US 2003/0024796 A1 · Appliance control system with knob control assembly

Abstract

An appliance controller simulates the user operation of electro-mechanical appliance controllers that are currently on the market. The present control knob is configured to allow a user to turn the control knob to a particular wash operation to be selected, and thereafter pulls outwardly on the control knob thereby commencing an appliance mode. The control knob is provided with a shaft extension. When the control knob is pulled outwardly, the extension actuates a master power switch, placing the appliance in a run mode. To return the appliance to a stop mode, the user pushes the knob inwardly. This de-actuates the master power switch thereby placing the appliance in the stop mode.

Claims27

Dependent claims

An appliance control system, comprising:

a housing;
a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to said housing between a first selector position and a second selector position;
a first spring secured to said housing, said first spring being configured to retain said user cycle selector at (i) said first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) said second selector position during a second period of time;
a mode switch positioned within said housing, said mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state;
and
a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position,
wherein movement of said user cycle selector from said first selector position to said second selector position causes said spring arm to move from said first arm position to said second arm position, and
wherein movement of said spring arm from said first arm position to said second arm position causes said mode switch to be switched from said deactuated state to said actuated state.

5 more elements

An appliance control system which is operable in a user cycle selection mode and a cycle operation mode, comprising:

a user cycle selector which is movable between a first selector position and a second selector position;
a first spring configured to retain said user cycle selector at (i) said first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) said second selector position during a second period of time;
and
a mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state,
wherein movement of said user cycle selector from said first selector position to said second selector position causes said mode switch to be switched from said deactuated state to said actuated state,
wherein said appliance control system is caused to operate in said user selection mode when said mode switch is placed in said actuated state, and
wherein said appliance control system is caused to operate in said cycle operation mode when said mode switch is placed in said deactuated state.

4 more elements

An appliance control system which is operable in a user selection mode and a cycle operation mode, comprising:

a user cycle selector including a control shaft having a first groove and a second groove defined therein, said user cycle selector being movable between a first selector position and a second selector position;
a spring which is positionable in (i) said first groove to retain said user cycle selector at said first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) said second groove to retain said user cycle selector at said second selector position during a second period of time;
and
a mode switch having a first state and a second state,
wherein movement of said user cycle selector from said first selector position to said second selector position causes said mode switch to be switched from said second state to said first state,
wherein said appliance control system is caused to operate in said user selection mode when said mode switch is placed in said first state, and
wherein said appliance control system is caused to operate in said cycle operation mode when said mode switch is placed in said second state.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Appliance control system with knob control assembly

Life of this patent

Appliance control system with knob control assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27