GB865274A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for controlling a washing or like cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

865,274. Washing &c. machines. WEIR ECONOMATICS Ltd. Nov. 18, 1957 [Nov. 27, 1956; March 14, 1957; Sept. 6, 1957], Nos. 36273/56, 8490/57 and 28218/57. Class 138 (2). Apparatus for the control of washing- or like cleaning-machines comprises a plurality of interchangeable rotatable programme timing cylinders which are rotated in a series of steps, the length of which is determined by a characteristic of the cylinder so that one complete rotation corresponds to the control of a complete working cycle. The washing-machine controller is arranged to be able to supply liquid, steam, and pulverulent material to a washing-machine. Sprocket wheel 28 is driven by chain 17 and drives shaft 27 on which is a cam 26 the rotation of which rocks lever 29 and by means of unidirectional ball and slope clutches A and B arranged so that the positive movement of lever 29 drives gears 38 and 24 while they are prevented from rotating on its return movement. The return movement of lever 29 is limited by the engagement of a roller on arm 39 with a stepped recess 19 on the timing cylinder 18 so that said recess effectively controls the length of the stroke of lever 29, the angle of rotation per step of gears 38 and 24, and thus the time taken for a complete rotation of cylinder 18. When a non-cleaning operation is being performed the rotation of cylinder 18 is stopped by the de-energization of solenoid 40 and release of trip lever 41 to engage arm 34 and prevent the return stroke of lever 29. Motor 7 also drives continuously two clutches 9 and 11 which control the supply of water or steam and another two clutches 12 and 13 which control the addition of powdered soap or alkali from the hoppers 70. These continuouslydriven clutches only transfer their drive to the controlled units when replaced by solenoids 53, 55 or 59 acting through rods 50 and 58. Clutches 9 and 11 are only required to rotate through 180 degrees to turn the valves on, whereas clutches 12 and 13 transfer their drives throughout the period when solid additions are required. A water level sensitive element 64 is used to allow the main timing cam drive to be interrupted while the machine is filling and emptying so that variations in water pressure, slight drain blockage &c. will not affect the time of the operative washing or rinsing operations. Specification 865,275 is referred to.