US1850396A

US1850396A - Power-operated laundry machine

Info

Publication number: US1850396A
Application number: US208214A
Authority: US
Inventors: John T Hume
Original assignee: ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES
Current assignee: ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES; ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES Corp
Priority date: 1927-07-16
Filing date: 1927-07-16
Publication date: 1932-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 1949-03-22

Description

March 22, 1932.

J. T. HUME POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed July 16. 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 22, 1932. 1 1 HUME 1,850,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed July 16. 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 roan March 22, .1932. HUME I 1,850,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE March 22, 1932. T, H E 1,850,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE smh emgm March 22, 1932. J. T. HUME I 1,850,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed July 16. 1927 8 Sheets-Sheep 5 March '22, 1932. ,1. HUME 1,350,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed July 16. 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Marchzz, 1932.

J. T. HUM: 1,850,396

\ POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed July 16 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 22, 192.2. J T HUME 1,850,396

POWER OPERATED LAUNDRY MAICHINE Fild July 16 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet. 8

IHIIIIIIIIIII? 7%.".

mi: rs

PATENT OFFECE JOHN T. HUME, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGIN'DB T ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES CORPORATION, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CGBIOBATION OF ILLINOIS POWER-OPERATED LAUNDRY LL ACHINE Application filed July 16,

My invention relates generally to poweroperated laundry machines, and has to do particularly with driving mechanism for laundry machines which may take the form of combined washing and wringing machines wherein power supplied by an electric motor, or other suitable source, is delivered through a single line-shaft to awashing mechanism and to a wringing mechanism mounted, prefl e-rably, at a higher level to swing about a vertical axis to various positions bearing difierent angular relations to the washing machine. My invention has further to do with an oil circulating system for such driving mechanism. While the mechanism to which my invention is applied may take the form above set forth, yetI do not desire to be limited to such formsince it is obvious that it may be varied without departing from my invention 29 as hereinafter more specifically set forth.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a compact driving mechanism of an improved character which is in suitable form for rapid and quantity production at a relatively low cost; and whichis developed to a point of great durability and eficiency, being at the same time quickly and easily cleaned, repaired and overhauled; and which may be quickly assembled and disassembled from the machine as a whole with great case.

' ous and positive circulation so that the mecha-- a way that there is not only adirect flow and delivery of the lubricant to the operating parts under pressure, but there is a continunism, as a whole, is continuously drenched and bathed both externally and internally with the lubricant during operation. Fur- 1927. Serial No. 208,214.

thermore, this arrangement is such that upon the cessation of operation the mechanism is fully saturated with the lubricant, so that the mechanism may remain idle over long period of time without any deteriorating efiects from well-known causes.

A further object is to provide for positive lubrication in such a manner that there is a continuous circulation of the lubricant being used over and over again without loss, providing for the use of only a small amount of lubricant over long periods of time.

Other and 'further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as this description progresses and by reference to the drawings, showing one embodiment of my invention, and wherein;-

F igure 1 is an end elevation of a combined wash ng and wringing machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a slightly enlarged vertical section of the housing structure carrying the driving mechanism, the driving mechanism being shown in'elevation, and also showing portions of the wringing and washing machine structures.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view or the central portion of the housing structure which carries the washing machine operating and reversing unit, this mechanism and associated parts being shown partly in section;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the wringer operating mechanism and the housing carrying the same, as shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the mechanism shown in Fig.4 and taken at substantially right angles to the view of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of one of the beveled gears of the wringer operating mechanism shown in Figs. Land 5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged elevated view of the structure shown in Fig. 3 taken at a.point substantially at right angles to Fig. 3, the cover plate, through which the mechanism carried by the housing may be inspected, being shown removed;

Figs. 8 and 9 are horizontal sectional views Fig. 3;

all

taken on lines 8-8 and 99, respectively of ig. 10 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken 011 line 10-10 of Fi 2 and illustrating arts of the driving'mec anism for the washing machine elements;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 3 and illustrating lineshaft clutching mechanism for cutting the washing machine in and out of operation;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2- and showing clearly the forcefeed lubricating mechanism located at that point Fig. 13 is a horizontal section taken on line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken on line 15-15 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 1616 of either of the Figs. 2 and 10;

Fi 17 is a reduced front elevation of the machine as a whole with parts broken away.

Referring particularl to the drawings, the mechanismwhich I ave chosen to illustrate my invention may comprise side members 1 of a suitable shell or casing for supporting, preferably, a reversibly-rotatable washing cylinder element 2 and carrying a suitable platform for supporting an electric motor 3. As a reversibly driven load element, this cylinder 2 is adapted to carry a mobile liquid-charged load and special demands are, therefore, made on its driving mechanism, and driving mechanism advantageously suitable for meeting all of these demands and conditions is fully disclosed in Patent No. 1,607,628, granted to me November 23, 1926, on an application, Serial No. 598,515, filed November 22, 1922.

More specifically, the motor 3 is provided with a drive shaft 4 having a suitable/coupling member 5 for connecting the same to an intermediate shaft 6 carryin a worm 7. The coupling member 5 is, pre erably, connected to the respective shafts by locking bolts, such as the bolt 8, shown in Fig. 15. While I have shown the accompanying member 5 as a rigid coupling, yet it is to be understood that it may as well be in the form of any known universal coupling.

Both the mechanism for operating the washing machine and the wringing machine structures are controlled and operated from a single line-shaft 9, which, together with its associated mechanism, is enclosed in a suitable housing, generally designated 10,

throughout its length. The major portion of the worm shaft 6 is contained in the lower section 10" of this housing. The section 10 of the housing is provided with a bearing member 11 which provides suitable bearing for the lower end of the shaft 9, as shown clearly in Figs. 2 and 12. The rotation of this shaft I 9 effects a relative movement of the washing machine and wrin ing machine mechanisms as will'be described after, and this rotation is effected by the electric motor 3 in its shaftconnections through the worm ear 12 having a splined connection with the s aft 9 as indicated at 13 in Fig. 12.

The vertically extending drive shaft 9 has its upwardly projecting portion enclosed in the section 10 of the housing and section 10 of that part of the housing enclosing the wringer operating and reversing structure. The housing sections 10" and 10 are slidably engageable with each other as at Hand are adapted to belocked together by the locking screw 15 (Figs. 2 and 12) The upper portion. of the housin section 10" is flared outwardly to receive a ollow tapered portion of the housing section 10. The section 10 is provided'with an inverted cup-shaped annular flange portion 16 which receives and is supported upon the annular flange 17 of thesection 10 whereby these respective sections are supported in the desired readily disengageable rotative positions one upon the other. The section 10 is provided with an enlar ed cylindrical cavity which receives 9. remove le more specifically hereini bearing member 18 supported therein by an outwardly 'fianging collar-like portion 18. This bearing member 18 is ada ted to receive the hub of the wringer drive inion 19 which has a splined and slidably etachable connection with the upper end of the shaft 9 for a purpose to be described hereinafter Figs. 4 and 5). Thus, the bearing members 11 and 18 at the opposite ends of the housin 1O serve to support and center the drive sha t 9 within the housing 10.

I The section 10 of the housing, near its central portion, is enlarged (Fig. 2) to receive the washing machine operating and reversing mechanism. This enlarged portion is provided with an opening which is covered, pref erably, by a transparent cover 20, such as glass or the like, held in place by bolts 21. This opening is provided for ready access to the washing machine operating and reversing mechanism and is of sufficient size to permit the ready removal of the washing machine operating mechanism .unit, generally designated by the numeral 22, therethrough without any wabbling or movement other than a straight outward pull. Also, this transparent cover 20 enables the operator to observe the operating mechanism therein generally and to inspect the lubricating action which will be described more fully hereinafter. i

The centrally enlarged portion of the housing section 10" is provided with a lateral tubu- ;lar like extension 23 which carries the immediate washing machine drive connections and which is so arranged and of such shape as to aid in the lubrication of the mechanism to be described later.

Now referring particularly to the construction of the washing machine operating and reversing gear mechanism, designated generally by the numeral 22, it preferably comprises a sectional casing comprised of

detachable sections

24 and 25 secured together by stud bolts 26. The lower section 25 of this casing is provided with a laterally extended tubular bearing portion 27 which is carried by the cylindrical hanger portion 28 of the transverse tubular extension 23. This hanger 28 serves to center and support the unit 22 in its operating position in the hous1ng 10, this supporting and centering action bemg aided by the positions of the relative parts of this structure to the drive shaft 9 which is centered as explained. The lower portion of the casing section is provided with an enlarged opening through which'the drlve shaft 9 passes and which is adapted to recelve a shouldered bearing 29 which supports the reversing cam 30 and associated mechanism.

Passing through the mechanism 22 and surrounding the drive shaft 9 is a' sleeve 31 WhlCh loosely engages the shaft 9. This sleeve loosely passes through the opposlng beveled gears 32, and 33, both of which have crown g clutch formations 34 and 35, respectively, which cooperate alternatively with .the clutch portions 36 of the intervening clutch member 37 which is splined to the sleeve 31 so as to be non-rotatable thereabout, but to be slidable 3,-3- thereupon. Theclutch 37 is adapted to be shifted back and forth to engage the respective gears alternatively by a shifter device 38 which, preferably, has a bifurcate portion engaging the central groove 39 in the clutch 37.

40 The unit 22 at one side is provided with a re movable reverse operating structure designated generally bynumeral 40 and which includes a slidable plate 41. The shifter 38 is fixed to this slidable plate so as to effect an oscillatory movement of the clutch to engage the respective gears as the plate 41,is moved back and forth by the camstructure 30 as will be ex lained more in detail hereinafter. The slide le plate 41 is carried in a slidable bear- 59 ing or groove 42 in that side of the lower casing section 25 (Fig. 7) and is retained in place by the back plate 43.

The slide or shifter plate 41 carries a roller 44 for engaging the spiral groove or cam-way 53 30 of the cam member 30 which is rotatably operable upon rotation of thejsleeve 31. This cam 30, together with the associated mechanism to be explained automatically controls the alternating reversal of the washing ma- 63 chine drive connections.

The cam member 30 is preferably driven from the sleeve 31 through a. horizontally disposed planetary gearing indicated as a whole at 45. The cam 30, as explained, is supported in loose ,rotative position by the shouldered bearing support 29 and by the bottom portion of the casing section 25. Supported upon the top portion of the cam 30 is a gear ring 47 which is secured to the casing section 25. Splined on the sleeve 31, above the support 29 and interiorally of the cam 30 is an eccentric 48. The eccentric 48 is adapted to carry a double-spur gear 49 in rotation, such spur gear having its

respective elements

50 and 51 adapted to co-act in the lower and upper planes with the internal gears 46 and 47 a of the cam 30 and the gear ring 47, respectively. As explained fully in my said prior Patent No. 1,607,628, the gear ratios in this planetary gear system may be determined according to the number of rotations of the sleeve desired to effect one rotation of the cam. There being a slight difference as between the two internal-gear couplings, it will be apparent that every time the eccentric 48 is rotated by the sleeve 31, its teeth are forced into successive engagement with the successive teeth of the stationary internal gear 47*, and since in this same planetation of the spur gears the lower gear 50 must have its teeth successively rought into mesh with the teeth of the camcarried internal gear 46, it follows that the cam must turn in its support to such extent as the difference in ratio of teeth demands. Thus, the cam is kept in constant slow rotation during the entire time that the drive shaft is engaged with the mechanism 22 through the medium of the clutch mechanism designated generally by the numeral 52. Furthermore, the cam groove 30 is of such form (Figs. 2 and 3) that the reversing clutch 30 is maintained in engagement with one of the

gear wheels

32 or 33 for approximately a half revolution of the cam, at which time the groove 30 and associated mechanism operate to positively force the shiftable clutch member 37 over into engagement with the opposite gear wheel. The lower bevel gear 32 is loosely and rotatively supported by the gearing unit 45, as shown in Fig. 3, while the upper bevel gear 33 is supported by the shouldered-splined portion of the sleeve 31 indicated at 31*.

From the foregoing, it will be readily seen that the cam roller 44-is movable in a fixed vertical line, this movement being slow and effected by the spiral-shaped cam-way 30. As the roller 44 and slide plate 41 move upwardly and downwardly, the clutch 37 is also moved upwardly and downwardly by virtue of its connections to the side plate as already explained, thus, throwing the clutch into and out of engagement with

gears

32 and 33 during relatively fixed periods of operation. The slide 41 also is provided with a pin 53 which engages an elongated slot in a latch member 54 pivotally carried by the back plate 43 as at 55. As the plate 41 moves upwardly and downwardly, the latch member 54 is swung backwardly and forwardly in pendulum-like fashion and is engaged'by a locking member '56 pivotally carrie as at 57 by the back plate 43. The portion of the lockmu member 56 which engages the pintle 54 is bifurcate as shown in Fig. 3. This locking member 56 has a guide pin 57 which engages an elongated slot 58 in the back plate 43 to guide it positively in its movement back and forth. The normal position of the looking member is inwardly toward the latch 54, it eing held in this position normally by the spring 59 which is coiled around the pintle 54 between the bifurcate and portions of the member 56 and having one end engaged in a clasp 60 and the other end engaging the base of the bifurcate portion of the member 56. Thus, the member 56 is yieldingly held against the latch 54. It will be noted that the free end of the latch 54 is tapered so that when it is swung upwardly by the slide plate 41 beyond the center of the pin-57, such pin will engage the angled surface 54 and hold the associated mechanism in that position for rotating the washing machine structure in a certain direction. As the came 30 moves the plate 41 for a reversal of the operating mechanism and the latch 54 is swung in opposition direction, the locking member 56 operates in the manner above described and locks the mechanism in that position. Thus, once the mechanism is set for a certain direction of operation, it is maintained in that position until positively reversed by the already described reversing mechanism.

Since the drive shaft 9 serves to impart power to both the wringing and washing machine structures,which may be used simultaneously or separately, it is desirable that means be provided for cutting out one or the other of these mechanisms at'wilL As far as the washin machine structure is concerned, I provide for this by the use of a suitable clutch construction for connecting the operatingand reversing mechanism 22 to the shaft 9.

This clutch mechanism generally designated 52 is clearly shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 11, as being carried by the upper and removable open-ended casing section 24. The upper part of this casing section 24 is provided with a lateral boss 61 adapted to receive and rotatably carry a clutch operating member 62 rovided with longitudinal gear teeth 63. T is operating member 62 extends throu h and beyond the housing 10 and is provided with a handle 64 for moving the same in a rotative direction to clutch and declutch the washing machine operating mechanism. The operating member 62 carries a locking device 65 which takes the form of an associated lever rotated by the member 62 and having a hollow head carrying a latch 66 yieldingly operated by spring 67. The latch 66 is adapted to engage suitable openings 68 for holding and locking the member '62 in either of the positions to which it may just explained. This clutch member 69 has.

clutching surfaces 69 which are en ageable upon operation of the handle 64 wit clutch surfaces 71" of another clutch member '71. This clutch member 71 is splined for rotation with" the sleeve 31 and is slidable relative thereto. As shown inFig. 3, the handle 64 is in the position for disengaging the clutch members 69 and 70 and, consequently, upon rotation of the shaft 9 there will be no rotation or operation of the washing machine mechanism since 0 eration of that mechanism is effected on y by engagement of the clutch members 69 and 71 and the resultant operation of the gear mechanisms carried in rotation by the sleevia 31. To connect these members to connect the shaft 9 and sleeve 31 to drive the washing machine, the handle 64 of the clutch operating member 61 is moved to apositon the opposite of that of Fig. 3, as is obvious.

For effecting the drive of the washing machine cylinder 2 and its reversal as described, the two

ears

32 and 33 are constantl in mesh wit a pinion72 carried by a sha t 73 having its bearing in the bearing portion 28 of the casing covering the mechanism 22. Displacement of the casing portion 28 and associated mechanism is prevented by the shoulder portion 74 of the bearing 27 and the locking screw 75. The shaft 73 extends into the end of the casing extension 23 and finds wsuitable bearin therein as at 76, the otherv end beingparrie as stated by the bearing 27. This shaft is rovided with a worm 78 mounted thereon or rotation therewith between springs 79, the purpose of which is fully set forth in my prior said Patent No. 1,607,628. The worm 78 is in mesh with a worm gear 80 which'is carried by shaft 81 (Fig. 16) connected to the cylinder 2, as shown in Fig. 17. This gear 80 is fixed to the shaft 81 by a key 80 and locking screw 80". The casing extension 23 has a casing extension portion 82 in which the shaft 81 rides in bearings 83 and 84. The casing section 82 has intermediate the bearings 83 and 84 a chambered section 85 surrounding the shaft 81 for moisture and lubricant protective purposes. The hearing 83 is of a type which needs no lubrication, suchas a graphite form of bearing, while the bearing 84 may be such as to require lubrication. It will be noted that the end of the sliaft 81 adjacent the cylinder That is to say, as the clutch 99 is slid tol is provided with a cylindrical-flange member 86 having its flange projecting outwardly from the cylinder and having at its center and surrounding the shaft 81 a packing member 87. The purpose of these members 86 and 87 is to prevent any water or other fluid from the cylinder 2 from coming in contact with the shaft 81, passing the bearing 83 and finding its way into the operating mechanism. The chamber 85 is doubly protective from this standpoint since in the event that any water or other fluid should pass the bearing 83 it will enter and fall to the bottom of the chamber 85 and flow thence through the passage 88 and pipe 89 into the receptacle 90 instead of passing the bearing 84 and into the casing containing the other operating mechanism. Still further, the bearing 84 being one that may be lubricated, it is highly desirable that none of the lubricant pass along the shaft 81 thence past the bearing 83 and to the cylinder 2 or its associated parts so as not to soil the garments being washed or handled thereabouts. The chamber 85 takes care of this condition, in that any oil or other lubricant which may pass from the housing extension 23 past the. bearing 84 and into the chamber 85 will eventually find its way into the receptacle 90 rather than to and past the bearing 83. As Willbe seen hereinafter,tl1isenables the bearing 84 to be positively lubricated throughout its length in connection with my lubricating system without any detrimental effect from the standpoint of the lubricant finding its way to the washing machine.

The wringer construction which I may employ may take a form similar to that disclosed inmy co-pending application, Serial No. 598,516, filed November 2, 1922 for power-operated clothes wringer. Generally stated and by reference particularly to Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6, this mechanism may comprise a shaft 91 coupled by a suitable universal coupling 94 to a shaft 95 which carries a positively driven wringer roll 96. The shaft 91 loosely carries the opposed beveled gears 97 and 98 in which it finds its bearing, the

hubs

97 and 98 being supported in suspended bearings 92 and 93. The beveled gears 97 and 98 are constantly in mesh with the beveled pinion 19 which has a splined connection with the drive shaft 9 as at 19*.

The direction of rotation of the wringer drive roll 96 is determined by the clutch 99, which is splined to the shaft 91 so as to be s idable-thereon and rotatable therewith, this clutch being capable of assuming two operating drive positions and a neutral position,

such as shown in Fig. 4. This clutch 99 is provided with clutch surfaces 100 which are in a form of peripheral projections on the opposing faces of the clutch and which are adapted to engage the grooves 101 in the faces of the beveled gears 97 and 98, respectively.

ward the beveled gear 97, its clutch pro- JGCt-IODS 100 will engage the grooves 101 1n that gear whereupon the rotation of the drive shaft 9 will impart throughthe beveled pinion 19 a certain direction of rotation to the shaft 91, and consequently, to the wringer structure. Consequently, upon the reverse movement of the clutch 99 into engagement with the beveled gear 98, the wringer structure will be caused to rotate in an opposite or reverse direction. This reversing movement of the clutch 99 is effected by means of a handle member 102 fixed to a shaft 103 carried by the casing section 10 and projecting thereinto and carrying a clutch roller 104 which engages the 99 in the clutch. The pin 103 whic carrice the roller 104 bears an eccentric relation to the shaft 103 so that upon rotary movementof thisshaft by the audio 102 in the desired direction the clutch is shifted n a manner obvious and as fully explained in mysaid prior application. In order to lock the handle 102 and clutch 99 in the position in which it may be set, I employ a locking plate 103 carried by the shaft 103 oove and having a plurality of openings, 103,

preferably, corresponding to the number of clutch positions, such openin being engaged in each respective position. by the spring-pressed ball 103, which looks the parts in that position in an obvious man ner.

It is desirous at times to move the wringer structure bodily to different angular positions relative to the washing machine structure. I accomplish this by the

mating flange constructions

16 and 17 at the bottom and top respectively-of the

housing sections

10 and 10", together with mechanism to be explained. This construction permits the wringer unit to be rotated upon the top of the housing section 10 to any desired position. It is also desirable that after the structure has been so moved that it be maintained in that position and, to that end, I provide the locking construction shown in Fig. 5. This construction comprises a sectional pin construction consisting of

pin sections

105 and 106. The section 106 has a tapered end portion and rides snugly in a suitably provided bly and alignment of parts and permits of the use of a close fitting construction. This also permits the upper pin section to be nick'el plated without nickel plating the lower'pin section thereby facilitating manufacture and the cost of production. Surround- "ing the sleeve 108 and finding a bearing againstthe flange at the bottom of the sleeve 0 is a spring 111, this spring being retained in positlon around the sleeve by a washer-like retaining member 112 carried at the top of the sleeve. The washer 112 is provided with an opening suflicient to permit the sleeve to pass therethrough. With this construction when it is desired to move the wringer structure toanother angular position, the haning section 10 is also provided with another opening 106" in which the locking structure including pin 106 may be mounted 1f desired. When not used, this openingis closed plished very readily.

at the top with a plug 106 to prevent the escape of oil.

From the fore oing, it is belleved that the operation of the riving mechanism so far exlained is obvious; however, in rsum, it may said that with the motor 3 in operation and the shaft 9 rotating and with the clutch'mechanism 52 disengaged and with the clutch 99 of the wrin r structure inneutral position,

both the wrln er and washing machine structures stand i le. If this is followed by the movement of the handle of the wringer structure, the w ringer will be operated in one direction or the other depending on the direction of movement of the handle, the'washing machine standing idle. Upon operation of the handle 64 to engage the clutch 52, the washing machine is thrown into operation and the cylinder will be caused to operate in one direction for a time and then will be reversed in a manner which is not detrimental to the 0 rating mechanism from wear, etc. standpoints, regardless of the load conditions which may be applied. Therefore, with the foregoing arrangement, the washer may be operated independently of the wringer or the wringer operated independently of the washer, or they may both be operated simultaneously.

I When it is desired to remove and replace the operating mechanism for repair or renewal or cleaning purposes, this may be accom- 114 of the wringer casing and disengaging the coupling 94, the wringer operating mechamsm may be readily removed from the hous- By removing the cover ing section 10 in an. obvious manner. The mechamsm 22 for driving and reversing the washing machine is also very readily removthe shaft coupling 115 indicated clearly in Fig. 12. Upon the removal of the shaft 9, as

stated, the housing cover 20 may be removed and the entire unit 22 with the shaft 73 and associated worm may be moved directly outward from the housin as a self-contained unit. l Ready access is led to the interior of the unit 22 by merely removing the casing section 24 as explained, whereupon the parts contained in these respective casing sections may be readily and quickly disassembled and assembled in the order shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Obviously, the mechanism contained in the housing section 10" at the bottom is readily accessible and removable by the removal of the section 116 and housing section 10", or by merely moving that section 10 downwardly away from its associated mechanism. All the fore oing is a decided advantage from the standpoint of maintenance and service permitting the same to be accomplished quickly and with a minimum of cost.

To obtain the most efiicient operation in a smooth and uniform-like manner over long periods of time, I provide for a positive lubrication of all these operating parts. To this end, I arrange the housing section 10' in the form of a lubricant reservoir having therein the bearing support' member 11. This member 11, at its bottom takes the form of a gear casin carrying intermeshing gears 117 and 118 which are adapted to mesh and bear such relation to each other and to the casingeas to serve as a force-feed pump as will well understood. This gear cavity which may be designated by the numeral 119 has an inlet 120 in communication with the lubricant in the reservoir 121. Any desired lubricating oil may be used. The drive shaft 9 throughout its length is hollow and this hollow portion of the shaft 9 is in communication with the gear cavity 119 through an opening 122 at a point opposite the opening 120. The gear 118 is connected to the shaft 9 for rotation therewith, whereupon as the shaft 9 is caused to rotate by the worm gear 12, the pump gears 117 and 118, which are in mesh, are caused to rotate in the direction of the arrows in Fig. 13. As this action takes place. the lubricant entering the passage 120 is picked up by the rotating gears and forced through the opening 122 into the hollow shaft 9 and through such shaft to its upper extremity where it gushes upwardly and out over the wringer pinion 19; and as this takes place the beveled gears 97 and 98 obviously III I are bathed in this gushing oil and thorou 'hcasing containing the mechanism 22. It will v be noted that the upper portion of the clutch section 69 of the clutch unit 52 is tapered to provide a funneLshape, and this funnelshaped portion serves to catch and direct the lubricant falling thereon from above to the interior of the casing. The casing section 24 is provided at its top with a trough-like opening or openings 125 for directing the lubricant, or a surplus of the lubricant down over the outer part of the casing and directly upon the mechanism controlled by the handle 64. Obviously, as the funnel-shaped section of the casing 22 becomes filled, the excess lubricant will pour down over the sides of the casing with a fountain-like effect. The lubricant which enters the casing 22, due to the natural looseness of the various parts therein passes down around the same and keeps them flooded and saturated with such lubricant. However, in order to positively insure the passage of the lubricant to all internal parts contained within the casing 22, I may provide as follows: Naturally due to the splined formation of the shaft 9 and the complementary surfaces of the clutch section 69, the lubricant entering at the top of the easing 22 will very readily pass down upon the lower clutch member 71. This lower clutch .member may be provided with outer grooves 126 to permit the lubricant to pass down around it and having suitable openings 127 in its base to permit the same to pass on beneath. The top of the beveled gear 33 is provided with a plurality of grooves 127 which permits the lubricant to pass over such gear and down around its sides to the clutch mechanism 37 and also around the beveled pinion 72. The lower beveled gear 32 is provided with like grooves as indicated at 128 and .129, permitting the lubricant to flow down upon the gear structures therebeneath, such gear structures also having provision for this positive distribution as indicated at 130 in Fig. 2. As this action continues, the lubricant is trapped inside the casing 22, and I provide for the maintenance of a definite level of lubricant inside such casing, so that the gears will be practically operating in a pool of the same. In order to maintain a definite level, I provide the overflow spout 131 (Fig. 3) which delivers theoverflow of lubricant from inside the casing into the supplemental reservoir 132 (Fig. 2). A definite level is maintained in the supplemental reservoir 132 b the transverse rib 133 and the lubricant ischarging from above and through the overflow s but 131 thereinto as is obvious from Fig. 2. The washing machine worm gear 80 operates in and through the lubricant in the reservoir 132 and, in an obvious manner, distributes the same over the worm. The lubricant is fed directly from the reservoir 132 during the rotation of the gear 80 to the bearing 84 through the passageway 135 thereby lubricating this hearing as already explained and any of the'same which may pass the bearing 84 is eventually caught in the receptacle 90 instead of going on through to the bearing 83.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that the gear' pump construction located in the bottom of the casing section 10 continuously, during operation, pumps the lubricant under pressure through the shaft 9 whence it is de-, livered as above explained. It is positively delivered to all of the operating parts above referred to. The casing 22 is continuously drenched and bathed by the fountain-outflow at the top of the shaft ,9. There is a substantial stream pouring glownwardly over the outer portion of the casing 22, as well as through its central part in contact with the gear and clutch mechanism carried therein.

The overflow from the supplemental reservoir 132 is also delivered back toward the main reservoir 121.

Instead of the lubricant being delivered directly back to the main reservoir 121, it is delivered into an intermediate delivery chamber 136 which has outlets 137 (Fig. 15) and 138 leading to the bearings 6 and 6 carrying the worm shaft 6. It is also provided with a larger outletv 139 which leads directly back to the main reservoir 121. The

outlets

137 and 138 are located at a slightly lower level than the outlet 139 so as to insure delivery of the lubricant to the bearings 6 and 6 before it is delivered back to the main reservoir 121; in other words,,this provides for the maintenance of a definite level in the chambered member 136 so as to positively insure a feed to the hearings in question. It will be noted that the end of the wormshaft 6 carried in the bearing 6 is provided with a spiral groove 140 which carries the lubricant along that portion of the shaft and delivers it thence into the portion 141 of the housing section 10 and back into the main reservoir 121. This provides for feed in one direction only while the bearing 6* is arranged for feed in both directions and from that hearing the lubricant eventually finds its Way back into the main reservoir.

The operation of my force-feed lubricating system is obvious from the foregoing and in carrying out my invention, as described, the parts are operated continuously in an oil bath whereby wear is reduced to a minimum and the mechanism operates smoothly and noiselessly. Taken as a whole by carrying out'my invention, I provide apparatus w ich is hi .ly eflicient, durable, easy to operate and which ma be assembled and disassembled quickly an readily.

It is to be understood, that while I have illustrated and described onl one embodiment of my invention, yet it 1s obvious that 0 various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of my invention as defined by the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. In laundry machinery including washing andwringin elements, the combination of a hollow linerive shaft, means for rotating said drive shaft, a driven shaft connected to said drive shaft and extending laterally therefrom to said washing element, gear and clutch connections between said driven shaft and said drive shaft, another and verticallyspaced driven shaft connected to said drive shaft and extending laterally therefrom to said wringing element, gear and clutch connections between said wringer driven shaft and said drive shaft, a lubricant reservoir at the lower end of said drive shaft, a'pump in said lubricant reservoir and connected to o and driven by said drive shaft for feedin a lubricant throu h said drive shaft, and means for positively delivering the lubricant so fed upon and throughout said gear and ..clutch connections during the operation of said drive shaft. 2. In laundry machinery, embodying washing and wrmgin elements, the combination of a housing riving mechanism for 40 said elements in said housing comprising shaft, connections-between said power-supply means and said line-drive shaft for transmitting rotary movement thereto, gear and clutch connect-ions operatively connecting said line-drive shaft and said Washin element, said gear and clutch connections ein encased in a casing open at its upper en other gear and clutch connections 0 rative- 1y connected to said line-drive sha t at one end thereof and to said wringing element above said casing, a lubricant supply reservoir at the bottom of said housing, and means for forcing said lubricant into and through said line-drive shaft and into contact with said wringer gear and clutch connections at the end thereof, means permitting gravity flow of said lubricant above and into said casing below, means for collecting and directing said lubricant into and through said casin and in contact with said connections contained therein, and means for maintaining a predetermined level of said lubricant in said casing.

3. In a machine of the character described, a driving mechanism therefor including a power-supply -means, a hollow line-drive hollow open-ended drive shaft, a housing havm a lubricant reservoir into which one end 0 said shaft. extends, means for circulatmg a lubricating medium from said reservoir through the driving, mechanism which includes a pump on the end of said drive shaft 1n and reservoir for forcing the lubricant upwardl through and beyond the other end 0 said rive shaft in a fountain-like manner, said lubricant so discharged being adapted to fall downwardly b gravity toward-said reservoir, means for co ecting and directing the falling lubricant to operating and hearing parts of said driving mechanism, and means for returning part of the lubricant to said reservoir and part to a supplemental reservolr in which part of said operating mechamsm moves. I

4. In a machine of the character described, a housing, a driving mechanism enclosed by said housing and including a drive shaft, a main lubricant reservoir, a supplemental housin section connected to said housing and providlng another lubricant reservoir, pump means operated by said drive shaft for forcmg the lubricant from said main reservoir through said drive shaft for delivery of the lubricant throu hout said housing in contact with said driving mechanism and to said second-mentioned reservoir, and gear means associated with said driving mechanism in said supplemental housing andmoving in the lubricant therein.

5. In a machine of the character described, a housing enclosing a drivin mechanism in-. cluding a hollow drivin s aft, gear and clutch mechanism operatwely connected to said driving shaft, main lubricant reservoir, a supplemental lubricant reservoir and a pump in said main reservoir operated b said driving shaft and in commumcation with its hollow portion for forcing the lubricant from said main reservoir through said shaft to the top of said housing for gravity feed through said housing in contact with said driving mechanism and finally to said supplemental reservoir.

6. In a machine of the character described, ahousing enclosing a drivin mechanism including a hollow drivin s aft, gear and clutch mechanism operatively connected to said driving shaft, a main lubricant reservoir, a supplemental lubricant reservoir and a pum in said main reservoir operated by said drivlng shaft and in communication w th its 120 hollow portion for forcing the lubricant from said mam reservoir through said shaft to the top of said housing for gravity feed through said housing in contact with said drivin mechanism and finally to said supplements; reservoir, means for maintaining a predetermined lubricant level in said supplemental reservoir, and gear means of said drivin mechanism operating in said supplementa reservoir. 1

' 7. In laundry machinery, embodying washing and wringing elements, the combination of power-supply means having a power-shaft, a housing enclosing drivm mechanism comprising a hollow, vertica driving shaft, gear connections between said power-shaft and said driving shaft, a driven shaft extending horizontally from said drive shaft and having gear connections with said washing element and said driving shaft, another driven shaft extending horizontally from said drive shaft and connected to said wringer element and to said driving shaft, a main lubricant reservoir located in the lower part of said housing, a lateral housing extension enclosing the washing element driven shaft and gear connections and having a supplemental lubricant reservoir in which said gear connections operate, a forced-feed mechanism located in said m'ain reservoir and operated by said driving mechanism for feeding the lubricant from said main reservoir through said drive shaft to the top of said housing, and means associated with said driving mechanism for positively directing the lubricant to the driving mechanism parts and said power shaft and to said supplemental reservoir and means for maintaining the level of the lubricant in said supplemental reservoir.

8. In a machine of the class described, a Y

washing element, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, gear connections between said drive and driven shafts, gear and shaft connections between said driven shaft and said washing element, a housing enclosing said shafts and connections, said housing having a lubricant reservoir in its bottom, lubricant distributing means in said reservoir,'a supplemental reservoir in said housing in which the gear'connections between said. driven shaft and said washing element operate, and positive means located between said washing element and its drive and associatedwiththe shaft connection between the washing element shaft and said driven shaft for preventing the passage p of the lubricant from said supplemental reservoir to said washing element. said means comprising a chamber around the washing element shaft and a drain passage and receptacle connected to said chamber.

9. In apparatus of the character described including washing and wringing elements, the combination of driving mechanism including a driving shaft, connections between said shaft and washing and wringing elements, a power-supply element, a power shaft between said driving shaft and power-supply element, 'a housing enclosing said driving mechanism and having bearing support for 1 said power-shaft, a lubricant reservoir in said housing, pump means for delivering and circulating the lubricant from said reservoir through said driving mechanism, and means for intercepting the return flow of said lusame to said power-she bearing, s'aidf-in- Qercepting means comprising a receptacle element located between the said reservoir and delivery point of said lubricant, and,

having communicating passages with said bearings and an outlet in communication with said reservoir, said outlet being at a higher level than said passages.

10. In a machine of the character described, a housing havin areservoir in its bottom, a hollow drive shaft therein, a lateral housing extension providing a second reservoir, a gear casing mounted on said drive shaft, shaft and gearing extending from said drive shaft into said second reservoir, pump means driven by said drive shaft for forcing a lubricant from said first reservoir through said drive shaft, said lubricant being permitted to fall toward said casing after discharge from said drive shaft, said casing being arranged to collect part of said falling lubricant, means for maintaining a predetermined lubricant level in said casing and for discharging the excess lubricant into said second reservoir, and means for maintaining va predetermined lubricant level in said second reservoir and for permitting the excess lubricant to flow back toward said first reservoir.

11. In a machine of the character described, a rotatable washing cylinder, a housing, a drive shaft in said housmg a shaft connected to said cylinder, gear and shaft connections between said drive shaft and said cylinder shaft, said housing having an extension forming a lubricant reservoir in which said cylinder shaft and connected gearing extend, and means for preventing flow of moisture from said cylinder to said reservoir or flow of lubricant from said reservoir to said cylinder along said cylinder shaft.

12. A laundry machine including washing and wringing elements, the combination of a hollow line drive shaft, vertically disosed, means for rotating said drive shaft connected to the lower end thereof near the bottom of the machine, a hollow tubular housing surrounding said vertically disposed hollow'line drive shaft, a driven shaft connected to said drive shaft and extending laterally therefrom to said washing element. gear and clutch connections between said driven shaft and said drive shaft, another and vertically spaced driven shaft connected to said drive shaft and extending laterally therefrom to said wringer element, gear and clutch elements between said wringer, driven shaft and said drive shaft, a lubricant reservoir at the lower end of said hollow drive shaft, a pump in said lubricant reservoir and connected to and driven by said drive shaft for feeding lubricant upwardly through said drive shaft and means for positively delivering the lubricant so fed upon and throughout said gear and clutch connections duringvtho operation of said drive shaft, the space bea tween said hollow drive shaft and said hollow housing afiording a return p way for the lubricant from said various mts of lubrication downwardly to the lubricant reservoir whereby a continuous cycle circulation of lubricant is fed under premure u wardly through the hollow drive shaft to t e points of use and thence returned by gravity to the reservoir. e

In testimony whereof, I have subscribed my name.

JOHN T. HUME.