U.S. patent application number 15/923047 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-19 for ignition switch assembly for a cooktop appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric Collins, Vedamoorthy Nellaiappan.
Application Number | 20190285281 15/923047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67905322 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190285281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nellaiappan; Vedamoorthy ;
et al. |
September 19, 2019 |
IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR A COOKTOP APPLIANCE
Abstract
An ignition switch assembly includes an electronics compartment
defined by a lower housing and an upper housing for receiving an
ignition switch. A cam actuator is coupled to a gas control shaft
and is positioned at least partially within the electronics
compartment for selectively engaging the ignition switch. The cam
actuator includes a center hub that extends through a top aperture
defined in the upper housing and an outer hub positioned around the
center hub and having an outer hub diameter that is larger than the
top aperture. A connecting wall extends between the center hub and
the outer hub to define a circumferential groove for collecting
spilled fluid and directing it toward a drain port defined in the
lower housing.
Inventors: |
Nellaiappan; Vedamoorthy;
(LaFayette, GA) ; Collins; Eric; (Ringgold,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67905322 |
Appl. No.: |
15/923047 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 3/10 20130101; F23N
1/007 20130101; F24C 3/122 20130101; F24C 3/126 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/10 20060101
F24C003/10; F24C 3/12 20060101 F24C003/12; F23N 1/00 20060101
F23N001/00 |
Claims
1. An ignition switch assembly defining an axial direction and a
radial direction, the ignition switch assembly comprising: a lower
housing defining a drain port; an upper housing positioned over the
lower housing to define an electronics compartment therebetween,
the upper housing defining a top aperture having a top aperture
diameter; and a cam actuator positioned at least partially within
the electronics compartment, the cam actuator comprising: a center
hub that extends along the axial direction and defines a center hub
diameter that is less than or equal to the top aperture diameter;
an outer hub positioned around the center hub and defining an outer
hub diameter that is greater than the top aperture diameter; and a
connecting wall extending substantially along the radial direction
between the center hub and the outer hub, wherein the center hub,
the outer hub, and the connecting wall define a circumferential
groove for collecting spilled fluid.
2. The ignition switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
housing defines a circumferential flange around the top aperture
that extends at least partially into the circumferential
groove.
3. The ignition switch assembly of claim 2, wherein the
circumferential flange extends substantially along the axial
direction and has a flange diameter that is substantially
equivalent to the center hub diameter.
4. The ignition switch assembly of claim 2, wherein a collection
gap is defined between bottom edge of the circumferential flange
and the connecting wall.
5. The ignition switch assembly of claim 4, wherein the collection
gap is greater than 0.025 inches measured along the axial
direction.
6. The ignition switch assembly of claim 1, wherein a top edge of
the outer hub is positioned proximate the upper housing to form a
fluid seal therebetween.
7. The ignition switch assembly of claim 6, wherein a circular seal
is positioned between the top edge of the outer hub and the upper
housing to prevent an overflow of the spilled fluid from passing
into the electronics compartment.
8. The ignition switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the center hub
defines one or more axially extending slots opening up at least
partially into the circumferential groove, wherein the slots and
circumferential groove provide a flow path for directing the
spilled fluid toward the drain port of the lower housing.
9. The ignition switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
housing has an upper surface that slopes downward from the top
aperture relative to the radial direction.
10. The ignition switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the center hub
of the cam actuator defines a keyed aperture for receiving a gas
control shaft, the gas control shaft being rotatable about the
axial direction and rotationally fixed relative to the cam
actuator.
11. The ignition switch assembly of claim 10, comprising: an
ignition switch mounted within the electronics compartment, the cam
actuator being configured for actuating an electrical contact of
the ignition switch.
12. The ignition switch assembly of claim 10, wherein a control
knob is mounted onto the gas control shaft for regulating a
position of a gas control valve.
13. The ignition switch assembly of claim 12, comprising: a
cylindrical shield positioned around the gas control shaft and
extending along the axial direction at least partially between the
upper housing and the control knob.
14. The ignition switch assembly of claim 13, wherein the
cylindrical shield is defined by upper housing and extends toward
the control knob along the axial direction.
15. The ignition switch assembly of claim 13, wherein the
cylindrical shield is defined by the control knob and extends
toward the upper housing along the axial direction.
16. A control knob assembly for regulating a power level of a
heating element of a cooktop appliance, the control knob assembly
defining an axial direction and a radial direction, the control
knob assembly comprising: a control knob rotatable about the axial
direction; a gas control valve for regulating a flow of fuel to the
heating element; a gas control shaft extending between and operably
coupling the control knob and the gas control valve; and an
ignition switch assembly operably coupled to the gas control shaft,
the ignition switch assembly comprising: a lower housing defining a
drain port; an upper housing positioned over the lower housing to
define an electronics compartment therebetween, the upper housing
defining a top aperture having a top aperture diameter; and a cam
actuator positioned at least partially within the electronics
compartment, the cam actuator comprising a center hub that extends
along the axial direction and defines a center hub diameter that is
less than or equal to the top aperture diameter; an outer hub
positioned around the center hub and defining an outer hub diameter
that is greater than the top aperture diameter; and a connecting
wall extending substantially along the radial direction between the
center hub and the outer hub, wherein the center hub, the outer
hub, and the connecting wall define a circumferential groove for
collecting spilled fluid.
17. The control knob assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper
housing defines a circumferential flange around the top aperture
that extends at least partially into the circumferential
groove.
18. The control knob assembly of claim 17, wherein the
circumferential flange extends substantially along the axial
direction and has a flange diameter that is substantially
equivalent to the center hub diameter.
19. The control knob assembly of claim 17, wherein a collection gap
is defined between bottom edge of the circumferential flange and
the connecting wall.
20. The control knob assembly of claim 16, wherein the center hub
defines one or more axially extending slots opening up at least
partially into the circumferential groove, wherein the slots and
circumferential groove provide a flow path for directing the
spilled fluid toward the drain port of the lower housing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to cooktops
appliances and more particularly to a spill resistant ignition
switch assemblies for cooktop appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Control knobs are commonly used on a variety of commercial
and residential appliances to control an operating condition of the
appliance. Control knobs are particularly common on cooking
appliances, such as stoves or cooktops. Various shapes and sizes
can be used depending upon, e.g., the intended application,
aesthetics, and other factors.
[0003] Conventional cooktops have at least one heating element
positioned at a cooktop surface for use in heating or cooking an
object, such as a cooking utensil and its contents. Control knobs
are typically used to adjust the power level of the heating
element--and thus the amount of heat delivered by the heating
element. Generally, control knobs are positioned on a top panel
which defines one or more apertures through which the control knob
or a gas control shaft extends to engage a controller, an ignition
switch, and/or gas valve behind the top panel.
[0004] Notably, these apertures provide a path for spilled fluids
to reach sensitive control electronics and components, which may
result in ignition switch or valve failure. Therefore, conventional
ignition switches include splash guards, shields, or other features
for preventing spilled fluids from reaching sensitive components
such as an ignition switch and electrical contacts. However, such
spill control features are often complex, including multiple parts
that increase costs and assembly time. In addition, such spill
control features are only partially effective, often permitting
spills to enter the switch housing resulting in an increased
likelihood of failure and a potential for operability issues when
regulating the heating element.
[0005] Accordingly, a cooktop appliance having a control knob
assembly with improved spill resistant features is desirable. More
particularly, an ignition switch assembly that is easy to install
and effectively routes any flow of spilled fluids away from
sensitive electronic components would be particularly
beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be apparent from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, an ignition switch assembly
defining an axial direction and a radial direction is provided. The
ignition switch assembly includes a lower housing defining a drain
port and an upper housing positioned over the lower housing to
define an electronics compartment therebetween, the upper housing
defining a top aperture having a top aperture diameter. A cam
actuator is positioned at least partially within the electronics
compartment. The cam actuator includes a center hub that extends
along the axial direction and defines a center hub diameter that is
less than or equal to the top aperture diameter and an outer hub
positioned around the center hub and defining an outer hub diameter
that is greater than the top aperture diameter. A connecting wall
extends substantially along the radial direction between the center
hub and the outer hub, wherein the center hub, the outer hub, and
the connecting wall define a circumferential groove for collecting
spilled fluid.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a control knob assembly for
regulating a power level of a heating element of a cooktop
appliance is provided. The control knob assembly defines an axial
direction and a radial direction. The control knob assembly
includes a control knob rotatable about the axial direction, a gas
control valve for regulating a flow of fuel to the heating element,
and a gas control shaft extending between and operably coupling the
control knob and the gas control valve. An ignition switch assembly
is operably coupled to the gas control shaft, the ignition switch
assembly including a lower housing defining a drain port and an
upper housing positioned over the lower housing to define an
electronics compartment therebetween, the upper housing defining a
top aperture having a top aperture diameter. A cam actuator is
positioned at least partially within the electronics compartment,
the cam actuator comprising a center hub that extends along the
axial direction and defines a center hub diameter that is less than
or equal to the top aperture diameter; an outer hub positioned
around the center hub and defining an outer hub diameter that is
greater than the top aperture diameter; and a connecting wall
extending substantially along the radial direction between the
center hub and the outer hub, wherein the center hub, the outer
hub, and the connecting wall define a circumferential groove for
collecting spilled fluid.
[0009] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a cooktop appliance
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary cooktop
appliance of FIG. 1 with the top panel removed to reveal various
gas regulating features according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a control knob
assembly that may be used with the exemplary cooktop appliance of
FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an exemplary ignition
switch assembly that may be used with the exemplary control knob
assembly of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the lower housing of
the exemplary ignition switch assembly of FIG. 4 with a top cover
removed for clarity.
[0016] FIG. 6 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary
ignition switch assembly of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a cam actuator of the
exemplary ignition switch assembly of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of an ignition switch
assembly that may be used with the exemplary cooktop appliance of
FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0019] FIG. 9 provides a cross sectional view of a control knob
assembly that may be used with the exemplary cooktop appliance of
FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0020] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] 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 or spirit 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.
[0022] The present disclosure relates generally to a control knob
assembly and an ignition switch assembly for a cooktop appliance
100. Although cooktop appliance 100 is used below for the purpose
of explaining the details of the present subject matter, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present subject matter
may apply to any other suitable consumer or commercial appliance.
For example, the exemplary control knob assemblies described below
may be used on other types of cooking appliances, such as ranges or
oven appliances, or on dishwashing appliances, washing machines,
clothes dryers, or any other consumer or commercial appliance that
operates at least in part based on user input through a control
knob. Cooktop appliance 100 is used in the discussion below only
for the purpose of explanation, and such use is not intended to
limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cooktop
appliance 100 of the present disclosure. Cooktop appliance 100 may
be, e.g., fitted integrally with a surface of a kitchen counter,
may be configured as a slide-in cooktop unit, or may be a part of a
free-standing range cooking appliance. Cooktop appliance 100
includes a top panel 102 that includes one or more heating sources,
such as heating elements 104 for use in, e.g., heating or cooking.
Top panel 102, as used herein, refers to any upper surface of
cooktop appliance 100 on which utensils may be heated and therefore
food cooked. In general, top panel 102 may be constructed of any
suitably rigid and heat resistant material capable of supporting
heating elements 104, cooking utensils, and/or other components of
cooktop appliance 100. By way of example, top panel 102 may be
constructed of enameled steel, stainless steel, glass, ceramics,
and combinations thereof.
[0024] According to the illustrated embodiment, cooktop appliance
100 is a gas cooktop and heating elements 104 are gas burners. As
illustrated, heating elements 104 are positioned within top panel
102 and have various sizes, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to provide
for the receipt of cooking utensils (i.e., pots, pans, etc.) of
various sizes and configurations and to provide different heat
inputs for such cooking utensils. In addition, cooktop appliance
100 may include one or more grates 106 configured to support a
cooking utensil, such as a pot, pan, etc. In general, grates 106
include a plurality of elongated members 108, e.g., formed of cast
metal, such as cast iron. The cooking utensil may be placed on the
elongated members 108 of each grate 106 such that the cooking
utensil rests on an upper surface of elongated members 108 during
the cooking process. Heating elements 104 are positioned underneath
the various grates 106 such that heating elements 104 provide
thermal energy to cooking utensils above top panel 102 by
combustion of fuel below the cooking utensils.
[0025] Although heating elements 104 are illustrated herein as gas
burners, it should be appreciated that according to various
alternative embodiments, heating elements 104 may employ any
suitable method for heating or cooking an object, such as a cooking
utensil and its contents. For example, cooktop appliance 100 may be
a gas cooktop, a radiant smooth top cooktop, an electric coil
cooktop, an induction cooktop, etc. Thus, according to alternative
embodiments, heating elements 104 use another heat transfer method,
such as electric coils or induction elements, to heat the cooking
utensil.
[0026] Moreover, the configuration of cooktop appliance 100 and top
panel 102 may vary according to the type of cooktop and heating
elements. For example, in smooth top (e.g., glass) and induction
cooktop applications, top panel 102 may directly support the
cooking utensils, such that no grate 106 is needed. In this regard,
top panel 102 may be a constructed of a ceramic glass for
supporting the cooking utensil and heating element 104 may be
positioned within or below top panel 102. By contrast, in an
electric coil cooktop, the heating element 104 (e.g., the
electrical coil) directly supports the cooking utensil. Other
configurations are possible and within the scope of the present
subject matter.
[0027] According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a user
interface panel or control panel 110 is located within convenient
reach of a user of cooktop appliance 100. Referring now also to
FIG. 2, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, control
panel 110 includes control knob assemblies 120 that are each
associated with one of heating elements 104. Control knob
assemblies 120 allow the user to activate each heating element 104
and regulate the amount of heat input each heating element 104
provides to a cooking utensil located thereon, as described in more
detail below. Control panel 110 may also be provided with one or
more graphical display devices, such as a digital or analog display
device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.
[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, control knob
assemblies 120 are located within control panel 110 of cooktop
appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that this location
is used only for the purpose of explanation, and that other
locations and configurations of control panel 110 and control knob
assemblies 120 are possible and within the scope of the present
subject matter. Indeed, according to alternative embodiments,
control knob assemblies 120 may instead be located directly on top
panel 102 or elsewhere on cooktop appliance 100, e.g., on a
backsplash, front bezel, or any other suitable surface of cooktop
appliance 100.
[0029] Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 and 3, a control knob
assembly 120 that may be used with cooktop appliance 100 will be
described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers to
an exemplary control knob assembly 120, it should be appreciated
that the features and configurations described may be used for
other knob assemblies in other cooking appliances or consumer
appliances as well. For example, control knob assembly 120 may be
positioned elsewhere within cooktop appliance 100, may have
different components or configurations, and use alternative
ignition switch assemblies. Other variations and modifications of
the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such
variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present
subject matter.
[0030] As illustrated, control knob assembly 120 generally defines
an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential
direction C. In this regard, for example, control knob assembly 120
generally passes through a panel aperture 122 (see FIG. 9) defined
in control panel 110 along the axial direction A, which is
substantially normal to control panel 110. However, according to
alternative embodiments, panel aperture 122 may be any suitable
size or shape and may be positioned in any suitable surface of
cooktop appliance 100.
[0031] As best shown in FIG. 2, control knob assembly 120 includes
a gas control valve 124 that is positioned below user interface
panel 110 for regulating a flow of fuel to heating element 104.
According to an exemplary embodiment, control knob assembly 120
further includes a control knob 126 that is manipulated by a user
for regulating the amount of heat delivered by a corresponding
heating element 104 on top panel 102. In this regard, control knob
126 is generally rotatable about the axial direction A and is
operably coupled to gas control valve 124 through a gas control
shaft 128. In this regard, rotating control knob 126 a certain
amount in the circumferential direction C rotates control shaft 128
the same amount in the circumferential direction C, thereby
controlling gas control valve 124.
[0032] Although the described exemplary embodiment illustrates gas
control valve 124 for regulating a flow of gas to a gas burner, it
should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter
may be used to regulate other types of heating elements, such as
electric or induction heating elements. Thus, by contrast, if
heating elements 104 are electric or induction heating elements,
control shaft 128 could instead be coupled to an electronic
regulator, e.g., an infinite switch that controls the amount of
electrical power delivered to heating element 104.
[0033] As used herein, control knob 126 may refer to any
configuration of rotary dial, and not just one having a circular
base, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. For example, the present
disclosure contemplates exemplary embodiments wherein knobs 126
have a rectangular base, an oval base, or any other shape having
one or more curved lines, straight lines, or both. Furthermore,
although control knob 126 is illustrated as controlling the power
level of heating element 104 of cooktop appliance 100, one skilled
in the art will appreciate that aspects of the present disclosure
may be used to control alternative operating conditions on other
appliances. For example, according to alternative embodiments,
control knob 126 may be used to regulate a wash time on a washing
machine or to select a wash cycle on a dishwasher.
[0034] In order to provide an ignition spark to the gas burner
heating elements 104, each control knob assembly 120 may further
include an ignition switch assembly 140. As will be described in
more detail below, ignition switch assembly 140 is generally
coupled to gas control shaft 128 for providing an ignition spark
when control knob 126 is in the desired position (e.g., the
lighting or ignition position). Ignition switch assembly 140 is
positioned below top panel 102 and is generally exposed to fluid
spills that might pass through panel aperture 122. Therefore,
aspects of the present subject matter described below are intended
to divert water from sensitive electronic components in order to
prevent failure of ignition switch assembly 140.
[0035] Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 7, ignition
switch assembly 140 will be described according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, ignition
switch assembly 140 defines an axial direction A, a radial
direction R, and a circumferential direction C which correspond to
the same directions for control knob assembly 120. According to the
illustrated embodiment, ignition switch assembly 140 is positioned
below top panel 102 and is operably coupled to the gas control
shaft 128 between gas control valve 124 and control knob 126.
However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative
embodiments, ignition switch assembly 140 may be coupled to control
knob 126 or gas control shaft 128 in any other suitable manner and
at any other suitable location.
[0036] Ignition switch assembly 140 includes a lower housing 142
and an upper housing 144 which is positioned over lower housing 142
to define an electronics compartment 146 between lower housing 142
and upper housing 144. According to the illustrated embodiment,
lower housing 142 and upper housing 144 are joined using a snap-fit
mechanism. However, any suitable method for joining lower housing
142 and upper housing 144 may be used according to alternative
embodiments. For example, lower housing 142 and upper housing 144
may be joined using any suitable mechanical fasteners, such as
screws, bolts, rivets, plastic snaps, etc. Alternatively, glue,
welding, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination
thereof may join lower housing 142 and upper housing 144.
[0037] In order to permit gas control shaft 128 two pass through
and generally engage ignition switch assembly 140, lower housing
142 may define a drain port 150 and upper housing 144 may define a
top aperture 152 through which control shaft 128 may pass. As shown
for example in FIGS. 3 and 9, drain port 150 and top aperture 152
are substantially circular holes defined about the axial direction
A. Notably, top aperture 152 also provides a place where fluid
inadvertently spilled during a cooking process may enter
electronics compartment 146, potentially resulting in operability
issues. Therefore, as described in more detail below, ignition
switch assembly 140 includes features for directing the flow of
spilled fluids toward drain port 150 where they may be safely
drained without contacting any sensitive electronic components.
[0038] Ignition switch assembly 140 further includes a cam actuator
160 which is positioned at least partially within electronics
compartment 146. In general, cam actuator 160 is rotatably mounted
within the ignition switch assembly 140 and is operably coupled
with gas control shaft 128. For example, cam actuator 160 may
define a keyed aperture 162 for receiving gas control shaft 128
such that the cam actuator 160 is operatively coupled with gas
control shaft 128. In this regard, for example, keyed aperture 162
may have a D-shaped cross section that is configured to receive
control shaft 128, which has a corresponding D-shaped profile.
Control knob 126 may define a similar keyed feature for receiving
and engaging control shaft 128. In this manner, control shaft 128
rotates precisely with control knob 126 and cam actuator 160 with
little or no lag. It should be noted that while keyed aperture 162
is described herein as being D-shaped, other shapes may be used so
long as they rotationally link control shaft 128 and cam actuator
160.
[0039] As best shown in FIG. 5, ignition switch assembly 140
further includes an ignition switch 164 that is mounted within
electronics compartment 146. More specifically, ignition switch 164
may include a flexible electrical contact 166 which is deflected by
an actuating flange 168 defined by cam actuator 160 when a spark
should be provided to ignite the flow of gas. In this manner, cam
actuator 160 may be designed to actuate ignition switch 164 when
rotated to the desired position (e.g., the ignition position).
[0040] Referring still to FIGS. 4 through 7, cam actuator 160
includes a center hub 170 that extends along the axial direction A,
an outer hub 172 that is positioned around center hub 170, and a
connecting wall 174 that extends substantially along the radial
direction R between center hub 170 and outer hub 172. In this
manner, center hub 170, outer hub 172, and connecting wall 174
generally define a circumferential groove 176 which may collect
excess spilled fluid that passes through top aperture 152.
[0041] As best shown in FIG. 6, center hub 170 may extend through
top aperture 152 and may form a substantially tight fit therein
while permitting cam actuator 160 to rotate within electronics
compartment 146. In this regard, for example, top aperture 152 may
define a top aperture diameter 180 and center hub 170 may define a
center hub diameter 182 that is less than or substantially equal to
top aperture diameter 180. It should be appreciated that as used
herein, terms of approximation, such as "approximately,"
"substantially," or "about," refer to being within a ten percent
margin of error. In this manner, center hub 170 may extend through
top aperture 152 toward top panel 102.
[0042] In order to provide a flow path for spilled fluids to pass
through the ignition switch assembly 140 (e.g., instead of
collecting therein), center hub 170 may further define one or more
slots 190 that extends substantially along the axial direction A
along outer surface of center hub 170. In addition, as illustrated,
slots 190 open up at least partially into circumferential groove
176, such that spill fluid that collects within circumferential
groove 176 may pass into slots 190 and fall out of ignition switch
assembly 140 under the force of gravity. In this regard, for
example, slots 190 may provide a direct flow path from top aperture
152, through slots 190 into an interior 192 of cam actuator 160.
Notably, interior 192 of cam actuator 160 is positioned directly
over drain port 150 such that the fluids may fall through ignition
switch assembly 140 without contacting ignition switch 164.
[0043] In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, outer hub
172 of cam actuator 160 is positioned such that excess spilled
fluid or fluid splashes may not enter electronics compartment 146.
Specifically, outer hub 172 defines an outer hub diameter 200 that
is greater than top aperture diameter 180. In addition, according
to the illustrated embodiment, outer hub 172 is positioned entirely
within electronics compartment 146 and may extend along the axial
direction A between lower housing 142 and upper housing 144.
Specifically, outer hub 172 may define a top edge 202 that is
positioned at or terminates proximate upper housing 144 to prevent
an overflow of spilled fluid within circumferential groove 176 from
passing into electronics compartment 146.
[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, top edge 202 may
contact upper housing 144 to reduce the tendency of spilled fluids
from passing into electronics compartment 146. According to still
another embodiment, ignition switch assembly 140 may include a
circular seal 204 (see FIG. 6) that is positioned between top edge
202 of outer hub 172 and upper housing 144. According to an
exemplary embodiment, circular seal 204 is an integral component of
upper housing 144. In this regard, circular seal 204 may be a
resilient O-ring that prevents fluid from passing between outer hub
172 and upper housing 144.
[0045] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, upper housing 144 may
further define a circumferential flange 210 that is positioned
around the top aperture 152 and that extends at least partially
into circumferential groove 176. More specifically, according to
the illustrated embodiment, circumferential flange 210 extends
substantially along the axial direction A and defines a flange
diameter 212 that is substantially equivalent to center hub
diameter 182. In this manner, circumferential flange 210 extends
down from top aperture 152 and in close proximity to center hub 170
such that most or all of the spilled fluids are directed into slots
190 or at least substantially along the axial direction A to reduce
the risk of splashing within circumferential groove 176.
[0046] Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiment, a
collection gap 214 is defined between a bottom edge 216 of
circumferential flange 210 and connecting wall 174. According to
exemplary embodiments, collection gap 214 may have any suitable gap
height 218 for collecting any suitable volume of spilled fluid. For
example, according to the illustrated embodiment, collection gap
214 is greater than 0.025 inches, about 0.03 inches, or greater.
According to alternative embodiments, any suitable gap size could
be used.
[0047] In addition to the design of cam actuator 160, ignition
switch assembly 140 may include additional features for
facilitating the collection, diversion, or redirection of flows of
spilled fluid. In this regard, for example, upper housing 144 may
define an upper surface 220 generally slopes down away from top
aperture 152. Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment,
upper surface 220 may be sloped at between about 5.degree. and
30.degree. relative to the radial direction R. However, it should
be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any
suitable slope or profile of upper surface 220 may be used.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, ignition switch assembly 140
may further include a cylindrical shield 230 that is positioned
around gas control shaft 128 and extends along the axial direction
A at least partially between upper housing 144 and control knob
126. In this manner, splashes or spilled fluids may be directed
around the top aperture 152 and over upper surface 220 to further
limit the potential for fluids to enter electronics compartment
146. According to one exemplary embodiment, cylindrical shield 230
may be defined by upper housing 144 and may extend toward control
knob 126 along the axial direction A. According to still another
embodiment, cylindrical shield 230 may be defined by control knob
126 (not shown) and may extend down toward upper housing 144 along
the axial direction A. Other configurations are possible and within
the scope of the present subject matter.
[0049] One skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to
the configurations of control knob assembly 120 and ignition switch
assembly 140 described herein, alternative configurations are
possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For
example, the size, positioning, and interaction between cam
actuator 160 and gas control shaft 128 may vary, the configuration
of cam actuator 160 may be adjusted or altered, and other
configurations may be used. It should be appreciated that still
other configurations are possible and within the scope of the
present subject matter.
[0050] 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.
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