US2574170A - Combined washer and extractor - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 6, 1951 G. l. cocKER'lLL Erm.

COMBINED WASI-IEP. AND 'E'rRAcToR 4 sheets-sheet 1V Filed oct. 19, 194e I l lf//l/r/ '/4 TTOE/VEYS G. l. COCKERILL EI'AL Nov. 6, 1951 I COMBINED WASHER AND EXTRACTOR Filed Oct. 19, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 @EEA L D I. coc/Hmz EAP/4 LEC/150@ No 6,1951 G. l. cocKERlLL ETAL 2,574,170

COMBINED WASHER AND EXTRACTOR #Filed oct. 19, 1946 4 sheets-'sheet s I INVENTORS GHP/MD I. C06/(Hwa By EAL PH L AECHBOLD @www ATTORNEYS NV 5, 3951 G. l. COCKERILL ETAL COMBINED WASHER AND ExTRAcToR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 19, 1,946

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Patented Nov. 6, 1.951

COMBINED WASHER AND EXTBACTOR Gerald I. Cockerill, Cleveland Heights, and Ralph L. Archbold, Euclid, Ohio, assignors to The Apex Electrical Manufacturing Co., Cleveland, Ohio,

a corporation of Ohio Application October 19, 1946, Serial No. 704,482

Claims. (Cl. 68-23) This invention relates to washing machines. more particularly to a novel valve means which forms part oi' the structure for balancing the rotating tub of a centrifugal drying type machine.

An object of our invention is to provide means to lubricate the rubber valve member during the washing cycler at which time the balancing features of the machine are not employed and the source of water under pressure to the valve is cut oil. One method of accomplishing this object in a preferred embodiment lies in utilization of the water pressure accumulated in a hydraulically operated brake during the drying cycle, this water being made available for lubricating the balancing valve during the washing cycle,

Another object of our invention lies in the provision oi safety means so that if the water pressure is cut off, the drying or spinning action of the tub automatically ceases. If a large unbalance were present and if no water were available to correct the unbalance there might develop an undesirable vibrating action in the machine. With a machine made in accordance with the invention, the tub is supported upon elongated shaft or sleeve means which may be employed to impart an agitating action to the articles within the tub or basket, and a rotating or spinning action to the tub for drying or extraction. A water balancing or water distributing valve is incorporated in the machine sensitive lto lateral motion of the tub supporting means posed by suitable means such as a spring, the

arrangement being that the brake is released by iiuid pressure and applied by the spring, and a source of fluid pressure is connected to both fluid motor and the balancing valve through the shut-01T valve.

It is a feature of the invention that the mechl anism is protected against excessive vibration due to unbalance in that the spinning action is automatically halted and the machine returned to washing when the source of iiuid under pres- 2 sure is removed and the shut-oil.' valve closed. 'I'his desirable'object is attained by the aforesaid construction or its equivalent in that so long as ui/d under pressure, such as water, is available in the apparatus the balancing valve and mechanism may function to balance the tub and the brake will be correspondingly released to permit spinning ci' the tub for extraction. Should the water supply fail during extraction, thereby rendering the balancing structure inoperative, the brake will be engaged to prevent spinning o1' the basket and obviate a generation of excessive forces due unbalance oi' the articles in the basket.

Another object of the invention resides in insuring that the means that tends to prevent spinning of the tub, which is the brake actuated by a spring in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is not blocked from operation due to the presence of water or other liquid in the fluid motor and conduits. This is accomplished by providing a bleed aperture in the conduit system for unblocking the fluid motor and permitting engagement of thev brake or equivalent means, which bleed aperture is preferably disposed at the balancing valve end so that the liquid that emerges therefrom bathes the valve and may act as a lubricant thereto during the ensuing operation oi' the device. These and other objects will be apparent to'those skilled in the art as the following detailed description oi.' a preferred embodiment of my invention proceeds.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of the washing machine showing the general association of the parts thereof that apply to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section through the tub, in plan, showing the configuration of the balancing pockets and with parts broken away to show the configuration of the channels to direct water to the balancing pockets;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the tub taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section through the balancing valve;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section showing the adjusting shims; and, Fig. 6 shows brake stmoture detail taken on 6-8 of Fig. 1.

The general arrangement of a form of washing machine embodying the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. The working parts are in housing H and supported by a plurality of legs l. The vertical pedestal member Dv is carried by the legs and supports the majority of elements in the amano machine. Tub T is supported by the pedestal and may be given the washing action and the spinning action to be hereinafter described. The tub T is mounted in a water-tight container 2 and water may be pumped into the tub through the connection I by any convenient means. A detailed description of the water circulating means and several otherfeatures of control which may be employed will be found in the co-pending application of James B. Kirby, Serial No. 619,849, filed October 2, 1945.

Motor M drives a conventional V-belt or any convenient driving means to rotate the pulley l. We prefer that there be a speed reduction in the V-belt drive of approximately three to one when using the standard 1750 R. P, M. motor in which case the pulley 5 will turn about 600 R. P. M. Pulley 5 drives a vertical hollow shaft B. the lower end of which is supported in the pedestal by bearing 5a, and the upper end of which is connected to an upper driving fitting 1.

Fitting I mounts a bearing In to support an upper fitting 3. Fitting 8 carries a member 9, preferably an aluminum casting, that forms the central part of the tub. With this construction the vertical shaft III may drive the tub for drying through the universal joint U. The lower portion of shaft I is connected to a brake drum II which drum also supports centrifugalclutch shoes I2. The brake assembly, supported from the frame in any suitable manner, includes a brake band I3 contracted against the brake drum II by a spring I or the natural resiliency of the brake band I3, or both, and an operating bellows B or the like connected to the brake band I3 by a lever I4 of the first class, as disclosed in .the aforesaid application, Serial Number 619,849,

filed October 2, 1945. When water pressure is supplied to the bellows B the brake bandl I3 is held in released position and when no water pressure is supplied to the bellows B the spring I5 causes the brake band I3 to grip the drum II, thereby preventing rotation of shaft I-I) and thence of the tub T. Rotation of the pulley 5 and hollow shaft 6, however, is permitted which gives the tub its washing motion.

A source of water under pressure may connect to a remotely controlled solenoid operated valve 2|. When valve 2I is opened, water enters line 22 and releases the brake B against the spring pressure. Simultaneously, another line 23 conducts water under pressure to the balancing valve V. The controlling means is so arranged that the valve 2I is opened when the machine control is set for drying, so that the brake is released to permit the tub to turn and so that water is available for balancing.

The tub T has formed around its circumference a series of balancing pockets P and with each pocket there is an associated channel C for directing water from its point of release at the balancing valve V into the pockets. Fastening means retain the sheet metal structure of the tub to the central supporting casting 3 and a plate 3| closes the lower ends of the channel C which plate may be fastened to the member 9 by means of screws 32. Apertures 33 may be provided in the tub in between the pockets in order to permit water to escape from the tub during the drying operation.

A more detailed view of the tub supporting structure appears in Fig. 3. The fitting 1 that is connected for rotation by the hollow sleeve 3 supports upper ball bearing described previously, there being a retaining washer 4l. Thi? upper iitting l has the extension l2 and is clamped to the tub casting 0 by means of a nut I3. A pin 44 provides a driving connection between fitting I and tub casting I. The universal joint U has one yoke connected with the driving shaft I0 and the other with the upper fitting 8 so that the shaft I0 is always rotatably coupled to the tub. During the washing, when water pressure to brake B is cut on. brake band I3 clamps and holds shaft III, and by means of universal joint U, the tub is prevented from rotation. However, it will be noticed that the axis of rotation of the ball bearing Il and hence that of the tub itself is inclined to the vertical axis defined by shafts 6 and III. Thus, when fitting 'I is rotated and shaft I 0 and the tub are restrained from rotation as during the washing cycle, the tilted bearing causes the geometric axis of the tub to sweep over a conical path having its apex in the universal joint. The universal joint permits this action to take place even though the tub is held from rotation. The result. is that any given .point in the tub has a rapid rising or falling action and different parts of the mass of water and articles in the tub T are reciprocated in a vertical direction with progressively different phases about the center.

To initiate the drying action, valve 2l is opened to connect water pressure from line 2l to lines 22 and 23. Now brake I3 releases shaft I0 for rotation and water under pressure is applied to the balancing valve V. During the initial portion of the drying cycle, the reaction of tub T against the wobble action caused by rotation of sleevev 6 causes the tub to gradually assume the speed of the rotating hollow sleeve l. At a predetermined speed of tub rotation, the centrifugal clutch member I2 carried by the brake drum II iiies out to engage a clutch drum I 2a mounted on the rotating pulley 5. Now shaft I0 is clutched to hollow shaft 8 so that tub T spins at the speed imparted to pulley 5. The structural details of the clutch structure are more fully described in the aforesaid pending application and form no part of the present invention.

With the tub spinning, if any unbalance is present, the tub supporting sleeve 8 tends to lean over in the general direction of the heavy side of the tub. This brings balancing valve V into operation, details of which are clearly seen in Figs. 4 and 5 and claims to this valve unit are presented in my divisional application Ser. No. 200,044, filed December 9, 1950 entitled, Balancing Valve for Combined Washers and Extractors." The pedestal supports a metal sleeve member to which is bonded a rubber valve sleeve 5I. The other element of the valve comprises an inner relatively non-resilient or metallic member 52 to which is fastened an upper water deflecting disc 53. Member l2 and rubber sleeve member 5I may be fastened together at their lower ends by means of a cup shaped member 54 bonded to the rubber and clamped to the inner sleeve member 52 by means of washer Il and fastening means 56. An upper portion of` bonded to the rubber member Il. For example, as each shim is removed. tapered part 58 is pulled further into the rubber valve and there is a tighter engagement between the two valve elements. The valve parts are arranged to provide an annular pocket 53 which connects to aperture 23a so that water may be introduced from line 23 for escape between the two valve parts. It can be seen that if there is any unbalancing in the tub as it spins, the tub supporting sleeve 6 will tend to' lean in the direction of the heavy area. This will tend to\ open up a small crack or orifice between the r\ubber ribs 51 and the tapered metal memberr 58 at an area generally placed 180 from the unbalanced area. Water under pressure can therefore escape'between the parts of the light or high side of the assembly whereupon it is deilected by the disc 53 into channel Cformed on the tub to eventually iind its way into the water balancing pockets P.

at the periphery of the tub. Apertures 3l are provided to prevent the eventual filling up of the pockets whereupon no further balancing action would be possible. This action continues until the unbalance is corrected.

Due to the relatively smooth surface of the tapered part 58, it can be seen that continuous operation of the machine will produce very little wear on the rubber sealing ribs. Likewise, the arrangement oi' the ribs is such that rubber can flow in response to an unbalanced load and permit the parts to separate on the light side of the tub as described even though rubber itself is of a relatively high order of hardness. Thus a. satisfactory valve action is obtained without sacrifice in the strength and durability of the rubber member.

When the washing action is initiated, the solenoid-operated valve 2l cuts oif water pressure from source to lines 22 and 23. When this happens, spring means are provided to apply the brake i3 and, at the same time, water from the bellows B of the brake is urged up through lines 22 and 23 and into pocket 59. Water in pocket 59 keeps the valve lubricated and minimizes the wear which might occur between member 58 and the rubber member 5| due to vibration during the washing action. In order to insure that the brake will not be hydraulically blocked, an orifice or restriction plug O is provided in passageway 62 above pocket 59 which plug has a small orifice 63 that permits a small amount of water to escape without draining the pocket 5,9. While the valve 2| is open water pressure from the line 20 is applied to the bellows I4 to maintain the brake disengaged and water is also supplied through the line 23 to keep the pocket 59 filled and to supply water to the balancing pockets when the rubber Valve sleeve 5I opens. Throughout this part of the cycle and also during a time when the brake is being applied by the spring I5, forcing water from the bellows I4, a stream of water passes through the orifice 33 against the deflector 53 which maintains the upper surface of the valve sleeve 5l wet and insures lubrication of the valve even if the tub should be so well balanced that the rubber valve 5I does not open during a particular cycle of operation.

We contemplate that various modications from the invention as illustrated may be made within the scope of the claims. Valve member 58 can be of metal or any material which is somewhat harder than the rubber sleeve 5I. Likewise, it would be a mere reversal of the parts to make the rubber member an inner member and to make the metal or non-resilient memv template that if no brake B is employed in the system, the orifice 63 or some similar means may be provided tosupply lubricating Water for the valve.

Although we have'described the invention in connection with a washing machine wherein water is used as the balancing medium, it is contemplated that the arrangement is equally adaptable to a machine for dry cleaning articles by the use Vof a suitable liquid solvent such as carbon tetrachloride or the like, and in this instance, the solvent would also be employed as the balancing liquid. Also, the rubber would be replaced by a resilient compound, preferably synthetic, which would be unaffected by the particular liquid solvent employed.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described the present invention so that others skilled in the art may be able to understand and practice the same, we state that what we desire to secure by Letters Patent is defined in what is claimed.

What is claimed is:

l. In combination in a washing machine, a rotatable perforated tub having a plurality of water balancing pockets, means to spin said tub for drying, a hydraulic operator for said spin means arranged to initiate spinning when water pressure is applied to the hydraulic operator, a x

valve assembly for directing water into said balancing pockets, said hydraulic operator means and said valve assembly being connected to a common source of water under pressure, and a cut-'oil valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-oit valve initiates spinning of the tub and supplies water to said valve assembly for balancing the tub.

2. In combination in a washing machine, a rotatable tub having a plurality of water balancing pockets, means to spin said tub for drying, holding means to prevent spinning of said tub for washing, a hydraulic operator to release said holding means, a valve assembly for directing water into said balancing pockets, said hydraulic means and said valve means being connected to a common source of water under pressure, and acut-oil valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-off valve releases said tub for spinning and supplies water to said valve assembly for balancing the tub.

3. In combination in a washing machine, a rotatably mounted tub, first rotating means to agitate said tub for washing, second rotating means to spin said tub for drying, means whereby said rst rotating means tends to turn said second rotating means and so spin the tub, holding means for said second rotating means to prevent spinning of said tub during the washing operation, operator means actuated by water pressure to release said holding means to permit spinning of said tub for drying, water balancing means including a valve to balance said tub when it isspinning, a source of water under when no water for said balancing means is available.

rotatably mounted tub, mst rotating means to agitate said tub for washing, second rotating means to spin said tub for drying, means whereby said nrst rotating means tends to turn said second rotating means and so spin the tub, holding means ior said second rotating means to prevent spinning oi said tub during the washing operation, spring means tending to engage said holding means, operator means actuated by water pressure to release said holding means to permit spinning of said tub for drying, water balancing means including a distributing valve to balance said tub when it is spinning, a source of water under pressure connected to said balancing means and to said operator means, means to engage said holding means Whenever said source oi' water pressure is cut ofi. and means te bleed water from said operator means to lubricate said distributing valve.

5. In combination in a washing machine. a-

, rotatable tub having a plurality oi' liquid balancing pockets, means to spin said tub for drying, holding means to prevent spinning oi said `tub for washing, a hydraulic operator to release said holding means, a valve assembly for directing liquid into said balancing pockets. said hydraulic means and said valve means being connected to a common source oi liquid under pressure, and a cut-oi! valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-ofi valve releases said tub for spinning and supplies liquid to said valve assembly for balancing the tub.

6. In combination in a washing machine,.a rotatable perforated tub having a plurality oi water balancing pockets, means to spinsaid tub for drying. a hydraulic operator ior said spin means arranged to initiate spinning when water pressure is applied to the hydraulic operator, means ior directing water into said balancing pockets, said hydraulic operator means and said water directing means being connected to acommon source of water under pressure, and a cutoii valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-oil valve initiates spinning oi the tub and supplies water to said water directing means for balancing the tub.

7. In combination in a washing machine, a rotatable tub having a plurality of liquid balancing pockets, means to spin said tub for dry' ing, holding means to prevent spinning oi said tub for washing, a hydraulic operator to release said holding means, means for directing water into said balancing pockets, said hydraulic means and said water directing means being connected to a common source of water under pressure, and a cut-oi! valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-oil' valve releases said tub for spinning and supplies water to said water directing means for balancing the tub.

4. In combination 1n s washing machine, aI

,svaivo vbry water pressure to release said brake, water balancingmeansincludingameanstodistributa: water to balance said tub when it is spinning. a source of water under pressure connected tosaidwaterdistributingmeansandtoeaid operator means, a cut-on valve in said source, and means opposed to the action oi water pressure on said operator means to engage said brake whenever said source oi water pressure is cut cil. whereby said tub is held from spinning when no water for said distributing means is available.

9. In combination in a washing machine. a rotatably mounted tub, a brake to hold said tub against rotation. means to agitato articles in said tub tor washing with said brake engaged. means to spin said tub with said brake released for drying. fluid motor means operable by water pressure to release said brake. water balancing means including a valve to distribute water tcy balance said tub when it is spinning, a source oi water under pressure, a cut-o1! valve at said source. conduit means leading from said cut-oi! valve to said balancing valve and to said oper ator means, spring means tending to engage said brake whenever said cut-oi! valve is closed, and a restricted bleed orifice in said valve to prevent hydraulic blocking of said fluid motor means when said cut-oi! valve is closed.

10. In combination in a washing machine.l a rotatable perforated tub having a plurality oi water balancingpockets, means to spin said tub for extracting liquid therefrom, a hydraulic operator ior said spin means arranged to initiate spin when water pressure is applied to the hydraulic operator, means tor directing water into said balancing pockets, said hydraulic operator` means and said directing means being connecte.; to a common source' oi water under pressure, anda cut-o1! valve in said pressure source whereby opening said cut-oil!I valve initiates spinning of the tub and supplies water to said directing means for balancing the tub.

GERALD I. COCKERIIL.

RALPH L. ARCHBOLD.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,521,858 Bock Jan. 8, 1925 1,604,748 Graver Oct. 26, 1926 1,681,988 Zeidler Aug. 28, 1928 1,864,978 Cottrell June 28, 1932 2,137,540 Motycka Nov. 22, 1938 2,223,998 Martin Dec. 3, 1940 2,313,550 Huber Mar. 9, 1943 2,350,218 De Reiner May 30, 1944 2,875,635 Dyer May 8, 1945 2,396,105 Kirby Mar. 5, 1946 2,441,704 Jackson May 18, 1948 2,461,643 Hemmeter Feb. 15,' 1949

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