US2434353A

US2434353A - Washing apparatus having an automatically cycled regenerative water-softening system

Info

Publication number: US2434353A
Application number: US500941A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hilbert E Edwards
Original assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
Current assignee: CBS Corp
Priority date: 1943-09-02
Filing date: 1943-09-02
Publication date: 1948-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 1965-01-13

Description

' Jan. 13, 1948. H. E. EDWARDS 2,434,353

WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AUTOMATICALLY CYCLED REGENERATIVE wATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 2, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 19:5 1;. E; Z I 5 hi. i M1??? WITNESSES:

g2 I Fla. 1.

INVENTOR HILBERT E. Eownnos.

BY I ATTORfi? WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AUTOMATICALLY CYCLED Jall- H. E. EDWARDS REGENERATIVE WATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 2, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FTc Es.

//////////////////ll/I/Y INVENTOR HILBERT E. EownRos.

BY 77 ATTORE EY WITNESSES: 26314. 21.5

Patented Jan. 13, 1948 WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AU- TOMATICALLY CYCLED REGENERATIVE WATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Hilbert E. Edwards, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 2, 1943, Serial No. 500,241

3 Claims.

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

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a washing machine having a water-softening mechanism constructed and controlled in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 isa diagrammatic view of a control mechanism defining a second embodiment of the invention and which may be applied to the washing machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are respective end and side elevations of a detail employed in the control mechanism shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Reference will now be had to the drawings wherein I have shown my invention applied to an automatically-cycled washing and centrifuging machine of the type including a generally cylindrical tub I!) having an access opening II in the front end thereof and closed by a suitable door l2. The tub l encloses a generally cylindrical perforate basket l3 open at its front end adjacent the access opening I I and provided with a plurality of vanes M for agitating the fabrics during washing periods.

The basket I3 is rotated at relatively low speed during washing periods and athigh speed during centrifuging periods by means of atwo-speed mechanism indicated at and belted, as shown at l6a, to a constant speed motor l1. As the construction and operation of two-speed mechanisms of the type shown at l5 are Well understood in the art, the mechanism has not been shown in detail. The mechanism I5 is adjusted for high and low speed operation by an electro-magnet, generally shown at l6 and so constructed and arranged that, when deenergized, the mechanism I5 rotates the basket at slow speed and, conversely, when the magnet I8 is energized, the basket is rotated at high speed. A suitable mechanism'of the type shown at 15 is disclosed in my Patent No. 2,284,047, granted May 26, 1942. 4

Washing water is supplied to the tub in from hot and cold water sources through conduits l8 and I9, respectively. These conduits are connected, as shown, to a water-mixing device, generally indicated at 2|, and adjustable to provide different temperatures of water for the washer. Water is discharged from the mixing device 2i through a. conduit 22 under control of a solenoid valve 23. The latter is so arranged that it is open when energized and closed when deenergized. A suitable thermostatically-controlled mixing device of the type shown at 2! is disclosed in the patent to Frank Breckenridge, No. 2,296,266, granted September 22, 1942.

The discharge conduit 22 connects the downstream side of the valve 23 with the inlet opening 24 of a container 25 for a water-softening agent, such as, for example, zeolite. Water softened by its contact with the zeolite is discharged from the container 25 through a conduit 26 to the interior of the tub l0. As is well understood, water-softening properties of zeolite or similar compounds are progressively reduced in use and the compound must be periodically reactivated. Further reference to this operation is made hereinafter.

In order to economize in the use of hot water, a by-pass conduit 21 shunts the water-mixing device 2I and connects the cold water conduit Hi to the conduit 22. Flow of water through the bypass conduit 2'! is under control of a solenoid valve 36, similar in construction to the valve 23. As will be apparent, two temperatures of Water may be passed to the conduit 22.for one setting of the water-mixing device 2!. During washing periods, when relatively hot water is required, only the valve 23 is open, so that water at the temperature for which the device 2! is set is passed to the washer. During rinsing periods, a lower temperature water may be employed, so that both

valves

23 and 30 are open, and the cold water passing through the by-pass 21 serves to reduce the temperature of the hot water discharged by the mixing device 2i.

Vitiated water is discharged from the tub l0 through a discharge opening 28 which communicates with the inlet of a pump 29 by means of a conduit 3|. Water discharged by the pump 29 is passed through a conduit 32, which in practice is usually made flexible and which extends upwardly above the level of water normally maintained in the tub I. The upper end of the conduit 32 may be provided with a gooseneck 33 which is hung over the edge of a stationary wash tub. With this arrangement, it will be apparent that, when the tub contains a body of washing water, the conduit 3|, the pump 29 and that portion of the conduit 32 below the level of water in the tub I are flooded. At this time, of course, the pump 29 is inactive. Water is discharged from the tub I 0 by connecting the pump 29 to the motor H, which operation is efiected by a clutch, one element of which is shown at 34, rotatable with the pump, while the other element 35 of which is splined to the motor shaft 36 and is rotatable therewith. The clutching element 35 is disengaged from the clutching element 34 by means of a tension spring 37 and a pivoted member 33. Engagement of the

clutching elements

34 and 35 is carried into effect by a solenoid 39. the movable element of which is connected to the pivoted member 38. When energized, the solenoid 39 moves the

clutching elements

34 and 35 into engagement so that the pump is rotated by the motor IT.

The

solenoid valves

23 and 30, the pump solenoid 39, the solenoid l6, and the electric motor I! are selectively energized to provide a predetermined program of washing and centrifuging steps by means of a motor-driven timer diagrammatically shown at 4|. For convenience, the latter is shown as a rotatable drum switch, the drum 42 of which is shown in development, and moved at all times in the direction of the arrow. Movement of the drum may be effected by a manuallyoperated knob 43 to initiate a washing operation and is thereafter driven by a timer motor 44 at relatively low speed of, for example, one revolution in approximately forty-eight minutes.

The timer 4| includes a plurality of stationary fingers 45 to inclusive, which are engageable with a plurality of segments 52 to 61, inclusive, the latter being movable with the drum 42. The segments 52 to 56, inclusive, are electrically connected and are effective during the pro-wash period, at the conclusion of which the timer is moved to an off position. The segments 51 to 51, inclusive, are electrically connected and are effective during the washing and centrifuging periods of the apparatus, at the conclusion of which the timer is moved to the off position, as shown in the drawing.

The source of power for the various electric translating devices is defined by line conductors L1 and L2, the former of which is connected to the finger 45, as shown, and the latter of which is connected to one terminal of each of the motor l1, timer motor 44, the magnets i6 and 39, and

solenoid valves

23 and 30. The opposite terminals of the

solenoid valves

23 and 30 are connected to the

fingers

41 and 48, respectively, and the opposite terminals of the solenoids I6 and 39 are connected to the

fingers

50 and 49, respectively. The motors 44 and I! are connected in parallel, so that their opposite terminals are tied together and connected to the finger 5|. The apparatus which I have described up to the present effects a complete program of washing and centrifuging steps which will be described hereinafter.

As set forth heretofore, the softening agent in the container 25 loses its softening properties with use and must be regenerated. In accordance with my invention, regeneration of the softening agent is automatically efiected during a period in the washing cycle when the'admission of water to the tub is not required. Reactivation of the agent is effected by passing a brine therethrough which restores its softening properties, as is well understood. The brine is contained in a vessel 1| and is composed of water and salt in solution. As the vessel II is not subjected to the water pressure of the supply means, it may be of relatively light construction and open at the top,

or, if desired, closed by a lid. The admission of water from the cold water conduit Is to the vessel 'II is under control of a float valve 12 of any well understood construction. The float valve 12 operates to admit water to the vessel 1| when the level of the brine in the vessel falls below a predetermined level, indicated by the broken line A.

The vessel ii is elevated with respect to the container 25 so that the passage of brine therebetween is by gravity. A conduit 13 provides communication between the vessel 1| and the container 25, and the flow of brine through the conduit 13 is controlled by a solenoid valve 14 which may be similar in construction to the valve 23. The reactivating brine, after passage through the softening agent, passes through the conduit 22 and a conduit 15 to the conduit 3|, and thence to the inlet of the pump 29. Flow of brine through the conduit I5 is controlled by a solenoid valve 18 constructed similarly to the valve 14 and electrically connected in parallel therewith. In this connection it will be noted that one terminal of each of the solenoid valves 14 and I5 is directly connected to the line conductor L: while the opposite terminals are connected by a conductor 11 which extends to the flnger 45 of the timer. The passage of water in the various condiuts is indicated by solid arrows and the passage of reactivating and flushing fluid for the softening agent is indicated by broken arrows.

In operating the apparatus, the fabrics to be treated are deposited in the basket I3, and the door I2 is closed. The thermostatic device 2| is adjusted for the temperature of water necessary for the type of articles being cleaned. If it is desired to. prewash or soak the fabrics, the timer 4| is moved to the prewash position, whereupon the

segments

52, 54, 55 and 56 engage the fingers 5|, 48, 41 and 45, respectively. Accordingly, the timer motor 44 and the main motor are energized through the segment 52 and finger 5|. The

solenoids

30 and 23 are energized by the engagement of the segment 54 and thecontact 48, and the segment 55 and the contact 41.

Water from the mixing device 2| and from the cold water conduit |9 are mixed, so that the temperature of the water delivered to the washer at this time is lower than the temperature to be employed for the washing operation which follows the prewash period. The mixed water passes through the conduit 22 and the container 25, wherein it is softened, and is delivered to the tub l0 through the conduit 25. Water is admitted to the tub until the

segments

54 and 55 are disengaged from their

respective fingers

41 and 48, at which time the

solenoids

23 and 30 are deenergized. In the water control system which I have shown, the admission of water is solely under control of the timer although, where pressure variations in the water supply system may prevail, it may be necessary to discontinue the supply of water in response to the level of water in the tub by means of a float mechanism in accordance with well understood practice.

Since the speed change solenoid I5 is deenergized at this time, the basket I3 is rotated at relatively low speed by the motor H for agitating the fabrics in the clear water. Toward the conclusion of the prewash period, the segment 53 engages the contact 49, whereupon the pump solehold 39 is energized to initiate operation of the pump, as described heretofore. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the water used for prewashing is discharged to the drain. At the end of the prewash period, the

segments

52, 53 and are disengaged from their respective contacts so that operation of the apparatus is terminated.

The operator then returns to the machine and deposits a suitable detergent in the tub l and, at this time, inserts a proper quantity of salt in the vessel H, which at this time is filled with clear water. Accordingly, a salt solution or brine is provided in the Vessel H for reactivating the zeolite in the container 25, as described hereinafter. The timer 4! is then adjusted to its wash position for engaging the segments'5'l, 63, and 61 with the fingers 5|, 4'! and 45, respectively. Accordingly, the motors 44 and I! are again energized by the engagement of the segment 51 and the finger 5i, and the solenoid valve 23 is energized and opened by the engagement of the segment 353 and finger 47. Accordingly, hot water at a temperature determined by the setting of the device M is delivered by the latter through the conduit 23, the container 25, and conduit 26 to the tub. This hot water is softened as it passes through the zeolite in the container 25. The basket at this time is driven by the motor ll at relatively low'washing speed for agitating the fabrics in the soapy water contained in the tub l9, whereby they are cleaned.

At the conclusion of the washing period, the segment 59 and finger 49 are engaged for energizing the solenoid 39 whereby the pump 29 is started. The vitiated washing fluid is discharged by the pump 29 to the drain. During the removal of the water from the tub ID, the segments BI and 64 engage their

respective fingers

48 and 41 for opening both

solenoid valves

23 and 30 for a short period of time, for example, one minute,

during which softened water is delivered to the tub for flushing soap scum and dirt which may adhere to the surface of the fabrics. It will be understood that the water admitted at this time constitutes a flushing rinse and is discharged as fast as it is admitted.

Operation of the pump is terminated by the disengagement of the segment 59 and finger 49, and the supply of rinse water to the tub for a deep rinse is initiated. The rinse water is admitted during the period that the segments 62 and 65 engagetheir

respective fingers

48 and 41. It will be noted that the by-pass solenoid valve 30 is opened at this time so that water at a lower tem perature than that employed for Washing is delivered to the tub for the deep rinse. The supply of rinse water is terminated by the disengagement of the segments 62 and 65 from their respective fingers. At this time, the tub is rotated at relatively low speed for agitating the fabrics in the clear rinse water, whereby the soap is diffused in the rinse water.

At the conclusion of the rinsing period, the segment 60 engages the finger 49 so that the pump 29 is again started for discharging the rinse water from the tub. At this time, the segment 66 engages the finger 45, whereupon both

solenoid valves

14 and 16 are energized and opened. Accordingly, the brine or salt solution in the vessel H flows by gravity through the conduit 13. the container 25, the

conduits

22 and 15, the solenoid valve 16 and the conduit 3| to the inlet of has been delivered to the container 25, there is a flow of fresh water from the vessel H in order to flush the brine from the container 25. It will be understood that the brine and the flushing water are discharged to drain by the pump 29, as described.

After all of the washing fluid has been discharged from the tub ID, the segment 58 engages the contact finger 59 for energizing the speed change magnet l9, whereupon the basket 13 is accelerated to its high centrifuging speed. A substantial quantity of water is discharged from the fabrics at this time. After apredetermined period of centrifuging, the segments 51, 58, 90, B6 and 6'! are disengaged from their respective fingers so that all of the electrical translating devices are deenergized and operation of theme.- chine is terminated. The fabrics in a damp-dried condition may then be removed from the basket i3 through the access opening ii. Subsequent to the stopping of the machine, the vessel ll fills with clear water under control of the float valve i2.

It will be noted from the foregoing description that reactivation of the water-softening material in the container 25 and the subsequent flushing of the reactivating fluid therefrom are carried out during the period in which the final rinse water is discharged from the tub and centrifuging of the fabrics is effected. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, reactivation of the water-softening material is effected for every complete cycle of the apparatus, so that a relatively small quantity of brine and a, relatively small quantity of softening material may be employed. With this machine it is necessary for the operator to deposit salt in the brine vessel H for every complete operation of the machine. This can be conveniently done at the time the soap is admitted to the machine for the washing operation.

It may be desirable in some cases to provide a Water-softening system which would be reactivated once every plurality of operations of the washing machine, for example, once every third time the machine is operated. This operation may be effected by a timer constructed and arranged as shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, to which reference will now be had. It will be understood that the water-softening and washing apparatus used with the timer shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, are constructed and arranged in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1, except that a larger brine vessel H and a larger body of softening material than those disclosed in connection with Fig. 1 are used. In other words, the water-softening. system would have a capacity approximately three times that of the water-sof-' tening system shown in Fig. 1. For the sake of clearness and brevity, the washing apparatus and water-softening apparatus have not been shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive. Diagrammatic representations of the various electrical translating devices used with the apparatus are indicated in Fig. 2 and carry similar reference characters.

The drum 42 of the timer is shown in elevation, and it will be noted that the segment 66 and its cooperating contact finger 48, which in Fig. 1 control energization of the

valves

14 and 16, have been deleted from the drum switch. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, energization of the

solenoid valves

14 and 16 is under control of a switch including a stationary contact 8| and a movable contact 82, the latter being carried by a pivoted lever 83. The lever is biased at all times toward the switch open position, as shown in the drawings, by a tension spring 88. The drum 42 is rotated by a shaft 85 which is rotated by the motor 44 through one complete revolution for every complete washing and centrifuging operation.

In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that the switch contacts 8| and 82 are engaged once during three complete cycles of the washing apparatus, or, in other words, once every third revolution of the shaft 85. This operation is effected by a screw 86 rotatable with the shaft 85 and a projection 81 carried by the lever 83 and fitting between the threads of the screw 86. The lever 83 may be formed of resilient material and biased at all times toward its solid line position shown in Fig. 3, in which position the projection 81 is disposed between the threads of the screw 86. As the drum shaft 85 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the screw 86 moves the projection 81 upwardly and, therefore, swings the lever 83 towards its circuit-closed position shown in dotted lines (Fig. 2). At the end of every third cycle or during the discharge of the rinse water and the centrifuging of the fabrics of every third cycle, the

contacts

82 and 8! are engaged for energizing the solenoid valves 14 and I6. At this time, the zeolite in the container 25 is reactivated and flushed, as described in connection with Fig. 1. At the end of the reactivating period, a cam, shown at 88, at the upper end of the screw 86 moves the lever 83 outwardly to the dotted position, as shown in Fig. 3, in which position the projection 81 is moved from between the threads of the screw 86. Accordingly, the tension spring 84 then moves the lever 83 to the bottom of the screw 86, whereby the contacts 8! and 82 are separated. During this movement of the lever 83, engagement of the projection 81 with the screw threads 86 is prevented by a plate 88 which holds the lever 83 in its outward or dotted line position, as viewed in Fig. 3, until the lever 83 has completed its entire travel. When the lever 83 has been moved clear of the plate 88, the bias of the lever 83 actuates it to its solid line position (Fig. 3), wherein the projection 81 again enters the space between the threads of the screw 86.

In the operation of the apparatus, where controlled by the timer shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, the operator adds salt to the vessel 1| once for a plurality of washing cycles. In the example set forth, the operator adds salt once every third complete cycle. operator may employ the same program as set forth in the operation of the first embodiment for the admission of salt, that is, salt may be added to the vessel 1| every time soap is deposited in the tub for a washing operation, the difference being that only one-third of the total amount of salt which is necessary for the reactivating solution is deposited at one time.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided improved watersoftening apparatus and automatic control means therefor, which may readily be applied to an automatio cycle washing machine. The watersoftening apparatus is so constructed that the re- If desired, however, the 6 activating fluid gravitates from its vessel to the container for the softening agent, and thence to the fluid discharge apparatus under control oi conventional valves controlled by the timer. The supply of make-up water to the vessel for the reactivating iiuid is such that the vessel is never subjected to the full pressure of the water supply system. Accordingly, the vessel may be of light construction open at the top so that salt may be readily deposited therein without the necessity of the operator breaking a watertight connection.

The arrangement of the water-softening system is such that it may be reactivated each time the washer is cycled or once during a plurality of cycling operations thereof.

While I have shown my 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 I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In washing apparatus of the automatic cycle type including a tub for containing a body of washing water and the material to be washed, means for washing the material within the tub, a conduit for delivering water to the tub and having an inlet valve'therein, means for draining water from the tub and a timing device for sequentially operating said washing means, valve and draining means so that a predetermined sequence of steps in' a washing program is effected, the combination of a container for a water-softening agent connected in said conduit and having an inlet port communicating with said inlet valve and an outlet port communicating directly with said tub, a vessel for containing fluid for regenerating said agent, valve controlled means connecting said vessel and the portion of the container adjacent the outlet port thereof, second valve controlled means connected to the portion of the container adjacent the inlet port thereof and controlling the discharge of regenerating fluid from the container, and means actuated by the timing device for operating the first and second valve controlled means for a predetermined period of time when the inlet valve is maintained closed by the timing means.

2. In washing apparatus including a tub for containing washing water and the material to be washed, means for washing the material in the tub, a conduit for conveying water to the tub, a valve in said conduit and a controller for sequentially operating said washing means and said valve whereby a plurality of steps in a predetermined washing program are effected, the combination of a container for a water-softening agent arranged in said conduit for softening the water admitted to the tub, a vessel for containing a solution for reactivating the softening agent, valve controlled means for delivering solution from the vessel to the agent in said container and means operated by said controller once during a plurality of washing programs for actuating said valve controlled means.

3. In washing apparatus of the automatic cycle type including a tub for containing a body of washing water, a basket within the tub for containing fabrics to be washed, driving means for actuating the basket at low and high speeds for respectively washing and centrifuging the fabrics, an inlet conduit having an inlet valve therein for 75 conveying water to the tub, means for discharging vitiated wash water from the tub and a timing device for sequentially operating the driving means, inlet valve and said water discharging means so that a predetermined sequence of steps in a washing and centrifuging program is effected, 5

ing device has effected a plurality of washing and centrifuging programs.

HILBERT E. EDWARDS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,241,887 Pick May 13, 1941 2,292,814 Barim Aug. 11, 1942 2,304,454 Gudmundsen Dec. 8, 1942 1,005,093 Wilson Oct. 3, 1911 1,789,314 Lindsay Jan. 20, 1931 2,203,040 Bassett June 4, 1940 2,265,225 Clark Dec. 9, 1941 2,355,455 McPhilomy Aug. 8, 1944 2,225,407 Bassett Dec. 1'1, 1940