Electromechanical controller for dishwasher with alternating flow

• US 5,494,062 A
• Filed: 02/03/1995
• Issued: 02/27/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Original Assignee: White Consolidated Industries Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Inventors: Springer, Phillip J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coe, Philip R.
• Application Number:
  US08/383,055
• Time in Patent Office: 389 Days
• Field of Search: 134/57 D, 134/58 D, 134/178, 134/191, 134/199, 239/443, 239/444, 239/99, 137/119
• US Class Current: 134/58.00D
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4221 Arrangements for redirection of washing water, e.g. water diverters to selectively supply the spray arms A47L15/0078 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4225 Arrangements or adaption of recirculation or discharge pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/08 Drain or recirculation pump parameters, e.g. pump rotational speed or current absorbed by the motor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/03 Water recirculation, e.g. control of distributing valves for redirection of water flow
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/268 Responsive to pressure or flow interruption

Abstract

A dishwasher is provided with a valve for alternating flow to upper and lower spray arms during washing. The valve is controlled by periodic interruption of the pump for certain lengths of time. An electromechanical timer has a main cam wheel and an auxiliary cam wheel. The main cam wheel controls the pump and other parts of the dishwasher. The auxiliary cam wheel overrides the main cam wheel control of the dishwasher to provide the periodic lobes.

Claims

1. A washer, comprising:

two sprayers for spraying fluid;

a pump for delivering fluid to the sprayers;

a valve for controlling flow from the pump to the sprayers so as to alternate fluid flow between the sprayers;

a controller adapted for stopping and starting the pump thereby controlling the valve to alternate flow of fluid to the sprayers, said controller comprising;

a switch connected to energize the pump;

a first timer wheel adapted to operate the switch so as to energize the pump for a certain period of time; and

a second timer wheel adapted to override the first timer wheel to operate the switch to deenergize the pump for a certain period of time.

2. A washer according to claim 1, further comprising two conduits in communication between the pump and respective sprayers wherein the valve comprises a ball adapted to block one of the two, said valve being adapted to move the ball from one conduit to the other when water flow to the valve is interrupted.

3. A washer according to claim 1, further comprising a second switch connected in parallel with the first switch and adapted to operate the pump regardless of the state of the first switch.

4. A washer according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a timer motor adapted to rotate the timer wheels.

5. A washer according to claim 1, wherein the timer wheels are rotatable cam wheels.

6. A washer according to claim 5, further comprising a cam follower mounted on the switch and operated by the first timer wheel.

7. A washer according to claim 5, further comprising a lever operated by the second timer wheel and disposed to open the switch.

8. A washer according to claim 7, further comprising an appendage mounted on the switch and operated by the lever.

9. A washer according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a pair of spring arms having electrical contacts adapted to close a circuit.

10. A washer, comprising:

a wash tub having a sump in a lower part thereof;

two sprayers for spraying washing liquid on objects in the tub;

a pump for delivering liquid from the sump to the sprayers;

a valve arranged for controlling flow from the pump to the sprayers so that lobes in liquid flow from the pump cause the valve to alternate liquid flow between the spray arms;

a controller adapted for energizing and deenergizing the pump thereby controlling the valve to alternate flow of liquid to the sprayers, said controller comprising;

a switch including a first arm having a first electrical contact and a cam follower, and a second arm having a second electrical contact, said switch being connected to energize the pump when the contacts are engaged to close the switch;

a first timer wheel adapted for rotation and having a plurality of gaps and lobes adapted operate the cam follower to close and open the switch so as to energize and deenergize the pump for certain periods of time; and

a second timer wheel adapted for rotation and having a lobe adapted to operate the switch to override the first timer wheel to open the switch to deenergize the pump for a certain period of time.

11. A washer according to claim 10, further comprising a lever operated by the second timer wheel and adapted to operate the switch.

12. A washer, comprising:

a wash tub having a sump in a lower part thereof;

upper and lower spray arms for spraying washing liquid on objects in the tub;

a pump for delivering liquid from the sump to the spray arms;

two conduits in communication between the pump and respective spray arms;

a valve arranged for controlling flow from the pump to the spray arms so that lobes in liquid flow from the pump cause the valve to alternate liquid flow between the spray arms, said valve comprising a ball adapted to block one of the two conduits, said valve being adapted to move the ball from one conduit to the other when water flow to the valve is interrupted;

a controller adapted for operating and interrupting operation of the pump thereby controlling the valve to alternate flow of liquid to the sprayers, said controller comprising;

a switch including a first arm having a first electrical contact, a cam follower, and an appendage, and a second arm having a second electrical contact, said switch being connected to energize the pump when the contacts are engaged to close the switch;

a first cam wheel adapted for rotation on a first axis and having a plurality of gaps and lobes adapted operate the cam follower to close and open the switch so as to energize and deenergize the pump for certain periods of time;

a lever having an end adapted to operate the appendage; and

a second cam wheel adapted for rotation on a second axis and having a lobe adapted to operate the lever to override the first cam wheel to open the switch to deenergize the pump for a certain period of time.