GB1429933A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1429933 Washing machines HOOVER LTD 21 May 1973 [23 May 1972] 24227/72 Heading D1A [Also in Divisions F2 and F4] In a washing machine 10 having a chamber 11 in which articles are washed and a fan 20 for circulating drying air in the compartment, the fan is submerged and inoperative during the washing cycle and has a drive means which is operative when the liquid level drops below a predetermined level. As shown the drive means comprises a dog clutch member 25 slidable on the fan hub 21 in response to movement of a float 30 at the bottom of the chamber 11, and the fan drive shaft 14 has secured thereon a liquid circulating impeller 13, which supplies two rotatable spray assemblies, preferably through a valve which supplies them alternately, a drain pump impeller 18 and a cup-shaped clutch member 50. The impellers 13 and 18 are effective in the opposite senses of station of the shaft 14 which is belt-driven from a reversible electric motor. In operation on filling of the chamber the float 30 disengages the clutch members 25 and 55 so that on energising the motor only the circulating pump 13, the clutch member 50 and, through a pawl and ratchet mechanism 51/52, the clutch member 55 are driven. On completion of washing or rinsing the motor is reversed to drain the chamber and a pawl 40A engages ratchet teeth 41 and 57 to align the dogs 59 of the slidable clutch member 25 with slots in the member 55 so that at the float 30 falls the dogs may engage the slots. Finally the motor is reversed again and the fan is driven through the pawl and ratchet mechanism 51/52 and the dogs 59.