US2960856A - Pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like - Google Patents

Pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like Download PDF

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Publication number
US2960856A
US2960856A US733520A US73352058A US2960856A US 2960856 A US2960856 A US 2960856A US 733520 A US733520 A US 733520A US 73352058 A US73352058 A US 73352058A US 2960856 A US2960856 A US 2960856A
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valve
vacuum
motor
timer
water
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US733520A
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Carl C Bauerlein
Wesley L Taylor
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Dole Valve Co
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Dole Valve Co
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/04—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers  non-electrically
    • D06F33/10—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers  non-electrically substantially pneumatically

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  • This invention relates to improvements in pneumatic control systems for washing machines and the like and more particularly relates to an improved system in which various washing programs may be preselected in accordance with the fabric to be washed.
  • a principal object of the invention is to provide a simple and improved form of fluid operated control system for Washing machines and the like, in which the washing program may be preselected for various types of fabrics to be washed.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like in which pneumatic motors control certain sequential washing, rinsing and drying operations of the machine, and in which selectively operable programming valves are provided to preselect the temperature of the water supplied to the washing machine tub, for the washing and rinsing operations.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatically controlled automatic washing machine having a novel and simplified means for preselecting the time for which it is desired the clothes be washed, the temperatures of the Wash water and the rinse water, the speeds of agitation and the water level, upon manually selecting the program and setting of the timer controlling the cyclic operation of the machine to its on position, to start the completely automatic cycle of the machine.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide an efficient form of pneumatic control system for controlling the washing operations of a washing machine and the like, in which a two speed motor is provided to effect washing at a high or a low speed in accordance with the fabric being washed, in which a series of program selector valves are provided to preselect the washing temperatures for the washing and rinsing operations, wherein the means for preselecting the washing program also serves to preselect the washing speed in accordance with the fabric to be washed.
  • Figure l is a diagrammatic view of an automatic washing machine, diagramamtically illustrating a pneumatic control system constructed in accordance with the invention, for controlling the automatic operation of the washing machine;
  • Figure 2 is a fluid diagram diagrammatically illustrating the timer operated valves for controlling the various automatic operations of the machine
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view schematically illustrating the program selector valve block and the operating means therefor;
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the control knob and cam for the program selector valves
  • Figure 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view diagrammatiice cally showing an illustrative form of timer valve and timer cam for operating the valve;
  • Figure 6 is a fluid diagram illustrating a modified form of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 I have diagrammatically shown in Figure 1 an illustrative form of pneumatic control system for a Washing machine and the like controlled in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • the control system herein shown is particularly adapted to control the operation of an automatic washing machine of a type having a tub 10, a clothes container 11 therein, an agitator 12 within said clothes container, a motor 13, an agitator shaft 15 oscillatably driven by the motor 13 for oscillatably driving the agitator 12, a sleeve 16 surrounding said agitator shaft for spinning the clothes container 11 and extracting water from the clothes therein.
  • the agitator shaft 15 is oscillatably driven from the motor 13 through suitable oscillatable drive gearing contained within a casing 17, and not herein shown or described since the drive is no part of the present invention and may be of any well known form.
  • the sleeve 16 for spinning the clothes container 11 is driven through a belt 19 driven by the motor 13.
  • the belt 19 drives a pulley 18 on the sleeve 16 and also drives the oscillatable drive mechanism, within the gear case 17 for oscillatably driving the agitator 12.
  • a clutch shifter bar 20 controlled by operation of a fluid operated motor, herein shown as being a vacuum motor 21 is provided to control operation of the agitator 12.
  • a second clutch shifter bar 22 controlled by operation of a fluid operated or vacuum motor 23, is provided to control the spinning of the clothes container 11, to extract water from the clothes therein.
  • system of the invention may be operated by air or any other fluid under pressure as well as by vacuum
  • system will herein be described as a vacuum system for illustrative purposes, although applicant does not desire to be construed as limiting himself to a vacuum system and when referring to fluid operated motors it should be understood that the motors may be pressure operated as well.
  • the clutch shifter bars 20 and 22 and the clutches operated thereby are of a conventional type commonly used in washing machines, and may be of any well known form, and are no part of the present invention so need not herein be shown or described further.
  • the belt 19 also serves to drive a water pump 24 connected with a drain valve 25 for draining the washing machine tub 10 through a pipe 26.
  • a pipe 27 is shown as leading from the pump 24 to a two-way suds saver valve 29 to drain.
  • a second pipe 33 leads from the two-way valve to a suds storage tank (not shown). It should here be understood that when the two-way valve 29 is in a suds saving position and the pump 24 is being driven in a direction to drain sudsy water from the tub 10, that the sudsy water may be stored in a suds storage tank.
  • a reverse flow valve (not shown) controlled by the agitator shifter bar 20 is provided to reverse the flow through the pump 24 to return sudsy water to the tub 10 for a next succeeding washing operation. When the agitator clutch is engaged, the reverse flow valve is in a suds return position, and vice versa, when the agitator clutch is disengaged, as is well known to those skilled in the art, so not herein shown or described further.
  • the tub 10 is supplied with water at the desired temperature under the control of a mixing valve 35 controlled by three vacuum motors 36, 37 and 38.
  • Said vacuum motors may be of a well known type operated by vacuum and returned by a spring (not shown). Operation of the vacuum motor 36, by connecting said motor to a source of vacuum, may effect the delivery of hot water to the tub 10.
  • operation of the vacuum motor 37 may effect the delivery of tempered water to the tub 10, which may be under the control of the thermostat forwthe mixing valve (not sho n-)',- asis common .with mixing'valves in userin laundry machines.
  • operation of the vacuum motor 38 may deliver cold Water to the tub 10, or may deliver cold Water to the mixing valve to be by-passed around the mixing chamber for mixture with the tempered Water.
  • the vacuum motors 3.6, 37 and38 are operated under the control of a series of program selector valves 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43, diagrammatically shownin " Figures 2 and 3 as being mounted in a valve block 44.
  • the vacuum selector valves may be of any well known 'form, and may be operated under the control of. a single knob 45 in the form of a cam disk having cam faces on the undersurface thereof engageable with stems 46 of the valves, for opening .or closing the valves in accordance with the washing'program selected.
  • a cam face 46a for example, is shown in Figure 4 as being .in position to come into engagement with a stem 46 of an associated program selector valve, it being understood that the cam. faces may be circumferentially arranged along the bottom of the knob or cam disk 45 and may be radially spacedto effect operation of the selected valve upon turning of said knob.
  • the valve 39 connects the .vacuummotor 36 witha source of vacuum through a vacuum line 47, as a washn'nse timer valve 49 is in its wash position and the valve 39 is open to operate the vacuum motor '36 and eifect opening of .the hot water valve of the mixing valve, and ti: discharge of hot water'through the outlet from the v ve.
  • the valve 40 is connected with the vacuum motor 37 through a vacuum line 50.
  • vacuum will be supplied to operate the vacuum motor 37 to open the mixed water valve of the mixing valve for the discharge of tempered water from said valve, which may be under thermostatic control.
  • the valve 41 is connectedwith the cold water vacuum motor 38'through a vacuum line 51.
  • vacuum will be supplied to operate the vacuum motor38 and effect thedischarge of .cold waterthrough the outlet from the mixing valve 35.
  • the vacuum line 50 When the valve 49 is in the rinse position shown in Figure 2, and the valve 42 is open, the vacuum line 50 will be connected with a source of vacuum through the vacuum line 53, connecting the valve 42 with the vacuum line 50, to effect the supply of mixed water through the outlet from the valve 35.
  • Vacuum line 51 When the valve 43 is -in its open position and the wash rinse time-r valve 49 isinitsrinse position shown in Figure 2, the Vacuum line 51.will be connected with a source of vacuum through a vacuum line 54 leading from the valve 43, to operate the vacuum motor 38 to supply cold water through the outlet from the valve 35 for rinsing.
  • the program selector valve block 44 also has an agitator speedselectorcswitch '55 mounted thereon.
  • speed selector switch 55 may be a double throw limit switch, having a button 58, engaged by a cam 58a on the undersurface of the cam disk 45.
  • a switch arm 56 thereof may engage a stationary contact 57, to effect operation of the motor 13 at a high speed.
  • the switch arm 56 may engage a stationary contact 59, and effect operation of the motor 13 at a low speed.
  • the cams on the cam disk 45 maybe so arranged that when the cam disk is positioned for washing cottons, the program selector valves 39 and 42 will be opened and the movable switch arm 56 will be in engagement With the stationary contact 57. This will effect a hot wash and a warm rinsetogether with a fast agitator speed.
  • valves 39 and 40 When the cam disk 45 is in a position for washing lingerie, the valves 39 and 40 will be open, as well as the program selector valve 42. The-cam disk .45 will also operate the switch arm 56 to engage the stationary contact 59. This will eifect a-medium-washand a .warm rinse at a slow agitator speed. 7
  • the cams on the camdisk may-beso arranged as to preselect, a hot, warm, cold, warm plus hot and warm plus cold Wash temperature, and to preselect a warm,
  • the Wash-rinse control valve 49 is-one valve of a series of timer valves of a timer mounted in a manifold 60 of a timer 61, diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the timer may be set by movement of a dial knob (not shown) to select the length of the wash period and to turn the control circuit for the machine to itsfon position.
  • the timer 61 and timer valves may be of various well known forms, an exemplary form ofvalve being illustrated in Figure 3, illustratinga form that the valve 49 may take.
  • the valve 49 is shown as having a valve stem 63 slidably mounted in the body portion of the manifold 60 and engaged at its upper end by a timer cam'64 on a timer shaft 65, driven by a timer motor 66.
  • the vacuum input to the valve-49 is through a vacuumline 67 connected with a master water valve 69, controlling the input of vacuum to the wash rinse valve 49.
  • the vacuum output from the valve 49 is through vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73, connected With the-program selector valveblock 44 and having communication with the valves 39, 40 and 41.
  • the vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73 enter a valve chamber 79 in the same plane, but in circumferentially spaced relation with respect to each other.
  • communication is afforded from the vacuum input 67 to vacuum output lines 75 and 76, connected with the respective program selector valves 42 and 43 in the valve block 44.
  • the vacuum output lines 75 and 76 also enter the valve chamber 79 in the same plane in circumferentially spaced relation with each other.
  • the valve means for the timer valve 49 may be of any well known form and is herein shown as being a spool type of valve having lands 77 and 78 at opposite ends thereof having slidable engagement with the wall of a valve chamber 79.
  • the vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73 are open and the vacuum output lines 75 and 76 are closed.
  • the vacuum output lines 75 and 76 are open.
  • spring 80 encircling the valve stem 63 is provided to bias; the stem 63 into engagement with the cam 64.
  • the drive to the timer shaft. and-cam 64 may be ,an intermittent drive, for operating-the timer. valves, with a fast e t t .1 h .q ss aaafgn v l prio to opening of the next valve, and may be of any well known form, so need not herein be shown or described in detail.
  • the timer is energized and vacuum is supplied to the timer manifold 60, and the master water valve 69 under the control of a pressure responsive water level control device 81, which may be a well known form of adjustable water level control device, efiecting the energization of the timer motor at a selected water level, so not been shown or described in detail.
  • a vacuum pump 83 driven by the main motor 13 for the machine afiords a source of supply of vacuum for the system.
  • a vacuum output 85 connects the vacuum pump 83 directly with a vacuum line 86 in the timer manifold 60.
  • a vacuum line 87 is connected from the vacuum pump 83 to the water level control device 81, and provides a vacuum input to said control device.
  • a vacuum output line 89 is connected from the water level control device to the master water control valve 69.
  • a second vacuum output line 90 connects the water level control device 81 with an agitator control valve 91 in the manifold 60.
  • the pressure responsive water level control device 81 is diagrammatically shown in Figure 2 as including a solenoid 92 energized by a pressure switch 95 operated by a diaphragm (not shown) in a diaphragm chamber 94, responsive to the air pressure provided by the head of water in the washing machine tub.
  • a pilot valve in the form of a valve spool 93 of the water level control device 81 will be in the position shown in Figure 2. This afiords communication between the vacuum input 87 and the vacuum output 89 and supplies vacuum to the master water control valve 69.
  • the pressure of air in the diaphragm chamber 94 will close the pressure switch 95. This will energize the solenoid 92 and efiect movement of the valve spool 93 into the broken line position shown in Figure 2.
  • This will vent the vacuum output 89 to atmosphere and connect the vacuum input 87 with the vacuum output line 90 communicating with the agitator control valve 91.
  • the filling of the tub will then stop, and the agitation will commence.
  • valve spool 93 As the valve spool 93 is moved into position to connect the agitator control valve 91 with the source of vacuum and the pressure switch 95 is closed, as previously described, an energizing circuit will be established to the timer motor 66. This will initiate operation of the timer and start the advance of the timer cams to carry out the automatic operations of the machine.
  • the timer will open a tub drain control valve 96 to vent a drain valve vacuum motor 98 to atmosphere, and effect operation of said motor by its spring (not shown) and opening of the drain valve 25.
  • the pump 24 being continuously driven by the motor 13, will draw water from the tub 10.
  • the valve 25 will, however, remain open until the beginning of the rinse fill period.
  • the pump 24 is provided with a reverse flow valve operated by the agitator shifter bar 20 and that when the agitator vacuum; motor 21 is vented to atmosphere by actuation of valve 91, the pump 24 will pump water from the tub through the water lines 26 and 27 to the two-way valve 29.
  • a suds saver valve 97 will be opened. This will connect the vacuum motor 30 to a source of vacuum to operate said vacuum motor 30, and move the two-way suds saver valve 29 into position to direct suds into a suds storage tub or the like (not shown).
  • the suds saver control vacuum motor 30 will be vented to atmosphere through the control valve 97 therefor. The suds saver valve 29 will then move into position to connect the pipe 27 with the pipe 31.
  • a spin control valve 99 will then be moved into position to connect the spin control vacuum motor 23 to a source of vacuum, and effect the spinning of the tub 11, driven by the motor 13 through the pulley 18 and sleeve 16.
  • the spin control valve 99 will move into position to vent the vacuum motor 23 to atmosphere.
  • the clothes container will then coast to a stop.
  • valve 49 will have been moved to the rinse position at the end of the agitation period and the master water control valve 69 will have been moved to close passage 89 and permit atmosphere to valve 49 via an intermittent spray rinse timer valve 105.
  • valve 105 is moved to close the vent port of said valve, and intermittent closing and opening of valve 100 by timer cam 101 will intermittently communicate vacuum to the mixing valve motors to provide a plurality of spray rinses.
  • the master water control valve 69 is moved to close the passage to valve 105 and open passage 89 to supply vacuum to washrinse control valve 49, and to program valve block 44 through lines 75 and 76.
  • the tub will then be filled with warm or cold water for rinsing depending upon the articles to be washed and the washing program selected by the cam 45.
  • the agitator control valve 91 Prior to commencing the rinse fill period the agitator control valve 91 will be moved in position to reconnect the agitator control vacuum motor 21 to passage of the water level control device 81.
  • the rinse fill is terminated when solenoid 92 moves valve 93 to the dotted line position.
  • the mixing valve motors are then vented through passage 89, and vacuum is supplied to agitation control vacuum motor 21 through passage 90 and valve 91.
  • the timer moves to a position to terminate the rinsing operation, it will then move the tub drain control valve 96 into position to vent the vacuum motor 98 to atmosphere to open the drain valve 25.
  • the agitator control valve 91 will at the same time be moved into position to vent the vacuum motor 21 to atmosphere. This will cause movement of the shifter bar 20 to disengage the agitator clutch and to position the reverse fiow pump valve (not shown) into position to effect the pumping of rinse Water to the two-way valve 29.
  • the suds saver control valve 97 will then have been moved into position to vent the vacuum motor 30 to atmosphere, to efiect the discharge of rinse water through the drain pipe 31.
  • an intermittent spray or rinse valve 100 may be operated by a spray rinse cam 101, to intermittently supply vacuum to the valves 69 and 49 under the control of a spray rinse timer valve 105, to operate the vacuum motors 37 or 38, depending upon the temperature selected by the program selector. This will intermittently spray the clothes for a portion of each spin period to remove any suds from the clothes.
  • the suds saver control valve is moved into position to connect the vacuum motor 30 to a source of vacuum to operate the two-waysuds valve 29 to return sudsy water to the tub llby the pump 24 under the control of the agital r shifter bar 20.
  • I t should herebe understood that when the agitator shifter bar is in position to effect shifting of the agitator clutch (not shown) into an engaged position that the reverse flow valve of the pump 24 will be in position to direct the flowof'suds into the tub 11 through the pipe 26 and drain valve and that under these conditions th e agit ator 12 will oscillate during filling of the tub, being supplied with vacuum through the intake passageway 102 leading from the manifold passageway 8 6f V V A V
  • a pneumatic control system particularly adapted to control a washing machine of the type having a reversible motor 110 in which the agitator (not shown) for the washing machine is driven when the motoris operating in one direction and in which the clothes conta iner is spun to extract water from the clothes ltherein when the motor is driven in an opposite direction.
  • a timer 111 driven by a timer motor 112 and including a valve manifold 113 having a series of timer valves 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121., 122, 123 and 124 therein, operated in a predetermined sequence by a series of timer cams (not shown), as in the form of our .invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 5.
  • a vacuum pump 125 driven from the main drive motor 110, affords a source of supply of vacuum.
  • the vacuum pump 125 may preferably be a piston type of vacuum pump since the motor 110 rotates in one direction to drive the agitator of the machine ,and in an opposite direction to spin the clothes container.
  • Said vacuum pump is shown as having direct connection with a vacuum line 126, affording a vacuum intake to the valves 115, 116, 117, 121., 123 and 124.
  • the vacuum pump 125 also is connected with a valve block 127 of a water level control device 129.
  • While the water level control device 129 may be like the water level control device 81 it is herein shown as being an adjustable water level control device operating on principles similar to these shown and described in application Serial No. 738,069 filed by Wesley L. Taylor on May 27,1958.
  • Said water level control device generally includes a diaphragm 130, which may sense the level of water in the tub responsive to the pressure of air in a diaphragm chamber (not shown). When the washing machine tube (not shown) is full, the air pressure on the diaphragm 130 will extend the diaphragm, to move a pilot valve in the form of a valve spool 131 of the control device from the solid to the broken line position shown in Figure 6.
  • valve spool 131 In the solid'line position of the valve spool 131 communication is alforded from the vacuum intake line 128 to a vacuum output line 133, having direct communication with the valve 119.
  • the vacuum output 133 When the valve spool 131 .is in its broken line position, the vacuum output 133 will be vented to atmosphere and the vacuum input 128 will be connected with a vacuum output line 135 having communication with the valve 124.
  • Said valve serves as a neutral control valve.
  • the neutral control valve 124 has connection with a vacuum motor 136 through a vacuum output line 137.
  • the vacuum output line 137 is connected to a source of vacuum to operate the vacuum motor 136 to shift the control clutch for the washing machine (not shown) out of a neutral position into a position to eifect a drive to the agitator of the washing machine.
  • a pressure switch 139 is operated by the diaphragm 130, as the valve spool 131 is moved to the dotted line position in Figure 6.
  • the pressure switch 139 serves to 8 energize the timer motor 112 When'the washing machine tub is full of'water, to start the cyclic operation of the machinef i i
  • the valve is shown as afiording a connection from the source of vacuum to a vacuum motor 140 through a vacuum line 141.
  • the vacuum motor 140 serves to open a main drive motor control switch (not shown) when operated, to disconnect the main drive motor 110 from the energizing circuit therefor.
  • the valve 115 is normally closed and only opens upon a change in the cycles in the cyclic operation of the machine.
  • the valve 116 afiords communication between the vacuum line 126 and a vacuum motor 143 through a vacuum line 144.
  • the valve 116 remains in the closed position shown in Figure 6 during the wash period and is moved by its associated timer cam (not shown) in position to afford communication between the vacuum line 126 and the vacuum motor 143, to operate said vacuum motor to effect the reversal of the reversible motor 110, for spinning the clothes container and extracting water fromthe clothes therein, during the spinning cycle.
  • the valve 117 alfords communication between the vacuum line 126 and a vacuum motor 145, through a vacuum line 146, for operating said vacuum motor to open a timer control switch (not shown), holding the timer motor 112 in the energizing circuit during the periods when the pressure switch 139 is open, and opening at the termination of the washing operation, to deenergize the timer motor 112 and eifect the deenergization of the main drive motor 110, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art and no part of the present invention so not herein shown or described further.
  • the valve 118 is a water control biasing valve controlling the operation of a mixing valve 151 for the washing and the rinsing operations and is connected with a source of vacuum through the master water control valve 119.
  • the valve 118 is shown as being a two-way valve, and when in the wash position shown in Figure 6, afiords communication with a vacuum output 149 having connection with a vacuum motor 150 of a mixing valve 151 and connecting said vacuum motor to a source of vacuum to operate the hot water valve (not shown) of the mixing valve 151, to efiect the delivery of hot water into the mixing chamber of the valve.
  • a vacuum line 153 is connected with the vacuum line 149 and has connection with a valve block 154 of a manual rinse selector override valve 155, which afiords a means for selectively overriding the rinse water temperature program selected by the program valves in the valve 'block 127, as will hereinafter more clearly appear as this specification proceeds.
  • a branch vacuum line 147 is connected from the vacuum line 156 to the selector valve block 127 and has communication with a program valve 160 in the valve block 127.
  • the program selector valve block 127 contains a program valve 160 therein, controlling the washing program, a program valve 161 controlling the rinsing program, a program valve 162 controlling the speed of operation of the agitator of the washing machine, and a program valve 163 controlling the spinning speed of the clothes container.
  • valves 160 and 161 in theselector valve block 127 are connected to a source of vacuum under the control of the master water control valve 119, through a vacuum line 164 leading from said master water control valve and also having connection with the manual rinse selec tor override valve 155.
  • the vacuum output line 164 When the master water control valve 119 is in the position shown in Figure 6 with the wash program valve 160 in the open position shown, and the wash rinse control valve 118 in the Wash position shown, the vacuum output line 164 will be connected with the vacuum input 128 through the master water control valve 119 and the vacuum line 133. Vacuum will then be supplied through the vacuum output line 164, the Wash program valve 160 and the vacuum line 157, to operate the vacuum motor 157 and efiect the supply of cold Water to the mixing valve.
  • the vacuum output line 149 connected to the vacuum motor 150 will also be connected to a source of vacuum through the valves 118 and 119, to operate said vacuum motor and effect the supply of hot water to the mixing chamber of the valve 151. This will effect the supply of tempered water to the washing machine tub (not shown) under control of mixing valve 151.
  • the wash program valve 160 When a program is selected requiring hot water for washing, the wash program valve 160 is closed.
  • the hot water control vacuum motor 150 is connected to the source of vacuum through the vacuum line 149, to effect the supply of hot water to the mixing chamber of the valve 151 and the discharge of hot Water to the washing machine tub (not shown).
  • the timer motor 112 will be energized, as previously described, to advance the timer and carry out cyclic washing, rinsing and extracting operations of the machine.
  • a speed control vacuum motor 165 will be connected to a source of vacuum through the agitator control timer valve 121 and the program sele tor valve 127. This will operate the vacuum motor 165 to operate the speed changing mechanism for the motor 110 (not shown) and will efiect a drive to the agitator of the washing machine at a fast speed during the washing operation.
  • the valve 123 will open, the valve 121 closing.
  • the vacuum motor 165 will then be operated under control of the valve 163, to efiiect a fast spin speed for the clothes container of the washing machine. Upon closing of the two valves 162 and 163, the vacuum motor 165 will be vented to atmosphere through the valve 120 during the washing cycle, and will be vented to atmosphere through the valve 122 during the extracting or spinning cycle.
  • either of the program valves 162 or 163 may be closed to attain a slow washing speed and a fast spin speed or a fast washing speed and a slow spin speed.
  • a single knob (not shown) may be provided to select the washing and rinse programs.
  • the valve 160 will be closed to attain hot water in the tub for washing and the valve 161 will be opened to attain warm water in the tub for rinsing.
  • the valve 162 will be opened to operate the vacuum motor 165 to give a fast washing speed while the valve 163 will be opened to operate the vacuum motor 165 to give a fast spin speed.
  • valve 160 When a program is selected for washing sturdy synthetics, the valve 160 will be opened to give a tempered wash water; the valve 161 will be closed to prevent operation of the vacuum motor 150 during the rinsing operation. The valve 162 will be opened to give a fast agitator speed while the valve 163 will be closed to give a slow spin speed.
  • the manual rinse selector override valve 155 is provided to override the rinse program selector valve 161, where for one reason or another it may be desired to rinse at a ditferent temperature than the temperature selected by the program valves.
  • a cold rinse temperature may be selected when the program valve 161 is in position to give a warm rinse temperature, by moving the valve 155 to position B. This will prevent operation of the vacuum motor during the rinse cycle.
  • a warm rinse temperature may be selected when the valve 160 is in its closed position by moving the override selector valve to position C. This will connect the vacuum motor 150 to a source of vacuum through a vacuum line 169, connected with the vacuum line 164 and by-passing the program selector valve block 127.
  • control system has been described as being a vacuum system, that it may be operated by air or by any other fluid under pressure, as well as by vacuum.
  • a pneumatic control device for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within said clothes container, a motor for driving said agitator and spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for supplying water to said tub at various selected temperatures during the washing and rinsing operations, a plurality of vacuum motors controlling operation of said mixing valve and the temperature of the waterdelivered by said mixing valve, individual vacuum motors controlling operation of said agitator and spinning of said clothes container, and means for sequentially connecting said vacuum motors with a source of vacuum, to eilect operation thereof in a predetermined sequence, comprising a timer including a manifold having a plurality of timer valves therein, a source of vacuum for said timer and timer valves, connections from said timer valves to said vacuum motors for operating said vacuum motors upon operation of said timer valves, at least one of said timer valves controlling operation of 17 said vacuum motors for said mixing valve during the washing and rinsing operations, and means oper
  • a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within said clothes container, a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to said tub at various preselected temperatures, individual fluid operated motors controlling the driving of said agitator, the spinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water delivered by said mixing valve, a series of timer valves controlling operation of said motors and operated in a predetermined sequence, and means operable independently of said timer for preselecting the temperatures of the water delivered to said tub for the washing and the rinsing operations comprising a plurality of program selector valves having connection with at least one of said timer valves and with said motors controlling the water delivered by said mixing valve, and selectively operable in cooperation with said timer valve to predetermine the temperature of the water for the washing and rinsing operations.
  • a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator ting valve for delivering water to saidtub at various 'pre-' selected temperatures, individual pneumatic motors controlling the d riving of said agitator, the spinning of said clothes containeriand the temperature of thewater delivered to said tubby said mixing valve, a series of timer valves controlling operation of said pneumatic motors and ,op erated in a predetermined sequence, a timer motor for operating said timer valves, means operable independently of said timer for preselecting the temperatures of the water delivered to, said tub for the washing and the rinsing operations comprising a plurality of program selector valves having connection with at least oneof said timer valves and with said pneumatic motors, controlling the water delivered-by said mixing valve and selectively operable in cooperation with said timer valve to predetermine the temperature of the water 'for the washing and rinsing operations, and a pressure operated device responsive to the head of water in said tub
  • a timer including a manifold having a plurality of timer valves therein, a motor for operating .said timer to sequentially operate said timer valves, a mixing valve for delivering .hot, cold or tempered water to the washing machine tub, a plurality of vacuum motors for operating said mixing valve, at least one timer valve controlling the supply of vacuum to said vacuum motors, said timer valve being movable into one position to supply vacuum .for the washing operation and into another position .to supply vacuum for the rinsing operation, a plurality of fluid connections from said timer valve, -a series of prom-am selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and connected with said fluid connections and having connection with said vacuum motors for .said mixing valve and selectively operable to independently preselect different temperatures of Water delivered by said mixing valve for'the washing and the rinsing operations, a source of vacuum, a pilot valve connected with said source ofvacuurn and controlling the
  • a pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a -clothes"containertherein, an agitator within said clothes container, ,a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to'said tub, an energizing circuit to said motor including a timer, ;a selector switch for effecting the driving of said motor at selected high or low speeds, individual pneumatic motors controlling the driving of said agitator, thespinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water dolivered by said mixing valve, a series of timer valves operated by said timer controlling operation of said pneumatic motors means for'preselecting the temperature of the water delivered to said tub comprising a plurality of program selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and having fluid connection with at least one of said timer valves and with said pneumatic motors controlling the water delivered by said'mixing valve, a single knobtor operating said program selector
  • a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator in said clothes container, a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to said tub at various preselected temperatures, individual pneumatic motors controlling the driving of said-agitator, the-spinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water delivered by said mixing valve, a timer, a motor for driving said timer, a series of timer valves sequentially operated by said timer and controllingoperati on of said pneumatic motors, means for preselecting the temperature of the Water delivered .to said tub comprising .a plurality of program selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and having connection with at least one of said timer valves and with saidrpnenmatic motors controlling the water delivered by said mixing valve, for .preselect ing the temperature of the Water for the Washing and rinsing operations, and a manual rinse selector
  • a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within saidclothes container, a main motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator and spinning said clothes container, a vacuum :motor, a switch operated thereby for effecting operation ofsaid main motor at either a high or a low speed, a mixing valve'for delivering water to said tub, a plurality ofvacuum motors controlling the temperature of water delivered by said mixing valve, atimer, a timer motor for operating said timer, a series of timer valves controlling operation of saidfirst mentioned vacuum motors for eifecting operation of said main motor ateither a low or high speed and for controlling operation of saidv vacuum motors lcontrollingoperation ofsaid mixing valve, and means adjustable i-ndependently of said timer for .preselecting the temperatpre of the water delivered to said tub .andthe speed .of op eration of said main motor'during the rinsing

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

Description

Nov. 22, 1960 Filed May 7; 1958 C. C. BAUERLEIN EI'AL PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE sheets sheet 1 IN VEN T0115 cArzL. c. aAuErzLem WEGLE) LrrAyLoa I Nov. 22, 1960 c. c. BAUERLEIN ETAL 2,960,856
pnzum'rxc CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASHING mcumzs AND THE LIKE Filed May 7, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 CARL C. EAL! EZLEI N WELEY L- TAY LO 2.,
WWW %A;z QY ATTORNEY Q' 1960 c. c. BAUERLEIN EI'AL 2,95
PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed May 7, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 @o 1 12 9 f a \(1 e1 5 :Akou Ace-r 12 INVENTORfi CARL G. EaAUElZ LE! M W-ELEY L.TA LOQ,
NOV. 1960 c. c. BAUERLEIN ETAL 2,960,856
PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed May 7, 1958 1 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR$ mm. c. bAUEJLLEJN wear-.7 L..TA7L0 P 5% A'r-rarzmeve;
United States Patent PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Carl C. Banerlein and Wesley L. Taylor, Lincolnwood, 111., assignors to The Dole Valve Company, Morton Grove, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed May 7, 1958, Ser. No. 733,520
7 Claims. (Cl. 68-12) This invention relates to improvements in pneumatic control systems for washing machines and the like and more particularly relates to an improved system in which various washing programs may be preselected in accordance with the fabric to be washed.
A principal object of the invention is to provide a simple and improved form of fluid operated control system for Washing machines and the like, in which the washing program may be preselected for various types of fabrics to be washed.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like in which pneumatic motors control certain sequential washing, rinsing and drying operations of the machine, and in which selectively operable programming valves are provided to preselect the temperature of the water supplied to the washing machine tub, for the washing and rinsing operations.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatically controlled automatic washing machine having a novel and simplified means for preselecting the time for which it is desired the clothes be washed, the temperatures of the Wash water and the rinse water, the speeds of agitation and the water level, upon manually selecting the program and setting of the timer controlling the cyclic operation of the machine to its on position, to start the completely automatic cycle of the machine.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an efficient form of pneumatic control system for controlling the washing operations of a washing machine and the like, in which a two speed motor is provided to effect washing at a high or a low speed in accordance with the fabric being washed, in which a series of program selector valves are provided to preselect the washing temperatures for the washing and rinsing operations, wherein the means for preselecting the washing program also serves to preselect the washing speed in accordance with the fabric to be washed.
These and other objects of the invention will appear from time to time as the following specification proceeds and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure l is a diagrammatic view of an automatic washing machine, diagramamtically illustrating a pneumatic control system constructed in accordance with the invention, for controlling the automatic operation of the washing machine;
Figure 2 is a fluid diagram diagrammatically illustrating the timer operated valves for controlling the various automatic operations of the machine;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view schematically illustrating the program selector valve block and the operating means therefor;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the control knob and cam for the program selector valves;
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view diagrammatiice cally showing an illustrative form of timer valve and timer cam for operating the valve; and
Figure 6 is a fluid diagram illustrating a modified form of the invention.
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 5 of the drawings, I have diagrammatically shown in Figure 1 an illustrative form of pneumatic control system for a Washing machine and the like controlled in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The control system herein shown is particularly adapted to control the operation of an automatic washing machine of a type having a tub 10, a clothes container 11 therein, an agitator 12 within said clothes container, a motor 13, an agitator shaft 15 oscillatably driven by the motor 13 for oscillatably driving the agitator 12, a sleeve 16 surrounding said agitator shaft for spinning the clothes container 11 and extracting water from the clothes therein. The agitator shaft 15 is oscillatably driven from the motor 13 through suitable oscillatable drive gearing contained within a casing 17, and not herein shown or described since the drive is no part of the present invention and may be of any well known form.
The sleeve 16 for spinning the clothes container 11 is driven through a belt 19 driven by the motor 13. The belt 19 drives a pulley 18 on the sleeve 16 and also drives the oscillatable drive mechanism, within the gear case 17 for oscillatably driving the agitator 12. A clutch shifter bar 20 controlled by operation of a fluid operated motor, herein shown as being a vacuum motor 21 is provided to control operation of the agitator 12. A second clutch shifter bar 22 controlled by operation of a fluid operated or vacuum motor 23, is provided to control the spinning of the clothes container 11, to extract water from the clothes therein.
While the system of the invention may be operated by air or any other fluid under pressure as well as by vacuum, the system will herein be described as a vacuum system for illustrative purposes, although applicant does not desire to be construed as limiting himself to a vacuum system and when referring to fluid operated motors it should be understood that the motors may be pressure operated as well.
The clutch shifter bars 20 and 22 and the clutches operated thereby are of a conventional type commonly used in washing machines, and may be of any well known form, and are no part of the present invention so need not herein be shown or described further.
The belt 19 also serves to drive a water pump 24 connected with a drain valve 25 for draining the washing machine tub 10 through a pipe 26. A pipe 27 is shown as leading from the pump 24 to a two-way suds saver valve 29 to drain. A second pipe 33 leads from the two-way valve to a suds storage tank (not shown). It should here be understood that when the two-way valve 29 is in a suds saving position and the pump 24 is being driven in a direction to drain sudsy water from the tub 10, that the sudsy water may be stored in a suds storage tank. A reverse flow valve (not shown) controlled by the agitator shifter bar 20 is provided to reverse the flow through the pump 24 to return sudsy water to the tub 10 for a next succeeding washing operation. When the agitator clutch is engaged, the reverse flow valve is in a suds return position, and vice versa, when the agitator clutch is disengaged, as is well known to those skilled in the art, so not herein shown or described further.
The tub 10 is supplied with water at the desired temperature under the control of a mixing valve 35 controlled by three vacuum motors 36, 37 and 38. Said vacuum motors may be of a well known type operated by vacuum and returned by a spring (not shown). Operation of the vacuum motor 36, by connecting said motor to a source of vacuum, may effect the delivery of hot water to the tub 10. In a like manner, operation of the vacuum motor 37 may effect the delivery of tempered water to the tub 10, which may be under the control of the thermostat forwthe mixing valve (not sho n-)',- asis common .with mixing'valves in userin laundry machines. Similarly, operation of the vacuum motor 38 may deliver cold Water to the tub 10, or may deliver cold Water to the mixing valve to be by-passed around the mixing chamber for mixture with the tempered Water.
The vacuum motors 3.6, 37 and38 are operated under the control of a series of program selector valves 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43, diagrammatically shownin "Figures 2 and 3 as being mounted in a valve block 44. The vacuum selector valvesmay be of any well known 'form, and may be operated under the control of. a single knob 45 in the form of a cam disk having cam faces on the undersurface thereof engageable with stems 46 of the valves, for opening .or closing the valves in accordance with the washing'program selected.
A cam face 46a, for example, is shown in Figure 4 as being .in position to come into engagement with a stem 46 of an associated program selector valve, it being understood that the cam. faces may be circumferentially arranged along the bottom of the knob or cam disk 45 and may be radially spacedto effect operation of the selected valve upon turning of said knob.
The valve 39 connects the .vacuummotor 36 witha source of vacuum through a vacuum line 47, as a washn'nse timer valve 49 is in its wash position and the valve 39 is open to operate the vacuum motor '36 and eifect opening of .the hot water valve of the mixing valve, and ti: discharge of hot water'through the outlet from the v ve.
The valve 40 is connected with the vacuum motor 37 through a vacuum line 50. When the wash-rinse timer valve 49 is in its wash position and the vacuum selector 40 is in its open position, vacuum will be supplied to operate the vacuum motor 37 to open the mixed water valve of the mixing valve for the discharge of tempered water from said valve, which may be under thermostatic control.
The valve 41 is connectedwith the cold water vacuum motor 38'through a vacuum line 51. When the valve 49 is in its Wash position and the valve41 is open, vacuum will be supplied to operate the vacuum motor38 and effect thedischarge of .cold waterthrough the outlet from the mixing valve 35.
It should here be understood that hot and cold waterenter the valve body andmixing chamber of thevalve, and that the temperature of the water'discharged is governedby a thermostatic valve (not shown) in the mix ing chamber of .the valve. Thus, when vacuumis supplied to the vacuum motor37 temperedwater will be discharged from the valve. 'The temperature-of the tempered water, however, may be varied by by-passing either hot or cold Water past the mixing chamber, for mixing with the tempered water, or hot or cold water may be directly discharged through the outlet from the valve upon the supply of vacuum to the respective vacuum motors 36 or 38.
When the valve 49 is in the rinse position shown in Figure 2, and the valve 42 is open, the vacuum line 50 will be connected with a source of vacuum through the vacuum line 53, connecting the valve 42 with the vacuum line 50, to effect the supply of mixed water through the outlet from the valve 35.
When the valve 43 is -in its open position and the wash rinse time-r valve 49 isinitsrinse position shown in Figure 2, the Vacuum line 51.will be connected with a source of vacuum through a vacuum line 54 leading from the valve 43, to operate the vacuum motor 38 to supply cold water through the outlet from the valve 35 for rinsing.
The program selector valve block 44 also has an agitator speedselectorcswitch '55 mounted thereon. The
speed selector switch 55 may be a double throw limit switch, having a button 58, engaged by a cam 58a on the undersurface of the cam disk 45. When the speed selector switch 55 is in one position, a switch arm 56 thereof may engage a stationary contact 57, to effect operation of the motor 13 at a high speed. When the speed selector switch 55 is'a second position eflected by operation of the cam disk 45 the switch arm 56 may engage a stationary contact 59, and effect operation of the motor 13 at a low speed. i
The cams on the cam disk 45 maybe so arranged that when the cam disk is positioned for washing cottons, the program selector valves 39 and 42 will be opened and the movable switch arm 56 will be in engagement With the stationary contact 57. This will effect a hot wash and a warm rinsetogether with a fast agitator speed.
When the cam disk 45 is in a position for washing lingerie, the valves 39 and 40 will be open, as well as the program selector valve 42. The-cam disk .45 will also operate the switch arm 56 to engage the stationary contact 59. This will eifect a-medium-washand a .warm rinse at a slow agitator speed. 7
The cams on the camdisk may-beso arranged as to preselect, a hot, warm, cold, warm plus hot and warm plus cold Wash temperature, and to preselect a warm,
cold and warm plus coldrinse temperatur e and to also select a fast agitator speed with a hot or medium washing temperature and a slow agitator speed for a medium or waim water temperature for washing.
The Wash-rinse control valve 49 is-one valve of a series of timer valves of a timer mounted in a manifold 60 of a timer 61, diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 2. The timer may be set by movement of a dial knob (not shown) to select the length of the wash period and to turn the control circuit for the machine to itsfon position. The timer 61 and timer valves may be of various well known forms, an exemplary form ofvalve being illustrated in Figure 3, illustratinga form that the valve 49 may take. The valve 49 is shown as having a valve stem 63 slidably mounted in the body portion of the manifold 60 and engaged at its upper end by a timer cam'64 on a timer shaft 65, driven by a timer motor 66. The vacuum input to the valve-49 is through a vacuumline 67 connected with a master water valve 69, controlling the input of vacuum to the wash rinse valve 49. During the washing cycle the vacuum output from the valve 49 is through vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73, connected With the-program selector valveblock 44 and having communication with the valves 39, 40 and 41. The vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73 enter a valve chamber 79 in the same plane, but in circumferentially spaced relation with respect to each other. In the rinse position of the timer valve 49, communication is afforded from the vacuum input 67 to vacuum output lines 75 and 76, connected with the respective program selector valves 42 and 43 in the valve block 44. The vacuum output lines 75 and 76 also enter the valve chamber 79 in the same plane in circumferentially spaced relation with each other. i
The valve means for the timer valve 49 may be of any well known form and is herein shown as being a spool type of valve having lands 77 and 78 at opposite ends thereof having slidable engagement with the wall of a valve chamber 79. When the valve is in the position shown in Figure 3 the vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73 are open and the vacuum output lines 75 and 76 are closed. When the valve is in position to close the vacuum output lines 71, 72 and 73, the vacuum output lines 75 and 76 are open. A, spring 80 encircling the valve stem 63 is provided to bias; the stem 63 into engagement with the cam 64. v
The drive to the timer shaft. and-cam 64 may be ,an intermittent drive, for operating-the timer. valves, with a fast e t t .1 h .q ss aaafgn v l prio to opening of the next valve, and may be of any well known form, so need not herein be shown or described in detail.
The timer is energized and vacuum is supplied to the timer manifold 60, and the master water valve 69 under the control of a pressure responsive water level control device 81, which may be a well known form of adjustable water level control device, efiecting the energization of the timer motor at a selected water level, so not been shown or described in detail. A vacuum pump 83 driven by the main motor 13 for the machine afiords a source of supply of vacuum for the system.
A vacuum output 85 connects the vacuum pump 83 directly with a vacuum line 86 in the timer manifold 60. A vacuum line 87 is connected from the vacuum pump 83 to the water level control device 81, and provides a vacuum input to said control device. A vacuum output line 89 is connected from the water level control device to the master water control valve 69. A second vacuum output line 90 connects the water level control device 81 with an agitator control valve 91 in the manifold 60.
The pressure responsive water level control device 81 is diagrammatically shown in Figure 2 as including a solenoid 92 energized by a pressure switch 95 operated by a diaphragm (not shown) in a diaphragm chamber 94, responsive to the air pressure provided by the head of water in the washing machine tub.
At the beginning of the filling operation of the tub, a pilot valve in the form of a valve spool 93 of the water level control device 81 will be in the position shown in Figure 2. This afiords communication between the vacuum input 87 and the vacuum output 89 and supplies vacuum to the master water control valve 69. As the tub is filled with water to the desired level, the pressure of air in the diaphragm chamber 94 will close the pressure switch 95. This will energize the solenoid 92 and efiect movement of the valve spool 93 into the broken line position shown in Figure 2. This will vent the vacuum output 89 to atmosphere and connect the vacuum input 87 with the vacuum output line 90 communicating with the agitator control valve 91. The filling of the tub will then stop, and the agitation will commence.
As the valve spool 93 is moved into position to connect the agitator control valve 91 with the source of vacuum and the pressure switch 95 is closed, as previously described, an energizing circuit will be established to the timer motor 66. This will initiate operation of the timer and start the advance of the timer cams to carry out the automatic operations of the machine.
At the termination of operation of the agitator, the timer will open a tub drain control valve 96 to vent a drain valve vacuum motor 98 to atmosphere, and effect operation of said motor by its spring (not shown) and opening of the drain valve 25. The pump 24 being continuously driven by the motor 13, will draw water from the tub 10. The valve 25 will, however, remain open until the beginning of the rinse fill period.
It should here be understood that the pump 24 is provided with a reverse flow valve operated by the agitator shifter bar 20 and that when the agitator vacuum; motor 21 is vented to atmosphere by actuation of valve 91, the pump 24 will pump water from the tub through the water lines 26 and 27 to the two-way valve 29.
As the valve 25 opens and the vacuum motor 21 is vented to atmosphere, a suds saver valve 97 will be opened. This will connect the vacuum motor 30 to a source of vacuum to operate said vacuum motor 30, and move the two-way suds saver valve 29 into position to direct suds into a suds storage tub or the like (not shown). At the termination of the draining operation, the suds saver control vacuum motor 30 will be vented to atmosphere through the control valve 97 therefor. The suds saver valve 29 will then move into position to connect the pipe 27 with the pipe 31.
A spin control valve 99 will then be moved into position to connect the spin control vacuum motor 23 to a source of vacuum, and effect the spinning of the tub 11, driven by the motor 13 through the pulley 18 and sleeve 16.
At the termination of the spinning operation, the spin control valve 99 will move into position to vent the vacuum motor 23 to atmosphere. The clothes container will then coast to a stop.
It will be understood that the wash-rinse control valve 49 will have been moved to the rinse position at the end of the agitation period and the master water control valve 69 will have been moved to close passage 89 and permit atmosphere to valve 49 via an intermittent spray rinse timer valve 105. During the end of the spin period valve 105 is moved to close the vent port of said valve, and intermittent closing and opening of valve 100 by timer cam 101 will intermittently communicate vacuum to the mixing valve motors to provide a plurality of spray rinses.
At the end of the spin period the master water control valve 69 is moved to close the passage to valve 105 and open passage 89 to supply vacuum to washrinse control valve 49, and to program valve block 44 through lines 75 and 76. The tub will then be filled with warm or cold water for rinsing depending upon the articles to be washed and the washing program selected by the cam 45. Prior to commencing the rinse fill period the agitator control valve 91 will be moved in position to reconnect the agitator control vacuum motor 21 to passage of the water level control device 81.
As the preselected water level is reached, the rinse fill is terminated when solenoid 92 moves valve 93 to the dotted line position. The mixing valve motors are then vented through passage 89, and vacuum is supplied to agitation control vacuum motor 21 through passage 90 and valve 91.
As the timer moves to a position to terminate the rinsing operation, it will then move the tub drain control valve 96 into position to vent the vacuum motor 98 to atmosphere to open the drain valve 25. The agitator control valve 91 will at the same time be moved into position to vent the vacuum motor 21 to atmosphere. This will cause movement of the shifter bar 20 to disengage the agitator clutch and to position the reverse fiow pump valve (not shown) into position to effect the pumping of rinse Water to the two-way valve 29. The suds saver control valve 97 will then have been moved into position to vent the vacuum motor 30 to atmosphere, to efiect the discharge of rinse water through the drain pipe 31.
It is, of course, understood that during this time, the master water valve 69 has vented the wash rinse valve 49 to atmosphere. The timer will then operate the spin control valve 99 to connect the vacuum motor 23 to a source of vacuum and effect the spinning of the clothes container to extract water from the clothes in the clothes container. A spin stop safety valve 104 is provided in the vacuum line leading to the vacuum motor 23, to prevent spinning of the clothes container when the washing machine lid is open. During the spinning operations, an intermittent spray or rinse valve 100 may be operated by a spray rinse cam 101, to intermittently supply vacuum to the valves 69 and 49 under the control of a spray rinse timer valve 105, to operate the vacuum motors 37 or 38, depending upon the temperature selected by the program selector. This will intermittently spray the clothes for a portion of each spin period to remove any suds from the clothes.
At the end of a first washing operation and at the initiation of a next succeeding washing operation, the suds saver control valve is moved into position to connect the vacuum motor 30 to a source of vacuum to operate the two-waysuds valve 29 to return sudsy water to the tub llby the pump 24 under the control of the agital r shifter bar 20.
I t should herebe understood that when the agitator shifter bar is in position to effect shifting of the agitator clutch (not shown) into an engaged position that the reverse flow valve of the pump 24 will be in position to direct the flowof'suds into the tub 11 through the pipe 26 and drain valve and that under these conditions th e agit ator 12 will oscillate during filling of the tub, being supplied with vacuum through the intake passageway 102 leading from the manifold passageway 8 6f V V A V In ther nodified form of the invention illustrated in Figure 6, we have shown a pneumatic control system particularly adapted to control a washing machine of the type having a reversible motor 110 in which the agitator (not shown) for the washing machine is driven when the motoris operating in one direction and in which the clothes conta iner is spun to extract water from the clothes ltherein when the motor is driven in an opposite direction.
In the form of the invention illustrated in Figure 6, we have shown a timer 111 driven by a timer motor 112 and including a valve manifold 113 having a series of timer valves 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121., 122, 123 and 124 therein, operated in a predetermined sequence by a series of timer cams (not shown), as in the form of our .invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 5.
As shown in Figure 6, a vacuum pump 125 driven from the main drive motor 110, affords a source of supply of vacuum. The vacuum pump 125 may preferably be a piston type of vacuum pump since the motor 110 rotates in one direction to drive the agitator of the machine ,and in an opposite direction to spin the clothes container. Said vacuum pump is shown as having direct connection with a vacuum line 126, affording a vacuum intake to the valves 115, 116, 117, 121., 123 and 124. The vacuum pump 125 also is connected with a valve block 127 of a water level control device 129.
While the water level control device 129 may be like the water level control device 81 it is herein shown as being an adjustable water level control device operating on principles similar to these shown and described in application Serial No. 738,069 filed by Wesley L. Taylor on May 27,1958. Said water level control device generally includes a diaphragm 130, which may sense the level of water in the tub responsive to the pressure of air in a diaphragm chamber (not shown). When the washing machine tube (not shown) is full, the air pressure on the diaphragm 130 will extend the diaphragm, to move a pilot valve in the form of a valve spool 131 of the control device from the solid to the broken line position shown in Figure 6. In the solid'line position of the valve spool 131 communication is alforded from the vacuum intake line 128 to a vacuum output line 133, having direct communication with the valve 119. When the valve spool 131 .is in its broken line position, the vacuum output 133 will be vented to atmosphere and the vacuum input 128 will be connected with a vacuum output line 135 having communication with the valve 124. Said valve serves as a neutral control valve. The neutral control valve 124 has connection with a vacuum motor 136 through a vacuum output line 137. When the neutral control valve 124 is in the position shown in Figure 6, the vacuum output line 137 is connected to a source of vacuum to operate the vacuum motor 136 to shift the control clutch for the washing machine (not shown) out of a neutral position into a position to eifect a drive to the agitator of the washing machine.
A pressure switch 139 is operated by the diaphragm 130, as the valve spool 131 is moved to the dotted line position in Figure 6. The pressure switch 139 serves to 8 energize the timer motor 112 When'the washing machine tub is full of'water, to start the cyclic operation of the machinef i i The valve is shown as afiording a connection from the source of vacuum to a vacuum motor 140 through a vacuum line 141. The vacuum motor 140 serves to open a main drive motor control switch (not shown) when operated, to disconnect the main drive motor 110 from the energizing circuit therefor. The valve 115 is normally closed and only opens upon a change in the cycles in the cyclic operation of the machine.
The valve 116 afiords communication between the vacuum line 126 and a vacuum motor 143 through a vacuum line 144. The valve 116 remains in the closed position shown in Figure 6 during the wash period and is moved by its associated timer cam (not shown) in position to afford communication between the vacuum line 126 and the vacuum motor 143, to operate said vacuum motor to effect the reversal of the reversible motor 110, for spinning the clothes container and extracting water fromthe clothes therein, during the spinning cycle.
The valve 117 alfords communication between the vacuum line 126 and a vacuum motor 145, through a vacuum line 146, for operating said vacuum motor to open a timer control switch (not shown), holding the timer motor 112 in the energizing circuit during the periods when the pressure switch 139 is open, and opening at the termination of the washing operation, to deenergize the timer motor 112 and eifect the deenergization of the main drive motor 110, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art and no part of the present invention so not herein shown or described further.
The valve 118 is a water control biasing valve controlling the operation of a mixing valve 151 for the washing and the rinsing operations and is connected with a source of vacuum through the master water control valve 119. The valve 118 is shown as being a two-way valve, and when in the wash position shown in Figure 6, afiords communication with a vacuum output 149 having connection with a vacuum motor 150 of a mixing valve 151 and connecting said vacuum motor to a source of vacuum to operate the hot water valve (not shown) of the mixing valve 151, to efiect the delivery of hot water into the mixing chamber of the valve.
A vacuum line 153 is connected with the vacuum line 149 and has connection with a valve block 154 of a manual rinse selector override valve 155, which afiords a means for selectively overriding the rinse water temperature program selected by the program valves in the valve 'block 127, as will hereinafter more clearly appear as this specification proceeds.
A vacuum line 156 leading from the valve 118 when in its rinse position, afifords a source of vacuum to a vacuum motor 157 controlling the cold water valve (not shown) of the mixing valve 151, to operate said vacuum motor and effect the discharge of cold water into the mixing chamber for the valve. A branch vacuum line 147 is connected from the vacuum line 156 to the selector valve block 127 and has communication with a program valve 160 in the valve block 127.
The program selector valve block 127 contains a program valve 160 therein, controlling the washing program, a program valve 161 controlling the rinsing program, a program valve 162 controlling the speed of operation of the agitator of the washing machine, and a program valve 163 controlling the spinning speed of the clothes container.
The valves 160 and 161 in theselector valve block 127 are connected to a source of vacuum under the control of the master water control valve 119, through a vacuum line 164 leading from said master water control valve and also having connection with the manual rinse selec tor override valve 155.
When the master water control valve 119 is in the position shown in Figure 6 with the wash program valve 160 in the open position shown, and the wash rinse control valve 118 in the Wash position shown, the vacuum output line 164 will be connected with the vacuum input 128 through the master water control valve 119 and the vacuum line 133. Vacuum will then be supplied through the vacuum output line 164, the Wash program valve 160 and the vacuum line 157, to operate the vacuum motor 157 and efiect the supply of cold Water to the mixing valve. The vacuum output line 149 connected to the vacuum motor 150 will also be connected to a source of vacuum through the valves 118 and 119, to operate said vacuum motor and effect the supply of hot water to the mixing chamber of the valve 151. This will effect the supply of tempered water to the washing machine tub (not shown) under control of mixing valve 151.
When a program is selected requiring hot water for washing, the wash program valve 160 is closed. The hot water control vacuum motor 150 is connected to the source of vacuum through the vacuum line 149, to effect the supply of hot water to the mixing chamber of the valve 151 and the discharge of hot Water to the washing machine tub (not shown).
At the termination of filling the tub with warm or hot water as selected, the timer motor 112 will be energized, as previously described, to advance the timer and carry out cyclic washing, rinsing and extracting operations of the machine. Assuming the program valves 162 and 163 to be in their open positions shown in Figure 6, a speed control vacuum motor 165 will be connected to a source of vacuum through the agitator control timer valve 121 and the program sele tor valve 127. This will operate the vacuum motor 165 to operate the speed changing mechanism for the motor 110 (not shown) and will efiect a drive to the agitator of the washing machine at a fast speed during the washing operation. During the extracting operation the valve 123 will open, the valve 121 closing. The vacuum motor 165 will then be operated under control of the valve 163, to efiiect a fast spin speed for the clothes container of the washing machine. Upon closing of the two valves 162 and 163, the vacuum motor 165 will be vented to atmosphere through the valve 120 during the washing cycle, and will be vented to atmosphere through the valve 122 during the extracting or spinning cycle.
It should here be noted that either of the program valves 162 or 163 may be closed to attain a slow washing speed and a fast spin speed or a fast washing speed and a slow spin speed. Preferably a single knob (not shown) may be provided to select the washing and rinse programs. For example, when the knob is in a position for washing white cottons and the like, the valve 160 will be closed to attain hot water in the tub for washing and the valve 161 will be opened to attain warm water in the tub for rinsing. The valve 162 will be opened to operate the vacuum motor 165 to give a fast washing speed while the valve 163 will be opened to operate the vacuum motor 165 to give a fast spin speed.
When a program is selected for washing sturdy synthetics, the valve 160 will be opened to give a tempered wash water; the valve 161 will be closed to prevent operation of the vacuum motor 150 during the rinsing operation. The valve 162 will be opened to give a fast agitator speed while the valve 163 will be closed to give a slow spin speed.
In a similar manner various programs may be selected for washing non-colored fast cottons, delicate synthetics and special materials all by the turning of a single knob, or by the operation of a series of program selector buttons.
The manual rinse selector override valve 155 is provided to override the rinse program selector valve 161, where for one reason or another it may be desired to rinse at a ditferent temperature than the temperature selected by the program valves.
When the override valve is in position A shown in 10 Figure 6, the wash and rinse temperatures are all under the control of the program selector valves 160 and 161. Rinsing will then be under the automatic control of the program selector valves.
A cold rinse temperature may be selected when the program valve 161 is in position to give a warm rinse temperature, by moving the valve 155 to position B. This will prevent operation of the vacuum motor during the rinse cycle. A warm rinse temperature may be selected when the valve 160 is in its closed position by moving the override selector valve to position C. This will connect the vacuum motor 150 to a source of vacuum through a vacuum line 169, connected with the vacuum line 164 and by-passing the program selector valve block 127.
It should be understood that while the control system has been described as being a vacuum system, that it may be operated by air or by any other fluid under pressure, as well as by vacuum.
It will be understood that various modifications and variations of the present invention may be effected Without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts thereof as defined by the claims appended hereto.
We claim as our invention:
1. In a pneumatic control device for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within said clothes container, a motor for driving said agitator and spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for supplying water to said tub at various selected temperatures during the washing and rinsing operations, a plurality of vacuum motors controlling operation of said mixing valve and the temperature of the waterdelivered by said mixing valve, individual vacuum motors controlling operation of said agitator and spinning of said clothes container, and means for sequentially connecting said vacuum motors with a source of vacuum, to eilect operation thereof in a predetermined sequence, comprising a timer including a manifold having a plurality of timer valves therein, a source of vacuum for said timer and timer valves, connections from said timer valves to said vacuum motors for operating said vacuum motors upon operation of said timer valves, at least one of said timer valves controlling operation of 17 said vacuum motors for said mixing valve during the washing and rinsing operations, and means operable independently of said timer for preselecting the washing temperatures for the rinsing and washing operations, comprising a plurality of program selector valves connected between said means for sequentially connecting said vacuum motors with a source of vacuum and said vacuum motors for selectivity controlling the temperature of Water delivered by said mixing valve during the various cycles of the washing operation.
2. In a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within said clothes container, a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to said tub at various preselected temperatures, individual fluid operated motors controlling the driving of said agitator, the spinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water delivered by said mixing valve, a series of timer valves controlling operation of said motors and operated in a predetermined sequence, and means operable independently of said timer for preselecting the temperatures of the water delivered to said tub for the washing and the rinsing operations comprising a plurality of program selector valves having connection with at least one of said timer valves and with said motors controlling the water delivered by said mixing valve, and selectively operable in cooperation with said timer valve to predetermine the temperature of the water for the washing and rinsing operations.
3. In a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator ting valve for delivering water to saidtub at various 'pre-' selected temperatures, individual pneumatic motors controlling the d riving of said agitator, the spinning of said clothes containeriand the temperature of thewater delivered to said tubby said mixing valve, a series of timer valves controlling operation of said pneumatic motors and ,op erated in a predetermined sequence, a timer motor for operating said timer valves, means operable independently of said timer for preselecting the temperatures of the water delivered to, said tub for the washing and the rinsing operations comprising a plurality of program selector valves having connection with at least oneof said timer valves and with said pneumatic motors, controlling the water delivered-by said mixing valve and selectively operable in cooperation with said timer valve to predetermine the temperature of the water 'for the washing and rinsing operations, and a pressure operated device responsive to the head of water in said tub and operable to shut-off said pneumatic motors operating said mixing valve to efiect closing of said valve, energize said timer motor, and effect operation ofsaid pneumatic motor controllingdriving of said agitator.
4. In a pneumatic control device for washing machines and the like, a timer including a manifold having a plurality of timer valves therein, a motor for operating .said timer to sequentially operate said timer valves, a mixing valve for delivering .hot, cold or tempered water to the washing machine tub, a plurality of vacuum motors for operating said mixing valve, at least one timer valve controlling the supply of vacuum to said vacuum motors, said timer valve being movable into one position to supply vacuum .for the washing operation and into another position .to supply vacuum for the rinsing operation, a plurality of fluid connections from said timer valve, -a series of prom-am selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and connected with said fluid connections and having connection with said vacuum motors for .said mixing valve and selectively operable to independently preselect different temperatures of Water delivered by said mixing valve for'the washing and the rinsing operations, a source of vacuum, a pilot valve connected with said source ofvacuurn and controlling the supplyof vacuum to said timer valves, said pilot valve in one position supplying vacuum :to said timer valve supplying vacuum to said vacuum motors for operating said mixing valve and in another position venting said timer valve to atmosphere and effecting the shutting off of said vacuum motors, water level control means for operating said pilot valve and moving said pilot valve into position to vent said timer valve to atmosphere at a predetermined level of water in the washing machine tub, and a switch operated by said water level control means for :instigating the operation of said timer. 7
5. Ina pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a -clothes"containertherein, an agitator within said clothes container, ,a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to'said tub, an energizing circuit to said motor including a timer, ;a selector switch for effecting the driving of said motor at selected high or low speeds, individual pneumatic motors controlling the driving of said agitator, thespinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water dolivered by said mixing valve, a series of timer valves operated by said timer controlling operation of said pneumatic motors means for'preselecting the temperature of the water delivered to said tub comprising a plurality of program selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and having fluid connection with at least one of said timer valves and with said pneumatic motors controlling the water delivered by said'mixing valve, a single knobtor operating said program selector valves, an operative connection from said knob to said program selector switch for operating said program selector switch to preselect the speed of said motor in accordance with the temperature selection program of saidmixing valve.
6. In a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator in said clothes container, a motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator, other means driven by said motor for spinning said clothes container, a mixing valve for delivering water to said tub at various preselected temperatures, individual pneumatic motors controlling the driving of said-agitator, the-spinning of said clothes container and the temperature of the water delivered by said mixing valve, a timer, a motor for driving said timer, a series of timer valves sequentially operated by said timer and controllingoperati on of said pneumatic motors, means for preselecting the temperature of the Water delivered .to said tub comprising .a plurality of program selector valves adjustable independently of said timer and having connection with at least one of said timer valves and with saidrpnenmatic motors controlling the water delivered by said mixing valve, for .preselect ing the temperature of the Water for the Washing and rinsing operations, and a manual rinse selector override valve connected with certain of said program selector valves and selectively operable to override at least one of said program selector valves and to change the temperature of the water delivered to the tub independently of said program selector valves, at the selection of the operator.
7. In a control system for washing machines and the like having a tub, a clothes container therein, an agitator within saidclothes container, a main motor, means driven by said motor for driving said agitator and spinning said clothes container, a vacuum :motor, a switch operated thereby for effecting operation ofsaid main motor at either a high or a low speed, a mixing valve'for delivering water to said tub, a plurality ofvacuum motors controlling the temperature of water delivered by said mixing valve, atimer, a timer motor for operating said timer, a series of timer valves controlling operation of saidfirst mentioned vacuum motors for eifecting operation of said main motor ateither a low or high speed and for controlling operation of saidv vacuum motors lcontrollingoperation ofsaid mixing valve, and means adjustable i-ndependently of said timer for .preselecting the temperatpre of the water delivered to said tub .andthe speed .of op eration of said main motor'during the rinsing and washing operations, comprising a plurality of program selector valves connected with certain .of said timer valves and having connection with said first mentioned vacuum motor for controlling operation of said switch and the speed of operation of said main motor, and connected with said vacuum motors controlling the delivery of water from said mixing valve, and selectively operable to preselect the temperaturetof the water .for the washing and rinsing operations and the speed of-operation of .said mainmotor in accordance with the fabric being washed. 4
References Cited in the file of this 7 patent UNITED STATES PATENTS
US733520A 1958-05-07 1958-05-07 Pneumatic control system for washing machines and the like Expired - Lifetime US2960856A (en)

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Cited By (13)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2986910A (en) * 1960-10-03 1961-06-06 Gen Electric Article treating machine with pneumatically operated safety interlock
US2990705A (en) * 1960-06-15 1961-07-04 Gen Electric Article-treating machine with fluidoperated switch controls therefor
US3048026A (en) * 1961-08-07 1962-08-07 Gen Electric Article treating machine with fluid operated sequence control mechanism
US3112630A (en) * 1961-09-29 1963-12-03 American Radiator & Standard Washing machine control and components used therein
US3177898A (en) * 1961-10-30 1965-04-13 Robertshaw Controls Co Apparatus for sequential control
US3237529A (en) * 1964-06-12 1966-03-01 Robertshaw Controls Co Pneumatic actuator control system
US3256692A (en) * 1962-03-29 1966-06-21 Robertshaw Controls Co Laundry control system and selector mechanism
US3336766A (en) * 1965-09-09 1967-08-22 Robertshaw Controls Co Washing machine system and parts therefor
US3367152A (en) * 1966-02-10 1968-02-06 Robertshaw Controls Co Pneumatic programmer
US3376719A (en) * 1965-05-28 1968-04-09 Robertshaw Controls Co Washing machine system or the like
US3398346A (en) * 1965-10-24 1968-08-20 Robertshaw Controls Co Unbalance valve with lid reset
FR2622605A1 (en) * 1987-10-29 1989-05-05 Eltek Spa MULTIFUNCTIONAL PNEUMATIC SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONAL ORGANS IN WASHING MACHINES FOR DOMESTIC OR INDUSTRIAL USE
US20070017038A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-25 Cho Han K Method for controlling course of washing machine

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US2475503A (en) * 1944-10-30 1949-07-05 Sr Harry B Holthouse Automatic fluid pressure control system
US2607207A (en) * 1946-11-27 1952-08-19 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Hydraulic control for automatic washing machines
US2628489A (en) * 1947-06-03 1953-02-17 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Hydraulic control
US2703097A (en) * 1949-10-07 1955-03-01 American Laundry Mach Co Washer control

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2355455A (en) * 1941-05-23 1944-08-08 Gen Electric Washing machine
US2475503A (en) * 1944-10-30 1949-07-05 Sr Harry B Holthouse Automatic fluid pressure control system
US2607207A (en) * 1946-11-27 1952-08-19 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Hydraulic control for automatic washing machines
US2628489A (en) * 1947-06-03 1953-02-17 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Hydraulic control
US2703097A (en) * 1949-10-07 1955-03-01 American Laundry Mach Co Washer control

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2990705A (en) * 1960-06-15 1961-07-04 Gen Electric Article-treating machine with fluidoperated switch controls therefor
US2986910A (en) * 1960-10-03 1961-06-06 Gen Electric Article treating machine with pneumatically operated safety interlock
US3048026A (en) * 1961-08-07 1962-08-07 Gen Electric Article treating machine with fluid operated sequence control mechanism
US3112630A (en) * 1961-09-29 1963-12-03 American Radiator & Standard Washing machine control and components used therein
US3177898A (en) * 1961-10-30 1965-04-13 Robertshaw Controls Co Apparatus for sequential control
US3256692A (en) * 1962-03-29 1966-06-21 Robertshaw Controls Co Laundry control system and selector mechanism
US3237529A (en) * 1964-06-12 1966-03-01 Robertshaw Controls Co Pneumatic actuator control system
US3376719A (en) * 1965-05-28 1968-04-09 Robertshaw Controls Co Washing machine system or the like
US3336766A (en) * 1965-09-09 1967-08-22 Robertshaw Controls Co Washing machine system and parts therefor
US3398346A (en) * 1965-10-24 1968-08-20 Robertshaw Controls Co Unbalance valve with lid reset
US3367152A (en) * 1966-02-10 1968-02-06 Robertshaw Controls Co Pneumatic programmer
FR2622605A1 (en) * 1987-10-29 1989-05-05 Eltek Spa MULTIFUNCTIONAL PNEUMATIC SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONAL ORGANS IN WASHING MACHINES FOR DOMESTIC OR INDUSTRIAL USE
US20070017038A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-25 Cho Han K Method for controlling course of washing machine

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