GB540957A - Improvements in washing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

540,957. Centrifugal machines. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd. Aug. 26, 1940, No. 13485. Convention date, Aug. 25, 1939. [Class 23] [Also in Group VIII] A washing machine comprising a perforated receptacle mounted in a casing above the liquid level therein, and having means for oscillating an agitator in the receptacle for washing and for rotating the receptacle for extracting the liquid, driven for example as described in Specification 452,402, is provided with a tub movable between a raised position embracing the receptacle when washing and a lowered position below the receptacle when extracting, means being provided for pumping liquid from the casing to the receptacle. The casing 2 carries an annular trough 8 and encloses a tub 45 which rests on the trough when lowered but can be raised to embrace' the receptacle 9 by cords 55 passing over guide pulleys 58, 56 to a ring 54 slidable on the exterior of the casing and adapted to be held by pivoted hooks 60, the aperture in the base of the tub being then sealed by a packing ring 49 bearing against a disc 51 secured on a sleeve embracing the driving shaft 12 and extending into the hub 11 of the receptacle. When in this, the washing position, liquid is pumped by a pump 61 through pipes 63 from the casing to the receptacle. The agitator 30 is oscillated through its engagement with the splined end, of the driving shaft 12 and liquid can pass through the perforations in the receptacle into the tub. When liquid is to be extracted from the clothes and receptacle the tub is lowered and the shaft 12 is driven at a suitable speed in one direction and drives the receptacle through a lug 27 in the hub 11 thereof which is engaged by a lug on a disc 23 arranged between friction sides 21, 22 supported on a flanged sleeve 18 engaging the spline 19 on the driving shaft and retained in assembled relation by a split ring 28 engaging a groove in the sleeve and bearing on a washer 17 secured in the hub and resting on the combined thrust and sleeve bearing 15 by which the receptacle is supported from the shoulder 25 on the shaft. The extracted liquid falls into the trough 8 from which it may be directed back to the casing or to a drain. Bearings 14 and 43 on the hub and the sleeve 40 respectively serve to steady the receptacle.