Drain pump mounted pressure switch for a washing machine
US6481246B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F39/087
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The air pressure sensor of the present invention functions to control the water level in a washing machine tub and to vary the fill volume relative to the clothes load. The sensor or switch is mounted on the drain pump on the base of the washing machine cabinet, so as to be independent from the washing machine tub. An air dome extends between the switch and the water inlet line of the pump. The switch is set to be actuated at a predetermined pressure. As the water level increases in the tub, the air pressure within the air dome increases, until eventually the switch is actuated. The switch is mounted directly to the air dome in an angular orientation, thereby minimizing or eliminating condensation problems in the switch. The switch will also be activated by water pressure, in the event of an air leak in the air dome, so as to preclude water overflow of the tub.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.