Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
TITLE: PRESSURE WASHER
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial
No. 61/718,319 filed on October 25, 2012 titled "PRESSURE WASHER" and the
disclosure
of which is incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pressure washer systems, and more
particularly, to a pressure washer that is convenient to operate and usable to
generate
different pressurized streams suitable to particular tasks. It is a further
aspect of the
invention to provide a power or pressure washer and/or pressure washer control
system
that is convenient to operate, reliable, robust, and configured to prevent or
suspend
operation of the pressure washing device if undesirable operating conditions
occur during
use of the pressure washing device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pressure washers generally include a motor or engine that is operatively
connected
to a water pump. A high pressure hose connects a wand to a discharge side of
the water
pump. The wand commonly includes a pistol grip or the like that includes a
trigger whose
actuation effects discharge of a high-pressure water stream from the nozzle.
Both the
simplicity of operation and effectiveness associated with using such devices
has made
pressure washers a staple for various residential and commercial cleaning and
surface
preparation tasks. Many cleaning and surface preparation operations can also
include the
use of extraneous cleaning or surface treatment agents. For instance, many
deck and
fence cleaning agents, automotive and/or fiberglass soaps, concrete cleaners,
excreta, are
commercially available and tailored to improve the efficiency of a particular
cleaning
operation. To effectuate a desired cleaning or surface preparation operation
and increase
the applicability of such devices, many pressure washers include a valve
assembly
associated with generating a desired variable pressure flow that can be
configured for use
with or without such soaps or agents.
The range of use of such pressure washers for various cleaning and surface
preparation activities can also be increased by providing various alternate
nozzle
1
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
assemblies in addition to providing a flow pressure adjustment mechanism for
adjusting the
pressure of the flow stream that is delivered to the nozzle supported by the
wand.
Commonly, a pressure unloader valve assembly is provided between the output of
the
pump and a high pressure hose that is connected to the wand. The pressure
unloader
valve assembly commonly includes an operator or a handle that is rotatably
connected to a
housing and interacts with a valve body that is disposed in the housing. The
valve body is
commonly manually movable to selectively cooperate with a valve seat to define
a bypass
flow passage. Manipulation of the valve body relative to the valve seat alters
a pressure of
the fluid flow that is communicated to the wand by opening and closing the
bypass fluid
passage.
Starting and operation of engine powered pressure washer devices commonly
requires user interaction with various discrete controls associated with
starting and
operating the internal combustion engine and configuring the pressure valve
assembly to
provide a desired flow pressure to the wand. As is commonly understood,
starting of an
internal combustion engine can include user interaction with various controls
associated the
ignition and fuel systems of the engine. During an initial starting process,
such as when the
engine has not been operated for an extended duration, commonly referred to as
"cold"
starting, the user must configure the ignition system to deliver an ignition
signal to one or
more spark plugs and interact with a choke and/or throttle systems to deliver
a desired fuel
charge to the combustion chamber associated with self sustained operation of
the engine.
Commonly, the user must manipulate the choke and/or throttle controls after an
initial warm up period to maintain self supported operation of the engine
after the engine
has attained a suitable operating temperature. Commonly, the ignition, choke,
and throttle
controls are associated with different discrete positions of the underlying
pressure washing
device. Suitable user interaction with the controls, particularly first time
users or users who
have not operated such devices in a while, commonly requires user inspection
of the
entirety of the device to gain or regain understanding of the location,
direction of operation,
and/or range of motion associated with each of the respective controls.
Failure to
adequately understand the respective orientation and sequencing of the various
engine
controls can result in flooding of the engine and/or inefficient operation of
the engine even if
2
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
the engine has been started. In many pressure washer devices, the engine is
commonly
configured to operate at a maximum operating speed and the desired flow
pressure signal
is provided by user interaction with the pressure unloader valve assembly.
Such
configurations require user attention to the multiple engine and flow controls
to generate a
desired pressure signal and can result in inefficient utilization of the
combustible fuel as the
engine is commonly operated at elevated speeds even when less than maximum
operating
pressures are utilized. Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer
device that
includes a convenient and easily understandable engine and flow operation
control.
Another consideration to efficient and extended operation of the internal
combustion
engine is an appreciation as to the condition of the lubrication system of the
engine. Many
engines include a volume of oil that is associated with maintaining a
lubricated interaction
between movable parts of the engine, such as a crankshaft, crank arms,
pistons, and the
cylinder walls. Many internal combustion engines include a reservoir that is
generally
defined by a crankcase and which includes a sufficient amount of oil to
maintain operation
of the engine for extended durations. Failure to adequately attend to the
level of oil
associated with engine operation can result in undesired damage to the engine
which can
substantially shorten the operating life of the engine. Continued operation of
the internal
combustion engine during low oil level conditions can result in catastrophic
failure or
seizure of the engine and can render the engine non-repairable.
Commonly, the engine system of such pressure washer devices is provided with a
bung that is associated with a crankcase. Inspection of the oil level of the
engine requires
removal of the bung and visual inspection of the oil level or a dipstick
associated with the
removable bung. As the crankcase is commonly located beneath the internal
combustion
of the engine and/or the pump, many users, particularly novice users,
frequently fail to
adequately assess the oil condition or level before use of the pressure
washer.
Periodically, a tool is required to remove the bung such that even experienced
users forego
assessment of the engine oil condition with the sometimes misguided
expectation that
there is sufficient engine oil to complete an expected period of operation of
the pressure
without undue engine damage. Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer
device
that allows the user to more conveniently assess the condition or quantity of
engine oil.
3
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
There is a further need for a pressure washing device that can prevent or
suspend
operation of the internal combustion engine during low oil conditions to avoid
catastrophic
engine failure.
Still another consideration to efficient and desired pressure washer operation
is the
condition of operation of the working fluid pump or the pump associated with
generating the
high pressure flow. The pump generally includes a housing and an impeller or
the like
associated with generating the high pressure flow. Commonly, one or more seals
are
provided between the various movable parts of the pump to maintain the desired
fluid
connectivity through the pump without undo leakage associated with
communicating the
working fluid through the pump. Any such leakage detracts from the efficient
operation of
the pump to generate the desired pressurized flow of the working fluid.
Commonly, the
working fluid, such as water, is provided from a source at a rate and
temperature that
provides sufficient cooling of the pump to prevent overheating of the pump
which could
detrimentally affect the integrity of the seals associated therewith.
Disruptions to the working fluid flow, such as via a kink in the source water
hose or
other source water delivery issues, can disrupt operation of the pump and/or
result in pump
flow cavitations. If left unaddressed, such source flow conditions can result
in overheating
of the pump. Commonly, the only indication of such a source flow condition is
the inability
of the pressure washing device to generate a desired pressure flow being
dispelled from
the wand during actuation of the trigger. Situations can arise however wherein
the user is
unaware that low source flow conditions exist even though a suitable
pressurized fluid flow
is delivered from the wand. Extended operation of the pressure washing device
or system
during such conditions detracts from efficient operation of the pump and can
result in
damage to the pump and/or the components thereof. Therefore, there is also a
need to
assess the operating conditioning of the pump and provide an indication and/or
suspension
of operation of the engine and/or pump of the pressure washer to protect the
operational
integrity of the pump.
Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer assembly that is simple and
convenient to operate, provides indications as to the operating conditions of
the engine
and/or pump, and/or that can intervene in operation of the engine and/or pump
if conditions
4
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
=
persist that would detrimentally affect the usable life expectancy of a
pressure washing
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a pressure washing device or system that
overcomes one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above. One aspect of the
invention
discloses a pressure washer system that is convenient to maintain and operate.
In a
preferred embodiment, the pressure washing devices includes various control
protocols
associated generating various pressure flows for multiple desired uses from
manipulation of
the speed of operation of the engine. More preferably, the control protocols
are configured
to maintain the operational integrity of the engine and pump of the pressure
washer if
undesirable operating conditions, such as a low oil level condition or low
water flow
conditions, occur during use of the pressure washer.
Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of the above
aspects
discloses a pressure washing system that includes an engine and a pump that is
configured to be driven by the engine. The pump defines an output that
provides a fluid
flow at a higher pressure than an inlet of the pump. A control is connected to
the engine
and configured to manipulate operation of the engine to generate more than one
pump
output pressure wherein each of the more than one pump output pressure is
associated
with a desired use of the pressure washing device.
Another aspect of the invention that includes or is usable with one or more of
the
above aspects discloses a pressure washing device having a pump that is
connected to a
fluid path and defines an inlet and an outlet wherein the pump is operable to
provide a
pressurized flow at the outlet. The pressure washing device includes a sensor
that is
configured to monitor a pressure of the fluid path and an indicator that is
connected to the
sensor and configured to provide an indication of an undesired pressure
condition of the
fluid path.
Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one of the aspects above
discloses a pressure washer having an internal combustion engine that is
configured to
drive a pump. The pump is connected between a water source and a wand and
driven by
5
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
the internal combustion engine to generate a pressurized flow. A sensor is
connected to
the internal combustion engine and configured to monitor an oil condition of
the internal
combustion engine and provide an indication of a low oil condition.
Another aspect of the present invention that is usable or combinable with one
or
more of the above aspects discloses a pressure washer that includes a pump
that is driven
by an engine to convert a low pressure flow to a high pressure flow. The
pressure washer
includes a sensor that is configured to monitor a parameter associated with
operation of at
least one of the engine and the pump. A controller is connected to the sensor
and is
configured to manipulate operation of one of the engine and the pump in
response to a
signal received from the sensor. The controller is further configured to
execute a debounce
operation that includes providing a delay before reacting to the signal and to
confirm
existence of the signal after the delay.
Another aspect of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more
of the
above aspects discloses an engine powered pressure washer that includes an
engine and
a pump connected to the engine. The pressure washer includes a magneto that is
configured to generate a charge during operation of the engine and a power
storage device
that is charged by the magneto. The pressure washer includes at least one
indicator that is
configured to indicate an operation status associated with operation of at
least one of the
engine and the pump and powered by one of the magneto and the power storage
device.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent
to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific
examples,
while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by
way of
illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made
within the
scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and
the invention
includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out
the
invention.
6
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable engine powered pressure washing
device
equipped with a control protocol according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the portable engine powered
pressure
washing device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a control of the pressure washing device shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a chart that associates a fluid flow pressure associated with a
first nozzle
configuration at various engine operating speeds attained via manipulation of
an engine
throttle;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 and shows another chart that associates a
fluid flow
pressure associated with a second nozzle configuration at various engine
operating speeds
attained via manipulation of an engine throttle;
FIG. 6 shows an alternate perspective view of the control shown in FIG. 3 and
shows a detail of the control;
FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the control shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the control shown in FIG. 3 and exploded from
the
dashboard shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the pressure washing device shown in FIG.
1 with
a handle removed from a chassis associated with the pressure washing device;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and shows an alternate embodiment of the
user
control shown therein and usable with the pressure washing device shown in
FIGS. 1 and
2;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the control shown in FIG. 9 with a first set
of indicia
associated with the relative orientations of the control;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the dashboard area of the pressure washing
device
shown in FIG. 1 and an alternate set of indicia associated with the relative
orientations of
the control;
7
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a signage provided on a package associated
with
containing the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 at a point of sale;
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a controller of the pressure washer shown in
FIG.
1;
FIG. 15 is a chart that shows the variable pressure flow signals achieved with
the
pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 as related to the operating speed of the
engine;
FIG. 16 is a chart that shows the association of engine operating speed
relative to
the adjustment of the throttle cable of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of an engine operating condition
assessment of
the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a throttle body associated with the engine of
the
pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 and includes a detail of a choke lever
associated with the
throttle body for controlling characteristics of the combustion charge
delivered to the engine
thereof;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a throttle control mechanism associated with
the
throttle body shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a plan view of a throttle cable removed from the pressure washer
shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 21 is a plan view of a choke cable removed from the pressure washer shown
in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 22 is a plan view of the engagement between the control shown in FIG. 1
and
the throttle cable shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 23 is an opposite side plan view of the control and throttle cable shown
in FIG.
22;
FIG. 24 shows a guide wheel removed from the control and throttle cable
assembly
shown in FIG. 23 and a rack and pinion association between the control and the
throttle
cable;
8
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
FIG. 25 and 26 are cross section views of the control and throttle cable
assembly
shown in FIG. 22 taken along lines 25-25 and 26-26, respectively, which
contain the axis of
rotation of the control;
FIG. 27 is a plan view of the choke control of the pressure washer shown in
FIGS. 1
and 2 at a first maximum position relative to the throttle body;
FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 and shows the choke lever at a maximum
position relative to the throttle body;
FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28 and shows the choke and throttle controls
at
alternate maximum positions or orientations relative to the underlying
throttle assembly or
throttle body;
FIG. 30 shows a plan view of a portion of the pump of the pressure washer
shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 and shows one or more sensors associated with assessing the
operational
condition of the pump;
FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and shows the handle of the pressure
washer
rotated between and up or in-use orientation and a folded or stowed
orientation;
FIG. 32 is a forward side exploded perspective view of a joint of the handle
assembly of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 33 is an alternate lateral forward side exploded perspective view of the
joint
shown in FIG. 32.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portable engine powered power or pressure washer system
or
device 40 according to the present invention. Pressure washer 40 includes an
internal
combustion engine 42 that is operationally connected to a pump 44. It is
appreciated that
one or more of the aspects disclosed herein may be applicable to power washer
systems
having other power sources, such as motor driven pumps, whereas other features
or
aspects of the proposed system are applicable only to engine powered power
pressure
washers, such as those features that are associated with manipulating
operation of an
ignition or fuel delivery systems associated with operation of the internal
combustion
9
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
engine. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the alternative uses
of the various
aspects disclosed herein as being usable with only one or both of engine and
motor driven
or powered pressure washer devices.
Engine 42, or an alternate power source such as an electric motor, can be
directly or
s
indirectly (via a power transmission system such as a belt or other
flexible drive member)
coupled to pump 44. When engine 42 directly cooperates with pump 44 without
supplemental power transmission systems, pump 44 can be considered a direct
drive
pump. In such direct drive engine/pump configurations it should be appreciated
that the
pressure output of the pump is provided at least in part as a function of the
operational
revolutions per minute (RPM) of the pump and which is directly correlated to
the operation
speed or revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine crankshaft. Regardless of
the
modality of the power source, the higher the RPM of the pump, the higher the
pump output
pressure¨ assuming other system variables to be constant. In one embodiment,
the input
RPM of the pump is controlled by the engine RPM by means of controlling the
engine
throttle such that, variable pressures can be provided at the pump output
pressure via
manipulation of the engine throttle or engine speed. The variable pressure
output of the
pump, in conjunction with a selector dial that manipulates the `operating
speed of the
engine, allows one pressure washer to act as though it were capable of
providing several
different fixed operating pressures.
Pressure washer 40 includes a wand 46 that is connected to an output side of
pump
44 via a hose (not shown). A trigger 50 is located at one end of wand 46 and a
discharge
nozzle 52 is disposed at the opposite end of the wand 46. Nozzle 52 may be
adjustable
and/or replaceable to provide a desired spray pattern during operation of
pressure washer
40. Pressure washer 40 preferably includes a chassis 54 having one or more
wheels 56 or
other means for improving the mobility of the unit to facilitate convenient
transportation of
pressure washer 40. Pressure washer 40 includes a panel, bezel, or dashboard
60 that
includes an input control 62 and one or more instructional indicia 64
associated with the
desired operation or intended use of pressure washer 40. Preferably, dashboard
60
includes one or more indicia 64 that are associated with the desired operation
of pressure
washer 40 and can include one or more indicators 70 associated with a
providing an
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
indication as to the desired or satisfactory operation of pressure washer 40
as described
further below.
Preferably, dashboard 60 also includes one or more receptacles or mounting
portions 61 associated with supporting replaceable or interchangeable tips or
nozzles 72,
74, 76 associated with the intended or desired use of pressure washer 40 for a
particular
tasks. As is readily understood, nozzles 72 ¨ 76 are configured to
interchangeably
cooperate with the discharge end of wand 46 so as to replace nozzle 52.
Alternatively, it is
appreciated that nozzle 52 can be adjustable to provide more than one spray
pattern ¨
such as a fan pattern, a consolidated stream pattern, a cone pattern, etc. It
is further
appreciated that wand 46 may have integrated nozzles that are interchangeable
and/or
adjustable to allow various different functions including soaping via
introduction of a
detergent or other cleaning or treatment agent through a venturi or other such
agent
injection or suction system.
Referring to Fig. 3, control 62 associated with dashboard 60 includes a dial
78 that is
rotational and/or axially translatable relative to dashboard 60 to manipulate
the throttle of
the engine and so as to provide a desired output associated with operation of
pressure
washer 40. As explained above, for direct drive pump configurations, the
pressure output
from the pump is a function of the revolutions per minute associated with pump
operation
and which is related to the operating speed and torque of engine 42. As
explained further
below with respect to Figs. 18-28, a throttle linkage extends between dial 78
and engine 42
to manipulate the operational speed of engine 42 and thereby the pressure
generated by
pump 44. As explained further below with respect to Figs. 18-28, it is
appreciated that a
number of methodologies are envisioned for providing the desired operational
and
functional connection between control 62 and engine 42 to achieve the
objective of
providing a user input control that is associated with manipulating an
operating speed of the
underlying engine 42 and provides a plurality of indicia associated with the
desired activity
or pressure output associated with operation of the engine 42 and effectively
pump 44 at
each respective speed associated with operation of engine 42.
As shown in Fig. 3, dial 78 is configured to control operation of engine 42 to
provide
a desired pressure associated with operation of pump 44. Dashboard 60 and/or
dial 78
11
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
include one or more indicia and/or an inclined ramp or power bar indication
that provide a
visual indication as to the operational pressure that will be provided to wand
46 based on
the discrete rotational position of dial 78 relative to dashboard 60. As
explained further
below, the throttle associated with operation of engine 42 is connected to
dial 78 via
mechanical means, such as a cable or the like, and which moves rotationally
and/or
laterally to control the RPM of the engine and thereby the pump output
pressure associated
with operation of pump 44.
In a preferred embodiment, the rotary throttle control associated with
manipulation of
dial 78 provides distinct throttle positions that are defined by tactile
and/or audible indicia
and which thereby provide a number of preset throttle positions. Preferably a
plurality of
such preset throttle conditions are provided by control 62. In a preferred
embodiment, the
preset throttle positions are provided by a ball and detent association that
provides a tactile
indication of the throttle control position as well as retains control 62 at
the desired
orientation to provide the desired operation of engine 42. The same
functionality can be
attained with an inclined ramp interaction with or without pronounced detents
or tactile
indicators. Alternatively, it is appreciated that dial 78 could cooperate with
an underlying
housing so as to provide translation of dial 78 in the longitudinal direction
along the
rotational axis associated with movement of dial 78 to provide the desired
manipulation
and/or adjustment of the throttle cable associated therewith as is discussed
further below.
Figures 4 and 5 show graphical representations of the discharge pressures that
can
be achieved as a function of engine speed when wand 46 is provided with
alternate nozzle
configurations. As shown in FIG. 4, when pressure washer 40 is equipped with a
first
nozzle, a generally linear plot can be achieved when comparing the operating
discharge
pressure relative to a fully loaded engine operating speed. Changing the
replaceable
nozzle to have a different shape or sized orifice provides a different
operating pressure
range when the pump is driven at alternate full load engine speeds. Said in
another way,
pressure washer 40 provides different operating pressure spray conditions as
the engine
operating speed is manipulated for each of different nozzle shapes and/or
sizes and the
range of operating pressures alters as a function of the characteristics of
the different
nozzles. It should be appreciated that connecting any of nozzles 72, 74, 76 to
wand 46 will
12
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
alter the pressure to engine speed curve but each curve provides alternate
working
pressure flows across a range of achievable operating pressures for each
respective
nozzle. It is further appreciated that control 62 may be provided with
different indicia as
described further below with respect to associating the setting of control 62,
associated with
s
a discrete speed of operation of engine 42, with a respective nozzle which
is connected to
wand 46.
FIG. 6 shows an underside and a detailed view of control 62 associated with
dashboard 60. As shown in FIG. 6, control 62 includes a step plate 80 that is
secured to an
underside 82 of dashboard 60 by one or more bosses 84. Step plate 80 defines
an axis of
rotation 86 of dial 78 relative to step plate 80 and dashboard 60. Said in
another way, dial
78 is rotatable relative to dashboard 60 and step plate 80 so as to manipulate
the speed of
operation of engine 42 and thereby the operating pressure generated by pump
44.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, control 60 includes a rotor 88 that rotationally
cooperates
with a synchronizer 90 and is disposed between synchronizer 90 and step plate
80. Rotor
88 includes a recess 94 that is configured to cooperate with an end of a
throttle cable
associated with operation of engine 42 as is described further below with
respect to Figs.
18-29. An underside 96 of rotor 88 includes one or more bosses 98 that
translate
rotationally relative to a ramp surface 100 of step plate 80. Preferably, ramp
surface 100
include one or more steps or lands 102, 104, 106 configured to provide a
tactile indication
as to the rotational position of rotor 88 relative to step plate 80.
Cooperation of bosses 98
along ramp surfaces 100 allows rotor 88 to translate in the longitudinal
direction associated
with the axis of rotation of dial 78, indicated by arrow 110, relative to step
plate 80 and
thereby manipulate the operational length associated with a throttle cable or
an
instantaneous setting of the engine throttle assembly.
It should be appreciated that clockwise rotation of dial 78 translates rotor
88, and
thereby throttle cable recess 94, in a longitudinal direction along axis 110
effectively
"pulling" the throttle cable whereas counter-clockwise rotation of dial 78
allows the throttle
assembly to "push" the throttle cable. The "push" and "pull" manipulation of
the throttle
cable manipulates the throttle assembly associated with engine 42 to reduce
and increase
the operating speed of engine 42. It is further appreciated that the "push" of
the throttle
13
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
cable could be provided as merely allowing the throttle assembly to return to
a biased
orientation as compared to actually "pushing" the cable to achieve the desired
orientation of
the throttle and thereby the desired operation of the engine.
It is further appreciated that the rotational association of dial 78 relative
to the
manipulation of the underlying throttle assembly could be reversed such that
counterclockwise rotation of dial 78 increases the engine speed whereas
clockwise rotation
of dial 78 decreases the operating speed of engine 42. Preferably, regardless
of the
direction of rotation of dial 78 relative to increasing and/or decreasing the
operating speed
of engine 42, the throttle assembly is biased toward a position associated
with idle
operation of engine 42 such that user interaction with dial 78 increases the
throttle
positioning and thereby the operating speed of engine 12. More preferably,
once
increased, it is appreciated that control 62 maintains the desired engine
operating speed
associated with the particular throttle position associated with the setting
of dial 78 relative
to control 62 until subsequent user interaction with dial 78 and/or automatic
interference
with operation of engine 42 as disclosed further below.
Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, synchronizer 90 includes a first tang 112
and a
second tang 114 that preferably have dissimilar sizes. Rotor 88 includes a
first cavity 116
and a second cavity 118 that are each configured to cooperate with only one of
the
respective tangs 112, 114 of synchronizer 90. Such a construction ensures a
repeatable
and a singular rotational orientation associated with assembling synchronizer
90 relative to
rotor 88 so as to provide a desired orientation of synchronizer 90 and dial 78
relative to
dashboard 60 and the throttle cable assembly associated therewith.
Referring to FIG. 8, an underside 120 of dial 78 includes a cavity 122 that is
constructed to secure dial 78 to synchronizer 90. Cavity 122 includes one or
more ribs 124
that cooperate with the detent 126 formed in synchronizer 90 to define the
orientation of
dial 78 relative thereto. Synchronizer 90 cooperates with an underside of
dashboard 60
whereas dial 78 is exposed proximate a front side of the dashboard and
correspondingly
oriented relative to the indicia provided on the front side of dashboard 60 so
as to be
indicative of the desired cleaning operation and/or pressure intended to be
provided by
pressure washer 40 and to exposed to the user for setting the engine throttle
speed
14
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
associated with generating the flow pressure for performing the intended
operation. The
single orientation structural interaction between dial 78, rotor 88, and
synchronizer 90
ensures that the indicia 68 associated with the orientation of dial 78
relative to dashboard
60 provides the desired indication or association between the orientation of
the dial 78
relative to the throttle assembly to achieve the desired operational condition
of engine 42
and thereby the generation of the desired operating pressure associate with
driven
operation of pump 44.
FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the dashboard area 16 of pressure washer 40.
As
shown in FIG. 9, pressure washer 40 can be configured to include an "on/off"
switch 131,
one or more indicators 132, one or more engine controls 134, such as an engine
choke
control, etc. Preferably, those controls of pressure washer 40 that are
commonly interacted
with by a user are all generally centrally positioned on dashboard 60
proximate dial 78. It is
further appreciated that dial 78 could be configured to include the
functionality of "on/off"
switch 131 and/or choke control 134 as explained further below. It is further
understood
that although indicators 132 are shown as being positioned proximate dial 78
on dashboard
60, other locations are envisioned including being supported by dial 78. The
centralized
location of all of the operational controls associated with the starting and
operating of
pressure washer 40 provides a pressure washer wherein a user need only inspect
a limited
area of the device to quickly assess the overall operating condition of the
device.
One or more nozzles 72, 74, 76 are positioned proximate dial 78 so as to be
readily
identifiable and accessible to the user of pressure washer 40. It is
appreciated that the
operation and manipulation of dial 78 can be configured to provide a number of
indicia that
assimilate the operating condition of the engine and/or the desired pressure
intended to be
provided via operation of pressure washer 40 and/or assimilate the position of
dial 78
relative to the operation condition of engine 42 as well as a respective
nozzle 72, 74, 76
engaged with wand 46. Referring to Figs. 10 ¨ 12, indicia 68 can be provided
as one or
more of the desired output associated with operation of pump 44, such as a
pressure
reading or range as shown in Fig. 10, as an activity to be undertaken such as
shown in Fig.
11, or a combination thereof as shown in Fig. 12. That is, dashboard 60 and/or
dial 78
might have an icon indicating a fence, a vehicle, walls, windows, driveways,
or other
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
.
structures or graphical indicia associated with the activity that is to
be undertaken. Rotating
dial 78 to the desired indicia 68 would set the corresponding water discharge
pressure
associated with operation of pump 44 to the preferred, desired, or optimal
value for
undertaking the desired activity by manipulation of the engine throttle
control as explained
above.
It is further appreciated that indicia 68 may be provided in multiple radially
oriented
rows or sequences such that a first row of indicia 68 may provide an
indication associated
of desired pressure output, a second row may include indicia indicative of the
activity to be
undertaken, range of engine speed operation or throttle control position, etc.
It is further
appreciated that such rows may include a legend or key associated with
assimilating the
desired pressure flow signal, engine speed condition, or activity to be
completed with a
respective nozzle that is connected to wand 46 as disclosed above. It is
further
appreciated that pressure washer 40 may be provided with multiple placards
that each
include multiple indicia and which the end user can position relative to dial
78; one of which
the discrete user or end purchaser considers the most convenient or readily
understandable for assessing and setting the desired operation of pressure
washer 40.
That is, it is appreciated that whereas some users may appreciated a power bar
type of
indicia associated with the various positions of dial 78, other users may
prefer graphical
indicia associated with respective activities that are to be undertaken.
It should be further appreciated that control 62 can be provided as various
other
operational modalities other than being provided as a rotational dial. It is
appreciated that
the functionality of control 62 could be provided in other modalities such as
a slide lever, a
push/pull lever, a pushbutton, or the like. It is further appreciated that
control 62 can be
configured to provide one or more mechanical, tactile, visual, or audible,
indications
associated with indicating the setting of control 62 for the desired operation
of pressure
washer 40. Regardless of the mode of operation of control 62, the inclusion of
operational
indicators 132 proximate dashboard 60 provides a power washer 40 wherein most
if not all
of the operational controls associated with operation and/or monitoring of
pressure washer
40 are conveniently located in a common area.
16
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
. .
,
As shown in FIG. 13, pressure washer 40 is intended to include both
conditional
operational indicators 132, such as oil and water condition indicators, and
consumable level
indicators 134 in the general proximity of dashboard 60. Such a configuration
allows the
user to quickly assess the operating condition of pressure washer 40 without
undue
examination or inspection of different areas of the pressure washer 40 to
assess the
condition of the discrete systems associated therewith.
Referring to FIG. 14, pressure washer 40 includes a controller or control
circuit 140
that is configured to assess various operational and system integrity or
operational control
signals. Preferably, control circuit 140 is configured to suspend operation of
engine 42 if a
low oil condition is detected and preferably persists beyond a desired
interval. Control
circuit 140 also preferably monitors pump inlet pressure and/or pump
temperature and is
configured to suspend operation of pressure washer 40, or minimally provide
illumination of
one or more of indicators 132, 134 during low engine oil, low intake water
pressure
conditions, and/or pump overheat conditions. In a preferred embodiment,
pressure washer
40 includes a hall-effect sensor 141 (FIG. 2) or other fluid/oil level sensing
device that is
connected to engine 42 and controller 140. Controller 140 can be configured to
simply
provide an indication of receipt of the signal from the oil condition sensor
141 and/or
suspend operation of engine 42 if a low oil condition exists or persists for a
selected
duration during operation of engine 42.
In addition to the oil condition monitoring, it is appreciated that pressure
washer 40
include one or more sensors 145 (FIG. 13) associated with detecting various
parameters
associated monitoring operation of the pump flow conditions. FIG. 30 shows one
such
configuration wherein pump 44 is can be configured to include one or more
temperature
sensors 139 such as thermocouples to assess the operating temperature of pump
44.
Preferably, the one or more thermal couples 139 are connected to controller
140 so that
operation of pressure washer 40 can be suspended in the event of an over-
temperature
condition. Alternatively, it is envisioned that sensors 139 be provided as
pressure sensors
145 (FIG. 14) associated with assessing a pressure signal associated with the
inlet
pressure of the working fluid or an output pressure of the working fluid.
Controller 140 can
17
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
=
be configured to provide an indication of an unsuitable working fluid flow
parameter and/or
manipulate operation of engine 42 or pump 44 in response to detection of such
a situation.
In a preferred embodiment, all such indicators and/or manipulation of the
desired
operation of pressure washer 40 are limited by a debounce algorithm that
mitigates false
positives of the any of the low oil, low pump intake pressure, high pump
operating
temperature, the latter of which can be caused by kinked feed hoses or the
like. Such a
debounce operation allows the operator a suitable period to clear the
unintended but
undesired operational condition without unduly interfering with operation of
pressure
washer 40.
In a preferred configuration, the electronic circuit associated with
controller 140 is
provided on pressure washer 40 to provide a visual indication of the low
pressure of the
inlet water. Preferably, the circuit also provides an indication of low engine
oil condition as
disclosed above via indicators 132, 134 positionally associated with dashboard
60. Such a
configuration protects the integrity of the pressure washer from damage due to
extended
periods of operation at low input water pressure, thereby protecting the
operational integrity
of pump 44, and low engine oil conditions, thereby protecting the operation
integrity of
engine 42. In a preferred aspect, rather than simply interrupting or
interfering with
operation of washer 40, controller 140 is configured to provide user feedback
to indicate
when the respective switches become active. Such an indication can be provided
as a
sequential actuation of the one of more of indicators 132, 134. Preferably,
dashboard 60
includes textual or graphical explanations related to the operation or
illumination of
indicators and the causes associated with actuation of the same. Such feedback
allows the
user to quickly and accurately troubleshoot the cause of unintended device
shutdowns,
such as no fuel, low oil, engine failure, pump stalling, pump temperature,
pump flow, etc.
The feedback directs the user to the cause of the shutdown so that shutdown
conditions
can be expeditiously rectified.
As mentioned above, controller 140 also includes an algorithm that is provided
in
conjunction with the pressure shutdown to prevent false shut downs and provide
an
adequate annunciation period to allow the user to recognize the source of the
problem and
correct it while still getting feedback. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor
error signals
18
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
are provided as one or more LED's such as indicators 132, 134 that illuminate
at an error
condition and/or a continual indication of the present state of engine oil
and/or pump water.
In a preferred embodiment, referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the control circuit
associated with controller 140 includes a magneto positive and negative
detection section
150, a magneto shutdown section 152, a water pressure switch monitor section
154, an
indicator section 156, and a low power microcontroller section 158 that is
preferably
powered by a lithium type battery. In use, controller 140 has various modes of
operation
further characterized as:
Sleep Mode
When the microcontroller detects that there are no magneto pulses, it goes
into
sleep mode. In this mode, the total circuit draw is less than 11microamperes
preferably as
a worst case calculation. The battery is preferably rated for 225 milliamp
hours of operation
and, with the above current draw; the shelf life of the battery in sleep mode
would be
approximately 2.7 years. The measured current draw with the indicator in sleep
mode was
less than 0.3 microamperes which equates to a greater than 50 year shelf life
associated
with operation of controller 140.
Wake UP
When the microcontroller detects a positive magneto pulse, it wakes up and
briefly
flashes the LED associated with one or more of indicators 132, 134. This flash
notifies the
user both that the circuit is awake and that the one or more LED's or
indicators 132, 134
are functional.
Oil Switch Failure Detect
During normal operation of pressure washer 40, in a preferred embodiment, the
respective oil level indicator receives positive and negative pulses from the
magneto.
When there is an oil level failure or low oil level condition, the oil level
shutdown circuit
shorts, shunts, or grounds the negative magneto pulses. During shorting of the
negative
magneto pulses, the ignition or combustion signal is not communicated to the
sparkplug
associated with operation of engine 42 such that operation of pressure washer
40
automatically terminates. If the indicator detects the loss or shorting of the
negative
19
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
magneto pulses, the low oil indicator flashes an oil fail pattern on the LED,
for example a
pattern of ON or illuminated for 1 second, OFF for 1 second, repeat; or a
pattern of a dash
illumination signal, followed by OFF, and repeat. Understandably, dashboard 60
can be
provided with more than one failure indicator such that an illuminated
indicator is indicative
of either a particular system OK condition or a particular system failure or
warning
condition. Regardless if provided as a single or a multiple system failure or
warning
indicator, the LED can continue to flash for 1 minute after shutdown before
the circuit will
go to sleep. In a preferred embodiment, reactivation of the system will repeat
the oil failure
alert until the low engine oil condition is cleared or rectified such as by
replenishing the
engine oil to a suitable or operational level.
Water Switch Failure Detect
During normal operation of pressure washer 40 at any of the operational
conditions
associated with the relative position of dial 78, controller 140 is also
preferably configured
to assess one or more conditions associated with the status of the working
fluid. While
pressure washer 40 is operating normally, controller 140 or an associated
microcontroller
sends a 3V signal to a water pressure switch 145 (FIG. 14). When the input
water pressure
is sufficient to achieve the expected or desired operation of pressure washer
40, the
pressure switch remains open and the microcontroller detects the 3V signal via
monitoring
of the signal. When the water pressure is insufficient to support desired
operation of
pressure washer 40, this pressure signal deviates in a downward direction or
is pulled
down from the suitable operational signal. Controller 140 preferably starts a
counter
associated with generating a delay when the low signal or deviation of the 3V
signal is
detected.
If the counter reaches a threshold, such as 4 seconds of low signal, the
magneto
engine shutdown circuit engages and the indicator flashes a water pressure
failure pattern
on one or more of the respective LED's associated with indicators 132, 134.
Such an
indication pattern can include illumination of the low flow pressure indicator
in a suitable
pattern such as ON for a % second duration, OFF for a 1/2 second duration, ON
for %
second duration, OFF for a 1 second duration, repeat. Such operation can be
referred to a
dot, dot, OFF, pattern. The LED can continue to flash the pattern for a
selected duration,
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
such as for approximately 1 minute, after shutdown before controller 140
returns to the
sleep operation described above. Although pressure washer 40 is disclosed as
including
multiple indicators 132, 134, it is appreciated that a single indicator could
be provided which
operates in selected patterns associated with indicating to the user the basis
for a particular
shut-down operation.
Turn Off
When use of pressure washer 40 is complete and the user desires to suspend
operation of the pressure washer, dial 78 or a supplemental ON/OFF switch can
be moved
to an OFF position that is associated with terminating, grounding, shunting,
or shorting both
the positive and negative pulses associated with the magneto. Controller 140
processes
the no magneto pulses as a safe for operation condition such that no engine or
pump
operation failure signals are generated or indicated. If there are no failure
conditions when
pressure washer 40 is shut down, controller 140 returns to the sleep mode
after a selected
duration such as 4 seconds and pressure washer 40 returns to a condition
suitable for
subsequent operation of the pressure washer 40.
Restart: Oil Level Failure
During a restart activity after a low oil condition engine shut down,
controller 140 is
configured to assess and confirm that the low oil level condition has been
rectified prior to
allowing engine 42 to start. In a preferred embodiment, if the oil level
sensor recovers to a
safe operation condition while the associated indicator is still flashing,
engine 42 can be
restarted. The respective oil condition indicator will continue to provide an
oil level indicia
until power washer 40 restarts or a selected duration, such as 1 minute,
elapses. If the oil
level sensor does not provide a safe to operate indication, the indicator will
continue to
alarm, via an indication such as illumination of one or more of indicator 132,
134, as the
user cranks or otherwise attempts to start engine 42 until the low oil
condition is rectified.
Restart: Water Pressure Failure
After a water pressure failure shut down of operation of engine 42, if the
water
pressure is restored, controller 140 will allow the respective flow pressure
indicator to
recover to a safe operation indication, such as turning off the indicator, and
allow the
21
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
,
indicator to stop blinking after a selected duration such as a few seconds.
Upon recovery
of a suitable operation water pressure, assuming a safe oil level condition
exists; engine 42
of pressure washer 40 is allowed to restart via termination of the grounding
or shunting of
the engine ignition signal.
The various operational control sequences disclosed above allow pressure
washer
40 to be protected from the detrimental effects associated with extended
periods of
operation with any or all of low water flow pressure, high pump operating
temperatures,
and/or low engine oil conditions. It is appreciated that the various
operational parameters
and time intervals discussed above are merely exemplary of one preferred
operational
configuration of pressure washer 40. It is appreciated that the various values
and/or
intervals may be manipulated to satisfy other user and/or application demands.
Regardless of the specific operational parameters, pressure washer 40 provides
a
pressure washer whose operation can control the pressure output of the pump by
manipulation of the engine operating speed or engine throttle and preferably
can be utilized
to modify pump discharge pressure as a function of engine operating speed. The
control
associated with such operation includes a control that is assimilated with a
task or activity
selector and provides the ability to select task or activity specific pressure
selection with
optional task or activity iconography. The control system provides
consolidated controls to
enable ease of use for the end customer and preferably provides feedback of
the control
position with detent, tactile, audible, and/or a pointing arrow.
Alternatively, it is appreciated
that the position of dial 78, which is associated with an engine operating
speed, could be
used to point to pressure settings in pounds per inch squared (psi) instead of
icons. Dial 78
and/or dashboard 60 could also incorporate other "one touch interface"
functions such as
the ON/OFF position, choke position, start position, etc. It is further
appreciated that dial 78
could also be used to engage an electric start feature that would start engine
42 based on a
rotational or axial position of the dial 78 were power washer 40 equipped with
the systems
associated with effectuating the same, such as a battery and an electronic
starter and the
electrical connections associated with suitable operation of the same.
In a preferred embodiment, pressure washer 40 also provides one or more visual
indications of low water pressure conditions in the pressure washer in
conjunction with
22
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
pressure sensing ability via a pressure switch or similar device. Use of
visual indications of
low oil in the pressure washer with low oil sensing ability in the engine -
via a sensor such
as a Hall Effect type sensor or similar device, allows power washer 40 to
protect the
operational integrity of engine 42 as well as pump 44 while providing the user
with an
s
indication as to the cause of suspension or prevention of operation of
engine 42.
Preferably, controller 140 includes a debounce algorithm that provides one or
more delays
as disclosed above when responding to instantaneous signals associated the oil
level
and/or fluid flow pressure switches to prevent false alarms from causing
nuisance shut
downs of pressure washer 40. The duration of the debounce period is preferably
chosen to
1.0
allow pressure washer 40 to maintain operation during normal operating
events such as air
pockets in the operating fluid water stream and/or temporary kinks associated
with a water
delivery hose without suspending operation of the device due to such transient
deviations
that can occur during normal operation of pressure washer 40.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show various operating pressures that can be achieved and
15
delivered to wand 46 associated with operation of engine 42 at various
operating speeds as
function of the relative manipulation of the engine throttle cable via user
interaction with dial
78. As shown in FIG. 15, in a preferred embodiment, dial 78 achieves and
maintains
various discrete positions that are associated with different engine operating
speeds and
which are associated with providing different operating pressures associated
with various
20 output nozzles. In a preferred embodiment, rotation of dial 78 between the
respective
discrete radial positions associated with steps 100, 102, 104 (FIG. 7)
provides incremental
adjustment of the throttle position associated with operation of engine 42. As
explained
further below, it is appreciated that other numbers of preset throttle
positions can be
provided by control 60.
25
The trend lines shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are indicative of one such control
wherein
the control is movable to allow adjustment of the operating length of the
throttle cable in 0.5
mm increments and through a range of motion of zero extension of the cable to
5.5 mm of
total extension of the cable. Understandably, such dimensions are merely
exemplary of
one control and throttle association of the present invention. FIGS. 15 and 16
show that
30
various operating flow pressures can be achieved via manipulation of the
engine throttle
23
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
speed with control 60 during both loaded and unloaded conditions associated
with the
operation of the underlying engine 42. Understandably, the number of preset
engine
throttle conditions and total travel of the throttle cable can be manipulated
to satisfy
parameters associated with different engine and/or throttle constructions as
well other
parameters associated with the operation of pressure washer 40, such as the
range of
pressures that can be generated from operation of a particular pump and/or
provided via
use of alternate nozzles. Regardless of the number of preset throttle
positions associated
with each discrete position of dial 78 of control 60, control 60 is preferably
configured to
manipulate the pressure flow from a lowermost usable pressure to a maximum
pressure
that can be provided with a given pump and engine association.
Figs. 18-21 show a throttle assembly 144 associated with a throttle body 160
and
one or more cables 164, or such as throttle and choke cables 166, 222,
associated with
communicating the throttle instructions from control 60 to throttle assembly
144 of engine
42. As is commonly understood, manipulation of the throttle and choke
cables
manipulates the combustion charge and the air associated therewith that is
delivered to a
combustion chamber of engine 42 to effectuate starting and sustained operation
of engine
42 at various engine speeds associated with the position of a throttle plate
relative to a
passage through the throttle body 160. FIGS. 18-19 and 27-29 show two
alternate
preferred embodiments for providing the mechanical throttle connection between
the user
adjustable control 60 and a throttle body 160 and/or an engine governor system
associated
with operation of engine 42. Regardless of the construction of the control or
the throttle
assembly, the adjustable throttle control associated with generating a desired
flow pressure
output also provides the user the ability to better manage sound output
associated with
operation of the pressure washer 40. That is, when less than peak operating
pressures are
desired, engine 42 of pressure washer 40 can operate at a less than maximum
engine
RPM to generate the desired pressure signal output thereby reducing the
decibel level
associated with operation of engine 42 and making pressure washer 40 more
affable to
consumers.
Referring to FIGS. 18-21, as mentioned above, throttle body 160 of engine 42
is
configured to deliver a fuel charge to the combustion chamber associated with
operation of
24
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
the engine 42. The throttle body 160 includes a choke lever 162 that
effectuates the
choking of engine 42 during starting processes. A choke cable 164 extends
between choke
lever 162 and a choke pull associated with dashboard 60 or control 62 as
described above
and further below with respect to Fig. 21. Throttle cable 166 is connected to
a throttle
linkage 168 and manipulates the orientation of the throttle plate associated
with throttle
body 160. An alternate end of throttle cable 166 is connected to control 60
such that
operation of dial 78 manipulates throttle linkage 160 associated with throttle
body 160. Said
another way, manipulation of dial 78 manipulates the operating speed of engine
42 during
operation of engine 42.
As shown in FIG. 19, throttle linkage 168 includes one or more springs 170,
172 that
are configured to bias throttle linkage 168 toward an idle position. As
alluded to above,
such a configuration allows engine 42 to return toward lower engine operating
speeds
during rotation of dial 78 in a respective clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. FIGS. 20
and 21 show throttle cable 166 and choke cable 178 removed from power washer
40. As
shown in FIG. 20, throttle cable 166 includes a sheath 180 and a cable 182
slidably
contained therein. A first end 184 of cable 182 includes a stopper or ball 186
that is shaped
to be received within the recess 94 of rotor 88 as shown in FIG. 7.
Translation of ball 186
from a terminal end 188 of sheath 180 yields translation, indicated by arrow
190, of a
second end 192 of cable 182 thereby effectuating manipulation of throttle
linkage 168 so as
to alter the operating speed of engine 42.
In a similar manner, referring to FIG. 21, choke cable 178 includes a sheath
196
disposed about a cable 198. A pull 200 is secured to first end of choke cable
198 and is
preferably mounted on dashboard 60. A second end 202 of cable 198 is
configured to
cooperate with choke lever 162 such that manipulation of pull 200 effectuates
translation of
choke lever 162 relative to throttle body 160, as shown in FIG. 18, thereby
choking engine
42. Understandably, manipulation or operation of choke cable 178 is generally
only
necessary during starting or cold starting operations of engine 42 whereas
manipulation of
throttle cable 166 effectuates changes in the operational speed of engine 42
at any time
during operation of the engine. As such, operation on dial 78 effectuates
manipulation of
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
throttle cable 182, and thereby throttle linkage 168, and alters the operating
speed of
engine 42 to create changes in the output pressure associated with operation
of pump 44.
Figures 22-26 show various views of a control 218 having a dial 220 associated
with
a throttle cable 222 according to another embodiment of the invention.
Preferably, control
218 and dial 220 are constructed to cooperate with dashboard 60 of pressure
washer 40 to
effectuate similar engine throttle control as disclosed above with respect to
control 60 and
dial 78. Dial 220 is secured to a mount or dial mount 224 that is constructed
to be secured
proximate dashboard 60. Alternatively, it is envisioned that dial mount 224
could be formed
integrally with dashboard 60.
A gear or a pinion 226 extends from a rearward facing side of dial 220 and
operationally cooperates with a toothed interface or a rack 228 that is
slidably oriented
relative to dial mount 224. A support 230 extends from dial mount 224 and
slidably
cooperates with a groove 232 formed in rack 228 to maintain a desired
alignment between
rack 228 and pinion 226 associated with the interaction between dial 220 and
throttle cable
222. Throttle cable 222 is secured to rack 228 such that rotation of dial 220
results in
longitudinal translation, indicated by arrow 234, of cable 222 relative to a
cable mount 236
secured to dial mount 224. It is appreciated that rack 228 could be
constructed to
cooperate with the ball shaped end 184 of throttle cable 166. Like control 60,
longitudinal
translation of cable 222 effectuates changes in the engine operating speed in
the same
manner as discussed above. That is, it should be appreciated that the
alternate end of
throttle cable 222 is connected to the throttle linkage associated with the
throttle body of an
underlying engine 42 as disclosed above.
Dial mount 224 also includes a number of cavities 250 that cooperate with a
ball 252
(Fig. 26) that is biased towards the cavities 250 by a spring 254. Ball 252
and spring 254
are supported by dial 220 such that rotation of dial 220 effectuates
translation of ball 252
relative to the respective cavities or detents 250. The cooperation of the
ball with the
discrete detents provides a tactile indication as to the relative position or
discrete changes
in the position of dial 220 relative to dial mount 224 and thereby the
position of throttle
cable 222 relative to the throttle assembly connected to an alternate end of
the throttle
cable and associated with the underlying engine 42. It is appreciated that
dial 220 can be
26
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
_
configured to cooperate with a dashboard 60 having operational indicia like
those disclosed
above so as to provide a graphical indication as to the operational condition
of the pressure
washer so equipped. It is further envisioned that dial 220 and throttle cable
222 can be
provided on pressure washers having the pump intake pressure, pump
temperature, and
engine oil temperature safety protocols discussed above as well as other
engine driven
devices wherein a robust user input to throttle linkage communication is
desired.
FIGS. 27-29 show various views of a throttle assembly 260 associated with
engine
42 and connected to a throttle cable such as one of throttle cables 166, 222.
It should be
appreciated that the opposite end of throttle cable 166, 222 can be
operationally connected
to either of control 60 or control 218 to effectuate communication of the user
throttle input
signal to a throttle assembly 260 associated with an engine 42 of pressure
washer 40.
Throttle assembly 260 includes a throttle level 268 and a choke lever 270 that
are
positionally associated with one another so that actuation of throttle lever
268 beyond a
desired maximum operating throttle position associated with a maximum
operating speed
of engine 42 to manipulate actuation of choke lever 270 to effectuate choking
of engine 42.
After starting of engine 42, choke lever 270 is allowed to return to a non-
actuated position
such that manipulation of throttle lever 268 manipulates the operation speed
of engine 42
without influence of an engine choking action. Understandably, it is further
appreciated that
throttle lever 268 and choke lever 270 can be provided in an independently
operable
configuration wherein each of the throttle lever 268 and choke lever 270 do
not interact with
one another in a manner wherein manipulation of one of the throttle lever 268
or choke
lever 270 does not affect the orientation of the other of the throttle lever
268 and the choke
lever 270.
Throttle assembly 260 preferably includes one or more stops 272 associated
with
setting the relative minimum and maximum throttle positions. Preferably, stops
272 are
adjustable to allow tuning of the relative maximum and minimum throttle
positions
associated with a desired maximum operating speed of engine and a relative
minimum
operating speed or idle operation of engine 42. Cable 182 of throttle cable
166, 222
engages throttle lever 268 and sheath 180 of throttle cable 166, 222 is
secured to throttle
assembly 260 via a clamp 274 such that actuation or manipulation of the
control 60, 218
27
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
connected to the opposite end of a respective throttle cable 166, 222
effectuates
longitudinal translation of cable 182 and thereby manipulation of throttle
lever 268 relative
to throttle assembly 260. The various discrete positions associated with
controls 60, 218
allows operation of engine 42 at various discrete speeds to achieve the
desired pressure
Figure 31 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of pressure washer 40 and shows movement
of
the handle portion 300 of pressure washer 40 between an in-use orientation 302
and a
Chassis 54 includes a first vertically oriented member 306 and a second
vertically
oriented member 308 that are connected to U-shaped handle portion 300 by
respective
joint assemblies 310, 312. As alluded to above, when oriented in the upward or
in-use
orientation 302, handle portion 300 extends generally above engine 42 of
pressure washer
28
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
Referring to Figs. 32 and 33, each joint assembly 310, 312 includes a first
lobe 320
that is secured to a respective upright member 306, 308 associated with
chassis 54.
Handle portion 300 includes laterally oriented downward extending portions
322, 324 that
each have a second lobe 326 of joint assemblies 310, 312 secured thereto.
Respective first
and second lobe pairs 320, 326 rotationally cooperate with one another to
allow translation
of handle portion 300 between the in-use orientation 302 and the stored
orientation 304.
A first side 328 of each first lobe 320 includes a pair of projections 330,
332 that
extend in a transverse direction relative to the generally planar orientation
of lobe 320 or in
a direction aligned with the axis of rotation associated with the respective
joint assemblies
310, 312. Projections 330, 332 are each shaped and positioned to be received
in a
respective chase 334, 336 defined by a first side 338 of each second lobe 326.
Each
second lobe 326 includes one or more projections 340, 342 that are shaped to
cooperate
with respective pockets 344, 346 formed in first side 328 of each first lobe
320. Pockets
344, 346 are oriented radially outboard relative to projections 330, 332 or
each first lobe
320. Projections 330, 332 of each first lobe 320 and projections 340, 342 of
each second
lobe 326 are shaped to cooperate with a respective chase 334, 336 or pockets
334, 346 to
facilitate an indexed and self retained orientation of handle portion 300
relative to the in-use
orientation 302 and the stored orientation 304 thereof.
Each joint assembly 310, 312 includes a fastener, such as the carriage bolt
352,
having a stem portion 354 and a head portion 356. Stem portion 354 of carriage
bolt 352
passes through an opening 358 formed in a respective second lobe 326 and an
opening
360 formed in each respective first lobe 320 and operationally cooperates with
a nut 362
associated with the respective joint assembly 310, 312. In a preferred
embodiment,
opening 358 associated with each second lobe 326 has a shape that slidably but
non-
rotationally cooperates with a contour 364 positioned proximate head portion
356 of each
carriage bolt 352. The cooperation of contour 364 with opening 358 of each
second lobe
326 prevents rotation of carriage bolt 352 during manipulation of nut 362.
Each nut 362 includes a threaded bore 368 that threadably cooperates with stem
354 of a respective carriage bolt 352. In outer radial surface 370 of each nut
362 is shaped
to provide toolless manual manipulation of nut 362 relative to a respective
carriage bolt
29
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
352. Nut 362 and carriage bolt 352 of each joint assembly 310, 312 cooperate
with one
another to allow lateral translation, indicated by arrow 374, of each
respective first lobe 320
relative to the corresponding second lobe 326 of each joint assembly 310, 312
such that
each joint assembly 310, 312 can be loosened to allow projections 340, 342 of
second lobe
326 to translate relative to a respective pocket 344, 346 associated with a
respective first
lobe 320 without full disassociation of the respective joint assembly 310, 312
such that
handle portion 300 can be rotated between in-use orientation 302 and stored
orientation
304 without disassembly of the respective joint assemblies 310, 312.
The association of projections 330, 302 of perspective first lobes 320 with
corresponding chases 334, 336 of a corresponding second lobe 326 prevents over
rotation
of handle portion 300 relative to the in-use orientation 302 and stored
orientation 304 when
joint assemblies 310, 312 are even loosely associated. Rotation of nut 362 in
a tightening
direction when handle portion 314 is oriented in either of the in-use
orientation 302 of the
stored orientation 304 biases each respective first lobe 320 into engagement
with a
corresponding second lobe 326 such that at least one of projections 340, 342
of second
lobe 326 are laterally associated with a corresponding pocket 344, 346 in a
manner that
prevents rotational interaction between the respective first lobe 320 and a
corresponding
second lobe 326. Such cooperation prevents the inadvertent rotation of handle
portion 300
from the relative in-use orientation 302 and/or stored orientation 304. Each
joint assembly
310, 312 provides a robust physical connection that allows extension and/or
retraction or
collapsing of handle portion 300 relative to the remainder of pressure washer
40.
Accordingly, pressure washer 40 provides a user interface or control that is
easy to
understand and convenient to interact with such that the user can
expeditiously configured
the pressure washer for an intended operation via manipulation of an engine
throttle
control. The control is further configured to provide a variety of indicia
indicative of the
intended or desired operation of the pressure washer. Regardless of the
methodology
associated with the construction of the respective control and indicia,
pressure washer 40 is
also configured to assess the operating condition of the engine and/or the
pump to protect
the operational integrity of one or both of the engine and pump. Preferably,
pressure
washer 40 also includes one or more indicators associated with providing the
user
CA 02813880 2013-04-24
information as to the suitable operable condition of the engine and pump. More
preferably,
each of the indicators, indicia, and controls are provided in a common area of
the pressure
washer to mitigate user inspection of various areas of the pressure washer for
assessing
the operational condition and state of the pressure washer. As such, pressure
washer 40 is
convenient to operate, provides various usable working flow pressures that are
attained by
manipulation of the engine operating speed, protects the engine and pump of
pressure
washer 40 from damage due to operation of the engine and/or pump at less than
suitable
conditions, and provides such protection in a manner that accommodates
tolerable
transient operating conditions.
Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without
departing
from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes will become apparent from
the
appended claims.
31
