US3125105A

US3125105A - Fig-z a

Info

Publication number: US3125105A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1964-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 1981-03-17

Description

March 17, 1964 R.c.Gl-:1GER

TIMER CONTROL. FoR DIsRwAsRING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov.

INVEN TOR.

RUSSELL C. GEIGER MJ My@ ATTORNEYS March 17, 1964 R. c. GEIGER TIMER coNTRoL FOR nIsHwAsHING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 20, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-2A T 456 4 m MMI Aw. n mm R N E T M EG. H WC G R H* U T M E T S w V S w m P 8 3 l: Y B

MIN.- 6

FULL cYLE aa R|NsE a HOLD 8&b

UT|L|TY aac FIG-2B ATTORNEYS United States Patent() (bhio Filed Nov. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 153,388 3 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) This invention relates to dishwashing apparatus, particularly to dishwashing machines of the front loading type, wherein a door is mounted in the front of the machine, hinged to pivot adjacent its lower edge, to afford access to the interior or cleansing chamber of the machine, and also functioning when in such lowered or open position as a rest for a rack which may be moved outwardly thereonto from the interior of the machine.

The present invention also relates to a dishwashing machine wherein the cycle of operations may be varied under control of the operator to accommodate the cleansing operation of the machine to various circumstances. For example, it may be desirable to place a partial load in the machine and to rinse the gross soil from the articles to be cleansed, but not to operate through a complete cleansing cycle until a larger or full load is ready. Similarly, it is desirable in many cases, in the complete cleansing cycle, to rinse the soiled articles with water prior to the actual washing rwith a cleansing compound, in order to remove a certain amount of the gross soil and have this soil drained away prior to the action of the cleansing compound. On the other hand, the main washing or cleansing operation, in which a detergent or like cleansing agent is mixed with water to form the cleansing compound sprayed over the soiled articles, necessarily follows the initial rinse, and it is therefore desirable to maintain such detergent ready within the machine for release during the main cleansing portion of the operating cycle, but apart from the water used during the initial rinse, since this permits a continuous unattended full operating cycle.

Also, in some instances it may be desirable to employ instead of the initial water rinse, an additional spray of cleansing solution, and for this purpose an additional charge of detergent or the like should be made available for mixing with the initial rinse water spray. All of these various operations should be at the same time available to the operator with a minimum amount of attention or manipulation, in order to simplify the operation of the machine for domestic use, and to provide at all times a full cleansing cycle in normal operation.

Therefore, the primary object of this invention is to provide a novel dishwashing machine which can be operated in a number of different cycles at the option of the operator, but with little change in manipulation of the machine by the operator, and without foreshortening the regular cleansing operation cycle.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In the drawings- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, with some parts broken away, showing the general arrangement of the dishwashing machine in accordance With the invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the controls for the machine;

FIG. 2B is a chart illustrating the sequence of operations ofthe timer shown in FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the novel timer apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention,'FIG. 1` shows the general arrangement of a dishwashing machine incorporating the features of the present invention. The machine includes an outer cabinet 10, mounted on a base 12, and having formed therein a cleansing or washing chamber 15 including a sump portion 16, such cleansing chamber occupying a major portion of the interior of the cabinet. The area 18 below the chamber and sump provides enclosure for the drive motor 20 and the motor driven pump 22 which recirculates water from the sump 16 through the rotary mounted spray device or head 25. Plumbing connections include a supply line 27 (FIG. 2) having a fill valve 28 connected therein and controlled by the ll solenoid 30. This valve is preferably of the type which is normally closed and opens when solenoid 30 is energized.

The drain line 34 is provided with a drain valve 35 which is in turn controlled by a solenoid S8. This valve is normally open, but will be closed when solenoid 38 is energized. Preferably, the chamber also is provided with an overflow pipe 39 extending into the drain line downstream of the valve 35 from the sump, thus establishing the level at which liquid can rise within the chamber. The machine also incorporates a timer 40 (FIGS. 2 and 3) operation of which is initiated to start a cycle of operation of the machine, and the timer mechanism s also housed within the bottom area of the cabinet 10. It controls the energization of the ll and drain valve solenoids and of the main pump drive motor to establish the desired sequence of operations. Details of the timer control and of the sequence of operations are explained in further detail in a latter portion of this specification.

The present invention is particularly suitable to use with a dishwashing machine of the type shown, and having a door 45 hinged adjacent its lower edge, to swing forward and downward providing access to the cleansing chamber. However, while the invention is of particular utility with respect to such a construction of machine, it is also useful lin other dish-washing machines, for example those of the top loading type, and it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction of machine illustrated and described herein.

In the front loading and unloading construction disclosed, the machine includes a lower rack Sil mounted to move from its position within the cleansing chamber out-ward tonto the surface of the lowered door 415, which in turn provides a convenient support for the rack for placement or removal of soiled articles therein or therefrom. The rac-k of course is of the open mesh type which permits sprays of cleansing liquid from the spray device 25 to pass through the rack and distribute effectively over the surfaces of the soiled articles. rlhere is also an upper rack 53 which is provided with suitable mounting 54- accommodating movement of the rack through the `opening provided by the open door to facilitate loading and unloading of the upper rack. When the rack is pulled outward, it is supported by the mounting 54.

The dispenser ntl is preferably mounted in door 45, such that it is exposed for easy charging prior to use of the machine, and thus, the dispenser is mounted on the inner panel `55 of door `45, in the space between such panel and the front or `outer panel of 4the door which `forms the exterior of the ydoor and blends with the exterior of the cabinet when the door is closed.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the control circuit for the machine. Power supply is thro-ugh the lines marked L1 and L2 to the terminal block 125. The timer 40 is shown in schematic fashion, with the various switches and contacts thereof illustrated in an open position, and with the main timer motor 128 rand the special timer advance motor 1130/, which is a feature of this invention, shown in schematic fashion. -It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the main motor 12S operates to Iturn a plurality of cams (not shown) inside the timer which function to open or close the various switches of the timer in predetermined sequence. The advance motor 13), when energized, operates to advance or rotate these cams rapidly from a predetermined point to the end of a cycle, as will be more fully described. The sequence of operation of the timer contacts is shown in FIG. ZB.

T'he circuits also include a terminal board 132 which functions to connect the main wiring harness from beneath the cleansing chamber of the machine to those parts which are mounted in the door 4S. Further description of the circuit will be understood from the following review of the function of the machine.

A push button operated switch 1315, of conventional construction, is mounted in door `4-5, preferably near the top thereof as shown in FIG. 1. This switch includes four separate switch blades which are labeled in FIGS. 2A as 1:35a, 135b, `1315s and 13Sd. The common or input line to this switch, labeled 135e, which applies to all contacts shown open, is connected to the power line L1 through terminal block 125 and through the timer motor 1128 and the jumper y137 in the timer, thence through the terminal board 1312.

The switch 135 has three separate and independently movable push buttons, each of which causes la different combination of the contacts of that switch to be closed. For normal operation, hereinafter termed full cycle operation, the appropriate button, which -is suitably labeled, is depressed and this closes the switch contacts 135a and 135d. Switch 135e applies power through the interlock microswitch 138, and this switch is closed whenever the door 45 is closed, by any suitable mechanism. With switch 135er closed, a circuit is completed from L1 through timer motor 128, through jumper i137 in thetimer, and through microswitch 138, presumed to be closed, to the contact 141 of the timer.

- When door 45 is closed and locked, microswitch `128 is closed, as mentioned, and a mechanical starting connection to the timer is actuated to advance the timer a sufficient amount to close the timer switch 40a onto the timer contact 1141. A suitable apparatus `for performing this function is shown in United States Patent No. 2,707,- 9611, and forms no direct part of this invention. A rod 139, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 3, is depressed by this mechanism for that purpose. Suffice tc say, that the act of closing and locking the door, together with depressing the proper button of switch 135, will cause timer mot-or 138 to be energized.

Timer 40 is shown as having seven switches or movable blades 40u-4tlg. Switch 40a opens or closes upon contact 141, and las mentioned is in the circuit between LZ and interlock microswitch 133. Switch `4Gb cooperates with contact 142 and controls energizing of the drain valve solenoid 38. Switch 46c is connected through the terminal board 132 to switch 135b. When closed on timer contact 146, switch 411C is in the circuit of the timer advance motor 130. When 40C is closed on contact 144 it is connected through the terminal board to switch 135d. Timer switch Mild is connected through the terminal board to switch 135e when closed on timer contact 114-5, which controls a circuit through advance motor 131); and when closed on contact 146 it is connected to switch |135d. Timer switch 411e can close on contact 147 and is thence connected to the dispenser solenoid 115i, and when 4de engages contact 14S it completes a circuit energizing the heater 160l and the fan motor 1162. A thermostat 163 is in series with the heater unit to avoid overheating thereof. Hot air is circulated by the fan through the interior of the cleansing chamber to dry articles therein.

Timer switch 4W, when engaging contact 149, will complete a circuit through a solenoid .1154 to actuate the rinse agent dispenser .155 which is also mounted in the door 45, as shown PEG. l. This will add a charge of liquid rinsing agent to the rinse water at a predetermined time, to assist in thorough rinsing of the articles 4 and particularly toy prevent spotting of the articles during the subsequent drying process.

When switch 40]c engages contact 150` it will complete a circuit through the solenoid 30 of the ll Valve. Timer switch `40g cooperates with contact `15J; to complete a circuit through pump -motor 20 and its starting relay.

Full Cycle In the full cycle of iopera-tions, as previously mentioned, that button orf switch is depressed which closes the blades 135e and 1l35d. FIG. 2B illustrates the operating sequence of the timer 40 once it has been started, with the individual marks being equivalent in time to forty-five seconds. Preferably, the timer has a ratchet type drive which advances its cams or operating mentbers yonce each fortydive seconds, although of course any equivalent arrangement can be employed. Of course, in order to start the timer motor must be energized, and it must continue to run. This is illustrated by the solid bar in the `first horizontal section of AFIG. 2B, illustrating that switch 40a is made to engage contact 141.` Next, switch 407 engages contact E and completes a circuit through solenoid 30i for ninety seconds, filling the sump of the machine. Halfway through the filling operation switch 40g engages contact 1151 and completes a circuit through the pump motor to operate the pump, causing the liquid to circulate through the spray head and be sprayed over the articles in the machine. Note that the pump continues to yoperate yafter the lill valve has closed by deenergization of solenoid 30 when 401 returns to its open position.

During this time, commencing with opening of the ll valve, the drain valve solenoid 38 is energized to close the drain valve and it is held yclosed for three minutes, as shown in the cycle diagram, the circuit being coinpleted through switch 40b to contact 142. The drain valve solenoid is then deenergized for fortyhve seconds, while the pump continues to operate, and the liquid is drained out, latter which the drain valve is again closed and the iill valve is again opened. The sump is refilled, by holding the -ll valve open for ninety seconds, and the pump continues tot operate with the drain valve now closed for a period of eight minutes, in `other lwords until forty-live seconds past the twelve minute mark. At the beginning of this till, switch `40e engages contact 147 for a forty-dive second period completing a circuit through the dispenser solenoid 115, and causing it to discharge detergent from its upper or closed compartment, as previously described.

The drain valve is then opened for forty-rive seconds and again closed as the sump is `filled again by opening the ll valve solenoid 30, and this process is repeated three tirnes, with the pump motor continuing to run, thus providing three fresh water rinses of the articles. After the third rinse fill, switch `401 engages contact 1419 for an interval to complete a circuit through solenoid :154, discharging a quantity of rinsing agent into the last rinse water which is continuously sprayed over the articles. Immediately thereafter, as solenoid -154 is d'eenergized, the drain valve solenoid 318 is also deenergized by opening of switch 40h and the last rinse water drains from the machine. The pump is `also stopped by opening switch 40g from contact 1511 for one interval, and then this contact is again made for one ,following interval to expel any liquid that rnay remain in the pump or spray head. The pump motor is then stopped and switch 4de engages contact 148 completing the circuit through heater 16d and the fan motor 162, and this circuit is maintained It is sometimes desirable to place a partial load of soiled articles in the chamber, and to keep them there until additional articles are -ready without running the machine through a full cycle. On fthe other hand, it is desirable to rinse the articles initially in order to remove most of the soil lwhich might otherwise harden on the articles. For this purpose the invention provides a [rinselrold cycle which operates as follows.

A separate button, appropriately labeled, is depressed in the switch 135 closing switch blades 1135@ and i135b. This of course completes a circuit through timer motor 128 so long as the interlock switch -1318` is closed, and the timer begins to run The sump is rilled since circuits are completed through 40f150 .and #mb-142 to energize the -ll valve and drain valve solenoids, and the pturnp motor is then started by closing the switch 40g lon contact 151. All circuits but the timer motor circuit are completed through switch 40C and contact .1144, and this is interrupted at the end of four and one-half minutes, as shown in the ninth bar yof FIG. 2B, labeled 40c-144. Then, after a forty-tive second interval switch 40C engages .1|43, completing a circuit through the advance motor `130 which upon being energized drives the timer forward at a much faster rate, requiring only approximately -twenty -seconds to reach a position equivalent to the twenty-four fminute position.

At this time the advance motor circuit is momentarily interrupted and 40e- 144 is completed for forty-live seconds, and of course it will be seen that the only circuit which is completed at this time is through 40g-151 to the pump motor, causing the pump to expel from itself and the rinse head whatever liquid may be retained therein, while the drain valve of course is open since solenoid 38 is deenergized. After a forty-tive second pause, 40C again contacts 143 and the advance motor again operates to move the timer forward at a fast rate, requiring only about an additional twenty seconds to move the timer to within one interval of its completion. Then, 40C-143 opens and the timer advances normally through the last forty-live second interval until 40u-141 opens to end the cycle.

Therefore, when the rinse-hold button is depressed the machine follows this abbreviated cycle, rinsing the articles once and then draining itself, but it should be noted that the timer is advanced completely to the end of its operating cycle and if the machine is again energized this rinsehold cycle can be repeated, or the full cycle can be used subsequently without subtracting any part of the operation of the full cycle.

Utility Cycle The third button of switch 135 will set into operation a utility cycle, and the button is so designated. The purpose is to provide a double wash and triple rinse of food preparing utensils such as pots and pans, spatulas, etc., in other words articles from which heavier food soils may have to be removed. When this button is depressed switch blades 135a and 135C are closed.

The operation of this cycle, for the most part, is identical to the full cycle. However, instructions are given to the user, and it is optional with him, to place a charge of detergent in both pockets 70 and 72 of the dispenser. Thus, the lirs tt or pre-rinse operation can become a rst washing cycle, since detergent will be added to the water circulated at this time.

It will be obvious from inspection of those parts in FIG. 2B, labeled 140d-146 and 40ct-145 that the normal or full cycle is maintained by closing switch 40d on contact 146 to complete a circuit from switch 135C and the power source through the various contacts of the timer during the pre-rinse or first washing operation, the second or main wash, and the three rinsing operations, including injection of rinsing agent during the last rinse.

However, after twenty-nine and one-quarter minutes of operation, in other words after the heater and circulating fan have been energized for a short time (approximately four and one-half minutes) switch 40d opens from contact 1415, and then at the thirtieth minute switch 40d engages contact to complete a circuit through the advance motor 130. This motor immediately advances the timer at a faster rate, requiring about twenty seconds to run the timer to the end of its cycle, at which the machine stops. l

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed'is:

1. In a dishwashing machine having a washing chamber, power driven spray means arranged to spray cleansing liquid over soiled dishes and like articles supported in said chamber, iill control means connected to admit liquid to said chamber, drain control means connected to drain liquid from said chamber, and an electric power driven timer connected to all of said aforementioned means for controlling the sequence of operation thereof to produce a normal cleansing cycle of operation, the improvement comprising a timer advance motor connected to said timer for driving said timer at a speed substantially faster than its normal rate of operation, and manually selectable control circuits including said timer and said advance motor producing an abbreviated cycle of operation in which soiled articles are rinsed preparatory to subsequent cleansing and to return said timer to its starting position thereby making available a full cycle of operation immediately subsequent to said abbreviated cycle.

2. In a dishwashing machine having a washing chamber, power driven spray means arranged to spray cleansing liquid over dishes and like articles supported in said chamber, ll control means connected to admit liquid to said chamber, drain control means connected to drain liquid from said chamber, heater means for heating drying air to be passed over articles in said chamber, an electric power driven timer, and circuits connecting said timer to all of said aforementioned means controlling the sequence of operation thereof providing a normal cleansing cycle including an initial period of rinsing with cleansing liquid, a main washing period with fresh cleansing liquid, at least one rinsing period with fresh cleansing liquid, and a drying period in which heated air is passed over the articles; the improvement comprising a power operated timer advance means connected to drive said timer at a speed substantially faster than its normal rate of operation, and manually selectable control circuits including said timer and said timer advance means altering the normal cycle of operation produced by said timer and producing selected abbreviated cycles of operation in which said timer is advanced rapidly through portions of its normal cycle and is returned to its starting position thereby making available a normal full cycle of operation immediately subsequept to an abbreviated cycle.

3. In a dishwashing machine having walls defining a washing chamber, an electrically controlled ll valve connected to admit cleansing liquid into said chamber, an electrically controlled drain valve for draining liquid from said chamber, motor driven spraying means including v'a pump connected to recirculate liquid from said chamber and a spray head receiving liquid from said pump and directing the liquid over articles placed in said chamber for cleansing, an electrically controlled dispenser for cleansing agent adapted to be mixed with the cleansing liquid during a predetermined portion of the operation of said machine, a motor driven timer having contacts connected in circuit with both said valves and with said motor driven spraying means and with said dispenser to provide a predetermined sequential operation thereof, an advancing drive for said timer connected in circuit therewith, and a manually selectable control included in circuit with said timer advance drive and said timer for References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Stoddard May 11, 1954 Geiger et a1 May 10, 1955 Yeager May 31, 1955 Sharp et a1 June 21, 1955 Low Mar. 4, 1958 Bloom Feb. 3, 1959 Jacobs et a1. Mar. 7, 1961 Lines Dec. 12, 1961 Jacobs May 15, 1962 Jacobs Nov. 13, 1962

Claims

1. IN A DISHWASHING MACHINE HAVING A WASHING CHAMBER, POWER DRIVEN SPRAY MEANS ARRANGED TO SPRAY CLEANSING LIQUID OVER SOILED DISHES AND LIKE ARTICLES SUPPORTED IN SAID CHAMBER, FILL CONTROL MEANS CONNECTED TO ADMIT LIQUID TO SAID CHAMBER, DRAIN CONTROL MEANS CONNECTED TO DRAIN LIQUID FROM SAID CHAMBER, AND AN ELECTRIC POWER DRIVEN TIMER CONNECTED TO ALL OF SAID AFOREMENTIONED MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE SEQUENCE OF OPERATION THEREOF TO PRODUCE A NORMAL CLEANSING CYCLE OF OPERATION, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING A TIMER ADVANCE MOTOR CONNECTED TO SAID TIMER FOR DRIVING SAID TIMER AT A SPEED SUBSTANTIALLY FASTER THAN ITS NORMAL RATE OF OPERATION, AND MANUALLY SELECTABLE CONTROL CIRCUITS INCLUDING SAID TIMER AND SAID ADVANCE MOTOR PRODUCING AN ABBREVIATED CYCLE OF OPERATION IN WHICH SOILED ARTICLES ARE RINSED PREPARATORY TO SUBSEQUENT CLEANSING AND TO RETURN SAID TIMER TO ITS STARTING POSITION THEREBY MAKING AVAILABLE A FULL CYCLE OF OPERATION IMMEDIATELY SUBSEQUENT TO SAID ABBREVIATED CYCLE.