U.S. patent application number 13/495337 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for water switch.
This patent application is currently assigned to ETIMEX TECHNICAL COMPONENTS GMBH. Invention is credited to Klaus-Peter Holstein, Adalbert Kasper.
Application Number | 20120318389 13/495337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45446271 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120318389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holstein; Klaus-Peter ; et
al. |
December 20, 2012 |
WATER SWITCH
Abstract
A water switch of a water-bearing appliance, in particular a
domestic appliance, including at least one water supply path,
several water discharge paths and an adjustable water distribution
element, the water distribution element having at least one passage
opening and being rotatable around an axis from a first angular
position to a second angular position, in the first angular
position the at least one passage opening connecting the at least
one water supply path to a first water discharge path, and in the
second angular position the at least one passage opening connecting
the at least one water supply path to a second water discharge
path, is characterized in that a guiding mechanism is provided for
guiding an axial movement along the axis of the water distribution
element when the water distribution element rotates from the first
angular position to the second angular position.
Inventors: |
Holstein; Klaus-Peter;
(Laupheim, DE) ; Kasper; Adalbert; (Stuttgart,
DE) |
Assignee: |
ETIMEX TECHNICAL COMPONENTS
GMBH
Rottenacker
DE
|
Family ID: |
45446271 |
Appl. No.: |
13/495337 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61501991 |
Jun 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/625 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4221 20130101;
D06F 39/08 20130101; Y10T 137/86493 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/625 |
International
Class: |
E03B 1/04 20060101
E03B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 17, 2011 |
EP |
11004954 |
Claims
1. A water switch (10) of a water-bearing appliance, in particular
a domestic appliance, including at least one water supply path
(28), several water discharge paths (88) and an adjustable water
distribution element (18), the water distribution element (18)
having at least one passage opening (50) and being rotatable around
an axis from a first angular position to a second angular position,
in the first angular position the at least one passage opening (50)
connecting the at least one water supply path to a first water
discharge path, and in the second angular position the at least one
passage opening (50) connecting the at least one water supply path
to a second water discharge path, characterized in a guiding
mechanism (38, 62, 76, 94) for guiding an axial movement along the
axis of the water distribution element (18) when the water
distribution element (18) rotates from the first angular position
to the second angular position.
2. The water switch of claim 1, wherein the guiding mechanism
includes at least one cylindrical portion (58) being guided in a
respective tubular portion (32) which surrounds the at least one
cylindrical portion (58).
3. The water switch of claim 1, wherein the water distribution
element (18) is disk shaped and extends perpendicular to the
axis.
4. The water switch of claim 1, wherein the at least one
cylindrical portion (58) is connected to an armature (60) of an
associated magnetic coil (12).
5. The water switch of claim 4, wherein further, in particular, the
cylindrical portion (58) and/or the armature (60) extends along the
axis.
6. The water switch of claim 1, wherein the guiding mechanism
includes at least one first ramp (38, 76) sliding along a
respective second ramp (62, 94) during the axial movement of the
water distribution element (18), the first and second ramps (38,
62, 76, 94) thereby generating a torque for rotating the water
distribution element (18) from the first angular position in the
direction to the second angular position.
7. The water switch of claim 6, wherein plural pairs of first ramp
and second ramps (38, 62, 76, 94), are distributed
circumferentially around a cylindrical portion (58) of the guiding
mechanism.
8. The water switch of claim 7, wherein the number of pairs of a
first and second ramps (38, 62, 76, 94) equals the number of water
discharge paths (88).
9. The water switch of claim 7, wherein the number of pairs first
and respective second ramps (38, 62, 76, 94) is larger than the
number of water discharge paths (88), whereby at least at one
angular position of the water distribution element (18) the
respective water discharge is closed.
10. The water switch of one of claim 6, wherein at least one first
pair of first ramps and a respective second ramp (38, 62) and at
least one second pair of a first ramps and a respective second ramp
(76, 94) are located on two opposite faces of the water
distribution element (18).
11. The water switch of claim 10, wherein the at least one first
pair of a first ramps and the respective second ramp (38, 62) at
one face of the water distribution element (18) generates
approximately one half of the rotary movement of the water
distributing element (18), and the at least one second pair of a
first ramps and the respective second ramp (76, 94) at the opposite
face of the water distribution element (18) generates approximately
the second half of the rotary movement of the water distributing
element (18).
12. The water switch of claim 1, wherein the guiding mechanism
includes a spring (16) biasing the water distribution element (18)
in a direction of the several water discharge paths (88).
13. The water switch of claims 12, wherein, the spring (16)
surrounds a cylindrical portion (58) of the guiding mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to
European Patent Application No. 11004954 filed on Jun. 17, 2011 and
U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/501,991 filed on Jun. 28,
2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a water switch of
a water-bearing appliance, in particular a domestic appliance,
including at least one water supply path, several water discharge
paths and an adjustable water distribution element, the water
distribution element having at least one passage opening and being
rotatable around an axis from a first angular position to a second
angular position, in the first angular position the at least one
passage opening connecting the at least one water supply path to a
first water discharge path, and in the second angular position the
at least one passage opening connecting the at least one water
supply path to a second water discharge path.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Water switches, also called fluid switches or water
diverters, are used in water-bearing appliances, in particular
domestic water-bearing appliances, such as washing machines or
dishwashers, to control flows of liquid in the water-bearing
appliance. When used in washing machines water switches serve to
dispense washing or rinsing water for example to a first or second
detergent compartment of two detergent compartments. When used in
dishwashers water switches serve to dispense washing water, also
referred to as washing liquor, for example alternately to a spray
arm for an upper rack or to a spray arm for a lower rack of the
respective dishwasher or simultaneously to both spray arms.
[0006] From DE-A-1610146 a water switch is known to include a
rotatable control slider which is provided in a cylindrical
housing, connecting a supply channel to one of a number of
discharge channels by means of a swivel tube. The swivel tube has a
rotating pin disposed in a socket of the supply channel in the
likeness of a ball and socket joint. A sealing element in the
likeness of a hollow cylinder is secured to the mouth of the swivel
tube opposite the discharge channels and slides in a cylindrical
guide running concentrically to the outer surface of the
housing.
[0007] Another water switch known from DE-A-10133130 includes a
rotating slider disposed in a pressure chamber of a circulating
pump before branching pressure connections. The water switch blocks
and releases the pressure connections for washing liquid. A gear
drive for the rotating slider is arranged outside and inside the
pressure chamber. The rotating slider in question is formed by a
cylindrical component, in the cylindrical wall of which one or more
apertures are located between one and a number of movable closing
elements with a valve function. The apertures and the closing
elements are configured in their relative position to the pressure
connections, which form the water supply and/or water discharge
connections, such that depending on the rotation of the rotating
slider, the pressure connections opposite its cylinder wall are
released or blocked in a sealing manner.
[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a water switch of a
water-bearing appliance, for blocking or releasing at least one
water supply path to one of several water discharge paths, the
water switch being cost efficient in production, being easy to
switch, and providing an effective water flow control for the
water-bearing appliance associated therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention a water
switch of a water-bearing appliance, in particular a domestic
appliance, is provided, the water switch including at least one
water supply path, several water discharge paths and an adjustable
water distribution element, the water distribution element having
at least one passage opening and being rotatable around an axis
from a first angular position to a second angular position, in the
first angular position the at least one passage opening connecting
the at least one water supply path to a first water discharge path,
and in the second angular position the at least one passage opening
connecting the at least one water supply path to a second water
discharge path. Further, a guiding mechanism is provided for
guiding an axial movement along the axis of the water distribution
element when the water distribution element rotates from the first
angular position to the second angular position. The axial movement
of the water distribution element, in particular, takes place while
the water switch is unpressurized. In order to prevent the water
distribution element from moving back after its rotation from one
angular position to the next angular position, in particular, a
reverse-look is provided. The water distribution element may serve
to connect one or several water supply paths to one or several
different water discharge paths and/or to interconnect several
water discharge paths.
[0010] Preferably the guiding mechanism includes at least one
cylindrical portion being guided in a respective tubular portion
surrounding the at least one cylindrical portion, and/or wherein
further, in particular, the at least one cylindrical portion is
connected to an armature of an associated magnetic coil.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the water distribution element is
disk shaped and extends perpendicular to the axis, and/or wherein
further, in particular, the cylindrical portion and/or the armature
extend along the axis.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the guiding mechanism
includes at least one first ramp portion sliding along a respective
second ramp portion during the axial movement of the water
distribution element, the pair of a first ramp portion and a
respective second ramp portion thereby generating a torque for
rotating the water distribution element from the first angular
position in the direction to the second angular position.
[0013] Further preferred, several pairs of a first ramp portion and
a respective second ramp portion, in particular, 8 pairs of a first
ramp portion and a respective second ramp portion, are
circumferentially distributed, and in particular, evenly
circumferentially distributed, around a cylindrical portion of the
guiding mechanism.
[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the number of pairs of a
first ramp portion and a respective second ramp portion equals the
number of water discharge paths.
[0015] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention the
number of pairs of a first ramp portion and a respective second
ramp portion is larger than the number of water discharge paths,
whereby at least at one angular position of the water distribution
element the respective water discharge is closed.
[0016] In accordance with yet another preferred aspect of the
invention at least one first pair of a first ramp portion and a
respective second ramp portion and at least one second pair of a
first ramp portion and a respective second ramp portion are located
on two opposite faces of the water distribution element. Each of
the two pairs of a first ramp portion and a respective second ramp
portion generates a part of the necessary torque for moving the
water distribution element along its travel from the first angular
position to the second angular position.
[0017] In accordance with still another preferred aspect of the
invention the at least one first pair of a first ramp portion and a
respective second ramp portion at one face of the water
distribution element generates about one half of the rotary
movement of the water distributing element, and the at least one
second pair of a first ramp portion and a respective second ramp
portion at the opposite face of the water distribution element
generates about the second half of the rotary movement of the water
distributing element.
[0018] Finally, in a further preferred embodiment of the solution
according to the invention, the guiding mechanism includes a
spring, in particular a helical spring, biasing the water
distribution element in the direction of the several water
discharge paths, and/or wherein further, in particular, the spring
surrounds a cylindrical portion of the guiding mechanism.
[0019] The water switch apparatus according to the invention can be
switched with very low expenditure of energy, because the water
distribution element associated therewith does not only rotate from
a first angular position to at least one second angular position
but also does an axial movement during this rotational movement.
With this axial movement the water distribution element can be
lifted off a sealing element located at the passage opening of the
water distribution element.
[0020] The sealing element helps providing a water tight passageway
through the water switch. Further, the sealing element is suitable
for sealing a water passage opening which extends through a flat
rotating disk in respect to water discharge lines opposite said
flat rotating disk. This water switch according to the invention is
even suitable for sealing openings provided in a cylinder wall.
[0021] According to another advantage with this solution, the water
switch does not produce an unwanted high pressure loss in the water
flow to be distributed in each instance due to only very low
deflection within the water distribution element and the flow paths
connected therewith.
[0022] Finally, on one hand, the water switch provides the
possibility to connect a very large number of water discharge
paths. On the other hand, a water tight seal is easily provided
against all of the water discharge paths not being connected to the
water supply path.
[0023] Hereinafter an embodiment of the solution according to the
invention is described referring to the schematic drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective explosion view of an embodiment of a
water switch according to the invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water switch of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is the sectional view indicated in FIG. 2 showing a
position of the respective water distribution member during
distributing water to a water discharge path.
[0027] FIG. 4 is the sectional view indicated in Fig. showing a
position of the respective water distribution element during the
movement of switching from one water discharge path to another
water discharge path.
[0028] FIG. 5 is the sectional view indicated in FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a top view of the respective lower housing portion
of the water switch of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the lower housing
portion as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0031] FIG. 8 is the sectional view indicated in FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a top view of the respective upper housing portion
of the water switch of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the upper housing
portion as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of the respective water
distribution element of the water switch of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a second respective view of the water
distribution element as shown in FIG. 11.
[0036] FIG. 13 is the sectional view indicated in FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a top view of the water distribution element as
shown in FIG. 11 to 13.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the water distribution element
as shown in FIG. 11 to 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] A water switch 10 for a water-bearing appliance, in
particular a domestic appliance, includes the main structural
members of a magnetic coil 12, an upper housing portion 14, a
spring 16, a water distribution element 18 and a lower housing
portion 20. The magnetic coil 12 is fitted on top of the upper
housing portion 14, while the spring 16 and the water distribution
element 18 are mounted in the hollow space provided by the upper
housing portion 14 and the lower housing portion 20. The spring 16
is formed as a helical spring, is located between the upper housing
portion 14 and the water distribution element 18 and thereby biases
the water distribution element 18 against the lower housing portion
20.
[0040] The magnetic coil 12 has a first connector pin 22 and a
second connector pin 24 both protruding in a lateral direction at
the upper rim of the magnetic coil 12. The first and second
connector pins 22 and 24 are for connecting an electrical plug (not
shown) and for supplying current to the magnetic coil 12. The
current supplied flows through a wire-wound coil (not shown) which
is located within a cylindrical hollow body 26 of the magnetic coil
12. The magnetic coil 12 is a standardized structural element which
is produced in large scale manufacture. Thus, the magnetic coil 12
can be produced very cost-effective.
[0041] The upper housing portion 14, which is shown in detail in
FIG. 8 to 10, is made of plastic or another synthetic material by
an injection molding process. It has the shape of a round, in
particular circular disc from which a water supply path 28 in the
form of a supply connection tube is projecting radially at the
outer range thereof. The water supply path 28 leads to an
approximately circular channel 30 which is located at the inner
side of this disc-shaped housing shell of the upper housing portion
14. At the center of this disc shape a cylindrical housing portion
32 protrudes to the outside along a central axis of the disc (not
figured). The cylindrical housing portion 32 forms a tubular
portion for pinning up the cylindrical hollow body 26 thereon and
for accommodating a portion of the water distribution element 18
therein, as will be explained in further detail hereinafter.
[0042] Parallel with the cylindrical housing portion 32 a snap-in
pin 34 protrudes from the disk. The snap-in pin 34 is adapted to
embrace the cylindrical hollow body 26 in order to hold the
magnetic coil 12 on the cylindrical housing portion 32.
[0043] Two notches 36 project radially at one of two diametrical
positions of the outer range of the disk-shape housing shell. These
notches 36 are provided for a water-tight connection of the lower
housing portion 20 to the upper housing portion 14 as it is shown
in FIG. 2.
[0044] Eight first ramp portions 38 and adjacent first recess
portions 40 are surrounding the cylindrical housing portion 32 at
the inner center of the housing shell of the upper housing portion
14. Each ramp portion 40 is made of a ramp surface 42 which is
skewed relative to said axis. The ramp surface 42 is positioned in
an angel relative to the axis of about 40 degrees to 60 degrees,
preferably 50 degrees. The ramp surface 42 terminates at a ramp
edge 44, which is formed by a smaller and steeper counter ramp 46.
The ramp edge 44 is rather dull. The first recess portions 40 are
limited by parallel sidewalls forming a type of slot into which a
second ramp portion facing the first ramp portion can be inserted,
as will be explained later.
[0045] The water distribution element 18 is shown in detail in FIG.
11 to 15. It is made of plastic or synthetic materials, too. The
water distribution element 18 is formed like a circular disc, which
has eight water distribution positions 48 on its disk-face. The
water distribution positions 48 are located with equal distances
along a circle on the face. One of the water distribution positions
48 is open, including a passage opening 50 which permeates the
disk. The seven remaining water distribution positions 48 are
closed.
[0046] At each water distribution position 48 a sealing ring 52 is
provided at the lower side of the disk of the water distribution
element 18. One of these sealing rings 52 is located at a margin 54
of the passage opening 50. The other sealing rings 52 are fixed to
the disk by means of pins 56 protruding through respective openings
in the disk.
[0047] A first cylindrical portion 58 protrudes at the central area
of the disk-shape and carries a rod-shaped armature 60 made from
iron or ferro-magnetic material. The armature 60 elongates the
first cylindrical portion 58 along the axis. When mounting the
water distribution element 18 into the upper housing portion 14,
the armature 60 dives into the cylindrical housing portion 32 and
into the cylindrical hollow body 26 of the magnetic coil 12.
[0048] Eight second ramp portions 62 and adjacent recess portions
64 are surrounding the first cylindrical portion 58. These second
ramp portions 62 are also formed by ramp surfaces sloping relative
to the axis with an angel of between 40 degrees and 60 degrees,
preferably of 50 degrees, a respective ramp edge and an associated
smaller counter ramp. The ramp surfaces of the second ramp portions
62 are positioned in a manner for sliding along the ramp surfaces
42 of the first ramp portions 38 when the water distribution
element 18 moves in an axial direction, and further for diving into
the respective first recess portions 40 after the ramp surfaces
have left the phase of sliding contact.
[0049] Around these second ramp portions 62 eight through holes 66
are located in the disk of the water distribution element 18
serving as hydraulic flow compensation during movement of the water
distribution element 18 in axial direction.
[0050] Two latches 68 are located in a tangential manner at two
diametrical positions of an outer margin 70 of the disk-shape of
the water distribution element 18. These latches 68 help to ensure
that the water distribution element 18 can only rotate on one
direction.
[0051] On the lower face of the disk-shape of the water
distribution element 18 a guiding pin 72 projects axially and forms
a second cylindrical portion. The guiding pin 72 has longitudinal
slots 74 on this lateral surface which also leads into the first
cylindrical portion 58 and into the armature 60 providing further
water compensation.
[0052] The second cylindrical portion formed by the guiding pin 72
is surrounded by eight first ramp portions 76 and adjacent first
recess portions 78. These ramp portions 76 and recess portions 78
correspond to those first ramp portions 38 and first recess
portions 40 mentioned above, but they are offset in the
circumferential direction by nearly the angular width of the first
ramp portions 38.
[0053] The cupular lower housing portion 20 is depicted in further
detail in FIG. 5 to 7. It is also made of plastic or another
synthetic material by injection molding and includes a sealing edge
or sealing ring 80 at its upper circular edge. Two notch catchers
82, each for clamping one of the notches 36, project radially at
two diametrical positions of the outer sidewall of the lower
housing portion 20.
[0054] The bottom of the lower housing portion 20 provides eight
water discharge positions 84 located with equal distances along a
circle on the inner face of the bottom. One position 86 of these
water discharge positions 84 is closed; the remaining seven
positions are open. They have respective water discharge paths 88
in the form of a discharge connection tube connected therewith.
[0055] Further, at the inner surface of the sidewall of the
cup-shaped or cupular lower housing portion 20 sixteen latch ramps
90 are formed. These latch ramps 90 are designed so that the
latches 68 of the water distribution element 18 can slide
along.
[0056] A guiding cylinder 92 accommodates the guiding pin 72 and
projects in the center of the bottom to the outside of the lower
housing portion 20. At the center of the inside of the bottom eight
second ramp portions 94 and adjacent second recess portions 96
surround the opening leading into the guiding cylinder 92.
[0057] During operation of the water switch 10, the magnetic coil
12 pulls the armature 60 and the water distribution element 18
connected therewith in the direction of the upper housing portion
14 and biases the spring 16. While moving axially, the first ramp
portions 38 and the second ramp portions 62 contact each other and
start to work as a guiding mechanism by sliding along each other.
The sliding process provides a torque which starts to rotate the
water distribution element 18 from its starting first angular
position to the direction of a next second angular position. These
positions are those of the water distribution positions 48
mentioned above. The sliding of the ramp portions 38 and second
ramp portions 62 provide half of the travel from the first angular
position to the second angular position.
[0058] The second half of the travel is provided, when the magnetic
coil 12 stops pulling the armature 60 and the spring 16 pushes the
water distribution element 18 back along the axis in its previous
axial position. While moving back axially, the first ramp potions
76 now come into contact with the second ramp portions 94 in order
to slide along each other and in order to turn the water
distribution element 18 further along the second half of the
travel.
[0059] At the end of the travel, the sealing rings 52 come into
contact with respective water discharge paths 88 again. While seven
of the discharge paths are closed by means of the water
distribution element 18 in this manner, one path through the
passage opening 50 is open.
* * * * *