US2744402A - Agitator for washing machines - Google Patents

Description

May 8, 1956 T. R. SMITH 2,744,402

AGITATOR FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed April 14, 1952 l n 2 Sheets-Sheet l r n A).

May 8, 1956 T. R. SMWH 2,744,402

AGITATOR FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed April 14, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f3 l F154 l l i. E4

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INVENTOR. @Wamel/J f@ mI I MM, y AGENT United States Patent() AGITA'I'OR FR WASHING MACHINES Thomas R; Smith, Newton, Iowa, assigner to TheMaytag Company, Newton, Iowa, aicorporation of'Delaware Application' April 14, 1952., Serial No.- 282,092

6 Claims. (Cl. 68133) The invention relates to liquid 'filters for oscillating agitator type-washingmach'ines' and 'more particularly to liquid filters mounted'in the washing machine agitator;

In washing clothes, it is well known that in the initial portion-of the washing period the majorportionl of the dirt orsoil is removed from'the clothing and,'after a definiteA time interval, depending upon'the clothing and type'ofsoil, a portion 'of the dirtin the Washing liquid or solution is actually redeposited in 'or'on the clothing. Also, thatheavy dirt and lintmay be Vrecirculated along Witlithe washing liquid and resoil the washed clothing. This'latterproblem is primarily due to the fact thatthe heavy' dirt and lint do not'have `a definite location .in a washingmachine tubwhereat' it can settle out of the liquidr and remain in a relatively quiet areac- Although settling chambers' or pockets have been suggested to accomplish this, they have not'beentoo successful because there is a tendency for the dirt to breaklooseand re-ent'er the main body of the washing liquid.

In accordance' with the invention, an oscillatable agitator having` the usual ilaring base with upwardly directed waterimpelling vanes is positioned at the bottom of the tub -in "the usual manner and is oscillated about its verticalaxis by suitable oscillating mechanism. f A plurality of openings-or passages are provided in the base which permit theA washing liquid to enter into a cavity provided by the lower flaring base portion of the agitator and the bottom of thetub. Within the cavity and at the bottom ofthe agitator there is an annular generally horizontal covert having a central opening surrounding the agitatorshaft and extending outwardly to the outer periphery of` the agitator. Between the base and cover is a series of radially projecting vertical vanes whichdivide the cavity into a plurality of chambers or pockets disposed below the passages in the base of the agitator, and as -heavy dirt and lint passthrough these passages it is trapped inthe pockets and retained so that it cannot re-enter the washing.. liquid in the main body of the tub and resoil the clothing. After the washing operation, the` operator may withdraw the agitator and clean the same in any convenient manner.

In still another form, the-base of the agitator carries a filter in the cavity and as the washing'rliquid and heavy dirt Vpass` throughthe passages the lower vanes ony the agitator, acting as centrifugalvlpump sections, force vor draw the washing liquid through the filter and discharge thesame backl into the tub, at which time theiilter intercepts` and retains the heavy dirt'and lint.Y By using a propertype filter, a portion of` dirt in the solution may be also'retained to thereby improve'v the washingv eiciency of :thefwashing liquid.

Inaccordance with the above,A it is an object of theinvention to provide `an agitator type 'washing machine' with a filter element which is carried by the agitator.

It is another object of the invention to provide an agitator type washing .machine with a dirt and lint trap which is carried by the agitator at the lower portion thereof.

2,744,402 vPatented May 8, y1956 ICC It is yet another object ofthe inventiontoprov'idean oscillatable agitator type washing machine with'a washing liquid filter which is' carried atl the bottom ofth'e agitator adjacent'theV bottom lof vtheetub and is effective in con-y tinuously'ltering a portion of the-'washing liquid to"re' move foreignmatter."

It is 'another object of the inventionto' 'provide man. oscillatable agitator 'carryinga lilter'elementatthe bo't tom thereof with a plurality lof vanes whichv force'the' washingliquid through the filter."

It is still another 'object vofthe invention 'to provide an oscillatable vagitator with a plurality4 of'pocketsforcol lecting heavy dirt and'lin't.

lt is another'objec't ofA the invention to provide an oscillatable agitator with" a plurality' of varies on itsI underside' whose dischargerends-fare. covered by a removable element for filtering dirt from ythe Washing liquid.

It is yet another object' of the invention to. provide an oscillatable agitator with a plurality of radial vanes with passages therebetween for circulating, washing-y liquid therethrough which has a lter element at the entrance of the passages to remove foreign matter from the washing liquid. Y

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention as will later appear-and as are inherently possessed thereby'` Referring to the drawings:

Figure l`is a ydiagrammatic partial vertical. sectional view of 4an oscillatable agitatory type washingA machine incorporating the features of theinvention;

Figure 2 isy an enlarged vertical sectional view of an oscillatable washing machine agitator with` the improved filter and lint collector appliedthereto;

Figure 3 isA a partial horizontal lsectionalfviewof the sediment collecting chamber and` lter `taken along the line 34-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional View of an oscillatable agitator with a modified lilterrarrangement; and,

Figure 5 isv a vertical sectional. view of an agitator showing a Vstill vfurther modification of a heavy dirt'. and lintn collector combined withfan agitator.

Referring now to the drawingsifor a detailed descrip"- tion ofthe improved filterk arrangement, there is shown in Figure -l a liquid containing tub construction lil-having a sidewall 11 and a bottom wall 12. with Aan agitator 13 disposed adjacent Ithefbottom of theV tub and substantially centrally located with respect toithe: sidewalls 11'. The agitator-is adapted/to be rapidly oscillated about its vertical axis by means of lan loscillatable shaft 14 extending upwardly from suitable gearireduction' and 'Y oscillating mechanism 16 mounted below thef bottom of the-tub which is driven byfany 'suitable drive mechanism, -such as, for example, an electric motorv (notfshown).

ln the washing of soiled clothinggithe clothing is placed; in 'the tubV along withwthe'lproper quantity of hot water and detergent' and the' gear reduction 'mechanism 16 'is operated to oscillate` the agitator lvaboutvits. vertical axis. Such action quickly removes the major portionf' ofthe soil` or dirt frontlthefclothingf'and itpassesinto `the washing `solution'or liquid; andunder'fsomeifconditions the-washing `liquid actually contains' 1 more soil in fp'roporL tion than remaining iny thefclothings4 However, after a relatively short interval of time, the unbalance of soiling thewashing liquid-'isredeposited'inthe-clothing until a balance is1obtained, afterwhich'continue'd washingii'is of novalue. Therefore,by rem'ovingza` portion' of thesoil in the washing liquid,-whenthe-ba1ance is` obtainedvtle clothing will be proportionately cleaner, and' `it-is1to\-im prove the washing efficiency :ofvthe-fwashing liquid that this invention is-particularly directed..

,Referring nowmore particularly to Figures 2 'and-3,V the agitator 13'is provided with an upstanding center post 17 which merges into a symmetrical downwardly and outwardly flaring base 18 terminating in a peripheral bead 19 spaced relatively close to the bottom wall 12 of the tub. The base covers a major portion of the bottom of the tub and is adapted to underlie the clothing. in this instance the agitator is provided with upwardly and radially outwardly projecting water impelling vanes or blades 21 formed integral with the base 18 and a suitable hub 22 for holding a splined sleeve 23 which fits over the upper splined end 24 of the oscillatable shaft 14. The foregoing is more or less standard construction for the major portion of all agitators.

In the disclosed construction, a plurality of openings or passages 26 are provided in the base 13 of the agitator between the center post 17 and outer periphery 19 and preferably they are nested in an area closer to the center post. These passages provide the means to permit a portion of the washing liquid carrying dirt or soil therewith, either in solution or suspension, to pass from the main body of liquid A above the base of the agitator to below the base and enter a chamber or cavity 27 provided by the daring base 18 and bottom 12 of the tub.

Within the cavity 27 there is provided a combination oscillatabie heavy dirt, lint trap and filter element or mechanism 28 which is adapted to retain the heavy dirt and lint carried in suspension by the washing liquid passing through the passages 26 into the cavity and to discharge the filtered washing liquid back into the main body of the tub to continue the cleaning or washing operation. This oscillatable trap mechanism is carried by the agitator beneath its base 18 and includes a plurality of integral downwardly and radially projecting impellers or vanes 29 whose lower edges are spaced 'from and substantially parallel to the bottom wall 12 of the tub and an annular cover or wall 31 carried at the lower edges which cooperates with the vanes to provide a plurality of radially projecting open ended pockets or channels 32.. The inner edges 33 of the vanes and the inner opening 34 in the cover 31 define the entrance to the channels 37. and they nre spaced from the axis of the agitator to provide room for the oscillatable shaft 14 and ample space for free circulation of the washing liquid.

As shown in the drawings, the openings 26 in the base of the agitator for the most part extend outwardly beyond the inlet to the channels 32. This reduces the tendency for the heavy dirt to pass through the open central portion about the agitator shaft 14 and settle on the bottom wall 12 of the tub, or to work outwardly between the cover 31 and bottom wall and re-enter the main body of washing liquid in the tub.

Adjacent the outer periphery of the base of the agitator and opposite the outer open ends of the channels 32 the cover 31 is provided with an annular opening, and an annular strainer or filter element 36 is mounted across this opening. In the modification shown, the inner periphery of the filter element 36 fits within a groove 37 in the cover 31 and its outer periphery is disposed in a groove formed in an annular channel or support 38 which forms part of the cover. The support 38 is carried in a recess 39 provided in the peripheral bead 19 in the base of the agitator.

It is to be understood that the means for securing or carrying the lter element 36 is shown only by way of example and that other satisfactory arrangements may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

With the assembly in position, as shown, a slight circumferential clearance or restricted area 41 is provided between the periphery 19 of the agitator and bottom Wall 12 of the tub for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

In operation, with the washing liquid, detergent and soiled or dirty clothing in the tub and the agitator 13 being oscillated about its vertical axis by means of the oscillating mechanism 16, the radial vanes 21 on the upper portion of the base 18 of the agitator agitates the liquid and clothing to provide a cleaning operation to remove the soil or dirt from the clothing. This action transfers a major portion of the dirt and foreign matter to the washing liquid which is carried in the liquid either in suspension or solution. As the heavy dirt and lint move downwardly, a relatively large portion is eventually drawn through the passages 26 in the base 18 of the agitator by the action of the lower oscillating radial vanes 29 defining the channels 32 in the cavity 27 beneath the agitator'. The washing liquid, heavy dirt and lint passing through the passages 26 enter the channels and are moved radially outwardly toward the outer annular opening. Since the oscillating vanes 29 tend to restrict eddy or cross currents within the cavity and act as centrifugal impellers, the washing liquid is forced through the annular filter 36 and radially outwardly back into the main body or' liquid in the tub through the restricted circumferential passage 41 between the bottom 12 of the tub and outer periphery 19 of the base of the agitator to continue in the washing operation. As the washing liquid passes through the filter element 36, the heavy dirt and lint are retained in the pockets 32 by the filter element to prevent their recirculation and in this manner redeposition of the large particles of dirt and lint in the clothing is eliminated.

At the same time, since the large particles of dirt are removed from circulation, the tendency for them to be reduced in size so that they go into solution in the washing liquid is also practically eliminated. Also, by making the filter 36 of the proper material, a portion of the soil carried in solution may be removed from the washing liquid to thus enable the liquid to remove a greater portion of the soil from the clothing. This generally constant radial discharge of liquid at the periphery of the agitator also acts to prevent articles of clothing from entering into the cavity through the circumferential passage.

From the above it can be seen that a portion of `the washing liquid is continuously being bypassed from the main body of the liquid and passed through the oscillating trap and filter element 36 which, of course, reduces the overall concentration of dirt in the washing liquid to thus improve the washing efiiciency of the washing machine.

With a trap and filter arrangement of this type, means should be provided -to permit cleaning of the filter element 36 and pockets 32. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, the outer edge of the cover 31 carries a clip or rim 42 adapted to be snapped into a groove or notch 43 adjacent the periphery of the base 18 of the agitator and the inner circular edge 34 of the cover 31 is detachably secured to two or more of vthe inner edges 33 of the vanes 29 through suitable clips or the like 44 which engage in notches or recesses 46.

At the end of the washing operation, the operator may clean the filter element 36 and sediment collecting channels or pockets 32 by grasping the agitator 13 and removing the same from the splined shaft 14 and withdrawing it from the tub, at which time the filter and pockets may be cleaned by forcing water through the filter in a reverse direction or it may be removed from fthe base 1`8 of the agitator and cleaned separately.

IReferring now to Figure 4, there is shown a modified trap and filter arrangement. In this instance the base 18 of the agitator `13 is provided with lthe openings or passages 26 around the center post 17 to permit entrance of a portion of the washing liquid and dirt into the cavity 27 between the base 18 and bot-tom wall 12 of the tub and a plurality of spaced radial and downwardly projecting vanes 47 are formed integral with the base about the axis of the agitator. An annular cover 48 having a central opening 49 cooperates with the lower ends of the vanes 47 to define open-ended pockets or channels 51 whose outermost ends terminate adjacent the outer peripheryc19 of thebasef Isin 'an annular" discharge yportil 'or opening-S2. Theinnermost ends 53- of the vanesf47fdeining-the inlet to the' channels Siware inclined upwardly and outwardly from the central opening@ in' ,fthe cover 48v tto-support lan `annular or'frusto-conical iilterv'elementf54 which Apreferably underlies the passages 26 inthe'. base 18. This'fl-ter element comprises a plurality vof vsect'orshap'ed removable sections 56 having a suitable frame'constr'uetlon 57 -for supporting filtering material S8, and'handle or-grip members 59 are secured'to the frame to provide means for removingV the lter from and inserting it into position-through the opening 49 in the cover' 48.v

From'=the foregoing it can be seen that with'fthe filter mounted to underlie the passages 26, `as the vagitator `is oscillatedf a portion of the washing liquidis continuously drawnthrough the passages 26 into the cavity below the base A18 by the pumping action of the vanes47, and lthe liquid is ydrawn through the filtering material 58 whereon the heav'fyffdirt and lintcarried in suspension:isdbposited After passing through .thefiilten the lilteredwashing liquid is discharged from the channels 51 radially outwardly through the' annularopening S2 and circumferential area 41" betweenthe periphery 19 of the base and bottnr'wall lzfof'the'tub tore-enter the main body of the washing liquid; yto continue in .thewashing operation.

'Iii this construction, 'the' filter performs the samefunction as described .in the previously mentioned modification. Also, the filter may be cleaned by following the same steps as described.

In Figure there is disclosed a modiiied heavy dirt and lint trap not dependen-t upon the recirculation of the washing liquid. In this instance, the openings 26 in the arng base 18 of the agitator are grouped about the center post 17 in the usual manner and a plurali-ty of radial downwardly directed vanes 61 are secured -to or formed integral with 4the underside of the base 18 and terminate generally at a horizontal annular cover 62. This cover has a central opening 63 to .permit free movement of the liquid about the agitator shaft 14 an-d extends outwardly and fits within a recess 64 adjacent the lower edge of the periphery 19 of the agitator.

If desired, the cover 62 may lbe detachably secured to the base by any suitable means such as having the outer periphery closely it within the recess 64 and providing suitable `clips 66 adjacent the inner edge 67 of `the vanes to engage notches 68 therein. With the cover in place, the vanes 61 cooperate to provide a plurality of closed pockets v69 and also to limit lateral movement of the collec-ted dirt and liquid therein during the washing operation. In addition, the cover 62 preferably underlies the passages y26 in the base 18 to restrict the passage of heavy dirt through the central opening 63 in the cover.

In operation, as the clothing `and liquid are agi-tated during lthe washing operation, the heavy dirt and lint tend to fall or pass through the passages 26 in the base 18 of the agitator and enter the cavity therebelow into one of the pockets 69. As the agitator is oscillated about its vertical axis, the heavy dirt is moved -outwardly in-to lthe pockets by the vanes and is forced into the outer corner whereat it is deposited, and in View of the spaced radial vanes 61 limiting or restricting unobstructed lateral movement of the liquid, relatively quiet or quiescen-t areas are provided. Thus, this heavy dirt is removed from the active portion of the washing liquid and prevents the redeposition of the dirt in the clothing. This, of course, improves the washing efficiency of the liquid.

At the end of the washing operation, the operator may remove the agitator 13 and clean the sediment or dirt from the pockets 69 by either ushing water in-to them or by irst removing the cover 62, depending upon the particular design. v

From the foregoing it can be seen that a trap and filter mechanism has Ibeen provided for trapping a large portion of dirt and lint in the washing liquid -Which is carried by the oscillatable agitator utilized for the washing ope-ration, and it is disposed beneath the base of the agitator soas, notftoccupy 'any of `the: space required forfwashr ingn'norarespe'cial recesses and the: like required inthe tub.r Also, that the-oscillatingtaction ofrthe` agitator'for washing lthe clothing not only lters the liquid but causes zthe 'washing `liquid` tof-deposit dirt -in the filter `:trap,'v andthat"` the lfilter may -be readily removed for'cleaning and inspection atz anytime by merely removing theragitator from the splined agitator shaft.

While I have herein described andrupon- :the drawings. shown -illustrative embodiments of the inventionfit is. tobe understood that the invention lis not limited theretobut.y may comprehend other construct-ions, arrangements ofparts, Idetailsand features without departing from :the spirit of the invention.

It is claimed l. A washing machine comprising a-tub havinga-bot` tom-.portion and-side portions for retaining fabrics -f and washing fluidetherein, an'agitator supported rkinispaced` relation to said bottom portionfor relative movement thereto, said agitator'comprising-a central portionand a-basemember attached to 1said central portion, a cavity formed'lonl the underside` of said base member adjacent saidfzbottom portion, ups'tanding agitating lvanes `carried on said-base member, apertures in said base member between said upstanding vanes for passage offluid into said cavity,` a-cover plate removably attached` to said base member ontheA undersidel thereof, l-means :within said cavity to restrict movement of fluid entering said cavity through said apertures, an opening in said cover plate for exit of said iiuid from said cavity, and filter means within said cavity for arresting movement offoreign particles carried by iiuid entering said cavity through said apertures.

2. A washing machine comprising a tub having a bottom portion and side portions for retaining fabrics and washing iiuid therein, an agitator supported in spaced relation to said bottom portion for relative movement thereto, said agitator having an upstanding central portion and a hollow base portion including a top wall and a bottom wall, a plurality of apertures in said top wall for entry of said fluid into said hollow base portion, an opening in said bottom wall for exit of said iuid from said hollow base portion, and filter means within said hollow base portion for arresting movement of foreign particles carried by iiuid entering said apertures.

3. A washing machine comprising a tub having a bottom portion and side portions for retaining fabrics and washing fluid therein, an agitator supported in spaced relation to said bottom portion for relative movement thereto, said agitator comprising a center post, a hollow base member attached to said center po-st and a plurality of upstanding agitating vanes carried by said base member, a plurality of holes in said base member between said upstanding vanes for passage of fluid into said hollow base member, an opening in the bottom of said hollow base memberfor exit of Huid from said base member, and a sediment filter carried by said base member between said holes and said opening to arrest movement of foreign particles carried by iiuid passing through said holes upon movement of said agitator,

4. A washing machine comprising a tub having a bottom portion and side portions for retaining fabrics and washing iiuid therein, an agitator supported in spaced relation to said bottom portion for relative movement thereto, said agitator comprising a center post, a hollow flaring base member attached to said center post, a plurality of agitating vanes carried by and upstanding on said base member for agitating said fluid and said fabrics to loosen foreign particles carried by said fabrics, a plurality of holes in said base member between said upstanding vanes for passage of said iiuid and said particles therethrough, a plurality of vanes attached to said base member and depending from said base member towards said bottom portion, a cover member abutting said depending vanes to form cavity portions in said agitator with said depending vanes and said base member, discharge openings in said cover member for exit of uid from said cavity portions, and lter means within said cavity portions for arresting movement of said particles suspended in fluid passing through said cavity portions.

5. A washing machine comprising a tub having a bottom portion and side portions for retaining uid and fabrics therein, an agitator Supported in spaced relation to said bottom portion for relative movement thereto, said agitator comprising a center portion and an outwardly extending flanged portion attached to said center portion, a plurality of groupings of apertures in said iianged p01'- tion adjacent said center portion for passage of uid therethrough, an upstanding agitating vane carried by said anged portion between each of said groupings, a plurality of vanes attached to said anged portion and depending therefrom towards said bottom portion, a cover member abutting said depending vanes to form channels with said flanged member and said depending vanes for passage of uid therethrough, discharge openings in said cover member for exit of tluid from said channels, and a tlter abutting said depending vanes for arresting movement of foreign particles carried by iiuid passing through said apertures and into said channels upon movement of said agitator.

6. A washing machine comprising a tub having a bottom portion and side portions for retaining fabrics and Washing fluid therein, an agitator supported in spaced relation to said bottom portion for relative movement thereto, .said agitator comprising a center post, a base member attached to said center post, a plurality of up standing agitating vanes carried by said base member for agitating said uid and said fabrics to loosen particles from said fabrics upon movement of said agitator, a series of holes in said base member between said upstanding vanes for passage of lluid therethrough, a plurality of vanes attached to said base member and depending from said base member towards said bottom portion, a cover plate fitted to said depending vanes to form channels with said depending vanes and said base member, discharge openings in said cover member for exit of fluid from said base member, and filter means abutting said depending vanes to arrest the movement of particles carried by said Huid through said holes upon movement of said agitator.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 18,280 Kirby Dec. 8, 1931 2,261,932 Bukolt Nov. 11, 1941 2,273,749 Bukolt Feb. 17, 1942 2,299,554 McMahon Oct. 20, 1942 2,642,733 McCormick June 23, 1953

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