PUSH-TO-START APPLIANCE PROGRAM TIMER AND METHOD UTILIZING SNAP-ACTION SWITCH

摘要

A program timer for use with commercial or consumer appliances provides a single user knob interface that allows the desired selection of a programmed cycle and a push-to-start function. To preclude inadvertent program operation and enhance the life of the program timer, a snap-action switch is utilized to provide the push-to-start functionality. As such, actuation of the start switch provides a positional hysteresis that prevents teasing of the switch. The rapid snap-action opening and closing of the switch contacts precludes or minimizes the arc sustained between the contacts so as to greatly increase t he life of the start switch. In one embodiment an actuation wheel larger in diameter than t he program cam stack of the timer is utilized to pivot a lever to actuate the snap-acti on switch.