Patent Application
20230165431
The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a dishwashing appliance or sensor assembly for detecting a position of a door.
Dishwashing appliances or dishwashers generally include a cabinet or tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A door mounted to the cabinet provides selective access to the washing chamber. The door is normally mounted to the cabinet using hinges that allow the door to rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Certain dishwashing appliances also include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwashing appliance. Spray assemblies within the wash chamber can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. Multiple spray assemblies can be provided, including, for example, a lower spray arm assembly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash chamber; a mid-level spray arm assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies; or an upper spray assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash chamber. Other configurations may be used as well.
Some existing appliances include a door lock and feature for detecting the door is in a closed position, such as to ensure recirculation pump is stopped in a dishwashing appliance if the door is no longer closed. In such appliances, a reed switch is often used to detect when the door is fully flossed.
Although it may be useful to detect when a door is in a closed position, these existing appliances present a number of drawbacks. For instance, existing reed switches may malfunction resulting from a short circuit or an interruption will be interpreted and evaluated as normal operating states and thereby not recognized. Moreover, such systems are not able to detect any intermediate positions or positions that are not fully closed. Attempts have been made to address some of these issues, such as by mounting Hall effect sensors, gyroscopes, or accelerometers on the door. However, such arrangements can be expensive and generally increase the cost and complexity of the appliance. This, in turn, may make assembly, maintenance, or operation of the appliance more difficult (e.g., expensive, demanding, or less reliable).
As a result, dishwashing appliances or assemblies addressing one or more of the above issues would be useful. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a dishwashing appliance or assembly capable of detecting more than one position of a door (e.g., without requiring a Hall effect sensor, gyroscope, or accelerometer on the door).
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a door, and a sensor assembly. The cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first side and a second side. The cabinet may define a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The door may extend along the lateral direction between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The door may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet to move about a rotation axis between an open position and a closed position. The sensor assembly may detect a rotational position of the door and include a stationary electrical contact and a movable electrical contact. The stationary electrical contact may be mounted on the cabinet at the first side or the second side. The movable electrical contact may be mounted on the door at the first lateral edge or the second lateral edge. The movable electrical contact may be in selective alignment and electrical connection with the stationary electrical contact based on the rotational position of the door.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a door, a latch assembly, and a sensor assembly. The cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first side and a second side. The cabinet may define a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The door may extend along the lateral direction between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The door may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet to move about a rotation axis between an open position and a closed position. The latch assembly may include a latch mounted to the door at an upper end of the door. The latch assembly may also include a catch mounted to the cabinet to receive the latch. The sensor assembly may detect a rotational position of the door and include a stationary electrical contact and a movable electrical contact. The stationary electrical contact may be mounted on the cabinet at the first side or the second side. The movable electrical contact may be mounted on the door at the first lateral edge or the second lateral edge. The movable electrical contact may be mounted at a common radial distance with the stationary electrical contact relative to the rotation axis in selective alignment and electrical connection with the stationary electrical contact based on the rotational position of the door.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).
As shown, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of sides or sidewalls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually orthogonal to one another.
The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed (e.g., vertical) position (e.g.,
As illustrated in
Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in
Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in
The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water or wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142). However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.
Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter.
In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156 (e.g., which may be positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance 100). Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.
According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in
The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate appliance 100, such as according to one or more programmed cycles methods (e.g., 600 and 700 described below). The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116, as shown in
In some embodiments, a heating element 170 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the controller 160 to selectively provide heat to the wash chamber 106 (e.g., during a dry cycle). For example, heating element 170 may be provided as a resistive or sheathed heating element 170 (e.g., CALROD®) mounted to a bottom portion of tub 104. In some such embodiments, heating element 170 is attached to a bottom wall 108 within the sump 138 or wash chamber 106. Nonetheless, heating element 170 may include or be provided any suitable heater for heating wash chamber 106 (e.g., to dry articles therein), as is generally understood. During use, the controller 160 may thus transmit one or more heating signals (e.g., as an electrical current) in order to activate heating element 170 and initiate the generation of heat therefrom.
It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in
As noted above, a latch assembly 118 is included in some embodiments. Generally, latch assembly 118 may serve to selectively hold door 116 closed and may include a separate latch 174 (e.g., proximal to or mounted at a top portion of door 116) and catch 176 (e.g., disposed at or above top 107). As shown, latch 174 may generally extend rearward, such as from an inner or rearward-facing surface of door 116 and toward the cabinet 102. When closed or otherwise in the in the closed position (e.g., fully closed position—
In certain embodiments, door latch 118 includes a lock actuator or motor 172 to selectively move or motivate door 116, such as between the closed position and an open (e.g., partially open) position (e.g.,
In some embodiments, latch assembly 118 is in operative (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller 160. Controller 160 may be configured to detect door 116 in the closed position, such as through an include mechanical or electrical (e.g., magnetic) reed switch that transmits a closed door signal (e.g., to controller 160) in response to engagement therewith by the door 116. In some such embodiments, closure assembly 118 includes a first contact mounted to tub 104 and a second contact mounted to door 116 (e.g., to rotate therewith). For instance, the first contact may provide a rail or catch (e.g., catch 176) that receives or contacts the second contact (e.g., latch 174) when door 116 is in the closed position or open-vent position.
In optional embodiments, lock motor 172 may be in operative (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller 160. Moreover, lock motor 172 may include any suitable motor or actuator for translating or pivoting the door 116 (e.g., as directed by controller 160). Thus, controller 160 may be configured to direct door 116 between, for example, the closed position and a partially open (e.g., vent) position.
Turning now to
As shown, sensor assembly 300 includes a pair of selectively separable electrical contacts 310, 312. Specifically, a stationary electrical contact 310 is mounted such that it can alternately separate from and engage with a movable electrical contact 312 (e.g., based on the rotational position of door 116 about axis 228). When in selective engagement, the stationary electrical contact 310 and the movable electrical contact 312 may be aligned with each other and connected in electrical series such that an electrical circuit is completed (i.e., closed). Such an electrical connection may be established, for instance, by physical contact or touch between the stationary electrical contact 310 and the movable electrical contact 312. By contrast, when in selective separation, the stationary electrical contact 310 and the movable electrical contact 312 may be spaced apart or offset (e.g., circumferentially) from each other such that an electrical circuit is broken (i.e., opened). Optionally, the stationary electrical contact 310 may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to an electrical reference (e.g., Earth Ground, a direct current power supply, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the movable electrical contact 312 may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to a control board, such as a user interface board or controller 160.
Generally, stationary electrical contact 310 mounted on the cabinet 102 (e.g., tub 104 or a surrounding support structure for the same) at the first side 110A or the second side 110B (
While stationary electrical contact 310 is mounted on cabinet 102, movable electrical contact 312 is generally mounted on door 116 (e.g., to rotate therewith). Thus, movable electrical contact 312 may be disposed below top end 216 or above bottom end 218 (e.g., between top end 216 and bottom end 218) along the vertical direction V (e.g., when door 116 is in the closed position). In some embodiments, movable electrical contact 312 is located on or adjacent to hinge assembly 230. A radial distance R2 may be defined perpendicular to the rotation axis 228 between the movable electrical contact 312 and a pin 320 about which door 116 rotates. The radial distance R2 for movable electrical contact 312 may be equal to the radial distance R1 for stationary electrical contact 310. Optionally, movable electrical contact 312 may be formed on or as part of a rotational arm 326 (e.g., metal arm) that is fixed to door 116 or pin 320—or otherwise rotates about rotation axis 228. Additionally or alternatively, movable electrical contact 312 may include a conductive rod 322 extending laterally (e.g., from door 116 to the corresponding first side 110A or second side 110B). In some such embodiments, the conductive rod 322 comprises a plurality of brush tines (e.g., metal tines) packed and extending together (e.g., laterally or otherwise parallel to the rotation axis 228).
Moreover, movable electrical contact 312 may be mounted at the first lateral edge 224 or the second lateral edge 226 of door 116 (e.g., based on the location of stationary electrical contact 310). In particular, movable electrical contact 312 may be proximal to a common (e.g., same) side with/as stationary electrical contact 310. In other words, if stationary electrical contact 310 is located at first side 110A, movable electrical contact 312 may be located at the first lateral edge 224; if stationary electrical contact 310 is located at second side 110B, movable electrical contact 312 may be located at the second lateral edge 226. Rotation of the door 116 may serve to bring the movable electrical contact 312 into alignment and engagement with stationary electrical contact 310 (e.g., in the one or more predetermined positions to be detected by sensor assembly 300). In other words, in the predetermined position, the movable electrical contact 312 may be circumferentially and radially aligned with stationary electrical contact 310. Movable electrical contact 312 may touch or otherwise electrically connect to stationary electrical contact 310. Thus, the selective alignment and electrical connection between the electrical contacts 310, 312 may be based on the rotational position of the door 116 (e.g., relative to cabinet 102).
Turning especially to
Although sensor assembly 300 may be configured to detect one or more predetermined positions, other positions may be detected by separate assemblies. As an example, in optional embodiments, the fully closed position is detected by the latch assembly 118 (
Turning now to
In optional embodiments, a plurality of conductive rods 322 are provided (e.g., as or as part of the stationary electrical contact 310 or the movable electrical contact 312). Such conductive rods 322 may serve to detect multiple different or discrete predetermined positions between the fully opened and the fully closed positions (e.g., the fully opened position, the fully closed position, or one or more intermediate positions). In some embodiments, each of the conductive rods 322 is radially spaced apart (e.g., from another conductive rod 322). Despite being radially spaced apart, though, the conductive rods 322 may be radially aligned. In other words, the radial distance for each conductive rod 322 from the rotation axis 228 may be different, but each conductive rod 322 may be located on a common radial line emanating from the rotation axis 228 (e.g., perpendicular thereto).
As shown, contact disk 340 may further define a plurality of arcuate conductive surfaces 342. Similarly, multiple arcuate insulative surfaces 344 may be provided (e.g., corresponding to the arcuate conductive surfaces 342). Such arcuate surfaces 342, 344 may serve to detect multiple different or discrete predetermined positions between the fully opened and the fully closed positions (e.g., the fully opened position, the fully closed position, or one or more intermediate positions). In some embodiments, each of the arcuate conductive surfaces 342 is radially spaced apart (e.g., from another conductive surface 342). Moreover, the arcuate conductive surfaces 342 may be radially matched to the plurality of conductive rods 322 such that the conductive surfaces and conductive rods 322 may be selectively engaged with each other (e.g., at different corresponding predetermined positions of door 116 about the rotation axis 228). In some such embodiments, two or more (e.g., some or all) of the plurality of arcuate surfaces 342, 344 are circumferentially offset relative to each other. In turn, different arcuate surfaces 342, 344 may be engaged by the corresponding conductive rods 322 at different rotational positions of the door 116. As shown, different angle ranges may be occupied by different arcuate surfaces 342, 344 (e.g., about the rotation axis 228).
Returning generally to
Advantageously, appliances or assemblies in accordance with the above-described embodiments may reliably detect one or more rotational positions of the door (e.g., in a position beyond just fully closed). Moreover, such embodiments may detect rotational positions without the need for relative expensive or complex sensors, such as a Hall effect sensor, gyroscope, or accelerometer.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
