US2734371A - Power reset wringer - Google Patents

Description

B. R. THELE Feb. 14, 1956 POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 File'd April 3, 1951 Feb. 14, 1956 B. R. THU-:LE

POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 3. 1951 havana-rom @ev-tho@ 1Q. Thiele Feb. 14, 1956 Fild April 3, 1951 B. R. THIELE 2,734,371

POWER RESET WRINGER SSheets-Sheet 3 i cqvromuam Feb. 14, 1956 B. R. THIELE 2,734,371

POWER RESET wRINGER v Filed April 3, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 L; m J. y n s 9 5 f. Wm 7|/ O *Q E E Kwm Q u -K D Q 6 v 1 w @a 5 5 r/ H E o W 5 Mm d 5 7. M

Feb. 14, 1956 Filfd April 3, 1951 B. R. THIELE POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 @evtkolcl ',Wne\e my, @In W; 61%

(fl-frommey/ Feb. 14. 1956 File'd April 5, 1951 B. R. THIELE POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patentvv POWER RESET WRINGER Berthold R. Thiele, Ripon,

Wis., assignor to Speed Queen Corporation, Ripon,

The invention relates to roll press clothes wringers of the type commonly associated with domestic laundry machines.

Wringers of this character are provided with coacting power driven rolls which are forcibly biased toward each other to squeeze out excess cleaning fluid from clothes passed between the rolls. In order to prevent damage or injury to objects, such as the hand of the operator, Which may inadvertently become caught between the rolls, it has been necessary to provide a release operable in such emergency for stopping the wringer and disengaging the rolls from each other. In the past the procedures required for restarting the wringer and for re-engaging the wringer rolls have been objectionable in several respects. In addition to their awkwardness they have required considerable manual effort on the part of the operator or the manipulation of a number of wringer controls in sequence, either of which is undesirable.

One object of the present invention is to provide a novel clothes wringer of the character recited having a new and improved control mechanism which is effective to disable the wringer and disengage its rolls in response to a rst single control movement by the operator, and which is also capable of again placing the wringer in operation in response to a second single control movement by the operator.

A more specific object is to provide a wringer of this character with an improved resetting mechanism which is operable to determine the direction of rotation of the rolls, x the rolls against lateral displacement relative to each other, connect the rolls to their drive, and force the rolls back into mutual engagement through power derived from the roll drive, all in response to a single movement of a control element.

In conjunction with the foregoing objects, an additional object resides in the provision of a push button control for the wringer resetting mechanism.

An additional object is to provide a wringer of this type having certain safety features which assure troublefree operation of the wringer. 4

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, partially in vertical section, of a wringer incorporating one embodiment of the invention, the section being taken substantially along line 1-1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the wringer taken substantially along line 2-2 of Fig. 1, certain parts being eliminated for clarity in illustration.

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 1, and showing in greater detail the wringer control mechanism in released position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating the mechanism in engaged or running position.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but on an enlarged scale showing the relationship of the parts at` 2,734,37i Patented Feb. 14, 1956 an intermediate point during the release movement of the rolls.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail view showing the single revolution clutch at an intermediate point of the power re-set movement.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view, along line 7-7 of Fig. 1, showing the wringer head in pivoted released position.

Fig. 8 is a View similar to latched in vertical position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale, along line 9-9 of Fig. 1, and showing the reversing clutch in engaged position.

Fig. 9a is an enlarged fragmentary section, along the line 9ct-9a of Fig. 1, showi g the reversing clutch operator linkage.

Fig. 9b is an enlarged fragmentary section, along the line 9b-9b of Fig. 9a.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section along line 10-10 of Fig. l, and showing the shifter link detent mechanism.

Figs. 11 to 15 illustrate a modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to the Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a vertical section taken through the wringer head adjacent the end looking toward the right in Fig. 11, and showing the wringer head latched in vertical position.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. ll and showing in greater detail the `wringer head latch and reversing clutch control linkage.

Fig. 14 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken along aline 14-14 of Fig. 11 and showing the head latch and power re-set mechanism in released position.

Fig. l5 is a View similar to Fig. 14 but showing the parts in engaged position.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions and uses, I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail only the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that I do not intend to limit the invention by such disclosure, but aim to cover all modifications and alternative constructions and uses falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Referring more particularly to the'drawings, the first embodiment of the invention selected for purposes of illustration comprises a wringer 20, Fig. 1, having two power driven rolls 21, 22 mounted in a frame 24 for squeezing water from Wet clothing and linens passed between the rolls. In the present instance, the lower roll 21 is positively driven from a drive shaft 25. The upper roll 22 is caused to follow therrotations of the lower roll through frictional engagement with the lower roll or contact with materials which are passed between the rolls by frictional contact with the lower roll.

The structural arrangement for supporting and driving the lower roll 21 includes two stubshafts 26, 27 (Fig. l) extending outwardly from opposite ends of the roll and suitably journaled in the base section 29 of the frame 24. Rotation of the roll is effected through the stubshaft 27 which is connected to the vertical drive shaft 25 by a reversing clutch 30. As shown, the clutch is mounted within a control linkage housing 31 attached to the adjacent end of the base section 29 to form a part of the wringer frame 24.

The instant clutch 30 comprises a driven member 32 in the form of a dish-shaped crown gear having a hollow rearwardly extending hub 34 suitably journaled in a vertical support member 35 which forms a part of the housing 31. The gear, thus supported for rotation about a horizontal axis, is connected in driving relation with the roller Fig. 7, but showing the head sectioned portion of Astubshatt 27 by a coupling link 36 which extends through the hub 34 from the rear face of the gear to the contiguous end of the stubshaft.

Selective coupling of the crown gear 32 to the drive shaft is effected through a double-ended cluster gear element 37' which forms the driving member of the reversing clutch 30. As shown in Fig. l, the gear element is splined to the shaft 25 for rotationV therewith and for sliding movementalong the axis thereof. Opposite ends of the gear element are provided with chamfered gears 39, 49 which are so spaced from each other that when the gear element is located in its central or neutral position, Fig. l, both gears are disengaged from cooperating teeth 42 on the face of the crown gear 32.

Application of the clutch to drive the rolls in a first direction is brought about by shifting the gear element 37 upwardly along the axis of the drive shaft to engage the gear 39 with the crown gear 32, Fig. 9. To stop the rolls, the gear element is, of course,lshifted back to its neutral position, Fig. l. When the rolls are to be driven in the opposite direction, the gear element is shifteddownwardly to engage the gear 40 with the crown gear 32.

It will be observed at this point that the horizontal reaction imparted to the drive shaft 25 by the element 37, when actively driving the crown gear 32, is absorbed through the shaft support bearings 43, 44. As shown, the upper bearing 43 is mounted in the support member 35 and the lower bearing 44 is disposed in the oor of the housing 31.

In order to assure smooth control of the reversing clutch 30, the driving element 37 is shifted into and out of its driving positions by a specially designed control linkage. Shifting movement of the driving element 37 is effected directly by a saddle pawl 46 having one end disposed in an annular groove 47 between two spaced collars 48 on the element, The opposite end of the pawl forms a stabilizing tang 50 which is slidably disposed in a vertical guide slot 51. The latter is formed in the inner face of a plate 52 covering the end of thecontrol linkage housing 31 and attached to the housing by a long screw 54.

Vertical shifting movement of the pawl 46 to selectively engage and disengage the clutch 30 is accomplished by means of an upright shifter link 55 interconnected at its lower end to the pawl. Interconnection of the parts is established by an elongated bracket 56 suitably connected to an intermediate portion of the pawl, Figs. l, 9a and 9b, as by means of a nut 56a received on a threaded central portion of the pawl 46 and clampingy the bracket 56 against the enlarged inner end of the pawl 46. The upper and lower ends of the bracket are provided with generally horizontal flanges 57, 58 suitably apertured to slidably receive the link 55. Location of the apertures, in the bracket flanges is such that the link is disposed in offset relation to the pawl 46 as it extends through the anges above and below the pawl, Vertical movements of the link 55 are transmitted'to the bracket 56 through a helical spring 60 coiled about the link and confined between the bracket flanges. Two abutment pins 61, 62 capable of passing through the apertures in the bracket flanges are spaced apart on the shifter link 55 a distance substantially equal to the distance between the bracket flanges. Each pin 61, 62 is arranged to engage the contiguous end of the spring 69 so that longitudinal forces in the shifter link tending to slide the link through the bracket 56 in either direction will'be transmitted through the spring to the bracket and hence to the control pawl 46.

The resiliency of the connection thus providedbetween the shifter link 55 and theV control pawl 46 assures a smooth engagement of the clutch 30 each time the wringer rolls are started. In the event the selected-one of the gears 39, 40 does'not instantly mesh with the teeth'of the crown gear in response to shifting movement of the link 55, the resilient connection between the link and the control pawl 46 permits thev pawland'the gear element 37 to lag behind the movement of-thelink. Yet the biasing force exerted onv the gear element by the spring 60 4 ""1 will immediately move the selected gear 39 or 40 into engagement with the crown gear without clashing of gear teeth.

To eliminate any possible noise from vibration of the clutch control linkage a spring 64 is coiled about the control pawl 46 so that opposite ends of the spring respectively contact the cover plate 52 and the pawl actuating bracket 56. The spring thus exerts a light pressure on the parts which stabilizes the linkage without interference with its operation.

Vertical clutch control movements are imparted to the shifter link 55 by a horizontal rock shaft 65 journaled in the upper portion of the support member 35, Fig. l. The upper end of the shifter link is pivoted to an eccentric stub shaft 66 mounted eccentrically on a collar 67 and projecting from the end of the rock shaft. By reason of this eccentric connection, angular displacement of the rock shaft produces suicient vertical displacement of the link to control the clutch 30, Figs. l and 9.

To maintain the clutch in neutral position or either of its engaged positions, a suitable detent mechanism is associated with the rock shaft so as to retain the clutch control linkage in its respective control positions. As illustrated in Figs. l and 10, the present detent mechanism comprises a collar 67 on the rock shaft adapted to cooperate with a spring 69 anchored to the support member 35. The peripheral surface of the collar is formed with three flats 70 angularly disposed on the collar so that one of the flats will be alined with the spring 69 for each angular control position of the'rock shaft. Pressure of the spring on the respective ats thus serves to prevent self-displacement of the shaft 65 and the clutch linkage.

Angular rotation of the rock shaft 65 in either direction from its neutral position to engage the clutch 30 is effected by a pushbutton control which may be actuated from either side of the wringer. Referring to Figs. 1, 3, and 9, it will be seen that the control includes two horizontal bars 7 72 extending through the housing 3l in transverse relation to the rock shaft and disposed on opposite sides of the shaft.

Opposite ends of the bars are provided with control push buttons 74, which protrude through apertures in opposite walls of the housing 3i. The intermediate sections of the bars 71', 72 form gear racks which mesh with the upper and lower sides of a spur gear '76 fixed to the rock shaft 65, Fig. 9. When the rock shaft is in neutral position, the control buttons 74, 5 on cach side of the wringer protrude equal distances from the housing 31, Figs. 2 and 3.

To start the wringer, all that is required is that one of the buttons 74, 75 on either' side of the wringer be pushed inwardly to actuate the rock shaft 65 and engage the clutch 30.

The direction of rotation of the rock shaft 65 from its neutral position determines the direction in which the wringer rolls are driven through the reversing clutch 30. Since the-two buttons 74, 75 on each side of the wringer respectively serve to rotate the rock shaft 65 in opposite directions, the rolls can be caused to rotate in either direction depending upon which button 74, 75 is actuated. The operator is thus enabled not only to start the wringer from either side of the wringer but also determine the direction of rotation of the wringer rolls through a single light push on a control button.

The mounting for the upper wringer roll 22 is especially designed so that the upper roll can be quickly and effectively released from its cngaged position and moved away from the lower roll in both the vertical and lateral planes. By reason of the release provided, the rolls can be quickly separated to prevent injury to objects which may inadvertently become caughtbetween the rolls.

Movement ofthe upperV roll 22' into and out of operative positionisprovided for byA mountingy the rollin a tratan movable U-shaped head 77 which forms a part of lthe wringer frame 24, Fig. 1. The roll is supported in the head by two stub axles 79 extending outwardly from opposite ends of the roll and respectively journaled in suitable bearings 80 disposed in the downwardly extending legs 81 of the head. Compression springs the respective legs 81 act downwardly on the bearings 80 to bias the roll 22 downwardly in the head 77 toward the roll 21. However, the resiliency of the springs permits the roll to ride upwardly in the head to some extent when the wringer is in operation so as to provide an efficient squeezing action by the rolls.

The wringer head 77 itself is supported on a horizontal crankshaft 84 extending through the head parallel to the wringer rolls 21, 22 and provided with crank arms 85, 86 on opposite ends, Fig. 1. The free end of the arm 86, which is offset from the longitudinal axis of the central portion of the shaft 84, is journaled in a bearing 87 in the control linkage housing 31. The free end of the crank 85 at the opposite end of the shaft, which is similarly offset from the body of the shaft, is journaled in a bearing 89. This bearing is formed in the inner face of an upright end cap 90 attached to the end of the frame base 29 opposite the housing 31 to constitute a part of the wringer frame 24.

The straight central portion of the crankshaft 84, which is offset from the crankshaft bearing supports 87, 89, pivotally supports the wringer head 77 through bearings 91 at opposite ends of the head. With this structural arrangement, the upper wringer roll 22 is separated from the lower roll 21 by moving the support head 77 upwardly through angular, counterclockwise displacement of the crankshaft. To shift the upper roll back into operative position, the head is moved downwardly through angular, clockwise displacement of the crankshaft in the opposite direction, Figs. 3 and 4.

Actuation of the crankshaft 84 to force the wringer 82 disposed in rolls into mutual engagement under pressure is effectedv through energy derived from the drive shaft 25. It will be seen that a structural linkage is provided which not only is effective to force the rolls into engagement without any manual effort on the part of the operator but which is automatic in its operation.

Referring to the detailed construction of the linkage employed to engage or reset the rolls, Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5, it will be seen that the crankshaft 84 is directly actuated by anV extended transverse arm 92 xed to that portion of the crankshaft which extends into the control linkage housing 31. The free end of the arm isvpivotally inter-connected by a short connecting link 94 and pivot pins 94', 94 to the upper end of a triangular-shaped toggle plate 95, Figs. 3 to 5. The lower end of the toggle plate is in turn pivotally connected by a pin 96 to the support member 35 in the housing 31. The parts thus assembled serve upon counterclockwise pivotal movement of the toggle plate 95 to rock the crankshaft 84 in the clockwise direction, Figs. 3 and 4, and lower the head 77 to engage or reset the wringer rolls.

The counterclockwise or resettingV movement of the toggle plate 95 is effected by a symmetrical, single lobed cam 97 journaled on the rear end of the crown gear hub 34 and arranged to engage a roller 99 on the side of the toggle plate, Figs. l and 6. The cam 97 is Vrotated for this purpose by energy derived from the drive shaft 25 through the reversing clutch 30. In the present instance the cam 97 is connected to the crown gear hub 34 for rotation with the hub and crown gear 32 during the first revolution of the parts upon engagement of the clutch 30. The cam therefore will be rotated in either direction depending upon the `direction the clutch drives the wringer rolls. However, the cam 97 is effective, because of its generally symmetrical shaping, to rock the toggle plate in the counterclockwise direction, Figs. 5 and 6, when the cam is rotated in either direction.

Connection of the cam 97 to the hub 34 is brought about through a specially designed single revolution clutch 100. Referring to the structural elements of the clutch as shown in Figs. l, 5 and 6, it will be seen that the cam 97 is integrally formed on a sleeve 101 which comprises a housing for the clutch. The housing is in turn `rotatably supported on the inner end of the crown gear hub 34 and is held in assembled position on the hub by a retaining ring 102.

Selective coupling of the clutch housing 101 to the gear hub 34 for rotation therewith is effected by a radial clutch pin 104 slidably mounted in a boss 105 in the clutch housing 101, Fig. 6. The inner end of the pin 104 is provided with a pointed engaging tip 106 adapted to extend from the boss 105 into any one of a plurality of angularly spaced radial openings 107 formed in the hub 34 in axial alinement with the boss 105. Projection of the tip 106 into one of the openings 107 to engage the clutch 100 is accomplished by the toggle plate which conditions the pin 104 for engaging the hub 34.

This conditioning of the pin 104 for engagement of the clutch is the function of a pin 109 which projects inwardly from the inner face of the toggle plate 95 to coutact the heel of a leg 110 pivoted to an end plate 111 of the control linkage housing 31, Figs. 1, 3 and 5. Upon movement of the toggle plate into released position the pin 109 moves the leg 110 downwardly causing the toe 112 of the legto push down the rounded head 114 of the clutch pin 104. This lowering of the head 114 compresses a cushion spring 115 which biases the tip 106 toward engaged position, Figs. 1 and 6. The tip thus conditioned will drop into the first hub opening 107 that moves under the tip and lock the clutch housing 101 and cam 97 to the hub 34 for rotation therewith.

To maintain the clutch pin 104 in engaged position during the first revolution of the clutch 100, an annular clutch pin retaining race 116 is provided on the previously mentioned end plate 111, Figs. l, 5, andV 6. As indicated in Fig. 6, the race acts on the rounded pin head 114 to restrain the pin from moving outwardly to disengage the clutch 100 until the cam has made a complete revolution to actuate the toggle plate 95.

After a single revolution of the cam and clutch, which is all that is necessary to engage the wringer rolls through the toggle plate 95, the clutch pin head 114 springs outwardly into a recess 117 provided in the retaining race 116, Fig. 4. This movement of the head 114 is assured by a clutch release spring 119 compressed between the head and the clutch housing 101. Extraction of the engaging tip 106 of the clutch pin from the hub 34 to disengage the clutch is effected by a positive lost motion connection 120 between the clutch head and the engaging tip, Fig. 1. It will be observed that the recess 117 is alined with the toe of the leg 110 to locate the clutch pin head 114 in position to be again actuated by the leg upon release of the rolls.

From a review of the wringer roll resetting linkage just described, it will be appreciated that the linkage is automaticin its operation. Once a button 74 or 75 is pushed to start the wringer rolls, the mechanism operates independently of any further control by the operator to tap energy from the power driven parts of the wringer to quickly engage the wringer rolls with each other. Upon engagement of the rolls, the reset linkage automatically disconnects itself from the power driven parts and remains at rest so long as the wringer is in operation.

When the crankshaft 84 has been shifted into position to engage the wringer rolls, it is automatically latched in this position to maintain the rolls in operative relationship. The latching means employed in the present instance is substantially the same as that disclosed by Patent No. 2,288,847 issued July 7, 1942, to S. E. Schroeder. Reference may be had to that patent for details of the parts used herein. Briefly, the latch is designed to cooperate with the crankshaft 84, Fig. l, which is formed in twov parts 121, 122 ixed together by a coupling 124. The latching action is produced directly by an axially extending finger formed on one side of the coupling 124 and designed to engage al notch 1:26 in a pivotedl trigger 127. A spring 129 biases the trigger into position to engage the finger' 125 and automatically latch the crankshaft in engaged position.

The wringer rolls 21, 22 are disengaged from-each otherand disconnected from the power drivethrough a single movement of a release member by the operator. As shown in Fig. l, the release member comprises a-U-shaped bar 13G pivoted at opposite ends to the wringer head 77 and connected to the latch trigger 127 by a latch plate 131. For the convenience of the operator two identical release bars are provided, one-on each side of the wringer.

Slight movement of either release bar 130 trips the trigger 127 and releases the crank shaft 84 allowing the wringer rolls to spring apart. In the preferred construction illustrated, the rolls are moved apart by a spring associated with the toggle plate 95, Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5. The spring shown comprises a helical compressionspring 132 coiled about a guide pin 134. One end of the pin is tapered to an apex 135 which pivotally engages a recessed scat 135 on a wall of the housing 31. The other end of the pin is slidably mounted in an inturned lateral flange or car 137 on the toggle plate 95. One end of the spring 132 engages a shouider 139 on the end of thepin adjacent the apex 135 and the opposite end of the spring engages the toggle plate ear 137. Pressure of the spring on this ear serves to shift the toggle plate from the engaged position of Fig. 1lto the released position of Figs. 3 and 5. The consequent counterclockwise rotation of the crankshaft S4 shifts the roller 22 into a raised position to release all objects between the rolls. The end point of the release movement of the linkage is determined by engagement of a lip 13?- on the arm 92 with a stop pin 133 on the housing 31, Fig. 3.

Incident to disengaging the rolls, the release movement of the toggle plate 95 serves to shift the reversing clutch 30 into neutral and disconnect the rolls from the power drive. The latter action is accomplished through a spring biased pawl 14d attached to the inner end of the rock shaft 65 and disposed within a keyhole-shaped opening 141 in the toggle plate 95, Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5. The pawl is non-rotatably connected to the rock shaft and is radially biased outwardly by a spring 142. When the parts are in the engaged position, Fig. 4, the pawl is transfversely disposed in the opening 141. The free end of the pawl is located in the path of movement of one or the other of the two lips 144 projecting into the opening 141 from opposite sides thereof. The pawl extends upwardly and downwardly into a position in front of one of these lips depending on the direction of the previous rotation of the rock shaft 65 to start the wringer.

When the toggle plate 95 moves from the engaged position, Fig. 4, to the released position, Figs. 3 and 5, the pawl 146 is acted upon by the associated lip 144 to shift the pawl and the rock shaft 65 into neutral position, Figs. 3 and 5. This, of course, shifts the clutch 30 into neutral thereby automatically disconnecting the power rolls from their drive.

It will be observed at this time that during the rotation of the rock shaft 65 as an incident to restarting the wringer, the end of the pawl 140 clears the nearest lip 144 and engages a cam surface 145 behind the lip, Fig. 5. During the subsequent resetting movement of the toggle plate 95, the pawl rides up over and drops in front of the lip. The pawl is then in position to cooperate with the toggle link for disengaging the reversing clutch as previously described.

To separate the wringer rolls 21, Z2 in the lateral plane, Fig. 7, at the time the rolls are released and moved away from each other in the vertical plane, the head 77 is released for pivotal movement about its crankshaft support 84. The head is, of course, again locked against swinging movement when theV rolls are reset in engaged position. The mechanical linkage used for selectively locking the head 77 against pivotal movement on its support is integrated with the previously described mechanism for starting and stopping the rolls and for engaging and disengaging them from each other.

As to the details of the locking linkage, the inner end of the rock shaft 65, Figs. l, 7, and S, is provided with a attenedstep 146 which engages the underside of a locking dog 147 pivoted to the end plate 111. The inner face of the dog is provided with a laterally projecting lug 149 adapted to cooperate with a vertical control slot 150 in the end wall 151 of the head 77 to selectively lock the head against pivotal movement. Upon rotation of the rock shaft 65 to engage the clutch 3G and restart and re-engage the wringer rolls, one or the other of edges of thestep 146 moves the dog 147 upwardly against the force of a spring 152 attached to the free end of the dog. This upward movement of the dog causes the lug 149'to enter the lower end of the slot 150 and lock the head 77 in vertical position. As the head is immediately forced downwardly through action of the power reset mechanism, the lug 149 moves upwardly in the slot 150 which is curved to some extent to maintain the upper wringer roll 22 in position directly over the lower roil 21.

When the wringer is stopped and the rolls disengaged through actuation of a release bar 130, the head 77 is shifted into its raised position and the step 146 returns to its horizontal position, Fig. l. The dog 147 is pulled downwardly by spring 152 moving the lug 149 out of the vertical slot 150.

As shown in Fig. 7, the lug then enters an elongated slot 154 in the end wall 151, which slot is arcuate about the pivotal support for the head 77 on the crankshaft 84. The head, thus freed from the lug, can pivot ireely about its support under force of objects between the rolls to shift the upper roll 22 to either side of the lower roll. However, when everything is cleared from between the rolls the head 77 under force of gravity will return to its vertical position where it can be again latched in position.

The relation of the parts of the latch used to lock the head 77 in the vertical position is such that the rock shaft 65 cannot be rotated to operate the latch until the head is in this position. Therefore, the rock shaft will not operate to start the wringer and cause the head to be shifted downwardly so long as the head is substantially inclined from its operative position. By reason of this feature the operator cannot inadvertently cause the power reset mechanism to be energized before the head 77 has returned into position to be moved downwardly.

In accordance with common practice, the entire framework of the wringer 20 is mounted in any conventional manner for pivotal movement about the vertical drive shaft 25. To hold the wringer in various selected horizontal positions, a locking pin arrangement 155 is provided on the base of the housing 31, Figs. l and 2.

It is evident from a review of the operation of the wringer control mechanism that the wringer may be controlled in a strikingly simple manner. All that is necessary to stop the wringer and cause its squeezing rolls to virtually spring apart is that one of the release bars 130 be moved slightly. As a result of a single movement of the bar, the rolls are disconnected from their power drive and are caused to separate from each other in both the vertical and horizontal planes. By reason of the quick release afforded, the wringer can be quickly and completely disabled so as to prevent damage to articles which may inadvertently become caught between the rolls. On the other hand, a slight push on one of the control buttons 74 or 75 is effective to latch the upper roll in operative position over the lower roll, determine the direction of rotation of the rolls, reconnect the rolls to the power drive, and set in motion a mechanical linkage which forces the two rolls into mutual engagementv through energy derived from the power drive for the wringer.

In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in gestart Figs. 11 to l5, certain modifications are made in the wringer control linkages. Since reference may be had to the first embodiment, Figs. 1 to 10, for a disclosure of the general wringer organization, the illustration and detailed description of this embodiment is accordingly confined to parts of the mechanism which differ from that of the first form. Parts designated by reference numerals with the subscript a in this form of the invention perform the same function and have the same structural characteristics as parts designated with corresponding reference numerals, but without the subscripts, in the first form, Figs. 1 to 10.

In this second embodiment of the'wringer, the lower roll 21a is connected to the vertical drive shaft 25a through a reversing clutch 156 of a different type, Fig. 11. The free end of the roll stud shaft 27a is connected by a coupling 157 to a horizontal shaft 159 journaled at opposite ends in bearings in the support member 35a and the cover plate 52a. The section of the shaft 159 between the shaft bearings supports the driving members 160, 161 of the clutch 156. The members, which are supported for free rotation on the shaft, comprise cupshaped gears which are driven in opposite directions by a common pinion 162 meshingon opposite sides with the gears and connected to the upper end of the drive shaft 25a. v

The shaft 159 is selectively connected to either one or the other of the counter-rotating gears 160, 161 to causethe shaft and the wringer rolls to be driven in selected directions of rotation. This connection is made through a shiftable coupling 164 keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith and for sliding movement along the axis of the shaft. Opposite ends of the coupling 164 and the respective hubs of the gears 160, 161 are formed with clutch faces whereby the coupling may be slid into and out of driven engagement with either gear. When in its central or neutral position the coupling is, of course, disengaged from both gears.

Control of the clutch 156 is the function of a vertical rock shaft 165 journaled in the support member 35a and provided with an eccentric finger 166 on the lower end which extends into a peripheral control groove 168 formed by two spaced -collars 169, on the coupling 164. To engage the clutch 156, the shaft 165 is rocked in either direction from its neutral position through push4 button controls 74a, 75a. The controls are connected to the rock shaft by rack bars 71a, and 72a, and the gear 76a, Figs. `1l and 13, in the same general manner as corresponding parts in the first form of thewringer.

To automatically reset the wringer rolls upon restarting the wringer, the toggle plate 95a is pivoted counter.

clockwise from its disengaged positions, Fig. 14, to its engaged position, Fig. 15, by means of an eccentric cam 170 iixedly attached to the driven shaft 159. Rotation of the shaft 159 and cam 170 in either direction upon engagement of the clutch 156 causes the cam to actuate the toggle plate 95a through a roller follower 171 shiftably attached to the toggle plate.

As shown in Figs. 11, 14, and 15, the follower is journaled between the lower ends of two` spaced toggle links 173, 174. The' upper ends of the links are. pivotally mounted on` a common pin 175 in toggle plate 95a for swinging movement in a plane parallel to the toggle plate, The extent of this swinging movement is limited, however, through engagement of a lug 176 on the link 174 with opposite ends of. an arcuate slot 177 in the toggle plate. l

A tension spring 179 is connected between the lower end of thelinks 173, 174 and a pin 183 in the support member 35a. When the toggle plate is in its released positiorn'Fig. 14, the .spring acts in aline to the left of the link pivot`175 and swings the links into position to locate the lfollower roller 1,71 in the path of movement of the cam.170, By reasonpf theI engagement ofthe lug 176 and`one end of the slot 177, the parts are i 1G forced to follow the cam 170 to pivot the toggle plate into engaged position, Fig. 15.

In the course of this engaging or resetting movement of the toggle plate 95a, the link pivot 175 passes through the line of action of spring 179 and the spring then biases the links toward the opposite end of slot 177. As soon as the cam 170 moves away from the roller 171 the links swing to the right, Fig, l5, to shift the roller 171 out of the path of movement of the cam 170. The roller does not move back into position to be engaged by the cam until the toggle plate rocks back into released position, the pivot 175 again passing through the line of action of spring 179.

The means for locking the wringer head 77a in vertical position comprises a horizontal locking pin 180 longitudinally movable into and out of a vertical slot 181 in the end wall 151a of the head, Figs. l1 and 13. The forward end of the pin is tapered to facilitate its insertion into the slot 181 in the event the head 77a is not exactly vertical. The rear end of the pin is fixed to an upturned flange 182 on the inner end of a slidable plate 184 supported in horizontal guide slots 185 on opposite walls of the housing 31a, Figs. 11 and 13.

The outer end of the plate 184 is articulated with the rock shaft 165 in a manner whereby rotation of the rock shaft to engage the clutch 156 will at the same time slide the plate inwardly to engage the pin 180 in the slot 181. For this purpose a plate 186 having two spaced vertical studs 187 on the top side thereof is connected to the upper end of the rock shaft 165. Rotation of the shaft in either direction will cause one or the other of the studs to engage a cam surface 189 on the plate and force it inwardly against the biasing force of two springs 190 connected between the plate ange 182 and the housing 31a.

The plate 184 is held in its inward position by a latch 191 pivotally mounted on stub shaft 191-a projecting from the support member 35a. An upwardly extending arm 192 on the latch extends through a large aperture 194 in the plate, Fig. 13. As the plate moves inwardly, the arm rides over a sloping cam surface on a lip 195 projecting into the aperture and drops into a notch behind the lip to produce the latching action. It will be noted that the aperture 194 in the plate 184 provides ample clearance between the plate and the support member 35a.

Upon release of the wringer rolls from each other the latch 191 is automatically disengaged from the plate 184 to permit the plate to be moved outwardly under force of springs 190. This movement of the plate not only extracts the pin 180 from the slot 181 to free the head 77a for pivotal movement, but also serves to shift the reversing clutch 156 back to neutral and stop the wringer rolls. The latter action is produced through engagement of the cam surface 189 with the innermost stud 187 to rotate the rock shaft 165 back to neutral position.

As to the specific means employed for releasing the latch 191,v the upper end of the toggle link 174 is formed with an outwardly turned extension 196, Figs. ll, 14, and 15. As the extension is carried past the latch by the toggle plate a, it engages an inwardly turned flange 197 on an arm of the latch 191 to release the latch against the force of its spring 199. Spring 199, as shown in the drawings, is a small coil spring positioned about stub shaft 19101, having its projecting end portions engaging, respectively, the underside of flange 197 and a cylindrical abutment 200, to bias the latch 191 into latching position. The abutment 200 also serves as a stop limiting the movement of the latch 191 under the action of the spring 199.

It is evident from Figs. 14 and 15 that the extension 196 clears the latch flange 197 as the toggle plate moves counterclockwise into engaged position. However, the extension moves into position to engage the flange as the toggle links swing into inoperative position, Fig. 15.

Itis clear that this second embodiment of the invention produces the same efficiency in action as the embodiment irst described. The wringer rolls are disengaged and the wringer is stopped in response to actuation of the releasek wringer rolls associated with said frame for movement into and out of mutually engaged position,a power drive for said rolls, a reversingclutch interconnectingsaid rolls with said power drive, a single'controtoperable'torelease said rolls from mutualengagement and to shiftv said clutch to neutral todisconnect said power drive from said rolls, a second single control operatively connected to said clutch to select a direction of rotation for said rolls and to4 re-establish driving connection between the wringer rolls and said power drive, apowcr reset 'linkage having a releasable driving connection to said power drive intermediate said clutch and said rolls for energizing said reset linkage, and means for engaging said releasable driving connection upon release of said rolls for automatically restoring the wringer rolls into mutual engagement upon rte-establishment of driving connection between said rolls andsaid power drive.

2, A wringer comprising, in combination, wringer rolls mounted for relative horizontal and vertical movement into and out of mutually engaged position, a power drive for said rolls, a clutch interconnecting said rolls with said power drive, a latch for preventing relative horizontal movement of said rolls, a single control operable to release said rolls from engaged position for movement away from each other in both horizontal and vertical directions and to shift said clutch to disconnect said power drive from said rolls, linkage automatically operable to restore said wringer rolls into mutual engagement upon re-establishment of driving connection of said rolls with said power drive and a second single control operatively connected to said latch and said clutch to actuate said latch for latching said rolls against relative horizontal movement and to engage said clutch to re-establish driving connection between the wringer rolls and said power drive.

3. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame including a xed section and a head section mounted for movement relative to said fixed section in horizontal and vertical directions, wringer rolls journaled on each of said sections for movement into and out of mutually engaged position upon relative movement of said head section, rst latching means for latching said rolls in engaged position against relative vertical movement, a power drive-for said rolls, a clutch interconnecting said rolls with said power drive, second latching means including a generally vertical slot formed in saidhead and a latching element movable into said slot to latch said head against pivotal movement for preventing relative horizontal movement of said rolls, a single control associated with said first and second latching means and said clutch, saidv control 'being operable to release said rolls from engaged position for movement away from each other in'both horizontal and vertical directions and to shift said clutch to disconnect said power drive from said rolls, power reset linkage automatically operable to restore said wringer rolls into mutual engagement upon re-establishment of driving connection of said rolls with said power drive, and a second single control operatively connected to said second latching means-and said clutch for actuating said second latching means to latch said rolls against relative horizontal movement and for engaging said clutch to re-establish drivingconnection between the wringer rolls and said power drive.

4. Awringer havingin combination, aframe including a fixed section and a movable head section, ywringerLro'lls journaled in each of said sections, a power drive including apower shaft -for said rolls, rotatablecrank means for shifting said movable'sectiontoward and away from-said xed'section to engage and disengage said wringer rolls with each other, a toggle-platezassociated withsaid crank for rotating saidcrank and movable between Afirst and=sec ond`positions upon engagement and disengagement, respectively, of said rolls, power means for actuating said plate comprising a cam supported in positionto-engage said plate for moving the latter to said tirst position, and a single revolution lclutch including a member rotatably mounted on said power shaft and fixed to said cam, a radially movable element mounted on said member for rotation therewith andadapted to engage said power shaft upon inward radial movement, and a circular race for holding said'element in radially inward position, said circularv race having an opening to permit outward releasing movement of said element at one angular position of-'rotation after one revolution ofsaid. clutch, said toggle plate' having abutment means for moving said element to engaged position upon movement of said plate to said second roll disengaging position for automatically engaging saidclutch to engage said rolls-during the rst revolution of said powerdrive.

5. In a wringer, a pair of rolls movable into and out of mutual engagement, a power drive having a rotatable element in driving engagement with said rolls, a power reset linkage for forcing said rolls into mutual engagement under pressure, and a single revolution clutch associatedy with said rotatable element for energizing said power reset linkage, said clutch having'a housing mounted around said rotatable element, a hollow radial boss on said housing, a radial opening in said rotatable element in axial alinement with said boss, a pin in said boss, a control member on said' linkage for forcing said pin into saidopening upon disengagement of said rolls thereby establishing driving relation between said element and said housing, a circular cam ring disposed around said housing for maintaining said pin in'engagement with said element for one revolution of said element, said cam ring having a recess in one portion of its cam surface, biasing means for moving said pin out of engagement with saidv element and -into said recess thereby releasing said housing from driven relationship with said element after a single revolution, and interconnecting means operable to transmit movement of said clutch housing to said linkage.

6. Ay roll'press wringer comprisingin combination, a frame including a base` section and a movable head section, two'rolls respectively mounted one in said base section and one in saidhead section, a crank shaft pivotally interconnected with said base section and said head section, said rolls being movable relative to each other in a vertical plane upon rotation of said shaft and movable horizontally relative to each other upon pivotal movement of said head on said shaft relative to said base section, a power drive for said rolls, means for latching said rolls against relative horizontal movement, a power reset mechanism for rotating said shaft to move said rolls toward each other in a vertical plane, disengageable means for connecting said power drive to said rolls and to said power reset mechanism for energizing the latter, and a reset control operative to engage said latch means to latch saidrolls against relative horizontal movement and to engage said disengageable means to connect said rolls with said drive and to energize said reset mechanism to re-engage said rolls with each other.

7. A roll press wringer comprising, in combination, a frame including a fixed base section and a movable head section', twoV rollsrespectively mounted in said base-sectionand said head section, shiftable mountingmeans for moving said head section toward and away from said base section in a generally vertical direction to mutually engage and` disengage'said rolls, means for supporting said head section on Vsaid mounting means for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis to move said rolls transversely relative to each other in a generally horizontal direction, means for latching said rolls against relative horizontal movement, a power reset mechanism for shifting said mounting means to move said rolls toward each other in a vertical plane, a power drive including clutch means for driving said rolls and for energizing said power reset mechanism, and a reset control associated with said latching means and said power drive and for operating said latching means to latch said rolls against relative horizontal movement and for engaging said clutch means to connect said rolls with said drive and to energize said reset mechanism to re-engage said rolls with each other.

8. A roll press wringer comprising, in combination, a pair of rolls mounted for shifting movements relative to each other between an engaged operative position and a disengaged inoperative position, a power drive having a power shaft, a reversing clutch associated with said drive for connecting and disconnecting said power rolls with said drive, said clutch comprising a crown gear and a shiftable pinion having radial gear teeth and mounted on said drive shaft for axial sliding movement to a central neutral position, and second and third end positions for engaging said crown gear on opposite sides thereof for driving said gear in opposite directions, a control link for said pinion, resilient spring means interconnecting said link with said pinion, said spring means serving to cause smooth engagement of said pinion with said gear, a power reset mechanism driven by said crown gear for shifting said rolls from inoperative to operative position, means interconnecting said power reset mechanism for moving said link and pinion to neutral position upon movement of said rolls to disengaged position, and a single control for moving said link upon a single movement to shift said pinion to an end position to connect said rolls to said drive through said clutch and to energize said mechanism to shift said rolls into operative position.

9. A wringer including a plurality of rolls, a power drive, a rst clutch associated with said drive to rotate said rolls and shiftable from neutral to forward and reverse positions to drive said rolls in either direction, movable support for one of said rolls, a power reset mechanism including a second clutch interposed between said first clutch and said rolls for moving said support to force said rolls into mutual engagement with each other, means to move said rst clutch to neutral upon disengagement of said rolls, and a control connected to said iirst clutch operative upon a single movement to shift said tirst clutch to forward or reverse position to drive said rolls in the desired direction and to engage said rolls through said power reset mechanism.

10. A wringer comprising in combination a frame including a iixed section and a movable head section, wringer rolls journaled in each of said sections, a power drive including a reversible clutch for said rolls, crank means having a center portion journaled in said head portion and a cranked end portion journaled in said frame for engaging and disengaging said rolls with each other upon rotation of said crank, a power reset mechanism for said rolls including a toggle plate swingably mounted on said frame, a linkage interconnecting said plate and said crank means for rotating the latter upon swing of said plate, a cam for swinging said plate and a one revolution engaging means for energizing said reset mechanism to swing said plate during the rst revolution of said power drive, mechanism including a single manual control, a control shaft actuated thereby and a linkage interconnecting said control shaft and clutch for shifting said clutch, means interconnecting said toggle plate and said control shaft for shifting said clutch to neutral upon disengagement of said rolls, and means on said toggle plate for conditioning said one revolution engaging means upon disengagement of said rolls so that a single movement of said manual control shifts said reversible clutch to a selected direction of rotation for said rolls to connect the same to said power drive and to energize said reset mechanism for engaging said rolls.

1l. A wringer comprising in combination a frame including a Xed section and a head section, wringer rolls journaled in each of said sections, a power drive including a reversible clutch for said rolls, a rotatable supporting means for said head section for movement of the latter in vertical and horizontal directions into and out of roll engaging positions, a first latch for releasably holding said supporting means against rotation in the roll engaging position, a second latch for releasably holding said head section against horizontal movement, a power reset mechanism including a movable element connected to said supporting means and a disengageable connection between said element and said power drive intermediate said clutch and rolls for moving said element and rotating said supporting means to roll engaging position, a manual control mechanism for moving said reversible clutch to neutral and reverse drive position, means interconnecting said movable member with said second latch and said control mechanism for releasing said second latch and moving said control mechanism to neutral clutch position upon release of said rst latch and rotation of said supporting means to roll disengaging position, means interconnecting said second latch and said control mechanism for latching said head section against horizontal movement before moving said clutch from neutral position, and means on said power reset mechanism for engaging said disengageable connection upon disengagement of said rolls so that a single movement of said control mechanism engages said reversible clutch, to drive said rolls and energize said reset mechanism.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 711,672 McKissic Oct. 21, 1902 1,137,028 Schendler Apr. 27, 1915 1,817,604 Behan Aug. 4, 1931 1,820,032 Roberts Aug. 25, 1931 2,209,422 Schroeder July 30, 1940 2,210,949 Perkins Aug. 13, 1940 2,227,119 Behan Dec. 31, 1940 2,231,651 Altorfer Feb. 1l, 1941 2,240,280 Altorfer Apr. 29, 1941 2,291,916 Parish Aug. 4, 1942 2,307,337 Schroeder Jan. 5, 1943

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