US2914073A - Dishwasher construction - Google Patents

Description

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Ilay 4, 1956 DOOR WATER WATER l WATER 2 OPEN- INTAKE CLEAN DRAIN INTAKE RNSE DRAN RINSE DRAIN ING DRY TIMER MOTOR DOOR SWITCH KICKER SOLENCD PUMP MOTOR PLNP HEATER LIGHT DRAN VALVE INLET VAD/E I INVENTOR. F 2 Myron/E. Ullman, J1:

ATTORNEYS United States Patent Gfiice DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION Myron E. Ullman, Jr., Canfield, Ohio, assignor to American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Application May 4, 1956, Serial No. 582,756 13 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) My invention relates to improvements in dishwasher construction and more specifically to a dishwasher construction having a wiring circuit with which the dishwashing cycle is automatically started by closing and placing the dishwasher door in a particular latched position, and in which all of the elements of the dishwasher are automatically stopped at the end of said cycle in position preparatory for the start of the next dishwashing cycle.

Certain prior constructions of dishwashers have been provided with wiring circuits which have included a safety switch mounted in relation to the dishwasher door so that all elements of the dishwasher are stopped during a dishwashing cycle it the door is opened, and also so that the dishwashing cycle may not be started until the door is closed. These prior constructions have further included a wiring circuit incorporating a timer, which timer requires a manual movement of the timer shaft in order to start the dishwashing cycle. Thus, in use of these prior dishwashing constructions it is necessary to first close the dishwasher door and thereafter manually move the timer dial, thereby moving the timer shaft and starting the dish washing cycle.

Certain other prior constructions of dishwashers have been provided with wiring circuits which have eliminated the necessityof manually moving the timer dial in order to initiate the dishwashing cycle. These prior constructions have been provided with wiring circuits which include a relay therein, which relay is actuated either by closing the dishwasher door or by pressing a button after the door is closed, and the relay serves to start the dishwashing cycle. These relays, however, although eliminating the necessity of manually moving a timer dial to start the dishwashing cycle are relatively expensive, and thereby add considerably to the fabrication cost of the dishwasher.

A further problem encountered in the construction of dishwashers is that, in certain installations of the dishwashers, the water drains in the home to which the dishwasher must be connected are not positioned at floor level, but rather are positioned spaced upwardly from the floor in the walls of the home. Thus, to install a dishwasher in such homes, it is necessary to provide a drain pump for the dishwasher in order to pump the waste water from the normal drains of the dishwasher, which are positioned relatively close to floor level, to the drains of the homes which are spaced thereabove.

Thus, when a dishwasher is to be installed in one of these homes, it is necessary to add this drain pump to the wiring circuit thereof. Adding the drain pump to the wiring circuit of prior dishwasher constructions has required that additional elements be added to the wiring circuit of the dishwasher since the drain pump must be controlled so that it does not operate during the drying cycle of the dishwasher.

If the drain pump is operated during the drying cycle of the dishwasher, since all water has been drained from the dishwasher, the drain pump must be operated dry 2,914,073 Patented Nov. 24, 1959 and such operation would readily destroy the seals in the pump as well as create a considerable noise. Thus, the drain pump must be controlled by the timer and in these prior dishwasher constructions the necessity of adding the additional elements to the wiring circuit thereof has again considerably increased the fabrication cost of these dishwasher constructions.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having an improved wiring circuit which eliminates the hereinbefore discussed objectionable features and problems of the prior constructions.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having an improved wiring circuit with which the dishwashing cycle may be started by merely placing the door latch in a particular latched position, thereby eliminating any need for manually setting or moving a timer dial.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having an improved wiring circuit with which the dishwashing cycle may be started by merely placing the dishwasher door in a latched position and without requiring any manual setting of a timer dial, and still does-not include expensive relays.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having an improved wiring circuit with which a drain pump may be added to the dishwasher circuit without the necessity of providing any additional elements or components in the wiring circuit.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having an improved wiring circuit which provides all of the above advantageous features, yet is relatively simple, requiring a minimum number of switches and a minimum size of timer, and thereby may be provided in the dishwasher at a minimum of fabrication cost.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and subcombinations comprising the present invention, the nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, a preferred embodiment of which-illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles-is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms the dishwasher construction comprising the present invention may be stated as including a tub having a tub access door, a timer having a timer motor, a heating coil, a light, a drain valve having a control solenoid, a kicker assembly for selectively partially opening the tub door and having a control solenoid, a water inlet valve having a control solenoid, a drain pump having a motor, and a circulating pump having a motor.

The dishwasher construction also includes five switches controlled by the timer for controlling all of said timer motor, heating coil, light, water drain solenoid, kicker solenoid, water inlet valve solenoid, drain pump motor and circulating pump motor; and a door switch for aiding in controlling said elements which is moved to engaged position when the door is closed and placed in a particular latched position, and is moved to disengaged position when the door is opened.

The timer switches and door switch are connected so that the timer motor is automatically energized through the door switch at the start of a dishwashing cycle when the door is closed and latched, moving the door switch to engaged position, and thereafter the timer repositions certain of the timer controlled switches so that the timer motor is energized through certain of the timer switches throughout the remainder of the dishwashing cycle and without regard as to the positioning of the door switch.

Further, the timer switches and door switches are connected so that the drain pump motor is energized by certain of said switches at all times during the dishwashing cycle, prior to the dishwasher door being partially opened by the kicker assembly, without regard as to the positioning of the door switch. Finally, the drain pump motor is not energized after the door is partially opened by the kicker assembly.

By way of example, an embodiment of the improved dishwasher construction of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the dishwasher construction showing certain of the elements thereof in elevation;

Fig. 2, a chart illustrating the energization and nonenergization or engagement or nonengagement of the various elements in the wiring circuit of the dishwasher construction during the various phases of the dishwasher during the dishwashing cycle;

Fig. 3, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction showing the position of the various elements thereof when the dishwasher is off or not operating;

Fig. 4, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction during the water intake phases;

Fig. 5, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction during the washing and rinsing phases thereof when water is being circulated therein;

Fig. 6, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction during the water drain phases;

Fig. 7, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction at the instant prior to -the kicker assembly partially opening the dishwasher door; and

Fig. 8, a wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction during the drying phase thereof.

The mechanical parts and assembly of the dishwasher construction comprising the present invention are shown in detail in the copending application, also assigned to applicants assignee, of applicant and Eric M. Silver, Serial No. 577,484, filed April 11, 1956, said copending application dealing with the mechanical construction of the dishwasher, while the present application deals with the preferred improved electrical circuit therefor. Thus, the dishwasher construction generally is shown schematically in Fig. 1 by broken lines, with the electrically actuated parts thereof being shown in full lines therein in their approximate locations in the dishwasher.

Further, although the term water is used in the present application to indicate the washing fluid of the dishwasher, it is not intended to limit the principles of the present invention to water alone, but rather any suitable washing fluid may be used and the term water is only illustrative of such fluid.

In Fig. 1 the timer, generally indicated at 155, is provided with a timer motor 11, the circulating pump, generally indicated at 12, is provided with a circulating pump motor 13 and the drain pump, generally indicated at 14, is provided with a drain pump motor 15. The drain pump 14 is not shown nor described in the copending application, Serial No. 577,484, since, as will be hereinafter more fully discussed, this drain pump may or may not be included in the dishwasher construction, depending on the particular installation of the dishwasher.

The dishwasher construction further includes a water inlet valve, generally indicated at 16, having a control solenoid 17, a water drain valve, generally indicated at 18, having control solenoid 19 and a kicker assembly, generally indicated at 20, having a control solenoid 21. Finally, the dishwasher construction includes a light 22 for the timer dial 23, a water heating coil 24, and a door switch 25.

As described in the copending patent application, Serial No. 577,484, the timer essentially controls the other electrically actuated devices in the dishwasher construction during the dishwashing cycle and also controls its own timer motor 11 during the major portion of the dishwashing cycle, as will be hereinafter more fully discussed in detail. Also, the circulating pump 12 circulates water from the lower portion of the dishwasher tub to the spraying means therein and causes the spraying means to spray the water into the confines of the tub during the dishwashing and rinsing phases of the dishwashing cycle, with the water thereafter dropping to the lower portion of the tube where it may be again circulated by the circulating pump.

Still further, the drain pump 14 is positioned beneath the drain valve 18 and is for the purpose of receiving waste water from drain valve 14 and pumping this water upwardly to a drain which may be spaced upwardly from the floor upon which the dishwasher is positioned and upwardly from the drain valve 19. Drain pump 14 is required in the dishwasher construction only when the dishwasher is installed in a home in which the drains are not at floor level, but rather are encased within the walls of the home and open from said walls at points spaced upwardly from the floors and above the drain valve 18.

Additionally, the Water inlet valve 16 is for the purpose of admitting fresh water into the dishwasher tub from the water lines of the home in which the dishwasher is installed, and the water drain valve 18 is for the purpose of draining water from the dishwasher tub after the dishwashing phase and the various rinsing phases. The kicker assembly 20 is more fully described in the copending patent application, Serial No. 577,484, but generally is for the purpose of partially opening the dishwasher door, generally indicated at 26 and shown in broken lines in Fig. 1, at the start or during the drying phase of the dishwashing cycle, with said partially opened door providing a vent for the dishwasher tub during the drying phase, permitting the moisture which is evaporated from the dishes contained in the tub to escape from. said tub.

The purpose of the light 22 is for illuminating the timer dial '23 with the timer dial preferably being marked to show the particular phase of the dishwashing cycle at any period during the cycle. Further, the heating coil 24 is provided in the lower portion of the dishwasher tub for the purpose of adding heat to the waterwhich is being circulated in the dishwasher tub by the circulating pump 12, and also for force drying the dishes after the final rinse.

Finally, the door switch 25 is preferably mounted above the kicker assembly 20 and is for the purpose of initially starting the dishwashing cycle when the door is closed and placed in a latched position. Switch 25 is also for the purpose of stopping the circulating pump motor 13 any time that this motor is energized during the dishwashing cycle and the door of the dishwasher is opened, thereby preventing water from being sprayed out of the dishwasher tub.

The door switch 25 is constructed so that it is movable between two positions and thus, when it is engaged by the latching device of the dishwasher door, it will assume one position providing a particular circuit therethrough, whereas, when it is not engaged by the latching device, it will assume another position providing a different electrical circuit therethrough. This construction is illustrated schematically in Figs. 3 through 8.

Further, the timer 10 is provided with a series: of five switches which are controlled thereby, with each of these switches being movable to three positions, two of which provide diiferent electrical circuits therethrough and one of which is a neutral position. The constructions of these switches are also illustrated schematically in Figs. 3 through 8.

Referring to the circuit diagrams shown in Figs. 3 through '8, the door switch is again indicated at 25, havmg the contacts 27, 28 and Z9, and the circulating pump motor is'again indicated at 13, the drain pump motor at 15, the water inlet valve control solenoid at 17, the water drain valve control solenoid at 19, the kicker control solenoid at 21, the light at 22, the heating coil at 24 and the timer motor at 11. Further, a pump switch is indicated at 30 having the contacts 31, 32 and 33, a water inlet valve switch at 34 having the contacts 35, 36 and 37, a drain valve switch at 38 having the contacts 39, 40 and 41, a kicker switch at 42 having the contacts 43, 44 and 45, and a timer motor switch at 46 having the contacts 47, 48 and 49.

As shown in Figs. 3 through 8, the two sides of the electrical line are indicated at 50 and 51, with the one side 50 being connected to contact 27 of the door switch 25 and also being connected to contact 49 of timer motor switch 46. Contact 29 of door switch 25 is conneeted to contact 31 of pump switch 30 and contact 28 of the door switch is connected to contact 45 of the kicker switch.

Contact 33 of pump switch 30 is connected to the circulating pump motor 13, and from said motor to the other side of the line 51; while contact 32 of the circulating pump switch is connected to contact 37 of water inlet switch 34, contact 43 of kicker switch 42, contact 41 of drain valve switch 38 and to drain pump motor 15. Again, the drain pump motor, like the circulating pump motor, is also connected to the other side of the line 51.

Contact 36 of water inlet switch 34 is connected to the Water inlet valve 17, with the water inlet valve also being connected to the other side of the line 51. Further, contact 35 of the water inlet switch is connected to contact 39 of drain valve switch 38, light 22, heater 24, timer motor 11 and contact 47 of timer motor switch 46. The light, heater and timer motor are also connected to the other side of the line 51.

Contact 44 of kicker switch 42 is connected through the kicker control solenoid 21 to line 51 and contact 40 of drain valve switch 38 is connected through drain valve solenoid 19 to line 51. As before stated, door switch 25 is movable between two positions, providing two difierent electrical circuits therethrough, while circulating pump switch 30, water inlet valve switch 34, drain valve switch 38, kicker switch 42 and timer motor switch 46 are movable between three positions, two of which provide different electrical circuits therethrough and one of which is a neutral position, such neutral position being shown by drain valve switch 38 and kicker switch 42 in Fig. 3.

The positions of the door switch 25 and the various switches 30, 34, 38, 42 and 46 which are controlled by timer are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 3 through 8 during each of the various phases of the dishwashing cycle. Fig. 3. shows the wiring diagram of the dishwasher construction when it is off or not operating, Fig. 4 during the water intake phase, Fig. 5 during the water circulating phase, Fig. 6 during the water draining phase, Fig. 7 the instant prior to the actuation of the kicker solenoid 21 for partially opening the door 26, and Fig. 8 during the drying phase.

Referring to Fig. 3, when the dishwasher is not operat ing, even though the door may be closed and latched, door switch 25 is not engaged and the circuit therethrough is between contacts 27 and 28, the circulating pump switch 30 is positioned with the circuit through contacts 31 and 32, the inlet valve switch 34 is positioned with the circuit through contacts 37 and 35, the drain valve switch 38 and kicker switch 42 are in neutral position, and the timer motor switch 46 is positioned with the circuit through contacts 47 and 48.

Thus, a circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 27 and 28 of door switch 25 to contact 45 of kicker switch 42, but since the kicker switch is in neutral position, the circuit is broken at that point. A circuit is also established from line 50 to contact 49 of timer motor switch 46, but is also broken at this point because the timer motor switch is positioned with the circuit therethrough between contacts 47 and 48.

-When it is desired to start the dishwashing cycle, the door 26 of the dishwasher must be closed and placed in a latched position, so that the latch mechanism thereof engages door switch 25, thereby changing the electrical circuit through the door switch so that the circuit is now from contact 27 to contact 29, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 3. Thus, still referring to Fig. 3, a circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 27 and 29 of door switch 25, through contacts 31 and 32 of circulating pump switch 30, through contacts 37 and 35 of water inlet switch 34, and through each of light 22, heater 24 and timer motor 11 to the other side of the line 51.

Also, since the drain pump motor 15 is connected to contact 32 of the circulating pump switch 30, a circuit is also established through pump 15 to line 51. This actuates the timer motor 11, heater 24, light 22 and drain pump motor 15, thereby starting the dishwashing cycle.

Shortly after the dishwashing cycle is started in the above, manner, the timer 10 changes certain of the timer switches 30, 34, 38, 42 and 46 so that these switches are in the positions shown in Fig. 4, which starts the first or water intake phase of the dishwashing cycle. During the water intake phase the circuit through the door switch 25 remains between contacts 27 and 29 since this switch remains engaged.

One circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 27 and 29 of door switch 25, through contacts 31 and 32 of pump switch 30 and through drain pump motor 15 to the other side of the line 51. Further, a circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 49 and 47 of timer motor switch 46, through timer motor 11 to line 51, through heater 24 to line 51, through light 22 to line 51, through contacts 39 and 40 of drain valve switch 38 and through drain valve solenoid 19 to line 51. Finally, a circuit is established from timer motor switch 46 through contacts 35 and 36 of water inlet switch 34 and through water inlet solenoids 17 to line 51.

Thus, during the water intake phase, timer motor 11, heater 24, light 22, drain valve solenoid 19, water valve solenoid 17 and drain pump motor 15 are energized. The drain valve 18 is therefore closed and the water valve 17 is open, admitting water to the dishwasher tub.

It should be noted that with the various timer switches in the positions shown in Fig. 4, all of the various elements which are energized will continue to be energized, despite the position of door switch 25, so that the dishwasher door 26 can be opened, disengaging door switch 25, and the water intake phase will continue as will the timer motor 11 of timer 1%. t should also be noted that even if the dishwasher door 26 is open, disengaging door switch 25, the drain pump motor 15 will still be energized, since door switch 25 in disengaged position would provide a circuit between contacts 27 and 28 thereof, and this circuit would be completed through contacts 45 and 43 of kicker switch 42 to the drain pump motor 15, and ultimately to the other side of the line 51.

Thus, the drain pump motor 15 remains energized despite the position of door switch 25 during this water intake phase, as it does throughout the dishwashing cycle until the door 26 is partially opened for the drying phase, as will be hereinafter described. For this reason, any excess water during a water intake phase is thus pumped into the drain of the dishwasher.

After a predetermined period of time, during which a sufficient amount of water has entered the dishwasher tub, the timer 1t) repositions certain of the timer switches 3 34, 38, 42 and 46, thereby starting the first water circulating phase. This first water circulating phase is the actual main dish cleaning phase and it is preferred, when the dirty dishes are loaded into the dishwasher tub prior to the entire dishwashing cycle, that an amount of soap or detergent is placed within the dishwasher tub, so that during this first water circulating phase, a cleansing material is added to the water that is circulated, thereby properly cleaning the dishes.

During the water circulating phase the door switch 25 7 remains engaged since the dishwasher door 26 remains closed and in its latched position. Further, at the start of this phase the timer repositions the circulating pump switch so that the circuit therethrough is between contacts 31 and 33, repositions the water inlet solenoid switch so that the circuit therethrough is between contacts 37 and 35, and repositions the kicker switch to neutral position, while the drain valve switch and timer motor switch remain unchanged.

Thus, a circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 27 and 29 of door switch 25, through contacts 31 and 33 of circulating pump switch 30 and through circulating pump motor 13 to line 51. Further, the circuit remains from line 50 through contacts 49 and 47 of timer motor switch 46, which continues to provide a circuit through timer motor 11 to line 51, through heater 24- to line 51, through light 22 to line 51, and through contacts 39 and 40 of drain valve switch 39 and drain valve solenoid 19 to line 51.

Still further, by repositioning the water inlet switch 34, a circuit is established from contact 47 of timer motor switch 46 through contacts 35 and 37 of water inlet switch 34, and through drain pump motor 15 to line 51. The drain pump motor 15 thereby remains energized and the water inlet valve solenoid 17 is deenergized, so that the water inlet valve 16 no longer admits fresh water to the dishwasher tub.

Thus, circulating pump motor 13 is energized during this water circulating phase and water is continuously sprayed into the dishwasher tub to clean the dishes. Further, if the dishwasher door 26 is unlatched and opened during this phase, door switch 25 will move to disengaged position so that the circuit therethrough is between contacts 27 and 28, thereby interrupting the circuit to circulating pump motor 13 and deenergizing the same.

This prevents water from being sprayed out of the dishwasher tub when the door 26 is opened during this water circulating phase. Also, the other elements of the dishwasher which are energized during this phase, including the drain pump motor 15, remain energized without regard as to the positioning of door switch 25, so that they are still energized even though the dishwasher door 26 is opened.

After the first water circulating phase has continued for a predetermined period of time so that the dishes in the dishwasher tub are properly cleaned, the timer repositions certain of the timer swtiches 30, 34, 38, 42 and 46, thereby starting the first water drain phase. At the start of this drain phase, the circulating pump switch 30, the water inlet switch 34 and the kicker switch 42 are repositioned to neutral position, so that no circuit is established therethrough.

Further, timer motor switch 46 remains unchanged so that a circuit is still maintained from line 50 through contacts 49 and 47 of switch 46 and through timer motor 11 to line 51, through heater 24 to line 51 and through light 22 to line 51, thereby maintaining these elements energized. Still further, drain valve switch 38 is repositioned so that the circuit therethrough is between contacts 39 and 41, thereby interrupting the circuit to drain valve solenoid 19, causing this solenoid to be deenergized and permitting water to drain from the dishwasher tub.

Finally, due to the repositioning of drain valve switch 38, a circuit is established from line 50 through timer motor switch 46, through contacts 39 and 41 of drain valve switch 38, and through drain pump motor to line 51. Door switch 25 remains in engaged position but the circuit therethrough from line 50 is interrupted at circulating pump switch 30, since switch 30 is in neutral position.

Thus, during this drain phase, timer motor 11, heater 24 and light 22 remain energized without regard as to the positioning of door switch 25. Further, drain valve solenoid 19 is deenergized permitting water to drain from the dishwasher tub, while drain pump motor 15 remains energized also without regard as to the positioning of door switch 25.

After the first water drain phase has continued for a predetermined period of time, draining all of the soapy water from the dishwasher tub, the timer 10 repositions certain of the timer switches 30, 34, 38, 42 and 46 to start a second water intake phase. The second water intake phase is identical to the first water intake phase and the switches are positioned and the circuits established, as shown in Fig. 4 and hereinbefore described.

After this second water intake phase has been completed, again admitting fresh water to the dishwasher tub, the timer 10 again repositions these switches to start the first rinsing phase. The first rinsing phase is identical to the water circulating phase except that there is no soap or detergent in the dishwasher tub to mix with the fresh water entering the tub, and the various switches are positioned and circuits established, as shown in Pig. 5 and also hereinbefore described.

It is preferred that the dishwashing cycle include at least two rinsing phases, but any number of these phases can be provided as desired. At the end of the last rinsing phase the water in the dishwasher tub is again drained therefrom so that during this last draining phase these switches arein the positions and the circuits established as shown in Fig. 6 and hereinbefore described.

After the last drain phase is completed the timer 10 repositions certain of the switches 30, 34, 38, 42 and 46, starting the door opening phase, in which the dishwasher door 26 is partially opened and retained in this partially opened position, to provide a vent for the dishwasher tub during the dish drying phase.

The door opening phase only extends for a short period of time since the entire purpose thereof is to cause the kicker solenoid 21 to be energized a short period of time to release certain parts of the kicker assembly 20, permitting the kicker assembly to partially open the dishwasher door 26. The circuit diagram shown in Fig. 7 shows in full lines the positions of the various switches and the circuits established the instant kicker solenoid 21 is energized. and prior to the kicker assembly 20 partially opening the door 26, with the repositioning of door switch 25 to disengaged position after door 26 is partially opened, being shown in broken lines.

At the start of. the door opening phase, door switch 25 remains unchanged since it is still engaged by the door latch, circulating pump switch 30 is repositioned so that a circuit is established therethrough between contacts 31 and 32, water inlet valve switch 34 remains unchanged in neutral position, drain valve switch 38 is repositioned to neutral position, kicker switch 42 is repositioned so that a circuit is established therethrough between contacts 43 and 44, and timer motor switch 46 remains unchanged with a circuit established therethrough between contacts 49 and 47. Thus, the circuit remains established from line 50 through timer motor switch 46, through timer motor 11 to line 51, through heater 24 to line 51 and through light 22 to line 51, so that the timer motor, heater and light remain energized.

Further, prior to the door 26 being partially opened, a circuit is established from line 50 through contacts 27 and 29 of door switch 25, through contacts 31 and 32 of circulating pump switch 30 and through drain pump motor 15 to line 51. Also, because of the repositioning of kicker switch 42, a circuit is established from contact 32 of circulating pump switch 30 through contacts 43 and 44 of kicker switch 42, and through kicker solenoid 21 to line 51, thereby energizing kicker solenoid 21.

The energization of kicker solenoid 21 releases certain parts of the kicker assembly 20, causing the kicker assembly to partially open dishwasher door 26 and causing the latch of the dishwasher door to disengage door switch 25, thereby permitting this door switchto reposition to disengaged position, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 7. This interrupts the circuit to kicker solenoid 21 which being energized through the dishwashing cycle.

would hum if it remained energized, and also interrupts the circuit to drain pump motor 15, thereby deenergizing both, since this solenoid and motor have been energized through door switch 25 and the only circuit through the door switch after door 26' has been partially opened is between contacts 27 and 28 to contact 45'of kicker switch 42, where the circuit is interrupted;

Thus, after the door 26 has been partially opened, the only elements of the dishwasher construction which remainenergized are the timermotor 11, heater 24 and light 22, since circuits are established from line 50 through timermotor switch 46, through these elements and to line 51. .All of the other elements of the dishwasher construction are deenergized, either due to the repositioning of certain switches by timer at the start of this door opening. phase, or due to the door. 26 being partially opened by kicker assembly 20, permitting the door switch to reposition to its disengaged position. i

Shortly after the door 26 has been partially opened by the kicker assembly 20, the timer 1-0 repositions certain,

of the switches 30,134, 38, 42Qand 46 to the position shown in Fig. 8 for the drying phase, During the drying phase door switch 25 remains in disengaged position'since door 26 remains partially open, circulating pump switch 30 isrepositioned to neutral position, water inlet .valve switch 34 remains in neutral position, drain valve switch 38 remains in neutral position and kicker switch ,42 is repositioned to neutral position.

Further, timer motor switch 46 remains unchanged so that the circuit remains established therethrough between contacts 49 and 47. Thus. the circuit remains established from line'50 through timer motor switch 46, through timer motor 11 to line 5l,'through heater'24 to line 51 and through light 22 to line 51, maintaining these elementsenergized during the drying phase. v

At the end of the' drying phase, timer '10 repositions circulating pump switch 30 so'that any circuit therethr'ough is'b'etween contacts 31 and 32 repositions water inlet switch 34 so that any cir'cuittherethrough is between contacts 37 and 35, repositions the timer motor switch 46 so that any circuit therethrough is between contacts 48 andf47, while the kicker switch 42 and'drain valve switch 38'remain unchanged in neutral position. Thus, the circuit from line50 is interrupted at timer motor switch- 46, and since the door 26 is in partially opened position, the circuit through door switch 25 is between 4 contacts 27 and 28 to contact 45 of kicker switch 42, where it is interrupted.

This deenergizes the timer motorll, heater 24 and light 22, thereby ending the dishwashing cycle. Further,

all of the switches are in the positions shown in Fig. 3,;

so that the dishwasher construction is ready for the start of the next dishwashing cycle.

After the dishwashing cycle, the door 26 may be com pletely opened and the clean dried dishes removed, and

when the door 26 is again closed it will return the kicker assembly 20 to its retracted position as fully described in the copending application, Serial .No; 577,484. Door switch 25 will not, however, be placed in engaged position again until the door latch has been moved to a particular latched position, again as fully described in' the above copending patent application.

I In- Fig. 2 the complete dishwashing cycle hereinbefore set forth in detail isshownin chart form. Referring to the chart, after each of the elements in the dishwashing wiring circuit, the-chart indicates the energization or nonenergization of these elements during each particular phase of the dishwashing cycle, except for the door 1 switch element which is indicated as either engaged or nonengaged.

Thus, for example, the timer motor is indicated as As a further example, the door switch is indicated as being engaged from the start until the, initial portion of the door .door switch is engaged.

timer 'motor 11.

opening phase, after which it is indicated as being nonengaged until the completion of the dishwashing cycle.

Thus, with the' present invention having the improved wiring circuit described, the drain pump motor 15 may be added to the wiring circuit or removed therefrom without a change in or addition of any elements or components in the dishwasher wiring circuit, since the drain pumpmotor 15 is controlled by the existing switches in the wiring circuit and does not require a switch of its own to be controlled by a cam of timer 10 or any other additional control means. Further, despite the drain 'pump motor 15 not having a switch of its own controlled .seals therein or noise result.

Further, drain pump motor 15 remains properly energized until the door 26 is automatically partially opened at the door opening or venting phase without regard to the particular positioning of door switch 25, that is, whether door 26 is open or closed. Prior to the venting phase, this circuit is maintained through drain pump motor 15 either through the proper positioning of the switches other than the door switch 25, or by properly positioning these other switches so that a circuit is maintained to drain pump motor 15 through door switch 25 whether this switch is in door closed or door open position.

An instant prior to the venting phase, the switches are positioned so that drain pump motor 15 is controlled through door switch 25 and is only energized when the Thus when the door 26 is partially opened for the venting phase, drain pump motor .15 is de-energized and remains de-energized throughout the drying phase, that is, to the completion of the dishwashing cycle.

Finally, with the improved wiring circuit of the present invention, the dishwashing cycle may be started merely by closing door 26 and placing the latching mechanism thereof in a particular latched position, which moves door switch 25 to engaged position, thereby energizing Further, shortly thereafter timer 10 repositions certain of the switches 36, 34, 38, 42 and 46 sothat timer motor 11 is energized through timer motor switch 46 and is not dependent on any positioning of door switch 25.

Timer motor 11 may therefore be started without the need for expensive relays and without the necessity of manually moving a timer dial or shaft. Further, timer motor 11 may be automatically deenergized by timer 10 at the end of the dishwashing cycle.

It is pointed out, as is clearly hereinbefore described and as is clearly apparent from the wiring circuit shown in the drawings, that the various switches and the wiring connections to and between these switches and the various elements are the sole source of electrical energy ,from the main line for these various elements of the dishwasher. For this reason, therefore, the various switches, wiring connections and elements arranged in the particular manner disclosed are all that are required to form a workable and clearly advantageous dishwasher electrical circuit.

Thus, according to the principles of the present invention a dishwasher construction has been provided having an improved wiring circuit which eliminates the beforediscussed objectionable features and solves certain of the problems of the prior constructions; with which the dishwashing cycle may be started by merely placing the door latch in a particular latched position, thereby elimdial; with which the dishwashing cycle may be started by merely placing the dishwasher doorin a particular latched position without requiring any manual setting of a' timer dial, and still the wiring circuit does not include expensive relays; with which a drain pump may be added to the dishwasher circuit without the necessity of providing any additional elements or components to the wiring circuit, yet the drain pump will be properly controlled by the existing elements and will be shut on during the dishwasher drying cycle; and which provides all of these advantageous features yet is relatively-simple, requiring a minimum number of switches and a minimum size of timer, and thereby may be provided in the dishwasher at a minimum of fabrication cost.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used'for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposes herein and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved construction illustrated and described herein is by way of example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of the construction shown. the features of the present invention, for instance, will apply equally as well to a dishwasher of the top opening type as to the front opening type.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of a preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby; the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an electrical system for a dishwasher, timer means including an electrically energized timer motor; other electrically energized dishwashing elements including washing fluid inlet means, washing fluid drain means, and washing fiuid circulating means; a starting switch, the starting switch including means movable between two positions; a plurality of other switches electrically connected to each of said elements for controlling the operation thereof and operably connected to the timer means for control by the timer means; "electrical control connection means including electrical line connection means to and between the starting switch, said other switches, the timer motor and other electrically energized elements for transmitting electrical energy to and between said switches, motor and elements; said connection means and starting switch andother switches being the'sole means for transmitting electrical energy to and between said timer motor and other electrically energized elements during a dishwashing cycle operation of the timer motor; the timer means and electrical control connection means being arranged so that movement of the starting switch movable means to a selected position transmits electrical energy through the starting switch to the timer motor through certain of said electrical control connection means and other switches to start the timer motor and commence operation of said dishwashing cycle; and the timer means including a member actuated after the timer motor has started to reposition certain of said operably connected other switches for transmitting electrical energy to the timer motor through certain of said starting switch, other switches and control connection means for maintaining the timer motor energized throughout the remainder of the dishwashing cycle regardless of the position of the starting switch movable means.

2. The construction as defined in claim 1 in which the dishwasher includes a door mounted for movement between an open and closed position; in which the door has a latch mechanism selectively movable into a :particular latched position; and in which the starting switch movable means is mounted for engagement by and movement to its selected positon by the latch mechanism when the door is closed and the latch mechanism is placed in said particular latched position.

3. The 'const ructionfas defined in claim 2 in which said washing fluid circulating means includes a washing fluid circulating pump means for circulating water in the dishwasher at selected periods during the dishwashing cycle; in which the circulating pump means includes a motor; and in which said circulating pump motor is electrically connected through certain of said electrical control connection means and other switches to the starting switch and receives electrical energy through said starting switch when said motor is operating during the dishwashing cycle, so that the'circulating pump motor if operating is deenergized when the dishwasher door is opened permitting the starting switch ,to move from its selected position.

4. The construction as defined in claimlin which the other switches include a timer motor switch; and in which the timer means and electrical control connection means are arranged so "that the timer motor is connected through certain of said electrical control connection means to and receives electrical energy through said timer motor switch throughout said remainder of the dishwashing cycle. V y} '5. In an electrical system for a dishwasher, timer means including an electrically energizedtimer motor;

and other electrically energized elements for transmitting electrical energy to and between said switches, motor and elements; said connection means and safety switch and other switches being the sole means for transmitting electrical energy to and between said timer motor and other electrically energized elements during a dishwashing cycle operation of the timer motor; washing fluid drain pump means including a drain pump motor electrically connectedwith said safety switch, said electrical control connection means and said other switches; said connection means and safety switch and other switches being the sole means for transmitting electrical energy to said drain pump motor during ajdishwashin'g cycle operation of the timer motor; the time'rmea'ns and electrical control connection means being arranged so that the drain pump motor is energized during a part of the dishwashing cycle and deenergized during the remainder of said cycle; and the timer means and electrical control connection means being arranged so thatthe drain pump motor is energized during said part of the dishwashing cycle regardless of the position of the safety switch movable means.

6. The construction as defined in claim 5 in which the dishwasher includes a door mounted for movement between an open and closed position; in which said other electrically energized elements include kicker meansffor partially opening the door at a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle, *said kicker means having an electrically energized solenoid which is energized 'for operation-of the kicker means; in which the safety switch is mounted engageable by the door when the-do'or is-in closed position, the safety switch movable means being in a first position when the door is in an open position and a second position when the door is in a closed position; and in which the timermeans and electrical control connection means arearranged so that the drain pump motor is energized through the safety switchwhen the door is closed at least immediately prior to the kicker means partially openingthe door at said iprede- Rimmed time so that the drain pump motor is deener- 13 gized when the door is partially opened at said predetermined time.

7. The construction as defined in claim 6 in which the timer means and electrical control connection means are arranged so that the kicker means solenoid is energized through the safety switch when the door is closed immediately prior to said predetermined time so that said solenoid is deenergized when the door is partially opened.

8. The construction as defined in claim 7 in which said washing fluid circulating means includes washing fluid circulating pump means for circulating washing fluid in the dishwasher at selected periods during the dishwashing cycle, said circulating pump means having a motor; and in which the timer means and electrical control connection means are arranged so that the circulating pump motor is energized through the safety switch when the circulating pump means is operating so that the circulating pump motor is deenergized if operating when the dishwasher door is opened.

9. The construction as defined in claim in which the dishwasher includes a door mounted for movement between an open and closed position; and in which said washing fluid circulating means includes washing fluid circulating pump means having an electrically energized motor; in which the washing fluid inlet valve means has an electrically energized control solenoid; in which the washing fluid drain valve means has an electrically energized control solenoid; and in which said other electrically energized elements include kicker means for partially opening the dishwasher door at a predetermined time during a dishwashing cycle and having an electrically energized control solenoid.

10. In an electrical system for a dishwasher, timer means including an electrically energized timer motor; other electrically energized dishwashing elements including Washing fluid inlet means, washing fluid drain means, and washing fluid circulating means; a starting switch, the starting switch including means movable between two positions; a plurality of other switches electrically connected to each of said elements for controlling the operation thereof and operably connected to the timer means for control by the timer means; electrical control connection means including electrical line connection means to and between the starting switch, said other switches, the timer motor and other electrically energized elements for transmitting electrical energy to and between said switches, motor and elements; said connection means and starting switch and other switches being the sole means for transmitting electrical energy to and between said timer motor and other electrically energized elements during a dishwashing cycle operation of the timer motor; the timer means and electrical control connection means being arranged so that movement of the starting switch movable means to a selected position transmits electrical energy through the starting switch to the timer motor through certain of said electrical control connection means and other switches to start the timer motor and commence operation of said dishwashing cycle; the timer means including a member actuated after the timer motor has started to reposition certain of said operably connected other switches for transmitting electrical energy to the timer motor through certain of said starting switch, other switches and control connection means for maintaining the timer motor energized throughout the remainder of the dishwashing cycle regardless of the position of the starting switch movable means; washing fluid drain pump means including a drain pump motor electrically connected with said starting switch, said electrical control connection means and said other switches; said connection means and starting switch and other switches being the sole means for transmitting electrical energy to said drain pump during a dishwashing cycle operation of the timer motor; the timer means and electrical control connection means being arranged so that the drain pump motor is energized during a part of the dishwashing cycle and deenergized during the remainder of said cycle; and the timer means and electrical control connection means being arranged so that the drain pump motor is energized during said part of the dishwashing cycle regardless of the position of the starting switch movable means.

11. The construction as defined in claim 10 in which the dishwasher includes a door mounted for movement between an open and closed position; in which said other electrically energized elements include kicker means for partially opening the door at a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle, said kicker means having an electrically energized solenoid which is energized for operation of the kicker means; in which the starting switch is mounted engageable by the door when the door is in closed position, the starting switch movable means being in a first position when the door is in an open position and in said selected position when the door is in a closed position; and in which the timer means and electrical control connection means are arranged so that the drain pump motor is energized through the starting switch when the door is closed at least immediately prior to the kicker means partially opening the door at said predetermined time so that the drain pump motor is deenergized when the door is partially opened at said predetermined time.

12. The construction as defined in claim 11 in which the timer means and electrical control connection means are arranged so that the kicker means solenoid is energized through the starting switch when the door is closed immediately prior to said predetermined time so that said solenoid is deenergized when the door is partially opened.

13. The construction as defined in claim 12 in which said washing fluid circulating means includes a washing fluid circulating pump means for circulating washing fluid in the dishwasher at selected periods during the dishwashing cycle; in which the circulating pump means includes a motor; and in which said circulating pump motor is electrically connected through certain of said electrical control connection means and other switches to the starting switch and receives electrical energy through said starting switch when said motor is operating during the dishwashing cycle, so that the circulating pump motor if operating is deenergized when the dishwasher door is opened permitting the starting switch to move from its selected position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,575,704 Clark Nov. 20, 1951 2,624,352 Illian Jan. 6, 1953 2,691,986 Kirby Oct. 19, 1954 2,707,961 Geiger May 10, 1955

Images