US2660043A - Automatic laundering machine and pump drive therefor - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 24,1953 P. E. GELDHOF 2,660,043

AUTOMATIC 'LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR 1 Filed April 30, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 :52 En Z :27

PETER Emu/m 0 GELDHOF Nov. 24, 1953 GELDHQF 2,660,043

AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR Filed April 30, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 PETE/2 EDUARD GELDH F E flg'z z Nov. 24, 1953 Filed April 30, 1948 P. E; GELDHOF v 0,043 AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE'AND PUMP DRIVETHEREFOR 7 Sheets-Sheet' s firsnzmr PETER EnuA/w GELDHOF AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR Filed April 50, 1948 P. E. GELDHOF Nov. 24; 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Z/J/ llllll a WWI PETE/Z EouA/w GELDHOF Nov. 24, 1953 P. E. GELDHOF 2,660,043

AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR Filed April 50, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 F! u. ms" sans exrmcr I? MINUTES I2345G789 "l2 2 WAY VALVE SUDS PUMP AGITATOR MIX. WATER HOT WATER MOTOR SWITCH EXTRACTOR S P RAY LE VEI.

CONI'EOL A72 51 /da [36 W at; I 45 AGIYAYOR NOTWATER ZWAV VALVE MIX-WATER MOTOR EXTRACTOIZ PETE/2 [00/9/20 6110/10/ Nov. 24, 1953 P. E. GELDHOF AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR FiledApril 50, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 F n m m 5 a 0 Z a a x .0 a 9 R f D F? R a E z 3/ a m a m M H (a W 4 w s a 4 j a Nov. 24, 1953 P. E. GELDHOF AUTOMATIC LAUNDEIRING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR Filed April 30, 1948 '2 Sheets-Sheet 7 [fix/En [a r P5752 EDUA no GELDHOF Patented Nov. 24, 1953 AUTOMATIC LAUNDERING MACHINE AND PUMP DRIVE THEREFOR Peter Eduard Geldhof, St. Joseph, Mich., assignor to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of New York Application April 30, 1948, Serial No. 24,184 2 Claims. (Cl. 68--23) My invention relates to automatic clothes washing, rinsing and drying machines and more particularly to an improved pump structure for use therewith.

In one form of automatic laundering machine, mechanism is provided whereby the user may insert clothes or other objects to be laundered, set

.the controls of the machine to initiate the laundering cycle, and return at a later time to find the clothes or other objects completely cleansed and. rinsed and the preliminary drying or water extracting operation performed. Such mechanism is of particular utility for home use as it relieves the burden of laundering or cleaning processes and obviates the necessity of constant attention on the part of the user.

In order to provide maximum efficiency in the utilization of warm soapy water, mechanism is provided to pump the wash water from the tub in which laundering operations take place to a suitable receptacle such as, for example, an ordinary wash tub. For subsequent washing operations, this water is pumped back into the tub and re-used. Mechanisms for achieving this operation have heretofore included separate drive motors operative to achieve this pumping operation. While this has successfully permitted the desired operation, it results in a substantial increase in cost of the machine and, in addition, introduces an additional electrical motor which is subject to the maintenance difficulties inherently associated with such devices.

Certain features of the structure disclosed in the present application are described and claimed in the joint patent applications of Peter 'E. Geldhof and Luther Ringer entitled Laundering Machine, Serial No. 787,060, now Patent No. 2,610,498, and Automatic Washing, Rinsing and Drying Machine, Serial No. 491,618, now Patent No. 2,521,159 dated September 5, 1950, both assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic laundering machine.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanism for pumping liquid from a storage container to the washing receptacle of an automatic washing machine.

v A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved pump mechanism for pumping liquid from a storage container to the washing chamber of an automatic washing machine and which does not require an additional ,electric motor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-priming pump construction suitable for use in a washing machine or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved drive mechanism for the pump of an automatic laundering machine and which has features of construction, combination and arrangement whereby a simple and effective structure is provided which may be readily manufactured and which is capable of effectively driving the pump in response to the actuation of an electrical control mechanism.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawmgs.

Figure '1 is an isometric front view of a complete automatic laundering machine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine of Figure l with the shroud and portions of the rear cover removed to expose portions of the control elements to view;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the mechanism of Figure l, with portions broken away to show the various components of the mechanism, and the spindle and associated parts in cross section to show the construction of the agitator and basket and the drive mechanism therefor;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the axis IV-IV, Figure 2, showing the drive mechanism of the machine;

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the cycle of operation of the machine of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an electrical circuit diagram of the machine of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the pump drive mechanism as shown in Figure 4,

but with the idler pulley in an engaged position;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view through the axis IX-IX, Figure 4, showing the internal construction of the pump mechanism of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an exploded view like Figure 8, but showing the positioning of the parts of the pump prior to assembly;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through axis X--X, .Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through the axis XIXI, Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a view of the gear box of the machine of Figure 1; and

Figures 13 and 14 are fragmentary cross-sectional views through axis XIII-XIII, Figure 7, and axis XIV-XIV, Figure 7, respectively, and with parts in elevation.

The laundering machine shown in the drawings comprises a tub T which defines a clothes laundering chamber and is supported by the support structure S. The support structure S is covered in its rear portion by a shroud which extends upwardly behind the tub T to enclose the operating structures extending up to the top of the unit. The outer covering of the support S snugly fits the tub T to form a sanitary and attractive shape as will be evident from the figure. The shroud and the portions of the tub and the support structure exposed to view are given a coating of vitreous enamel or similar material to present an attractive and readily washed surface.

The tub T contains a cylindrical inner rotatably mounted clothes container or basket 22 (Figure 3) together with an agitator 24 mounted concentrically therewith for oscillating motions during clothes washing and rinsing. An upper housing structure 26 is attached to the upper periphery of the cylindrical outer tub structure 28 (Figure 3) and is of generally annular shape with an inner downwardly extending throat portion 30 to guide clothes or other objects into the basket 22. A circular cover or cap 32 fits on the upper portion of the structure 26 and is provided with a handle 33 to facilitate removal thereof to place clothes in the machine or to remove the same therefrom.

The support structure S (Figure l) sustains the tub portion T in position, and, in addition,

contains, the mechanical drive elements for the basket 22 and the agitator 24 contained therein. Moreover, pumps and other mechanisms required to achieve the fluid flow incident to the operation of the machine are mounted within the "support structure S. This structure further includes a horizontal plate 34 (Figure 3) which not only forms a support directly underneath the tub portion '1 but also extends backwardly for forming a mountingplate upon which the cycle control switch 3a (Figure 2), the temperature: control switch 38 (Figure 2), and the .fluid temperature control valve 98 (Figure 2) are mounted.

The shroud 2B (Figure 1) consists of a stamped .metal sheet encompassing the portions of the support structure. S located underneath the tub T and, in addition, extends both backwardly and upwardly to cover the rear portions of the support structure S. Moreover, the shroud 20 forms a horizontal top surface 40 (Figure 1) in horizontal alignment with the cover 32 of the tub portion T. Operating handles 42 and 44 for the temperature control switch 38 and the cycle control switch 35, respectively, extend through this top surface of shroud 20 to provide a convenient readily adjustable means for controlling the operation of the laundering machine.

Operation The features of the present invention can best be understood by a preliminary discussion of the operating cycle thereof taken in connection with Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram indicating the condition of the cam actuated switches controlling the energization of the various elements identified thereon at the various times in the operating cycle, these times being identified by the indication in the minutes line of the diagram. It will be understood, of course, that an element may be indicated as energized in the diagram of Figure 5, when in fact some other portion of the energizing circuit is open and for that reason the element does not operate.

The cycle control switch, shown diagrammatically in Figure 6, for example, comprises a plurality of cams I22, I65, 64, etc., with the associated switches I26, lid, 68, etc., in cooperative engagement therewith for opening and closing movements as the cams are rotated. The cams are mountedon a common insulated shaft 50 which is driven by the timer motor Hi3 which, for the particular embodiment of the present invention herein described, is a synchronous alternating current motor capable of rotating the shaft 53 one revolution in approximately 45 minutes. The cams I22, I06, 64, etc. are aligned relative to the shaft 56 to provide the desired sequence of control and the knob M is provided with suitable markings to indicate the point on the operating cycle to which the shaft 50 is aligned or set.

In the view of Figure 6, the shaft 56 and the associated cams are rotated by motor H18 in the direction indicated by the arrows 50a, and the shaft is shown as rotated to the position corresponding to the beginning of the period identified at A (Figure 5), this period being the preliminary period during which the used suds are returned to the tub T to provide wash water for a subsequent cycle of operation.

Assuming that the laundering machine is to be started from an unenergized condition and that the storage reservoir provided to retain used suds is empty, the knob 54 is rotated to the position corresponding to the beginning of the fill period and is then depressed to close the single pole switch indicated generally at 36. This switch may, for example, comprise a conducting disk "48 attached to the insulated shaft 58 of the switch 66 for cooperative engagement with the two contacts 52. These contacts are mounted in a common plane perpendicular to the axis of shaft 50 and are located relative to the length of this shaft at a point such that when the shaft is depressed the contacts engage the disk 38, thereby defining closed circuits for the passage of electrical current.

When the knob 44 is rotated to the condition corresponding to the beginning of the fill period, the switch 66 rides in the notch 62a of the cam 62 and the switch 58 rides in the notch 64a of the cam 65. Switch 68 thereupon drops down to connect conductor 1! to conductor 72, and the switch 66 drops down to connect conductor 1!] to conductor 14. Conductors l2 and 1A are connected to switches 76 and 1'8 which in turn are connected to the mix water solenoid 80 and the hot water solenoid 82, respectively. These solenoids are connected on their opposite ends to the conductor 84 which is in electrical connection with the prong 56b of plug 56.

The conductor Hi is connected to the conductor 66 through the float switch 86 which is in the position shown in Figure 6 when the liquid level in tub T is below a predetermined level, thereby connecting conductors 88and .70. Thus when the unit is energized by depressing the knob 44, the solenoids 8i) and 82 are connected to the source of electrical energy through the switches I6 and I8,

respectively, the former being connected tocircuit through the switch 88 and the latter through the switch 66.

The switches I8 and I8 are actuated by cams '92 and 94, respectively, and which are mounted on'the insulated shaft 96 of the temperature control switch 38 to which knob 42 is connected.

This knob may be rotated to any one of three positions, a first position corresponding to 010- sure of both switches 18 and 18 (the position indicated in Figure 6), a second position corresponding to closure of switch I0, and a third .position corresponding to closing of switch I8. .This action is achieved by providing notches 94a and 94b in the cam plate 94 and notches 92a and 92b .in the cam plate 92, the notches 94b and 92a .being aligned relative to the shaft 96 so that when the knob 42 is in the position indicated diagrammatically in Figure 6, switches I8 and I6 ride in these notches and are closed to energize both solenoid 80 and solenoid 82. When the knob 42 is rotated to align notch 94a with the switch 18,

only solenoid 82 is energized, and when knob 42 is: rotated to align notch 92b with the switch IE, only solenoid 80 is energized.

The physical structure of the solenoids 80 and 82 is shown in the rear elevational view of FigureZ. As is evident from this figure, they are mounted above the temperature control valve 98. This valve includes hose couplings 98a and 98b to receive hose connections to sources of hot and cold water, respectively, and is connected to a hose I which supplies water to the tub T through the hook-shaped tube I02. When electric current is caused to flow through mix solenoid 80, for example, a movable plunger is raised by the magnetic forces associated with the current flow and a fluid operated valve in the unit 98 connects the couplings 98a and 98b to the hose I 00 through a fluid mixing chamber, and the relative quantities of fluid flowing from these couplings to the hose I00 are regulated by temperature sensitive elements in the valve 98 to a relatively low temperature to cause relatively cool water to flow into the tub T. On the other hand, when the hot solenoid 82 is energized with electric current, the coupling 980., which is attached to a source of hot water (not shown), is connected to the hose I00 to cause hot water to fiow into tub T. When both solenoids are energized, water of intermediate temperature passes into the tub T.

From the foregoing it will be seen that when the knob 44 is depressed to energize the mechanism at the start of the laundering cycle, liquid 7 of temperature regulated in accordance with the setting of the temperature control switch 38 flows into the tub T. When the required amount of water passes into the tub, the level control switch 88 disconnects conductors 88 and 10 (Figure 6) and thereby causes this fluid flow to discontinue.

When the fluid level in the tub T rises to the point where level control switch 86 disconnects the conductors 88 and 10, the conductors 88 and 90 are connected with the result that motor 54 is energized through the circuit which can be traced from the prong 56a of plug 56 to conductor 58, switch 48, conductors 80 and 88, level control switch 86, conductors 80 and I04 through motor 54, and finally back to prong 5612 through conductor 84. Moreover, the cam switch H0 in the fill and wash condition (Figure is in the closed position because notch II2b of cam II2 bears thereagainst during this period. This completes the electrical circuit from conductor I04 (which is energized through the level control switch switch IIO, agitator solenoid I08, and conductor 84. As will be described in further detail hereafter, current flow through solenoid I09 causes engagement of mechanical elements which drive the agitator 24 (Figure 3) from the motor 54 to cause the former to execute oscillatory or reciprocating clothes washing movements. Thus, upon completion of the filling of the tub T, the agitator is energized to wash clothes contained in the basket 22.

When the fluid in the tub T actuates the fluid control switch 88, the timing motor I08 is energized through the circuit comprising this switch, conductors and I04, motor I08, conductor III, and conductor 84 to prong 58b of plug 56 and from prong 56a of plug 56 to conductor 58, and switch 48 to conductor 88 and switch 86. Hence, motor I08 drives the shaft 50 in the direction indicated to cause the operating cycle to progress.

During the first ten-minute period identified as fill (Figure 5), the above-described conditions prevail and the agitator operates when the tub T is full. Upon completion of this. period,

the switches 66 and B8 ride out of the notches 82a and 84a in cams 62 and 64, respectively, and

open to disconnect conductors I2 and I4 from conductor I0. In addition, the switch II4 rides in the notch IOBa of cam I08 to connect conductor 60 to conductor I04 to render the operation of motor 54 and timer motor I08 independent of the operation of level control switch 86 and the quantity of water in the tub T.

Upon completion of the wash period which may, for example, extend for a, ten-minute period after the fill period, a drain period of, for example, six minutes, follows. At this time the switch IIO rides out of notch II2b of the cam H2 and opens to deenergize the agitator solenoid I09. As will be described in further .detail hereafter, this causes the agitator 24 to be mechanically disconnected from motor 54 to discontinue the oscillating movements thereof and at the same time mechanically engages motor 54 and the auxiliary pump I28 (Figure 4) to cause the latter to rotate in direction to pump fluid out of the tub T.

Since the operation of the agitator 24 is'independent of the level of the fluid in the tub T during the last ten minutes of the wash period, the laundering machine may be operated with a reduced quantity of water by manually turning the knob 44 to a position in the fill period and depressing the knob to cause the valve solenoids 80 and 82 to be energized in accord with the water temperature desired to cause water to flow into the tub T. When the desired quantity of water is in the tub, the knob 44 may be manually rotated to a position beyond the "fill period but still in the wash period to deenergize the valve solenoids 80 and 82 and cause the agitator to operate despite the fact that the level control switch 86 is not lifted. In this manner small quantities of clothes may be washed without requiring the time or water necessary fora full quantity of clothes.

During the suds drain" period the switch H8 rides in the notch I20a of cam I20 and closes to actuate the two-way valve solenoid IIB. As will be described in further detail hereafter, the resulting current flow in solenoid I16 causes 'the two-way valve to connect the tubT with the storage reservoir provided to hold the used washing suds. Consequently, the rotations of pump and inte the'stoi' age' reserveir.

-Uu ng -th'elast'portion 'of the suds'extract per d fthe ext'r'actor solenoid I30 is energized by thec' cuit thfough-conductorlfl and switch I26, the latter being renderedconducting when it rides-on the notch I 22b of cam I22. Energization of the extractor solenoid I3ll'c'auses the basket 22 td be mechanically connected to the motor 54 through a slip clutch assembly which limits the torque exerted by the motor on associated parts of the drive" mechanism.

-D'uring' a short'interval ofthe suds extract per od-, as,'for example, the minutes twenty-four and twei'ity -five (Figure 5), the cam I3 i is posi tieiied toalign the notch I340); with the switch 1'36 and thus permit that'switch to descend and make contact whenthe face of the auxiliary cam 134c rides against switch I36. The latter cam is driven by'suitable driving elements (not shown) lid-rotate one revolutionp'er minute, and hence to'" execute two revolutions in the two-minute period, the notch I340; is aligned with the switch I36. 'Ihe' fiat face ofcam I'34a is shaped to per- =mit"switch"I36 to close during only a short period as} for "example, seven seconds of this time, thus causing the clothes to be sprayed only a re1ativ'e1 shortperiod of time. The spray water iswai'm fresh water obtained from the tempera-'- th're' control valve 98 when only the solenoid 80 is energized and washes the wash water off the clothes or other objects contained in the tub T.

, Toward the end of the extract suds period, at a time which may, for example, 'be at the conclusion of the twenty-six minute interval (Figure 5) the cam "I06 has rotated beyond notch I06a and '"dpe'ns switch II4, thereby disconnecting motor 54 from the source of energizing power since the "level-control switch 86 is in the down position shown in Figure 6. At this time, the cam I34 has rotated'to align cam I34b with switch I36 and 'e'r'ler'gizes the mix solenoid 30 through the circuit which can be traced through conductor I38, conductor I0, level control switch 86, conductor 88, conductor 60, switch 46, and conductor 58 to '-prong 56a of plug '56. During this time, fresh warm rinse Water flows into the tub T, and all other operations, including rotation of shaft 60 by timer motor I08, are discontinued.

When the tub T fills, the lever control switch :86 shifts to connect conductors 88 and 90 to en- -"ergi'ze timer motor I08 and motor 54 through conductor I04. Shaft 50 then rotates and the agitator solenoid I09 becomes energized by reason of'the alignmentof the notch 211 of cam H2 with the switch III]. This causes the agitator 24 (Figure 3) to execute oscillating motions to rinse thoroughly the clothes contained in the basket 22.

' After about two minutes agitation, which may, =for'exar'nple, terminate at minute-28 (Figure 5), the drain rinse water period commences. At this time the switch I ID no longer rides in the notch II2a of cam H2 and opens to deenergize the agitator solenoid I00 to cause the agitator to be mechanically disconnected from motor 54 and discontinue the oscillating motions thereof. De-

energization of agitator solenoid I09 further causes the motor 54 to be mechanically engaged with pump I28 (Figure 4) as is described in further detail hereafter, and causes this pump to rotate in direction to withdraw water from tub T.

Since the two-way valve solenoid II6 is not energ'ized during this period, the interior of the tub Tisin fluid communication with the drain pipe three minutes.

--(not-shown) throughthe-pump- I28? and the: two way valve and rotation -of thei pumpnl28 cause the water to be pumped from the tubT-to the drain pipe.

Approximately two minutes after the foregoing draining'operation commences as, forexample-at minute 31 (Figure5), the extract r'insewater period is started. At this time the switch I26 rides into the notch I22ct in card I22 and thereby connects conductor I0 to the" extractorsolenoid I30. This causes the motor 54130 engage the basket 22 through a slip clutch whichoper'ates to limit the torque exerted'oni the drive mechanism. The basket 22 is thereupon accelerated-tea high rotational velocity as rapidly as the slipping ability ofthe clutch permits, and water is driven out of the clothes therein 'bythe-centrifugal forces associated with the rotationalm'oti'on.

If it should happen that the pump I28 does'not quite remove all the water from thetub' T'during the two minutes allotted for this action, overload of the drive mechanism'is'prevented'by 'the'slipping clutch interposed'between the motor 54 and the basket 22. Moreover, the'pump I28 continues in operation, and when the water is removed the drive mechanism is then'cap'able of accelerating the basket 22. During the drain rinse'water and extract rinse water periodsthe pump I28 continues to rotate to-remo'veanywater'inthe tub T.

Atthe beginning of the extra'ict rinse water period as, for example, minute 31, the notch I34d rides against the switch I36 to energize solenoid when the flat face of the cam 1-3-42: rides against that switch. This causes asp'ray' of about 7 sec-'- onds duration during the one-minute period when the notch I34d is aligned with the switch Upon completi'on'of the extract rinse water period, the entire unit is" shut off when cam I06 rotates to the point wherein switch l'I4' ri'des'out of notch I06b and is opened. The cover 3401 the tub T may then be removed and the laundered Clothes taken out of the unit.

'When it is next desired-to operatethe' machine, the cycle control switch '36'may be" placed in the position corresponding'to the region identified as A (Figure 5) which is the suds return" condition. At this time, the suds pump solenoid I24 voir to the tub T and fillthe latter.

During thefor'egoing operation, the maindrive motor 54 is energized through the circuit that may be traced from the conductor 58 through the switch 46 to conductor 60. From that conductor, the circuit may be traced through the switch I I4 to the conductor I04, the switch I I4 being closed since it rides in the notch of the cam I06.

The foregoing conditions prevail so long as the switch I26 rides on the'nib I220 of cam I22 and switch II4 rides in the notch I050 of cam I08, a time period that may, for example, continue for 7 If this time period expires before the tub T is filled, the fill period (Figure 5) begins when the cycle previously discussed commences, the firstst'ep'in' the operatioubeingthe Structure The main drive motor 54 is mounted on a bracket 54b attached to the rear portion of the vertical support member I50, as seen in cross section in the upper right-hand portion of the view of Figure 4. The motor, together with the support member I50, may also be seen in the rear view of Figure 2 and, as will be further evident from this view, is mounted in a pair of elongated slots I50a by support bolts 54d. As will be evident from Figure 4, a pulley 540 is attached to the motor54 and engages the belt I52 which encircles the actuator drive pulley I54, the pump drive pulley I56 and the extractor drive pulley I58. Moreover, the belt I52 extends to a position adjacent the suds pump drive pulley 300. r .The construction and operation of the agitator drivemechanism is described in detail in the copending application of Peter Eduard Geldhof and Luther Ringer, Serial No. 787,060, entitled Laundering Machine and assigned to the same as signee as the present invention. As indicated in Figures 4 and 12, the pulley I54 driven from the belt I52 is mounted coaxially with a pinion I54a, and is keyed or otherwise secured to said pinion for rotating the same. The pinion I54a. meshes with and drives a gear I62. The latter drives the crank arm I64 to cause the sector gear I66 to execute reciprocating movements which are imparted to the agitator drive gear I12 to cause the agitator 24 to execute clothes washing reciprocating movements.

Rectilinear movements of the arm I16 which are controlled by energization of the solenoid I09 serve to connect the gear I12 to the agitator 24 as in the aforementioned application Serial No. 787,060. The solenoid I09 is mounted upon an oscillating carriage I (Figure 4) which is mounted on the upper end of an oscillating shaft I 1|, and is oscillatably driven thereby When this solenoid is energized, the gear I12 is positioned to energize the agitator 24, but when the solenoid is deenergized, the agitator 24 rides free of the drive mechanism as in application Serial No. 787,060.

Energization of the solenoid I30 selectively drives the basket 22 for clothes drying operations. This is due to the fact that the arm I90 controls the position of the yoke 200 (Figures 3 and 4) to engage or disengage the clutch defined by the bell-shaped member I94 (Figure 3) which is mounted for rotation with the basket 22 and which is axially shiftable to engage the upper surface of the drive pulley I58.

7 The method by which energization of solenoids I 09 and I30 controls the positions of the arms I16 and I90, as well as the details of the construction of the yoke 200 and the clutch I94, are described in further detail in the patent application of Peter Eduard Geldhof and Luther Ringer, Serial No. 787,060, mentioned above.

. In addition to controlling the driving engagement between the sector gear I66 and the shaft I14, the operating arm I16 engages or disengages the pump I28. This operation is achieved through th crank dth I and 3a. is

4, which couple this arm to the rocker arm I84 which rotatively supports idler pulley I86 on its remote end. When the arm I16is in the position shown in Figure 4, the rocker arm I84 is rotated to swing idler pulley I86 to a retracted position where it does not engage the belt I52 and permits that belt to pass over pulley I56 withouten'gaging said pulley. Thus pump I28 is not rotated. However, when the arm I16 is shifted toward crank I82 by the action of the control unit I10, the rocker arm I84 is rotated to cause the pulley I86 to bear against the belt I52 and cause that belt to drive pulley I56 and pump I28.

The arm I90 is shifted forwardly or backwardly in accord with the energization of the solenoid I30 on the opposite end of the oscillating carriage I10 from the arm I09, this arm assuming theforward position when solenoid I30 is energized and moving oppositely from the arm I16.

The pump I28 (Figures 3 and 4) is connected by the hose 2I0 to sump 2I2 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the tub T. The opposite side of this pump is connected by hose 2I4 to suds pump 224 which is described in further detail hereafter. This pump .is connected on its opposite side to the two-way valve 2I8 by the pipe 2| 1.

The two-way valve 2I8 is provided, with hose couplings 2I8a and 2| 8b, oneof which is connected to a storage containersuch as a laundry tub, and the other of which is connected to a drain. The valve 2I8 is constructed to connect the pipe 2I1 with the drain when solenoid H6 is deenergized but shifts the rocker arm 222 through linkage 220 when this solenoid isenergized. This connects the pipe 2 I1 to the storage container.

The construction of the suds pump 224 and the drive mechanism for use therewith may best be understood by reference to Figures 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. From the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, it will be evident that the pulley 300 is mounted on the lengthy shaft 302 which has an impeller 304 press-fitted on its remote end. The shaft 302 is supported in the housing 306 by the spaced bearings 308 which are received in the upstanding sleeve portion 3I0. These bearings are of the bronze composition type. Aresilient rubber sleeve 3I2 bottoms against the inner sleeve portion 3I4 of the impeller 304 and the graphite block 3| 6 to hold the pulley 300 against the upper sleeve bearings 308 and sustain the complete unit in axial position relative to the sleeve 3| 0. It will be observed that a very effective water seal is provided by the rubber sleeve 3I2 and the graphite block 3I6. -The fact that the sleeve 3I2 is under endwise compression which causes the sleeve to, bulge slightly outwardly in the middle, results in resiliently urging the block 3 I 6 against the end of bearing sleeve 308. Water is thus prevented from creeping up the shaft 302. V

The housing 306 is of die-cast construction and has a peripheral flange 300a with threaded openmgs to receive the screws 3| 8. These screws sustain the bowl 320 which is of drawn metal construction and. which has a marginal portion 320:; (Figure 9) with openings in registry with the threaded openings in the flange 806a to receive the screws 3I8. A gasket 322 is sandwiched between the flange 320a and the flange 3060/, to pro vide a fluid-tight seal.

A baflie plate 324 is held against the annular shoulder 30Gb of the housing 306 by. the gasket 322. This baffle plate cooperates with the cavity 334 of the housing 306 to define the chamber in which impeller 304 is located. The baffle plate 11 further hasan opening 324a= in registry with the cavity 335 of 'the housing 306. The intake pipe 326-extends downwardly from the' 'bafile 324 and is held thereon by the lip 328 and the enlarged ridge-portion 330. This pipe is enclosed by the bowl 320.

The-bolt 332 rides in the block 333 and acts as a drain cock to permit drainage of the bowl 320; 4 The housing 306 defines two pipe portions 350 and 352-, the former receiving the hose 2I4 (Figare 4) and the latter receiving the pipe 2 I I. 'I '-he cavity 335 (Figure 8) defines a fluid passage from bowl 320 to pipe portion 352. Cavity 334 is in direct communication with the interior of the pipeportion 350; From the foregoing description, it will be evident that when the impeller 304 is rotated, the fluid within the chamber 334 is also rotated and develops centrifugal forces which draw the fluid up'the'pipe 326 and intothe hose 2I4-whichleads topump I28 andwhich is infiuid communication with the interior of the tub 'I by hose 2H) and the'sump 2I2: 'I'husrotation of this impeller causes fluid to passfrom the two-way valve 2P3 t'Othe'tub T.

It is the purpose of the idler wheel 336 (Figure 7) to provide selective engagements between'belt I52 and the pulley 300 in accord with the energi'zation of. the suds pump control solenoid I24; To :this end, the idler pulley 33B is rotatably'supported on one end of the toggle f ormed by links 333' and 340, and the other end of the toggle mechanism is held bybolt 342 as is best shown irratheview of- Figure 13', the bolt 342 depending from the support plate 34.

Thetoggle linkage formed by the links340- and 338- isurgedto a retracted position by the spring 344, thereby. holding the idler pulley 336 out; of engagement with the belt [52. As is best shown in-zE igu're '7, the idler pulley 336 is also heldin position by the:L-shape'd arm 346 which is pivotallysupported from the bolt 348 depending from the support plate34; This L-shaped plate limits the movements of the idler pulley 336 to engaging and disengaging movements relative to the belt t52 as the toggle defined by-links 340 and-3-3 8 is actuated. a

The pin 350 'whichholds toggle links 338 and Ibis supported on'the extending tongue 352f-of; the solenoid mechanism indicated generally at 12 4;. At its. remote end; this tongue is received within the winding 354 and defines a magnetic. plungerl35fi. The winding 354 is mounted within thefimagnet'ic core 358-which-hasa rectangular window within which this solenoid is mounted has a central tongue portion350- about whichfithe, windingextends. Thus, when the winding. 354 is energized, the plunger 3 56 -is drawn intocthewinding 354 to a point in proximityto the end of the tongue 360 as indicated; in Figure 73 thereby" pulling the tongue 352 to extendfthe toggle links '338and '340 againstthe bias of spring 34.4 and. shift. the idler wheel 335 to engagement with the" belt I 52, thereby-urging that beltagainst the;pulley;.3IlI) and. driving the-suds pump 224;

' Thetbowl 320-coacts with the diaphragm; or bafiie 1324- to defineaa priming chamber into which the pipe 326 extends, This chamber fills with liquid-when the tub T is drained by-operation' of pump I28 (Figure 3). Subsequently, when pump, 224'. is actuated, the fluid retained in this chamber acts as priming fluidand thereby causes pump, 2:24; tov .pumpimmediatelyQand the possibj'ilityg ofz.,failure fcrl lack of priming: fluid is welded.

as is shown best the cress sectional view of Figure 14, the support bolt 348 is attached to and depends from the support plate 34. At its bottom end this bolt defines a shoulder against which the upper support plate 359 of the solenoid I24 is-"bottomed', lower support plate 351 is held "on bolt 348' by the spring clip 363. The channel shaped arm 346 is received on thebolt 348 intermediate the support plates 359and 36I for pivotal movements about the axis thereof $imilarly, the support bolt 342 (Figure '13) is attached to and depend's'from support plate 34 and defines a shoulder at its bottom end against which the channel shaped portion of link 340 bottoms. The link' 34il 'is held on this'bolt by spring clip 34L Bolt 342 is also provided with a peripheral groove 345 to receive the hooked end portion oi spring 344;

While- I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will, of course, be' understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications, both in the elements disclosed and their cooperative structure, may be made Withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. 1;, of course, contemplate by the appended; claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

I- claim as my invention:

i. In a drive and control mechanism for an automatic laundering machine having a tub, a clothes containing basket journaled therein, an agitator within said basket and journaled for oscillatable movement with respect-thereto, an oscillating drive mechanism selectively connect able with saidagitator to oscillatably drive said agitator including a drive shaft for said drive niechanismeccentricof the axis of rotation of said'basket' andha'ving a pulley thereon, anotherpul-ley-coaxial with the axis ofrotation of said basket, a shaft having driving engagementwith said-basket andhaving saidpul-ley freely mounted thereon and selectively connectable with said shaft} to rotatably drive said basket, two spaced pump'sione being connected with said tubto withdraw fluid therefrom and the other being connected tq return fluid to said tub, each of-said pumps-having ad-rive pulley thereon, a motor-and; a single di'iveconnection from said-motor to said oscillating drivemechanism for said agitator, said basket and said pumps comprising a belt driven by saidmot o'r and. having driving cor-r nection with said first two pulleys at spac'ec'l apart; pqints, a separate run of said belt traveling in alignment with an-d'adjacent each of said pump pulleys, but normally being-free from saidpu-lleys, a movable idler pulley associated witheach ofsaid pump-pulleys on the opposite side of the" belt from'said pump pulleys, a separate-pivotally movable-arm supporting each of said idler-pulleys, toggle linksconnected with said pulleys; anda' separate rectilinearly-movable member operatively connected with each toggle link-to independently move said idler pulleys to take up-tension on thea'ssociated 'run of the belt and selectively engagerthe belt with an associated pump drive pulleygto drive the-associated pump.

2; Ina drive and: control mechanism for an automatic laundering: machine havinga tub, a clothes containing basket journaled' therein an agitator withinsaid basket and journaled; for

oscillatable movement with respect thereto; an

oscillating drive mechanism selectively; connect:

able with s aid-ag itatorto-oscillatablydrive said; 75, agitator. includinga driveshaft for said'drive 13 mechanism eccentric of the axis of rotation of said basket and having a pulley thereon, another pulley coaxial with the axis of rotation of said basket, a shaft having driving engagement with said basket and having said pulley freely mounted thereon and selectively connectable with said shaft to rotatably drive said basket, two spaced pumps, one being connected with said tub to withdraw fluid therefrom and the other being connected to return fluid to said tub, each of said pumps having a drive pulley thereon, a motor and a single drive connection from said motor to said oscillating drive mechanism for said agitator, said basket and said pumps comprising a belt driven by said motor and having driving connection with said first two pulleys at spaced apart points, a separate run of said belt traveling in alignment with and adjacent each of said pump pulleys, but normally being free from said pulleys, an idler pulley associated with each of said pump pulleys on the opposite side of the belt from said pump pulleys, separate pivoted arms supporting said idler pulleys and toggle linkage means operatively connected with said pulleys and selectively operable to move said 14 idler pulleys to engage the belt with an associated pump drive pulley and drive the pump, and a separate rectilinearly movable member having operative connection with each toggle linkage means to operate said linkage means to move said idler pulleys toward or away from said belt and independently drive said pumps.

PETER EDUARD GELDHOF.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,405,248 Worlow Jan. 31, 1922 1,421,389 Bischof July 4, 1922 1,879,149 Ferguson Sept. 27, 1932 2,162,486 Le Tourneau June 13, 1939 2,269,672 Klaucke Jan. 13, 1942 2,332,875 Stratton Oct. 26, 1943 2,343,743 Breckenridge Mar. 7, 1944 2,361,767 Hays Oct. 31, 1944 2,391,561 Geldhof et al. Dec. 25, 1945 2,434,353 Edwards Jan. 13, 1948 2,540,724 Geldhof et al. Feb. 6, 1951

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