US2765644A - Washing machines - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 9, 1956 A LODGE 2,765,644

WASHING MACHINES Filed July 17, 1951 4.Sheets-Sheet 1 ALVIN LODGE :m r r attorney Oct. 9, 1956 A. LODGE WASHING MACHINES 4 Sheeis-$heet 3 Filed July 17, 1951 6 ALVIN LODGE FIG.

Cittorneg 9st. 9, 1956 A. LODGE 2,765,644

WASHING MACHINES Filed July 17, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 86 L O D GE Zhibentor Qttomeg WAS G MACHINES Alvin Lodge, Erie, Pa, assignor to Blackstone Corporation, Jamestown, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 17, 1951, Serial No. 237,251

Claims. (Cl. 68-23) This invention relates to washing machines of the type in which a single receptacle is utilized to wash, rinse, and centrifugally dry clothes. More particularly, the invention is directed to improvements in an automatic machine of this type that may be caused to function in a sequence and other designated by an operator.

The invention is more specifically directed to a washing machine of the type shown and described in my'pending application, Serial No. 221,685, now Patent No. 2,700,884, wherein a top-opening receptacle, containing an agitator, is axially adjusted in the course of changing from and to a washing and rinsing position and a spinning position. In this application, a lift cam is shown as the means for raising and lowering the receptacle. In the present application, the mechanism by which the lift cam is power operated is disclosed, as well as manually controlled mechanism for changing the position of this cam to change the axial position of the receptacle. Of course, simultaneously with any change in position of the lift cam, certain other operations take place which constitute a part of a complete washing and drying cycle. It is evident that in machines of this type, a loaded receptacle represents considerable weight which must be properly supported and also be capable of being raised to facilitate drainage at various times during a complete laundering cycle. The support and axial movement of a loaded receptacle constitutes no problem when the machine is functioning in its predetermined operational sequence. The Weighted receptacle itself, however, represents a control problem when it is desired to manually alter the sequence of operation, such as by repeating a previous operation or advancing the sequencev of operation. Such manual changes are necessary in the adaption of a washing machine to all kinds of laundering operations. In some instances, repeated rinse operations are desirable, whereas, in other instances, a washing operation may be eliminated and only a rinsing and spin drying operation performed. Under such circumstances, the machine must be manually controlled, and it is with this particular phase of operation of an automatic washing machine that the present invention is concerned.

it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for supporting and axially moving a washing machine receptacle from one operative position to another with the least possible time loss.

It is another object of the invention to provide a supporting and axial lift mechanism for a washing machine receptacle that is selectively responsive to an automatically operable timing mechanism or a manually actuable control member.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of a lift mechanism for the receptacle of a washing machine that is positive in operation, being directly actuated by a further motor driven mechanism.

Another important object of the invention lies in the provision of a sequence mechanism for an automatic washing machine that is manually controllable to change.

from any given operation to a previous or advanced operation without injury to the operative parts of the machine and without operator effort other than the simple manipulation of a control knob.

Other and important objects of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a washing machine embodying one form of the invention, parts being broken away to disclose the position and relationship of certain of the operative mechanisms;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the mechanism contained within the gear housing shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View of the gear housing showing a part of the operating mechanism and being taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of an indexing cam and rocker actuator in the relative position occupied during a spinning operation;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing the position of the indexing cam and a rocker actuator during a washing operation;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of an oscillating member for the rocker actuator and shows a sequence cam therebeneath in spinning operation position;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional vie-w showing the receptacle in position of rest and the agitator clutch disengaged when the sequence cam is in receptacle filling position;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the receptacle in rest position and the agitator clutch engaged when the sequence cam is in washing position (see Fig. 5);

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 7 and shows the receptacle partially raised to drain the contents thereof and the agitator clutch disengaged when the sequence cam is in drain position;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the receptacle fully raised and the agitator clutch disengaged when the sequence cam is in receptacle spinning position (see Fig. 6);

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the and Fig. 12 is a fragmentary development view of the cam shown in Fig. 11.

Referring to the drawing, and particularly to Fig. 1, the reference numeral 10 is employed to generally designate a single receptacle washing, rinsing, and centrifugal drying machine in which is embodied one form of the invention. The machine is enclosed within a rectangular cabinet, only the front wall 11 of which is indicated, inasmuch as this cabinet constitutes no part of the invention. Within the upper part of the cabinet is located a receptacle 12, whereas the lower part of the cabinet contains the receptacle supporting and operating structure. The supporting structure constitutes no. specific part of the present invention and is merely disclosed and described to provide proper. association of parts as between the receptacle 12 and the drive mechanism contained within the gear housing 13. A fixture 14 has a lower central portion that is formed to provide a hub 16 in which is supported a sleeve 17. The fixture 14 includes multiple radially extending portions 18 which, at their ends, project upwardly to form arms 19. These arms are curved inwardly to form an upper integral. hub 21 which serves as an additional mount for the sleeve 17. Adjacent the lower end of each arm 19 is permanently secured a radially extending bracket 22 which rests on a resilient block 23 that is in turn carried by an inclinedmember 24. A bolt 26 serves to join bracket 22, block 23 receptacle lift cam;

and member 24. The gear housing 13 is secured to the lower end of the hub 16 that forms a part of the fixture 14.

. The sleeve 17, at its upper end, mounts a plate 27 through a suitable collar 28. The plate 27 is circularly ribbed, substantially as shown, to give desired rigidity inasmuch as it constitutes, under certain conditions of operation, a support for the receptacle 12 and its contents. The' outer edge of this plate terminates in an upwardly inclined flange which mounts a liquid seal ket 29 that prevents drainage from the receptacle under certain conditions of operation of the device. Above the collar 28 is shown a sleeve 31 which mounts the recep tacle 12. The particular association of the sleeve 31 with the receptacle forms no part of the invention and it is therefore sufiicient to point out that this sleeve is rotatable about its axis for the purpose of spinning the receptacle during a drying operation and is also axially movable in a manner hereinafter fully set forth for the purpose of raising or lowering the receptacle away from or on to the plate 27. Extending through sleeve 31 is a shaft 32 which, at its upper end, mounts a gear 33. The re ceptacle includes a circular side wall 34 and base 36. The base is formed with a central circular opening, the rim of which rests on and has water-tight securement with an annular flange 37 of a center post or hub 38. It is with this post that the sleeve 31 is engaged in a manner to support the entire receptacle. Adjacent the flange 37 of the hub base are a series of drain openings 39 which are so located as to be engaged with the gasket 29 of the plate 27 when the receptacle is in its lowermost position. The gasket and openings 29 and 39 cooperate to provide valves for controlling withdrawal of liquid from the receptacle. An agitator 41 consists of a hollow post from which blades 42 extend on a generally radial direction. The lower end of the post terminates in a flared rim 43. The upper end of this-post terminates in an inwardly directed flange 44 to which is secured a ring gear 46. It will be noted that shaft 33 extends upwardly through ring gear 46 and that gear 33 on said shaft is movable into and out of engagement with said ring gear. This structure constitutes a clutch by which to drive or oscillate the agitator. The upper end of the agitator post may be suitably closed by a cap 47. I

Between the collars 16 and 21 is located a drive pulley 48 by which the receptacle is caused to spin. This pulley, in a manner disclosed in the above identified pending application, has operative connection with the sleeve 31. The agitator oscillating shaft 32 extends downwardly into the gear housing 13 and is fitted with a pinion gear 49.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing, attention is directed to the gear housing 13 and the mechanism contained therein. As has already been mentioned, the gear housing is attached to and carried by the fixture 14 beneath the hub 16. The upper portion 51 of this housing is formed with a lower horizontal rim 52 to which a corresponding flange 53 of a removable bottom or pan 54 is attached. Suitable bosses depend from the upper portion 51 of the housing, such as indicated at 56 and 57. The boss 56 is apertured to receive a sleeve 58 through which a shaft 59 projects. The other boss 57 is apertured to support a pin 61. Pin 61 extends beneath the reinforcement 57 and mounts a gear 62. Although not shown, this gear is driven by a further smaller gear that is connected with the motor of the device. Beneath the gear 62 is a connecting rod63. One end of this rod is pinned, as at 64, to gear 62. Mounted to oscillate about shaft 59 is a gear segment 66. The teeth 67 of this segment are engaged with the teeth of gear 49 mounted on the lower end of agitator shaft 32. As may be seen in Pig. 6, the other end of the rod 63 is joined by a pin 68 to the outermost portion of the gear segment 66. Thus, rotation of gear 62 causes gear segment 66 to oscillate, and in turn oscillate shaft 32 and the agitator 41.

Generally opposite the teeth, gear segment 66 continues in an arm 69, having an end 71 provided with two openings 72 and 73. As may be seen in Figs. 2 and 6, the sleeve 58 mounts gear segment 66. Between the hub of the segment and the end 71, the arm 69 may be formed with lateral extensions 74 which have a common surface in the plane of the end 71. These surfaces provide support for a ring 76 that loosely encircles the sleeve 58. A lateral extension or lug 77 of this ring mounts a curved arm 78, the ends of which terminate in hooks 79 and 81.

its pin 116, causing This arm is made fast to the end of the lug 77 and these two parts are mounted by means of a pin 82 for oscillation with the arm 69 of the segment 66. Pin 82 projects into the opening 72 of the segment end 71. It is evident that as segment 66 and arm 69 are caused to oscillate, hook arm 78 will also oscillate. Mounted above the hook arm 78 is a plate 83 that is rotatable about the lower end of the boss 56. This plate and the upturned rim 84 thereof constitute a lifting cam 86 by means of which the receptacle 12 is axially moved. The rim 84 in part constitutes a cam surface and is shown to be of varying heights and inclines which bear against the cone-like base 87 of a cylindrical member 88. The cylindrical member 88, through structure shown and described in my above identified pending application, is connected with sleeve 31 that, as already mentioned, mounts the receptacle 12. Secured to the under face of the cam 86 is an indexing plate 89. This plate is in the plane of the hook arm 78 and includes a radially extending lug 91, having opposed shoulders 92 and 93. Beyond the shoulder 92 is a further shoulder 94, set inwardly of the previously mentioned shoulder and, again, farther along the periphery of this plate is a still further inwardly offset shoulder 96. In the opposite direction from the lug 91 and beyond the shoulder 93 are successively inwardly offset shoulders 97 and 98. Beneath the segment 66 are the timing plates 99 which determine, in the normal automatic sequential operation of the device, the length of time of each given operation. This particular structure forms no part of the present invention. Beneath the timing plates 99, and secured to the lower end of the shaft 59, is a sequence cam 101.

The upper end of shaft 59 mounts a switch and water cam assembly, generally indicated at 102. This assembly includes a pair of upstanding arms 103 which, with the corresponding end bracket 104, cooperate to provide a universal connection as between shaft 59 and a rod 106. The other end of rod 106 is fitted with a universal connection 107 for coupling with a further rod 188. This last mentioned rod extends upwardly of the inner face of the wall 11 of the cabinet, being supported in any suitable manner, as by brackets 109. The upper end of rod 108 mounts a beveled gear 111, engaged with a further beveled gear 112, carried by shaft 113 which, on the outer face of the cabinet, mounts a central knob 114. From this, it is evident that rotation of the knob 114 will rotate the sequence cam 101.

It will be understood that, although the lifting cam 86 is actuated to raise or lower the receptacle 12 by power driven means, it may be set for such actuation through manipulation of the knob 114. This knob, as has been described, is capable of rotating the sequence cam 101. A pin 116 depends from a suitable boss forming a part of the gear housing 51. This pin mounts one end of a channel member 117. The other end of this channel member carries a pin 118 which, above one side of said member, serves to mount a roller 119. The pin extends downwardly from the channel member and is intended to contact the cam-like perimeter of the sequence cam 101. A spring 121 is engaged with the pin 118 and thus urges the member 117 in a clockwise direction about the roller 119 to at all times contact the edge of ring 76. A further spring 122 is engaged at one end with a pin 123, carried by the ring 76 at a point nearly opposite the roller 119. The other end of this spring is engaged with the pin 118.

The sequence cam 101 is provided with a series of cam surfaces extending around the edge thereof. The outermost surface is formed by an arcuate segment 124 that is of a considerable length. A further segment 126, of lesser length but on the same radius, is also formed on the cam. Radially inwardly, an arcuate segment 128 adjoins the segment 124. And substantially diametrically opposite this last mentioned segment is a further segment 129 formed on the same radius as the segment 128. Further inwardly from the edge of the cam are arcuate segments 131 and 132, arranged on the same radius. Segment 131 is adjacent segment 126, whereas segment 132 is adjacent segment 124. Still further inwardly of the cam are spaced arcuate segments 133 and 134. These segments are on the same radius. It will be noted that starting with segments 124 and 126, pairs of segments are stepped radially inwardly of the cam. These segments serve, during operation of the machine, to guide pin 118 into a position such that a selected one of the arms 78 will, through its hook end, have engagement with the indexing cam and operate to rotate said cam in the desired direction and to a desired extent. Of course, since the indexing cam is attached to the lift cam 86, this latter cam will be rotated and serve to raise or lower the receptacle to a predetermined extent. The lift cam 86 is formed with a series of steps in the rim 84 thereof which correspond to the various steps of the sequence cam 101. The lowermost step 136 of the lift cam corresponds to segments 124 and 126 of the sequence cam. Step 137 of the lift cam corresponds to segments 128 and 129 of the sequence cam. Step 138 corresponds to segments 131 and 132 of the sequence cam and, finally, step 139 corre sponds to the innermost segments 133 and 134.

Preliminary to a description of the operation of the present invention, it is again mentioned that the invention is not directed to a timing mechanism which functions automatically to produce a timed sequence of operations but, rather, to a mechanism by which the normal timed sequence of operations may be changed at will by an operator of the machine without in any way damaging, jamming, or otherwise injuring the operative parts thereof. For purposes of illustration, it may be assumed that the automatic structure of the machine is not functioning in order that manual control of the various operations may be more clearly pointed out. Inasmuch as several of the views of the drawing show the operative parts in a position to spin the receptacle 12, it may be assumed that it is from this position or step of operation that the operator wishes to change. Figs. 1 and 10 show the receptacle 12 in raised spin position. It will be noted that the agitator gear 33 is disengaged and that the base of the receptacle is fully raised from off the plate 27. The receptacle is raised to this position by rotation of the lift cam 86 to a point such that the step 139 is in contact with the cone-like surface 8'7. The sequence cam, in this position of operation of the device, is in the position shown in Fig. 6 and indexing cam 89 is in the position shown in Fig. 4. It may now be assumed that the operator wishes to change to a position such that the receptacle will be seated and can be again filled with liquid for a washing operation. The knob 11 4 is rotated in a direction to turn the sequence cam counter-clockwise, as viewed in Figs. 6 and 10. Such movement of thesequence cam causes the pin 118 to ride outwardly over segment 132 and on to segment 124. This outward movement of pin 118 swings channel member 117 outwardly, withdrawing the roller 119 from the ring 76. Such movement of the member 117 tensions springs 121 and 122. However, since spring 122 connects ring 76 with the member 117, it acts to swing ring 76 from the position of Fig. 4 to that of Fig. 5.

However, segment 124 has to do with positioning the parts for a washing operation wherein the agitator clutch can be engaged and, so, the knob 114 is further rotated to rotate the sequence cam 101 to the position that the pin 118 moves beyond the segment 124 inwardly on to segment 128. This inward movement of pin 118'partial-v engage the last shoulder 98 due to the position of the ring 76. Since the indexing plate is attached to the base of the lift cam, this oscillating movement will rotate the lift cam to a position such that the step 137 is beneath the cone-like surface 87 and the sequence cam will occupy the position shown in Fig. 7. In this position of the parts, the receptacle is seated on the plate 27 and the agitator gear 33 disengaged. The receptacle may now be filled with liquid preparatory to a washing operation.

Upon completion of filling the receptacle, the knob 114 may be rotated to turn the sequence cam in a clockwise direction to cause pin 118 to ride outwardly on to segments 12$ (compare Figs. 7 and 8). This slight outward swinging of member 117 sufficiently tensions spring 122 to swing ring 76 to position the hook 79 thereof for engagement with shoulder 98, further rotating the indexing plate and the lift cam to bring the lower step 136 of the lift cam into position beneath the cone-like surface 87. The receptacle 12, already being seated onthe plate 27, will not move downwardly with this change of position of the lift cam but, as clearly indicated in the above mentioned application, further downward movement of the cylindrical member 88 will allow the agitator drive shaft 32 to move downwardly, bringing gear 32 into mesh with ring gear 46. In this position (Fig. 8) the agitator will oscillate and continue to do so throughout a period determined by the speed at.

which the sequence cam is caused to rotate by means of a suitable timing mechanism.

Again to illustrate the particular novelty of the present structure, it may be assumed that the operator wishes to quickly terminate the washing operation, making of it practically a rinsing operation. Of course, the receptacle must first be drained and, so, the knob 114 isturned in a direction to rotate the sequence cam clockwise, as viewed in the various figures. Such rotation causes the pin 118 to move from segment 124 inwardly of the cam on to segment 132. Thus, spring 121, previously placed under tension, moves ring 76 through contact with roller 119, from the position of Fig. 5 to a position similar to Fig. 4, through the action of spring 122. Hook 81 will now function to engage and rotate the indexing plate 89. Here again, however, the inward movement of the roller is only sufiicient to swing the arm 78 into a position for the oscillating movement thereof to effect successive engagement of hook 81 with shoulders 92 and 94, moving said plate only two of the possible three steps. This rotation of the indexing plate rotates the lift cam 86 to bring step 138 into contact with the cone-like surface 87. Examination of Fig. 9 will show that raising the member 88 to this extent has disengaged gears 33 and 46 and raised the receptacle from off the plate 27. Thus, the agitator has ceased operating and liquid is permitted to drain out of the receptacle through openings 39 in the base thereof.

After the receptacle has drained to the extent desired by an operator of the device, the knob 114 may be turned to rotate the sequence cam and allow pin 118 to move on to segment 134. This last inward swinging of the member 117 urges ring 76 into the position shown in Fig. 4 and allows hook 81 to engage the last shoulder 94 of the indexing plate, rotating said plate and the attached lift cam sufficiently to bring step 139 of the lift cam into contact with the surface 87. The operative parts now are in the position shown in Fig. 10 and, although forming no part of the present invention, this 7 last raising of the receptacle serves to actuate a clutch by which rotation of the receptacle effects a spin drying operation.

From the foregoing it will be evident that, regardless of the timed sequence of the various operations in a cycle beginning with a filling operation and ending in a spin drying operation, an operator may manually cut short the time period of any of these operations or may revert to and repeat a previous operation, or even advance several operations. It will be evident that the operator control knob 114 is solely a setting or shifting device and does not constitute the actual means by which the receptacle is raised or lowered or the agitator engaged or disengaged. In other words, the oscillating mechanism of the device provided for operation of the agitator is made to serve as a source of power for manipulating a heavy receptacle.

Although applicant has shown and described only one form of his invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications of the particular parts of the structure may be made in their adaptation to devices of different capacities and that such modifications are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention insofar as they are set out in the annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention, what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent isz.

1. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine com rising a lift cam in continuous contact with a cone-like surface on the base of said sleeve, a driven oscillating member, means carried by said member operable to engage and rotate said lift cam, a sequence cam, other means operable by said sequence cam to engage said means with said lift cam, and manually actuable means for operating said sequence cam in either direction.

2. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam in contact with a conelike surface on the base of said sleeve and supporting said sleeve and receptacle, a driven oscillating member, means pivotally carried by said member swingable into engagement with said cam and operable by said memher to rotate said cam in either direction, a sequence cam, and other means operable by said sequence cam to swing said pivotal means into engagement with said lift cam.

3. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam in contact with a conelike surface on the base of said sleeve and supporting said sleeve and receptacle, a driven oscillating member, means pivotally carried by said member swingable into selective engagement with said lift cam and operable by said member to rotate said cam, a sequence cam, other means operable by movement of said sequence cam to swing said means into selected engagement with said lift cam.

4. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam in contact with a conelike surface on the base of said sleeve, a driven oscillatable member, means carried by said member movable into engagement with and operable to rotate said lift cam in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and manually controlled means operable to move said means to effect rotation of said lift cam in a selected. direction.

5. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam in contact with a cone-like surface on the base of said sleeve, and rotatable to axially move said receptacle, a driven oscillatable member, swingable means carried by said member movable into either of two positions for engagement with said lift cam and operable to rotate said cam in either of said directions to raise or lower said receptacle, a sequence cam, operator actuable means for rotating said sequence cam, and other means so connecting said sequence cam with said swingable means as to move said swingable means into selected engagement with said lift cam.

6. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a shaft supported lift cam in contact with a cone-like surface on the base of said sleeve and rotatable to axially move said sleeve, a driven oscillatable member, means carried by said member pivotally movable with respect thereto to selectively engage opposed projections on said cam and effect rotation thereof, and manually actuable means for pivoting said means and effecting desired directional rotation of said cam by said member.

7. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam, a driven oscillating member, a rocker pivotally carried by said member, opposed arms of said rocker being selectively engageable with said lift cam and operable by repeated oscillation of said member to rotate said lift cam, and manually controlled means for pivotting said rocker to engage a selected one of said arms with said lift cam whereby to rotate it in a desired direction.

8. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a rotatable member, a cam on said member in contact with a cone-like surface on the base of said sleeve and supporting said sleeve and receptacle, a driven oscillatable member, a rocker swingably mounted on said driven member and including hooks selectively engageable with said rotatable member, and manually actuable means operatively connected with and adapted to swing said rocker to engage one of said hooks with said member and effect rotation of said rotatable member in a desired direction.

9. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a plate having a cam rim engaged with a cone-like surface and serving to support said sleeve and receptacle, and being rotatable to change the height of said rim whereby to raise and lower said receptacle, a series of teeth on the base of said plate, a driven oscillating member, rockable means carried by said member selectively engageable with the teeth of said plate and operable by said member to rotate said plate, manually controlled means operatively associated with and adapted to adjust said rockable means to engage selected teeth and effect rotation of said plate in a desired direction.

10. Mechanism for the axial movement of a sleeve mounted receptacle in a sequentially operable washing machine comprising a lift cam in contact with the lower end of said sleeve and serving to support said sleeve and receptacle, a driven oscillating member, means carried by said oscillating member operable to selectively engage and rotate said cam in either direction whereby to raise and lower said receptacle, and manually controlled moans operatively associated with and adapted to effect selected engagement of said means with said cam.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,892,441 Wales et al Dec. 27, 1932 2,350,108 Geldhof et al May 30, 1944 2,361,767 Hays Oct. 31, 1944 2,502,965 Knapp Apr. 4, 1950

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