US2356816A

US2356816A - Laundry apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2356816A
Application number: US372616A
Authority: US
Inventors: Breckenridge Frank; Earl K Clark
Original assignee: Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: CBS Corp
Priority date: 1940-12-31
Filing date: 1940-12-31
Publication date: 1944-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 1961-08-29

Description

. Aug. 29, 19 4- F. BRECKENRIDGE ETAL 56,

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l WITN SSES: INVENTORS z) E BREcKE was AND .E. K. ARK- ATTORN g- 1944- F. BRECKENRIDGE ETAL 72,356,816

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG- 2.

INVENTORS r-r BRECKENRIDGE. AND E. CLARK- QAT'II'ORN WIT ES:

Aug.29, 1944. F. BRECKENRIDGE ETAL 2,356,816

LAUNDRY APPARATUS File d Dec. 51, 1940 s Sheets-Sheet s L.'/ ,I 1 ,ggggg, 5

M/NUES I 0 f1 .8 1|? ['6 270 2 4 2 8 5'2 5'5 40 l l O 50] I //s TIMER AND ;Q j L 1 MAIN MOTOR- HIGH SPEED.

[09 com WA ER- MIXED WATER DRAIN.

FIG. 5-

WITN SSES: INVENTORS 2-. BRECKENRIDGE- AND .E. K- CLARK- ATTOR Patented Aug. 29, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LAUNDRY APPARATUS;

Frank Breckenridge and Earl K. Clark, Mansfield, Ohio, assignors toWestinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East. Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 31, 1940, Serial No. 372,616

2 Claims.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our application, Serial No. 251,699, filed January 19, 1939. Our invention relates to laundry apparatus and has. for an object to provide improved apparatus of this kind.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved laundry apparatus wherein the washing, rinsing andwater-extracting steps in the washing program are automatically effected.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved laundry machine of the character set forth in which the amount of hot water used during a washing cycle is small and wherein a relatively large number of temperature settings for the water admitted to the machine are provided.

A further object of our invention is to provide improved cleaning apparatus in which the fabrics being treated are subjected to a plurality of rinsing operations including a final spray rinse which cools the fabrics and the air within the apparatus so that removal of the fabrics from the apparatus may be effected by the operator in comfort.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved flexibly mounted washing apparatus having control devices for regulating the operation of the apparatus and supported so that they are not subjected to vibratory motion of the apparatus.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved program of steps in the washing, rinsing and drying of fabrics.

These and other objects are effected by our invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a laundry machine constructed and controlled in accordance with the invention; portions of the outer casing ofthe machine being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the machine having portions thereof broken away for the sake of clearness;

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the electrical connections of the automatic control;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a detail shown in Fig. 2; and, I

Fig. 5 is a partial view of a modified timer mechanism of the type shown'in Fig. 3 and defining an element of a second embodiment of our invention.

Reference will now be had to Figs. 1 and 2 the type generally shown and claimed in the copending application of Frank Breckenridge, Serial No. 203.804, filed}. April 23, 1938, and assigned to the assignee. of the present application.

The laundry machine shownin-Figs: 1- and 2 includes a, casing structure generally indicated at 10V and having a front wall II, a portion of which is inclined asshownat l2. A water-containing structure or tub. I!- of frusto-conical configuration is disposed within the casing structure l0; so that its axis is inclined, said. tub being provided with an endwall H'at'the large end. thereof- The end wall It is provided with an opening 15 that is closed'by a suitable door I8.

Rotatably disposed within the tub- I3 is a perforate basket ll of" frusto-conical configuration and having anend wall I9 at, the large end thereof. within which an opening I9 is formed. The basket l1 includes an end wall 21 at the small. end. thereof which is curved inwardly of the basket I! and defines a dome within the. basket I I. The basket 11 is coaxiallyarranged within the tub and rotatably carried-by alshaft .22 journaled in a bearing 23. the latter being carried by the tub structure |3 as shown. 'Ihebasketv I] is provided with a plurality of perforations 24 lationv with the latter asshown. at 26. The-spe cine-form of basket-structure shown herein is more fully disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Stuart R. Baird, Serial No. 268,103, filed. April15, 1939, and: assigned to the assignee of the present application.

The respective, access openings? I 5;. and I9 of the tub I3; and basket. H are aligned. substantially with an access opening 21 formed. in the inclined. portion. 12 of the casing front wall H. The opening 2! is closed by a suitable cover 28 during inactive periods of thelaundry machine, which cover is removed'during operation; When the cover 28; is removed, the; door l6 may be swung to its open position through the opening 21 of. the casing. The admission of; the fabrics to be washed to the basketv I? is effected through the openings 15 and I9.

Rotation of the basket: I! is effected by a driving mechanism, generally indicated at. 29

and preferably carried by the tub structure 13.

wherein we have shown a laundry machine of As shown, a pair of brackets 31. are-secured to the tub structure I! and carry the driving mechanism 29. The driving mechanism 29 includes a motor 32 and a speed-reducing mechanism 33 driven thereby, said speed-reducing mechanism 33 having a driven shaft 34 upon which a pulley 35 is carried. The pulley 35 is belted, as shown at 36, to a relatively large pulley 31 carried by the shaft 22 of the basket 11.

The speed-reducing mechanism 33 is adjustable to provide high and low speeds of the driven shaft 34. Adjustment of the mechanism 33 is effected by an arm 38 that is actuated by a mag net 39. When the magnet is deenerglzed, the arm 38 is in the position shown in full lines and slow-speed operation is effected. When energized, the magnet 38 moves the arm 38 to the position shown in broken lines for effecting highspeed operation of the shaft 34.

As two-speed mechanisms of the type shown at 33 are well understood in the art, further description of the same is deemed unnecessary.

' Any suitable mechanism may be employed for effecting low and high-speed operation of the shaft 34 and consequently the basket H, The specific form of mechanism employed forms no part of the present invention and has not been shown in detail for the sake of brevity. The tub structure I3 may be carried within the casing ID in any well-known manner and, as shown, is flexibly supported. A plurality of springs 4| are suspended from the casing l8 and resiliently support the tub l3 within the casing l0. Centering of the tub 13 within the casing I is effected by a plurality of tension springs 42 which are secured to the bottom of the tub l3 at their inner ends, as shown at 43, and to the casing In at the outer ends thereof, as shown at 44. A suitable flexible support, generally of the type disclosed, is described and claimed in the co-pending application of Frank Breckenridge et al., Serial No. 303,202, filed November '7. 1939, and assigned to the assignee of the present application. r

In accordance with our invention, water at a predetermined temperature is supplied to the container or tub Hi from suitable sources of hot and cold water (not shown). Hot and

cold water conduits

46 and 41, respectively, are secured within the casing in (Fig. 2) and convey the water from said sources to a thermostaticallycontrolled mixing valve structure, generally indicated at 48 and secured to the inclined portion [2 of the casing front wall H. The mixing valve structure 48 is shown in detail in Fig. 4 and includes a housing 49 having hot and cold water inlet chambers 50 and communicating with .,the

conduits

46 and 41, respectively. The housing 49,also encloses a water-mixing chamber 53 that communicates with a discharge conduit 54. Passage of water from. the inlet chambers 58 and 5| to the mixing chamber 53 is controlled by respective valves 55 and 56 which are carried by a common stem 51 and so arranged that one valve moves in an opening direction as the other valve is moved in a closing direction. I

Movement of the valves 55 and 56 is eflected by a suitable thermal responsive element 58, shown byway of example as a bimetal spiral, the inner end of which is secured to a rotatable stud 59 and the outer end of the spiral being operatively connected to a collar 6| carried by the valve stem 51. As the temperature of the water in the mixing chamber 53 increases, the spiral 58 unrolls and moves the collar 5| to the left so that the valve 55 is actuated in a Closing direction and the valve 56 in its opening direction. A reduction in temperature of the water in the chamber 53 effects opposite operation of the

valves

55 and 55. Accordingly, the temperature of the water in the chamber 53 is maintained at a substantially constant value which may be varied by rotation of the stud 59 and consequent winding or unwinding of the spiral 58. Rotary movement may be imparted to the stud 58 by a knob or handle 62 fixed thereto and disposed externally of the casing III as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Preferably, the stud 59 is secured to a movable plate 63 having teeth formed thereon which mesh with a pinion 64 carried by a shaft 65. The shaft 85 extends exteriorly gf thg casing l0 and carries the knob 62.

The water discharged from the water-mixing device 48 is conveyed to a nozzle 66 secured to the tub l3 and so disposed that it directs the water into the basket I! through the opening l8. As the resiliently-supported tub I3 is movable relative the casing Hi, we employ a flexible conduit 61 for conveying the water from thedischarge conduit 54 of the mixing device 48 to the nozzle 66. An electrically-operated valve 68 is disposed in the conduit 54 for controlling the flow of mixed water discharged by the device 48 and may be of any suitable construction. As shown, a solenoid 69 is employed for actuating the valve 68 and is so arranged that the valve 88 is opened during energized periods of the solenoid 69 and is closed'when the solenoid 63 is deenergized. As the construction and operation of the solenoid-operated valves are well understood, no further description of the same is deemed necessary.

As set forth in the cycle of operation appearing hereinafter, cold water is admitted to the tub directly/from the cold water supply conduit 41 at times, and, in order to efiect this operation, a conduit H is connected between the cold water supply conduit 41 and the conduit 54 on the downstream side of the valve 68. A valve 12 is connected in the conduit H and provided with a solenoid I3. The solenoid-operated valve 12 is constructed similarly to the valve 68 so that further reference to its operation is not necessary. The arrangement of the

valves

68 and 12 in the water supply system is such that mixed water at a predetermined temperature, cold water or a mixture of the mixed water and cold water may be supplied to the tub I3.

The level of the water in the tub I3 is conincludes a reservoir 16 that communicates with the-interior of the tub by means of a flexible conduit 11 secured to the bottom of the reservoir 16 at one of its ends and at its other end to a pan 18. An opening 13 is provided in the bottom 01' the tub structure l3 and provides communication between the interior of the tub It A removable strainer (not shown) of suitable construction is preferably disand the pan l8.

posed in the pan 18 between the outlet 18 and the conduits 88 and 11 for preventing passage of solid objects from the tub to the latter conduits 88 and I1.

The float switch structure I5 includes a float 8| that is movable between upper and

lower shoulders

82 and 88 formed on a rod 84. A switch 85 0f the tumbler type is carried by the strucmoved upwardly sufliciently to engage the collar 82 whereupon the rod 84 and the projections 86 are moved upwardly and engage the actuating member 85a so that the switch 85 is moved to its closed position. As described more fully hereinafter, the switch 85 is connected in the electrical circuits of the valve solenoids 59 and I3 and efiects deenergization of the same when the level of thewater in the tub is at the level indicated by dotted lines. Closure of the switch 85 is efiected when substantially all of the water has been removed from the tub I3.

The discharge of vitiated water from the tub structure I3 is efiected by a pump 88 (Fig. 1) having an inlet connection 89 connected to the pan I8. Delivery of water from the pan I8 through the conduit 89 is controlled by an electrically operated valve 9|, the construction of i which is similar to the construction ofthe valves 58 and I2. The valve 9| is actuated by a solenoid 92 which, when energized, effects opening of the valve 9|, and, conversely, when the solenoid 92 is deenergized, the valve 9| is moved to its closed position.- The water translated by the pump 88 is discharged through a suitable conduit 93, shown by way of example as a length of rubber hose, to a point of discharge.

Control of the various electrical instrumentalities including the motor 29, the valve sole: n'oids 69, I3 and 92 and the clutch magnet wind-' ing 39, is automatically effected by a timing device generally indicated by the numeral 94 in Fig. 1 and carried by the inclined panel I2 of the casing I0. The timing device 94 is preferably of the motor-driven drum switch type and is diagrammatically shown in Fig. 3. The timer 94 includes a drum 95 which is shown in development in Fig. 3 and which carries electrically-cona speed-reducing mechanism generally indicated at I21. Movement of the drum 95 is at all times in the direction of the arrow Fig. 3. The drum 95 may be manually rotated by a knob or handle Ill when initiating a washing cycle. In order that manual rotation of the shaft I26 and drum 05 may be effected, a clutch I28 is disposed be- The source of power for the various electrical instruments is indicated by line conductors LI. and 1a, the former of which is connected to the contact finger H8. The line conductor In is directly connected to one terminal of each of the motors 29 and I25 and to a terminal of the discharge valve solenoid 92. The opposite terminals of the motor 29 and I25 are joined and connected to the contact finger H9. The opposite terminal of the solenoid 92 is connected to the contactfinger I23. One side of each of the

solenoids

39, 13 and 69 is respectively connected to contact fingers I20, I2Iand I22. The opposite terminals of the solenoids 39, I3 and "are joined and connected to the line conductor L: through the switch 85 of the fioat switch structure I5.

Operation The cycle of operation of the apparatus will now be described. The fabrics to be washed are deposited in the basket II through the openings I5 and I9 at which time a suitable break may be deposited for increasing the alkaline content of the water. The door I6 is then closed and the drum 95 of the switch is rotated manually for in-' iti-ating operation of the apparatus.

or washing speed, for example, R. P. M. En-

gagement of the contact fingers I2I and I22 with the segments I09 and H0 effects energization of both water valve solenoids I3 and 69, it being understood that the float switch 85 is closed. Mixed water at a temperature determined by the setting of the thermostat knob 92 is admitted to the tub through the nozzle 89 and cold'water from the conduit 41 is passed through the solenoid valve I2 to the nozzle 88. Accordingly, the

temperature of the wash water for thefirst washing period is relatively low. When the level of the water in the tub has risen to the level indicated by the broken line, the float switch 85 is and are deflected forwardly of the basket. This tween the shaft I25 andthe speed-reducing mechanism I2I, it being understood that the high reduction speed-reducing mechanism I21 could not be manually rotated by the handle I30.

The operation of the clutch is such that when the motor I25 is operated, "rotation of 'the drum I5 is effected through the clutch I28. When rotary movement is manually imparted to the drum 95, through the handle I30, the clutch I28 is adapted to slip. 7

operation is then repeated.

When the soil conditions are severe, the first washing period is efi'ected for the full period of time, or six minutes, at the end of which time, the segments I00 and I02 are disengaged from the fingers H8 and H9 and operation of both the timer motor I25 and the main motor 29/is terminated. Prior to terminating operation of the motors, the segment II5 engages the contact finger I33 for opening the drain valvesl I charging the water from the tub. 1

v Engagement. of the contact fingers H9 and HQ with the se8- for disages the finger I22 whereupon the mixed water adenoid valve 58 is opened and relatively warm nter at a temperature determined by the setting of the thermostatically-controlled devices 40 and 52 is admitted to the tub. In this connection. no change in the setting of the water-mixing device is necessary. During the initial admission of water to the tub. for the first wash both mixed and cold water is admitted to the tub so that the wash water temperature is relatively low. Only mixed water from the device 40 is admitted for the second wash so that the water temperature is relatively high.

The flow of warm water into the tub is terminated when the float switch 85 is opened and the second washing period is now efl'ected for a period of Inme determined by the setting of the drum 95 when manually initiating operation of the apparatus for the second time. It will be understood that if the soil conditions are light, the drum may be manually advanced whereupon the duration of the washing period is shortened. a

The washing cycle is completed when the drum 55 has been advanced to the positionv indicated approximately by the twenty-five minute point as shown in Fig. 3, at which time the drain valve 0| is opened by the engagement of the contact segment H8 and the finger I33. When substantially all of the water is drained from the tub, the segments I01 and H2 engage the fingers HI and I22 and, as the float switch 05 is closed, cold water and mixed water are directed into the basket through the nozzle 601 for flushing out soap scum and soils remaining on the fabrics. This operation is effected for a relatively short period of time after which the contact segment I04 engages the finger I20 and, as the float switch 05 is closed at this time, the clutch magnet 33 is energized and high-speed operation of the basket is initiated. The wash water remaining in the fabrics is centrifuged therefrom for a period of time of approximately two minutes, after which themagnet 39 is deenergized and slow-speed operation of the basket is initiated. At this time, the drain valve is also closed as the segment I I0 is disengaged from the finger I23.

Filling of the tub with rinse water is then effected. Rinse water composed of cold water and mixed water is admitted to the tub with the energiiation of the solenoids I3 and 65, which operation is effected by the engagement of the segments I08 and I I3 and their respective fingers HI and I22. When sufiicient water is admitted tothe tub, the float switch 85 again opens and terminates fiow of rinse" water to the tub. Agitation of the fabrics in the rinse water is effected for approximately seven minutes or until-the timer has been moved to the thirty-five minute position on the scale, at which time, the drain valve is opened by the engagement of the segment Ill and the finger I 23. At this time the soap is thoroughly diflused in the rinse water and is discharged therewith.

High-speed operation of the basket is again effected when the segment I05 engages the finger I20 and the rinse water is spun from the fabrics and discharged from the tub. It is understood that the float switch 05 is closed during highspeed operation of the basket. A spray rinse is effected for a relatively short period of time during the early portion of the spinning of the fabrics or when the segments I and I I4 engage the fingers I2I and I22, which operation eflects energization of both the water valve solenoids 09 and 13 so that water at a relatively low temperature is sprayed on the fabrics durin the highspeed rotation of the same. The fabrics are spun at high speed for approximately four minutes at a speed of approximately 500 R. P. M., or until the contact segment I05 has been disengaged from the finger I20. A complete cycle of operation has now; been described and the damp fabrics may be removed from the basket.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the first washing period may be eliminated if the soil conditions are light, as the drum may be immediately adjusted in initiating operation of the apparatus to its advanced position or the position wherein the segment IN is engaged with the contact finger H8. Furthermore, the duration of the washing-period may be varied depending upon how far the drum is advanced in initiating operation. The therrnostatically-controlled water valve which we employ is gradually operated and effects close regulation of the temperature of the wash water admitted to the tub. The thermal responsive element or spiral 58 is on the downstream side of the regulating

valves

55 and 55 in the mixing chamber 53 so that it is subiected at all times to the temperature of the water mixture which is admitted to the tub. The thermal responsiveelement 58 rapidly effects the necesary change in ratio of hot and cold water admitted to .the chamber, and precludes the possibility of admitting water to the tub at a temperature above a safe temperature for the articles to be washed. In other words, alternate surges of hot andcold water into the tub are prevented. Accordingly, woolen articles which may be damaged when subjected to water at a temperature above approximately F., may be safely washed.

Furthermore, the rinse water admitted to the tub is a mixture of mixed water discharged from the thermostatically-controlled valve 48 and cold water, whereby a substantial saving in the amount of hot water used is effected. We consider this an important feature of our invention.

' The thermostatically-controlled valve which we employ for mixing the cold and hot water is gradually operated so that noise due to water hammer is prevented.

In the embodiment of our invention described heretofore, the rinse water employed during the first flushing rinse, the agitating rinse and the final spray rinse is composed of a mixture of cold water and water discharged from the mixing chamber. Accordingly, the temperature of the water for all rinses is lower than the temperature of the water employed for washing. In Fig. 5 we have shown a portion of a timer mechanism employed in a second embodiment of our invention wherein the temperatures of the water admitted to the tub for the different rinses vary. The timer mechanism shown in Fig. 5 is identical with the timer shown in Fig. 3 except that the contacts I01 and III are omitted. Accordingly, the solenoid I3 is deenergized and the valve I2 is closed during the first fiush rinse and, therefore, only relatively warm water at the washing temperature is employed for the first flush rinse.

Furthermore, the solenoid 69 is deenergized andthe valve 68 is closed during the final spray rinse so that only cold water is admitted to the fabrics at this time. Otherwise, the structure and oping the first flushing rinse is advantageous as it more readily dissolves the soap residue deposited within the basket by the receding water as it is drained from the basket. The warm water, furthermore, expands the fibres of the fabrics which facilitates the centrifuging of wash water therefrom. The agitating or deep rinse which follows is carried out in the same manner as described in connection with the first embodiment. The final spray rinse which accompanies the initial portion of the centrifuging or final extraction period, employs only cold water in the present embodiment. This operation is effected, not only for the saving of hot water, but for the purpose of cooling the fabrics for subsequent handling and for contracting the fibres thereof. We have found that the fabrics are very effectively cleared of soap residue when rinsed in accordance with the program of the present embodiment and that the removal of the fabrics from the basket may be more comfortably carried out where the fabrics and the air in the tub are first cooled. It will be understood in this connection that a substantial portion of the moisture in the heated air within the tub is condensed and precipitated therefrom by the cold pray.

While we have shown our invention in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and we desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. In apparatus for washing fabrics and for subsequently centrifuging washing water therefrom, the combination of a container for a body of washing water and the fabrics to be treated, means for agitating the fabrics within the container at relatively low speed for effecting t ashing and rinsing actions, means for rotating the fabrics at relatively high speed for extracting fluid from the fabrics, sources of hot and cold water, a timer for energizing said agitating means at different times for providing washing and rinsing periods, said timer being effective to energize said high speed rotating means at different times for the extraction of washing and rinsing water from the fabrics, means controlled by the timer for admitting water from said hot water source to the container prior to the washing and rinsing periods and means controlled by the timer for spraying a predetermined quantity 'of cold water only within the container during the final high speed rotation of the fabrics, said quantity of cold water being effective to cool the fabrics and to reduce, substantially, the moisture content of the atmosphere within the container.

2. In apparatus for washing fabrics and for subsequently centrifuging washing water therefrom, the combination of a container for a body of washing water and the fabrics to be treated, means for agitating the fabrics within the container at relatively low speed for effecting washing and rinsing actions, means for rotating the fabrics at relatively high speed for extracting fiuid from the fabrics, sources of hot and cold water, a thermostatically-controlled water-mixing device connected to said hot and cold water sources and adjustable for providing a water mixture of predetermined temperature, a first valve controlling the fiow of mixed water from said mixing device to the container, means including a second valve for delivering cold water to the container, and time-controlled means for controlling the agitating and rotating means and determining the duration of the periods of operat on thereof, said time-controlled means including means for opening said first valve at the beginning of the washing period, means for opening the first and second valves at the beginning of the rinsing period and means for opening the second valve only for a predetermined period of time during the period of high speed rotation of the fabrics.

FRANK BRECKENRIDGE. EARL K. CLARK.