US2425620A - Dishwashing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Allg. l2, 1947. A, KEMP-TON 2,425,620

DISHWASHING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 5, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l TriggA 25 inventor' Leslie A. Kampina@ H is Abtvmeg Aug. 12, 1947. A. KEMPTON DISHWASHING APPARATUS Filed Deo.

5, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 n a O :t l .P n um w Un WA S e L m /wm \-./Jmn

amr

aa a/ K Aug 12, 1947- L. A. KEMPTON DISHWASHING APPARATUS Filed Deo. 5, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 m. A@ t. n IP Mr .wm Mb e t K t VA. A .me M@ H H e L UH b 49ml Patented Aug. l2, 1947 DISHWASHING APPARATUS Leslie A. Kempton, Chicago, lll., alsignor to'lotpoint Ine., a corporation of New York Application December 5, 1941, Serial No. 421,'188

12 Claims.

1 This invention relates to washing apparatus, more particularly to dishwashing apparatus, and it has for its object the provision of improved apparatus of this character which is automatic in its operation, and can be safely and easily` or vat by suitable power means, such as a motor driven impeller. Provided in such dishwashing apparatus are means for supplying a quantity of washing fluid to the vat and means for discharging the iiuid at the end of a washing cycle. Also, such washing apparatus is provided with an opening in the vat through which articles to be washed may be loaded or unloaded and such opening is closed by a suitable door.

And more particularly, this invention relates to improvements in the washing apparatus described and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 370,402, filed December 16, 1940, now Patent No. 2,278,268, patented March 31, 1946, and assigned to the same assignee as this invention; and it has as a more specific object the provision of improved control means which operate this apparatus in a timed cycle in which the dishes are'washed, rinsed, and dried for predetermined periods of time. The control means is under the control of a simple manually operable member such as single push button which when depressed starts the timed cycle. The control means functions to complete the cycle after the button has been depressed. Moreover, suitable means operate responsively to the operation of the push button for rendering the push button ineffective to interfere with the operation of the apparatus in carrying out the timed cycle after the button has been depressed and released. That is, once the apparatus has been started by the button, the apparatus will function to complete the entire cycle even though the push button be subsequently operated.

This invention further contemplates the provision of improved means for stopping the timed washing .cycle instantaneously responsively to a certain condition of the washing apparatus, and for restoring the control to its initial condition, whereby the apparatus is in condition to be oper- 2 ated to start the complete cycle over again by operating the single push button.

More speciiically, in one form of this invention, the cycle is stopped and reconditioned for a repeat operation by opening the door for the vat. This may be done intentionally in order to insert more utensils to the vat, or it may be done accidentally. In any case, the opening of the door stops the washing cycle at once and resets it for a repeat operation.

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 front elevation of a control panel used in the control of the dishwashing apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the panel shown in Fig. 2 and showing certain timing mechanism for controlling the apparatus' of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the control panel of Fig. 2 Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical elevation partly in section and partly broken away showing details of a door lock and safety device in the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a plan view partly in section and partly broken away showing additional details of the door lock and safety device shown in Fig. 5; Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 11 are sectional views of the timing mechanism taken through the lines 1 1, 8-8, 9 9, and lI-H of Fig. 4 and looking in the directions of the arrows associated with these lines respectively; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional View of the timing mechanism taken through the line l0-I0 of Fig. 7 and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 12 is a vertical elevation of the timing mechanism, parts being broken away so as to illustrate certain details of construction; and Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical connections between certain of the controlling elements of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, this invention has been shown as applied to a dishwashing apparatus which has in general the construction described in my above-mentioned patent. As shown, it has a vat l0 which is supported in a substantially vertical position in an outer casing having side walls Il and I2 and a top wall i3 which is provided with a back splasher panel I4. The dishwasher vat I0 is of the front openingtype and this opening is closed by a door i5 which is hinged at its lower edge to move between a lower open and an upper closed position, and is latched.in its closed posi- 3 tion by means of a latching bar I8 which is operated by a handle I1 provided on the outside of the door. Provided in the center of the door is a suitable ventilating louver i5; and provided near the upper left-hand corner of the door is a suitable detergent supplying means I8 which is preferably of the type described and claimed in the copending application of Edgar S. Stoddard, Serial No. 369,974, flledDecember 13, 1940, now

Patent No. 2,276,806, patented Mar. 17, 1942, and.

assigned to the assignee of the present invention. It will be imderstood that suitable open-work removable racks (not shown) will be provided within the vat I0 for supporting the articles to be washed such'as dishes, glasses, and silverware.

In the lower portion of the vat is an impeller which is provided with blades 2i which may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades be given a shape such that thecleansing fluid supplied to the vat and allowed to accumulate in the lower portion thereof will be thrown upwardly and outwardly in'an emcient manner through the supporting racks (not shown). The impeller 20 may be formed of any suitable material.

l'he bottom ofthe vat is provided with an opening which is closed by means of a suitable casting (not shown) from which is suspended an electric motor 28 for driving the impeller 2li. As

shown in llig 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 i0 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 28. 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 the vat IU 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 i0, 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. 'Ihe 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. When the coil 28 is deenergized, the valve returns to its closed position,

Also provided in the lower portion of the dishwashing casing below the vat I0 is a drain pipe 28 which is adapted to be connected through a suitable trap 80 to a drain connection 8l. Provided in the drain pipe 29 is a drain valve elbow 82 in which is positioned a normally open valve element (not shown). The drain elbow is secured by means 0f suitable bolts 33 to a drain connection 54 leading from the bottom of the vat I0. In order to operate the drain valve electrically there is mounted on the drain elbow 82 an electroresponsive device 85 which has an armature 88 adapted to be actuated in accordance with the energization of a coll 31. Connected to the armature through a suitable spring connection 38 is a lever 89 which in turn is connected to a shaft 40 which extends through the drain elbow 82 and to which lthe 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 4I. When the coil 81 is energized the armature 84 is retracted so as to rotate the shaft clockwise as viewed' in Fig. l 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, now Patent No. 2,271,993, patented Feb. 3, 1942, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Mounted within the lower part of the vat III around the impeller 20 is a suitable heater 4Ia for drying, the washed utensils; preferably, this heater will be of the sheathed type.

Also provided in the lower portion of the dishwasher casing and supported from the bottom of the vat lil by suitable means is a control panel 42 shown in more detail in Fiss. 2, 3 and 4. This panel is preferably mounted in front of the elec tric motor 28 so as to be readily accessible from the front oi' the dishwasher casing. Provided on the front of the panel 42 are a plurality of terminal plates 48, 48a, 48h and 45e for making electrical connections to the various electrical apparatus in the dishwashing apparatus, the plates 48h and 48e being electrically connected together and constituting neutral connection plates. All of the terminal plates are riveted to suitable insulating strips 44 and 44a, which in turn are riveted to the panel 42.

Also mounted on the front of the control panel is a fluid measuring relay which is adapted to measure a predetermined quantity of washing fluid for the vat. This 'fluid measuring relay comprises a relatively stationary contact 45 which is mounted on a bracket 46 which in turn is secured to an insulating strip 41 secured to the front of the panel 42. Arranged to cooperate with the stationary contact 45 is a relatively movable contact 48 which is supported on a resilient contact arm 49 secured to the insulating strip 41 by means of a bracket 50. The contacts 45 and 48 are adapted to be electrically connected so as to control the deenergization of the coil 28 of the water inlet valve electroresponsive means, as will appear more fully hereinafter. Provided at the free end of the contact arm 49 is a projection 5I winch is adapted to be engaged 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 55 secured to the panel by means of screws 51. The rod 58 is biased toits 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 58 which n adjustably supported on an angle bracket 50 secured to the panel. The lowermost position of the rod is determined by the setting of an upper abutment 6I which bears on the upper surface of the extension 5|, this extension in turn bearing against a fixed abutment 62 secured to the panel. Both the upper abutment 5I andthe lower abutment 52 are adjustable on the rod 55 so that the movement required of the armature 54 in order to move the contact arm 48 an amount sufficient to open the contacts quantity of washing fluid supplied to the washing apparatus will be responsive to the load imposed on the electric motor by the impelier 20 in acting upon the fluid supplied to the washing vat when the drain valvel is closed. The accumulation of fluid in the lower portion of the vat I0, of course, determines the load Iupon the impeller, and the fluid measuring relay functions to deenergize the energizing coil 28 of the water inlet electroresponsive device only when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied s to the vat, and, of course, only when the coll 31 of the drain valve electroresponsive device 85 is energized to close the drain valve.

As pointed out previously, the detergent supply means I9 is of the type described and claimed in the Stoddard Patent No. 2,276,801. As described in that patent, the detergent cup comprises a diaphragm 65 which is held in its loaded position (shown unloaded inFig. 1) against the force of a spring- (not shown here, but which corresponds to the spring 21 of the Stoddard patent) by means of a suitable latch 66 which serves the same function as the latch members 28 of the Stoddard patent. That is, it functions to engage the recess 29 of the bushing |1 of the Stoddard patent to hold the diaphragm in its loading Position. The numeral 66a designates this bushing in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings. The latch 66 is biased to its locking position by means of a tension spring 61, and is moved to release the bushing 66a when the drain valve is closed. For this purpose, the latch is secured to the drain valve by means of a cable 68 which has one end connected to the latch, as shown, and its other end connected to the spring 4| of the drain valve, whereby when the valve lever is moved clockwise to close the valve element, the latch is released to empty the detergent cup. Otherwise, the detergent cup is in all respects of substantially the same construction as thev Stoddard cup, except that the manually operable button 46 of Stoddard, of course, is not used here.

In accordance with this invention improved means are provided for electrically controlling the operation of the various devices c( the washing apparatus so as to effect a predetermined timed washing cycle including spray, rinsing and washing operations, and also a drying operation. It is contemplated that the control means will include improved means for rendering the control means ineifective in the event that it is unsafe to operate the washing apparatus due to the fact that the door |5 is in its open position.

The improved control means comprises a time control switch 69 which is mounted on the panel 42. This switch is shown in detail in Figs. '1 to 12 inclusive; as shown in these figures, this switch comprises a base formed of a suitable electrically insulating material, such as a .phenol condensation product. Mounted on the upper side of this base is a resilient switch arm 1|, and mounted on the under side of this base are resilient switch arms 12, 13, 14 and 15. The arm 1| is rigidly secured to a fixed terminal 16 on annoso thsuppersideofthebase.andtheswiteharms 12, 18. 14 and 1l are connected toiixed terminals 11, 18,l 18 and 88, respectively, secured to the under side of the base. All of the terminals are aecuredtothebasebymeansofscrews 8|. The switch arm 1I carries a contact on its movable end. which cooperates with a 'fixed contact 82 mounted on a conducting plate 83. while the switch arms 12-18 carry contacts on their movable ends which cooperate with fixed contacts 84, 86, Il 4and 81, respectively, which are mounted upon a contact plate 88. The two contact plates 88 and 88 are secured to the base and are electrically interconnected by means of rivets 88.

The switch arms 1|-18 are actuated between their opened and closed positions by means of a cam 80. This cam is mounted in the base 10 between the contact arms 12, 12, 14, 16, and the contact arm 1|. This cam is provided with a riser 8| on one side for operating the switch arm 1|, and risers 92, 83, -94 and 96 on its other side for operating the switch arms 12-15, respectively; it will be observed that the risers 92 and 95 are divided into sections for the purpose of operating their associated arms 12 and 15 at the proper times in one revolution of the control cam 90. As shown, each of the switch arms is provided with a V-shaped section 95a .(Fig. '1) intermediate its ends extending toward the cam and adapted to be engaged by its associated cam riser for actuating the switch arm.

The base 10, together with the switch arms, xed contacts and terminals attached to it, are

supported by means of a plate 91 which is rigidly y secured to the panel 42 by means of screw fastening means 98, as more clearly shown in Fig. 7. As shown, one side of the base 10 is secured to the plate 91 by means of screw fastening means 99 (Figs. 3 and 4) a plate |00 is secured to the opposite side ofthe base by means of screw fastening means |00a. The cam 90 is mounted upon a shaft |0| which is jourfnaled in the two plates 91 and |00.

Each of the terminals 16, 11, 18, 19 and 80 is provided with a binding screw |02, and the terminal plate 83 is provided with three binding screws |03, |04 and |05 for electrically connecting the switch to the various elements of the washing apparatus which it controls.

The cam is driven at a substantially constant speed by a suitable timing mechanism |06 which comprises a suitable substantially constant speed electric motor |01 that drives the cam shaft |0| through a reduction gearing train |08. The gear train |08 drives a shaft |09 which in turn drives the shaft |0| through a coupling H0. The timer motor |01 operates the gear train |08 by means of a driving gear mounted upon the motor shaft l2. The timing motor is constructed and arranged so that when it is deenergized theshaft ||2 occupies a lower position, as shown in Fig. 12, so as to hold the gear out of mesh with the gear train, that is, to uncouple the motor from the gear train, and when the motor is energized to rotate the shaft H2, the shaft ||2 is elevated to mo c the driving gear into mesh with the gear train |08 by the magnetic flux created by the motor windings so as tocouple the motor to the gear train; when the motor is deenergized the shaft ||2 drops to its lower position under the influence of gravity.

The details of construction of the timing motor and its clutch arrangement per se, just described, form no part of this invention, and it is believed to be unnecessary to describe them in greater detail. Moreover, any suitable timer motor and gear train may be used. It is important that the motor and gear train include means for connecting the rotor of the motor to the gear train when the motor is energized. and for disconnecting it from the gear train when the motor is deenergized; or that they include means for connecting the gear train to the cam shaft when the motor is energized and for disconnecting the gear train from the cam shaft when it is deenergized.

The cam 90 is reset to its initial position for a repeat operation upon the completion of the cycle of operation when the motor is deenergized by means of a spiral spring H3. The spring ||3 is mounted within a housing ||4 which is rigidly secured to the upper end of the cam shaft as viewed in Fig. '1. and to which one end of the spring is anchored; the other end of the spring is anchored to the plate |00. It is to be understood that'when the timer is operating the cam it at the same time winds up the spiral spring I I! so that when thetimer is subsequently deenergized and its motor |01 released from the cam, the spiral spring will unwind to return the cam to its initial position. This position is defined by a stop ||4a (Figs. 'l and 10) secured to the under side of the plate 31, as viewed in Fig. 7, and which engages an arm ||4b which is rigidly secured to the cam shaft |0I. It will be observed that the motor itself will not exert any retarding force on the spring, because at this time its driving gear I will have been moved out of mesh with the gear train |08.

The control system is energized to start the cycle by means of a. single push button |5 (Figs. 1 and 13); in other words, the cycle is started merely by depressing the button ||5. This button is of the normally open" type such that when it has been depressed and released, it returns to its outer position.

Safety means are provided for insuring that the system cannot be energized to start the cycle when the push button ||5 is depressed if the door I5 is open. This comprises a door switch ||6 which is mounted adjacent the latch |6. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the switch I I8 is provided with a casi-ng ||1 formed of a suitable electrically insulating material and supported below the top wall I3 of the dishwasher casing by means of a pair of bolts ||8 (Fig. 5). Provided within the casing is a xed contact I |9 and a cooperating relatively movable contact |20 which is secured to a contact arm |2| which biases contact |20 away from contact I I9. Pivotally mounted within the casing I I1 is a cam |22 which is adapted to engage 'the contact arm 2| so as to move the contact 20 into engagement with the contact I I9. One portion of this cam member is adapted to project outwardly beyond the outer edge of the switch housing, as shown more clearly in Fig. 6, and a coil spring |23 is provided for biasing the cam member to this position. This outwardly projecting portion of the cam is adapted to be engaged by the surface of the latching bar I6 which is secured to the shaft |24 that extends through the door I5 and is operated by the handle I1. The latch bar I6 is adapted to move behind a fixed U-shaped latch plate |25 supported by the casing of the dishwasher so as to latch the door I5 in its closed position. When the bar I6 is moved clockwise from its unlatched position, in which it is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5, to its full line latching position of this igure, it engages the projecting edge of the cam |22 and causes it to move counter-clockwise, as viewed in 8 Fig. 6, so as to close the contacts I9 and |20. Conversely, when the bar I6 is moved to its nonlatching-position, the contacts IIB and |20 of the switch are opened.

It is to be noted here that the contacts ||9 and |20 will be located in the control system for the dishwashing apparatus so that when they are open none of the apparatus can be energized even though the push button ||5 is depressed.

As pointed out previously, the cycle of operation is started by depressing the push button |5. This operation of the push button effects the closure of a main switch |26 (Figs. 4 and 13). This switch comprises a fixed contact |21 mounted upon an electrically insulating bracket |28 which is supported on the rear of the control panel 42; it also comprises a relatively movable contact |29 mounted upon a iiexible switch arm |30 secured to a terminal plate 3| which also is secured to the insulating bracket |28. The switch arm |30 biases the contact |29 toward the fixed contact |21, and it is provided with an insulating extension |32 which is adapted to be operated by means of an electromagnet |33 under the control of the push button ||5. This magnet, as shown, comprises a coil |34 and a plunger |35. As will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter, when the push button is depressed the coil |34 is energized to retract the plunger |35 and thereby permit the switch contacts |21 and |29 to close.

Referring to the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 13, it will be observed that the lower conductor of a suitable source of electrical supply |36 is electrically connected to one temiinal of the motor 23, the other terminal of which is connected by a conductor |31 to the switch terminal 00; it will also be observed that one terminal of the inlet valve operating coil 28 is connected to the neutral terminal plate 43e by means of a conductor |38, and that the other side ls connected.

by means of a conductor |38a to the bracket 50 to which the switch arm 49 is connected; one terminal of the drain valve operating coil 31 is connected to the switch terminal 11 by means of a conductor |39, and the other end of this coil is connected by means of a conductor 39a to the neutral plate 43h; this plate, as shown, is electrically connected to the neutral plate 43e; one terminal of the heater 4|a is connected by means of a conductor |40 with the neutral terminal plate 43e, while its other terminal is connected to the switch terminal 19 by means of a conductor I 40a; one terminal of the measuring coll 55 is connected to the switch binding screw |04 by means of a conductor |4|, while its other end is connected to switch terminal by means of a conductor 4| a; one terminal of the timer motor |01 is connected to the neutral terminal plate 43e by means of a conductor |42, and its other terminal is connected to the binding screw |05 of the switch by means of a conductor |43; one side of the push -button IIS is connected to the terminal plate 43a by means of a conductor |44 and its other side is connected to the switch terminal 16 by means of a conductor |45; the iixed door switch contact ||9 is connected, as shown, to the terminal plate 43a, and its movable contact |20 is connected to the terminal plate 43; one side of the push button coil |34 is connected by means of a conductor |46 to the neutral terminal plate 43e, and its other side is connected by means of a conductor |41 to the switch terminal 16; theupper conductor of the electrical supply source |36 is electrically connected to the ter- In the operation of the washing apparatus, it will be understood that after the dishes have been placed in the washing vat |0, the door I5 has been closed, and the latch I6 operated to its locking position by means of the handle l1, the push button ||5 should be depressed to start the washing operation. It is to be noted here that at the start of the operation, the switch blades 1| land 'I5 are closed, while the remaining switch blades are open. When the push button is depressed, a circuit is completed from the upper conductor of the supply source |36, through the conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch I I5, terminal plate 43a. conductor |44, push button H5, conductor |45, switch terminal 16, conductor |41, push button coil |34, conductor |46, neutral terminal plates 43c and 43b, conductor |49 to the lower side of the supplysource |36. This operation, therefore, energizes the coil |33 and thereby causes it to retract its plunger |35; and this operation permits the closure of the main switch contacts |21 and |29.

The closure of the contacts |21 and |29 starts the impeller motor 23, starts the timer motor |01, and shunts the push button I5. The energizing circuit for the impeller motor 23 may be traced as follows: Beginning with the upper conductor of the supply source |36, the circuit is directed through the conductor -|48, terminal plate 43, door switch H5, terminal plate 43a, conductor |50, contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor |5|, binding screw |03, conducting plate 83, conducting plate 88, fixed contact 81, switch blade 15, terminal 80, and conductor |31 to one side of the motor, and thence through the motor to the lower conductor of the Supply source.

The energizing circuit vfor the timing motor |01 is established from the upper conductor of the supply source |36, through the conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch H6', terminal plate 43a, conductor |50, contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor |5|, binding screw |03, plate 83, binding screw |05, conductor |43, thence through the timer motor |01, conductor |42, neutral terminal plate 43e, neutral plate 43h, and thence through the conductor 49 to the lower side of the supply source.

As pointed out above, not only does the closure oi' the contacts |21 and |29 start the impeller and timer motors, but this operation also shunts out the push button switch ||5 so th'at even though it be depressed after it has been initially depressed and released it will have no effect whatsoever upon the control. The push button coil |34 is now energized by a circuit through the switch contacts |21 and |29, which circuit may be tracedyfrom the upper conductor of the supply source |36, through the conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch I6, terminal plate 43a, conductor |50, closed contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor |5|, binding screw |03, llxed contact 82, switch blade 1| which at the start of the operation will be closed, terminal 16, conductor |41, coil |34, conductor |46, neutral terminal plate 43e, plate 43b, and thence through conductor |49 to the lower conductor of the supply source |36.

Now the timer motor 01 is functioning to drive the cam 90.

Shortly after the timer motor |01 has started to function it will cause the switch blade 13 to engage its xed contact 85. This operation energizes the waterinlet coil 28 through the fol- .lowing circuit: From the upper conductor of the supply source |36. through the conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch ||6, terminal plate 43a, conductor 50, switch contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor binding screw |03, terminal plates 83 and 88, fixed contact 85, switch blade 13,*terminal 18, conductor |52, contacts 45 and 48, switch arm 49, conductor |38a, operating coil 28 of the inlet valve, conductor` |38, terminal plate 43e, terminal plate 43h, and thence through conductor |49 to the lower con ductor of the supply source.

valve 32 after th'e dishes have been sprayed for a predetermined interval of time. This is accomplished by causing the switch blade 12 to close its fixed contact 84. The resulting energizing circuit for the drain valve operating coil 31 is as follows: from the upper conductor of the supply source |35, through conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch ||6, terminal plate 43a, conductor |50, switch contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor |5|, binding screw |03, terminal plates 83 and 88, fixed contact 84, switch blade 12, switch terminal 11, conductor |39, operating coil 31 of drain valve, conductor |39a, terminal plate 43h, and thence through conductor |49 to the lower conductor of the elec trical supply source.

Th'e water that is supplied to the vat is now caused to accumulate in the vat because the drain valve is closed. As previously pointed out, the measuring coil will function when the proper supply of water has been supplied to the vatto cause the deenergization of the inlet valve coil 28 to shut o the water. At the start of the operating cycle, the measuring coil 55 is not included in the circuit of the motor 23 because the switch arm 15 is closed to shunt the coil. However, a predetermined inlterval after the drain valve closes, the measuring coil 55 is connected into the motor armature circuit by the opening of the switch blade 15; the circuit for the coil 55 may be traced as follows: From the upper conductor of the supply source |36, conductor |48, terminal plate 43, door switch l5, terminal plate 43a, conductor |50, switch contacts |21 and |29, switch blade |30, conductor |5|, binding screw |03, terminal plate 83, binding screw |04, conductor |4|, through the measuring coil 55, conductor |4|a,

^ switch terminal 80 and the conductor |31 to one side of the impeller motor 23, vthrough th'e motor armature circuit to the lower conductor of the electrical supply source |36; this circuit,

therefore, places the measuring coil 55 in series with the motor armature circuit,

Therefore, water is now owing into the vat I0, the drain valve 32 is closed to cause it to accumu late therein, and the motor 23 is operating to drive the impeller 20. As the quantity of water in the vat increases, the load imposed on the impeller increases, and hence the motor armature current increases; therefore, the energization of the measuring coil 55 increases. When a predetermined quantity of water has been suppliedsto the vat, the energization of the measuring coil 55 becomes so great that it will retract its plunger 54 causing the abutment 52 to engage the switch arm extension 5| to open the contacts 45 and 48. 'I'his operation deenergizes the operating coil 28 of the inlet valve permitting it to close.

It is to be noted that at the time the drain valve 82 closes, it operates the detergent device I8 to supply the detergent therein to the vat in the manner previously described.

The impeller motor 28 will now continue to operate to circulate the cleansing fluid through the vat to wash the utensils in the vat for a predetermined length of time until the drain valve is again opened. At the end of this predetermined interval of time, the cam 88 will open the switch blade 12 to effect the deenergizatlon or the drain valve operating coil 81 thus permitting the drain valve to open to drain the vat.

The vat is permitted to drain for a relatively short predetermined interval of time. Following this, but while the drain valve is still open, the water supply valve 21 is opened to spray the dishes a second time for a predetermined interval. This is accomplished by the cam 80 which closes the switch blade 15; this operation shunts the measuring coil 55 from the motor amature circuit and thereby permits the contacts 45 and 48 to reclose and energize the water valve operating coil 28 through the circuit previously described. The dishes will be sprayed until the cam 88 operates the switch blade 12 to permit it to close to reenergize the drain valve operating coil 81 to close the drain valve through the circuit previously described. A short predetermined interval o! time after this, the switch blade 15 will be operated by the cam 88 to open its contacts, thereby placing the measuring coil 55 in the motor armature circuit, which coil will operate as previously described to effect the closure of the inlet valve 21 when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied. The impeller then operates to circulate the Water supplied to rinse the dishes.

Following this in a predetermined interval of time, the cam 90 opens the switch blade 12 to deenergize the drain valve coil 81 to permit the drain valve to open. and then, as before, the switch blade 15 is permitted to close to shunt out the measuring coil 55 so as to permit the contacts 45 and 48 to reclose, which operation reenergizes the inlet valve coil 28 to open the inlet valve and to permit the water to flow into the vat to eiIect a final spray. As before, a predetermined interval after the inlet valve is opened the drain valve operating coil 81 will be energized to close the drain valve 82 by the closure of the switch contact 12 by the cam 88, and as before, the measuring coil 55 will be connected in the impeller motor armature circuit by the opening of the switch blade 15 by the cam 88, so that it may function when the predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat to open the contacts 45 and 48 to deenergize the operating coil 28 of the inlet valve to permit it to close.

Then the dishes will be given a nal rinse for a predetermined period of time, at the expiration of which the drain valve 21 will be opened by the deenergization of its operating coil 81 due to the opening of the switch blade 12 by the cam 88.

A short predetermined interval of time after the drain valve 82 opens, the switch blade 18 is opened by the cam 88 which prevents the reenergization of the inlet valve operating coil 28 when the contacts 45 and 48 are subsequently closed. Following this, the switch blade 15 is l2 permitted to close which operation shunts the measuring coil 55 from the impeller motor armature circuit and permits the contacts 45 and 48 to close. However, inasmuch as the switch blade 18 is open the energizing circuit for the water valve operating coil 28 is also opened, and the water valve 21 remains closed. The motor 28, however, will continue to operate because the switch blade 15 remains closed.

Now the drying heater 4|a is energized by the cam 88 which closes the switch blade 14. The energizing circuit for this heater may be traced as follows: from the upper conductor of the supply source I88, through the conductor |48, terminal plate 48, door switch II8, terminal plate 48a, conductor |58, switch contacts |21 and |28, switch blade |88, conductor |5|, binding screw |88, terminal plate 88, fixed contact 88, switch blade 14, switch terminal 18, conductor |48a, heater 4Ia, conductor |48, terminal plate 48e, terminal plate 48h, and thence through conductor |48 to the lower conductor of the supply source |88.

It will be understood that the impeller blades 2| will function at this time to cause circulation of the heated air in the vat. 'Ihe heater 4|a will remain energized to supply heat to the vat and the impeller will operate to circulate the heated air through the vat for a predetermined interval of time, at the expiration of which the switch blade 1| will be opened by cam 80; this operation will deenergize the push button coil |84 thereby permitting its plunger |85 to drop to open the contacts |21 and |28. This operation deepergizes all the circuits, and permits the timer spring I I3 to restore the cam 88 to its initial position for a repeat cycle, the timing motor |81 at this time being uncoupled from the gear train |88.

It will be observed that it will be impossible to start the cycle of operation even though the push button |I5 be depressed unless the door I5 is closed because when it is open the door switch I I6 will be open.

Also, it will be observed that ii' at any time during the cycle of operation the door latch I8 be unlatched to open the door, the door switch I I6 will open immediately to deenergize the complete circuit and stop the washing cycle.

A very important feature of this inventionris that if the door I5 should be opened at some time during the cycle of operation so as to cause the door switch ||8 to open and deenergize the system, the timing control mechanism will irrimediately be restored to its initial condition so that after the door has been reclosed and the push button I|5 depressed, the cycle of operation will start and complete the entire Washing, spraying, rinsing and drying steps. 'Ihis is particularly important in case it is desired to load more dishes into the vat after the cycle has'been started, It

will be observed that if the control was not restored to its initial condition, these dishes might not be properly washed because they would only be subjected to whatever steps remainded in the cycle.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modications as fall within .the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, a door for closing said vat, latching means for said door movable to a position to latch the door closed and to a. position to release the door, means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and means for circulating liquid in said vat, control means for said apparatusL comprising electroresponsive means for controlling said liquid supply and draining means to control the admission of liquid to and the drainage of liquid from said vat, and also controlling the operation of said liquid circulating means, switching means controlling the operation of said electroresponsive means, a control member for said switching means operable froman o position to succeeding controlling positions operating said switching means so as to effect the operation of said electroresponsive means to operate said liquid supply and drain valves and said circulating means to perform a series of timed operations in a timed washing cycle, an electroresponsive timing motor, a clutch for eifecting a driving connection between said timing motor and said control member, means operating said clutch to connect said control member with said timing motor and for energizing said timing motor to drive said control member, and for disconnecting said control member from said timing motor when said timing motor is deenergized, a spring tensioned when said control member is being driven by said timing motor for driving said control member to its o position when said control member is disconnected from said timing motor, and a switch operated by the movement of said latching means to its latching position controlling said timing motor so that said timing motor can not be energized unless said door is latched, and said switch being operated to deenergize said timing motor so as to permit said spring to restore said control member to its off position if said latching means is moved to its said released position during the interval of time that said timing motor is driving said control member.

2. In washing apparatus which can perform a series of operations in a. washing cycle and in which the operation being performed is determined by the position of a control member, an electroresponsive timing motor for driving said control member to different positions in which said apparatus is caused to perform said series of operations, a manually operable switch, a second switch under the control of said manually operable switch arranged to be closed by the operation thereof so as to initiate the energization of said timing motor to drive said control member and operating thereafter to maintain the energization of said timing motor 'independently of said manually operable switch, and said second switch controlled by said timing motor to deenergize said timing motor at the end of said cycle.

3. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, valves for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and an impeller for circulating liquid ,in said vat, control means for said apparatus comprising electroresponsive means for controlling said liquid supply and drain valves to control the admission of liquid to and the drainage of liquid from said vat, and also controlling the operation of said liquid circulating impeller, switching means controlling the operation of said electroresponsive means, a control member for operating said switching means when moved from an initial position in a predetermined direction so as to effect a predetermined sequence in the operation of said valves and impeller so that said apparatus performs a series of operations in a washing cycle, a timing motor for driving said control member in. said one direction, a manually operable switch for initiating the operation of said timing motor, a switch operated by said timing motor for maintaining its operation independently of said manually operable switch after the operation of said timing motor has been initiated and until said cycle has been completed, and means controlled by said timing motor for releasing said control member therefrom and returning it to said initial position at the end of said washing cycle.

4. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, an impeller for circulating liquid in said vat, means for driving said impeller, a heater for applying heat to said vat for effecting a drying operation, a control member movable to a series of controlling positions for controlling the operation of said supply valve, said drain valve, said driving means and said heater so as to effect a predetermined sequence in their operation to cause said washing apparatus to perform a series of operations in a washing cycle including washing and drying operations, auxiliary control means controlled by said control member arranged to control said supply valve and constructed and arranged when said control member is in one position to respond to the load imposed on said driving means in operating said impeller to close said supply valve when said load attains a predetermined high value, and said auxiliary control means being rendered non-responsive to said load to cause said inlet valve to reclose when said control member is in another position, saidcontrol member when operated to its controlling positions rendering said auxiliary control means responsive and non-responsive to said load to control the opening and closing of said supply valve and said lcontrol member also controlling the opening and closing of said drain valve so as to supply a predetermined quantity of liquid to said vat for circulation by said impeller and for draining it from said vat in a series of cleansing operations, and further, said control member when in one controlling position functioning to cause said heater to apply heat to said vat while maintaining the operation of said impeller, to render said auxiliary control means non-responsive to said load, and to render said supply valve nonresponsive to the operation of said auxiliary control means.

5. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, electroresponsive liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, an impeller for circulating liquid in said vat, and an electric motor for driving said impeller, an electric heater for applying heat to said vat for effecting a dryingoperation, main switching means movable to a series of controlling positions for controlling the energization of said electroresponsive supply valve, said electroresponsive drain valve, said motor and said heater so as to effect a predetermined sequence in their operation to cause said washing apparatus to perform a series of operations in a washing cycle including washing and drying operations, an auxiliary electroresponsive switch controlled by said main switching means arranged to control said electroresponsive supply valve and constructed and arranged to be connected in the armature circuit of said motor by said main switching means when in certain controlling positions, so as to respond to the magnitude of the armature current to close said supply valve when said current attains a predetermined high value, and to be shunted out of said armature circuit when said main switching means is in other controlling positions to reclose said supply valve, said main switching means when operated to said controlling positions alternately connecting said auxiliary switch in said motor amature circuit and shunting it out of said circuit and controlling the opening and closing of said drain valve so as to supply a predetermined quantity of liquid to said vat for circulation by said impeller and for draining it from said vat in a series of washing operation, and further, said switching means functioning to energize said heater while maintaining the operationof said impeller, to shunt said auxiliary switch out of said motor amature circuit, and to render said electroresponsive supply valve non-responsive to the operation o! said auxiliary switch.

6. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, electroresponsive liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, an impeller for circulating liquid in said vat, and an electric motor for driving said impeller, an electric heater for applying heat to said vat for eilecting a drying operation, main switching means movable from an on position to a series of controlling positions for controlling the energization of said electroresponsive supply valve, said electroresponsive drain valve, said motor and said heater so as to eilect a predetermined sequence in their operation to cause said washing apparatus to perform a series oi operations in a Washing cycle including washing and drying operations, means for operating said main switching means from said oil position to said series of controlling positions at a substantially constant, speed, and controlled by said switching means to stop the operation thereof at the end of said series of operations, an auxiliary electroresponsive switch controlled by said main switching means arranged to control said electroresponsive supply valve and constructed and arranged to be connected in the armature circuit oi' said motor by said main switching means when in certain controlling positions, so as to respond to the magnitude of the armature current to close said suD- ply valve when said current attains a. predetermined high value, and to be shunted out oi said armature circuit when said main switching means is in'other controlling positions to reclose said supply valve, said main switching means when operated to said controlling positions alternately connecting said auxiliary switch in said motor armature circuit and shunting it out of said circuit and controlling the opening and closing of said drain valve so as to supply a Dredetermined quantity of liquid to said vat for circulation by said impeller and for draining it from said vat in a series of washing operations, and further, said switching means functioning to energize said heater while maintaining the operation of said impeller, to shunt said auxiliary switch out ot said motor armature circuit, and to render said electroresponsive supply valve non-responsive to the operation of said auxiliary switch, whereby said apparatus effects a drying operation as the ilnal step in said washing cycle.

7. Washing apparatus comprising a vat, a door for closing said vatl latching means for said door movable to a position to latch said door closed and to a position to release said door, means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and means for circulating liquid in said vat. control means ior said apparatus having a control member for controlling the operation of said means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from the vat and for circulating liquid in the vat, said control member being operable from an off position to succeeding controlling positions to cause them to perform a series o! operations in a timed washing cycle, a timing motor. connection means for eilecting a driving connection between said timing motor and said control member, means controlled by said control member controlling said connection means to disconnect said control member from said timing motor to terminate the washing cycle, driving means for driving said control member to restore it to said oil position when it is disconnected from said timing motor, and auxiliary means operated by said latching means when operated to said release position for disconnecting said control member from said timing motor at any time during said washing cycle in order to terminate said cycle and permit said driving means to restore said control member to its o position.

8. Washing apparatus comprising a vat, a door for closing said vat, latching means for said door movable to a position to latch said door closed and to a position to release said door. means tor supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and means for circulating liquid in said vat, control means for said apparatus having a rotatable control member for controlling the operation of said liquid supplying and draining means and said circulating means, a timing motor for rotating said control member from an initial oil position to different positions in which said means are controlled to perform a series oi operations in a washing cycle, a clutch between said timing motor and said control member, means operated by said control member for deenergizing said timing motor and for operating said clutch to disconnect said control member from said timing motor to terminate said washing cycle, restoring means energized by said timing motor when rotating said control member from said o position to said difierent positions for restoring said control member to its initial position when it is disconnected from said timing motor, means operated by said latching means when operated to said release position during said washing cycle for disconnecting said control member from said controlling motor to permit said restoring means to restore said control member to its controlling position.

9. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, latching means for said door movable to a position to latch the door closed and to a position to release the door, a door for closing said vat, means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and means for circulating liquid in said vat. control means for said apparatus comprising a control member for controlling the operation of said means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from the vat and for circulating liquid in the vat, said control member being operable from an oil position to succeeding controlling positions to cause them to perform a series of operations in a timed washing cycle, a timing motor, connection means for ei- Iecting a driving connection between said timing motor and said control member, means operating said connection means to connect said control member with said timing motor and for starting the operation of said timing motor to drive said control member to ei'iect said timed washing cycle, means controlled by said control member controlling said connection means to disconnect said control member from said timing motor to terminate the Washing cycle, tension means tensioned when said control member is being driven by said timing motor for subsequently driving said control member to its off position when said control member is disconnected from said timing motor, and means operated by the movement of said door latching means controlling said timing motor so that it cannot be operated unless said means is in latching position, and said lastnamed means being operated when said latching means is operated to its door releasing position during the washing cycle to disconnect said Control member from said motor to stop the washing cycle and to permit said spring to restore said control member to its off position.

10. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, valves for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and an impeller for circulating liquid in said vat, control means for controlling said liquid supply and drain valves to control the admission of liquid to and the drainage of liquid from said vat, and said control means also controlling the operation of said liquid circulating impeller, a control member for controlling the operation of said control means so that when moved from an initial position in a predetermined direction it eiects a predetermined sequence in the operation of said valves and impeller so that said apparatus performs a series of operations in a washing cycle, an electroresponsive timing motor for driving said control member in said one direction, a manually operable switch for initiating the operation of said timing motor, a switch operated by said timing motor for maintaining its operation independently of said manually operable switch after the operation of said timing motor has been initiated and until said cycle has been completed, and means controlled by said timing motor for automatically releasing said control member therefrom and returning it to said initial position at the end of said washing cycle.

1l. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, valves for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and an impeller for circulating liquid in said vat, control means for controlling said liquid supply and drain valves to control the admission of liquid to and the drainage of liquid from said vat, and said control means also controlling thc operation of said liquid circulating impeller, a control member for controlling the operation of said control means so that when moved from an initial position in a predetermined direction it effects a predetermined sequence in the operation of said valves and impeller so that said apparatus performs a series of operations in a washing cycle, a timing motor for driving said control member in said one direction, a manually operable control device for said motor for initiating its operation, and means controlled by said timing motor for automatically releasing said control member therefrom and returning it to said'initial position at the end of said washing cycle.

l2. In dishwashing apparatus provided with a vat, means for supplying liquid to and draining liquid from said vat, and means for circulating liquid in said vat, control means for said apparatus comprising electroresponsive means for controlling said liquid supply and drainingmeans to control the admission of liquid to and the drainage of liquid from said vat, and also controlling the operation of said liquid circulating means, switching means controlling the operation of said electroresponsive means, a, control member for said switching means operable from an off position to succeeding controlling positions operating said switching means so as to effect the operation of said electroresponsive means to operate said liquid supply and drain valves and said circulating means to perform a series of timed operations in a timed washing cycle, an electroresponsive timing motor, a clutch for effecting a driving connection between said timing motor and said control member, means operating said clutch to connect said control member with said timing motor and for energizing said timing motor to drive said control member from said off to said succeeding controlling positions, and for disconnecting said control member from said timing motor when said timing motor is deenergized, and a spring tensioned when said control member is being driven by said timing motor to said succeeding controlling position for returning said control member to its off position when said control member is disconnected from said timing motor.

LESLIE A. KEMPTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,163,419 Warren June 20, 1939 1,973,275 Babson Sept. 1l, 1934 2,157,112 Bonner May 9, 1939 2,195,615 Chamberlin et al. Apr. 2, 1940 2,278,268 Kempton Mar. 31, 1942 2,000,448 Keil May 7, 1935 2,051,860 Jepson Aug. 25, 1936 2,064,832 Hollander Dec. 22, 1936 2,155,271 Jones Apr. 18. 1939

Images