Motor start and float switch assembly

Details Motor start and float switch assembly Motor start and float switch assembly

1999-06-15

2002-01-29

Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)

Pumps

Condition responsive control of pump drive motor

Responsive to accumulation of pumped liquid in receiver

C417S040000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06341944

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to sump pumps and, more particularly, to sump pump motor circuits for controlling sump pump motors.
There are many different types of sump pump motor circuits for use with a sump pump assembly to control a water level in a sump. Sump pump motor assemblies typically include a housing, a stator and a rotor assembly. The housing includes a shell and two end shields and encases at least a portion of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor core and a rotor shaft coupled to a pump. Typically, the assembly also includes a run winding and a start winding. The start winding is energized during the initial excitation of the motor, and is de-energized as the motor reaches a predetermined operational speed. De-energization of the start windings is often accomplished by a centrifugal switch.
Sump pump motor assemblies also include, in addition to the centrifugal switch, a motor start windings switch and a sump pump actuator switch for controlling pump energization. The motor start windings switch energizes the pump when the water level in the sump reaches a predetermined level. The sump pump actuator switch de-energizes the pump when the water level in the sump is reduced below a predetermined depth.
Typically the sump pump actuation switch in these sump pump motor circuits is connected to a sump pump motor actuation switch mounted on an insulated circuit board assembly. The sump pump motor actuation switch is quick-connected to the motor start and motor main windings with two electrical leads permanently attached to the windings. A motor start switch is also required and is mounted to a separate insulated circuit board assembly. The motor start switch assembly is also quick-connected to the sump pump separate switch assemblies are required which increase the cost of manufacturing, increase the required assembly times, and increase the probability of mechanical or electrical failure occurring within the sump pump assembly.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a more cost-effective and efficient sump pump assembly. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a sump pump motor circuit that is reliable, simple to assemble, and also cost-effective.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a sump pump motor circuit that is easy to assemble controls the energization of a sump pump assembly in a reliable manner.
The sump pump assembly includes a sump pump motor circuit including a sump pump motor actuation switch and a main winding switch. The two switches are included in one switch assembly and as such, only one switch assembly requires mounting hardware and fasteners. The switch assembly is electrically connected between a motor main winding and a power source, and controls the energization of the sump pump assembly without requiring additional switches, mounting fasteners, or mounting brackets.
Additionally, the switch assembly is connected to the motor windings using quick connect leads. The switch assembly includes five quick connect terminals which are sized to permit the proper connections with the sump pump assembly. The quick connect terminals mate with specifically sized receiving terminals which are attached to the motor windings.
The sump pump assembly requires fewer motor leads, switches, and electrical connections than known switch assemblies. As a result of fewer electrical connections, the probability of mechanical or electrical failure occurring within the sump pump assembly is reduced. Furthermore, the assembly of the sump pump motor circuit is not only simplified, but is more cost-effective than known sump pump assembly circuits.


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