an oven latch mechanism for heat - cleaning ovens is disclosed . the latch mechanism employs a unidirectional rotating d . c . motor to automatically latch the oven door upon initiation of a heat - cleaning operation and to automatically unlatch the door after a heat - clean operation and after the oven has reached a predetermined lower temperature . the latch mechanism includes a latch arm which moves arcuately through a variety of positions . the latch member senses whether the door is open and follows a different path of motion accordingly . if the latch member senses an open door , it returns to an unlatched position .