use of mechanical crimping methods which are typically used to connect terminals to wires. Fifth, the single point power connection is built into the motor terminal body. This is a relatively strong and solid connection structure compared to other components which use circuit board mounted connectors. Circuit board mounted connectors lack sufficient structure for withstanding the normal insertion forces assembly workers apply when making similar connections. Sixth, single point power connections can be incorporated into front mount oven latches which are mounted above the oven door or can be incorporated into long-bar type latches that extend from front to back directly above the oven compartment. Seventh, the single point power connection feature can be manufactured in many orientations. For example, the connection terminals can be oriented to one side or the other or at any angle between. The terminal can also be oriented up or down. This flexibility provides the oven or appliance manufacturer with many options for best fit, function, wire routing or assembly. Further, the single point power connection can incorporate high temperate rated materials. This may be useful for oven or other appliance designers who want to maximize oven space by reducing the space required for other components (typically lower temperature materials require considerable space for cooling air to keep components below operational limits). Finally, the single point power connection may have a wire connector locking feature that will secure the mating wire connector to the assembly. This may come in the form of a molded-in snap feature or a separate component that will hold the wire harness connector in place. 
         [0058]    While the electro-mechanical assembly has been described above in connection with various illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function disclosed herein without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined or subtracted to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. Therefore, the electro-mechanical assembly should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitations of the appended claims.