GB596369A - Improvement in art of cleaning fabrics and like articles, and mechanism therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

596,369. Washing-machines. AMERICAN MACHINE & METALS, Inc. May 30. 1944, No. 10377. Convention date, May 22, 1943. [Class 138 (ii)] Detergent is supplied to the container of a clothes washing-machine until a suds blanket of predetermined height is produced, and the contents of the container are then agitated until there is a predetermined rise in the suds level which operates means for automatically signalling the attainment of this condition and/or for automatically discontinuing the agitation. Preferably, the amount of detergent added is insufficient, to produce the predetermined rise in suds level with a single treatment so that a succession of treatments are required before the aforesaid means are operated to indicate that the clothes are clean and/or to switch the machine to the next stage of the washing process. Decreasing quantities of detergent are added at successive treatments since less is required to produce the initial suds blanket as the clothes become progressively cleaner. In the machine shown, a rotary washing drum 10 driven by a motor 23 is mounted in an outer container 4 to which hot and cold water are supplied from mains 30 and 40 by opening valves 31 and 41. The valves are held open by detents 33 and 43 until tripped by a rod 52 attached to a float in a well 50 connected to the container 4, which occurs when the container has been filled to the correct level. Detergents are supplied to the container from tanks 60, 61 and 62 by manipulating valves 63, 64 and 65. There are two suds level responsive devices, an upper one, 85, which determines the predetermined rise in suds level, and a lower one, 84, which determines the height of the initial suds blanket. Each comprises an electrode projecting into the casing and adapted, when contacted by the suds, to energize a relay 82 or 83 controlling a device 74 or 75, which may be an indicator lamp and/or an appropriate control device for the machine. Diaphragm devices may be used as an alternative to the electrodes. In operation, the drum is set rotating and the valves 31, 41 opened to fill the container to a predetermined level. Detergents are then admitted by opening the valves 63-65 until an initial suds blanket reaches the lower electrode 84 when the device 74 responds. The detergent supply is then cut-off, which may be done automatically by the device 74, and' agitation continued for a fixed period, after which a dump valve 90 is opened to empty the container. This procedure is repeated, a higher suds level being attained on each occasion, until the electrode 85 is reached and the device 75 responds. Rinsing is then carried out, and this may be initiated automatically by the device 75. To clear the electrodes of scum, hot water or steam is directed over them by nozzles 107, 108 each time the dump valve 90 is opened, a valve 105 in the supply pipe to the nozzles being connected to the dump valve for operation therewith.