GB482089A - Improvements in and relating to washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

482,089. Washing-apparatus. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd. June 21, 1937, No. 17238. Convention date, June 20, 1936. [Class 138 (i)] Washing-apparatus comprises a vat provided with power-operated liquid-circulating means, a liquid-supply valve for the vat and an inter. locking device between the valve and the power-operated means, for preventing stoppage of the liquid-circulation when the valve is open and for preventing the valve from opening when said means is inoperative. In the construction shown, a washing vat 11 adapted to hold racks containing dishes, is provided with an impeller 17 adapted to be rotated by an electric motor 18. Liquid is supplied to the vat through a conduit 28 and jets 25 under the control of a valve 29, and is drained under the control of a drain valve 22. The valve 29 is biassed by a spring to closing position. The valves 29, 22 and the motor 18 are adapted to be operated by means of control knobs 31, 39, 57, respectively ; the knob 57 co-operating with a switch 53. The knobs 31, 57 are mounted on shafts 32, 56 provided with flat portions adapted to co-operate with opposite ends of a slide bar 77, to provide interlocking arrangements so that the valve 29 cannot be opened until the motor 18 is energized and the motor cannot be de-energized until the valve 29 is closed. The shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in a bearing 33 and is rigidly secured to a lever 36 connected by means of a link 37 to the valve 29. The lever 36 has a pin-and-slot connection with a lever 67 connected to a switch 59 which is part of a control for providing a pre-determined quantity of water for the vat 11. This control also includes a latching device 60 comprising a latch 62 spring-pressed to engage a tooth 63, formed on the lever 36, after the knob 31 has been moved to open the valve 29. The operation of the knob also moves the switch 59 from the position shown in Fig. 10 to a second controlling position in which the motor circuit is connected through the coil 65 of an electromagnet 61. The armature 71 of the electromagnet is provided with an extension 72 adapted to engage the latch 62 when the armature is attracted by its magnet. Movement of the armature to its retracted position is opposed by an adjustable spring 73. In operation, drain valve 22 is closed, the switch 53 is closed to operate the motor 18, and the knob 31 is operated to open the inlet valve 29, at the same time operating the switch 59. The impeller 17 splashes the water over the dishes. As the water flows into the vat the load on the motor increases until eventually the armature current of the motor increases sufficiently to energize the electromagnet 61. The latch 62 is then engaged to release the lever 36 and permit the valve 29 to close and the switch 59 to return to its initial position. The dishes continue to be washed until the motor is de-energized or the drain valve is opened. Means as shown in Fig. 9 are provided for manually releasing the valve 29 before it has been released by operation of the electromagnet 61. The shaft 32 is slidably mounted and can be pressed inwardly against the action of a spring 75 whereby the latch 62 is disengaged from the tooth 63 on the lever 36. Rinsing is effected when the motor circuit is closed, the inlet valve is open, and the drain valve is closed. Specification 437,938 is referred to.