GB629027A - Unloader for washing machines and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

Relates to means for unloading a washing-machine of the kind comprising an outer shell 1, an inner drum 2 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis, one or more pairs of diametrically-opposed ribs 18 on the inside of the drum 2, <PICT:0629027/III/1> <PICT:0629027/III/2> and axially-arranged openings 11, 12 in the adjacent ends of the shell and drum, the former having a door 13 closing its opening 11. According to the invention, the unloader comprises a concave, trough-like, shoot 15 having its bottom inclined downwards from one end towards the other end and means on its side edges for co-acting with the inner edges of one pair of ribs 18 in order to support the unloader; the shoot is inserted through the openings 11, 12 with its shallower end in advance and so that in its unloading position, the deeper end projects through the openings for the discharge of the goods. In order to unload the machine, the drum, which during washing is rotated first in one direction and then in the other, is stopped with one pair of ribs 18 disposed substantially in a horizontal plane, the door 13 is opened, and the unloader inserted in inverted position above the load of goods in the drum. The drum is then rotated through 180 degrees with the result that the clothes tumble into the concave formation of the shoot and by oscillating the drum are discharged downwardly into a receptacle placed adjacent the lower end of the shoot; this action may be facilitated by giving the drum an occasional full rotation. The operation of the drum during unloading may be controlled by push-button switches 20, 21 separate from the switch controlling the movement of the drum. If desired, the shoot may be formed in two longitudinal sections. p The drum is supported and driven by rollers 7, 8 mounted in upstanding boxes 3, 4 as described in Specification 629,026.