US2858687A - Control circuits for automatic clothes washing machines - Google Patents

Control circuits for automatic clothes washing machines Download PDF

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US2858687A
US2858687A US457106A US45710654A US2858687A US 2858687 A US2858687 A US 2858687A US 457106 A US457106 A US 457106A US 45710654 A US45710654 A US 45710654A US 2858687 A US2858687 A US 2858687A
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water
contacts
switch
tub
selector
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US457106A
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Clark Kendall
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General Electric Co
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General Electric Co
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    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/08Control circuits or arrangements thereof
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/28Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
    • D06F34/30Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by mechanical features, e.g. buttons or rotary dials

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  • the present invention relates to control circuits for automatic Clothes washing machines; and it is the general object of the invention to provide in a clothes'washing machine of the automatic type, a control circuit incorporating improved facility for selectively setting both the; temperature of the wash water and the temperature of the rinse water employed in the cycle of the machine so as to accommodate the. laundering of a wide variety of fabrics under substantially ideal conditions.
  • Another object of the invention is. to provide in a clothes washing machine, a control circuit of the character noted, wherein the facility mentioned" essentially comprises a wash selector and a rinse selector, each of the manually settable type, so that the selections may be made in a simple and direct manner prior to initiation of the automatic cycle. of the machine.
  • Another object of' the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine, a control circuit of the character described, wherein the wash selector consists essentially of a pushbutton switch provided with individual hot. and warm and cold pushbuttons' respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold temperature selections of the wash water, and the rinse selector consists essentially of a pushbutton switch provided with individual warm and cold pushbuttons. respectively corresponding, to the'warm and. cold temperature selections of the rinse water.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide in. a clothes Washing machine. provided with. an. automatic cycle. including a washing, step followed by a. sprayrinsing step and. then by an agitated-rinsing step, anv improved control circuit that incorporates first manually settable. facility for selectively setting the temperature of the water in the washing step, automatic facility selecti'vely governedby the. selectionof. the. temperature. of the water in the washing step for selecting the temperature of' the water in the spray-rinsing. step, andsecond manually settable facility for selecting the temperature of the water in the. agitated-rinsing step;
  • a still further object of theinvention is to provide in a clothes: washing. machine of. the. type. noted, an improved control circuit ofthe. character described, whereinthe selection of cold water for the washing step automatically enforces the selection of coldv water for both. the sprayriusing step and'the agitated-rinsing step.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective view, partly broken away, of an automatic clothes washing machine of the spin-tub type incorporating an electric control circuit embodying the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a portion of the machine shown in Fig. 1, illustrating the relationship between'the water supply system and the spin tub thereof and the relationship between the casing and the drainsystem thereof;
  • Fig. 3 is a combination circuit diagram and program schedule'of the electric control circuit incorporated in the clothes washing machine shown in Fig. 1, and embodying the'present invention
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the cover plate for the wash pushbutton switch and the rinse pushbutton switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 3;
  • Fig.5 is an enlarged plan view of the manually operable control knob .or dial for the program selector switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 6 is a' combination circuit diagram and program schedule of a modified form of the electric control circuit incorporated in. the clothes washing machine shown in Fig. 1, and embodying the present invention; and
  • Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the manually operable controlknob or dial for the program selector switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 6.
  • the clothes washing. machine 10 is of the spin-tub type and of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosed in. thecopending application of Kemper M. Hammell and John D. Warhus, Serial No. 196,917, filed November 21,. 1950,. now Patent No. 2,723,737, granted; November 8 15, 1955. More particularly, the machine 10 comprises a substantially rectangular base 11 that is supported upon independently adjustable feet 12 arranged to engage the floor or other supporting surface- A-housing. 13 is removably carried bythe base 11 and.
  • a front wall 14 is removably carried by the front: of the housing 1 3 in order to close the front, opening mentioned; and a topwall 15 'isremovably carried by the top of the housing 13 in order to close. the top. opening mentioned.
  • the lower portions of the rear and side walls of the housing 1'3 join the upper portions of the rear and sides of the base 11; while the lower portion of the front wall 14 joins the upper 1 portion of the front of the base 11 so as to provide a toereceivingv recess.
  • the sides of the-front wall- 14- are disposed substantially flush with' the side walls of the housing 13.
  • the sides of the top-'wall .1-5 are disposed substantially flush with the side wallsof the housing 1 3; and the front of the topwall 15 is: disposedsubstantially flush with the upper portion. of the front wall 14.
  • the top wall 15 projects rearwardly from the rear wall of the housing 13 in order to provide.
  • an upstanding space L7 disposed below the of the top wall 15 terminates in an top of the upstanding space 17; and a substantially centrally disposed top opening 19 is provided in the top wall in order to render the interior of the housing 13 accessible from the exterior.
  • a door 20 is provided for the purpose of selectively closing the top opening 19 the rear edge of the door 20 being hinged to the top of the wall 15 and movable toward and away from the backsplash 18 into respective open and closed positions with respect to the top opening 19.
  • Upstanding supporting structure 21 is arranged in the lower portion of the housing 13 and carried by the base 11; which supporting structure 21 carries an upstanding substantially cylindrical casing or drain tub 22 arranged in the upper portion of the housing 13.
  • the drain tub 22 is provided with an inwardly directed annular marginal throat 23 that terminates in a top opening 24 disposed below the top wall 15; and the top edge of the throat 23 carries a substantially annular sealing gasket 25 surrounding the top opening 24 and engaging the lower surface of the top wall 15 for the purpose of sealing the top opening 24 in the drain tub 22 to the top wall 15, the bottom wall of the drain tub'22 being spaced above the base 11 to define a machinery compartment 26 arranged in the lower portion of the housing 13.
  • the base 11 carries additional supporting structure 27 upon which the principal machinery disposed in the machinery compartment 26 is mounted.
  • an upstanding support 28 is pivotally mounted at the lower end thereof upon the structure 27, which upstanding support 28 comprises, among other structure, two vertically spaced-apart plates 29 and 36 arranged substantially centrally in the machinery compartment 26.
  • the plate 30 is operatively connected to the upstanding structure 21 by a plurality of resilient springs 31 and associated.
  • the plate 30 carries an upstanding bearing bracket 33 that projects through a substantially centrally disposed opening 34 provided in the bottom wall of the drain tub 22, which bracket 33 is sealed to the portion of the bottom wall of the drain tub 22 surrounding the opening 34 by an arrangement including an upstanding flexible boot 35 formed of rubber, or the like.
  • An upstanding spin tub 36 is arranged within the drain tub 22 and supported by a tub sleeve, not shown, that is mounted in the bearing bracket 33 for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; and an upstanding agitator 37 is arranged within the spin tub 36 and supported by an agitator shaft, not shown, that is mounted in the tub sleeve for oscillation about the substantially vertical axis mentioned.
  • the spin tub 36 is provided with an upwardly and outwardly flared side wall that terminates in an open top disposed below the top wall 15 and arranged in substantial alignment with the top openings 19 and 24; whereby the interior of the spin tub 36 is readily accessible from the exterior through the top openings 19 and 24 when the associated door 20 occupies its open position.
  • the top rim of the spin tub 36 carries an annular balance ring 38 that is provided with an inwardly directed annular clothes retaining flange 39. Also the bottom wall of the spin tub 36 is provided with an annular sediment trap 40 disposed below the base of the agitator 37, the sediment trap 46 communicating with the interior of the drain tub 22 by an arrangement including two upstanding drain conduits 41 disposed substantially diametrically opposite each other and carried by the spin tub 36.
  • An electric drive motor 42 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 43, upon the upper end of which there is mounted a combination clutch and brake and fluid drive unit 44 that includes two independently rotatable pulleys 45 and 46. Also a drain pump 47 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 48, upon the upper end of which are mounted two pulleys 49 and 50. Further, a motion-translating mechanism 51 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed drive shaft 52, upon the upper end of which there is mounted a pulley 53.
  • the pulley 45 of the unit 44 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt 54 to the pulley 49 that is carried by the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47; and the pulley 59 that is carried by the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 is directly belted by a V-belt 55 to the pulley 53 that is carried by the drive shaft 52 of the motiontranslating mechanism 51.
  • the unit 44 comprises a housing 56 that carries the pulley 46, and the pulley 46 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt 57 to a pulley 58 that is carried by the tub sleeve, not shown, that is supported within the bearing bracket 33 and directly connected to the spin tub 36.
  • the motion-translating mechanism 51 includes a driven shaft, not shown, that is selectively connectible by a clutch mechanism 59 to the agitator shaft, not shown, that is arranged in the tub sleeve mentioned and directly connected to the agitator 37.
  • the upper surface of the housing 56 constitutes a brake surface that cooperates with a brake shoe 60', and further the unit 44 comprises an operating member that is adapted to be selectively governed for clutch control purposes by an associated electro magnet 61.
  • the clutch mechanism 59 is adapted to be selectively governed for clutch control purposes by an associated electromagnet 62.
  • the drain pump 47 is provided with an inlet connection 63 that communicates with the lower portion of the drain tub 22, in a manner more fully explained hereinafter, and an outlet connection 64 that communicates with a check valve 65, the check valve 65 being connected to a discharge conduit 66 that projects through the rear wall of the housing 13 and communicates with drain plumbing, not shown.
  • the bottom wall of the drain tub 22 is provided with a drain opening that communicates with a drain conduit 67 that is connected by a conduit 68 to the inlet connection 63 of the drain pump 47.
  • the drain conduit 67 includes a drain trap 69, arranged in the machinery compartment 26 and consisting essentially of connected lower and upper sections 70 and 71.
  • the lower section 70 is substantially U-shaped; and the upper section 71 is substantially inverted U-shaped.
  • the lower section 70 communicates with the lower end of an upstanding tube 72', and the upper end of the tube 72 carries a casing 73 that is divided by a diaphragm 74 into lower and upper chambers 75 and 76.
  • the lower chamber 75 communicates with the upper end of the tube 72; and the upper chamber 76 communicates with the atmosphere.
  • the casing 73 carries a control switch 77 that is provided with an operating arm 78, that, in turn, is operatively connected to the diaphragm 74; all for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.
  • the machine 10 comprises a water supply system including valve mechanism 79 provided with a hot water inlet conduit 80, a cold water inlet conduit 81, and an outlet conduit 82 that communicates with the spin tub 36.
  • the valve mechanism 79 is of the solenoidcontrolled type including a hot water solenoid 83 and a cold water solenoid 84. It will be understood that the valve mechanism 79 normally closes the inlet conduits 80 and 81, the hot water solenoid 83 being operative to open the hot water inlet conduit 80 and the cold water solenoid 84 being operative to open the cold water inlet conduit 81.
  • a program selector switch 85 that comprises an upstanding rotatably mounted operating shaft 86 carrying six insulating control cams- C1 to C6, inclusivefthat respectively govern six sets of switch springs S1 to S6, inclusive.
  • Theselector switch 85 is arranged in the housing 13 below the backsplash 18 and adjacent to the junction between the rear wall and the right-hand side wall of the housing 13, and further comprises an upstanding control shaft ,87 that' projects through an opening, not shown, provided in the backsplash 18, the upper end of the control shaft 87 carrying a rotary control knob or dial 88, as shown in Fig. 1, the construction of the knob 88 being shown in detail in Fig. 5.
  • control circuit 300 comprises a wash preselect switch 89 and a rinse preselect switch 90 that are arranged adjacent to each other within the housing 13 below the backsplash 18 and adjacent to the junction between the rear wall and the left-hand side wall of the housing 13, the preselect switches 89 and 90 being of the pushbutton type and provided with pushbuttons projecting through corresponding openings, not shown, provided in the backsplash 18, the upper ends of the bushbuttons mentioned also projecting through holes provided in a cover plate 18' carried adjacent to the left-hand side of the backsplash 18, as shown in Fig. l, the construction of the cover plate 91 being shownin detail in Fig. 4.
  • Both the wash preselect switch 89 and the rinse preselect switch 90 are of the illuminated pushbuttontype disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,431,904, granted on December 2, 1947, to John L. Andrews. More particularly the switch 89 comprises three individual interlocked pushbuttons 91, 92 and 93 respectively constituting hot, warm and cold pushbuttons, and three cooperating sets of switch springs S7, S8 and S9.
  • the set of switch springs S7 is normally biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of either the pushbutton 91 or the push button 92; the set of switch springs S8 is normally biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of either the pushbutton 92 or the pushbutton 93; while the set of switch springs S9 is normally biased into its closed position but may be operated into its open position by operation of the pushbutton 93.
  • the switch 90 comprises two individual interlocked pushbuttons 94 and 95 respectively constituting warm and cold pushbuttons and one cooperating set of switch springs S10. In the arrangement the set of switch springs S is biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of the pushbutton 94.
  • control circuit 300 comprises a source of power supply, 1 l5-volts, A. C., single-phase, and a synchronous timer motor 96, that is preferably of the Telechron type; and the timer motor 96 is provided with an operating shaft 97 that is rotated at a constant speed and connected to reduction gearing 98 that is provided with a driven shaft 99.
  • the upper end of the driven shaft 99 and the lower end of the operating shaft 86 are interconnected by a slip clutch 100 arranged therebetween; while the upper end of the operating shaft 86 and the lower end of the control shaft 87 are inter"- connected by a fixture 101 that accommodates rotary movement of the operating shaft86 and both rotary and longitudinal sliding movements of the control shaft 87.
  • the fixture 101 carries a substantially annular disk 102 that cooperates with a master switch 103.
  • the control knob 88 is capable of both rotary and longitudinal (up and down) movements with respect to the backsplash 18; whereby the rotary movement of the control knob 88 is transferred by the fixture 101 to the operating shaft 86, while the longitudinal movement of the control knob 88 causes. the disk 102 selectively to operate the master switch 103. Specifically, when the control knob 88 occupies its downward position, the disk 102 is moved downwardly so that the master switch 103 is operated into its open position;
  • control knob 88 when the control knob 88 occupies its upward position, the disk 102 is moved upwardly so that the master switch 103 is operated in its closed position. Finally, the control disk 88 cooperates with an index pointer 104 carried by the right-hand side of the backsplash 18.
  • the set of switch springs S1 comprises three individual springs providing two pairs of contacts 111 and 112; the set of switch springs S2 comprises three individual springs providing two pairs of contacts 113 and 114; the set of switch springs S3 comprises two individual springs providing a pair of contacts 115; the set of switch springs S4 comprises three individual switch springs providing two pairs of contacts 116 and 117; the set of switch springs S5 comprises three individual switch springs providing two pairs of contacts 118 and 119; and the set of switch springs S6 comprises two individual switch springs providing a pair of contacts 110.
  • the sets of switch springs S1, S2, S4 and S5 are of double-throw type; While the sets of switch springs S3 and S6 are of single-throw type.
  • the agitate solenoid 62 is also provided'with an armature carrying a bridging member 121 that controls right-hand and left-hand pairs of contacts.
  • the source of power comprises two line conductors 126 and 127, the line conductor 126 being connected to one spring of the master switch 103, and the other spring of the master switch 103 being connected to a bus 128.
  • the connection and arrangement of the remainder of the elements of the control circuit 300 will best be understood from a detailed description of the operation of the machine 10 in carrying out an automatic cycle thereof; and in view of the foregoing general description thereof, it will be understood that clothes may be placed within and removed from the spin tub 36 through the opening 19 provided in the top wall 15 when the door 20 occupies its open position.
  • the operating shaft 43 thereof rotates the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 through the drive connection including the belt 54 and the pulleys 45 and 49, whereby the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 rot-ates the drive shaft 52 of the motion-translating mechanism 51 through the drive connection, including the belt 55' and the pulleys 50 and 53.
  • the operating drain pump- 47 pumps to the exterior any water in the drain tub 22 through the drain conduit 67 and the drain trap 69.
  • the accumulation of water in the drain trap 69 creates a pressure in the lower chamber 75 of the casing 73, whereby the diaphragm 74 is operated to eflfect closure of the control switch 77, for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter, the control switch 77 normally occupying its open position.
  • the check valve 65 prevents any water in the discharge conduit 66 from backing into the drain pump 47.
  • the spin tub 36 may be filled with hot water or warm water or cold water, and that upon complete filling of the spin tub 36 water is overfiowed therefrom into the drain tub 22 and thence into the drain conduit 67 toward the drain pump 47.
  • the accumulation of water in the drain trap 69 brings about an increase of pressure in the lower chamber 75 in the casing 73, whereby the diaphragm 74 is operated to actuate the control switch 77 into its closed position.
  • the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior the water from the drain tub 22 and the drain trap 69, whereby the reduction of pressure in the lower chamber 75 in the casing 73 causes the diaphragm 74 to return the control switch 77 back into its normal open position.
  • the agitate solenoid 62 is energized so that the clutch mechanism 59 is operated from its normal declutched position into its clutched position; whereby the oscillatory motion of the driven shaft, not shown, of the motion-translating mechanism 51 is transmitted through the agitator shaft, not shown, to the agitator 37.
  • the spin solenoid 61 is energized so that the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 is operated from its normal declutched position into its clutched position, and so that the brake shoe 60 is moved from its normal position of engagement with the brake surface provided on the upper portion of the casing 56.
  • the casing 56 is gradually accelerated through the fluid drive elements incorporated in the unit 44, whereby the tub sleeve, not shown, is rotated through the drive connection, including the belt 57 and the pulleys 46 and 58.
  • the rotation of the tub sleeve, not shown effects rotation or spinning of the spin tub 36, whereby the water contained therein is centrifugally discharged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22.
  • the water is centrifugally discharged from the spin tub 36 through the holes arranged between the upper edge thereof and the associated balance ring 38; while the water contained in the sediment trap 33, along with any sediment suspended therein, is discharged through the upstanding conduits 41 into the drain tub 22. Accordingly, the water is centrifugally discharged from the spin tub 36, and the flange 39 provided on the balance ring 38 prevents the discharge of the clothes from the spin tub 36.
  • it is only necessary to deenergize the spin solenoid 61 whereby the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 is returned back into its normal declutched position; and the brake shoe 60 is returned back into its braking position with respect to the brake surface provided on the upper portion of the casing 56. Accordingly, the brake shoe 60 dissipates the kinetic energy of the rotating spin tub 36 causing it quickly to assume its nor mal rest position.
  • the interlock mechanism insures that the warm pushbutton 92 and the cold pushbutton 93 are returned into their normal or projected positions.
  • the hot pushbutton 91 or the cold pushbutton 93 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the sets of switch springs S7, S8 and S9 are closed.
  • the cold pushbutton 93 is depressed, the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the set of switch springs S8 is closed and the sets of switch springs S7 and S) are opened.
  • the rinse selector 90 occupies its warm position illustrated in Fig. 3, the warm pushbutton 94 being operated, the set of switch springs S10 is closed.
  • the interlock mechanism not shown,
  • A insures that the cold pushbutton 95 is returned into its normal or projected position.
  • the warm pushbutton 94 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the set of switch springs S10 is opened.
  • control knob 88 rotates the control knob 88 from its off position through its start position into its variable fill and wash position, dependent upon the time interval during which it is desired to wash the clothes, the time interval set by the control knob 88 being indicated by the cooperation thereof with the index pointer 1M.
  • the operator desires a full ten minutes of washing time so that the control knob 88 is operated into the beginning of its fill and Wash positions.
  • the operator then lifts the control knob 88 so that the disk 102 closes the master switch 103 effecting the connection of the line conductor 26 to the bus 128 causing operation of the electrical control elements.
  • the cam C6 When the control knob 88 is rotated into its fill and wash position, the cam C6 operates the set of switch springs S6 to close the contacts Hi), the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to close the contacts 118, the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to close the contacts 117, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 113, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 111.
  • a circuit is completed for energizing the hot water solenoid 83, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 163, the bus 128, the contact 111, the set of switch springs S7, the bus 129, the bridging member 12?. and the right-hand contacts thereof, and the line conductor 1.27.
  • Energization of the hot water solenoid 83 brings about the supply of hot water from the hot water inlet conduit via the valve mechanism 79 and the outlet conduit 32 into the spin tub 36 to effect filling thereof.
  • Closure of the control switch 77 "completes multiple circuits for operatingthe' timer motor 96and'forenergizing-the agitate solenoid 62.
  • the circuit for-operati-ng the timer motor 96 includes the line conducto'r 126, the master switch 103, the bus "128, the contacts 118, the control switch 77, the contacts 117, and the line conductor 127; while thecircuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 includes the line conductor '126, the master switch '103, the bus 128, the
  • the agitate solenoid 62 brings about operation'of the clutch mec'hanism'59 from iits declutched position into its clutched position so that -the agitator 37 is oscillated by the'drive motor 42, in the mannerpreviously explained, initiating-the washing oper- "ation in the spin tub '36.
  • the agitate solenoid '62 actuates the bridging member 121 "to 'open:its right-hand contacts so as to deenergize the hot water solenoid8'3, whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned into its closed position arresting the supply 'o'fhotwater to the spin tub 36. Also upon energization,
  • the operating timer motor 96 drives the operating shaft 86 through the slip clutch 100 at the timed rate-through the fill and wash-position of theselector-switch 85 and ultimately into'the spin position-thereof.
  • the washing operation in the spin tub 36 proceeds by'virt-ue of the energization of the agitate solenoid '62, and timing proceeds by virtue of'operation of the timer motor 96. Also as time proceeds, the drive motor 42 operatingthe drain'purnp 47 effectsthe'discharge to the exterior ofany waterinthe-drain trap 69 so that the control switch 77 is. returned back into its open position.
  • the timer -motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 into its spin position, as noted above, whereby the cam "C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open thecontacts 118 and 'to'close the contacts 119, the cam'C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 117 and to close "the contacts 116, the cam C2 operates 'the set of switch springs S2 to open the contacts 113, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to 'open the contacts 111.
  • Opening of the contacts 118 interrupts the original circuit for operating the timer motor 96, While closure of the contacts 119 completes an alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96, this alternative circuit-includingthe'line conductor 1 26, the master switch 103, the bus 128,'the contacts 119 and the line conductor 127. Opening of the contacts 117 interrupts the previously traced holding circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 so that the clutch 59 is returned back into its declutched position to terminate the operationof the agitator 37 and consequently the washing operation.
  • Closure of the contacts 116 completes a circuit for energizing the spin solenoid 61, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus '128, the contacts 116 and the line conductor 127; whereby the unit 44 is controlled, in the manner previously explained, in order to effect rotation of the-spin tub 36 by 10 the drive motor 42.
  • the spin tub 36 is thus rotated through the fluid drive unit 44, the wash water contained therein is centrifuged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22 and pumped to' the exterior by the drain pump 47, in the manner previously explained.
  • the selector switch 85 is rotated by the timer motor 96 into its spin and spin-rinse position, whereby the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 111.
  • Closure of the contacts 114 completes a direct circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 114, the bridging member 121 and the associated right-hand contacts, and the line conductor 127.
  • the closure of the contacts 111 completes the previously traced circuit, including the set of switch springs S7, for energizing the hot water solenoid 83.
  • both the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized so that the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to'bring about the supply of mixed cold water and hot water, or warm water, into the spin tub 36 during "spinning thereof,
  • the warm water thus introduced into the spin tub 36, subsequent to the discharge therefrom of the wash water, effects a spinning rinse of the clothes contained therein, whereby this rinse water is also cen-tr-ifugally discharged from the spin tub 36 into the drain tub 22 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch '85 into its brake position, whereby the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 116, the cam C2 operates the set of switch spring S2 to open the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to open the contacts 111. Opening of the contacts 116 effects deenergization of the spin solenoid 61 and the consequent operation of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 back into its declutched position and the setting of the brake shoe 60 into its braking position in order that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested in the manner previously explained.
  • Opening of the contacts 114 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, and opening of the contacts 111 effects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned back into its closed position.
  • the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water accumulated in the drain tub 22 in order positively to insure that the control switch 77 is returned back into its normal open position at this time.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch "85 into its fill and power-rinse position, whereby the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open the contacts 119 and to close the contacts 118, the cam C4 opcrates the set of switch springs S4 to close the contacts 117, the cam C3 operates the set of switch springs S3 to close the contacts 115, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 114, and the cam C1 013'- erates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 112.
  • Opening of the contacts 119 interrupts the previously traced alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96, while closure of the contacts 118 prepares the previously traced original circuit for operating the timer motor'9'6", whereby further operation of the timer motor '96 is arrested at this time.
  • Closure of the contacts 117 prepares the previously traced circuits for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 and for operating the timer motor 9'6.via the control switch '77.
  • Closure of the contacts 115 completes 'a direct connection between the line conductor 11 127 and the bus 129.
  • Closure of the contacts 114 completes an alternative direct circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 114, the bus 129, the contacts 115 and the line conductor 127.
  • Closure of the contacts 112 completes an alternative circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 112, the sets of switch springs S9 and S10, the bus 129, the contacts 115 and the line conductor 127.
  • the selector switch 85 remains in its fill and power-rinse position until the spin tub 36 is completely filled with warm water, the energized cold water solenoid 84 and the energized hot water solenoid 83 controlling the valve mechanism 79 to bring about filling of the spin tub 36 with warm water.
  • the spin tub 36 is completely filled with the warm rinse water, it is again overfiowed, whereby the rinse water overflowing into the drain tub 22 and accumulating in the drain trap 69 brings about reoperation of the control switch 77 into its closed position. Closure of the control switch 77 again completes the multiple circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and for energizing the agitate solenoid 62.
  • the agitate solenoid 62 actuates the clutch mechanism 59 into its clutched position so that the agitator 37 is oscillated in order that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are subjected to a deep power-rinsing operation. Also, upon energization, the agitate solenoid 62 opens the contact bridging member 121 with respect to the set of right-hand contacts and closes the bridging member 121 with respect to the left-hand set of contacts.
  • opening of the bridging member 121 with respect to the right-hand set of contacts does not interrupt the circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 by virtue of the closed contacts 115 so that the supply of warm water to the spin tub 62 is continued.
  • Closure of the bridging member 121 with respect to the left-hand set of contacts completes the previously traced multiple holding circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and for energizing the agitate solenoid 62.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 into its final spin position, whereby the cam C4 opcrates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 117 and to close the contacts 116, the cam C3 operates the set of switch springs S3 to open the contacts 115, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to open the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to open the contacts 112.
  • Opening of the con tacts 117 effects the deenergization of the agitate soleonid 62, while closure of the contacts 116 effects energization of the spin solenoid 61; whereby the clutch 59 is restored to its declutched position to arrest operation of the agitator 37 and rotation of the spin tub 36 is initiated through the unit 44. Opening of the contacts 114 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, while opening of the contacts 112 effects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83, whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned into its closed position.
  • the warm rinse water contained in the spin tub 36 is centrifugally discharged therefrom into the drain tub 22; and as time proceeds a considerable amount of the warm rinse water 12 absorbed by the clothes in the spin tub 36 is centrifuged therefrom, the Water being caught in the drain tub 22 and being discharged to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch into its adjacent brake position, whereby the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 116 so as to deenergize the spin solenoid 61 bringing about the declutching of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 and the setting of the brake shoe 6% so that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested.
  • the opcrating drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water that may be accumulated in the drain trap 69 in order to return the control switch 77 back into its normal open position so as to condition the machine 10 for the next washing cycle.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 back into its off position, whereby the cam C6 operates the set of switch springs S6 to open the contacts 110, and the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open the contacts 119. Opening of the contacts 110 arrests operation of the drive motor 42, and opening of the contacts 119 arrests operation of the timer motor 96.
  • the program selector switch 85 is restored back into its off position, and the cycle of the machine 10 is completed; whereby the clothes may be removed from the spin tub 36 through the top opening 19 after the door 20 is moved into its open position.
  • all of the electrical elements of the control circuit 300 occupy their normal restored positions in readiness for the next operating cycle; whereby the operator may subsequently depress the control knob 88 in order to bring about operation of the master switch 103 back into its open position.
  • the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position and the warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector 9t) occupies its depressed position.
  • the operator rotates the control knob 88 to set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiate the automatic cycle.
  • the operated warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the sets of switch springs S7 and S8, while the operated warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector effects closure of the set of switch springs S10.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized in parallel relation by virtue of the closed position of the sets of switch springs S8 and S7 effecting operation of the valve mechanism 79 so that both cold water and hot water are supplied to the spin tub 36 effecting filling thereof with the resulting warm water.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm water.
  • the cold water solenoid 34 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the sets of switch springs S9 and S10, whereby the 13 agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried diit' employing warm water.
  • the hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position
  • the cold push button 95 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed pastries.
  • the operator rotates the control knob 38m set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the ontrol knob 88' so as to initiate the automatic cycle.
  • the' operated hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the set of switch springs S7, while the operated cold pushbutton 95 of the rinseselector 90 effects opening of the set of switch springs S10.
  • the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch jsprin'gs S7 so that only hot water is supplied to the spin the 36.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed posihonor the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spinrin'se bf the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm Water.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2, but the hot solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the'open position of the set of switch springs S10, whereby the agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
  • the clothes in the spin tub 36 are to be washed in warm water and are to be rinsed in cold water, 'whtes' the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position and the cold pushbutton 95 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position.
  • the operator rotates the control Knob 88 to set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiateth'e autoinane cycle.
  • the operated warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the switch springs S7 and S8, while the operated cold p'psh'button 95 of the rinse selector 90 eirects opening or the setof switch springs S10. Accordingly, in the fill "and wash position of the selector switch 85 the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energi-zed in parallel relation by virtue of the closed positions the sets of switch springs S8 and S7, effecting filling of the spin tub 36 with warm water.
  • tliecold water solenoid 84 is energized directly 'by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot Water solenoid 83 is energiz'ed by virtue 'of the closed position of the set of switch "in'gs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm water.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is'energize'd directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of theset of switch springs S2, but the hot water solenoid 83 "is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set “of switch springs S10, whereby the agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin till: 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
  • the rinsing thereof is always ai ried butin cold water, whereby it is necessary only to operate the coldpushbutton 95 of the wash elector 89 into its depressed position, the operated position of the the operator rotates the control knob 88 to set the selectdr' switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiate the automatic cycle.
  • the operated cold pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the set of switch springs S8 and opening ofthe sets of the switch springs S7 and S9. Accordingly, in the fill and wash position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch springs 58, but
  • the hot water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set of-switch springs S7, etfecting filling of the spin tube 36 with cold water.
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of' switch springs S2, but the hot water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virture of the open position of the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only A cold water.
  • knob 88A is rotated into the start and fill position .in
  • the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2, but the hot Water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set of switch springs S9, whereby the agitatedrinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
  • the modified form of the electric control circuit 600- for the machine 18, there illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention comprises the elements '42, 61, 62, 83, 84, '85, 89, and 96, identical to the corresponding elements in the control circuit 3%, previously described.
  • the program selector switch 85 is provided with the control knob or dial 88A of the construction shown in Fig. 7, as well as the upstanding rotatably mounted operating shaft 86 carrying the six insulating control cams C11 to C16, inclusive, that respectively govern the six sets of switch springs Sllto S16, inclusive.
  • the overflow control switch is designated as 377 and includes right-hand and lefthand contacts, while the armature of the agitate solenoid 62 controls a set of switch springs including the contacts 321 and 322; and again, the source of power supply is of ll5-volts, A. C., single-phase.
  • connection and arrangement of the elements incorporated in the control circuit 600 will be best understood from the following description of the operation thereof in an automatic cycle, and for the present purpose, it may be first assumed that the clothes in the -'spin tub 36 are to be washed in hot water and are to be rinsed in warm water, whereby the hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position, and the warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position.
  • the operator rotates the control knob 88A from its off position into its start and fill position or into its fill and wash position depending upon the time interval dur- The-control the event a full time interval of ten minutes of washing time is required,'and is rotatedinto its fill and wash position in the event a shorter time interval of washing time is required, the washing time set being indicated by'the cooperation of the control knob 88A with the associated index pointer 104.
  • the control knob 88A When the control knob 88A is rotated into its 15 Start and fill position, the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to close the contacts 219, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close the contacts 213, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to close the contacts 211.
  • the line conductor 326 is connected to the bus 328, as previously noted, completing a circuit for operating the timer motor 96 and completing a circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83.
  • the circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 219, the bus 330, the left-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; whereby operation of the timer motor 96 is initiated.
  • the circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 211, the set of switch springs S7, the bus 331 the left-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about the admission of hot water into the spin tub 36. Operation of the timer motor 96 rotates the operating shaft 86 through the slip clutch 11111 at the timed rate effecting operation of the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position.
  • the cam C16 When the selector switch 35 is thus rotated into its fill and wash position, the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219 and to close the contacts 211), and the cam C14 operates the set of switch springs S14 to close the contacts 216. Opening of the contacts 219 interrupts the above-traced circuit for operating the timer motor 96, whereby further operation of the selector switch 85 is arrested at this time. Clo-sure of the contacts 210 prepares a point in a circuit traced hereinafter for operating the timer motor 96 in parallel with the drive motor 42, and closure of the contacts 216 prepares a point in a circuit traced hereinafter for energizing the agitate solenoid 62.
  • the circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 216, the bus 331, the righthand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322, and the line conductor 327; whereby the clutch mechanism 59 is operated from its declutched position into its clutched position so that the agitator 37 may be oscillated by operation of the drive motor 42 in the manner previously explained.
  • the circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 210, the bus 331, the right-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; and the circuit for operating the drive motor 42 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the bus 331, the right-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327.
  • the operating timer motor 96 drives the selector switch 85 through its fill and wash position at the timed rate in the manner previously explained; while the operating rive motor 62 eifects operation of the drain pump 47 and oscillation of the agitator 37; whereby the washing operation in the spin tub 36 is initiated.
  • the agitate solenoid 62 operates its armature effecting closure of the contacts 321 and opening of the contacts 322. Closure of the contacts 321 completes a direct connection between the bus 331 and the line conductor 327, by-passing the control switch 377, thereby sustaining operation of the timer motor 96 and the drive motor 42 and energization of the agitate solenoid 62 independent of the position of the control switch 377'. Also operation of the control switch 377 effects opening of the left-hand contacts thereof, as previously noted, thereby interrupting the circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid (53 so as to effect the return of the valve mechanism 79 back into its closed position arresting the supply of hot water to the spin tub 36.
  • the washing operation in the spin tub proceeds by virtue of the energization of the agitate solenoid 62 and timing proceeds by virtue of operation ofthe timer motor Also, as time proceeds, the drive motor 42 operating the drain pump 47 eifects the discharge to the exterior of any water in the drain trap 69 so that the control switch 377 is returned back into its normal position opening its right-hand contacts and closing its left-hand contacts.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch into its spin po sition, whereby the cam C1 5 operates the set of switch springs $14 to open the contacts 216 and to close the contacts 217, the cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to close the contacts 215, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to open the contacts 213, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to open the contacts 211. Opening of the contacts 216 interrupts the circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 so that the clutch 59 is returned back into its declutched position to terminate the operation of the agitator 37 and consequently the washing operation. Closure of the contacts 21"!
  • Closure of the contacts 215 completes a circuit for energizing the spin solenoid 61, this circuit including the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 215, and the line conductor 327. Opening of the contacts 213 interrupts a further point in a circuit traced hereinafter for energizing the cold water solenoid 84; and opening of the contacts 211 opens a further point in the previously traced circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83.
  • Energizaticn of the spin solenoid 61 effects the control of the unit 44, in the manner previously explained, in order to effect rotation of the spin tub 36 by the drive motor 42; whereby the wash water contained therein is centrifuged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
  • the selector switch 85 is rotated by the timer motor 96 into its spin and spin-rinse position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 211) and to close the contacts 219, the cam C15 operates the set of switch springs S15 to close the contacts 218, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close the contacts 214, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to close the contacts 211. Opening of the contacts 210 interrupts the previously traced circuit for operating the timer motor 96 in parallel with the drive motor 42; while closure of the contacts 213 completes an alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96.
  • This alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 219, the bus 330, the contacts 218 and the line conductor 327; whereby further operation of the timer motor 96 is continued.
  • Closure of the contacts 214 completes a direct circuit for energizing the cold Water solenoid 34-, this circuit including the line conductor 326, the master switch 1153, the bus 328, the contacts 214, the bus 330, the contacts 218 and the line conductor 327.
  • the closure of the contacts 211 completes an alternative circuit for. energizing. the hot water. solenoid 83, this cir cuit includinghthe line conductor 326, the.
  • both the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized so that the valve-mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about the supply of mixed cold water and hot water, or warmwater, into thespin tub 36 during spinning thereof.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85' into'its brake position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219 and to' close thecontacts 210,:the cam C operates'the set of switch springs S15 toopenthecontacts 21 8, the cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to open the contacts 215, the cam'C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to open the contacts- 214, and the carn'Cll operates the set of switch springs $11 to open the contacts 211.
  • Opening of thecontacts-215 effects deenergization ofthe spin solenoid 61 and the consequent operation of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44-back into it's'declutchedposition andthe-setting of the brake shoe 60 into its braking. position in order that rotation of the spin tub 3 6 is quickly arrested in the manner previously explained. Opening. of the contacts 214 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, and opening of the contacts 211 eifects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned back into its closed position.
  • Opening of the contacts 219 interrupts a further point in the alternative circuit for operating, the timer motor 96, and closure of the contacts 210 recompletes the previously traced circuit for operating the timer motor96 in parallel with the drive motor 42L
  • Opening of the contacts 218 disconnects the bus 338' from the line con ductor 327'opening further points in the ci'r'cu-itsfor energizing the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83.
  • the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior" any water accumulated in the drain tub 22 in order positively to insure that the control switch 377 isr'etu'rned' back into'its normal position at this time.
  • the timer motor 96' rotates the selector switch 85 'into its fill-rinse position, whereby the 'cam' C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the'contacts 210 and to close the contacts 219-, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close thecontacts 2 14, and the cam C11 operates the setof switch springs S11 to close the contacts'212. Opening of the contacts 210 interrupts the circuit for operating the.
  • This circuit for energizing the hot watersolenoid' 83 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 212, the sets of switch springs S10 and S9, the bus 330, the left-handcontacts ofthe control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor-327. Accordingly, at this time, operation of the timer motor 96 is continued and the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about filling of the spin tub '36 with warm' water.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85' into its overflow-powerrrinse" position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S 16.
  • the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S 16.
  • to open the contacts 219and to close the contacts zioligihe'crm' cit operates the set of switch springs sis to'clos e' the contacts 218, and the cam C14 operates the set or switch s rings'srrw open the contacts 217 and toTclose :the'con ta cts Opening of the contacts 217 iiiterr'upt's" the previously t'raced' circuit for operating the driVemotbr'42, while' closureof the contacts216 pre- 'th'e" i'oufslyf traced circuit for energizing the 'agita't'e"soleno1d"62.
  • the circuit for energiziiig' the; cold water solenoid 84 includes the "'condiictofi'sze; the'niaster switch103, the bus 328, ontaets' 214,Qt Kunststoffh330, the contacts 218 and the ohdilctor 327jwhile'the circuit fof energizing the tier water solenoid 83 includes the line conductor326, the master switch 103',the' bus 328, the' contacts 212, the" sets of switch'springs S10 and S9',' tl;ie bus 330, the conta'cts'218and the line conductor 327; Accordingly, at thistime, operatiodof'the drive riiotor42 and'ope'rationof the timer motor96 are
  • Opening otthcontacts 216 eitects deenergization ofthe a'gitate solenoid 62 so as to arrest-operation'of the agitator 37 in'the spintub' 36; whereas closure of the contacts 217 comple'tes alternative multiple circuitsfor continuingfthe operation of the drive motor 42 and the timer motor 96'.
  • the cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to complete the previously traced circuit for energizing'the spin solenoid 61 in order to erect spinning of the spin tub- 36 inthe manner previously explained.
  • the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs"S12' to open the contacts 214 so as to interrupt a further point inthe' circuitfor energiding the cold water-solenoid 84; and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S1119; open thecontacts 212 so as to-interrupt a further point in the circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid' 83;
  • the warm rinse water contained in the spin tub-'36 is centrifugallydischarged therefrom dnto the drain tub 22; and as time proceeds a considerable amount of the warm rinse water absorbed by the clothes in the spin tub 36 is centrifuged therefrom, the water being caught in the drain tub 22 and being discharged to the' exterior by the drain pump 47.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switchassess? ing about the declutching of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 and the setting of the brake shoe 60 so that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested.
  • the operating drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water that may be accumulated in the drain trap 69 in order to return the control switch 377 back into its normal position so as to condition the machine for the next washing cycle.
  • the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 back into its ofi position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219, and the cam C14 operates the set of switch springs S14 to open the contacts 217. Opening of the contacts 217 arrests operation of the drive motor 42, and opening of the contacts 210 arrests operation of the timer motor 96.
  • the program selector switch 85 is restored back into its off position, and the cycle of the machine 10 is completed; whereby the clothes may be removed from the spin tub 36.
  • all of the electrical elements of the control circuit 600 occupy their normal restored positions in readiness for the next operating cycle; whereby the operator may subsequently depress the control knob 88A in order to bring about operation of the master switch 103 back into its open position.
  • the mode of operation of the machine 10 incorporating the control circuit 600 in order to eiiect washing of the clothes in the other combinations of hot and warm and cold water and final rinsing of the clothes in warm and cold water are not described in the interest of brevity and since these operations are substantially identical to the corresponding operations of the machine 10 incorporating the control circuit 300, as previously described.
  • the spray-rinsing operation with warm water takes place automatically, whereas the agitated rinsing operation may take place selectively with either warm water or cold water depending upon the depressed po sition of the warm pushbutton 94 or the cold pushbutton 95 of the rinse selector 90.
  • the clothes may be selectively washed in hot water or warm water or cold water depending entirely upon the corresponding one of the pushbuttons 91, 92 or 93 of the wash selector 89 that occupies its depressed position. Subsequently in the spray-rinsing operation, the clothes are automatically rinsed with hot water in the event either the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 occupies its operated position, whereas the clothes are automatically rinsed with cold water in theevent the cold pushbutton 93 occupies its depressed position.
  • the clothes are selectively rinsed with warm water or cold water depending upon the one of the pushbuttons 94 or 95 of the linse selector 90 that is depressed provided either the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 is depressed; whereas, this rinsing of the clothes takes place automatically with cold water in the event the cold pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position, and regardless of the positions of the pushbuttons 94 and 95 of the rinse selector 90.
  • a modification of the control circuit 600 is contemplated, wherein the temperature of the water supplied to the spin tub 36 in the agitated rinsing operation is controlled entirely by the pushbuttons 94 and 95 of the rinse selector 90 and entirely independently of the pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89.
  • a strap 340 is connected between the two terminals 341 and 342 in by-passing relation with respect to the set of switch springs S9.
  • the temperature of the wash water is established (hot or warm or cold) entirely by the wash selector 89
  • the temperature of the spray-rinsing water is established (warm or cold) entirely by the wash selector 89
  • the temperature of the agitated rinsing water is established (warm or cold) entirely by the rinse selector whereby it is then possible to establish a warm agitated rinsing operation, notwithstanding an estabighed cold washing operation and consequently an established cold sprayrinsing operation.
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system selectively operative to supply to said tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a washing action and then to a rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;
  • the control circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having hot and warm and cold positions, a manually operable rinse selector having warm and cold positions, first means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply wash water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being selectively governed by operation of said wash selector into its hot or warm or cold positions correspondingly to control operation of said water system to supply hot or warm or cold water for the washing action, and second means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the rinsing action of said mechanism, said second means being governed jointly by operation of said wash selector into either its hot position or its warm position and by operation of said rinse selector
  • wash selector is in the form of a first pushbutton switch provided with individual manually operable hot and warm and cold pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold positions thereof
  • rinse selector is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with individual manually operable warm and cold pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the warm and 'cold positions thereof.
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system arranged to supply water to said tub and "provided with a hot water conduit controlled by a'hot water valve normally biased into its closed positionand a"cold-'Water conduit controlled by, a cold Water valve 'norm'ally' biasedfiinto its closed position, mechanismoperative through"a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a Washing action and then to a rinsingjaction, and a program controller for operating'said .mechanismthrough its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually'op'erable wash selector having hot andwarm -andcoldpositions, :a manually operablerinse selector having warm and cold positions, first andsecondcircuit's for operating said hot water valve into its open position, third and fourth circuits for operating said cold Watervalve into its'open position, means responsive to;operati0n of said'wash selector intotits hot position for preparing said first circuit .and responsive to
  • action of said mechanism for completing the prepared one or both of said first andthird circuits,whereby theiclothes in said tub may be washed selectively'in hot or cold or warm water, and means controlled by said program controller precedingthe rinsing.
  • action of saidmechanism for completing said second circuit in1the event it is'prepared and for completing said fourth circuit, whereby the'cloth'es in' said tub may be rinsed sel'ectivelyin warmflor cold water.
  • a clothes washing machine including a ltub adapted to receive clothes, a water: system selectively operative to supply to said tub'hot and warm and cold water,”mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothesin said tubfirst to a washingaction and then :to a first rinsing action and then to'a secondlrinsing'action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;
  • the control circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having. hot .and warm and cold positions, a manually operable rinse elector having Warm and'cold positions, first means controlled by said program controller for.
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adaptedjto receivecloths, a water vsystem arranged to supply water to said'tub 'andprovided with a hot water conduit controlled-by a hot water valve normallyn biased into itsclosed position and Ya cold'water conduit controlled by'a cold water valve normally biased into its closed position, mechanism operative througha-cycle to subject the clothes in said tub' first to a washingvaction and then to a first rinsingacti'on and then to a second rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;- the control'circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having hotj and warm and cold positions, a manually operable'ri'nse selector" having warm and cold positions, first'and second circuits for operating said hot water valveinto'its' open position, third and fourth circuits for operating'sa'id coldrwat'er valve into its open position,
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system'arranged to supply watertto said tub and provided with a hot water conduit controlled by a hot Water valve normally biased into its closed position and a cold water conduit controlled by a cold Water valve normally biased into its closed position, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a washing action and then to a rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;
  • the control circuit combination comprising a manually presettable water selector having hot and cold positions, a first circuit for operating said hot water valve into its openposition, a second circuit for operating said cold Water valve into its open position, means responsive to the presetting of said water selector into its hot position for preparing said first circuit and responsive to the presetting of said water selector into its cold position for preparing said second circuit, means controlled by said program controller preceding the washing action of said mechanism for completing the one of said first or second circuits prepared by said water selector in its preset hot or cold positions, whereby the
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system selectively operative to supply to said tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject pendently of each other, first means controlled by said program controller for operating said Water system to supply wash Water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its hot position to operate said water system to supply hot water for the washing action and governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its cold position to operate said water system to supply cold water for the washing action,
  • a clothes washing machine including a spin tub mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and adapted to receive clothes, an agitator arranged in said spin tub and mounted for operation, a water system selectively operative to supply to said spin tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle selectively to operate said agitator and selectively to rotate said spin tub, whereby the clothes in said tub are subjected to a cycle including an agitated washing action and then a first spinning rinsing action and then a second agitated rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;
  • the control circuit combination comprising a manually presettable wash selector having hot and cold positions, a manually presettable rinse selector having warm and cold positions, said wash selector and said rinse selector being presettable independently of each other, first means controlled by said'program controller for operating said water system to supply wash Water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being governed by the presetting of said water selector into its hot position
  • a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to'be washed, a water supply system operatively associated with said tub and arranged to deliver thereto hot or warm. or cold water, valve mechanism selectively operative into hot or warm or cold control positions correspondingly to effect the delivery of hot or warm or cold water from said water supply system to said tub, first mechanism operative to subject the clothes in said tub to a washing action, and second mechanism operative to subject the clothes in said tub to a water-extractin'g action;
  • the control circuit combination comprising a first manually operable controller for preselecting one of the control positions of said valve mechanism, a second manually operable controller for preselecting one of the control positions of said valve mechanism, said first and second controllers being selectively operable independently of each other, a program controller operative through a cycle into a wash-water-fill position and then into a wash position and then into a wash-water-extraction position and then into a rinse-water-fill position and then into a rinse position and then into a
  • each of said first and second controllers is in the form of a pushbutton switch provided with a plurality of individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to dverent ones of the control positions of said valve mechanism.
  • said first controller is in the form of a first pushbutton switch pro vided with two individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm positions of said valve mechanism
  • said second controller is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with two individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism.
  • said first controller is in the form of a first pushbutton switch provided with three individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism
  • said second controller is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with two individual pushbuttons respectively correspondingto the warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Description

Nov. 4, 1958 K. CLARK 2,858,687
CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR AUTOMATIC CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES Filed Sept. 20. 1954 4'sheets-sneet' 1- IN V EN TOR.
Q Kendall C'la rk BY Nov,4, 1958' K. CLARK 2,353,687 CO ROL CIRCUITS FOR AUTOMATIC CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES I A Filed Sept. 20. 1954 4 Sh eets-Sheet 2 EIIJEIEIEIEIEID 1. 12 HOT (010 INVENTOR. Kendall @[ar/r.
K. CLARK Nov. 4, 1958 CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR AUTOMATIC CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES Filed Sept. 20.1954
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CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR. AUTOMATIC CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES Kendall Clark, Glen Ellyn, 111., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application- September 20, 1954; Serial No. 457,106 g 14 Claims. or. 68-12) The present invention relates to control circuits for automatic Clothes washing machines; and it is the general object of the invention to provide in a clothes'washing machine of the automatic type, a control circuit incorporating improved facility for selectively setting both the; temperature of the wash water and the temperature of the rinse water employed in the cycle of the machine so as to accommodate the. laundering of a wide variety of fabrics under substantially ideal conditions. I 7
Another object of the invention is. to provide in a clothes washing machine, a control circuit of the character noted, wherein the facility mentioned" essentially comprises a wash selector and a rinse selector, each of the manually settable type, so that the selections may be made in a simple and direct manner prior to initiation of the automatic cycle. of the machine.
Another object of' the invention. is to provide in a clothes washing machine, a control circuit of the character described, wherein the wash selector consists essentially of a pushbutton switch provided with individual hot. and warm and cold pushbuttons' respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold temperature selections of the wash water, and the rinse selector consists essentially of a pushbutton switch provided with individual warm and cold pushbuttons. respectively corresponding, to the'warm and. cold temperature selections of the rinse water.
A further object of the invention is to provide in. a clothes Washing machine. provided with. an. automatic cycle. including a washing, step followed by a. sprayrinsing step and. then by an agitated-rinsing step, anv improved control circuit that incorporates first manually settable. facility for selectively setting the temperature of the water in the washing step, automatic facility selecti'vely governedby the. selectionof. the. temperature. of the water in the washing step for selecting the temperature of' the water in the spray-rinsing. step, andsecond manually settable facility for selecting the temperature of the water in the. agitated-rinsing step;
, A still further object of theinvention is to provide in a clothes: washing. machine of. the. type. noted, an improved control circuit ofthe. character described, whereinthe selection of cold water for the washing step automatically enforces the selection of coldv water for both. the sprayriusing step and'the agitated-rinsing step.
Further features. of the. invention pertain to the par.- ticular arrangement of the elements of the electric control circuit for the clothes washing machine, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features The invention, both as. to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference tov the 2,858,687 Patented Nov, 4, 1958 2- following specification takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view, partly broken away, of an automatic clothes washing machine of the spin-tub type incorporating an electric control circuit embodying the present invention,"
Figure 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a portion of the machine shown in Fig. 1, illustrating the relationship between'the water supply system and the spin tub thereof and the relationship between the casing and the drainsystem thereof;
Fig. 3 is a combination circuit diagram and program schedule'of the electric control circuit incorporated in the clothes washing machine shown in Fig. 1, and embodying the'present invention;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the cover plate for the wash pushbutton switch and the rinse pushbutton switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 3;
Fig.5 is an enlarged plan view of the manually operable control knob .or dial for the program selector switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 6 is a' combination circuit diagram and program schedule of a modified form of the electric control circuit incorporated in. the clothes washing machine shown in Fig. 1, and embodying the present invention; and
Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the manually operable controlknob or dial for the program selector switch incorporated in the electric control circuit of Fig. 6.
Referring now to. Fig. l of the drawings, the clothes washing. machine 10; there illustrated is of the spin-tub type and of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosed in. thecopending application of Kemper M. Hammell and John D. Warhus, Serial No. 196,917, filed November 21,. 1950,. now Patent No. 2,723,737, granted; November 8 15, 1955. More particularly, the machine 10 comprises a substantially rectangular base 11 that is supported upon independently adjustable feet 12 arranged to engage the floor or other supporting surface- A-housing. 13 is removably carried bythe base 11 and. includes rear and side walls defining botha front openingand a top opening; a front wall 14 is removably carried by the front: of the housing 1 3 in order to close the front, opening mentioned; and a topwall 15 'isremovably carried by the top of the housing 13 in order to close. the top. opening mentioned. The lower portions of the rear and side walls of the housing 1'3 join the upper portions of the rear and sides of the base 11; while the lower portion of the front wall 14 joins the upper 1 portion of the front of the base 11 so as to provide a toereceivingv recess. 16' disposed below and rearwardly of the front wall 14 and forwardly of the front of the base 11: The sides of the-front wall- 14- are disposed substantially flush with' the side walls of the housing 13. The sides of the top-'wall .1-5 are disposed substantially flush with the side wallsof the housing 1 3; and the front of the topwall 15 is: disposedsubstantially flush with the upper portion. of the front wall 14. The top wall 15 projects rearwardly from the rear wall of the housing 13 in order to provide. an upstanding space L7 disposed below the of the top wall 15 terminates in an top of the upstanding space 17; and a substantially centrally disposed top opening 19 is provided in the top wall in order to render the interior of the housing 13 accessible from the exterior. A door 20 is provided for the purpose of selectively closing the top opening 19 the rear edge of the door 20 being hinged to the top of the wall 15 and movable toward and away from the backsplash 18 into respective open and closed positions with respect to the top opening 19.
Upstanding supporting structure 21 is arranged in the lower portion of the housing 13 and carried by the base 11; which supporting structure 21 carries an upstanding substantially cylindrical casing or drain tub 22 arranged in the upper portion of the housing 13. The drain tub 22 is provided with an inwardly directed annular marginal throat 23 that terminates in a top opening 24 disposed below the top wall 15; and the top edge of the throat 23 carries a substantially annular sealing gasket 25 surrounding the top opening 24 and engaging the lower surface of the top wall 15 for the purpose of sealing the top opening 24 in the drain tub 22 to the top wall 15, the bottom wall of the drain tub'22 being spaced above the base 11 to define a machinery compartment 26 arranged in the lower portion of the housing 13. The base 11 carries additional supporting structure 27 upon which the principal machinery disposed in the machinery compartment 26 is mounted. Specifically, an upstanding support 28 is pivotally mounted at the lower end thereof upon the structure 27, which upstanding support 28 comprises, among other structure, two vertically spaced-apart plates 29 and 36 arranged substantially centrally in the machinery compartment 26. The plate 30 is operatively connected to the upstanding structure 21 by a plurality of resilient springs 31 and associated. snubber devices 32; whereby the upstanding support 28 is normally centered along a substantially central vertical axis, but is capable of gyratory movement about its pivotal mounting upon the structure 27, The plate 30 carries an upstanding bearing bracket 33 that projects through a substantially centrally disposed opening 34 provided in the bottom wall of the drain tub 22, which bracket 33 is sealed to the portion of the bottom wall of the drain tub 22 surrounding the opening 34 by an arrangement including an upstanding flexible boot 35 formed of rubber, or the like.
An upstanding spin tub 36 is arranged within the drain tub 22 and supported by a tub sleeve, not shown, that is mounted in the bearing bracket 33 for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; and an upstanding agitator 37 is arranged within the spin tub 36 and supported by an agitator shaft, not shown, that is mounted in the tub sleeve for oscillation about the substantially vertical axis mentioned. The spin tub 36 is provided with an upwardly and outwardly flared side wall that terminates in an open top disposed below the top wall 15 and arranged in substantial alignment with the top openings 19 and 24; whereby the interior of the spin tub 36 is readily accessible from the exterior through the top openings 19 and 24 when the associated door 20 occupies its open position. The top rim of the spin tub 36 carries an annular balance ring 38 that is provided with an inwardly directed annular clothes retaining flange 39. Also the bottom wall of the spin tub 36 is provided with an annular sediment trap 40 disposed below the base of the agitator 37, the sediment trap 46 communicating with the interior of the drain tub 22 by an arrangement including two upstanding drain conduits 41 disposed substantially diametrically opposite each other and carried by the spin tub 36.
An electric drive motor 42 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 43, upon the upper end of which there is mounted a combination clutch and brake and fluid drive unit 44 that includes two independently rotatable pulleys 45 and 46. Also a drain pump 47 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 48, upon the upper end of which are mounted two pulleys 49 and 50. Further, a motion-translating mechanism 51 is mounted upon the plate 29 and provided with an upwardly directed drive shaft 52, upon the upper end of which there is mounted a pulley 53.
The pulley 45 of the unit 44 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt 54 to the pulley 49 that is carried by the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47; and the pulley 59 that is carried by the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 is directly belted by a V-belt 55 to the pulley 53 that is carried by the drive shaft 52 of the motiontranslating mechanism 51. The unit 44 comprises a housing 56 that carries the pulley 46, and the pulley 46 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt 57 to a pulley 58 that is carried by the tub sleeve, not shown, that is supported within the bearing bracket 33 and directly connected to the spin tub 36. Moreover, the motion-translating mechanism 51 includes a driven shaft, not shown, that is selectively connectible by a clutch mechanism 59 to the agitator shaft, not shown, that is arranged in the tub sleeve mentioned and directly connected to the agitator 37. Also in the unit 44, the upper surface of the housing 56 constitutes a brake surface that cooperates with a brake shoe 60', and further the unit 44 comprises an operating member that is adapted to be selectively governed for clutch control purposes by an associated electro magnet 61. Further, the clutch mechanism 59 is adapted to be selectively governed for clutch control purposes by an associated electromagnet 62. The drain pump 47 is provided with an inlet connection 63 that communicates with the lower portion of the drain tub 22, in a manner more fully explained hereinafter, and an outlet connection 64 that communicates with a check valve 65, the check valve 65 being connected to a discharge conduit 66 that projects through the rear wall of the housing 13 and communicates with drain plumbing, not shown.
As shown in Fig. 2, the bottom wall of the drain tub 22 is provided with a drain opening that communicates with a drain conduit 67 that is connected by a conduit 68 to the inlet connection 63 of the drain pump 47. The drain conduit 67 includes a drain trap 69, arranged in the machinery compartment 26 and consisting essentially of connected lower and upper sections 70 and 71. The lower section 70 is substantially U-shaped; and the upper section 71 is substantially inverted U-shaped. The lower section 70 communicates with the lower end of an upstanding tube 72', and the upper end of the tube 72 carries a casing 73 that is divided by a diaphragm 74 into lower and upper chambers 75 and 76. The lower chamber 75 communicates with the upper end of the tube 72; and the upper chamber 76 communicates with the atmosphere. Finally, the casing 73 carries a control switch 77 that is provided with an operating arm 78, that, in turn, is operatively connected to the diaphragm 74; all for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.
Further, the machine 10 comprises a water supply system including valve mechanism 79 provided with a hot water inlet conduit 80, a cold water inlet conduit 81, and an outlet conduit 82 that communicates with the spin tub 36. The valve mechanism 79 is of the solenoidcontrolled type including a hot water solenoid 83 and a cold water solenoid 84. It will be understood that the valve mechanism 79 normally closes the inlet conduits 80 and 81, the hot water solenoid 83 being operative to open the hot water inlet conduit 80 and the cold water solenoid 84 being operative to open the cold water inlet conduit 81. Thus when the hot water solenoid 83 is operated alone hot Water is delivered to the outlet conduit 82; and when the cold water solenoid 84 is operated alone, cold water is delivered to the outlet conduit 82. Of course, when both of the solenoids 83 and 84 are operated the hot water and the cold water are mixed and warm water is supplied to the outlet conduit 82.
Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings, the electric control circuit 300 for the machine 10, there illustrated,
and embodying the features of the present invention, comprises, in addition to the hot water solenoid 83, the cold water solenoid 84, the spin electromagnet or solenoid 61, the agitate electromagnet or solenoid 62, the main or drive motor 42 and the control switch 77, a program selector switch 85 that comprises an upstanding rotatably mounted operating shaft 86 carrying six insulating control cams- C1 to C6, inclusivefthat respectively govern six sets of switch springs S1 to S6, inclusive. Theselector switch 85 is arranged in the housing 13 below the backsplash 18 and adjacent to the junction between the rear wall and the right-hand side wall of the housing 13, and further comprises an upstanding control shaft ,87 that' projects through an opening, not shown, provided in the backsplash 18, the upper end of the control shaft 87 carrying a rotary control knob or dial 88, as shown in Fig. 1, the construction of the knob 88 being shown in detail in Fig. 5. Also, the control circuit 300 comprises a wash preselect switch 89 and a rinse preselect switch 90 that are arranged adjacent to each other within the housing 13 below the backsplash 18 and adjacent to the junction between the rear wall and the left-hand side wall of the housing 13, the preselect switches 89 and 90 being of the pushbutton type and provided with pushbuttons projecting through corresponding openings, not shown, provided in the backsplash 18, the upper ends of the bushbuttons mentioned also projecting through holes provided in a cover plate 18' carried adjacent to the left-hand side of the backsplash 18, as shown in Fig. l, the construction of the cover plate 91 being shownin detail in Fig. 4.
Both the wash preselect switch 89 and the rinse preselect switch 90 are of the illuminated pushbuttontype disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,431,904, granted on December 2, 1947, to John L. Andrews. More particularly the switch 89 comprises three individual interlocked pushbuttons 91, 92 and 93 respectively constituting hot, warm and cold pushbuttons, and three cooperating sets of switch springs S7, S8 and S9. In the arrangement, the set of switch springs S7 is normally biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of either the pushbutton 91 or the push button 92; the set of switch springs S8 is normally biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of either the pushbutton 92 or the pushbutton 93; while the set of switch springs S9 is normally biased into its closed position but may be operated into its open position by operation of the pushbutton 93. Moreover, operation of any one of the pushbuttons 91, 92 or 93 effects return of the last operated one of the pushbuttons; whereby any one of the pushbuttons 91, 92 or 93 always occupies its operated position, the hot pushbutton 91 being illustrated in its operated position in Fig. 3. Similarly, the switch 90 comprises two individual interlocked pushbuttons 94 and 95 respectively constituting warm and cold pushbuttons and one cooperating set of switch springs S10. In the arrangement the set of switch springs S is biased into its open position but may be operated into its closed position by operation of the pushbutton 94. Moreover, operation of either of the pushbuttons 94 or 95 effects return of the other one of the pushbuttons; whereby one of the pushbuttons 94 or 95 always occupies its-operated position, the warm pushbutton 94 being illustrated in its operated position in Fig. 3.
Also, the control circuit 300 comprises a source of power supply, 1 l5-volts, A. C., single-phase, and a synchronous timer motor 96, that is preferably of the Telechron type; and the timer motor 96 is provided with an operating shaft 97 that is rotated at a constant speed and connected to reduction gearing 98 that is provided with a driven shaft 99. The upper end of the driven shaft 99 and the lower end of the operating shaft 86 are interconnected by a slip clutch 100 arranged therebetween; while the upper end of the operating shaft 86 and the lower end of the control shaft 87 are inter"- connected by a fixture 101 that accommodates rotary movement of the operating shaft86 and both rotary and longitudinal sliding movements of the control shaft 87. Also, the fixture 101 carries a substantially annular disk 102 that cooperates with a master switch 103. More particularly, the control knob 88 is capable of both rotary and longitudinal (up and down) movements with respect to the backsplash 18; whereby the rotary movement of the control knob 88 is transferred by the fixture 101 to the operating shaft 86, while the longitudinal movement of the control knob 88 causes. the disk 102 selectively to operate the master switch 103. Specifically, when the control knob 88 occupies its downward position, the disk 102 is moved downwardly so that the master switch 103 is operated into its open position;
and when the control knob 88 occupies its upward position, the disk 102 is moved upwardly so that the master switch 103 is operated in its closed position. Finally, the control disk 88 cooperates with an index pointer 104 carried by the right-hand side of the backsplash 18.
The set of switch springs S1 comprises three individual springs providing two pairs of contacts 111 and 112; the set of switch springs S2 comprises three individual springs providing two pairs of contacts 113 and 114; the set of switch springs S3 comprises two individual springs providing a pair of contacts 115; the set of switch springs S4 comprises three individual switch springs providing two pairs of contacts 116 and 117; the set of switch springs S5 comprises three individual switch springs providing two pairs of contacts 118 and 119; and the set of switch springs S6 comprises two individual switch springs providing a pair of contacts 110. Thus the sets of switch springs S1, S2, S4 and S5 are of double-throw type; While the sets of switch springs S3 and S6 are of single-throw type. The agitate solenoid 62 is also provided'with an armature carrying a bridging member 121 that controls right-hand and left-hand pairs of contacts.
In the circuit arrangement 300, the source of power comprises two line conductors 126 and 127, the line conductor 126 being connected to one spring of the master switch 103, and the other spring of the master switch 103 being connected to a bus 128. The connection and arrangement of the remainder of the elements of the control circuit 300 will best be understood from a detailed description of the operation of the machine 10 in carrying out an automatic cycle thereof; and in view of the foregoing general description thereof, it will be understood that clothes may be placed within and removed from the spin tub 36 through the opening 19 provided in the top wall 15 when the door 20 occupies its open position. Now when operation of the drive motor 42 is initiated, the operating shaft 43 thereof rotates the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 through the drive connection including the belt 54 and the pulleys 45 and 49, whereby the operating shaft 48 of the drain pump 47 rot-ates the drive shaft 52 of the motion-translating mechanism 51 through the drive connection, including the belt 55' and the pulleys 50 and 53. The operating drain pump- 47 pumps to the exterior any water in the drain tub 22 through the drain conduit 67 and the drain trap 69. At this point, it is noted that the accumulation of water in the drain trap 69 creates a pressure in the lower chamber 75 of the casing 73, whereby the diaphragm 74 is operated to eflfect closure of the control switch 77, for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter, the control switch 77 normally occupying its open position. In the arrangement, the check valve 65 prevents any water in the discharge conduit 66 from backing into the drain pump 47. When the drive shaft 52 of the motion-translating mechanism 51 is thus rotated, the driven shaft thereof, not shown, extending to the clutch mechanism 59 is oscillated; however, the agitator 37 is not oscillated casing 56 of the unit 44 to be rotated upon operation of the clutch mechanism incorporated therein; however, the casing 56 of the unit 44 is not normally rotated, since the clutch mentioned normally occupies its declutched position; and also the brake shoe 60 normally engages the brake surface provided on the casing 56. At this time, it will be understood that by appropriate control of the hot solenoid 83 and the cold solenoid 84 the spin tub 36 may be filled with hot water or warm water or cold water, and that upon complete filling of the spin tub 36 water is overfiowed therefrom into the drain tub 22 and thence into the drain conduit 67 toward the drain pump 47. The accumulation of water in the drain trap 69 brings about an increase of pressure in the lower chamber 75 in the casing 73, whereby the diaphragm 74 is operated to actuate the control switch 77 into its closed position. Subsequently, after the supply of water to the spin tub 36 is arrested, the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior the water from the drain tub 22 and the drain trap 69, whereby the reduction of pressure in the lower chamber 75 in the casing 73 causes the diaphragm 74 to return the control switch 77 back into its normal open position.
In order to initiate the washing operation in the machine 10, the agitate solenoid 62 is energized so that the clutch mechanism 59 is operated from its normal declutched position into its clutched position; whereby the oscillatory motion of the driven shaft, not shown, of the motion-translating mechanism 51 is transmitted through the agitator shaft, not shown, to the agitator 37. In order to arrest the washing operation, it is only necessary to deenergize the agitate solenoid 62, since the clutch mechanism 59 is normally biased into its declutched position. In order to initiate a water extracting operation in the machine 10, the spin solenoid 61 is energized so that the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 is operated from its normal declutched position into its clutched position, and so that the brake shoe 60 is moved from its normal position of engagement with the brake surface provided on the upper portion of the casing 56. At this time, the casing 56 is gradually accelerated through the fluid drive elements incorporated in the unit 44, whereby the tub sleeve, not shown, is rotated through the drive connection, including the belt 57 and the pulleys 46 and 58. The rotation of the tub sleeve, not shown, effects rotation or spinning of the spin tub 36, whereby the water contained therein is centrifugally discharged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22. portion of the water is centrifugally discharged from the spin tub 36 through the holes arranged between the upper edge thereof and the associated balance ring 38; while the water contained in the sediment trap 33, along with any sediment suspended therein, is discharged through the upstanding conduits 41 into the drain tub 22. Accordingly, the water is centrifugally discharged from the spin tub 36, and the flange 39 provided on the balance ring 38 prevents the discharge of the clothes from the spin tub 36. In order to arrest the water extracting operation, it is only necessary to deenergize the spin solenoid 61, whereby the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 is returned back into its normal declutched position; and the brake shoe 60 is returned back into its braking position with respect to the brake surface provided on the upper portion of the casing 56. Accordingly, the brake shoe 60 dissipates the kinetic energy of the rotating spin tub 36 causing it quickly to assume its nor mal rest position.
Considering now the cycle of operation of the machine 10, with reference to the control circuit 300 shown in Fig. 3, after the operator places the clothes in the spin tub 36, along with the required detergent, she determines Whether the clothes should be washed in hot or warm or cold water and appropriately operates the wash selector In passing, it is noted that the principal 89, and determines whether the clothes should be rinsed in warm or cold water and appropriately operates the rinse selector 90. When the wash selector 89 occupies its hot position illustrated in Fig. 3, the hot pushbutton 91 being operated, the set of switch springs S7 is engaged, the set of switch springs S3 is disengaged and the set of switch springs S9 is engaged. Also when the hot pushbutton 91 is operated or depressed, the interlock mechanism, not shown, insures that the warm pushbutton 92 and the cold pushbutton 93 are returned into their normal or projected positions. When the warm pushbutton 92 is depressed, the hot pushbutton 91 or the cold pushbutton 93 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the sets of switch springs S7, S8 and S9 are closed. When the cold pushbutton 93 is depressed, the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the set of switch springs S8 is closed and the sets of switch springs S7 and S) are opened. Similarly, when the rinse selector 90 occupies its warm position illustrated in Fig. 3, the warm pushbutton 94 being operated, the set of switch springs S10 is closed. Also, when the warm pushbutton is operated or depressed, the interlock mechanism, not shown,
A insures that the cold pushbutton 95 is returned into its normal or projected position. When the cold pushbutton 95 is depressed, the warm pushbutton 94 is returned into its projected position; and at this time, the set of switch springs S10 is opened.
For the purpose of the present description, it will be first assumed that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are to be washed in hot water and are to be rinsed in warm water, whereby the hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position and the warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position.
The operator then rotates the control knob 88 from its off position through its start position into its variable fill and wash position, dependent upon the time interval during which it is desired to wash the clothes, the time interval set by the control knob 88 being indicated by the cooperation thereof with the index pointer 1M. For the purpose of the present description, it may be assumed that the operator desires a full ten minutes of washing time so that the control knob 88 is operated into the beginning of its fill and Wash positions. The operator then lifts the control knob 88 so that the disk 102 closes the master switch 103 effecting the connection of the line conductor 26 to the bus 128 causing operation of the electrical control elements. When the control knob 88 is rotated into its fill and wash position, the cam C6 operates the set of switch springs S6 to close the contacts Hi), the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to close the contacts 118, the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to close the contacts 117, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 113, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 111. When the control knob 88 is then lifted, the line conductor 126 is connected to the bus 128, as previously noted, completing a circuit for operating the drive motor 42, whereby operation of the drain pump 47 is initiated so that any small residual water contained in the drain trap 69 is pumped to the exterior in order to insure that the control switch 77 occupies its normal open position at this time.
Also, a circuit is completed for energizing the hot water solenoid 83, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 163, the bus 128, the contact 111, the set of switch springs S7, the bus 129, the bridging member 12?. and the right-hand contacts thereof, and the line conductor 1.27. Energization of the hot water solenoid 83 brings about the supply of hot water from the hot water inlet conduit via the valve mechanism 79 and the outlet conduit 32 into the spin tub 36 to effect filling thereof. At this time, the timer motor 96 is not operated, whereby the program selector switch remains stationary in its fill and wash position 9 without reference to time and until operation of the timer 'motor 96 is initiated under the control of the control switch 77; which arrangement renders the filling of the spin'tub L36 'independentof the water pressure in the water- ='supp'ly' system. More particularly, when the spin tub '36 'is-comple'tely full of hot water, the water overflows therefrom into the drain tub 2'2 and thence into the drain conduit 67 and the drain trap 69, wherebythe accumulation of'water'in the'drain-trap 69 effects operation-of the control switch 77 into its'closed position, in the manner previously explained. Closure of the control switch 77 "completes multiple circuits for operatingthe' timer motor 96and'forenergizing-the agitate solenoid 62. "The circuit for-operati-ng the timer motor 96 includes the line conducto'r 126, the master switch 103, the bus "128, the contacts 118, the control switch 77, the contacts 117, and the line conductor 127; while thecircuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 includes the line conductor '126, the master switch '103, the bus 128, the
control switch 77, the'contacts 117 and the lineconductor 127. Upon energization, the agitate solenoid 62 brings about operation'of the clutch mec'hanism'59 from iits declutched position into its clutched position so that -the agitator 37 is oscillated by the'drive motor 42, in the mannerpreviously explained, initiating-the washing oper- "ation in the spin tub '36. Also upon energization, the agitate solenoid '62 actuates the bridging member 121 "to 'open:its right-hand contacts so as to deenergize the hot water solenoid8'3, whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned into its closed position arresting the supply 'o'fhotwater to the spin tub 36. Also upon energization,
' the agitate solenoid 62 actuates the bridging member 121 to close its left-hand contacts thereby to complete a. ho lding circuit in multiple 'to the control switch '77 in the circuits for operating the agitate solenoid 62 and the "timer motor 96 so as to insure operation thereof subsequent to operation of the control switch 77 back into its -'open=position. The operating timer motor 96drives the operating shaft 86 through the slip clutch 100 at the timed rate-through the fill and wash-position of theselector-switch 85 and ultimately into'the spin position-thereof. At this time, the washing operation in the spin tub 36 proceeds by'virt-ue of the energization of the agitate solenoid '62, and timing proceeds by virtue of'operation of the timer motor 96. Also as time proceeds, the drive motor 42 operatingthe drain'purnp 47 effectsthe'discharge to the exterior ofany waterinthe-drain trap 69 so that the control switch 77 is. returned back into its open position.
At the expiration of the set washing time, the timer -motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 into its spin position, as noted above, whereby the cam "C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open thecontacts 118 and 'to'close the contacts 119, the cam'C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 117 and to close "the contacts 116, the cam C2 operates 'the set of switch springs S2 to open the contacts 113, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to 'open the contacts 111. Opening of the contacts 118 interrupts the original circuit for operating the timer motor 96, While closure of the contacts 119 completes an alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96, this alternative circuit-includingthe'line conductor 1 26, the master switch 103, the bus 128,'the contacts 119 and the line conductor 127. Opening of the contacts 117 interrupts the previously traced holding circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 so that the clutch 59 is returned back into its declutched position to terminate the operationof the agitator 37 and consequently the washing operation. Closure of the contacts 116 completes a circuit for energizing the spin solenoid 61, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus '128, the contacts 116 and the line conductor 127; whereby the unit 44 is controlled, in the manner previously explained, in order to effect rotation of the-spin tub 36 by 10 the drive motor 42. When the spin tub 36 is thus rotated through the fluid drive unit 44, the wash water contained therein is centrifuged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22 and pumped to' the exterior by the drain pump 47, in the manner previously explained. When the contacts 113 are thus opened, a further point in a circuit traced hereinafter for energizing the cold water solenoid 84 is interrupted; and when the contacts 111 are thus opened, a further point in the previously traced circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83 is interrupted.
Next, the selector switch 85 is rotated by the timer motor 96 into its spin and spin-rinse position, whereby the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 111. Closure of the contacts 114 completes a direct circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 114, the bridging member 121 and the associated right-hand contacts, and the line conductor 127. The closure of the contacts 111 completes the previously traced circuit, including the set of switch springs S7, for energizing the hot water solenoid 83. Accordingly, at this time, both the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized so that the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to'bring about the supply of mixed cold water and hot water, or warm water, into the spin tub 36 during "spinning thereof, The warm water thus introduced into the spin tub 36, subsequent to the discharge therefrom of the wash water, effects a spinning rinse of the clothes contained therein, whereby this rinse water is also cen-tr-ifugally discharged from the spin tub 36 into the drain tub 22 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch '85 into its brake position, whereby the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 116, the cam C2 operates the set of switch spring S2 to open the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to open the contacts 111. Opening of the contacts 116 effects deenergization of the spin solenoid 61 and the consequent operation of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 back into its declutched position and the setting of the brake shoe 60 into its braking position in order that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested in the manner previously explained. Opening of the contacts 114 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, and opening of the contacts 111 effects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned back into its closed position. In the brake position of the selector switch 85, the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water accumulated in the drain tub 22 in order positively to insure that the control switch 77 is returned back into its normal open position at this time.
Next, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch "85 into its fill and power-rinse position, whereby the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open the contacts 119 and to close the contacts 118, the cam C4 opcrates the set of switch springs S4 to close the contacts 117, the cam C3 operates the set of switch springs S3 to close the contacts 115, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to close the contacts 114, and the cam C1 013'- erates the set of switch springs S1 to close the contacts 112. Opening of the contacts 119 interrupts the previously traced alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96, while closure of the contacts 118 prepares the previously traced original circuit for operating the timer motor'9'6", whereby further operation of the timer motor '96 is arrested at this time. Closure of the contacts 117 prepares the previously traced circuits for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 and for operating the timer motor 9'6.via the control switch '77. Closure of the contacts 115 completes 'a direct connection between the line conductor 11 127 and the bus 129. Closure of the contacts 114 completes an alternative direct circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 114, the bus 129, the contacts 115 and the line conductor 127. Closure of the contacts 112 completes an alternative circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83, this circuit including the line conductor 126, the master switch 103, the bus 128, the contacts 112, the sets of switch springs S9 and S10, the bus 129, the contacts 115 and the line conductor 127. At this time, the selector switch 85 remains in its fill and power-rinse position until the spin tub 36 is completely filled with warm water, the energized cold water solenoid 84 and the energized hot water solenoid 83 controlling the valve mechanism 79 to bring about filling of the spin tub 36 with warm water. When the spin tub 36 is completely filled with the warm rinse water, it is again overfiowed, whereby the rinse water overflowing into the drain tub 22 and accumulating in the drain trap 69 brings about reoperation of the control switch 77 into its closed position. Closure of the control switch 77 again completes the multiple circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and for energizing the agitate solenoid 62. Upon energization, the agitate solenoid 62 actuates the clutch mechanism 59 into its clutched position so that the agitator 37 is oscillated in order that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are subjected to a deep power-rinsing operation. Also, upon energization, the agitate solenoid 62 opens the contact bridging member 121 with respect to the set of right-hand contacts and closes the bridging member 121 with respect to the left-hand set of contacts. At this time, opening of the bridging member 121 with respect to the right-hand set of contacts does not interrupt the circuit for energizing the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 by virtue of the closed contacts 115 so that the supply of warm water to the spin tub 62 is continued. Closure of the bridging member 121 with respect to the left-hand set of contacts completes the previously traced multiple holding circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and for energizing the agitate solenoid 62.
The power-rinse continues; and subsequently the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 into its overflow power-rinse position; whereby the cam C operates the of switch springs S5 so as to open the contacts 118 and to close the contacts 119. Opening of the contacts 118 interrupts the original circuit for operating the timer motor 96, while closure of the contacts 119 completes the alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96. Accordingly, during the overflow power-rinse position of the selector switch 85 warm water is supplied to the spin tub 36 and the agitator 37 is operated, the warm water overflowing into the drain tub 22 being pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 into its final spin position, whereby the cam C4 opcrates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 117 and to close the contacts 116, the cam C3 operates the set of switch springs S3 to open the contacts 115, the cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 to open the contacts 114, and the cam C1 operates the set of switch springs S1 to open the contacts 112. Opening of the con tacts 117 effects the deenergization of the agitate soleonid 62, while closure of the contacts 116 effects energization of the spin solenoid 61; whereby the clutch 59 is restored to its declutched position to arrest operation of the agitator 37 and rotation of the spin tub 36 is initiated through the unit 44. Opening of the contacts 114 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, while opening of the contacts 112 effects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83, whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned into its closed position. At this time, the warm rinse water contained in the spin tub 36 is centrifugally discharged therefrom into the drain tub 22; and as time proceeds a considerable amount of the warm rinse water 12 absorbed by the clothes in the spin tub 36 is centrifuged therefrom, the Water being caught in the drain tub 22 and being discharged to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch into its adjacent brake position, whereby the cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 to open the contacts 116 so as to deenergize the spin solenoid 61 bringing about the declutching of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 and the setting of the brake shoe 6% so that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested. in the brake position of the selector switch 85, the opcrating drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water that may be accumulated in the drain trap 69 in order to return the control switch 77 back into its normal open position so as to condition the machine 10 for the next washing cycle.
Finally, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 back into its off position, whereby the cam C6 operates the set of switch springs S6 to open the contacts 110, and the cam C5 operates the set of switch springs S5 to open the contacts 119. Opening of the contacts 110 arrests operation of the drive motor 42, and opening of the contacts 119 arrests operation of the timer motor 96. At this time, the program selector switch 85 is restored back into its off position, and the cycle of the machine 10 is completed; whereby the clothes may be removed from the spin tub 36 through the top opening 19 after the door 20 is moved into its open position. Furthermore, at this time, all of the electrical elements of the control circuit 300 occupy their normal restored positions in readiness for the next operating cycle; whereby the operator may subsequently depress the control knob 88 in order to bring about operation of the master switch 103 back into its open position.
In the machine 10, the construction and arrangement of the combination clutch and brake and fluid drive unit 44 have not been disclosed in detail, since the unit 44 is disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned Hammell and Warhus application and the mode of operation thereof may be readily understood from the foregoing general description.
Now assuming that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are to be washed in warm water and are to be rinsed in warm water, whereby the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position and the warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector 9t) occupies its depressed position. Again, the operator rotates the control knob 88 to set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiate the automatic cycle. In this example, the operated warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the sets of switch springs S7 and S8, while the operated warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector effects closure of the set of switch springs S10. Accordingly, in the fill and wash position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized in parallel relation by virtue of the closed position of the sets of switch springs S8 and S7 effecting operation of the valve mechanism 79 so that both cold water and hot water are supplied to the spin tub 36 effecting filling thereof with the resulting warm water. Subsequently, in the spin and spin-rinse position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm water. Ultimately in the fill and power-rinse position of the selector switch 85 the cold water solenoid 34 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the sets of switch springs S9 and S10, whereby the 13 agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried diit' employing warm water.
New assuming that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are to be washed in hot water and are to be rinsed in cold water, whereby the hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position, and the cold push button 95 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed pastries. Again, the operator rotates the control knob 38m set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the ontrol knob 88' so as to initiate the automatic cycle. in this example, the' operated hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the set of switch springs S7, while the operated cold pushbutton 95 of the rinseselector 90 effects opening of the set of switch springs S10. Accordingly, in thefill and wash position of the selector switch 85 only the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch jsprin'gs S7 so that only hot water is supplied to the spin the 36. Subsequently in the spin and spin-rinse position at the selector switch 85 the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot water solenoid 83 is energized by virtue of the closed posihonor the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spinrin'se bf the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm Water. Ultimately, in the fill and powerri'nse position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2, but the hot solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the'open position of the set of switch springs S10, whereby the agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
Now assuming that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are to be washed in warm water and are to be rinsed in cold water, 'whtes' the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position and the cold pushbutton 95 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position. Again, the operator rotates the control Knob 88 to set the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiateth'e autoinane cycle. In this example, the operated warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the switch springs S7 and S8, while the operated cold p'psh'button 95 of the rinse selector 90 eirects opening or the setof switch springs S10. Accordingly, in the fill "and wash position of the selector switch 85 the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energi-zed in parallel relation by virtue of the closed positions the sets of switch springs S8 and S7, effecting filling of the spin tub 36 with warm water. Subsequently, in spin and spin-rinse position of the selector switch 85, tliecold water solenoid 84 is energized directly 'by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2 and the hot Water solenoid 83 is energiz'ed by virtue 'of the closed position of the set of switch "in'gs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing warm water. Ultimately, 'in the fill and power-rinse position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is'energize'd directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of theset of switch springs S2, but the hot water solenoid 83 "is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set "of switch springs S10, whereby the agitated rinse of the clothes in the spin till: 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
'Now' assuming that the clothes in the spin tub 36 are "to b'e washed in cold water, the rinsing thereof is always ai ried butin cold water, whereby it is necessary only to operate the coldpushbutton 95 of the wash elector 89 into its depressed position, the operated position of the the operator rotates the control knob 88 to set the selectdr' switch 85 into its fill and wash position establishing the desired washing time, and then lifts the control knob 88 so as to initiate the automatic cycle. In this example, the operated cold pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89 effects closure of the set of switch springs S8 and opening ofthe sets of the switch springs S7 and S9. Accordingly, in the fill and wash position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is energized by virtue of the closed position of the set of switch springs 58, but
' the hot water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set of-switch springs S7, etfecting filling of the spin tube 36 with cold water. Subsequently, in the spin and spin-rinse position of the selector switch 85, the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of' switch springs S2, but the hot water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virture of the open position of the set of switch springs S7, whereby the spin-rinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only A cold water. Ultimately in the fill and power-rinse position ing which it is desired to wash the clothes. knob 88A is rotated into the start and fill position .in
of the selector switch the cold water solenoid 84 is energized directly by virtue of the closed position of the contacts 114 of the set of switch springs S2, but the hot Water solenoid 83 is deenergized by virtue of the open position of the set of switch springs S9, whereby the agitatedrinse of the clothes in the spin tub 36 is carried out employing only cold water.
Referring now to Fig. 6 of the drawings, the modified form of the electric control circuit 600- for the machine 18, there illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention, comprises the elements '42, 61, 62, 83, 84, '85, 89, and 96, identical to the corresponding elements in the control circuit 3%, previously described. In the control circuit 600, the program selector switch 85 is provided with the control knob or dial 88A of the construction shown in Fig. 7, as well as the upstanding rotatably mounted operating shaft 86 carrying the six insulating control cams C11 to C16, inclusive, that respectively govern the six sets of switch springs Sllto S16, inclusive. Also, in this arrangement, the overflow control switch is designated as 377 and includes right-hand and lefthand contacts, while the armature of the agitate solenoid 62 controls a set of switch springs including the contacts 321 and 322; and again, the source of power supply is of ll5-volts, A. C., single-phase.
The connection and arrangement of the elements incorporated in the control circuit 600 will be best understood from the following description of the operation thereof in an automatic cycle, and for the present purpose, it may be first assumed that the clothes in the -'spin tub 36 are to be washed in hot water and are to be rinsed in warm water, whereby the hot pushbutton 91 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position, and the warm pushbutton 94 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position. Again assuming that the clothes and the required detergent have been placed in the spin tub 36, the operator rotates the control knob 88A from its off position into its start and fill position or into its fill and wash position depending upon the time interval dur- The-control the event a full time interval of ten minutes of washing time is required,'and is rotatedinto its fill and wash position in the event a shorter time interval of washing time is required, the washing time set being indicated by'the cooperation of the control knob 88A with the associated index pointer 104. For the purpose of the present description, it may be assumed that the operator-desires a full ten minutes of washing time so that the control knob 88A is rotated into its start and fill position and is then lifted 'so'that the disk 102 closes the master'switch 103 'ments. When the control knob 88A is rotated into its 15 Start and fill position, the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to close the contacts 219, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close the contacts 213, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to close the contacts 211. When the control knob 88A is then lifted, the line conductor 326 is connected to the bus 328, as previously noted, completing a circuit for operating the timer motor 96 and completing a circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83. The circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 219, the bus 330, the left-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; whereby operation of the timer motor 96 is initiated. The circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 211, the set of switch springs S7, the bus 331 the left-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about the admission of hot water into the spin tub 36. Operation of the timer motor 96 rotates the operating shaft 86 through the slip clutch 11111 at the timed rate effecting operation of the selector switch 85 into its fill and wash position.
When the selector switch 35 is thus rotated into its fill and wash position, the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219 and to close the contacts 211), and the cam C14 operates the set of switch springs S14 to close the contacts 216. Opening of the contacts 219 interrupts the above-traced circuit for operating the timer motor 96, whereby further operation of the selector switch 85 is arrested at this time. Clo-sure of the contacts 210 prepares a point in a circuit traced hereinafter for operating the timer motor 96 in parallel with the drive motor 42, and closure of the contacts 216 prepares a point in a circuit traced hereinafter for energizing the agitate solenoid 62. At this time, filling of the spin tub 36 continues, and subsequently the water is overflowed therefrom into the drain tub 22 and thence into the drain conduit 67 and the drain trap 69', whereby the control switch 3'77 is operated in the manner previously explained opening the left-hand contacts thereof and closing the right-hand contacts thereof. Closure of the right-hand contacts of the control switch 377 completes the previously mentioned circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 as well as the previously mentioned circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and the drive motor 42. The circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 216, the bus 331, the righthand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322, and the line conductor 327; whereby the clutch mechanism 59 is operated from its declutched position into its clutched position so that the agitator 37 may be oscillated by operation of the drive motor 42 in the manner previously explained. The circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 210, the bus 331, the right-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327; and the circuit for operating the drive motor 42 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the bus 331, the right-hand contacts of the control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor 327. The operating timer motor 96 drives the selector switch 85 through its fill and wash position at the timed rate in the manner previously explained; while the operating rive motor 62 eifects operation of the drain pump 47 and oscillation of the agitator 37; whereby the washing operation in the spin tub 36 is initiated.
Also, upon energization, the agitate solenoid 62 operates its armature effecting closure of the contacts 321 and opening of the contacts 322. Closure of the contacts 321 completes a direct connection between the bus 331 and the line conductor 327, by-passing the control switch 377, thereby sustaining operation of the timer motor 96 and the drive motor 42 and energization of the agitate solenoid 62 independent of the position of the control switch 377'. Also operation of the control switch 377 effects opening of the left-hand contacts thereof, as previously noted, thereby interrupting the circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid (53 so as to effect the return of the valve mechanism 79 back into its closed position arresting the supply of hot water to the spin tub 36.
At this time, the washing operation in the spin tub proceeds by virtue of the energization of the agitate solenoid 62 and timing proceeds by virtue of operation ofthe timer motor Also, as time proceeds, the drive motor 42 operating the drain pump 47 eifects the discharge to the exterior of any water in the drain trap 69 so that the control switch 377 is returned back into its normal position opening its right-hand contacts and closing its left-hand contacts.
At the expiration of the set washing time, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch into its spin po sition, whereby the cam C1 5 operates the set of switch springs $14 to open the contacts 216 and to close the contacts 217, the cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to close the contacts 215, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to open the contacts 213, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to open the contacts 211. Opening of the contacts 216 interrupts the circuit for energizing the agitate solenoid 62 so that the clutch 59 is returned back into its declutched position to terminate the operation of the agitator 37 and consequently the washing operation. Closure of the contacts 21"! completes multiple circuits for operating the timer motor 96 and the drive motor 42, the contacts 217 connecting the bus 331 directly to the line conductor 327. Closure of the contacts 215 completes a circuit for energizing the spin solenoid 61, this circuit including the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 215, and the line conductor 327. Opening of the contacts 213 interrupts a further point in a circuit traced hereinafter for energizing the cold water solenoid 84; and opening of the contacts 211 opens a further point in the previously traced circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid 83. Energizaticn of the spin solenoid 61 effects the control of the unit 44, in the manner previously explained, in order to effect rotation of the spin tub 36 by the drive motor 42; whereby the wash water contained therein is centrifuged therefrom and caught in the drain tub 22 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the selector switch 85 is rotated by the timer motor 96 into its spin and spin-rinse position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 211) and to close the contacts 219, the cam C15 operates the set of switch springs S15 to close the contacts 218, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close the contacts 214, and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S11 to close the contacts 211. Opening of the contacts 210 interrupts the previously traced circuit for operating the timer motor 96 in parallel with the drive motor 42; while closure of the contacts 213 completes an alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96. This alternative circuit for operating the timer motor 96 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 219, the bus 330, the contacts 218 and the line conductor 327; whereby further operation of the timer motor 96 is continued. Closure of the contacts 214 completes a direct circuit for energizing the cold Water solenoid 34-, this circuit including the line conductor 326, the master switch 1153, the bus 328, the contacts 214, the bus 330, the contacts 218 and the line conductor 327. The closure of the contacts 211 completes an alternative circuit for. energizing. the hot water. solenoid 83, this cir cuit includinghthe line conductor 326, the. master switch 1'035the bus 328, the contacts 211 the set of .switeh springs S7, the bus 330, the contacts 218 and'the line conductor 327. Accordingly, at this time, both the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83 are energized so that the valve-mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about the supply of mixed cold water and hot water, or warmwater, into thespin tub 36 during spinning thereof. The warm water thus introduced into-the spin tub 36, subsequent to the discharge'therefrom of the wash water, efifects a spinning rinse of the clothes contained therein, whereby this rinse water is also centritugally discharged from the spin tub v 36-into the drain tub 22 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85' into'its brake position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219 and to' close thecontacts 210,:the cam C operates'the set of switch springs S15 toopenthecontacts 21 8, the cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to open the contacts 215, the cam'C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to open the contacts- 214, and the carn'Cll operates the set of switch springs $11 to open the contacts 211. Opening of thecontacts-215 effects deenergization ofthe spin solenoid 61 and the consequent operation of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44-back into it's'declutchedposition andthe-setting of the brake shoe 60 into its braking. position in order that rotation of the spin tub 3 6 is quickly arrested in the manner previously explained. Opening. of the contacts 214 effects deenergization of the cold water solenoid 84, and opening of the contacts 211 eifects deenergization of the hot water solenoid 83; whereby the valve mechanism 79 is returned back into its closed position. Opening of the contacts 219 interrupts a further point in the alternative circuit for operating, the timer motor 96, and closure of the contacts 210 recompletes the previously traced circuit for operating the timer motor96 in parallel with the drive motor 42L Opening of the contacts 218 disconnects the bus 338' from the line con ductor 327'opening further points in the ci'r'cu-itsfor energizing the cold water solenoid 84 and the hot water solenoid 83. In the brake position of the selector switch 8'5, the drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior" any water accumulated in the drain tub 22 in order positively to insure that the control switch 377 isr'etu'rned' back into'its normal position at this time.
Next, the timer motor 96' rotates the selector switch 85 'into its fill-rinse position, whereby the 'cam' C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the'contacts 210 and to close the contacts 219-, the cam C12 operates the set of switch springs S12 to close thecontacts 2 14, and the cam C11 operates the setof switch springs S11 to close the contacts'212. Opening of the contacts 210 interrupts the circuit for operating the.
timer motor 96in parallel with the drive motor 42} whileclosure of the contacts 219 completes the previ-' ously' traced circuit for operating the timerrriotor 9'6; Closure of the contacts 214 completes the previously traced direct circuit for energizing'the cold water solenoid 84, while closure of the contacts 212 completes an alter-f native circuit for energizing the hot water'solenoid 83. This circuit for energizing the hot watersolenoid' 83 includes the line conductor 326, the master switch 103, the bus 328, the contacts 212, the sets of switch springs S10 and S9, the bus 330, the left-handcontacts ofthe control switch 377, the contacts 322 and the line conductor-327. Accordingly, at this time, operation of the timer motor 96 is continued and the valve mechanism 79 is controlled to bring about filling of the spin tub '36 with warm' water.
Shortly thereafter, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85' into its overflow-powerrrinse" position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S 16. to open the contacts 219and to close the contacts zioligihe'crm' cit operates the set of switch springs sis to'clos e' the contacts 218, and the cam C14 operates the set or switch s rings'srrw open the contacts 217 and toTclose :the'con ta cts Opening of the contacts 217 iiiterr'upt's" the previously t'raced' circuit for operating the driVemotbr'42, while' closureof the contacts216 pre- 'th'e" i'oufslyf traced circuit for energizing the 'agita't'e"soleno1d"62. Closure of the contacts 218 completes multiple circuits for energizing-the" cold water solenoidii' iandthe li'ot' water solenoid 83'. The circuit for energiziiig' the; cold water solenoid 84 includes the "'condiictofi'sze; the'niaster switch103, the bus 328, ontaets' 214,Qtliebh330, the contacts 218 and the ohdilctor 327jwhile'the circuit fof energizing the tier water solenoid 83 includes the line conductor326, the master switch 103',the' bus 328, the' contacts 212, the" sets of switch'springs S10 and S9',' tl;ie bus 330, the conta'cts'218and the line conductor 327; Accordingly, at thistime, operatiodof'the drive riiotor42 and'ope'rationof the timer motor96 are arrested, while filling of the'spin' tub 36 with warm water continues. When the spin tub 3"6is completely'filled with the warm rinse water, itiS' again overfiowed, whereby the rinse' water overflowiiiginto the' drain'tubr22 and accumulating in the' 'drain trap 69 bringsaboutreoperation'of the control switch 377 so that the left-handcontacts thereof are opened'and theright-hand contacts thereof are closed. Opening" of the left-hand contacts of the "control "switch 377 is'without eitect'at'this time due to the closed position of the contacts 218*;however, closure'of the righthandf contacts of the control switch 377 completes the previously traced circuit for energizing 'the'agit'ate solenoid 62, as wellas the multiplecircuits for"operatiiig the time'rmotor 96 and the drive motor '42; Accordingly, the operating drive motor 42 effects operation o'ffthe agitator 37 so that the clothes i1r'the'sp'intub'36iare subjected to a deep power rins'ing;operation, At this time, the supply of warm water to thespinj'tuh 36' is continued and the timer motor"96" continues' the rotation ofthe selector switch 85. j r V i The power-rinse continues; and subsequentlythe 'tim'er motor 96 rotates" the selector switch85 intoits final spin position, whereby the canrC15 operatesithesetfof switch springs S15 to open the contacts218 inorder: to bring about the deenergization ofthecold watersolenoi'd 8'4 and the hot water solenoid 83; The' cam C14i0perates-- the set of switch springs "S14" to open the'conta'cts 216 and to close the contacts 217. .Opening otthcontacts 216 eitects deenergization ofthe a'gitate solenoid 62 so as to arrest-operation'of the agitator 37 in'the spintub' 36; whereas closure of the contacts 217 comple'tes alternative multiple circuitsfor continuingfthe operation of the drive motor 42 and the timer motor 96'. The cam C13 operates the set of switch springs S13 to complete the previously traced circuit for energizing'the spin solenoid 61 in order to erect spinning of the spin tub- 36 inthe manner previously explained. The cam C12 operates the set of switch springs"S12' to open the contacts 214 so as to interrupt a further point inthe' circuitfor energiding the cold water-solenoid 84; and the cam C11 operates the set of switch springs S1119; open thecontacts 212 so as to-interrupt a further point in the circuit for energizing the hot water solenoid' 83; At this time, the warm rinse water contained in the spin tub-'36 is centrifugallydischarged therefrom dnto the drain tub 22; and as time proceeds a considerable amount of the warm rinse water absorbed by the clothes in the spin tub 36 is centrifuged therefrom, the water being caught in the drain tub 22 and being discharged to the' exterior by the drain pump 47.
Next, the timer motor 96'rotates the selector switchassess? ing about the declutching of the clutch mechanism incorporated in the unit 44 and the setting of the brake shoe 60 so that rotation of the spin tub 36 is quickly arrested. In the brake position of the selector switch 85 the operating drain pump 47 discharges to the exterior any water that may be accumulated in the drain trap 69 in order to return the control switch 377 back into its normal position so as to condition the machine for the next washing cycle.
Finally, the timer motor 96 rotates the selector switch 85 back into its ofi position, whereby the cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S16 to open the contacts 219, and the cam C14 operates the set of switch springs S14 to open the contacts 217. Opening of the contacts 217 arrests operation of the drive motor 42, and opening of the contacts 210 arrests operation of the timer motor 96. At this time, the program selector switch 85 is restored back into its off position, and the cycle of the machine 10 is completed; whereby the clothes may be removed from the spin tub 36. Furthermore, at this time, all of the electrical elements of the control circuit 600 occupy their normal restored positions in readiness for the next operating cycle; whereby the operator may subsequently depress the control knob 88A in order to bring about operation of the master switch 103 back into its open position.
The mode of operation of the machine 10 incorporating the control circuit 600 in order to eiiect washing of the clothes in the other combinations of hot and warm and cold water and final rinsing of the clothes in warm and cold water are not described in the interest of brevity and since these operations are substantially identical to the corresponding operations of the machine 10 incorporating the control circuit 300, as previously described. However, it is noted in conjunction with the control circuit 600 that when the clothes are washed in warm water, the spray-rinsing operation with warm water takes place automatically, whereas the agitated rinsing operation may take place selectively with either warm water or cold water depending upon the depressed po sition of the warm pushbutton 94 or the cold pushbutton 95 of the rinse selector 90. On the other hand, when the clothes are washed in cold water, the spray-rinsing operation with cold water takes place automatically, and the agitated rinsing operation takes place automatically with cold water regardless of which of the pushbuttons 94 or 95 of the rinse selector 90 occupies its depressed position.
Recapitulating, when the machine 10 incorporates either of the control circuits 300 or 600, the clothes may be selectively washed in hot water or warm water or cold water depending entirely upon the corresponding one of the pushbuttons 91, 92 or 93 of the wash selector 89 that occupies its depressed position. Subsequently in the spray-rinsing operation, the clothes are automatically rinsed with hot water in the event either the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 occupies its operated position, whereas the clothes are automatically rinsed with cold water in theevent the cold pushbutton 93 occupies its depressed position. Finally, in the agitated rinsing operation, the clothes are selectively rinsed with warm water or cold water depending upon the one of the pushbuttons 94 or 95 of the linse selector 90 that is depressed provided either the hot pushbutton 91 or the warm pushbutton 92 of the wash selector 89 is depressed; whereas, this rinsing of the clothes takes place automatically with cold water in the event the cold pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89 occupies its depressed position, and regardless of the positions of the pushbuttons 94 and 95 of the rinse selector 90.
Further, a modification of the control circuit 600 is contemplated, wherein the temperature of the water supplied to the spin tub 36 in the agitated rinsing operation is controlled entirely by the pushbuttons 94 and 95 of the rinse selector 90 and entirely independently of the pushbutton 93 of the wash selector 89. In order to accomplish this result, a strap 340, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 6, is connected between the two terminals 341 and 342 in by-passing relation with respect to the set of switch springs S9. Employing this modification the temperature of the wash water is established (hot or warm or cold) entirely by the wash selector 89, the temperature of the spray-rinsing water is established (warm or cold) entirely by the wash selector 89, and the temperature of the agitated rinsing water is established (warm or cold) entirely by the rinse selector whereby it is then possible to establish a warm agitated rinsing operation, notwithstanding an estabighed cold washing operation and consequently an established cold sprayrinsing operation.
In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided in a clothes washing machine of the automatic type, an improved control circuit that incorporates facility for selectively setting both the temperature of the wash water and the temperature of the rinse water employed in the automatic cycle of the machine so as to accommodate the laundering of a wide variety of fabrics under substantially ideal conditions.
While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system selectively operative to supply to said tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a washing action and then to a rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having hot and warm and cold positions, a manually operable rinse selector having warm and cold positions, first means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply wash water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being selectively governed by operation of said wash selector into its hot or warm or cold positions correspondingly to control operation of said water system to supply hot or warm or cold water for the washing action, and second means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the rinsing action of said mechanism, said second means being governed jointly by operation of said wash selector into either its hot position or its warm position and by operation of said rinse selector into its warm position to control operation of said water system to supply warm water for the rinsing action and governed by operation of said wash selector into its cold position independent of the position of said rinse selector to control operation of said water system to supply cold water for the rinsing action and governed by operation of said rinse selector into its cold position independent of the position of said wash selector also to control operation of said water system to supply cold water for the rinsing action.
2. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said wash selector is in the form of a first manually operable switch, and said rinse selector is in the form of a second manually operable switch.
3. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said wash selector is in the form of a first pushbutton switch provided with individual manually operable hot and warm and cold pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold positions thereof, and said rinse selector is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with individual manually operable warm and cold pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the warm and 'cold positions thereof. 4. In' a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system arranged to supply water to said tub and "provided with a hot water conduit controlled by a'hot water valve normally biased into its closed positionand a"cold-'Water conduit controlled by, a cold Water valve 'norm'ally' biasedfiinto its closed position, mechanismoperative through"a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a Washing action and then to a rinsingjaction, and a program controller for operating'said .mechanismthrough its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually'op'erable wash selector having hot andwarm -andcoldpositions, :a manually operablerinse selector having warm and cold positions, first andsecondcircuit's for operating said hot water valve into its open position, third and fourth circuits for operating said cold Watervalve into its'open position, means responsive to;operati0n of said'wash selector intotits hot position for preparing said first circuit .and responsive to operation'of 'said wash'sel'ector into its cold position for preparing said third circuit and respon- :sive to operation of said washselector into its Warm position for preparing both said first and third circuits, means responsive jointly to operationof said wash selector into either its hot position or its Warm position and'to opera.- ftion of said rinse selector'into' its-warm position for preparing said second circuit, means controlled by said program controller precedingthe washing. action of said mechanism for completing the prepared one or both of said first andthird circuits,whereby theiclothes in said tub may be washed selectively'in hot or cold or warm water, and means controlled by said program controller precedingthe rinsing. action of saidmechanism for completing said second circuit in1the event it is'prepared and for completing said fourth circuit, whereby the'cloth'es in' said tub may be rinsed sel'ectivelyin warmflor cold water.
5. In a clothes washing machine including a ltub adapted to receive clothes, a water: system selectively operative to supply to said tub'hot and warm and cold water,"mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothesin said tubfirst to a washingaction and then :to a first rinsing action and then to'a secondlrinsing'action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having. hot .and warm and cold positions, a manually operable rinse elector having Warm and'cold positions, first means controlled by said program controller for. operating said water system to supply Wash Water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being selectively governed by operation of said'wash selector into its hot or warm or cold positions correspondingly to control operation of said water system to supply hot or warm or cold water for the washing action, second means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the first rinsing action of said mechanism, said second means being governed by operation of said washselector into either its hot position or its warm position to control operation of said water system to supply warm water for the first rinsing action and governed by operation of said Wash selector into its cold position to control operation of said water system to supply cold water for the first rinsing action, and third means controlled by said program controller for operating said water, system to supply rinse Water to said tub for the second rinsing action of said mechanism, said third means'being governed jointly by operation of said Wash selector into either its hot position or its warm position and by operationv of said rinse selector into its warm position to control operation of said water system to supply warm water for the second rinsing action and governed by operation 2 2 ofnsaid wash selector into'its cold position, independent of the position of said'y'rinse selectorlto control operation of 'saidlw'ater system to supplyi cold water for the second rinsing'action and governed 'by operation of, said rinse selector into its cold position independent of the position of said wash selector also to control operation of. said water system tosupplycold water for the second rinsing action.
6.'Ina clothes washing machine including a tub adaptedjto receivecloths, a water vsystem arranged to supply water to said'tub 'andprovided with a hot water conduit controlled-by a hot water valve normallyn biased into itsclosed position and Ya cold'water conduit controlled by'a cold water valve normally biased into its closed position, mechanism operative througha-cycle to subject the clothes in said tub' first to a washingvaction and then to a first rinsingacti'on and then to a second rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle;- the control'circuit combination comprising a manually operable wash selector having hotj and warm and cold positions, a manually operable'ri'nse selector" having warm and cold positions, first'and second circuits for operating said hot water valveinto'its' open position, third and fourth circuits for operating'sa'id coldrwat'er valve into its open position,
preparing both said first andthird circuits, meansresponsive jointly to 'operation-of'sa'i'd wash selector into either its hot position or'its warr'n' position-and to operationtof said rinse selector int'o it's-swarm position for preparing said second circuit, means controlled by said-program controller preceding the Washing .action ,of said mechanism for completing the pr'eparedone or both ofsaid first and third circuits, whereby the clothes in said 'tub may be washed selectively in hot or cold or warm water, means controlled by said program controller during the first rinsing action of said mechanism for completing said first circuit in the event it is prepared and for completing said fourth circuit, whereby the clothes in said tub may be.first rinsed selectively in Warm or cold water, and means controlled by said program controller preceding the second rinsing action of said mechanism for completing said second circuit in the event it is prepared and for completing said fourth circuit, whereby the clothes in said tub may be then rinsed selectively in warm or cold Water.
7. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system'arranged to supply watertto said tub and provided with a hot water conduit controlled by a hot Water valve normally biased into its closed position and a cold water conduit controlled by a cold Water valve normally biased into its closed position, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject the clothes in said tub first to a washing action and then to a rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually presettable water selector having hot and cold positions, a first circuit for operating said hot water valve into its openposition, a second circuit for operating said cold Water valve into its open position, means responsive to the presetting of said water selector into its hot position for preparing said first circuit and responsive to the presetting of said water selector into its cold position for preparing said second circuit, means controlled by said program controller preceding the washing action of said mechanism for completing the one of said first or second circuits prepared by said water selector in its preset hot or cold positions, whereby the clothes in said tub may be Washed selectively in hot or cold Water, a third circuit for operating said cold Water valve into its open position, and,
means controlled by said program controller preceding the rinsing action of said mechanism for completing said first circuit only in the event it is prepared by said water selector in its preset hot position and for completing said third circuit independently of the preset position of said water selector, whereby the clothes in said tub may be rinsed selectively in warm or cold water.
8. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes, a water system selectively operative to supply to said tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle to subject pendently of each other, first means controlled by said program controller for operating said Water system to supply wash Water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its hot position to operate said water system to supply hot water for the washing action and governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its cold position to operate said water system to supply cold water for the washing action,
second means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the first rinsing action of said mechanism, said second means being governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its hot position to operate said water system to supply warm water for the first rinsing action and governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its cold position to operate said water system to supply cold water for the first rinsing action, and third means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the second rinsing action of said mechanism, said third means being governed by the presetting of said rinse selector into its warm position to operate said water system to supply warm water for the second rinsing action and governed by the presetting of said rinse selector into its cold position to operate said Water system to supply cold water for the second rinsing action.
9. In a clothes washing machine including a spin tub mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and adapted to receive clothes, an agitator arranged in said spin tub and mounted for operation, a water system selectively operative to supply to said spin tub hot and warm and cold water, mechanism operative through a cycle selectively to operate said agitator and selectively to rotate said spin tub, whereby the clothes in said tub are subjected to a cycle including an agitated washing action and then a first spinning rinsing action and then a second agitated rinsing action, and a program controller for operating said mechanism through its cycle; the control circuit combination comprising a manually presettable wash selector having hot and cold positions, a manually presettable rinse selector having warm and cold positions, said wash selector and said rinse selector being presettable independently of each other, first means controlled by said'program controller for operating said water system to supply wash Water to said tub for the washing action of said mechanism, said first means being governed by the presetting of said water selector into its hot position to operate said water system to supply hot water for the washing action and governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its cold position to operate said Water system to supply cold water for the washing action, second means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the first rinsing action of said mechanism, said second means being governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its hot position to operate said Water system to supply warm water for the first rinsing action and governed by the presetting of said wash selector into its cold position to operate said water system to supply cold water for the first rinsing action, and third means controlled by said program controller for operating said water system to supply rinse water to said tub for the second rinsing action of said mechanism, said third means being governed by the presetting of said rinse selector into its warm position to operate said Water system to supply warm water for the second rinsing action and governed by the presetting of said rinse selector into its cold position to operate said water system to supply cold water for the second rinsing action.
10. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to'be washed, a water supply system operatively associated with said tub and arranged to deliver thereto hot or warm. or cold water, valve mechanism selectively operative into hot or warm or cold control positions correspondingly to effect the delivery of hot or warm or cold water from said water supply system to said tub, first mechanism operative to subject the clothes in said tub to a washing action, and second mechanism operative to subject the clothes in said tub to a water-extractin'g action; the control circuit combination comprising a first manually operable controller for preselecting one of the control positions of said valve mechanism, a second manually operable controller for preselecting one of the control positions of said valve mechanism, said first and second controllers being selectively operable independently of each other, a program controller operative through a cycle into a wash-water-fill position and then into a wash position and then into a wash-water-extraction position and then into a rinse-water-fill position and then into a rinse position and then into a rinse-water-extraction position, means for operating said program controller through its cycle, means responsive to operation of said program controller into its wash-water-fill position for operating said valve mechanism into the one of its control positions preselected by said first controller, means responsive to operation of said program controller into its wash position for operating said first mechanism, means responsive to operation of said program controller into its wash-water-extraction position for oper ating said second mechanism, means responsive to operation of said program controller into its rinse-water-fill position for operating said valve mechanism into the one of its control positions preselected by said second con troller, means responsive to operation of said program controller into its rinse position for reoperating said first mechanism, and means responsive to operation of said program controller into its rinse-Water-extraction position for reoperating said second mechanism.
11. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 10, wherein each of said first and second controllers is in the form of a pushbutton switch provided with a plurality of individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to diilerent ones of the control positions of said valve mechanism.
12. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said first controller is in the form of a first pushbutton switch pro vided with two individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm positions of said valve mechanism, and said second controller is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with two individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism.
13. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said first controller is in the form of a first pushbutton switch provided with three individual pushbuttons respectively corresponding to the hot and warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism, and said second controller is in the form of a second pushbutton switch provided with two individual pushbuttons respectively correspondingto the warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism.
14. The clothes washing machine control circuit combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said first controller said second controller is in the form of a second electric switch provided with warmand cold positions respec tively corresponding to the warm and cold positions of said valve mechanism.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Jones Dec. 19,
Dyer Aug. 3, 1943 Hutchings Apr. 11, 1944 Geldhof et a1. Dec. 25, 1945 Chace Apr. 11, 1950 Chace et a1. Apr. 10, 1951 Candor Aug. 26, 1952 Morrison Dec. 15, 1953
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US2956426A (en) * 1957-06-27 1960-10-18 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
US2967546A (en) * 1956-09-26 1961-01-10 Gen Motors Corp Separate wash and rinse temperature selectors
US3078700A (en) * 1959-01-19 1963-02-26 Gen Motors Corp Fabric washing machine with means for regulating the temperature of the fabric prior to the spinning thereof
JPS4815565U (en) * 1971-07-01 1973-02-21

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US2391561A (en) * 1943-12-02 1945-12-25 Nineteen Hundred Corp Drain mechanism
US2503901A (en) * 1943-12-09 1950-04-11 Dole Valve Co Fluid control system particularly for use with automatic clotheswashing machines
US2548651A (en) * 1944-03-20 1951-04-10 Dole Valve Co Fluid control system for laundering apparatus
US2608252A (en) * 1947-07-11 1952-08-26 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
US2662384A (en) * 1947-06-28 1953-12-15 Whirlpool Co Washing machine control mechanism

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US1940549A (en) * 1931-12-19 1933-12-19 Cons Laundries Corp Laundering apparatus
US2325837A (en) * 1938-08-30 1943-08-03 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
US2346259A (en) * 1941-01-27 1944-04-11 Prosperity Co Inc Water temperature control
US2391561A (en) * 1943-12-02 1945-12-25 Nineteen Hundred Corp Drain mechanism
US2503901A (en) * 1943-12-09 1950-04-11 Dole Valve Co Fluid control system particularly for use with automatic clotheswashing machines
US2548651A (en) * 1944-03-20 1951-04-10 Dole Valve Co Fluid control system for laundering apparatus
US2662384A (en) * 1947-06-28 1953-12-15 Whirlpool Co Washing machine control mechanism
US2608252A (en) * 1947-07-11 1952-08-26 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2967546A (en) * 1956-09-26 1961-01-10 Gen Motors Corp Separate wash and rinse temperature selectors
US2956426A (en) * 1957-06-27 1960-10-18 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
US3078700A (en) * 1959-01-19 1963-02-26 Gen Motors Corp Fabric washing machine with means for regulating the temperature of the fabric prior to the spinning thereof
JPS4815565U (en) * 1971-07-01 1973-02-21

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