US2278268A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 31, 1942. KEMPTQN 2,278,268

I WASHING APyARATUs Filed Dec. 16, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Z5 Inventor:

' Leslie A. Kempoon,

b dv/ H is Atborne g.

March 31, 1942. L. A. KEMPTON WASHING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 16-, 1940 Inventor-z Leslie A. Kempton, b2 242 M His Abbe -neg,

March 31, 1942.

L. A. KEMPTON WASHING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 16, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor Leslie 'A. Kempton,

' His Attor'he g.

March 31, 1942. L. A. KEMPTON 2,278,268

' WASHING APPARATUS I Filed Dec. 16, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FigJZ.

Inventor: Leslie A. Kempton,

His Attorney.

, driven impeller.

Patented Mar. 31, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WASHING APPARATUS Leslie A. Kemptom'chicago, 11]., assignor to Edison General Electric Appliance Company, Inc., a corporation of New York Application December 16, 1940, Serial No. 370,402

12 Claims.

culated or hurled through the washing chamber or vat by suitable power means such as a motor Provided in such dish-washing apparatus are means for supplying a quantity of washing fluid and means for discharging the fluid at the end of a washing cycle. Also, such washing apparatus is provided with an opening through which articles to be washed may be loaded or unloaded and such opening is closed by a suitable door.

In one of its aspects this invention contemplates the provision of improved means for electrically controlling the 'various elements of a dishwashlng apparatus so that the various steps in a washing operation may be simply and easily produced.

In another aspect this invention contemplates the provision of improved and inexpensive means for insuring that the dishwashing apparatus will not be operated when it is unsafe to do so.

Still another aspect of this invention contemplates the provision .of improved means for electrically controlling the various washing elements, which means is in turn controlled by a condition of the washing apparatus so that it is rendered ineffective Kit is unsafe to operate the apparatus.

Further and more specific aspects of this invention will appear as the following detail description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize this invention will be set forth in the claims appended to and forming a part of this specification.

For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a vertical elevation of a dishwashing apparatus embodying this invention, portions being broken away to show details of the operating mechanism for the apparatus; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation partly broken away and partly in section of the improved control means for electrically con-- trolling the dishwashing apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the lines 3-3 of Fig. 2 and showing additional details of the improved control'means shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical elevation partly in section and partly broken away showing details of the improved door lock and safety device of this invention; Fig. 5 is a plan view showing additional details of the door lock and safety device shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a vertical elevation showing details of the improved control panel and fluid measuring relay of this invention; Figs. 7 through 11 are circuit diagrams showing the electrical connections to the various electrical devices of the washing apparatus shown in Fig. 1 in each position of the improved control means illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical elevation of a dishwashing apparatus showing a modified form of control device applied thereto; Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line 43-43 of Fig. 12 showing structural details of this modified form of control device; and Figs. 14 through 1'7 are circuit diagrams showing the electrical connections tothe various electrical devices of the dishwashing apparatus illustrated in Fig, 1 in each position of the control means illustrated in Fig. 13.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, this invention has been shown applied to a dishwashing apparatus having a vat H] which is supported in a substantially vertical position in an outer casing having side walls H and I2 and a top wall l3 which is provided with a back splasher panel M. The dishwasher vat I0 is of the front opening type and this opening is closed by a door 15 which is movable between an open and a closedposition and is latched in its closed position by means of a latching bar it which is operated by a handle ll provided on the outside of the door. Provided in the center of the door is a suitable ventilating louver l8 In the lower portion of the vat-is an impeller 20 which is provided with blades 2| which may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades be given a shape such that the cleansing fluid supplied to the vat and allowed to accumulate in the lower portion thereof will be thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efficient manner through the supporting racks (not shown). The impeller 20'may be formed of any suitable material.

The bottom portion 22 of the vat is Provided with an opening which is closed by means of a suitable casting (not shown) from which is suspended an electric motor 23 for driving the impeller 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the motor is supported so that the impeller rotates about a substantially vertical axis and it will be understood that the motor shaft will extend upwardly through an aperture provided for it in the casting and will be connected with the impeller 20 in any suitable manner.

Provided in the space in the dishwasher casing below the vat i is a suitable fluid supply pipe 24 which is adapted to be connected to a source of supply of cleansing fluid 25 by means of a coupling 26. For example, if the cleansing fluid be water, the source of supply 25 will be a supply of water, preferably heated. The cleansing fluid will be piped from the bottom of the casing up the back wall of theyat l0 and into the top of the vat by suitable piping (not shown). In order to control the flow of fluid from the source 25 through the pipe 24 and into the vat ID, a valve 21 is provided in the conduit 24. This valve is of the electromagnetically operated type and provided at the top thereof is an energizing coil 28 which is adapted to actuate an armature (not shown) connected to the valve 21 in a manner well understood in the art. The valve 21 is of the normally closed type and is adapted to be moved from its closed to its open position in accordance with the energization of the coil 28.

Also, provided in the lower portion of the dishwashing casing below the vat I0 is a drain pipe 29 which is adapted to be connected through a suitable trap'30 to a drain connection 3|. Provided in the drain pipe 29 is a drain valveelbow I I 32 in which is positioned a normally open valve element (not shown). The drain elbow is'secured by means of suitable bolts 33 to a drain connection 34 leading from the bottom of the vat [6. In order to operate the drain valve electrically there is mounted on .the drain elbow 32 an electroresponsive device 35 which has an armature 36 adapted to be actuated in accordance with the energization of a coil 31. Connected to the armature through a suitable spring connection 38 is a lever 39 which in turn is connected to a shaft 40 which extends through the drain elbow- 32 and to which the valve element (not shown) is rigidly secured. As previously stated, the drain valve is of the normally open type and it is biased to this position by the coil spring 4|. When the coil 31 is energized the armature 36 is retracted so as to rotate the shaft 40 clockwise as viewed in Fig. 1 and move the valve element within the drain elbow to its closed position. The specific details of the above described drain valve mechanism form no part of this invention but are the invention of Edgar S. Stoddard and are fully described and claimed in his copending application Serial No. 380,853, filed February 27, 1941, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Also provided in the lower portion of the dishwasher casing and supported from the bottom of the vat ill by suitable means is a control panel 42 shown in more detail in Fig. 6. This panel is preferably mounted in front of the electric motor 23 so as to be readily accessible from the front of the dishwasher casing. Provided on the panel 42 are a plurality of terminal plates 43 for making electrical connections to the various elecarmature current of the motor.

trical apparatus in the dishwashing apparatus. These terminal plates are riveted to suitable insulating strips 44 which in turn are riveted to the panel 42.- Also mounted on the control panel is a fluid measuring relay which is adapted to measure the quantity of washing fluid supplied to the vat when the drain valve of the washing apparatus is closed.

This fluid measuring relay comprises a relatively stationary contact 45 which is mounted on the bracket 46 which is secured to the insulatin strip 41 riveted to the panel 42. Arranged to cooperate with the stationary contact 45 is a relatively movable contact 48 which is supported on by an abutment 52 provided on a movable rod 53. This rod is adapted to move in a substantially vertical direction in accordance with movement of the armature 54 in response to the energization of an energizing coil 55 of the electroresponsive device 56 secured to the panel by means of screws 51. The rod 53 is biased to its lowermost position by means of a tension spring 58, one end of which is secured to the lower end of the rod and the opposite end of.which is secured to an adjustable screw 59 which is adjustably supported on an angle bracket 60 secured to the panel. The lowermost position of the rod is determined by the setting of an upper abutment 6| which engages an arm 62 secured to the panel control by means of screws 63. Both the upper abutment 6| and the lower abutment 52 are adjustable on the rod 53 so that the movement required of the armature 54 in order to move the contact arm 49 an amount suflicient to open the contacts 45 and 48 may be adjusted. These adjustments make it possible to adjust the fluid measuring relay so.that different quantities of fluid may be supplied to the washing apparatus.

The energizing coil 55 of the electroresponsive device 56 of the fluid measuring relay is adapted to be electrically connected to the motor 23 so that the relay is actuated in accordance with the In this way the quantity of washing fluid supplied to the washing apparatus will be responsive to the load imposed on the electric motor by the rotation of the impeller 20 in the fluid supplied to the washing vat. The:accumulation of fluid in the lower portion of the vat III of course determines the load upon the impeller and obviously fluid can only accumulate in the bottom when the drain valve is closed. It will thus be understood that the fluid measuring relay functions to deenergize the energizing coil 28 of the water inlet electroresponsive device only when the coil 31 of the drain valve electroresponsive device 35 is energized to close the drain valve.

In accordance with this invention improved means are provided for electrically controlling the operation of the various devices of the washing apparatus so as to effect a predetermined washing cycle including both rinsing and wash ing operations. It is contemplated that the control means will include improved means for renratus due to the fact that the door I5 is in its open position.

The improved control means comprises a multiposition switch 64 which is adapted to be mounted on the back of the back splasher panel I4 and operated by a suitable manually operable knob 66 which is mounted on a shaft which extends through the back splasher panel. Provided on the front surface of the panel I4 is an escutcheon plate 66 which is provided with suitable indicia for indicating the various controlling positions of the knob 65. As shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3 the control device comprises a base portion 61, made of some suitable insulating material, upon which are provided a plurality of terminals 69, 69,'and 19 which are adapted to be connected to one side of the line to a suitable source of supply (not shown) and a plurality of terminals II-I5 which are adapted to be connected to the various electrical devices in the manner described below. The two line terminals 68 and 69 are substantially L-s'haped in construction and each is provided with a pair of contact buttons, thev line terminal 68 being provided with contact buttons 16 and I1 and the line terminal 69 being provided with contact buttons 18 and I9. These two line terminals are electrically interconnected by the short-circuiting plate 99. The line terminal I9 on the other hand is substantially rectangular in shape and is provided with a single contact button 8|. Projecting downwardly from the load terminals I I-'I5 and riveted to the base member 61 are a plurality of flexible contact arms 82-86 each of which is provided with a contact button which cooperates with the adjacent contact button provided on the line terminals so as to perform electric circuit controlling functions. Arranged to operate each of the movable contact arms from their normally open circuit controlling position shown in Fig. 3 to the closed circuit controlling position are a plurality of operating pins 8I9I which extend through the base member 61 and are adapted to be actuated in accordance with the movement of a cam 92 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 93 journaled in the base member. The cam 92 is provided with a plurality of radially spaced-arouate depressions orv grooves 94-98 which are arranged to engage the respective contact pins 8'|9I so as to cause these pins to move the contact arms 82B6 to their proper circuit controlling positions at the proper time. It will be observed that the arcuate depressions 96 and 91 comprise a pair of circumferentially spaced depressions, whereas the remaining depressions are one continuous groove. When the cam is rotated the pins will move in their respective depressions but at the proper interval each pin will be moved out of its retracted position and to the right, as shown in Fig. 3, to cause its respective contact arm to perform its circuit controlling function.

The cam member 92 is enclosed by a suitable casing 99, which is secured to the base 61 by means of a pair of screws I99. Provided within the casing 99 and extending across the top surface of the cam member 92 is a pair of spring members I9I. Lying between these spring members so as to be engaged thereby is a pentagonal indexing member I92 which is suitably secured to the shaft 93. When the shaft is rotated, the indexing member will snap from one indexing position to its next indexing position and at the same time the cam member will be rotated through an angle of substantially 72 degrees so that the cam pins will move into or out of their respective cam grooves to perform the various circuit controlling functions discussed more fully with a casing I94 of some suitable insulating material which is supported below the top wall I3 of the dishwasher casing by means of a pair of bolts I95. Provided within the insulating casing is a fixed contact member I96 and a mov able contact member I9'I which is secured to a relatively movable contact arm I99. Also, pivotally mounted within the casing I94 is a cam member I99 having an abutment which is adapted to engage the movable contact armso as to move the contacts I96 and I9! into engagement. One portion of this cam member is adapted to project outwardly beyond the outer edge of the switch housing, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and a coil spring member H9 is provided for biasing the cam member to this position. This outwardly projecting portion of the cam member I99 is adapted to be engaged by the surface of the latching bar I6 which is secured to the shaft III which extends through the door I5 and is operated by the handle II. The latching bar I6 is adapted to move behind a U-shaped latch plate H2 to latch the door I5 in its closed position. When the latching bar I9 is moved to this latching position, it engages the projecting edge of the cam I99 and causes it to move counterclockwise so that the contacts I96 and I9! are moved to their closed circuit position. Conversely, when the latching bar I6 is in its nonlatching position. shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, the contacts I96 and I9I.of the switch I93 are open. In order to prevent movement of the latching bar in a clockwise direction beyond its latching position there is provided a stop H3 which is supported.

door I5.

In accordance with this invention the switch I93 is electrically connected in series, as shown in Figs. 7 through 11, with the main controlling device shown in Fig. 2. In order to effect these electrical connections this switch I93 is provided with suitable terminal members H5 and H6. With the switch I93 thus connected to the main circuit controlling switch it assumes a master controlling function and if the contacts I96 and I97 are in their open circuit position, meaning that the door is either open or not properly latched closed, the circuit to the main controlling switch will be open so that all ,of the electrical devices of the washing apparatus will be deenergized. Thus the switch I93 is a safety switch which insures that the electrical devices will not k be operated if it is unsafe to do so.

- with this invention I have provided in my improved multiposition control switch one position in which the switch I03 will be shunted so that I the door l5 can be opened for a stated purpose without deenergizing the drain valve energizing coil 31. This particular cooperation between the switch I03 and the improved multiposition switch of this invention will appear more clearly from a discussion of the various operating positions of the multiposition switch.

In Figs. 7 through 11 I have illustrated schematically the various circuits produced in each position of the multiposition control switch. The electrical connections illustrated have been somewhat simplified but it will be understood that in making the electrical connections shown, the various terminal plates 43 shown on the control panel 42 illustrated in Fig. 6 will be employed. Referring to these figures, it will be observed that one side of the line II1 is connected through the contacts I06 and I01 of switch I03 to the line terminals 68 and 69 of the multiposition switch. It will alsobe observed that the contacts I06 and I01 of the switch I03 are shunted by means of the lead II8 from the line II1 to the line terminal 10 of the multiposition switch. Considering the load terminals, it will be observed that the load terminal H is connected to one end of the energizing coil 31 for. the drain valve electroresponsive device 35, the opposite end of the coil 31 being connected to the opposite side II9 of the line. The load terminal 12 is connected to one end of the energizing coil 55 for the fluid measuring relay through the lead I20, the opposite end .of this coil being connected through the lead I2I and through the motor winding I22 to the line H9. The load terminal 13 is connected to one side of the energizing coil 28 for the inlet valve electroresponsive means, the opposite end of this coil being connected through the lead I23 to the switch arm 49 to which is secured the contact and the cooperating fixed contact 48 is connected by lead I24 to the line H9. The load terminal 14 is connected by lead I25 to the motor lead I2I so that it forms a shunt for the coil of the fluid measuring relay. Finally, the load terminal 15 is connected by a lead I26 to one side of the drain valve energizing coil 31 so that this coil may be energized irrespective of the position of the door switch as will be described. hereinafter. energized in each position of the multiposition switch have been shown in heavy lines.

In the position shown in Fig. 7, all of the switch arms 82 through 86 of the multiposition control switch are in their normally open position and hence all of the electrical devices of the washing apparatus are deenergized. Also, as

shown in this figure the contacts I06 and I01 of the switch I03 are open which indicates that the door I5 of the dishwashing apparatus is open in order that dishes may be loaded thereinto.

After the dishwashing apparatus has been loaded, the door I5 will be moved to its closed position and the latching bar I6 will be moved to its latching position. This causes the cam member I09 .of the switch I03 to be pivoted coun- In each of the figures 7-11 the circuits,

terclockwise as viewed in Fig. 5 so that the con- 90 which control the operation of the arms 84 and respectively will move out of their respective depressions 98 and 81 in the cam surface so that the arms 84 and 85 are moved from their normally open circuit controlling position to their closed circuit position. The position of the remaining arms 82, 83, and 86 is unchanged, however, due to the fact that their respective actuating pins 81, 88, and 9I remain in their retracted position in the depressions 94, 95, and 98 respectively. With the contact arm 84 in its closed circuit position, the inlet valve operating coil 28 will be energized through a circuit which may be traced as follows: Line II1, contacts I06 and I01, contact arm I08, line terminal 69, contact arm 84, the load terminal 13', coil 28, switch arm 49, contacts 45 and 48, lead I24, to the other side II9 of the line. With the contact arm 85 in its closed circuit position, the motor 23 will be energized through a circuit which comprises the line II1, the contacts I06 and I01, the line terminal 69, the contact arm 85, the load terminal 14, the lead I25, the motor winding I22, to the opposite side of the line II9. In this position of the multiposition switch the fluid inlet valve is open, the motor 23 is operating, and the drain valve operating coil 31 is deenergized and hence in its normally open position. Thus the dishwashing apparatus is conditioned for rinsing operation. It will be observed that the energy supplied to both of the electrical devices energized is directly controlled by the contacts I06 and I01 of the switch I03 and if the door latch should be moved to its unlatching position, the fluid inlet valve operating coil 28 and the motor 23 will be deenergized and hence access to the interior of the washing vat while these two devices are operating is prevented. It will be further observed that in this position of the control switch the energizing coil for the fluid measuring relay is directly shunted by the movement of the contact arm 85 to its circuit closing position and the maintaining of the contact arm 83 in its open position.

In Fig. 9 is shown the next succeeding position of the multiposition control switch and corresponds to the rotation of the control cam 92 through about 144 degrees from its initial position. In this position, the contact pins 89 and 90 for the contact arms 84 and 85 retract into their operating depressions 96 and 91 on the cam 92 so that the contact arms 84 and 85 return to their normally open circuit position, thereby deenergizing the motor and the fluid inlet valve. No change takes place in the position of the contact arms 82 and 83 since the pins for these arms are maintained in engagement with their operating depressions. However, the pin 9| which actuates the contact arm 86 is moved out of the depression 98 so that the contact arm 86 is moved to the closed circuit position. This movement has two eiIects. In the first place, the door switch I03 is shunted and in the second place, the coil 31 for the drain valve operating device is energized through the following circuit: the line II1, the lead I I8, the line terminal 10, contact arm 86, the load terminal 15, the lead I26, the coil 31 to the opposite side N9 of the line. In this position it will be observed that the contacts I06 and I01 of the door switch I03 may be moved to their open position (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9) without effecting the energization of the drain valve coil 31. This is the one position of the multi-position control switch in which the switch operated by the latching bar I6 does not Y amazes position the door I can be safely opened as the motor 28 and the fluid inlet valve operating coil are deenergized.

In Fig. is shown the next succeeding posi-' tion of the multiposition control device. This position corresponds'to movement of the cam disk through an angle of substantially 12 degrees from the position shown in Fig. 9 and through an angle of substantially 216 .degrees from the position shown in Fig. 7. In moving to this positionthe pins 81, 88 and 80 move out of their respective recesses on the cam surface so that the contact arms 82, 83, and 85 are moved down- .wardly into their closed position. No change takes place in the position of the pin 89 so that the position of the contact arm 84 remains unchanged and the contacts controlled thereby are open. The pin III on the other hand moves into its corresponding recess 98 so that the contact arm 86 returns to its normally open position.

In this position-of the contact' arms the drain valve is energized through a circuit which may be traced as follows: line II1, contacts I08 and I01, line terminal 68, contact arm 82, energizing coil 31, to the other side H8 of the line. Moreover, the energizing coil for the fluid measuring relay is connected-in series with the energizing coil for the motor 23 through a circuit which may be traced as follows: the line II1 through switch contacts I06 and I01, 'contact arm I08, line terminal 68, contact arm 83, load terminal 12, lead I20, fluid measuring energizing coil 55, lead I2I, motor winding I22, and then back to the other side I I9 of the line. However, in this position of the multiposition switch the fluid measuring relay coil 55 is shunted so that the coil will not be tripped by the initial high inrush of current 'during the starting of the motor 23. This shunt circuit may be traced as follows: line II1, switch contacts I06 and I01, contact arm I08, line terminal 89, contact arm 85, lead I25, lead I2I, motor winding I22, and then to the other side I III of the line. Since the fluid measuring relay is shunted in this position'of the multiposition switch to permit the motor to get up to its operating speed without tripping the fluid measuring relay, this position is'termed the motor starting position. It isto be observed that in this position the contacts I06 and I01 of the switch I03 again assume control of all of the electrical devices of the washing apparatus and should the door latch be turned from its latching position to its nonlatching position, or should the latch not be properly positioned upon the closing of the door, the contacts I06 and I01 will be open and none of the energizing functions of the multiposition switch described above will be produced.

Fig. 11 shows the last position of the multiposition switch. This position corresponds to movement of the cam member through an angle of substantially 72 degrees from the position shown in Fig. 10 or substantially 288 degrees from the position shown in Fig. '7. In moving to this position the pin 89 for the contact arm 84 is moved out of its recess 96. and downwardly so that the contact arm 84 is moved to its closed circuit position. This. has the effect of energizing the fluid inlet coil 28 through the same cir-= cuit as that which was traced when the control device was in the position shown in Fig. 8. Also, in moving to this position the pin 90 moves into 75 its corresponding recess 81 so that the contact arm is moved to its open circuit position. This has the effect of removing the shunt previously provided for the fluid measuring relay coil 55. Finally, in moving to this position, no change takes place in the position of contact arms 82,

83. and 86 and hence the contact arm 82 remains in its closed circuit position so that the drain valve energizing coil 31 is energized; the contact arm 83 remains in its closed circuit position so that the fluid measuring relay energizing coil 55 is conditioned to be responsive to the, armature current of the motor 23 and the safety switch shunting switch arm 86 remains in its open circuit position so that in the switch contacts I06 and I01 continue to assume control of all of the electrical devices. In view of the last mentioned condition it will be obvious that if the door latch l8 should be moved to its nonlatching position, causing the contacts I06 and I01 to be opened, all of the electrical devices energized in this position of the multipositionswitch will be deenergized. The position" of the control switch shown in Fig. 11 produces the wash operation in the d-ishwashing cycle. The initial position of the water measuring relay during this wash operation is shown in full lines in Fig. 11. In'this position the fluid measuring relay is energized, but has riot as yet picked up.

49 is engaged by the abutment 52 and the contact 48 is moved away from the contact 45, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 11. This opens the circuit to the fluid inlet valve coil 28 and causes the fluid inlet valve to return to its normally closed position. With the proper amount of fluid accumulated in the vat, the washing operation of the cycle will continue for as long as as is desired.

It will be observed that in the operation of my improved multiposition switch from the detergent adding position shown in Fig. 9, through the wash position shown in Fig. 11, the drain valve operating coil is continuously energized so that larly true of the movement of the control from the position shown in Fig. -9 to the position shown in Fig. 10 in which the control of the energization of the drain valve coil 31 is shifted from the contact arm 86, to the contact arm 82. In the design of the cam surface 82, a slight overlap is provided between'the actuating portion of the cam surface for the pin 9| and the actuating portion of the cam surface for the pin 81, so that the contact arm 82 is moved to its closed position before the arm 86 is moved to its open position.

It is to be particularly observed that in the form of this invention described above the switch I03 i s connected in series with the main multiposition control switch and assumes the function of a master control switch which prevents the normal energizing function of the multiposition switch or simultaneously deenergizes any of the electrical devices energized from the multiposition switch if the door of the dishwasher is unlatched or open. However, it is to be observed tions I36 by the spring member I38 so that the cam member will be positively held in each of its selective positions.

In this modified form of my invention the multi-position switch has only three operating positions; namely, an 011" position, a rinse" position, and a wash" position. In each of these operating positions the door operated switch member I03 is connected in series with the multiposition switch so that it assumes master control. Therefore, irrespective of the position of the multiposition switch, with of course the exception of the off position, the latching bar for the door its primary aspect this reduction in cost and simplification has been efiected by reducing the number of controlling positions of a multiposition control device. In particular, the detergent adding position of the control device shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is eliminated and by eliminating this position it is possible to eliminate the motor starting position for the control device can be shifted directly from its rinse position to its wash position. Since the motor is already running in the rinse position the water measuring relay will not trip prematurely when the control device is moved to the wash" position. In considering the modification shown in Figs. 12 through 17, it will be understood that the dishwashing apparatus is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and any departures from the construction shown in Fig. 1 will be specifically pointed out.

As shown in Fig. 12, the dishwashing apparatus is adapted to be controlled by multiposition switch I21-which is supported in the mullion Ila on the left-hand side of the door I5 of the dishwasher by means of suitable screws I21a. As in the case of the form of this invention shown in Figs. 1 through 11, the multiposition switch I21 will be electrically connected in series with a safety switch of the type shown in Figs. 4 and 5 so that the controlling function of the switch I21 may be rendered inefiective if it is unsafe to operate the dishwashing apparatus. Also, as in the case of the first form of my invention, the safety switch will be mounted adjacent the door latching member so that it is actuated to its closed position when the latch is in its latching position.

The details of construction of the modified form of control switch are clearly illustrated in Fig. 13. Referring to this figure it will be observed that the switch comprises a supporting frame I28 upon which is mounted an insulating plate I29 which supports a plurality of stationary contact members I30. Cooperating with the stationary contact members are a plurality of movable contact members I3I which are supported on a plurality of movable contact arms I32 which in the specific form illustrated are three in number.

These arms are made of suitable resilient material so that the contacts I30 and I3I are biased to their closed circuit position. The arms are held in their open circuit position shown in Fig. 13 by means of a'cam member I33 having a plurality of abutments I34 each of which is effective to operate a respective contact arm. This cam member I33 is provided with a handle portion I35 which is adapted to project outwardly through the corner mullion Ila of the dishwasher so as to be operable from the exterior of the apparatus. Provided on the cam member I33 on the side opposite that which contains the contact arm operating surfaces are a plurality of undulations I36 which are adapted to be engaged by the indexing roller I31 which is biased into the undulacannot be moved to its nonlatching position without deenergizing the electrical devices then energized.

Figs. 14 through 17 show in detail the various electrical devices of the washing apparatus which are energized in each position of the multiposition control switch. Similar reference numerals have been employed to indicate the various devices and leads as were employed in Figs. 7-11. Fig. 14 shows the off position of the control switch. This corresponds to the position when the projecting knob portion I35 of the cam member I33 is in its lowermost position with respect to the dishwasher casing, as shown in Fig. 12. In this position the contact arms I32 are in engagement with their respective abutments I34 on the cam so that they are in their open circuit position and all of the electrical devices are deenergized.

Fig. 15 shows the rinse position of the multiposition switch. This corresponds to movement of the knob portion I35 upwardly as viewed in Fig. 12 so that it projects substantially normal to the surface of the dishwasher casing. In this position the contact arms I32a and I32c are moved off their respective abutments I34a and I340 so that the contacts controlled thereby are closed but the contact arm I32b is moved off the abutment I34b and onto the abutment I34a so that the contacts controlled thereby are open. With the contact arm 132a in its circuit closing position, the fluid inlet valve coil 28 is energized through a circuit which may be traced as follows: line II1, contact arm I08, latch operated safety switch contacts I06 and I01, lead I39, contact arm I32a, lead I20, contact arm 49, fluid measuring relay switch contacts 45 and 48, lead I23, inlet coil 28, to the opposite side IIS of the line. It will be observed also that in this position the fluid measuring relay coil 55 is connected in series with the motor armature so it may be aifected by the armature current of the motor 23. However, with the contact arm I32c in its closed circuit position, the fluid measuring relay coil is shunted by a circuit which may be traced as follows: line I I1, contact arm I08, switch contacts I06 and I01, lead I39, contact arm I320, lead I25, lead I2I, to the motor winding I22 and thence to the opposite side II9 of the line. Of course with the coil 55 thus shunted, the motor 23 cancome up to speed without tripping the fluid measuring relay. It is to be observed from the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 15 that if for any reason the switch contacts I06 and I01 are opened, the electrical devices then energized will be immediately and simultaneously deenergized.

Figs. 16 and 17 show the "wash position of the multiposition switch. This position corresponds to the movement of the operating handle I35 upwardly to its uppermost position with respect to the dishwasher casing. In this position the contact arm I32a is maintained in its closed circuit position maintaining the energize.- tion of the water inlet valve coil 28, whereas the contact arm l32c is engaged by the abutment l34a so that it is moved to its open circuit position. At the same time contact arm l32b moves off abutment I340. so that the contacts controlled thereby are closed. With the movement of the contact arm- I321) to its closed circuit position the drain valve operating coil 31 is energized and the drain valve thereby closed. The energizing circuit for the coil 31 may be traced as follows: line Hl, contact arm I08, switch contacts I06 and I01, lead I39, contact arm l32b, lead I40, coil 31, to the other side N9 of the line. With the contact arm I320 moved to its open circuit position and the contact arm |32a still closed, the shunt on the fluid measuring relay coil 55 is removed and the coil becomes responsive to the armature current of the motor. Since in moving from Fig. to Fig. 16 no change takes place in the position of the contact arm I32a there will be no interruption in the operation of-the motor 23 even though arm I320 is moved to the open position. With the drain valve closed, fluid will accumulate in the vat l0 (Fig. 1) and after a predetermined accumulation the load on the motor 23 will increase to such a value that the armature 54 will be picked up and moved to theposition indicated schematically in Fig. 17. In this position the contacts tion switch so that the latter will be rendered I ineflective to perform its circuit energizing function if the door latch is not properly positioned for safeoperation of the dishwashing apparatus.

When the dishes have been washed the operating knob I35 will be moved to its downwardly projecting position so that the dishwashing motor and drain valve are deenergized.

From the foregoing it will be observed that there has been provided new and improved dishwashing apparatus which may be readily and safely controlled so as to produce a proper sequence of operation in a dishwashing cycle. It is to be particularly observed that there is provided new and improved means for insuring thatthe dishwashing apparatus will be operated only when it is safe to do so. Moreover, there is provided in accordance with this invention new and improved dishwashing apparatus which may be readily and safely controlled so as to produce a proper sequence of operation in a dishwashing cycle. There is also provided in accordance with this invention new and improved means which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble and easy to operate for controlling operations of the various electrical devices of a,

dishwashing apparatus.

-Wha t I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat; fluid circulating means in said vat; an electric motor for driving said fluid circulating means; a fluid supply conduit for said vat; a normally closed inlet valve for controlling said conduit; inlet valve electroresponsive means for controlling said inlet valve; a fluid measuring relay for controlling the deenergization of said inlet valve electroresponsive means comprising a switch electrically connected in series with said electroresponsive means, and a solenoid for operating said switch in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of said motor; a drain conduit for said vat; a normally open valve controlling said drain conduit; drain valve electroresponsive means for controlling said drain valve; and a multiposition control switch for selectively controlling the energization of said fluid measuring relay, said inlet valve electroresponsive means, said drain valve electroresponsive While two embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and particularly described, it'

pended' claims all such modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

means and said motor; said control device having one position in which said fluid measuring relay is shunted; said motor means and said inlet valve electroresponsive means are energized, and'said fluid measuring relay means is shunted, said motor is energized, and said inlet valve electr0responsive means is deenergized; a fourth position in which said drain valve electroresponsive means and said inlet valve electroresponsive means are energized and said motor is energized through said solenoid of said fluid measuring relay so that when the armature current of said motor reaches a predetermined value corresponding to a predetermined quantity of fluid in said vat said solenoid is picked up to actuate said switch associated therewith to deenergize said inlet valve electroresponsive means; and a fifth position in which all of said electrical means are deenergized.

2. A dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, an electric motor for driving said fluid circulating means, a normally closed fluid supply valve.

for said vat, electroresponsive means for controlling said supply valve, a fluid measuring relay for controlling the deenergizati-on of 7 said supply valve electroresponsive means comprising a switch electrically connected in series with said electroresponsive means, and a solenoid for operating said switch in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of said motor, a normally open drain valve for said'vat, electroresponsive means for controlling said drain valve, a plurality of switch members for controlling the energization of said supply valve electroresponsive means, said fluid measuring relay, said drain valve electroresponsive means, and said motor, a single cam member for controlling the operation of said switch means, said cam having one position in which all of said switch means are in the open circuit position, a second position in which the switch means for said electric motor and said supply valve electroresponsive means are closed so that these devices are energized and the remaining switch means are open so that said drain valve electroresponsive means is deenergized and said fluid measuring relay is shunted, a third position in which said switch means for said drain valve electroresponsive means are closed so that said drain valve is energized and the remaining switch means are open, a fourth position in which said switch means for said drain valve electroresponsive means and said electric motor are closed and the remainder of said switch means are opened, and a flfth position in which said switch means for said drain valve electroresponsive means and said supply valve electroresponsive means are closed so that these devices are energized and the remaining switch means are actuated so that said motor is energized through said fluid measuring relay whereby the solenoid of this relay is affected by the armature current of said motor and after said armature current reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined quantity of fluid in said vat said solenoid will pick up and deenergize said supply valve electroresponsive means, and means on said cam for maintaining said drain valve electroresponsive means continuously energized when said cam is moved from its third position to its fourth or fifth position.

3. A dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat having an opening therein, a door for closing said opening, fluid circulating means in said vat, an electric motor for driving said fluid circulating means, a fluid supply conduit for said vat, a normally closed valve for controlling said conduit, electroresponsive means for controlling said inlet valve, a fluid measuring relay for controlling the deenergization of said inlet valve electroresponsive means comprising a switch electrically connected in series with said electroresponsive means and a solenoid for operating said switch in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of said motor, a drain conduit for said vat, a normally open valve controlling said drain conduit, electroresponsive means for controlling said drain valve, a multiposition control device for selectively connecting to a common energizing circuit said fluid measuring relay, said valve operating electroresponsive means, and said motor to cause these devices to operate in a predetermined sequence to form a series of operations in a 'washing cycle, and switch means responsive to movement of said door to its open position for disabling said energizing circuit to render ineifective the energizing function of said multiposition switch.

4. In a dishwashing apparatus, a vat adapted to receive dishes to be washed; a door for said vat; a fluid inlet for said vat; electroresponsive means for controlling said fluid inlet; a fluid outlet for said vat; electroresponsive means for controlling said fluid outlet; an impeller within said vat for circulating fluid contained therein; electric motor means for operating said impeller, electroresponsive means arranged in series with said motor means for controlling the operation of said electroresponsive water inlet controlling means in accordance with the load on said motor means; control means for selectively operating said electroresponsive water inlet means, said electroresponsive water discharge means, and said motor means; a second control means con-' nected in series with said first-mentioned control means and operable to deenergize said motor means; said electroresponsive water inlet means, and said electroresponsive water discharge means irrespective of the position of said first 1r entioned control means; and means for operating said second mentioned control means in accordance with movement of said door for said vat so that when said door is open said second control means will be in the open circuit position to perform said deenergizing function.

5. In a dishwashing apparatus; a vat adapted to receive dishes to be washed, a door for said vat; electroresponsive inlet valve means for controlling the flow of fluid to said vat; electroresponsive drain valve means for controlling the flow of fluid from said vat; an impeller in said vat for circulating the water contained therein when said drain valve is closed; electric motor means for actuating said impeller; a multiposl- ,valve means, said electroresponsive drain valve means, and said electric motor means are energized; and a third position in which all of said means are deenergized; a second control device connected in series with said first mentioned "control device having an open circuit position and a closed circuit position, and means for operating said second mentioned control device from said closed circuit position to said open circuit position in accordance with movement of said door from its closed to its open position so that when said door is in its open position the circuits to said inlet valve means, said drain valve means; and said motor means through said multiposition control switch are completely deenergized.

6. A dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a door for said vat movable between an open and a closed position, means for latching said door in its closed position, a fluid circulating impeller in said vat, electric motor means for driving said impeller, fluid supply and drain valves for said vat, electroresponsive means for operating said valves, a control device for selectively controlling the operation of said motor means and said electroresponsive valve operating means so that said means perform a series of sequential operations in a washing cycle, a second control device connected cordance with the movement of said latch means from its latching to its nonlatching position so that when said door is in its open position said electrical means are deenergized.

7. In a dishwashing apparatus a vat; a door for said vat adapted to be moved between an open and closed position; a latch for latching said door in its closed position; electrically operated means for supplying a washing fluid to said vat; electrically operated means for draining said washing fluid from said vat; means for circulating said fluid in said vat; electric motor means for operating said circulating means; a control device mounted adjacent a portion of said latch means for simultaneously controlling the deenergization of said supply means, said drain means, and said electric motor means; means mechanically connecting said control device and said latch means so that when said latch means is moved to its nonlatching position preparatory to opening said door said control device is moved to its open circuit position to simultaneously deenergize all of said electrical apparatus, and a multi-- position switch electrically connected in series with said first mentioned control device for selectively energizing said supply means, said drain means, and saidmotor means to perform a series of operations in a washing cycle when said first mentioned controldevice is in its closed circuit position. I

8. A washing appartaus comprising a-vat having an opening therein, a door for closing said opening and movable. between an open and closed position, electrically actuated operating devices associated with said vat so as to perform washing operations, a control device for controlling the energization of all of said electrically actuated operating devices, means for actuating said control device in accordance with themovement of said door so that it is actuated to deenergize said electrically actuated devices when said door is moved from its closed position to its open position, and a multiposition control device for selectively controlling the energization of said electrically actuated devices when said first mentionedcontrol device is in its closed circuit position, and .means in said multiposition control device for shunting said first mentioned control device when said multiposition control device is in one of its selective positions so that said door may be moved to its open position without deenergizing said electrical devices then energized.

9. A washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to receive articles to be washed, an openingin said vat, a door for closing said opening, electrically actuated devices associated with said vat to perform a washing function comprising a water inlet valve, a drain valve, and water distributin'g means, a control device for controlling the energization of all of said electrically actuated devices, means 'for moving said control device to the closed circuit position in accordance with the movement of said door to its closed position, a second control device for selectively controlling the energization of said electrically actualted device to produce different operations in a. washing cycle, said second mentioned control device having one controlling position in which only said electrically actuated drain valve is energized, and means insaid second mentioned control device for shunting said first mentioned control device when said second mentioned control device is in said one position so that said door may be moved to an open position without deenergizing said electrically actuated drain valve.

10. A dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a door for said vat movable between'an open and a closed position, means for latching said door in its closed position, a fluid circulating impeller in said vat, electric motormeans for driving said impeller, fluid supply and drain valves for said 'vat, electromagnetic means for operating said valves, a multiposition control device for selectively controlling the operation of said motor means and said electromagnetic valve operating means so that said means perform a plurality of operations in a washing cycle, a second mentioned control device connected in series with said first.

mentioned control device for simultaneously deenergizing said electrical apparatus selectively energized by said first mentioned control device, means for operating said second mentioned con-, trol device in accordance with movement of said latch means from its latching to its nonlatching position so that when said latch means is moved to its nonlatching position and said door of said trol device functions to deenergize said electrical apparatus, and means on said first mentioned control device operable in one of its selective positions to shunt said second mentioned control device so that said latch means may be moved to its nonlatching position and said door opened without deenergizing the electrical apparatus energized in said position of saidflrst mentioned control device.

11. In a dishwashing apparatus a vat having an opening therein: a door for closing said opening; latch means:for latching said door in a closed position; electrically actuated devices for performing washing operations comprising fluid inlet valve means, drain valve means, and motor driven water circulating means; a control device for simultaneously deenergizing all of said electrically actuated devices; means mechanically connecting said control device to said latch means so that when said latch means is moved to its nonlatching position said control device is moved to its open circuit position to deenergize said electrically actuated devices, a second control device electrically connected in series with said first mentioned control device for separately and selectively controlling the devices comprising said electrically actuated devices to perform a series of operations in the washing cycle when said first mentioned control device is moved to its closed circuit position in accordance with the movement of said latching means to its latching position, and means on said second mentioned control device operable to shunt said first mentioned control device when said second mentioned inlet valve means for controlling the flow of fluid to said vat; electroresponsive drain valve means for controlling the flow of fluid from said vat; means for circulating the fluid in said vat so as to perform a washing function; electric motor means outside said vat for operating said circulating means; fluid measuring relay means responsive to a load condition of said motor for denergizing said inlet valve means when a predetermined quantity of fluid is supplied to said vat, a control switch for simultaneously deenergizing said inlet valve means, said drain valve means, and said motor means; means for controlling the operation of said control switch in accordance with the movement of said latch means from its latching to its nonlatching position so that the simultaneous deenergization of said means is effected when said door is open; and a multiposition switch for selectively controlling the energization of said water inlet valve means,

energized a Detergent Adding position in which said drain valve means is energized, said inlet valve means and said motor means are deener-. gized, and said control switch is shunted so that dishwasher is open said second mentioned consaid latch means may be moved to the nonlatching position to open said door without efiecting the energization of said drain valve means;1a

measuring relay means so that after a predetermined ioad is impressed on said motor means by the accumulation of fluid in said receptacle, said relay means are actuated to deenergize said fluid inlet valve means, and an "01! position in which 6 all of said means are deenergized.

LESLIE A. KEMPTON.

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