GB368891A - Improvements in automatic controls for machines operating on predetermined cycles - Google Patents

Abstract

368,891. Controlling valves of washing- machines ; cams ; shaft couplings. PERRETT, 1. G., 239, Acton Lane, London. Jan. 1, 1931, No. 70. [Class 138 (ii).] In a control device of the general type described in Specifications 264,396 and 288,097, '[both in Class 138 (ii), Washing, mangling, &c.], in order to modify the cycle of operations without removing the control drums and substituting another or altering the setting of the cams, two or more sets of cams corresponding to different cycles are mounted on the drum which is movable axially to bring any desired set into engagement with the tappets actuated thereby. As shown applied to a washing. machine wherein the supply and discharge valves are operated through relay valves r, Fig. 4, the tappets m which actuate the stems q of these valves are operated by cams l carried by drum h. Two cams which are of different lengths or are set at different angular positions around the drum are provided for each tappet and are carried in circumferential grooves 1<1>, Fig. 1, of the drum, being forced into engagement with the undercut sides of the grooves by screws 1<3>, Fig. 3, or by wedges. The drum is moved axially by means of a knob k, Fig. 1, and the drum shaft g, Fig. 2, is keyed to and is slidably mounted in a sleeve i and is retained in either adjusted position by a spring-pressed ball g<2> engaging one of the apertures i<2> in the sleeve opposite the slot i<1> wherein the key g<1> slides. The sleeve is driven from a belt pulley a, Fig. 1, through reduction gear d and a ratchet coupling f. Axially projecting pins e<2>, Fig. 2, secured to the ratchet disc f<1> of the coupling pass loosely through a loose flange e<3> and a fast flange e<1> on which a collar e<4> is screwed. By screwing back the collar e<4> into engagement with the loose flange e<3> the ratchet disc f<1> is moved back against springs f<2> and out of engagement with the ratchet disc on the sleeve i so that the drum may be removed when desired. The relay valves may be opened manually and maintained open independently of the automatic control by raising latching levers s, Fig. 4, to lift the outer ends p<3> of levers p inserted between the tappets and the valve stems.