Method and system for control of pressure washer functions
AssigneeKärcher North America, Inc.
InventorMartin Elliot Pierce
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for controlling pressure washer devices are provided. Pressure washers comprising at least one control unit and the ability to regulate functions of at least an engine of a pressure washer are disclosed. A control unit receives inputs from a user or various sensors provided in communication with the control unit, and is further capable of outputting a signal based on the inputs, the output signal operative to maintain or control the operating functions of an engine, pump, or motor.
Claims20
A pressure washer comprising:
- an engine having a throttle to control an engine speed and responsive to control signals;
- a pump that discharges a fluid under pressure in communication with and powered by the engine;
- a spray gun in communication with the pump;
- a control unit in communication with the engine;
- a first sensor in communication with the engine and the control unit, the first sensor adapted to measure a vacuum pressure associated with the engine;
- a second sensor in communication with the pump and the control unit, the second sensor adapted to measure a fluid pressure associated with the pump;
- and
- a third sensor in communication with the at least one of the engine and the pump and the control unit, the third sensor adapted to measure a temperature of at least one of:
- the engine, a fluid in the pump, and the pump;
- wherein the control unit is in communication with the engine to control an engine function, the engine function comprising at least one of engine speed, fuel consumption, and air intake.
A pressure washer comprising:
- an engine having a throttle responsive to control signals;
- a pump in communication with the engine, the pump operative to pressurize a fluid;
- a dispensing device in fluid communication with the pump;
- a vacuum sensor in communication with the engine to detect a vacuum pressure within the engine;
- a pressure sensor in communication with the engine to detect a fluid pressure within the pump;
- and
- a control unit in communication with the vacuum sensor, the pressure sensor, and the throttle, the control unit adapted to receive and process signals from the vacuum sensor and the pressure sensor and send signals to the throttle to control engine function.
A method for automatically controlling operating functions of a pressure washer engine, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a pressure washer comprising an engine, a pump, and a control unit in communication with the engine and at least one sensor;
- (b) activating the pressure washer by starting the engine;
- (c) providing power to the control unit;
- (d) initializing a loop wherein the control unit continuously monitors the at least one sensor to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred;
- (e) based on the occurrence of the predetermined event, providing a signal from the control unit to the engine to automatically change at least one operating function of the pressure washer;
- and
- (f) subsequent to changing the at least one operating function of the pressure washer, initiating a second loop to continuously monitor the at least one sensor to determine whether a second predetermined event has occurred.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.